BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is passing through a critical phase of illness, according to Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain, a member of her medical board and BNP Standing Committee. He made the statement during an unannounced briefing outside Evercare Hospital in Dhaka around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday night. Dr. Zahid said Khaleda Zia’s condition has not improved and remains extremely complicated.

He explained that Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23, after which her health deteriorated significantly. Due to the worsening condition, she was moved from a cabin to the CCU and later to the ICU. Both local and foreign doctors are involved in her treatment, including her daughter-in-law Dr. Zubaida Rahman. BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman visited his mother at the hospital late Saturday night after returning from London for the first time in 17 years.

Khaleda Zia is undergoing regular medical tests as part of her ongoing treatment for multiple health complications, including diabetes, kidney, heart, and lung problems.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman will contest the upcoming national election from two constituencies—Bogura-6 and Dhaka-17—according to party standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed. He disclosed this information to the media on Saturday night, stating that the decision was made by the party leadership.

The report also mentions that BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia will contest from three constituencies: Bogura-7, Feni-1, and Dinajpur-3, while Tarique Rahman will run from two. Meanwhile, Barrister Andaleeve Rahman Partha, chairman of BNP’s ally Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP), was initially featured on posters as a candidate for Dhaka-17 but will instead contest from his home constituency Bhola-1 under his party’s symbol, according to Salahuddin Ahmed.

The announcement clarifies BNP’s candidate lineup for key constituencies ahead of the 13th parliamentary election, indicating coordination among alliance partners and finalization of seat decisions.

At Jagannath University’s Nawab Faizunnesa Hall, two candidates from the Chhatra Dal-backed Oikyo Nirbhik Jobian panel admitted to distributing money and chocolates, an act that violates the JnUSU election code of conduct. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. on Friday inside the women’s dormitory. A video reportedly shows GS candidate Khadijatul Kubra handing over 3,000 taka in the presence of another candidate, while AGS candidate Atikur Rahman Tanzil’s supporters distributed chocolates to residents.

Khadijatul Kubra acknowledged giving money but claimed it was part of a previously announced scholarship program for meritorious students. When asked about the timing of the distribution just days before the election, she declined further comment. Tanzil denied personal involvement, saying some of his well-wishers may have distributed chocolates without his direction.

Chief Election Commissioner Professor Dr. Mostafa Hasan said the hall provost is responsible for initial action and that the commission will act upon receiving a written complaint. Hall Provost Anjuman Ara stated she was unaware of the incident and had not received any formal complaint.

Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman has resigned from his post, citing personal reasons in a letter submitted to the President. According to administrative officer Md. Nasir Uddin from the Attorney General’s Office, the resignation letter was submitted on Saturday night and is expected to be forwarded to the Ministry of Law on Sunday morning.

Reports indicate that Asaduzzaman plans to contest in the upcoming national parliamentary election from the Jhenaidah-1 constituency as a candidate of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). His resignation marks a significant development within the legal and political landscape, as the country prepares for the forthcoming election.

The resignation coincides with other key judicial transitions, including the retirement of the 25th Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed and the scheduled swearing-in of a new Chief Justice on Sunday.

The final announcement on seat-sharing among Jamaat-e-Islami and several allied parties for the upcoming national election may come on Sunday. According to Jamaat Assistant Secretary General and head of the party’s publicity division, Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, party leaders were working to finalize the deal on Saturday night, with another meeting scheduled before the expected announcement. The process involves eight parties, including Jamaat, Islami Andolon, and others, with new entrants such as the NCP joining the alliance.

The seat-sharing discussions began on December 9 under a liaison committee formed by the participating parties. Despite difficulties in balancing the demands of all sides, the negotiations have reportedly reached their final stage. The eight-party group includes Khelafat Majlish, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Khelafat Andolon, Nezame Islam Party, JAGPA, and Bangladesh Development Party. Jamaat’s central executive council also met in Dhaka’s Moghbazar area to review the political situation and the alliance strategy.

The party has called for unity among citizens to establish justice and welfare in the country and urged participation in its planned mass rally at Suhrawardy Udyan on January 3.

