Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s parliamentary candidate for Cumilla-6, Kazi Din Mohammad, has initiated the removal of his campaign posters, banners, and festoons in compliance with Election Commission (EC) and Representation of the People Order (RPO) regulations. The activity began on Friday morning, December 12, as part of the official post-schedule cleanup requirement for all nominated candidates.

During the event, Kazi Din Mohammad instructed his supporters to remove all campaign materials within 48 hours at their own expense, emphasizing adherence to electoral laws. Local Jamaat and Shibir leaders attended the program, underscoring the party’s commitment to lawful and transparent election practices. The candidate stated that following EC directives is a democratic responsibility and pledged to maintain discipline throughout the campaign.

Local residents and business owners welcomed the initiative, noting that such compliance would help foster a peaceful and coordinated electoral environment in the constituency ahead of the national polls.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has called on party leaders and activists to remove all election-related campaign materials following the announcement of the 13th National Parliamentary Election schedule. In a verified Facebook post on Friday, he said the party is ready to extend all logical cooperation to ensure a fair and successful election process.

Dr. Rahman reminded party members to comply with the Election Commission’s directive and the Representation of the People Order (RPO), which require all campaign materials—such as banners, festoons, and billboards—to be removed within 48 hours of the schedule announcement. The Election Commission announced the long-awaited election schedule on Thursday, confirming that the national polls and a referendum will be held on the same day.

The Jamaat chief’s statement comes amid heightened political activity across the country. Observers note that his call for compliance may signal the party’s intent to maintain a lawful stance ahead of the polls, though its participation status remains uncertain.

Austria’s parliament has passed a new law banning girls under 14 from wearing the hijab in schools, a move the government says is intended to protect minors from coercion. The legislation, approved on Thursday, applies to all public and private schools and will take effect next February. Initially, authorities will focus on explaining the new rules to teachers, parents, and students before imposing fines on repeat violations.

Human rights organizations and opposition parties have criticized the measure as discriminatory and unconstitutional. The Green Party voted against the bill, arguing it violates freedom of religion. The conservative-led government, under pressure from rising anti-immigration sentiment, insists the law is constitutional and aims to promote gender equality. A similar 2019 ban on headscarves in primary schools was previously overturned by Austria’s Constitutional Court.

The new regulation is expected to affect around 12,000 girls nationwide. Analysts warn the policy could deepen social divisions and face renewed legal challenges in the coming months.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has accused the ruling Awami League of having a long history of killings and corruption, urging citizens not to forget those events. Speaking on Friday at the Krishibid Institution in Dhaka during the sixth day of BNP’s ‘Nation-Building Plan’ program, he alleged that some political parties remain silent about the Awami League’s actions in hopes of securing electoral benefits.

Salahuddin criticized the use of the 1971 Liberation War spirit for political gain, saying such exploitation has ultimately failed. He described BNP’s 31-point reform agenda as the ‘essence of a national charter of liberation’ and claimed it has become a ‘national epic’. He also referenced a white paper alleging that Tk 29.25 trillion was laundered under the current government, blaming the Awami League for economic devastation.

The BNP leader emphasized that the upcoming 13th parliamentary election should be approached with planning rather than emotion, portraying the party’s movement as the culmination of 15 years of struggle. He warned that the nation must remember past violence and corruption to prevent history from repeating itself.

National Citizen Party (NCP) North Region chief organizer Sarjis Alam has called for the abolition of Bangladesh’s lottery-based school admission system, describing it as an 'absurd process' that undermines merit and competition. In a verified Facebook post on Thursday, December 11, Alam argued that the system discourages students from valuing academic excellence and weakens the foundation of the country’s education structure.

The lottery-based admission method was introduced in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic for students from grades one to nine in both public and private schools, replacing the previous merit-based entrance exams. Alam questioned why such a non-competitive approach continues when meritocracy remains central to higher education and employment in Bangladesh.

