Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has expressed optimism following the announcement of the 13th National Parliamentary Election schedule by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). Speaking shortly after the televised declaration on Thursday, December 11, Fakhrul said the announcement reassured citizens and marked a significant moment in the country’s political history. He voiced hope that the Election Commission would conduct the polls in a free, fair, and credible manner, opening a new chapter for democracy in Bangladesh.

According to the CEC, the general election for 300 parliamentary seats will be held on February 12, 2026, alongside a national referendum on the 2025 Constitutional Reform Implementation Order. Nomination submissions will close on December 29, with scrutiny scheduled between December 30 and January 4. The final candidate list and symbol allocation will be completed by January 21, and campaigning will continue until February 10. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus congratulated the Commission, calling the schedule a milestone in Bangladesh’s democratic journey.

Bangladesh’s interim government has redistributed ministerial responsibilities among its advisers following the resignation of two key members, Mahfuz Alam and Asif Mahmud. A government gazette confirmed that Syeda Rizwana Hasan will now oversee the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, previously held by Mahfuz Alam. Professor Asif Nazrul has been assigned the Ministry of Youth and Sports, while Adilur Rahman will take charge of the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives.

The resignations came after a meeting between Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus and the two outgoing advisers, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan and Mahfuz Alam. The interim administration, formed in August last year under Yunus’s leadership, included representatives from the student movement that led the July uprising. The reshuffle follows earlier adjustments in which Asif Mahmud had been given additional responsibilities for the labor and local government ministries.

Political analysts view the latest reshuffle as an effort to maintain administrative stability ahead of the anticipated election schedule announcement. The reallocation aims to ensure continuity in governance as the interim government navigates growing political uncertainty.

Bangladesh’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin announced that the country’s 13th parliamentary election and a national referendum on the July Charter will be held on February 12, 2025. In a televised address to the nation on December 11, he said the election will be a crucial test of institutional capability and credibility, marking the first time expatriate Bangladeshis and incarcerated individuals will be included in the voter list.

The CEC also warned against the spread of misinformation on social media, particularly the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to demean women, stating that legal action will be taken against such acts. Candidate nominations will be accepted from December 12 to 29, with verification and appeals scheduled through mid-January. Election symbols will be allocated on January 21, followed by campaigning until February 10.

This will be the first national election under the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, formed after the 2024 July uprising that ended the Awami League’s rule. Observers view the simultaneous election and referendum as a major test for the new administration’s electoral management capacity.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has extended warm congratulations to the Election Commission of Bangladesh for announcing the schedule of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the referendum on the July National Charter 2025. In his message, Yunus described the announcement as a significant milestone in the country’s democratic journey following the historic mass uprising.

He expressed confidence that the Election Commission would fulfill its constitutional duties independently, impartially, and with professionalism. The interim government, he said, would provide all necessary support to ensure a festive, participatory, and fair electoral process. Yunus called on political parties, candidates, the media, civil society, and citizens to treat the election and referendum as a national unity initiative.

The Chief Adviser emphasized that Bangladesh stands at the threshold of a new future, urging active and responsible participation from all stakeholders to build a modern, just, and prosperous state. The Election Commission has set February 12, 2026, as the date for both the parliamentary election and the referendum.

Bangladesh’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin has announced that the 13th National Parliamentary Election will be held on February 12 next year, alongside a national referendum on the July Charter. In a televised address on December 11, the CEC confirmed that nomination papers for parliamentary candidates can be submitted from December 12 to December 29.

According to the schedule, scrutiny of nomination papers will take place from December 30 to January 4, while candidates will have until January 20 to withdraw their nominations. Election symbols will be allocated on January 21, giving candidates roughly 20 days for campaigning before the February 12 vote. The CEC described the upcoming election as a nationwide “festival of democracy.”

The announcement sets in motion Bangladesh’s formal electoral timeline, with political parties now preparing to finalize their candidate lists and campaign strategies. Observers expect heightened political activity and negotiations in the coming weeks as the country moves toward its next parliamentary term.

