Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president and decorated freedom fighter Oli Ahmed Bir Bikram, a long-time ally of the BNP, has joined the Jamaat-e-Islami–led eight-party alliance to contest the upcoming election. The announcement was made on Sunday afternoon at the National Press Club, where several other parties also joined the coalition. The alliance, led by Jamaat, remains intact as new partners are added.

According to the report, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is joining the alliance with at least 30 constituencies, while Islami Andolan Bangladesh, led by the Pir of Charmonai, is expected to receive a similar number of seats after previously threatening to leave if not allotted 120. Oli Ahmed’s LDP may receive six constituencies, and the AB Party is expected to get three to four. Jamaat is also revising its candidate list to accommodate new allies and prominent figures.

Jamaat has finalized retired Colonel Mohammad Abdul Haque for Dhaka-2 and is preparing to nominate Ahmad Abdul Kader of Khelafat Majlish for Habiganj-4, replacing journalist Oliullah Noman. A Jamaat source indicated that several surprises may be announced at the evening press conference.

Representatives of civil society in Bangladesh have warned that a fair election will be impossible without visible improvement in the law and order situation. Speaking at a roundtable titled “Fair Election and Democratic Transition: Citizens’ Thoughts” held at the Chattogram Parishad auditorium on Sunday, they said the failure to recover illegal weapons, the rise of mob violence, and corruption within the administration have worsened the situation, exposing government shortcomings.

The event was organized by Sujan (Citizens for Good Governance) Chattogram as part of a democratic strengthening initiative. Speakers noted that the public expectations from the July movement were frustrated, and administrative anarchy has endangered citizens’ safety. They cautioned that holding elections under such conditions would be highly risky and expressed concern about the upcoming referendum.

Speakers added that the government had formed six commissions and received nearly a thousand proposals, of which 166 were presented and consensus reached on 84. Forty-eight of these proposals require constitutional amendments to be decided through a public referendum. They emphasized building consensus on elections, reforms, and the referendum to ensure democratic progress.

Myanmar’s junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has described the country’s ongoing election as free and fair. Speaking to reporters in the capital Naypyidaw on Sunday after casting his vote, he said transparency and neutrality in the election process had been ensured. The remarks were reported by AFP.

Min Aung Hlaing, who seized power five years ago through a military coup, claimed that the military’s role in organizing the election did not undermine its credibility or image. He emphasized that the process was being conducted properly under military supervision.

The report noted that this election marks the first phase of Myanmar’s general election, taking place under the junta’s rule since the coup.

At least 400 Muslim families in Bengaluru, Karnataka, were reportedly rendered homeless after the state government demolished around 200 houses without prior notice. The demolition took place in Fakir Colony and Wasim Layout of Kogilu village at around 4 a.m. on December 22, carried out by Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited. The incident occurred during the winter season, leaving hundreds of families without shelter.

The affected residents claimed they had lived in the area for about 25 years and possessed valid Aadhaar and voter ID cards. They alleged that police forcibly evicted them without warning, leaving many unable to retrieve essential documents and belongings. The event has sparked a political dispute between Karnataka’s ruling Congress and Kerala’s Left Front, with opposition parties accusing Congress of adopting the Bharatiya Janata Party’s controversial “bulldozer rule.”

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the action, calling it an example of anti-minority politics under the Congress government. Reports also noted a broader rise in minority persecution across India, including violence against Bengali-speaking Muslims and attacks on Christians during Christmas celebrations.

Bangladesh has expressed deep concern over recent killings and violence targeting minorities in India and called on New Delhi to ensure impartial investigations and bring perpetrators to justice. Foreign Ministry spokesperson S M Mahbubul Alam made the statement on Sunday, December 28, citing incidents of brutal murders, mob attacks, arbitrary detentions, and disruptions of religious events involving Muslims and Christians in several Indian states, including Odisha, Bihar, and Kerala.