His remarks have reignited debate over the fairness and effectiveness of the current system. Education experts and parents remain divided—some favoring the lottery for reducing corruption, others demanding a return to merit-based selection. The Ministry of Education has yet to respond to Alam’s comments.

Former interim government student adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan has announced his decision to contest the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election from Dhaka-10 as an independent candidate. He made the declaration in a Facebook post on Friday morning, a day after the Election Commission released the official election schedule.

Bhuiyan, along with fellow adviser Mahfuz Alam, resigned from the interim government earlier this week, sparking speculation about their political futures and possible party affiliations. His announcement clarifies that he will not be joining any political party at this stage. Political observers note that independent candidacies often face organizational and financial challenges but can attract voter interest when linked to reformist or youth-oriented movements.

The Dhaka-10 constituency is expected to be closely watched, as several high-profile candidates are likely to compete. Bhuiyan’s independent run could reshape local campaign dynamics and test public sentiment toward non-partisan leadership in the upcoming election.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has been placed on elective ventilator support after her health condition worsened significantly, according to a statement from her medical board led by Professor Dr. Shahabuddin Talukder. The 79-year-old leader, who has long suffered from multiple chronic ailments including liver, kidney, and heart diseases, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 following severe respiratory distress and weakness.

The medical board reported that despite intensive treatment with high-flow oxygen and BiPAP support, her oxygen levels continued to drop, prompting the decision to initiate ventilator support to allow her lungs and other organs to rest. She is also being treated for acute pancreatitis, kidney failure requiring dialysis, and severe bacterial and fungal infections. Doctors have identified infective endocarditis through echocardiography and are administering targeted therapy.

The board urged the public to avoid speculation and respect the patient’s privacy, while family members requested prayers for Khaleda Zia’s recovery. Her condition remains critical under continuous observation.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has dissolved parliament following a week of renewed border clashes with Cambodia and growing political instability. A royal decree issued on December 12 confirmed that general elections will be held within 45 to 60 days. Anutin, who came to power three months ago leading a minority government, said the dissolution was necessary to return political authority to the people and restore stability.

The decision follows the withdrawal of support from the progressive, youth-backed People’s Party, which accused Anutin’s Bhumjaithai Party of failing to honor a coalition agreement that included constitutional reforms. The government has also faced criticism over its handling of deadly floods in southern Thailand that killed at least 176 people. Recent border violence has left 20 dead and displaced hundreds of thousands.

Thailand has seen persistent political turbulence, with two previous prime ministers removed by court rulings in the past year. Analysts say the upcoming election could reshape alliances and determine whether Thailand moves toward reform or returns to conservative dominance.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has instructed district officials to finalize the panel of polling officers for the 13th National Parliamentary Election by December 15. In a recent directive signed by Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain, the EC said that if sufficient government officials are unavailable, qualified personnel from private banks may be recruited after proper verification.

The decision follows political debate over the neutrality of polling staff. The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) recently urged the EC not to appoint employees from institutions perceived as partisan, such as Islami Bank and Al-Arafah Bank, citing concerns about election fairness. The EC’s conditional inclusion of private bank officers appears to balance logistical needs with political sensitivities.

Observers note that the move underscores the administrative challenges of organizing the February 12 election amid calls for transparency. The EC is expected to monitor recruitment closely to prevent bias allegations and ensure confidence in the electoral process.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has deployed executive magistrates across the country starting Friday, December 12, to ensure strict enforcement of the electoral code of conduct for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The magistrates will remain on duty until two days after the voting concludes, operating mobile courts to monitor and address any violations.

The EC announced the election schedule on Thursday evening, setting February 12 as the polling date. Following the announcement, the EC’s Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain formally notified the Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration to arrange the deployment. Each upazila and police station area will have at least two magistrates assigned to oversee compliance and maintain order during the campaign period.

The move underscores the commission’s effort to maintain transparency and discipline during the election process. Officials expect the deployment to deter irregularities and strengthen public confidence in the fairness of the upcoming vote.