The Election Commission of Bangladesh has decided to assign at least two executive magistrates to every upazila or police station area during the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. According to an official letter signed by Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain, the deployment will begin the day after the election schedule is announced and continue until two days after voting concludes.

The decision, taken under the Mobile Court Act 2009, aims to strictly enforce the electoral code of conduct and ensure discipline throughout the election period. Copies of the directive have been sent to the Cabinet Division, the Chief Adviser’s Office, the Police Headquarters, divisional commissioners, and deputy commissioners for necessary coordination.

Officials expect the magistrates’ presence to strengthen monitoring of campaign activities, prevent violations, and support law enforcement agencies in maintaining order. The move reflects the Election Commission’s effort to enhance transparency and fairness in the upcoming national polls.

Bangladesh’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin has announced that the 13th National Parliamentary Election and a national referendum will be held simultaneously on February 12. The announcement, made in a televised address on December 11, ends months of speculation about the electoral timeline. Voting will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with white-and-black ballots for the parliamentary race and pink ballots for the referendum.

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud stated that the Election Commission (EC) will begin enforcing electoral codes and related laws immediately after the schedule’s publication. Over 297,000 expatriates have registered online to vote via postal ballots. For the first time, some constituencies will have symbolic returning officers from within the EC, while district commissioners will serve in most others.

This will be the first election under the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, formed after the August 2024 mass uprising that ended the Awami League’s rule. The EC plans to issue circulars on campaign conduct, law enforcement, and government coordination as the country enters full election mode.

Bangladesh’s High Court has ruled that political parties forming alliances for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election must contest under their respective party symbols. The verdict, delivered on Thursday by a bench comprising Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Fatema Anwar, dismissed a petition challenging the legality of this electoral provision.

The ruling clarifies that even within an electoral alliance, each constituent party must retain its own identity on the ballot. Historically, smaller parties in alliances often contested under the symbol of the leading party, a practice now deemed inconsistent with electoral law. Legal experts suggest the decision reinforces transparency and voter clarity, while some smaller parties express concern over potential disadvantages in campaign recognition.

The Election Commission is expected to issue updated guidelines reflecting the court’s decision ahead of the 13th parliamentary polls. Political analysts note that the ruling could reshape alliance strategies and negotiations in the coming months.

Police detained at least four non-cadre officials from Bangladesh’s Secretariat on Thursday afternoon as protests escalated over a demand for a 20% ‘Secretariat allowance’. The detainees include Badiul Kabir, president of one faction of the Secretariat Officers’ Association, and Shahin Golam Rabbani, vice president of the same group, along with two others from the Health Ministry. They were taken into custody around 4 p.m. and transported in a prison van.

The detentions followed a tense standoff the previous day, when protesters held the finance adviser confined for nearly six hours, pressing for a government order to implement the allowance. Although officials had promised to issue the order by Monday, demonstrators continued their sit-in after the commitment was not fulfilled. Police have since reinforced security across the Secretariat compound.

The incident underscores growing frustration among non-cadre government employees over pay disparities and delayed administrative reforms. Authorities have yet to confirm whether disciplinary or legal actions will follow, while unions warn that further detentions could intensify the standoff.

Non-cadre officers and employees working at Bangladesh’s Secretariat have intensified their protest demanding a 20 percent 'Secretariat Allowance'. Despite assurances, the government has yet to issue an official order, prompting renewed demonstrations on Thursday. Protesters gathered outside the Secretariat, chanting slogans and warning that they would begin a complete work stoppage next week if the order is not released by the end of the day.

The movement escalated after protesters confined the Finance Adviser for nearly six hours on Wednesday, demanding immediate action. Police later intervened to free him amid tense confrontations. Officials had earlier indicated that a formal notification might be issued by Monday, but demonstrators rejected the delay, insisting on immediate implementation.

The standoff underscores growing frustration among government staff over pay disparities and delayed administrative decisions. If the strike proceeds, it could disrupt key bureaucratic functions, putting pressure on the Finance Ministry to resolve the issue swiftly.

