Two party chairmen and one secretary general have formally joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) as the country prepares for its upcoming national election. NPP Chairman Fariduzzaman Farhad, NDM Chairman Bobby Hajjaj, and LDP Secretary General and former minister Redwan Ahmed joined BNP on Wednesday. They are expected to contest under BNP’s electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf.

In a related move, BNP announced it would leave seven parliamentary seats for allied and coalition partners. The party confirmed that it will not field candidates in these constituencies, instead supporting alliance nominees. The seats include Dhaka-12, Bogura-2, Patuakhali-3, Jhenaidah-4, Brahmanbaria-6, Pirojpur-1, and Jashore-5, with candidates from parties such as the Revolutionary Workers Party, Citizens’ Unity, and Gana Odhikar Parishad.

The inclusion of new leaders and strategic seat-sharing arrangements signal BNP’s effort to consolidate opposition forces against the ruling Awami League. Analysts view this as a tactical step to strengthen the party’s electoral base and broaden its coalition appeal ahead of the polls.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) announced on December 24, 2025, that it has allocated seven additional parliamentary constituencies to its alliance partners as part of its seat-sharing strategy for the upcoming national election. The party confirmed it will not field candidates in these constituencies, instead supporting nominees from allied groups including the Revolutionary Workers Party, Nagorik Oikya, Gono Odhikar Parishad, and Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar faction).

The newly allocated seats include Dhaka-12, Bogura-2, Patuakhali-3, Jhenaidah-4, Brahmanbaria-6, Pirojpur-1, and Jashore-5. Earlier in the week, BNP had already granted four constituencies to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam. Party officials stated that the move aims to strengthen opposition unity and maximize electoral coordination against the ruling Awami League.

Political analysts view the decision as a strategic effort to consolidate the broader opposition bloc under the BNP-led alliance. The final list of candidates and seat arrangements is expected to be announced soon as election preparations intensify across Bangladesh.

Venezuela’s parliament has passed a new law imposing severe penalties, including up to 20 years in prison, for individuals or organizations that support or finance the U.S. naval blockade against the country. The legislation, approved on Tuesday, follows the recent seizure of Venezuela-linked oil tankers by the United States, which Caracas has condemned as a violation of international law and an act akin to piracy.

Presenting the bill, lawmaker Giuseppe Alessandrello said the measure is necessary to protect Venezuela’s economy and prevent further deterioration in citizens’ living conditions. The Maduro government has accused Washington of escalating military activity in Latin America and targeting Venezuelan assets under the pretext of anti-narcotics operations.

At a UN Security Council meeting, Venezuela’s representative Samuel Moncada denounced what he described as U.S. aggression, asserting that Venezuela poses no threat and that the real danger lies in U.S. policy. Analysts say the law could deepen diplomatic tensions and further isolate Caracas amid ongoing sanctions and economic hardship.

With the announcement of the 13th parliamentary election schedule, political activity has surged across Pirojpur district, where the main contest is expected between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. The ruling Awami League’s absence from the race has reshaped local dynamics, particularly in Pirojpur-1, where Hindu voters make up nearly one-fourth of the electorate. Both parties are actively seeking their support through rallies and door-to-door campaigns.

Jamaat has finalized candidates for all three constituencies, including Masud Sayeedi and Shamim Sayeedi, sons of former MP Delwar Hossain Sayeedi. BNP has confirmed two candidates but is yet to finalize its nominee for Pirojpur-1, where speculation surrounds several contenders. Local civic groups express cautious optimism about a fair election under an interim government, though doubts remain about the Election Commission’s neutrality.

Analysts note that young and first-time voters are showing renewed enthusiasm after years of limited participation. The outcome in Pirojpur could signal broader trends in opposition-led contests across Bangladesh if voting proceeds freely.

In Chuadanga’s Alamdanga upazila, seventy-one leaders and activists from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) formally joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Tuesday evening. The joining ceremony, held at Jehela Union and organized by Jamaat-e-Islami, was attended by Masud Parvez Russell, assistant secretary of the district Jamaat and parliamentary candidate for Chuadanga-1, who welcomed the new members with flowers and greetings.

Russell stated that Jamaat’s ideology is based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), emphasizing justice, honesty, and accountability. He added that the party believes in service-oriented politics rather than a pursuit of power. Among the new members were former ward president Kazi Yunus, secretary Imarat, and several local BNP and Jubo Dal leaders.

