Pirojpur-1 constituency Jamaat-e-Islami nominated MP candidate and former upazila chairman Masud Saeedi has emphasized the need for better working conditions for teachers to create an enlightened and progressive society. Speaking at a discussion meeting with teachers and local dignitaries at Pirojpur Government Suhrawardy College, he stated that education is the driving force of national progress, and teachers are its foundation.

Saeedi pledged that, if elected, he would prioritize improving the education system, ensuring a safe, supportive, and corruption-free environment for teachers and students. He also promised to introduce modern, technology-based learning tools and training programs to enhance teaching quality. Addressing the broader national context, he criticized persistent corruption as a major obstacle to Bangladesh’s development, vowing to work toward its eradication.

Local educators and community leaders attended the meeting, expressing support for initiatives that would enhance teacher dignity and student safety. Saeedi’s remarks reflect growing public discourse on education reform and governance accountability ahead of the upcoming election.

Bangladesh’s interim government adviser on labour and shipping, Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain, stated that the interim administration was not given any specific mandate or deadline to hold national elections. Speaking at a press conference on December 8 at the Secretariat, he clarified that when the interim government assumed office on August 8, 2024, no instruction or timeframe was set for conducting elections. He added that the government itself had expressed the intention to hold elections, and political parties’ subsequent activities were beyond government control.

Hossain emphasized that the interim government believes elections should take place in due time to restore democratic governance and global democratic norms, which he said had been absent for nearly two decades. Drawing on his experience as a former election commissioner, he declined to comment on whether the current political environment is ready for elections, saying that only the Election Commission could assess that.

He further noted that political parties currently appear uncertain about their strategies and future, suggesting that political instability would arise only if the government and parties move in opposite directions.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman has announced that his party will restart the canal excavation project if given the opportunity to govern after the upcoming national election. Speaking virtually from London at an event in Dhaka’s Krishibid Institution, Rahman said the initiative, originally launched by late President Ziaur Rahman, had helped control floods and improve irrigation, leading to food self-sufficiency in the past.

He emphasized that the BNP’s development agenda would focus on environmental restoration, waste management, and air pollution control. Rahman also discussed plans to enhance remittance inflows by providing skills training to migrant workers and to support digital content creators through partnerships with global financial platforms such as PayPal, Google, and Meta. He urged party activists to prioritize the BNP’s electoral symbol over individual candidates and to engage citizens in implementing the party’s national rebuilding plans.

The speech, delivered during the “Plan to Build the Nation” program, was attended by over a thousand student leaders. Rahman called on the youth to unite for Bangladesh’s future, warning that inaction could lead to national setbacks.

Dhaka South unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced a strict stance on maintaining internal discipline, warning that any public protest against party decisions will be treated as a violation. In a statement issued on Monday, signed by convener Rafiqul Alam Majnu and member secretary, the unit instructed all leaders and activists to remain unconditionally loyal to official party directives.

The statement clarified that members may express differing opinions only through internal party forums or by communicating with designated leaders. However, any public demonstration or protest against party decisions will be considered a breach of discipline, subject to penalties under the BNP constitution. The notice emphasized that disciplinary provisions are clearly defined and must be respected by all levels of leadership.

Party insiders view the move as an effort to prevent internal dissent amid ongoing political challenges. Observers suggest the directive aims to consolidate control and ensure message unity as the BNP navigates a tense political environment ahead of future mobilizations.

The European Union has reached a consensus to tighten its migration and asylum policies in response to growing pressure from irregular migration flows. During a meeting of EU interior ministers in Brussels on December 8, member states provisionally approved several measures proposed by the European Commission. These include stronger controls on migrant arrivals and returns, as well as the establishment of ‘return hubs’ outside the EU’s 27 member states to manage deportations more efficiently.

Officials say the proposals aim to make the EU’s migration system more streamlined and enforceable. The initiative comes as many European governments face increasing domestic pressure from right-wing parties gaining popularity over migration concerns. The new measures still require final approval from the European Parliament before implementation.

