A new report by the Runnymede Trust and human rights group Reprieve warns that nearly nine million British Muslims—mostly of Bangladeshi, Indian, and Pakistani heritage—could lose their citizenship under the UK Home Office’s broad and secretive powers. The study claims that these powers, which allow the government to revoke citizenship if an individual is deemed eligible for another nationality, disproportionately endanger people linked to South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

The report argues that the policy has created a racial hierarchy in citizenship, where non-white Britons face conditional nationality. Reprieve’s Maya Foa criticized successive governments for expanding these powers for political gain, while Runnymede’s Shabna Begum described the trend as a “chilling current” within the Home Office. Data show that three in five non-white Britons are at risk, compared with one in twenty white citizens.

Analysts warn that the policy undermines equality before the law and could deepen mistrust among minority communities. The Home Office has not yet commented on the findings.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission has outlined who can and cannot participate as candidates or voters in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, scheduled for February 12. The announcement follows the political transition after the fall of the Awami League government and aims to ensure transparency and inclusivity in the electoral process. The Commission has invited all political parties and interested individuals to take part under the revised legal framework.

According to the Constitution and the Representation of the People Order (RPO) 1972, candidates must be Bangladeshi citizens aged at least 25. However, recent amendments have expanded disqualification criteria, including restrictions on dual citizens and individuals convicted of serious crimes. The updated voter list counts approximately 127.7 million eligible voters, including provisions for prisoners to vote under specific procedures.

For the first time, expatriate Bangladeshis will be allowed to vote via postal ballots if they retain citizenship and voter registration. Legal experts note that citizenship status, court rulings, and compliance with electoral laws will determine both voting rights and candidacy eligibility in this pivotal election.

Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Manch and independent candidate for Dhaka-8 in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national election, had been conducting his campaign entirely through public donations rather than personal or party funds. Within just over a month, he reported receiving more than 2.1 million taka from supporters through various channels, pledging to publish full financial statements after the election.

However, a day after releasing his latest fundraising update on December 11, Hadi was shot in the head during a campaign event in Bijoynagar, Dhaka, and is now in critical condition at Evercare Hospital. His approach had drawn attention as a rare example of grassroots-funded politics in a system often dominated by big money and opaque spending.

Political observers note that Hadi’s campaign challenged entrenched norms of excessive election spending, which critics say favors wealthy or corrupt candidates. His case may spark renewed debate on electoral finance reform and the viability of citizen-funded politics in Bangladesh’s evolving political culture.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus held a special meeting on Saturday, December 13, with representatives from three political parties — the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizens’ Party (NCP). The meeting took place at the state guesthouse Jamuna, with two representatives from each party attending. The discussions are believed to focus on the current political climate and recent incidents of violence.

The meeting follows a violent attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent candidate hopeful from Dhaka-8, who was shot on Friday. In response, Dr. Yunus convened an emergency meeting with members of the advisory council and top law enforcement officials to assess the security situation. Saturday’s dialogue with political parties is seen as part of his broader effort to maintain political stability and ensure fair electoral processes.

Observers suggest that these consultations may pave the way for broader political consensus ahead of upcoming elections, though tensions remain high across party lines.

A day after Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election schedule was announced, Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the ‘Inquilab Moncho’, survived a gun attack allegedly aimed to kill him. Hadi, known for his vocal criticism of Indian influence and the ruling Awami League, was reportedly one of several political figures targeted in a planned series of assaults. Sources claim that credible intelligence about these threats had been conveyed to the government months earlier.

According to reports, a UK-based lawyer with links to international security agencies had warned Bangladeshi authorities in September about possible attacks on Hadi, National Citizen Party organizer Hasnat Abdullah, and Amar Bangladesh Party’s secretary general Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad. Despite repeated alerts and meetings with officials, no preventive measures were taken. Fuad confirmed they had informed the government but received no protection.

The incident raises serious questions about pre-election security and the government’s responsiveness to credible threats. Observers warn that failure to act on such intelligence could heighten political tensions and undermine confidence in the upcoming polls.

Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan stated that efforts to gain political advantage by shifting blame over the shooting of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi have failed. In a Facebook post on Friday, Khan said recent incidents show a growing trend of blaming political rivals for violent events to extract political benefits.

He cited two recent incidents at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where a journalist was wrongly accused of being Hadi’s assailant and attacked by a mob, and BNP candidate Mirza Abbas faced harassment from a group chanting hostile slogans. Khan expressed concern that without the presence of Chhatra Dal activists, Abbas might have faced a similar fate as the journalist.

Khan warned that internal divisions among anti-fascist forces are giving the ruling Awami League more room for disruptive activities. He urged all political groups to resist fascism and work collectively to ensure that the upcoming national election is free from authoritarian influence.

Independent Dhaka-8 parliamentary candidate and Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Bin Hadi was critically injured in a gun attack on Friday. He is currently receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Reports reveal that authorities were previously warned about possible assassination attempts on several July Movement leaders, including Hadi, National Citizen Party organizer Hasnat Abdullah, and Amar Bangladesh Party secretary general Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad. Despite credible intelligence shared by a UK-based lawyer, no preventive measures were taken.

The lawyer, who claimed to have links with international security agencies, said he provided the government with detailed evidence of the threats in September. Fuad confirmed that they had repeatedly urged the authorities to launch a major anti-terror operation before the election, warning that isolated arrests would not ensure safety. Police sources suspect the involvement of an overseas-based hitman known as Philip, alias Garo Philip, and have launched a manhunt.

Government officials have yet to comment publicly, though the Inspector General of Police stated that no such prior warning had been received. The incident has raised serious concerns about political security ahead of the national elections.

Twenty US state attorneys general have jointly filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging its decision to raise the H-1B visa fee from $1,500 to $100,000. The suit, led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Massachusetts Attorney General Joy Campbell, argues that the drastic increase is unlawful, unnecessary, and harmful to both applicants and the US labor market.

The H-1B visa program allows American companies to hire skilled foreign professionals, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and business. Major tech firms such as Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and Google rely heavily on this program. Critics say the fee hike has discouraged applications and worsened labor shortages in education and healthcare sectors, where foreign expertise is vital. A recent survey found that 74% of US schools face shortages in specialized teaching fields.

Legal experts expect the case to test the limits of federal authority over immigration-related fees. The outcome could influence future visa policies and the availability of skilled international talent in the US economy.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus convened an emergency meeting on Friday at the state guesthouse Jamuna following a violent attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha and potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8. Senior advisers, law enforcement, and intelligence officials attended the meeting, where Yunus described the incident as a deliberate assault on the country’s democratic journey and national integrity.

Yunus vowed that the interim government would thwart any attempt to derail the upcoming national election and referendum, calling the attack a conspiracy by defeated forces. He directed security agencies to arrest the attackers swiftly and prevent their escape across borders. Police confirmed that CCTV footage and evidence from the crime scene had been collected. Hadi, in critical condition, was transferred to Evercare Hospital at his family’s request.

The meeting also decided to launch a special hotline to report election-related threats and intensify operations to recover illegal weapons. Yunus is expected to consult major political figures soon to maintain stability ahead of the polls.

The National Revolutionary Council has claimed that the recent shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, a political activist and Dhaka-8 parliamentary candidate, was part of a systematic effort to make July fighters 'killable.' In a statement issued from Tokyo, the council’s convener, Khomeni Ihsan, condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with Hadi’s family, urging the government to take immediate action.

Ihsan alleged that Hadi had been receiving death threats from individuals allegedly linked to pro-Awami League groups based in India. He criticized the interim government, police, and military for failing to provide security despite repeated warnings. The council further accused the authorities of negligence and possible complicity, demanding the identification and arrest of the attackers through CCTV footage analysis.

The statement also called for stronger countermeasures, including armed resistance against what it termed ‘fascist forces,’ suspension of diplomatic ties with India, and the arrest of individuals spreading incitement online. The government has yet to issue a detailed response beyond pledging an investigation.

