BNP Standing Committee member Selima Rahman announced that a new political movement under Tarique Rahman’s leadership will begin on February 12, aimed at realizing the spirit of the 1971 Liberation War and the aspirations of past mass uprisings. Speaking at a Victory Day discussion in Haluaghat, Mymensingh, she said the initiative seeks to restore people’s voting rights and democracy, asserting that the nation belongs to its citizens, not any single group.

Rahman accused the current government of depriving citizens of electoral rights and undermining state institutions through authoritarian rule. She emphasized that free and fair elections are the only path to establishing a truly democratic government. BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince echoed her remarks, calling for renewed commitment to sovereignty and democracy. The event also featured local BNP leaders and a pre-Christmas gathering with the Christian community.

The announcement signals BNP’s intent to intensify its political activities ahead of the coming months, positioning Tarique Rahman as the central figure in its campaign for democratic reform.

The Gono Odhikar Parishad, led by Nurul Haque Nur, has announced it will not enter into a seat-sharing agreement with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. Instead, the party will contest all 300 constituencies under its own symbol, signaling a fully independent electoral strategy. The decision was confirmed on December 22 by senior council member and media coordinator Abu Hanif following a meeting of the party’s executive committee and nomination aspirants.

Party leaders stated that Gono Odhikar Parishad aims to establish itself as an alternative political force in Bangladesh, emphasizing its refusal to compromise with what it termed “Awami fascism.” The party will distribute nomination forms until December 25, with candidates expected to submit their papers on December 28 and 29.

Political analysts view the move as a bold but risky step for a relatively new party seeking national recognition. The decision could reshape opposition dynamics in the upcoming election, especially amid ongoing debates over electoral alliances and legitimacy.

Inqilab Mancha organized a protest rally in Sylhet demanding the immediate trial of those involved in the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a political activist known for his role in anti-Indian dominance movements. The demonstration began at Chowhatta and drew participation from leaders and activists of various political groups. Protesters raised three key demands, including completion of the trial within 30 working days through a special tribunal, inclusion of international investigative agencies such as the FBI or Scotland Yard, and the arrest of alleged infiltrators within civil and military intelligence.

Speakers at the rally criticized government advisers for failing to ensure justice and called for their resignation. They described Hadi’s killing as a national tragedy and warned of tougher programs if impartial justice was not ensured. The protest reflects growing frustration among grassroots activists over delays in politically sensitive investigations.

Observers note that the demand for international involvement in the probe underscores a deep mistrust in domestic mechanisms. Authorities have yet to issue an official response to the protesters’ allegations or demands.

Local leaders of the National Democratic Party (JAGPA) have collected nomination papers on behalf of the party’s vice president and spokesperson, Rashed Pradhan, for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election in Bangladesh. The papers were obtained from the Assistant Returning Officer and Sadar Upazila Executive Officer Fahmida Sultana, and Upazila Election Officer Supta Karim on Monday afternoon.

The collection was led by Panchagarh District JAGPA President and freedom fighter Ansar Ali, accompanied by district and upazila-level party officials including Shahriar Alam Biplob, Shamsuzzaman Noyon Master, and others. The move signals JAGPA’s intent to contest in both Panchagarh-1 and Panchagarh-2 constituencies, reflecting the party’s continued effort to expand its political footprint in northern Bangladesh.

Election observers note that smaller parties like JAGPA are seeking to strengthen their presence ahead of the national polls. The Election Commission is expected to announce the final list of candidates following the scrutiny and withdrawal deadlines later this month.

Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Grigorievich Khokhin has called for reducing tensions between Bangladesh and India, emphasizing that Moscow will not interfere in the bilateral affairs of the two neighbors. Speaking at a press conference at the Russian Embassy in Dhaka, he urged both sides to seek a constructive solution and strengthen mutual trust to prevent further escalation.

Khokhin also welcomed the election schedule announced by Bangladesh’s Election Commission, expressing hope that the national polls will take place as planned on February 12. He underscored the importance of maintaining a peaceful and conducive environment ahead of the vote. The ambassador added that Russia is in contact with the Election Commission regarding the possible dispatch of election observers and is awaiting an official invitation.

