Nurul Islam Saddam has been elected as the new central president of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir for the year 2026. The election took place on Friday through direct voting by the organization’s members. The announcement was made during the Central Members’ Conference 2025, which began in the morning at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka.

More than six thousand members from across the country participated in the conference, marking a major organizational gathering for the student body. The event served as the platform for selecting the leadership for the upcoming term, confirming Saddam’s election as central president for 2026.

The conference highlighted the organization’s internal democratic process, with broad member participation in leadership selection for the next operational year.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said the nation remains under a 'dark shadow' and vowed that the party and its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir, will continue their struggle until it is lifted. He made the remarks on Friday at the central members’ conference of Islami Chhatra Shibir held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka.

Dr. Rahman called for unity among all religions and political groups to build a corruption-free and just Bangladesh. He emphasized creating skilled citizens instead of relying on unemployment allowances and urged for an improved education curriculum. He said educational institutions should be free from drugs, terrorism, and fear, ensuring safety and dignity for women. He described the student-teacher relationship as one of mutual respect and responsibility.

The Jamaat chief stressed moral education, character building, and research-friendly environments in schools. He said the responsibility to restore these values now lies with Islami Chhatra Shibir, which he described as more than a student organization. Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar alleged that false propaganda is being used to suppress the group.

Madhya Pradesh Urban Administration Minister and senior BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya has stirred fresh controversy by claiming that the Taj Mahal was originally a temple later converted into a mausoleum by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Speaking at the inauguration of a cricket tournament in Bina town of Sagar district, he said Mumtaz Mahal was first buried in Burhanpur and later moved to a site where a temple was under construction, which eventually became the Taj Mahal.

His remarks created a stir among attendees, and a video of his speech quickly spread across social media, drawing sharp and divided reactions. Supporters described his statement as a “historical interpretation,” while critics called it provocative and misleading. The debate has since intensified online.

At the same event, Vijayvargiya also made a remark about people from Bihar, saying humility was not mandatory for them but praised BJP national executive member Nitin Naveen for his modesty. This comment too triggered mixed reactions online, with some calling it normal political talk and others labeling it inappropriate.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) prevented an attempt to push 14 Indian nationals into Bangladesh through the Daulatpur border in Kushtia. The incident occurred around 1 p.m. on Thursday at the Madaner Ghat border in Ramkrishnapur union, where six men, four women, and four children from the same family were reportedly being pushed in from India’s Bausmari border. BGB confirmed the matter in a statement issued on Friday morning.

According to BGB and local sources, the group, residents of Tarikunda village in Jagatsinghpur district of Odisha, India, were stopped near border pillar 157/1-S by a patrol team from Ramkrishnapur Border Outpost under the 47 BGB Battalion. Following a strong protest from BGB, a flag meeting between BGB and India’s Border Security Force (BSF) was held at the Chaidoba border at 1:40 p.m. Thursday.

After verifying their identities as Indian citizens, BSF took custody of the 14 individuals, and the meeting concluded peacefully. BGB stated it remains committed to preventing illegal crossings and border crimes, including drug trafficking, along the Kushtia frontier.

The Dhaka University branch of Inqilab Mancha staged a protest march on Friday after the Juma prayers, starting from the university’s central mosque and ending at Shahbagh intersection. The demonstrators blocked surrounding roads, causing severe traffic congestion, as they demanded justice for their slain spokesperson, Sharif Osman Hadi. As of the time of reporting, the protesters were continuing their sit-in at the site.

According to the organization’s earlier Facebook post on Thursday night, the protest was part of a nationwide call for prayers and demonstrations seeking justice for Hadi’s killing. Hadi, who was a potential independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency, was shot in the head on December 12 at Purana Paltan’s Box Culvert Road, a day after the announcement of the 13th national election and referendum schedule. Investigators reportedly identified a banned Chhatra League leader as the shooter, who is believed to have fled to India.

Hadi was initially treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later transferred to a private hospital before being flown to Singapore for advanced treatment, where he died on December 18.