Indian Border Security Force (BSF) personnel attempted to install barbed-wire fencing near the zero line at the Purba Uchana Ghonapara border area under Kaya Border Outpost in Panchbibi upazila of Joypurhat early Saturday. Locals informed the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), which intervened and stopped the work. Following the incident, BGB lodged a formal protest with BSF, and both sides held a flag meeting where BSF assured that the fencing would be halted and removed.

According to the report, similar attempts by BSF to erect fencing in the same area were previously stopped by BGB on October 19 last year and January 21 this year. The latest effort was also described as a violation of international border regulations, as the fencing work was initiated about 20 feet from the zero line. The incident was confirmed to the media by Mohammad Imran Hossain, Assistant Director of Joypurhat 20 BGB.

The repeated fencing attempts have led to renewed communication between the two border forces to prevent further violations and maintain stability along the shared boundary.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman visited his mother, party Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka’s Bashundhara area on Saturday night. This marks his second visit to the hospital since returning to Bangladesh after nearly 17 years. His first visit took place on Thursday, the day of his return, when he checked on his mother’s condition.

According to party sources, Tarique Rahman spoke with doctors upon arrival and was briefed on Khaleda Zia’s current health status. He also discussed the ongoing treatment and future plans with members of the medical board overseeing her care. The 80-year-old former prime minister has long suffered from multiple chronic health issues, including arthritis, diabetes, and complications involving her kidneys, liver, lungs, heart, and eyes.

Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital’s Critical Care Unit on November 27 after her condition worsened. A 30-member medical board comprising local and foreign specialists meets daily to review her situation and adjust treatment as needed.

Nusrat Tabassum, joint convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), has objected to her party’s decision to join an eight-party alliance that includes Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. According to the report, 30 of the NCP’s 214 central committee members have submitted letters expressing their opposition to the alliance. On Saturday evening, Tabassum reiterated her stance in a Facebook post, writing that politics should not outweigh principles and that commitment must be honored.

The dissent follows the resignation of Dr. Tasnim Jara from the NCP and her announcement to contest the upcoming election from Dhaka-9 as an independent candidate. After her departure, three senior NCP leaders—Samantha Sharmin, Nusrat Tabassum, and Dr. Mahmuda Mitu—posted statements on Facebook reflecting differing views within the party. Sharmin vowed to continue the struggle, while Mitu expressed distrust toward certain Western-aligned groups.

The internal disagreement highlights growing unease within the NCP over its alignment with Jamaat and other parties, suggesting potential challenges for the alliance ahead of the election.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman said Thursday would remain unforgettable in his heart, marking his return to Bangladesh after 17 years. In a Facebook post on Saturday night, he thanked the people for their warm welcome, describing the crowds and prayers that greeted him in Dhaka. Rahman expressed deep gratitude to citizens from all walks of life, including professionals, farmers, and workers, for their unity and support.

He also thanked the media for responsibly covering his return and praised law enforcement agencies for ensuring safety and peace during the event. Rahman extended appreciation to leaders of other political parties who welcomed his return, emphasizing the importance of democracy, coexistence, and moving beyond politics of revenge. He said he had shared a practical plan for a peaceful and dignified Bangladesh where every citizen feels secure and respected.

Rahman concluded by dedicating his plan to all Bangladeshis, calling for unity and inclusivity as the foundation for the nation’s progress.

Police in Ishwardi, Pabna, arrested Zulmat Haydar, 62, the office and organizational secretary of the banned Ishwardi Upazila Awami League and Sahapur Union, on Saturday evening from Alibardi Road in the municipal area. The arrest was made in connection with a case filed over his alleged opposition to students during an anti-discrimination movement, confirmed Ishwardi Circle Additional Superintendent of Police Pranab Kumar Sarkar.

According to police sources, Haydar, son of the late Fakir Uddin Sardar, had also served as president of the Ishwardi Upazila Mill Owners’ Group for a long time. Afzal Hossain, in charge of the Ambagan Police Outpost, said Haydar was named as an accused in the case for his active role against students during the movement. Ishwardi Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Mominuzzaman stated that Haydar was being held for preliminary questioning and would be sent to Pabna Jail through court proceedings the following day.