Diplomatic observers view Russia’s statement as a cautious balancing act, reflecting its interest in regional stability while maintaining neutrality between two key South Asian partners. The coming weeks will test how both Dhaka and New Delhi manage the situation amid domestic and regional sensitivities.

A local Awami League leader in Madan municipality of Netrokona, retired army officer Manjurul Haque, has been accused of cutting a government-built road known as Hazera Aziz College Road. Witnesses said Haque personally oversaw the use of an excavator to dig up the road on Monday afternoon, claiming the road had been constructed over his private land. The road, built about five years ago under a rural infrastructure project, serves residents of Ward No. 6 for daily commuting.

Municipal officials confirmed the road’s public status and said attempts to stop the demolition were ignored. Assistant Commissioner (Land) Shaolin Nahar stated that local authorities halted the work after receiving complaints, while the district commissioner ordered legal measures. Locals alleged that Haque, who unsuccessfully sought party nominations multiple times, acted out of political frustration. Haque denied wrongdoing, insisting on his property rights.

The incident has sparked debate over land ownership and misuse of political influence in local governance. Authorities are investigating, and further administrative action is expected in the coming days.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has distributed around BDT 2 million in financial incentives to 21 churches across the capital ahead of Christmas. The initiative, funded from the administrator’s discretionary fund, aims to support religious events, social welfare activities, and community preparations for the holiday.

DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz extended greetings to all residents, emphasizing the city’s commitment to ensuring a safe and festive environment for people of all faiths. He stated that DNCC seeks to foster a multicultural, humane city where citizens of every religion and culture can live without fear or discrimination. The administrator reaffirmed that the corporation values civic harmony, tolerance, and mutual respect, pledging continued practical support for major religious festivals.

Similar financial assistance was previously provided by DNCC during Eid and Durga Puja, reflecting an ongoing policy of promoting interfaith cooperation and social inclusion within Dhaka’s diverse urban community.

BNP candidate for Nilphamari-4 constituency and Syedpur district BNP president, Principal Abdul Gafur Sarkar, announced that if the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) returns to power, it will ensure Bangladesh’s rightful share of Teesta River water from India. Speaking at a press briefing at Kishoreganj Press Club on Monday, he warned that if India delays, the issue could be taken to an international court.

Sarkar emphasized that his constituency is heavily dependent on agriculture and that fair access to Teesta water would transform local farming. He also outlined broader BNP plans, including introducing agricultural, family, and health cards, and creating employment opportunities for youth. The meeting was chaired by Abu Hasan Sheikh, president of the local press club, and attended by several BNP and community leaders.

The Teesta water-sharing issue has long been a sensitive bilateral matter between Bangladesh and India. Sarkar’s remarks reflect renewed political focus on water diplomacy ahead of upcoming national elections.

A Dhaka court has imposed a travel ban on Dr. Md. Jalal Uddin, the BNP-nominated candidate for Chandpur-2 constituency, along with four others, in connection with allegations of amassing illegal wealth and laundering money abroad. The order was issued on Sunday, December 21, following an application by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigation officer. Senior Special Judge Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun approved the request after reviewing the case documents and hearing the public prosecutor.

According to ACC Director General Md. Akhter Hossain, Dr. Jalal is the principal suspect in the case, which involves attempts to legalize illicit income through bank transfers and overseas remittances. The ACC argued that the accused might attempt to flee the country, potentially obstructing the ongoing investigation and evidence collection. The court accepted this reasoning and granted the travel restriction.

The decision comes amid heightened scrutiny of election candidates’ financial transparency ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th national polls. The ACC’s investigation continues under the Money Laundering Prevention Act, with further legal action expected if sufficient evidence is found.

National Democratic Party (JAGPA) Vice President and spokesperson Rashed Pradhan inaugurated a 'Pillar of Hatred' in Dhaka’s Paltan area on Monday, displaying photographs of those allegedly responsible for the killing of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. The symbolic structure was unveiled ten days after Hadi was shot dead, with Pradhan condemning the interim government for failing to arrest the perpetrators.

During the event, Pradhan accused the authorities of negligence, saying that the planners, financiers, and executors of the murder remained at large. He expressed deep resentment on behalf of the people of Bangladesh and demanded that Box Culvert Road be renamed 'Shaheed Osman Hadi Road.' He also urged the government to permit the construction of a permanent memorial, pledging that it would be funded by citizens.