Bulgaria’s government has announced its resignation following days of mass anti-corruption protests that spread across the country. Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov confirmed on Thursday that his conservative administration would step down, less than a year after taking office. The decision came after mounting public anger over alleged government failures to curb corruption and controversial fiscal measures.

The protests, initially focused on corruption, escalated into a broader anti-government movement, with thousands rallying in Sofia and coastal cities along the Black Sea. Demonstrators opposed a recently unveiled 2026 budget plan denominated in euros, which proposed higher taxes on dividends and social contributions. Although the government withdrew the plan, protests continued, reflecting deep frustration with Bulgaria’s political volatility.

Bulgaria, the poorest member of the European Union, has held seven national elections in the past four years. Analysts warn that the government’s collapse could prolong instability and delay key reforms, while opposition groups call for a technocratic interim administration to restore public trust.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has issued new directives to party leaders and activists following the announcement of the 13th National Parliament election schedule. In a Facebook post on Friday morning, he welcomed the Election Commission’s declaration and pledged the party’s readiness to cooperate in ensuring a fair and successful election process.

Dr. Rahman specifically called on all party members to remove campaign materials within 48 hours, as required by the updated Representation of the People Order (RPO). His message comes amid preparations for the first parliamentary election under the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, which also coincides with a national referendum.

The upcoming election marks a significant test for the interim administration and the Election Commission, both relatively inexperienced in conducting national polls. Political observers note that Jamaat’s cooperative tone may signal an attempt to re-engage in mainstream politics after years of restrictions and political upheaval.

The Bangladesh government has announced a series of directives surrounding the Savar National Memorial ahead of the country’s Victory Day celebrations on December 16, 2025. According to an official statement from the Department of Information on December 11, public entry to the memorial complex will remain closed from December 13 to 15 to ensure cleanliness and preparation for the national observance.

On Victory Day morning, entry will remain restricted until 8:30 a.m. while VVIPs, VIPs, and invited guests lay floral tributes at the memorial. Authorities have also prohibited the display of posters, banners, and festoons along the Gabtoli–Savar route during the celebration period.

The government urged citizens to respect the sanctity of the site by refraining from damaging the memorial’s flower gardens during tribute offerings. These measures aim to maintain order, security, and the solemn atmosphere of the nation’s most significant commemorative event.

Abdul Kader Siddiqui, president of the Krishak Sramik Janata League, has stated that his party will join Bangladesh’s upcoming national election only if all political parties are allowed to participate. Speaking at the Tangail District Freedom Day event on December 11, Siddiqui warned that if the election becomes a limited contest involving only the BNP and NCP, voter turnout could collapse as citizens would lose interest in a one-sided race.

Siddiqui reaffirmed his lifelong allegiance to the ideals of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, emphasizing unity and democratic inclusivity. He criticized past political decisions that empowered extremist groups and urged current leaders to restore an environment where citizens can freely choose their representatives. Former minister Abdul Latif Siddiqui echoed similar concerns, saying that without a fair electoral atmosphere, public enthusiasm for voting will decline.

Observers note that these remarks highlight growing skepticism about the credibility of Bangladesh’s electoral process. Calls for inclusive participation and political tolerance are likely to intensify ahead of the next general election.

Bangladesh’s Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin on Thursday announced that the country’s 13th national parliamentary election will be held on February 12, alongside a national referendum. The announcement, made in a televised address, marks the formal start of the election process for all 300 constituencies.

Shortly after the schedule was declared, Reuters published an interview with President Mohammed Shahabuddin, in which he expressed his intention to step down following the February election. Shahabuddin, who became Bangladesh’s 22nd president in April 2023 during the Awami League government, said he wishes to leave office but will continue to serve until a new government is formed, as required by the constitution.

Shahabuddin’s statement comes amid a transitional political period following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. His potential resignation could open the way for a new political alignment once the election concludes, signaling a possible shift in Bangladesh’s post-crisis governance landscape.