Chittagong University authorities issued a press release on Monday evening to clarify confusion surrounding remarks made by its Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Dr. Mohammad Shamim Uddin Khan, about the 1971 intellectual killings. The statement, signed by acting registrar Professor Dr. Saiful Islam, said partial media reports from a December 14 discussion on Martyred Intellectuals Day had created public misunderstanding.

According to the release, Dr. Khan’s comments were made in an academic context during a seminar titled “Free Thought, Liberation War, and the Killing of Intellectuals in 1971.” He had suggested that the killings might have involved international conspiracies and called for an independent investigation commission. The university clarified that Dr. Khan unintentionally used certain words—such as “Pakistani warriors” instead of “Pakistani forces”—which led to misinterpretation.

The administration reaffirmed its respect for press freedom but urged media outlets to avoid creating confusion. It emphasized that the deputy vice-chancellor’s intent was scholarly, not political, and aimed at encouraging historical research on the unresolved aspects of the 1971 tragedy.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated that no democracy in the world permits organizations led by convicted war criminals to operate, let alone participate in elections. His remarks, shared on his verified Facebook account on Monday, appeared to refer to the recently ousted Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League following the mass uprising.

Responding to a question about whether the Awami League could contest the upcoming general election, Alam said the party’s chief is a fugitive sentenced to death for crimes against humanity and accused of inciting terrorist attacks against Bangladesh. He argued that such a figure’s leadership disqualifies any organization from political participation in democratic nations.

The statement adds to the uncertainty surrounding Bangladesh’s political transition and the future of major parties after the fall of the previous government. Observers note that the caretaker administration’s stance could shape the electoral landscape and international perceptions of Bangladesh’s democratic process.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has formally submitted a proposal to parliament seeking to extend Turkey’s military deployment in Libya for an additional two years. The proposal cites ongoing political instability in Libya, where elections have yet to be held, as a threat to the fragile peace achieved in recent years. Ankara argues that maintaining a presence is vital to safeguarding regional security and supporting Libya’s path toward lasting stability.

The document emphasizes Turkey’s role under the existing security and military cooperation memorandum signed with Libya, through which Turkish forces provide training and advisory support to local counterparts. Turkey first received parliamentary approval to deploy troops to Libya in January 2020, positioning itself as a key player in the North African nation’s post-conflict reconstruction.

Analysts view the extension as part of Ankara’s broader strategy to preserve influence in the Mediterranean and North Africa. The proposal is expected to be debated in parliament soon, with potential implications for Turkey’s regional diplomacy and relations with international actors involved in Libya.

Bangladesh’s Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed announced that the Finance Ministry will bear all expenses for the overseas medical treatment of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. Speaking to reporters after a government procurement advisory committee meeting on Monday, he confirmed that the ministry is prepared to fund the air ambulance and all related costs immediately.

Dr. Ahmed emphasized that the decision to send Hadi abroad was made by the relevant board, and the government promptly sought the ministry’s opinion, to which it responded with full readiness. He added that the country’s political environment remains satisfactory and is expected to become more stable as the Election Commission completes its preparations for the upcoming national polls.

The adviser further stated that the Finance Ministry will allocate funds to the Election Commission as per its forthcoming demand, noting that the election and referendum being held on the same day will increase the budgetary requirement. He also remarked that while the macroeconomic situation is stable, some micro-level weaknesses persist.

More than 411,000 expatriate Bangladeshis have registered to vote in the upcoming 13th national election and referendum through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ mobile application, according to the Election Commission (EC). Of these, 384,928 are men and 26,161 are women. The EC extended the registration deadline until December 25, allowing citizens abroad to register from any country using the app.

Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed of the EC Secretariat confirmed that the app-based registration system remains open globally until December 18, with postal ballots to be sent based on the addresses provided. The EC urged registrants to ensure accurate mailing addresses to receive their ballots on time. The commission also plans to introduce an in-country postal voting system for government officials, detainees, and those stationed outside their constituencies.

The Postal Vote BD app, launched on November 18, enables registration from 148 countries. The initiative marks Bangladesh’s first large-scale digital effort to include overseas citizens in the electoral process, potentially expanding voter participation and transparency.

