Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th parliamentary election has sparked intra-alliance tension as Barrister Rumeen Farhana, a central executive member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), announced her independent candidacy in Brahmanbaria-2 (Sarail-Ashuganj). The seat was allocated to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam leader Maulana Junayed Al-Habib under a BNP-Jamiat electoral understanding. Despite not receiving the BNP nomination, Rumeen declared her intention to contest independently during a local event in Sarail, fueling speculation of internal rifts.

The BNP and Jamiat recently formalized an agreement granting Jamiat four constituencies—Nilphamari-1, Narayanganj-4, Sylhet-5, and Brahmanbaria-2. Under new electoral rules, Jamiat candidates must run using their party’s ‘date tree’ symbol rather than BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’. Party officials confirmed this arrangement in a joint press conference at BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan office.

Analysts suggest Rumeen’s independent bid could test BNP’s alliance discipline and voter cohesion in key constituencies. The development underscores the complexities of opposition coordination ahead of the national polls.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has reached an electoral understanding with Bangladesh Jamiat-e-Ulama-e-Islam ahead of the 13th national election. Under the agreement, BNP will not field candidates in four constituencies where Jamiat will contest, while Jamiat will refrain from competing in BNP-allocated seats. The announcement was made at a joint press conference held at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, Dhaka.

Despite BNP’s endorsement, Jamiat candidates will not be allowed to use the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol. Instead, they must contest under their own ‘date tree’ emblem, in line with recent amendments to the Representation of the People Order (RPO) approved by the interim government’s advisory council. The four constituencies allocated to Jamiat are Nilphamari-1, Narayanganj-4, Sylhet-5, and Brahmanbaria-2.

Political analysts view this alliance as a strategic move to consolidate opposition votes against the ruling party. However, the restriction on shared symbols may limit the coalition’s visibility among voters. The coming weeks will test how effectively the alliance can coordinate its campaign under separate banners.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-1 has ordered the commencement of trial proceedings against 17 individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed. The charges relate to alleged enforced disappearances and torture at the Rapid Action Battalion’s (RAB) Task Force for Interrogation (TFI) cell. The order was issued on Tuesday by a three-member judicial panel headed by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Mojumdar.

The tribunal’s decision marks a significant legal development involving some of the country’s most senior political and security figures. The accused also include former and current military officers. While detailed charges and trial dates are yet to be disclosed, the case has drawn widespread attention due to the high-profile nature of the defendants. Human rights groups have long raised concerns about alleged abuses by security agencies, and this move may signal a shift toward judicial accountability.

Observers say the proceedings could have far-reaching political and institutional implications, testing the independence of Bangladesh’s judiciary and the state’s stance on human rights violations.

BJP legislator and Jammu & Kashmir opposition leader Sunil Sharma declared that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not remain silent on matters concerning Bangladesh and Pakistan. Speaking at a protest in Kishtwar organized by Hindu groups, Sharma linked recent violence in Bangladesh, including the killing of a Hindu worker, to what he described as an international conspiracy aimed at destabilizing India and provoking regional conflict.

Sharma asserted that countries like the United States and China fear Modi’s leadership and that he symbolizes hope for Hindus in Bangladesh. He further claimed that India’s growing economic and military strength toward 2047 has prompted attempts by rival nations to weaken it. Protesters submitted a memorandum to local authorities and announced plans to appeal to India’s top leadership for intervention to protect Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.

The remarks come amid heightened political sensitivity ahead of Bangladesh’s 2026 elections. Sharma also questioned the silence of international organizations on minority rights in Bangladesh, alleging that unrest there may be intended to delay the polls.

Dr. Tasnim Jara, senior joint member secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and a candidate for Dhaka-9 constituency, announced that her campaign fund received over Tk 1.2 million in just seven hours. The announcement came early Tuesday through her verified Facebook page, where she expressed gratitude for the overwhelming public support. The fundraising drive began Monday night as part of her effort to finance her election campaign.

According to Jara, the campaign’s total target is Tk 4.69 million, with fundraising to stop once Tk 3.4 million more is collected. She noted that donations through the mobile payment platform bKash were temporarily halted after reaching transaction limits, but contributions could still be made via bank accounts. Jara also shared screenshots of the donation accounts, emphasizing transparency and accountability in fund management.