Christmas celebrations across India were overshadowed by fear and tension as reports of threats, disruptions, and attacks emerged from several states. Allegations pointed to the involvement of groups linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and other right-wing Hindu organizations. Incidents were reported in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala, targeting churches, prayer meetings, carol events, and decorations. Police made arrests in some areas and increased security, while religious leaders urged protection of constitutional rights.

In Raipur, Chhattisgarh, a group of 80 to 90 people allegedly vandalized Christmas decorations at a shopping mall. The Vishva Hindu Parishad called on Hindus to avoid Christmas celebrations, labeling them a threat to cultural awareness, which critics said fosters exclusion and harassment. In Kerala, children under 15 singing carols were attacked, and one RSS-linked suspect was arrested. A BJP leader’s remark defending the assault drew public outrage. In Madhya Pradesh, a blind woman was reportedly harassed during a prayer meeting, and Christians faced intimidation.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the incidents as contrary to India’s secular values, accusing RSS-linked groups of pressuring schools to cancel Christmas events.

National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan has called for realizing the vision shown by the 'July warriors', saying they pointed out the right path for the nation. He stated that the country had been on the wrong track and must correct its course to build a prosperous Bangladesh. Khan made these remarks on Friday, December 26, at the centenary celebration of Dalta Rahmania High School in Ramganj, Lakshmipur, where he attended as the chief guest.

During his speech, the NBR chairman emphasized the need for social respect toward deserving individuals, noting that society often honors the wrong people while neglecting those who merit recognition. He also encouraged students to pursue education sincerely, saying that opportunities are open both at home and abroad for those who learn properly.

The event was presided over by education enthusiast and social worker Khorhshed Alam Bhuiyan and conducted by former student Abu Hannan Lavlu. Several notable figures, including Dhaka University Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. Mamun Ahmed and industrialist Kamal Hossain, addressed the program virtually.

Supreme Court senior lawyer Mohammad Shishir Monir has collected nomination papers to contest the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election from the Sunamganj-2 (Dirai-Shalla) constituency as a candidate of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. He collected the nomination papers on Friday, December 26, from the office of the Dirai Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Assistant Returning Officer.

During the submission, he was accompanied by senior teacher Pulin Bihari Das, freedom fighter Pandab Chandra Das, Jamaat’s Dirai Upazila Ameer Abdul Kaddus, Ashish Chakraborty, farmer Sudhanshu Biswas, Rabeya Monir, Sushma Pal, and physically challenged Samraj Mia, along with leaders of the eight-party alliance. After collecting the papers, Shishir Monir told journalists that he wanted a free, fair, and festive election in Dirai-Shalla.

He emphasized that all participants should follow the electoral code of conduct until the end of the campaign and urged the administration to ensure a level playing field so that no voter or candidate feels intimidated during the election process.

Former sports adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan has said that his official Facebook page, which had around three million followers, was removed by Facebook authorities following mass reports. He claimed the removal occurred after posts about Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho, were reported. Asif shared the information in a Facebook post on Friday, stating that all posts and videos related to Hadi were targeted with strikes and coordinated reports.

According to Asif, links were circulated in various Telegram groups to organize the reporting campaign, and three videos about Hadi received strikes. The incident comes as Asif prepares to contest the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election as an independent candidate from Dhaka-10. He had earlier resigned as a student adviser of the interim government, along with Mahfuz Alam, a day before the election schedule was announced.

The removal of the page has drawn attention due to its timing before the election and the large follower base involved, though Facebook’s official reasoning for the removal has not been detailed in the report.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman announced that the party will work to build a humane and discrimination-free Bangladesh through unity among all classes of people. He made the remarks on Friday morning at the central members’ conference of Islami Chhatra Shibir held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center, where more than 6,000 members from across the country participated. The event will also elect the organization’s new central president for the 2026 session.