Local Jamaat and Islami Chhatra Shibir leaders also attended the event, signaling Jamaat’s continued grassroots mobilization ahead of potential national political developments. The move reflects ongoing political realignments in rural Bangladesh as parties prepare for future electoral contests.

Bangladeshi cultural affairs adviser and filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has said that the killing of activist Sharif Osman Hadi cannot intimidate Bangladesh. Writing on his verified Facebook page on Wednesday, Farooki described Hadi as a martyr who awakened a sense of unity and courage across the country. He noted that Hadi’s funeral drew massive crowds and that people continue to visit his grave daily to pray and mourn.

Farooki emphasized that the 32-year-old’s death has become a symbol of resilience and inspiration for future generations. His remarks come amid ongoing public mourning and discussions about the broader implications of Hadi’s killing for civic activism and freedom of expression in Bangladesh.

Observers say the incident has sparked renewed debate about political violence and the role of youth movements in shaping national identity. Authorities have yet to release detailed findings from the investigation into Hadi’s death, while civil society groups continue to demand justice and accountability.

The US State Department has announced visa bans on five European figures, including former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton, accusing them of aiding censorship and exerting pressure on free expression. Breton, who helped design the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), was cited for his role in shaping online content moderation rules. Others sanctioned include leaders from the UK-based Global Disinformation Index and Germany’s HateAid.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the individuals and organizations acted as tools of foreign censorship campaigns targeting American speakers and companies. Breton dismissed the move as politically motivated harassment, arguing that Washington’s understanding of censorship is misplaced. European officials have rejected claims that the DSA suppresses political speech.

The decision has drawn criticism from conservative US groups, who claim it punishes right-wing viewpoints. Analysts warn the dispute could strain transatlantic cooperation on digital regulation and free speech standards, as both sides accuse each other of politicizing online governance.

The Trump administration has ordered the recall of around 30 ambassadors and senior diplomats appointed during President Joe Biden’s tenure, as part of a sweeping reshuffle aligned with the 'America First' policy. According to U.S. State Department officials, the affected diplomats have been notified that their assignments will end in January 2026. The move primarily targets political appointees, with plans to replace them with individuals loyal to President Trump’s foreign policy agenda.

Officials described the decision as a routine transition process, though critics argue it reflects growing politicization within U.S. diplomacy. The American Foreign Service Association called the action 'highly irregular' and warned it could undermine U.S. credibility abroad. Most of the recalled ambassadors served in African and Asian nations, including Nigeria, Uganda, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

Analysts say the reshuffle underscores Trump’s intent to consolidate control over foreign missions early in his second term. The replacements are expected to be announced in early 2026, potentially signaling a shift in U.S. diplomatic priorities toward more transactional, nationalist engagement.

The central committee of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal has suspended all organizational positions of Faruk Hossain Bepari, convener of its Madaripur district unit, following controversy over his role in guarding the residence and businesses of former shipping minister and Awami League presidium member Shajahan Khan. The decision, announced Tuesday night through a notice signed by the party’s assistant office secretary, came after Faruk was served a show-cause notice earlier in the week.

Local sources said Faruk and about fifty supporters stood guard around Khan’s properties on December 20 to prevent possible violence after calls circulated online to besiege the area. Photos of the incident spread on social media, drawing criticism and prompting the party’s central leadership to intervene. Faruk denied the allegations, calling them fabricated and politically motivated.

The suspension underscores internal sensitivity within the BNP’s youth wing as it navigates heightened political unrest in Madaripur. Party leaders indicated the measure may remain temporary pending further investigation and Faruk’s formal explanation.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed concern that the northeastern Indian state could ‘automatically become part of Bangladesh’ if the population of Bangladeshi-origin residents increases by another ten percent. Speaking at a government event on Tuesday, Sarma claimed that around 40 percent of Assam’s population is of Bangladeshi descent and reiterated that he has been warning about demographic changes for the past five years.

His remarks follow recent controversy surrounding a statement by Hasnat Abdullah, leader of Bangladesh’s National Citizen Party, who reportedly suggested that Dhaka should support separatist forces in India’s northeast if New Delhi attempts to destabilize Bangladesh. Indian media widely covered the comment, prompting strong reactions from Sarma, who said India would not tolerate such threats. He added that if Bangladeshi leaders continue issuing such warnings, Delhi would not remain silent for long.

The exchange underscores ongoing sensitivities over migration and border politics between India and Bangladesh, particularly in Assam, where citizenship and demographic issues have long fueled political tension.