A tense confrontation erupted at the Narayanganj court premises on Sunday when former Fatullah Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Manjur Kader was surrounded by Jamaat-e-Islami–aligned lawyers and student leaders. They accused Kader of torture, extortion, and political persecution during the previous government’s rule. As the situation escalated, BNP-affiliated lawyers, including Advocate Sakhawat Hossain Khan and Advocate Abu Al Yusuf Khan Tipu, intervened and escorted Kader to safety.

Jamaat lawyers alleged that Kader had abused his authority under political patronage, targeting opposition activists and extracting money through coercion. Several claimed to be victims of his actions, citing incidents from 2013 following protests against the war crimes verdict of Abdul Quader Molla. In contrast, BNP lawyers argued that they acted to prevent mob justice and maintain order within the court compound.

The incident has reignited debate over political divisions within the legal community and accountability for past police abuses. Local observers warn that such confrontations could further strain relations between BNP and Jamaat factions in Narayanganj’s legal circles.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin described the recent attack on Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Osman Hadi as an isolated event, dismissing concerns about overall law and order ahead of the national election. Speaking at a program in Gulshan on Monday, he said security forces are fully prepared and urged citizens to set aside fears regarding election safety.

Responding to questions about deteriorating law and order, the CEC argued that occasional incidents of violence are not unusual in Bangladesh, citing past attacks on political figures such as Ahsanullah Master and former finance minister Shah A.M.S. Kibria. He emphasized that such occurrences have historical precedent and do not indicate systemic instability.

Nasir Uddin reaffirmed the Election Commission’s confidence in conducting a fair and inclusive election. He called for collective cooperation from all stakeholders to ensure a peaceful and credible voting process, stressing that the Commission remains fully committed to transparency and preparedness.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Liberation War and Democratic Movement Secretary Fatima Tasnim Juma has claimed that the suspect involved in a recent incident remains in Bangladesh. In a Facebook post on Monday, she warned against what she described as propaganda to help the accused escape accountability, asserting that justice must be ensured regardless of circumstances.

In subsequent posts, Juma expressed frustration over the state of Bangladesh’s sovereignty and called on citizens to gather at the Shaheed Minar at 3 p.m. to demonstrate in defense of national interests. She referenced Osman Hadi, reportedly injured while pursuing leadership, describing his struggle as symbolic of a broader fight for true independence.

Her remarks have drawn attention within student and political circles, highlighting ongoing tensions over governance, justice, and national identity. The planned gathering at Shaheed Minar is expected to serve as a platform for renewed debate on sovereignty and accountability in Bangladesh.

A local BNP leader in Shariatpur’s Naria upazila, Motiur Rahman Sagar, has been accused of threatening voters not to support Jamaat-e-Islami candidates in the upcoming election. A video of his remarks, made during a meeting at the BNP office in Noadda Ghat, went viral on social media, sparking widespread criticism and concern among local residents. Sagar later claimed his comments were manipulated and circulated maliciously online.

Election officials confirmed they had received the video and said the remarks appeared to violate the electoral code of conduct, though no formal complaint had yet been filed. Naria Upazila BNP President Dadon Munshi stated that such comments were unacceptable and could harm the electoral environment. Jamaat leaders in the area condemned the statement, calling it an attempt to intimidate voters.

Authorities indicated that if a written complaint is submitted, the electoral committee will take appropriate action. The controversy comes as BNP and Jamaat candidates prepare to contest the Shariatpur-2 constituency, intensifying political tensions ahead of the polls.

Activist Mohiuddin Rony has stepped in to campaign for independent Dhaka-8 candidate Sharif Osman Hadi, who was critically injured by gunfire during electioneering last Friday. Hadi, a spokesperson for the Inqilab Mancha and a key figure in the July uprising, remains in critical condition and is being flown to Singapore for advanced treatment at the National Neuroscience Institute.

Rony began his campaign early Monday morning from Baitul Mukarram Mosque, urging voters to support Hadi and praying for his recovery. In a Facebook post, he shared that many citizens have expressed solidarity and are praying for Hadi’s health. His initiative has drawn attention to the emotional and political impact of the attack on Hadi’s campaign.

