Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, stated that if BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia had not maintained her uncompromising political stance, Bangladesh might have come under Indian dominance before the current 15-year rule of the Awami League. Speaking to reporters outside United Hospital in Dhaka after his treatment for heart disease, Taher described Khaleda Zia as a patriotic, democratic, and steadfast leader who represents the people beyond party lines. He expressed deep concern for her health and wished for her recovery. Taher also emphasized the need for greater understanding, unity, and principled cooperation among major political parties ahead of the next national election. He urged political leaders to act with patience and wisdom, prioritizing national interests over partisan agendas. Jamaat’s Dhaka-17 candidate S.M. Khaliduzzaman and other party members were present during his remarks.

The High Court of Bangladesh has issued a rule asking why the provision requiring political parties to contest under their own symbols, even when forming an alliance for the 13th National Parliamentary Election, should not be declared illegal. The bench of Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Fatema Anwar issued the rule on December 1, directing the Election Commission to provide an explanation within ten days. The petition was filed on November 27 by Mominul Amin, Secretary General of the National Democratic Movement (NDM), who argued that the amended Representation of the People Order (RPO) violates constitutional rights and freedom of expression. The writ petition also requested suspension of the provision and reinstatement of the previous rule allowing alliances to use a single electoral symbol. The Law Ministry Secretary and the Election Commission Secretary have been made respondents. Amin further alleged that the amendment was introduced to benefit specific parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami and the National People's Party (NCP).

Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam Sarkar has announced that any candidate violating the electoral code of conduct in the upcoming national parliamentary elections will face immediate disqualification without prior notice. Speaking at a workshop in Bandar Upazila, he emphasized that the Election Commission will take strict measures to ensure fair elections, including fines and imprisonment where necessary. He stated that no posters will be allowed after the election schedule is announced and that a level playing field will be maintained for all candidates. A monitoring cell will oversee law and order at polling centers, coordinating with law enforcement and administration to take swift action when required. Senior officials from the Election Training Institute, Narayanganj district administration, and police were present at the event.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the suspension of asylum applications in the United States will be extended indefinitely following the fatal shooting of a National Guard member in Washington, D.C., allegedly by an Afghan immigrant. Trump said he is also considering a permanent ban on immigration from third world countries. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that the suspension will apply to citizens of 19 countries already under travel restrictions, including Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Iran, and Myanmar. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakhanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan who entered the U.S. in 2021 through a resettlement program, was previously part of a CIA-backed special unit in Afghanistan. Trump blamed the Biden administration’s “weak vetting” during the Afghan airlift for allowing Lakhanwal’s entry and vowed to tighten immigration controls in response to the attack.

BanglaFact, the fact-checking and media research team of the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB), has identified misinformation shared from the Facebook page of Sajib Wazed Joy, son of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Joy reportedly shared an old photo of a grenade recovery operation from November 2024 in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, claiming it depicted a recent incident under the interim Yunus government. BanglaFact’s investigation confirmed that the image was not related to the recent recovery of four grenades in Demra, Dhaka, but rather to a previous joint forces operation that recovered nine grenades in Cox’s Bazar. The organization noted a growing trend of misinformation and propaganda spreading through social media platforms, both domestically and from India, targeting Bangladesh’s interim government and political movements. BanglaFact continues to verify misleading content and promote accurate information in the country’s evolving digital landscape.

A newly submitted report by Bangladesh’s National Independent Investigation Commission has alleged direct involvement of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, ex-Army Chief Moeen U Ahmed, and foreign entities in the 2009 BDR mutiny that killed 57 army officers at Pilkhana, Dhaka. The commission, led by retired Major General A L M Fazlur Rahman, presented its findings to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, revealing that the army’s inaction during the massacre remains a mystery. The report claims the mutiny was premeditated, coordinated by Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, and politically shielded by the then-ruling Awami League. Investigators said evidence was partly destroyed over time and many suspects fled abroad. The commission also cited failures of police, RAB, and intelligence agencies, and criticized some media for unprofessional conduct. It recommended measures to prevent similar incidents and ensure justice for victims’ families. The findings reignite national debate over accountability for one of Bangladesh’s darkest tragedies.

Primary school teachers across Bangladesh have continued their full-day work abstention for a second consecutive day, resulting in the suspension of annual examinations nationwide. The protest, organized by the Primary Teachers’ Demand Implementation Council, aims to press the government to fulfill a three-point demand, including upgrading assistant teachers to the 10th grade pay scale, resolving promotion complexities after 10 and 16 years of service, and ensuring 100% departmental promotion from assistant to head teacher. The council stated that teachers are participating spontaneously and vowed not to let the sacrifice of fellow teacher Fatema Akter go in vain. Despite a Finance Ministry press release promising reforms, the teachers claim there has been no visible progress, prompting them to continue the indefinite strike until their demands are met.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, addressing a divisional rally of eight Islamic and like-minded political parties in Khulna, accused some groups of displaying arrogance and attempting administrative coups despite not being in power. He pledged to continue the struggle for a corruption-free, just, and independent state free from foreign influence. Dr. Rahman cautioned against conspiracies to manipulate the upcoming national election and urged youth to resist any attempt to deprive them of their voting rights. The rally, presided over by Islami Andolan Bangladesh chief Syed Mohammad Rezaul Karim, also featured speeches from leaders of other Islamic parties, including Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Ameer Mamunul Haque, who warned that failure to hold fair elections could lead to historical condemnation. The coalition vowed to continue street movements until their five-point demands are met and to expand their unity toward future parliamentary participation.