The Ministry of Public Administration has issued a notification withdrawing Dr. Mohammad Mohibul Hasan from his position as Director at the Chief Adviser’s Office. According to the circular released on Wednesday, December 10, the order was signed by Joint Secretary Abul Hayat Md. Rafiq under the authority of the President. Dr. Hasan has been instructed to return to his original cadre organization under the Health Education and Family Welfare Division.

The notification stated that the decision was made in the public interest and will take immediate effect. No specific reason for the reassignment was disclosed. Such administrative reshuffles are common in Bangladesh’s civil service, often reflecting internal restructuring or policy adjustments within the government.

Observers note that the move may be part of broader efforts to streamline administrative functions under the caretaker government framework. Further appointments or transfers in related departments may follow in the coming weeks.

The High Court of Bangladesh has ruled that all marriages and divorces must be registered through a mandatory digital system. The verdict, delivered on December 11 by a bench comprising Justice Fahmida Kader and Justice Md Asif Hasan, directs authorities to establish a secure, centralized government database for recording marital information. The decision follows a 2021 writ petition seeking digitalization of marriage and divorce records.

According to petitioner’s counsel Ishrat Hasan, the initiative aims to prevent data concealment, secret marriages, and disputes over divorce authenticity. She emphasized that digital registration will enhance citizens’ social protection, ensure justice, and rebuild trust within society. The court’s directive is expected to significantly reduce administrative complications and fraudulent practices.

Authorities are now required to implement the digital system nationwide, marking a major step toward modernizing Bangladesh’s civil registration framework. Implementation details and timelines are yet to be announced, but the ruling signals a shift toward greater transparency and accountability in personal status documentation.

At a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, U.S. President Donald Trump sparked discussion by making personal remarks about White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt. While promoting his administration’s economic record, Trump digressed to praise the 28-year-old official’s appearance, calling her a ‘superstar’ and comparing her lips to a ‘small machine gun’ when she speaks on television.

The comments drew mixed reactions, with supporters cheering during the event while critics accused Trump of objectifying a female staff member. Trump also used the occasion to highlight his administration’s stance on gender and immigration, contrasting his policies with those of his political opponents. This is not the first time Trump has made similar remarks about Leavitt; he previously used comparable language in a 2023 interview with Newsmax.

Leavitt, who served as assistant press secretary during Trump’s first term, has not publicly commented on the latest remarks. Observers note that such statements may reignite debates over Trump’s rhetoric and treatment of women as he seeks to consolidate support ahead of the upcoming election season.

A Dhaka court has granted a five-day remand for Shawkat Mahmud, former president of the National Press Club and current secretary-general of Janata Party Bangladesh, in a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The case accuses him of conspiring to overthrow the interim government and collaborating with foreign agents. Metropolitan Magistrate Fahmida Khandaker Anna approved the remand after a hearing on Thursday.

Mahmud was arrested last Sunday in Dhaka’s Malibagh area by the Detective Branch (DB) police, following the earlier arrest of US citizen of Bangladeshi origin, Enayet Karim Chowdhury, who is accused in the same case. Investigators claim Mahmud and others held secret meetings with political and business figures to destabilize Bangladesh’s political and economic environment. Authorities say interrogation is needed to uncover his alleged connections with foreign entities.

The case has drawn attention due to its political sensitivity and the involvement of several figures from different parties. Other accused individuals remain in custody as the investigation continues under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

The Appellate Division of Bangladesh’s Supreme Court has announced that the final hearing on the appeal against the High Court verdict regarding the 15th Amendment to the Constitution will take place after the upcoming 13th parliamentary election. Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed’s bench scheduled March 5 as the date for the hearing, effectively placing the matter beyond the election period.

Attorney General Mohammad Asaduzzaman told the court that certain aspects of the 15th Amendment should be left for the next parliament to decide, emphasizing the need to avoid any ruling that could invite controversy. Lawyers representing the BNP argued that with national elections only two months away, repealing the amendment now could complicate future constitutional reforms.

Barrister Sara Hossain stressed that any future constitutional amendment must preserve the core principles of the Liberation War. The decision to delay the hearing underscores the judiciary’s cautious approach amid heightened political sensitivity ahead of the polls.