Alam said Bangladesh is particularly alarmed by reports of widespread violence against Christians during Christmas celebrations across India, describing such acts as hate crimes and targeted violence. Dhaka also rejected recent remarks by India’s Ministry of External Affairs regarding communal violence and minority conditions in Bangladesh, stating that Delhi’s comments misrepresented the country’s longstanding tradition of communal harmony.

In an official statement, Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry asserted that isolated criminal incidents were being deliberately portrayed as institutional persecution of Hindus to spread anti-Bangladesh sentiment in India. It warned that selective and biased narratives were being used to incite hostility against Bangladesh and its diplomatic missions.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami announced on Sunday that the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the National Citizens Party (NCP) have joined its political alliance. The announcement was made by Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman at a press conference held at 5 p.m. He stated that discussions with the NCP had been finalized earlier, but no representatives from the party could attend the event. The NCP is expected to hold its own press conference after internal discussions.

Before the inclusion of the two new parties, the alliance consisted of eight members: Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Khelafat Majlish, Nezame Islam Party, Jatiya Ganatantrik Party, and Bangladesh Development Party. The addition of LDP and NCP expands the coalition under Jamaat’s leadership.

The NCP’s absence from the joint press conference suggests that the party may still be finalizing its internal stance before publicly confirming its participation in the alliance.

BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said the newly formed alliance between the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Jamaat-e-Islami does not align with NCP’s declared ideology. He described the alliance as a political decision of the respective parties. Khan made the remarks on Sunday afternoon after meeting Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasiruddin at the Election Commission office in Agargaon, Dhaka.

During the meeting, BNP raised several election-related issues, including concerns over a directive requiring candidates to submit details of their children's assets during nomination filing. Khan said this requirement, though not explicitly mentioned in the Representation of the People Order (RPO), is creating complications. The party also expressed concern about the potential misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) on social media during the upcoming national election.

BNP warned that AI could be used to spread false information, images, and videos, and urged the Election Commission to take strong preventive measures. Khan emphasized that the Commission’s effective role is crucial to ensure a free, fair, and credible election, and the party expects clear initiatives from the Commission in this regard.

The Government of Bangladesh has cancelled the certificates of 71 individuals identified as fake freedom fighters. The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs issued a gazette on December 24, 2025, formalizing the cancellation. The decision was made under the authority of the National Freedom Fighters Council Act, 2022, and the Rules of Business, 1996, following the 101st meeting of the National Freedom Fighters Council (JAMUKA).

According to JAMUKA sources, these individuals had obtained certificates despite not being actual freedom fighters. The verification process confirmed the falsity of their claims. The cancelled certificates include those from civilian, Indian list, Lal Muktibarta, Ansar, army, and martyred police categories.

The verification and scrutiny of freedom fighter certificates remain ongoing, as authorities continue efforts to ensure the authenticity of recognized participants in the Liberation War.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that the party has always stood by the Quran and Sunnah and continues to do so. He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon during a meeting with Islamic scholars in Thakurgaon. Fakhrul emphasized that no law outside the Quran and Sunnah would be allowed, rejecting claims that the BNP does not adhere to Islamic principles.

He said the country is going through a critical period, with some groups allegedly working behind the scenes to destabilize the nation and disrupt the upcoming election. Fakhrul urged everyone to remain alert and united, warning that disunity would harm the country. He also accused the Awami League of passing laws to perpetuate its power and deprive people of their rights, while religious scholars were once labeled extremists and harassed.

Fakhrul concluded that the difficult period had passed and called for collective efforts to rebuild the nation anew.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and seven other like-minded political parties have called an urgent press conference. The event is scheduled for Sunday at 4:30 p.m. at the Abdus Salam Hall on the third floor of the National Press Club in Dhaka. Jamaat-e-Islami’s Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad informed the media about the conference, though the specific agenda has not been disclosed.

According to available information, the press conference may include announcements regarding a possible alliance with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and other political groups. Reports also suggest that seat-sharing arrangements could be discussed or declared during the event. However, no official confirmation has been provided about these potential announcements.