The family of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed grave concern over his safety as he remains in prison with no direct contact for more than three weeks. His son, Qasim Khan, said the family has received no reliable information about whether Imran is alive, despite court orders allowing weekly visits. Reports suggest possible prison transfers, but authorities have not confirmed any details. The family’s repeated requests to allow Imran’s personal doctor access have been denied for over a year. Government officials claim he is in good health but have not clarified his current location. Imran Khan, 72, has been jailed since August 2023 after being convicted in multiple cases following his ouster in 2022, which he and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party say are politically motivated. Pakistani media have reportedly been instructed not to broadcast his name or image, intensifying concerns about his isolation and political suppression.

A Dhaka court has scheduled January 5 for the charge framing hearing in a sedition case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 285 others. The case stems from an alleged online meeting held on December 19 last year, where participants reportedly formed a group called 'Joy Bangla Brigade' and discussed plans to reinstate Hasina through a civil conflict. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) filed the case on March 27, 2025, following approval from the Home Ministry. CID Assistant Superintendent Enamul Haque later submitted a charge sheet on August 14, accusing 286 individuals of conspiring to overthrow the government. The court accepted the charge sheet and issued arrest warrants against all accused. The defense requested more time for the hearing, which the court granted, setting the new date for January 5. Among the accused are several former MPs, Awami League leaders, and student organization members.

Families of officers killed in the 2009 Pilkhana BDR massacre have alleged that the killings were orchestrated to serve Indian interests and extend the tenure of the then Awami League government. Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka’s RAOWA Club, relatives of slain officers claimed the attack was intended to intimidate army officials perceived as anti-India. They demanded the immediate release of the full investigation report and legal action against those named. Separately, an interim government-formed National Independent Investigation Commission alleged that the massacre aimed to weaken the army and maintain political power, implicating former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, several Awami League leaders, and some retired military officials. The commission submitted its report to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus before publicly naming those allegedly involved. The 2009 mutiny at the BDR headquarters left 57 army officers dead, occurring just two months after the Awami League assumed power.

Bipin Jyoti Chakma, the chief coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP) in Rangamati district, has announced his resignation from all party activities, citing personal and family reasons. He confirmed the decision over the phone on Monday and stated that he would soon send his signed resignation letter to the party’s central committee. Earlier, on November 14, district joint coordinator Ujjal Chakma had also resigned for similar reasons. Additionally, Sarvajit Chakma, a district leader of the party’s student wing, Chhatra Shakti, announced his resignation on Facebook on Sunday night. Although Bipin Jyoti denied any internal conflict, district joint coordinator Zahidul Islam Zahid suggested that recent disagreements within the district committee might have influenced the decision. The matter has been reported to the NCP central leadership for further consideration.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that party chairperson Khaleda Zia’s health condition remains stable under close medical supervision. Speaking to reporters on Monday afternoon, he dismissed recent media reports suggesting otherwise, urging the public not to be misled. Fakhrul called on citizens and party supporters to pray for Khaleda Zia’s swift recovery. The BNP also issued a press release requesting media outlets to rely solely on statements from Khaleda Zia’s personal physician and party standing committee member A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain for health updates. Earlier, senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi confirmed that Khaleda Zia continues to receive treatment at Evercare Hospital as before, while BNP’s media cell member Shairul Kabir Khan assured that verified health updates will be shared with the press in due time.

An independent national investigation commission formed by Bangladesh’s interim government has alleged political involvement by members of the Awami League and possible Indian influence in the 2009 Pilkhana massacre at the then BDR headquarters in Dhaka. The commission’s report, submitted to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, claims that former MP Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh coordinated the incident with a 'green signal' from then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Witness testimonies revealed that Taposh allegedly instructed a youth to organize a rally that entered the BDR compound, and that members of the ruling party’s youth wing participated. Several witnesses also criticized the government’s handling of the mutiny, citing failures such as not deploying tanks, not convening the National Security Council, and declaring a general amnesty that emboldened the mutineers. The commission’s findings challenge previous official narratives and suggest political and external factors behind the tragic event.

A Dhaka Special Judge Court has scheduled January 5 for the hearing on charge framing in a sedition case against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 285 others. The Special Judge Court-9, presided over by Judge Md Abdus Salam, fixed the new date after the defense requested more time during Monday’s session. The case stems from an online meeting held on December 19 last year under the banner of 'Joy Bangla Brigade,' where participants allegedly pledged to bring Sheikh Hasina back to power through civil conflict. Investigators claim the meeting contained elements of a conspiracy against the state. Following an investigation, the CID filed a charge sheet on August 14, naming 286 accused, including several former MPs and political figures. The court accepted the charge sheet and issued arrest warrants for all accused. The hearing will determine whether formal charges will proceed against the defendants.