Human rights organizations have voiced strong opposition, warning that the tougher stance could undermine asylum rights and humanitarian protections. The debate highlights the EU’s struggle to balance border security with its commitment to international refugee obligations.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has cautioned that the notion of portraying one leader as good and all others as bad poses a serious threat to democracy. Speaking virtually from London at a BNP event in Dhaka’s Krishibid Institution, he urged party members to uphold pluralism and accountability, emphasizing that democracy is the only path to restoring normalcy in Bangladesh’s governance.

Rahman criticized the current state of the nation, citing economic hardship, factory closures, poor healthcare, and insecurity as signs of systemic dysfunction. He reiterated that only a democratically elected government can ensure accountability and gradual improvement. Addressing BNP activists, he called for unity and grassroots engagement ahead of the next election, stressing that loyalty should be to the party and its symbol, not individual candidates.

He also pledged to revive the canal excavation program initiated by late President Ziaur Rahman, linking it to agricultural productivity and flood control. The BNP plans to continue policy workshops through mid-December, focusing on education, health, agriculture, and employment.

Shahadat Hossain Selim, chairman of the Bangladesh Liberal Democratic Party (BLDP), has formally joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) after dissolving his own party. The announcement was made on Monday at BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s political office in Gulshan, where Selim presented flowers to BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury. During the event, it was confirmed that Selim will contest the upcoming election from the Lakshmipur-1 constituency under the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol.

Amir Khosru stated that Selim’s nomination recognizes his contributions to political movements and his long-standing association with nationalist politics. He emphasized the need for unity under Tarique Rahman’s leadership to ensure BNP’s electoral success. Selim, who began his political career in the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, said he always remained emotionally connected to the BNP despite earlier separation. Declaring the dissolution of BLDP, he described his return as a homecoming after 25 years and pledged to strengthen the party ahead of the national polls.

The Ministry of Education’s Secondary and Higher Education Division in Bangladesh has issued the MPO Policy 2025, prohibiting teachers and staff of MPO-listed non-government schools and colleges from holding any financially profitable positions. The directive, released Sunday, states that teachers cannot engage in other jobs or professions such as journalism, law, or employment in private organizations while receiving MPO benefits.

According to clause 11.17(a) of the policy, any teacher or employee found involved in multiple posts or profit-oriented roles may face cancellation of MPO benefits and disciplinary action. The policy defines ‘financially profitable positions’ as any role that provides salary, allowance, or honorarium from government or private institutions. It also outlines performance-based conditions for institutions to retain MPO eligibility, including minimum pass rates in public exams.

The policy further clarifies promotion criteria, stating that assistant teachers with ten years of satisfactory service will be promoted to senior teacher positions. However, library and information science teachers will receive financial benefits of higher grades without promotion. The reforms aim to ensure full-time dedication and accountability within the education sector.

A Dhaka court has ordered the imprisonment of Shawkat Mahmud, former president of the National Press Club and current secretary-general of Janata Party Bangladesh, in connection with a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Metropolitan Magistrate Jewel Rana issued the order on Monday after police sought a 10-day remand for Mahmud. The court set Thursday for the hearing on the remand petition.

Mahmud was arrested on Sunday in the same case that led to the detention of Bangladeshi-American Enayet Karim Chowdhury, who is accused of involvement in a conspiracy to overthrow the government. Following his arrest, Detective Branch (DB) police produced Mahmud before the court, requesting remand for further interrogation. However, the hearing was postponed due to the absence of the case’s main documents.

The case has drawn attention from political observers and media circles, as Mahmud is a well-known journalist and political figure. The outcome of Thursday’s hearing is expected to determine whether investigators will be allowed to question him in custody.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has strongly criticized Jamaat-e-Islami, accusing the Islamist party of exploiting religion as a political tool to incite division, hatred, and violence. In a press release issued Monday, NCP rejected Jamaat’s recent statement against its member secretary Akhtar Hossain, calling it baseless and an attempt to mislead public opinion. NCP’s media cell editor Mushfiq us Salehin circulated the statement to the press.

The NCP cited a recent incident in Ishwardi, Pabna, where a Jamaat activist was allegedly involved in election-related violence, as confirmed by local intelligence police. The party argued that Jamaat’s denial of such facts reflects an effort to conceal the truth and evade responsibility. NCP urged Jamaat to embrace the post–August 5 political culture of peace and democratic values instead of reverting to old patterns of dominance and confrontation.