The rapid response highlights growing citizen engagement in digital political fundraising in Bangladesh. Observers say such initiatives may reshape campaign financing norms, especially among younger and tech-savvy voters ahead of the upcoming national elections.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-1 is set to deliver its order today, December 23, on whether to formally frame charges against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 12 army officers in a case involving alleged abductions and torture at the Taskforce for Interrogation (TFI) cell. The three-member judicial panel, led by Chairman Golam Mortuza Majumdar, scheduled the ruling after concluding hearings earlier this month.

The case names 17 accused in total, including 10 currently in custody and seven absconding, among them former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and ex-RAB chief Benazir Ahmed. Defense lawyers have sought dismissal of the charges, while prosecutor Gazi M.H. Tamim urged the tribunal to proceed with trial. Hearings were previously postponed on December 21 following defense requests for special arguments.

The tribunal’s decision will determine whether a full trial begins against the former leader and senior military officials. The proceedings are being closely watched both domestically and internationally for their potential political and legal implications in post-Hasina Bangladesh.

A Dhaka court has imposed a travel ban on Asaduzzaman, the alleged foster son of Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, along with his wife Israt Jahan and associate Akhtaruzzaman. The order was issued on December 22 by Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun during a vacation session, following a petition from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

According to ACC spokesperson Tanzir Ahmed, the agency sought the restriction to prevent the accused from leaving the country while an investigation is underway. The ACC alleges that Asaduzzaman and his associates used political influence to engage in smuggling, illegal money transfers, customs evasion, and other corrupt practices, accumulating illicit wealth and laundering funds abroad. Reliable sources reportedly indicated that the trio might attempt to flee Bangladesh.

The court’s decision underscores growing scrutiny of politically connected individuals amid intensified anti-corruption drives. The ACC’s investigation is ongoing, and further legal actions may follow depending on the findings of the inquiry.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Sadiq Kayem has declined a government proposal to assign him an armed guard for personal protection. The offer was part of a broader initiative to provide security to student leaders, politicians, and journalists following recent political unrest. In a Facebook post on Monday, Kayem said he could not accept special protection when ordinary citizens remained unsafe.

Kayem argued that selective security measures contradict the principles of justice and equality. He criticized law enforcement for failing to ensure public safety and alleged that fascist influences within state institutions were undermining justice. His statement follows the government’s move to enhance security for prominent figures after the so-called July Revolution.

Observers note that Kayem’s refusal underscores growing public frustration over unequal security provisions and the perceived lack of institutional reform. The government has not yet responded to his remarks, but the debate highlights ongoing tensions between political leadership and youth movements over fairness and accountability in post-crisis Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has reiterated that the national election will be held on February 12 as scheduled. Speaking with US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor, Yunus said citizens are eager to exercise their voting rights, which had been suppressed under previous authoritarian rule. The half-hour conversation covered bilateral trade, tariff issues, democratic transition, and the killing of young political activist Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi.

During the call, Envoy Gor, who also serves as the US Ambassador to India, congratulated Yunus for leading recent trade negotiations that reduced reciprocal tariffs on Bangladeshi goods to 20 percent. He also mentioned the large funeral gathering for Hadi. Yunus accused supporters of the ousted regime of spending heavily to disrupt the election and inciting violence from abroad, but assured that the interim government is fully prepared to maintain order.

Yunus emphasized that with only 50 days remaining, the administration is focused on ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful election that will mark a milestone in Bangladesh’s democratic journey.

BNP Standing Committee member Selima Rahman announced that a new political movement under Tarique Rahman’s leadership will begin on February 12, aimed at realizing the spirit of the 1971 Liberation War and the aspirations of past mass uprisings. Speaking at a Victory Day discussion in Haluaghat, Mymensingh, she said the initiative seeks to restore people’s voting rights and democracy, asserting that the nation belongs to its citizens, not any single group.

Rahman accused the current government of depriving citizens of electoral rights and undermining state institutions through authoritarian rule. She emphasized that free and fair elections are the only path to establishing a truly democratic government. BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince echoed her remarks, calling for renewed commitment to sovereignty and democracy. The event also featured local BNP leaders and a pre-Christmas gathering with the Christian community.

The announcement signals BNP’s intent to intensify its political activities ahead of the coming months, positioning Tarique Rahman as the central figure in its campaign for democratic reform.