More than one hundred residents and local leaders from wards 4 and 5 of Bhawalgarh Union in Gazipur Sadar joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Friday, December 12. The joining ceremony took place at the Bhabanipur Irfan Enterprise Three Brothers Tiles Market, where the new members were welcomed by Professor Dr. S. M. Rafiqul Islam Bacchu, central BNP Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs and nominated parliamentary candidate for Gazipur-3.

The event was chaired by Abu Taher Musalli, convener of Gazipur Sadar BNP, and conducted by Abu Bakar Siddique, the union chairman. Senior BNP leaders including Zainal Abedin Rizvi and several local representatives attended the gathering, emphasizing unity and organizational expansion. Attendees described the move as a sign of growing grassroots support for the opposition party.

Political observers note that such mass affiliations could strengthen BNP’s local networks ahead of the next national election. The party aims to consolidate its presence in key constituencies like Gazipur-3, where competition with the ruling Awami League remains intense.

Bangladesh witnessed widespread protests following the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho and a potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8. The attack occurred in the capital’s Bijoynagar area on Friday afternoon, sparking immediate outrage and calls for justice across the country. Demonstrators blocked roads, held prayer gatherings, and demanded the arrest of those responsible.

Political and student organizations including Jamaat-e-Islami, Chhatra Dal, and Gono Odhikar Parishad led rallies in Dhaka and other major cities. Jamaat leaders alleged the attack was part of a conspiracy to derail democratic progress, while university students across Chittagong, Rajshahi, and Barishal staged marches and vigils for Hadi’s recovery. Teachers’ associations and civil society groups also issued statements condemning the violence.

Authorities have yet to announce any arrests. Protesters warned of intensified action if the attackers are not detained within 24 hours. The incident has heightened political tension ahead of upcoming electoral activities, raising concerns over security and the state’s ability to curb political violence.

Dr. Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, visited the family of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Mancha, who was shot and injured in Dhaka. The visit took place on Friday night at Evercare Hospital, where Hadi was transferred for advanced treatment after initial care at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Zubaida spoke with Hadi’s younger brother Omar and sister, accompanied by BNP media cell member Atikur Rahman Ruman and Dr. Aman.

Earlier that day, Hadi was attacked by unidentified gunmen in the Bijoynagar culvert area, sustaining a bullet wound near his left ear. He was first taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital before being moved to Evercare for specialized care. Police have yet to confirm the motive or identify the assailants.

The incident has drawn concern among BNP supporters and rights activists, who called for a transparent investigation. Party leaders emphasized the need for improved security for political activists amid rising pre-election tensions in the capital.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has alleged that the recent shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent candidate for Dhaka-8 and spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha, was part of a larger political conspiracy. During a protest rally in Dhaka on Friday night, NCP senior joint convener Ariful Islam Adib claimed the attack was a deliberate attempt to assassinate Hadi and destabilize the political landscape, comparing it to the events of the 2007 ‘One-Eleven’ political crisis.

Adib accused the banned Awami League and a neighboring country’s intelligence agency of orchestrating the incident to derail upcoming elections. He warned that such actions could pave the way for military intervention under the guise of restoring order. Other NCP leaders, including Arif Sohel and Tariqul Islam, echoed these claims and demanded the resignation of the Home Adviser, citing failure to ensure security.

The protest march, which began at Banglamotor and ended in Shahbagh, drew participation from NCP’s youth, student, and labor wings. Authorities have yet to issue an official response to the allegations.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir visited independent Dhaka-8 parliamentary candidate and Inqilab Manch spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi at Evercare Hospital late Friday night. Hadi was hospitalized after being shot earlier in the day during an election campaign event in the Bijoynagar area of the capital.

According to BNP media cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan, Mirza Fakhrul first visited BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who is also receiving treatment at the same hospital, before meeting Hadi. Fakhrul was accompanied by Khaleda Zia’s personal physician, AZM Zahid Hossain. Hadi had been transferred to Evercare from Dhaka Medical College Hospital after sustaining bullet injuries around 2:35 p.m. Friday.

The attack on Hadi has heightened concerns about pre-election violence and security for candidates in Dhaka. Law enforcement agencies have yet to confirm any arrests, while political observers warn that such incidents could further strain the already tense electoral environment ahead of the upcoming polls.