The NCP emphasized that responsible behavior by all political parties is essential for national stability ahead of the upcoming general election, warning that continued provocation could endanger peace and public trust.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has finalized the registration of 81 domestic election observer organizations ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The announcement was made on December 8 by the EC’s public relations division, confirming that the registration process was completed in two phases following a review of applications and objections.

Initially, 73 local organizations were shortlisted in September, after which the EC invited public objections until October 20. Following the resolution of claims, 66 organizations were approved in the first phase, with registration valid from November 6, 2024, to November 5, 2030. Another 15 organizations received approval in the second phase, valid from December 4, 2024, to December 3, 2030.

The EC also noted that the registrations of 96 observer groups from the 12th parliamentary election were automatically canceled under the new Election Observation Policy 2025. Since the introduction of observer registration in 2008, the number of approved organizations has fluctuated, reflecting evolving oversight measures and transparency efforts in Bangladesh’s electoral process.

The High Court of Bangladesh has dismissed a writ petition that sought to suspend all activities related to the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The bench, comprising Justice Shikdar Mahmudur Razi and Justice Riaz Uddin, ruled that the petition was not properly presented and noted that the nation is already election-focused, making such a request untimely.

The petition was filed on December 3 by Advocate Yarul Islam, Secretary General of the registered political party Bangladesh Congress. It challenged the legality of appointing election officials from the executive branch and requested the formation of an independent Electoral Service Commission. Following the court’s observation, the petitioner withdrew the case, citing national interest.

Legal experts say the ruling clears procedural uncertainty ahead of the polls. The Election Commission continues its preparations, including coordination with deputy commissioners and returning officers. The decision reinforces judicial reluctance to interfere with the electoral timeline unless clear constitutional violations are proven.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated a shift in Washington’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine issue, suggesting that Europe should take primary responsibility for managing the conflict. In a newly released national security strategy document, Trump warned European nations that they risk losing their ‘Western identity’ if they fail to correct course. His comments follow continued criticism of Europe’s immigration and clean energy policies.

Former U.S. ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland told BBC Radio 4 that Trump views the Ukraine crisis as a European problem, with the U.S. serving only a supportive role. Sondland added that Trump wants to avoid repeating decades of direct U.S. engagement with Russia, which often left Washington bearing the burden of confrontation. Trump also expressed disappointment that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has not yet reviewed a U.S.-drafted peace proposal.

Analysts say Trump’s stance could reshape transatlantic security cooperation, potentially weakening NATO’s unified approach to Russia. European leaders are expected to discuss the evolving U.S. position during Zelensky’s ongoing diplomatic tour of London, Paris, and Berlin.

Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed confidence that the upcoming national election in Bangladesh will not be postponed. Following a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other commissioners on Monday, the party’s Secretary General, Mia Golam Porwar, stated that Jamaat does not foresee any risk of delay in the electoral schedule.

During the meeting, the six-member Jamaat delegation urged the Election Commission (EC) to install CCTV cameras at polling centers to ensure transparency and public confidence in the voting process. Porwar suggested that the EC could seek assistance from donor agencies to fund the initiative. The meeting followed similar consultations held earlier with representatives from the BNP, NCP, and the Bangladesh Administration Association.

Jamaat leaders also met with a European Union delegation, where party chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman emphasized that Jamaat’s politics serve the people rather than any individual or group, and that while the party works with religious values, it does not exploit religion for political gain.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has instructed Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar to prepare for recording the Chief Election Commissioner’s (CEC) address to the nation on December 10, when the schedule for the 13th National Parliamentary Election will be announced. The EC’s Public Relations Department confirmed the directive on December 8, noting that the CEC, A M M Nasir Uddin, will deliver a pre-recorded speech outlining the election timetable.

According to EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, the CEC and other commissioners will meet the President on the same day before the address is recorded. Officials indicated that the election schedule could be formally declared by December 11, with voting likely to occur between February 8 and 12. The EC emphasized its commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and neutral election process.

Unlike the previous election, when the CEC delivered the announcement live, this year’s address will be pre-recorded. The CEC is expected to urge citizens to participate in the election and call on candidates to uphold fairness throughout the process.