The incident has sparked renewed criticism of law enforcement’s slow progress in politically sensitive murder investigations, with opposition groups calling for greater accountability and transparency from the interim administration.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly condemned comments made by Nurul Kabir, editor of the New Age newspaper, during a recent television talk show. In a statement issued Monday, Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General and head of its publicity division, Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, said the remarks were hurtful and based on misinformation. He rejected Kabir’s allegations that Jamaat or its affiliates were involved in violent acts or sought to delay elections for political gain.

Zubair emphasized that Jamaat’s leadership supports holding free and fair elections in February and dismissed claims that the party links religious beliefs with voting behavior. He described Kabir’s comments as undemocratic and divisive, urging responsible journalism and constructive criticism instead. The statement also refuted Kabir’s claim that Jamaat’s political evolution involved hypocrisy, calling such language inappropriate for a senior journalist.

The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between political parties and sections of the media ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming elections, where issues of faith, democracy, and political legitimacy remain highly sensitive.

BNP’s Dhaka-6 candidate and convener of the Nationalist Generation of Liberation War, Engineer Ishraq Hossain, has strongly criticized what he described as deliberate attempts to distort and demean Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War. Speaking at a wreath-laying ceremony at the mausoleum of former President Ziaur Rahman in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, he said false and misleading narratives were being spread to obscure one party’s role in the war, calling such propaganda deeply condemnable.

Hossain urged unity among pro-democracy and nationalist groups, warning that internal divisions were enabling violence against patriots and allowing perpetrators to escape justice. He also accused the government of failing to implement necessary administrative and electoral reforms, alleging that it operates with the support of Prime Minister Hasina’s allies. Senior BNP leaders including Ruhul Kabir Rizvi attended the event.

He further requested prayers for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s recovery and announced a major gathering on December 25, inviting party members nationwide to join without obstruction.

Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, is set to announce a significant reshuffle in its advisory council on Tuesday, December 23, according to reliable sources. The move follows mounting criticism over the handling of the killing of Sharif Osman bin Hadi, a spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha and a key figure in the July uprising. Several advisers have faced public pressure and allegations of inaction or misconduct.

Information Adviser Mahfuz Alam and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan recently resigned to contest upcoming elections, while Law Adviser Asif Nazrul and Home Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Jahangir Alam have come under fire for their roles in recent controversies. The failure to arrest the main suspect in Hadi’s killing and the early bail of an accused in a separate arms case have intensified demands for accountability.

The reshuffle marks another test for the 16-month-old interim administration that took power after the fall of a 15-year authoritarian regime. Analysts say the changes may aim to restore public trust and stabilize governance ahead of the planned national elections.

The central committee of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (BNP’s student wing) has suspended Mehedi Hasan Bandhan, literature and publication secretary of Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU) Chhatra Dal, for three months. The decision, announced in a press release signed by office secretary Md Jahangir Alam, cited organizational misconduct after Bandhan joined a protest rally demanding justice for the killing of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi.

The suspension followed a campus-wide demonstration on December 18, where students from various backgrounds protested Hadi’s shooting. While central Chhatra Dal leaders organized a separate rally, Bandhan’s participation in the earlier joint protest was deemed a breach of party discipline. NSTU Chhatra Dal president Zahid Hasan stated that the organization respects Hadi’s legacy but must uphold internal rules.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions within student political groups over participation in broader civic movements. Observers say the decision underscores the BNP student wing’s efforts to maintain centralized control amid growing campus activism.

At least ten people were injured on Monday evening in a violent clash between activists of the district unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (BNP’s student wing) and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Shariatpur town. The confrontation occurred at the Chowrangi intersection following an argument over a motorcycle passing through an NCP protest march demanding justice for a local killing. Witnesses reported chase-and-counter-chase incidents and the explosion of crude bombs during the altercation.

Police and hospital sources confirmed that the injured, including several local leaders from both groups, were treated at Shariatpur Sadar Hospital, while one was transferred to Dhaka for advanced care. Leaders from both sides blamed each other for initiating the violence. District police stated that the situation was brought under control shortly after their intervention and that the area is now calm.

Authorities have increased patrols in the town to prevent further unrest, while local political observers warned that recurring street confrontations between rival political groups could escalate ahead of upcoming national political activities.