The arrest follows ongoing legal actions related to the anti-discrimination movement in Ishwardi, with authorities continuing investigations into those accused of opposing student demonstrators.

Leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have collected nomination papers for Gabtali Upazila BNP president Morshed Milton to contest from Bogura-7 (Shajahanpur-Gabtali), the parliamentary seat of BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The papers were collected on Saturday afternoon from Upazila Executive Officer Mohammad Hafizur Rahman, with Gabtali Upazila BNP vice-president Ashraful Islam acting on Milton’s behalf.

Several local BNP leaders, including organizational secretary Julfikar Naeem Gama, Mominul Islam, Sagar Khan, and Gabtali municipal BNP organizational secretary Tarikul Islam, were present during the submission. Both the Upazila Executive Officer and the Upazila Election Officer, Anisur Rahman, confirmed that the nomination papers were collected for Milton as the BNP’s official candidate.

The report recalls that in 2018, Morshed Milton had also received BNP’s nomination for the same constituency, but the Election Commission later canceled it. Following that decision, BNP extended its support to independent candidate Rezaul Karim Bablu, who contested under the “Rag” symbol.

Thirty members of the National Citizens Party (NCP) have expressed opposition to the party’s decision to join an eight-party alliance that includes Jamaat-e-Islami. According to multiple central leaders of the NCP, the dissenting members, out of a total 214 in the party’s central committee, have submitted a formal letter of objection. The confirmation came on Saturday, as reported by Amar Desh Online.

The report indicates that the NCP’s move to align with Jamaat-e-Islami and other parties has not received unanimous support within its leadership. The internal disagreement highlights divisions over the party’s strategic direction and its choice of political partners. Details about the content of the objection letter or the party’s next steps were not disclosed.

Further information on the development is expected as the situation evolves, with the NCP leadership yet to issue a public statement addressing the internal dissent.

Asif Mahmud, who resigned from his post as an adviser in Bangladesh’s interim government, has clarified that he will contest the upcoming national election from Dhaka-10 as an independent candidate. His statement followed reports that a nomination form had also been collected in his name for the Cumilla-3 constituency. Mahmud told BBC Bangla that he did not personally collect the Cumilla form, explaining that local residents from his home area in Muradnagar obtained it without his knowledge.

Mahmud, originally a voter from Muradnagar in Cumilla, applied in November to change his voter registration to Dhaka-10. On December 12, he announced via a social media video message his intention to run independently from that constituency. He had resigned from the interim government’s advisory council on December 10, a day before the election schedule was announced.

As a former student leader who represented participants in the July uprising, Mahmud previously oversaw the Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Ministry and the Youth and Sports Ministry during his tenure as an adviser.

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman visited his in-laws’ residence, Mahbub Bhaban, in Dhanmondi on Saturday, December 27, after a 17-year gap. He left his Gulshan residence at 4:25 p.m. and traveled by road to the house. A verified post from the BNP media cell shared a photo of Rahman petting cats at the residence, describing him as an animal lover.

Rahman returned to Bangladesh on December 25 after years of exile in the United Kingdom. He arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:39 a.m. on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight. Following his arrival, he addressed supporters at a mass reception on the July-36 Expressway and later visited his mother, BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, who is under treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.

Party leaders, including BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and members of the standing committee, welcomed Rahman with flowers at the airport’s VIP lounge before his public appearance.

Dr. Tasnim Jara has resigned from the National Citizen Party (NCP) and announced her candidacy as an independent contender for the Dhaka-9 constituency in the upcoming national parliamentary election. She made the announcement on Saturday, December 27, 2025, through a statement on her verified Facebook account.

Around the same time, three other senior NCP leaders—Senior Joint Convener Samanta Sharmin, Joint Member Secretary Nusrat Tabassum, and Joint Member Secretary Dr. Mahmuda Mitu—also made posts on Facebook. Samanta Sharmin wrote that they would not give up their struggle, Nusrat Tabassum emphasized that politics should not outweigh principles, and Dr. Mahmuda Mitu expressed distrust toward certain Western-aligned groups while praising those who openly state their positions.

The posts come amid internal tensions within the NCP, as several members have recently expressed dissent over the party’s political direction and alliances.