In his speech, Dr. Rahman emphasized employment creation over unemployment allowances for youth and called for an education system free from corruption, fear, and violence. He said Jamaat aims to establish institutions where there is no place for drugs or terrorism and where women can move safely and with dignity. He described Islami Chhatra Shibir as a guardian of the student community, tasked with restoring moral education, modern knowledge, and research in educational institutions.

Dr. Rahman urged students to prepare themselves for nation-building, stressing that every young person should become a craftsman of the country’s development.

Barrister Toufiqueur Rahman, a central committee member of the suspended Awami Jubo League, has collected nomination papers to contest as an independent candidate in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election from Narsingdi-5 (Raipura) constituency. The nomination papers were collected on his behalf by his personal assistant Sanaullah from Assistant Returning Officer and Raipura Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Masud Rana at the Raipura Upazila Parishad office on December 24.

According to the assistant returning officer, the nomination papers were issued following due procedure. Toufiqueur Rahman is the grandson of Shaheed Abdur Rab Serniabat and the nephew of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s sister Amena Begum, a family background that has kept him in public discussion both locally and nationally.

The collection of nomination papers by a leader from the banned Jubo League has sparked varied reactions among local political activists and residents, with some viewing it as a significant and curious signal ahead of the upcoming election.

Bangladesh Rastrer Sangskar Andolon has announced it will not join any alliance led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) or Jamaat-e-Islami ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliament Election. Party president Hasnat Kayum made the declaration on Friday during a press conference at the party’s office, stating that his organization would continue its political activities independently.

Within the broader Ganatantrik Sangskar Jote, the National Citizen Party (NCP) is currently engaged in seat-sharing discussions with both BNP and Jamaat. However, another partner in the alliance, AB Party, has yet to clarify its position on the matter. Hasnat Kayum emphasized that his party is not only refusing to form an alliance with BNP or Jamaat but is also unwilling to hold any discussions about such cooperation.

The announcement underscores divisions within the reformist coalition as parties prepare for the national election, with some exploring alliances while others maintain independent political strategies.

Dhaka North unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has initiated a cleanup operation following the massive public gathering held to celebrate the historic homecoming of the party’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman. According to the party, the waste removal work began this morning across the 36 July Expressway (300-foot highway), Airport Road, and adjacent areas.

The cleanup is being conducted under the supervision of Dhaka North BNP, with participation from volunteers and party activists. Party leaders stated that the initiative aims to ease public inconvenience and ensure normal movement for city residents.

BNP leaders added that the party has always maintained a responsible role in preserving environmental and urban cleanliness alongside its peaceful and disciplined programs, and this effort continues that tradition.

Political activity in Khulna has intensified ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election, with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami emerging as the main contenders across six constituencies. Jamaat finalized its candidates early in the year and began campaigning, while BNP’s internal disputes over nominations have persisted despite official announcements on November 3 for five seats. Although no major public clashes have occurred, signs of factional tension remain visible within BNP ranks.

Jamaat appears more organized, though its new alliance with eight Islamist parties has raised questions about seat-sharing. The party has also drawn attention by nominating a Hindu candidate, Krishna Nandi, in Khulna-1, signaling an inclusive political message. In contrast, BNP continues to struggle with rebel candidates and local dissatisfaction in several constituencies, including Khulna-2 and Khulna-5, where prominent figures face internal resistance.

The evolving dynamics suggest Jamaat currently holds a more stable position in Khulna, while BNP’s unresolved divisions could affect its electoral strength if not addressed before the polls.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit the grave of late President Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka after Friday prayers on December 26, 2025. Following the visit, he will pay tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Memorial in Savar. This marks his first public appearance after returning to Bangladesh on Thursday, ending a 17-year absence.

Preparations at the National Memorial have been completed ahead of his visit. According to Anwar Hossain Khan Anu, a sub-assistant engineer of the Savar Public Works Department, the department has finished cleaning and maintenance work at the site in anticipation of Rahman’s arrival. The area has taken on a festive atmosphere as BNP leaders and activists from various regions have begun gathering along the highway leading to the memorial to welcome their leader.

Local reports indicate that the visit will be a symbolic start to Rahman’s renewed political activities following his return to the country.