Observers note that Rony’s involvement may help sustain Hadi’s presence in the race despite his absence. The incident underscores ongoing concerns over political violence ahead of the polls, as authorities investigate the shooting and ensure candidate security.

Bangladesh’s prosecution is set to appeal for the death penalty against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the July killings case, where she was earlier sentenced to life imprisonment for crimes against humanity. Prosecutor Gazi M.H. Tamim confirmed that the appeal would be filed on Monday before the Appellate Division, seeking to enhance the existing sentence.

The move follows the prosecution’s earlier announcement on November 27 that it intended to pursue a harsher sentence. The case, tied to the July killings incident, has drawn intense political and legal attention, given Hasina’s long tenure and subsequent removal from power. Officials stated that a detailed briefing would be held following the submission of the appeal.

Legal analysts note that the appeal could further polarize the political landscape, as supporters and opponents of the former leader remain deeply divided. The Appellate Division’s decision will be closely watched both domestically and internationally for its legal and political ramifications.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged to introduce tougher gun laws following a deadly shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach that killed 16 people and injured 40 others. Albanese announced that he will present a proposal to the national cabinet to strengthen firearm regulations and licensing procedures.

The proposed reforms include limiting the number of licensed guns an individual can own, introducing periodic license reviews, and tightening overall control and oversight. Albanese emphasized that firearm licenses should not be permanent, citing the risk of individuals becoming radicalized over time. Australia already has some of the world’s strictest gun laws, introduced nearly three decades ago after a mass shooting in Port Arthur.

The Bondi attack has reignited national debate over gun safety and public security. Lawmakers and advocacy groups are urging swift action to prevent future tragedies. The government’s proposal is expected to be discussed in detail at the upcoming cabinet meeting, with potential legislative changes to follow.

A recent opinion piece by engineer Jalal Uddin Omar has urged that leaders of Bangladesh’s Jatiya Party face trial for their alleged complicity in what he describes as the Awami League’s ‘fascist’ governance. The article argues that the Jatiya Party repeatedly supported or partnered with the Awami League in key elections from 1996 through 2024, helping sustain its political dominance despite opposition boycotts and allegations of electoral manipulation.

Omar’s commentary recounts how the Jatiya Party alternated between being part of the ruling coalition and serving as the official opposition, while maintaining close ties with the government. He cites Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s February 2024 parliamentary statement that over eight thousand cases were filed against BNP-Jamaat members, with millions implicated. The author contends that such repression was enabled by the Jatiya Party’s cooperation.

Following the government’s May 2024 suspension of Awami League activities and registration pending trials for alleged crimes, Omar insists that Jatiya Party leaders should also be barred from politics and held accountable for aiding what he calls a repressive regime.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin has called for collective cooperation from all stakeholders to ensure a free, fair, and credible national election in Bangladesh. Speaking at a youth voter event in Gulshan, Dhaka, on Monday, he emphasized that the Election Commission alone cannot guarantee transparency and fairness without active participation from citizens, political parties, and law enforcement agencies.

The CEC highlighted the importance of youth engagement, describing young voters as symbols of courage and creativity essential for building the nation. He assured that the Election Commission is committed to ensuring every voter’s right to cast their ballot freely. Addressing recent concerns over political violence, Nasir Uddin termed the attack on Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Osman Hadi as an isolated incident and reaffirmed that law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to maintain order.

He urged citizens to remain confident and avoid unnecessary anxiety, reiterating that the upcoming polls will be transparent, peaceful, and inclusive, with youth participation at its core.

Inquilab Mancha has announced an all-party resistance rally in response to the recent attack on Osman Hadi. The gathering is scheduled for Monday at 3 p.m. at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, aiming to unite anti-fascist political groups under a common platform. The announcement was made Sunday night in front of Evercare Hospital by Abdullah Al Jaber, the member secretary of Inquilab Mancha.

Jaber stated that several opposition parties, including the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and NCP, are expected to join the rally. However, he clarified that no India-aligned groups were invited. The organizers said the rally would serve as a protest against what they described as Indian aggression and ruling party violence. They called on all “patriotic” political forces to participate in the movement.

The event comes amid heightened political tension and growing criticism of attacks on opposition figures. Observers say the rally could signal renewed coordination among anti-government groups ahead of potential nationwide protests.