BNP Acting Chairman Tareq Rahman’s adviser Mahdi Amin has publicly praised Rahman’s political vision, commitment, and policy planning through a detailed Facebook post. Amin stated that he has closely observed Rahman’s passion and leadership qualities, which he believes reflect the legacy of his parents, former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. The post emphasized Rahman’s behind-the-scenes work on policy formulation across sectors including education, healthcare, agriculture, employment, and governance.

According to Amin, Rahman has spent hundreds of hours consulting professionals and academics from home and abroad to develop practical and inclusive policy frameworks. He described Rahman as focused on long-term national interests rather than short-term popularity. Amin added that Rahman intends to engage with citizens and experts further upon his return to Bangladesh to begin policy consultations and participatory politics.

The statement comes amid BNP’s ongoing policy programs and preparations for potential governance. Amin expressed confidence that if BNP forms the next government, Rahman will implement transparent, accountable, and citizen-centered policies.

The National Citizen Party (NCP), a youth-led political force that emerged from the July uprising, is in the final phase of negotiations with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) over seat-sharing for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election. Sources indicate that the discussions, which also involve Jamaat-e-Islami, could conclude once BNP’s acting chairperson Tarique Rahman returns to the country this week. A decision is expected soon, potentially shaping the opposition’s electoral alignment.

Both BNP and Jamaat are courting the NCP to strengthen their electoral base, while the NCP seeks to ensure parliamentary representation for young revolutionaries. Party leaders say they are weighing their options carefully to maximize seats and maintain ideological integrity. If talks with BNP succeed, discussions with Jamaat may end; otherwise, an NCP–Jamaat understanding could follow.

Political observers note that the NCP’s decision will influence alliance dynamics within the broader Democratic Reform Coalition. The party has already announced candidates in over 125 constituencies, with further nominations expected soon, signaling its readiness to contest either independently or within a coalition.

The Bangladesh government is preparing to transfer the entire Registration Department from the Ministry of Law to the Ministry of Land, with the proposal expected to be discussed in Wednesday’s cabinet meeting. News of the move has triggered strong discontent among officials and legal experts, as the issue remains pending before the High Court since a 2008 public interest writ petition halted similar efforts.

The Land Ministry argues that combining land registration with Assistant Commissioner (Land) offices would streamline public service delivery. However, the Law Ministry insists that land registration is a judicial function governed by complex legal frameworks, including the State Acquisition Act and Non-Agricultural Tenancy Act. Critics warn that placing the function under administrative officers without legal training could increase public hardship and bureaucratic confusion.

Observers note that the Land Ministry already struggles with service delivery and corruption allegations. Bringing the Registration Department under its control, they argue, could worsen inefficiency. The cabinet’s decision, if pursued despite the pending court case, may invite further legal challenges and institutional friction.

Advocate Maulana Sheikh Abdul Wadud, Jamaat-e-Islami’s candidate for Bagerhat-3 (Mongla-Rampal), stated that his party has always stood by the Hindu community and will continue to do so. Speaking at a courtyard meeting with local Hindu residents in Mithakhali Union, he emphasized that Jamaat’s politics is rooted in protecting the rights, dignity, and security of all citizens regardless of religion or ethnicity.

Wadud described Bangladesh as a nation built by people of all faiths—Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians—and reiterated Jamaat’s commitment to a just and discrimination-free society. He argued that honest and capable leadership is essential to end political revenge and ensure public safety. Local Jamaat leaders, including Professor Kohinur Sardar, echoed his call for interfaith harmony and mutual respect.

The meeting, chaired by community leader Manoranjan Halder, also highlighted social and civic challenges faced by the Hindu community. Participants urged cooperation among all groups to maintain peaceful coexistence in the region.

Mujibur Rahman Manju, chairman of the Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party and candidate for the Feni-2 constituency, collected his nomination papers from the district returning officer and deputy commissioner on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. The event marks his formal entry into the race for the 13th National Parliamentary Election, representing the party’s Eagle symbol.

Manju was accompanied by senior AB Party leaders, including Barrister Zobaer Ahmed Bhuiyan and several regional organizers. Speaking to the media, he said he sought the judgment of Feni’s people on the need for new political arrangements beyond what he described as 54 years of flawed politics. He emphasized that the electorate would decide whether the call for new politics has real support.

Manju further stated that Feni’s development required no grand promises but rather an end to violence, extortion, and political hostility. He called for neutrality in administration and political unity to make Feni one of Bangladesh’s most peaceful and advanced districts.