The meeting comes amid ongoing political discussions among several parties exploring coalition options. The outcome of the press conference may indicate new alignments or strategies ahead of future political developments.

A total of 114 leaders of the National Citizens Party (NCP) have signed in favor of joining an eight-party alliance that includes Jamaat-e-Islami, according to a report published on December 28, 2025. The signatures were submitted to NCP convener Nahid Islam, and party sources indicated the number could rise to 120. Meanwhile, 30 members have signed against the move, while others remain undecided. No senior NCP official has publicly commented on the matter.

A letter accompanying the signatures stated that the signatories, described as central-level NCP leaders, support strategic political decisions aimed at rebuilding democratic institutions and establishing a responsible state system ahead of the upcoming national election. They expressed full confidence in the convener and member secretary to make appropriate decisions regarding any electoral alliance or understanding.

The letter emphasized that a timely and unified decision under the leadership of Nahid Islam would strengthen the party organizationally and enhance public trust, reflecting a push within NCP for a broader political alignment before the election.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman visited the party’s chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, Dhaka, on Sunday afternoon. According to the party’s media cell, a room has been prepared for him on the second floor of the office, where he will conduct political activities.

Party sources said Rahman plans to contest the upcoming national election from two constituencies—Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6. On the same day, he collected nomination papers for the Dhaka-17 seat from the Divisional Commissioner’s Office in Segunbagicha, Dhaka.

The visit marks Rahman’s active engagement in the party’s election preparations, with arrangements being made at the Gulshan office to facilitate his political operations.

Ahsan Habib Lincoln, secretary general of the Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar) faction, has resigned from his post. He confirmed his resignation on Sunday morning and announced through his Facebook profile on Saturday night that he will contest the upcoming national parliamentary election as an independent candidate from Kushtia-2 (Mirpur-Veramara). Lincoln stated that he would collect his nomination papers on Monday, December 29.

In his Facebook post, Lincoln expressed frustration over not receiving a nomination and said his long political dedication had not been properly valued. He claimed to have been betrayed by both the BNP and his own party. He wrote that he was leaving the party to seek judgment from the people of his constituency and criticized the BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman for failing to uphold promises made during the 12-party alliance meeting.

Lincoln’s resignation and independent candidacy mark a significant shift within the Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar) faction ahead of the national election, reflecting internal dissatisfaction and strained alliances.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed concern over the rising Muslim population in the state, predicting that by the time the next census report is released in 2027, the proportion of Muslims of Bangladeshi origin could reach around 40 percent. He noted that in the 2011 census, Muslims made up 34 percent of Assam’s population, of which 3 percent were classified as indigenous Assamese Muslims and the remaining 31 percent were of Bangladeshi descent. Sarma also pointed out that no census was conducted in 2021.

His remarks have reignited political and social debates in Assam over migration, identity, and citizenship, particularly in the context of longstanding disputes about alleged illegal immigration from Bangladesh. Discussions about demographic shifts and their social and political implications have been ongoing in the state for years.

The Chief Minister’s forecast has drawn mixed reactions in political circles. Some have welcomed his emphasis on demographic issues, while others warned that such comments could inflame communal tensions.

The United Kingdom has imposed visa restrictions on the Democratic Republic of Congo, citing the country's refusal to take back illegal migrants and criminal offenders. The British Home Office announced the decision in a statement issued on Saturday night, noting that the move follows Congo’s failure to meet cooperation requirements. Under the new restrictions, fast-track visa services for Congolese citizens will be suspended, and VIPs and politicians from Congo will no longer receive priority services.

The Home Office said the measure marks the first major change under Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s recently launched immigration reform program, which aims to make refugee status temporary and accelerate the deportation of undocumented migrants. The statement also mentioned that Angola and Namibia have agreed to strengthen efforts to repatriate their citizens, though none of the three countries immediately commented on the issue.

Mahmood warned that if Congo does not improve cooperation, the UK could impose a complete visa ban. She thanked Angola and Namibia for their collaboration and urged Congo to act responsibly by repatriating its nationals.