The Gono Odhikar Parishad, led by Nurul Haque Nur, has announced it will not enter into a seat-sharing agreement with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. Instead, the party will contest all 300 constituencies under its own symbol, signaling a fully independent electoral strategy. The decision was confirmed on December 22 by senior council member and media coordinator Abu Hanif following a meeting of the party’s executive committee and nomination aspirants.

Party leaders stated that Gono Odhikar Parishad aims to establish itself as an alternative political force in Bangladesh, emphasizing its refusal to compromise with what it termed “Awami fascism.” The party will distribute nomination forms until December 25, with candidates expected to submit their papers on December 28 and 29.

Political analysts view the move as a bold but risky step for a relatively new party seeking national recognition. The decision could reshape opposition dynamics in the upcoming election, especially amid ongoing debates over electoral alliances and legitimacy.

Inqilab Mancha organized a protest rally in Sylhet demanding the immediate trial of those involved in the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a political activist known for his role in anti-Indian dominance movements. The demonstration began at Chowhatta and drew participation from leaders and activists of various political groups. Protesters raised three key demands, including completion of the trial within 30 working days through a special tribunal, inclusion of international investigative agencies such as the FBI or Scotland Yard, and the arrest of alleged infiltrators within civil and military intelligence.

Speakers at the rally criticized government advisers for failing to ensure justice and called for their resignation. They described Hadi’s killing as a national tragedy and warned of tougher programs if impartial justice was not ensured. The protest reflects growing frustration among grassroots activists over delays in politically sensitive investigations.

Observers note that the demand for international involvement in the probe underscores a deep mistrust in domestic mechanisms. Authorities have yet to issue an official response to the protesters’ allegations or demands.

Local leaders of the National Democratic Party (JAGPA) have collected nomination papers on behalf of the party’s vice president and spokesperson, Rashed Pradhan, for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election in Bangladesh. The papers were obtained from the Assistant Returning Officer and Sadar Upazila Executive Officer Fahmida Sultana, and Upazila Election Officer Supta Karim on Monday afternoon.

The collection was led by Panchagarh District JAGPA President and freedom fighter Ansar Ali, accompanied by district and upazila-level party officials including Shahriar Alam Biplob, Shamsuzzaman Noyon Master, and others. The move signals JAGPA’s intent to contest in both Panchagarh-1 and Panchagarh-2 constituencies, reflecting the party’s continued effort to expand its political footprint in northern Bangladesh.

Election observers note that smaller parties like JAGPA are seeking to strengthen their presence ahead of the national polls. The Election Commission is expected to announce the final list of candidates following the scrutiny and withdrawal deadlines later this month.

Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Grigorievich Khokhin has called for reducing tensions between Bangladesh and India, emphasizing that Moscow will not interfere in the bilateral affairs of the two neighbors. Speaking at a press conference at the Russian Embassy in Dhaka, he urged both sides to seek a constructive solution and strengthen mutual trust to prevent further escalation.

Khokhin also welcomed the election schedule announced by Bangladesh’s Election Commission, expressing hope that the national polls will take place as planned on February 12. He underscored the importance of maintaining a peaceful and conducive environment ahead of the vote. The ambassador added that Russia is in contact with the Election Commission regarding the possible dispatch of election observers and is awaiting an official invitation.

Diplomatic observers view Russia’s statement as a cautious balancing act, reflecting its interest in regional stability while maintaining neutrality between two key South Asian partners. The coming weeks will test how both Dhaka and New Delhi manage the situation amid domestic and regional sensitivities.

A local Awami League leader in Madan municipality of Netrokona, retired army officer Manjurul Haque, has been accused of cutting a government-built road known as Hazera Aziz College Road. Witnesses said Haque personally oversaw the use of an excavator to dig up the road on Monday afternoon, claiming the road had been constructed over his private land. The road, built about five years ago under a rural infrastructure project, serves residents of Ward No. 6 for daily commuting.

Municipal officials confirmed the road’s public status and said attempts to stop the demolition were ignored. Assistant Commissioner (Land) Shaolin Nahar stated that local authorities halted the work after receiving complaints, while the district commissioner ordered legal measures. Locals alleged that Haque, who unsuccessfully sought party nominations multiple times, acted out of political frustration. Haque denied wrongdoing, insisting on his property rights.

The incident has sparked debate over land ownership and misuse of political influence in local governance. Authorities are investigating, and further administrative action is expected in the coming days.