Leaders from Bangladesh’s media, political, and civil society sectors have demanded immediate legal action against those responsible for recent attacks on the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. The call came during a joint protest meeting titled “Bangladesh Affected by Mob Violence,” organized by the Editors’ Council at a Dhaka hotel on Monday.

Speakers, including BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, described the assaults as direct attacks on democracy and freedom of expression. Alamgir urged unity against what he termed conspiracies to silence the press. Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zobayer also condemned the incidents, recalling previous attacks on journalists and editors.

Participants from political parties, human rights groups, business associations, and civic organizations expressed concern over the rise of mob violence in Bangladesh. Observers warned that repeated assaults on the media could further erode public trust and democratic accountability if perpetrators are not swiftly brought to justice.

The Inqilab Mancha has demanded the formation of a special judicial tribunal within 24 hours to ensure a fair and speedy trial in the murder case of Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the July Revolutionary and Inqilab Mancha. At a press conference held in front of the National Museum in Dhaka, the group’s member-secretary Abdullah Al Jaber urged the government to seek assistance from international agencies such as the FBI or Scotland Yard if local investigators fail to deliver results.

Jaber described the Hadi killing as a critical test for post-July Bangladesh, warning that public trust in state institutions would erode further without visible judicial progress. He accused some quarters of attempting to divert attention from the case and insisted that no national election should be held before justice is served. He also called for transparency regarding obstacles to the investigation and urged the government to use extradition treaties to bring suspects back if they have fled abroad.

The group issued a 24-hour ultimatum, threatening to continue street protests if the government fails to respond satisfactorily.

Ganosamhati Andolon chief coordinator Jonayed Saki has declared that the people of Bangladesh will not accept any attempt to establish religious fascism. Speaking at a protest rally in front of the National Press Club on Monday, Saki accused reactionary forces of trying to destabilize the country and derail the upcoming elections through violence and intimidation, including the recent killing of activist Usman Hadi.

Saki criticized the government for remaining silent on attacks against media outlets and for failing to arrest Hadi’s killers. He warned that if justice is not ensured, the government must be held accountable. The activist leader also condemned the arson attack in Lakshmipur that killed a child, linking such incidents to broader attempts to spread fear and political instability.

He further alleged that some groups are attempting to become “new fascists” and that neighboring India’s rise of religious nationalism could influence similar trends in Bangladesh. Saki reaffirmed his party’s commitment to fighting fascism and defending democratic reform and justice.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that the Bangladesh he fought for—a free, sovereign, and democratic nation—no longer exists in its intended form. Speaking at a protest meeting titled “Bangladesh Under Mob Violence,” organized by the Editors’ Council and NOAB in Dhaka, Fakhrul warned that attacks on the press are direct assaults on democracy itself and the spirit of the July Revolution.

He argued that the right to think and speak freely is under threat, calling the situation dangerous not only for journalists but for all citizens. Fakhrul urged all pro-democracy groups to unite beyond party boundaries to resist what he described as growing authoritarianism. Editors and journalists attending the event pledged to defend press freedom and oppose organized violence.

The remarks come amid increasing concerns about media suppression and political polarization in Bangladesh, with opposition leaders framing the issue as a broader struggle for democratic survival.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Khulna divisional head and central labor wing organizer Motaleb Shikdar was shot by unidentified assailants near Gazi Medical College Hospital in Khulna city late Monday morning. The bullet reportedly entered through the side of his ear and exited, causing heavy bleeding. He was first taken to Khulna Medical College Hospital and later transferred to a private imaging center for a CT scan due to his deteriorating condition. Doctors have since confirmed that he is now out of danger.

Police from Sonadanga station confirmed the incident and said an investigation is underway to identify the attackers. NCP leaders, including former district coordinator Sajidul Islam Bappy and joint secretary SM Saif Mostafiz, expressed concern over the attack, linking it to rising political tensions ahead of the interim election. The party has demanded swift justice and enhanced security for its organizers.

Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from the area, while local residents have urged stronger policing to prevent further political violence in Khulna.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-1 has scheduled January 4 for the next hearing on the formation of charges against Salman F Rahman, former adviser to ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and former law minister Anisul Huq. The two are accused of crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the July Revolution. The tribunal, chaired by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder and assisted by Justice Shafiul Alam Mahmud, issued the order after hearing arguments from the prosecution.

Chief Prosecutor Tazul Islam presented the allegations, which include ordering curfews, directing ruling party affiliates to suppress protests, and authorizing lethal force that led to civilian deaths and injuries. The prosecution has charged both men under the doctrine of superior responsibility, citing their positions of authority during the unrest.

Defense counsel Mansurul Haque requested additional time to respond, which the court granted. The accused, detained since August 13 following the fall of the Awami League government, remain in custody as the tribunal prepares for the next stage of proceedings.

Cumilla district has recorded the highest number of expatriate voter registrations in Bangladesh ahead of the 13th National Parliament election and referendum. According to the Election Commission, 54,545 expatriates from Cumilla have registered through the 'Postal Vote BD' app, placing the district first among 64 nationwide. Dhaka ranks second. Registration began on November 19 and will continue until December 25, marking the first use of an IT-supported postal ballot system for overseas voters.

Election officials report that of the total applicants, 52,835 are men and 1,710 are women, with 8,755 registrations already approved. Cumilla has around 4.99 million total voters across 11 constituencies. The district’s large expatriate population—over 764,000 workers sent abroad since 2015—contributes nearly 9% of Bangladesh’s overseas workforce and about $100 million in monthly remittances. Officials expect total expatriate voter registrations to reach 60,000–70,000 before the deadline.

Authorities believe postal ballots could influence constituency results if participation is high. Ballots will be mailed to registered voters abroad, who will return them by post for counting on election day afternoon.

Bangladesh has launched a nationwide ‘Vote Car’ campaign aimed at raising voter awareness and participation ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and 2026 referendum. The campaign officially began Monday afternoon at the South Plaza of the National Parliament, inaugurated virtually by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus through a video message.

The initiative will see specially branded vehicles travel across all 64 districts and over 300 upazilas, promoting civic engagement and voter education. Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, and Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed attended the launch event. Officials emphasized that the campaign seeks to strengthen democratic participation and ensure a transparent electoral process.

Observers note that the ‘Vote Car’ project reflects the interim government’s effort to restore public confidence in electoral institutions. As the election approaches, authorities hope the outreach drive will address voter apathy and misinformation, encouraging higher turnout in both the general election and the referendum.

Inqilab Mancha’s member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber has demanded that justice for the killing of Shaheed Osman Hadi be ensured before the upcoming national election. Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka’s Shahbagh on Monday, he accused the home and law advisers of negligence, saying their irresponsibility had contributed to the current state of disorder in the country.

The statement followed a Facebook post by the organization on Sunday night, which alleged that none of its two major demands had been met despite widespread public support. The post also criticized the home and deputy home advisers for failing to provide explanations during a recent briefing. It further claimed that the chief adviser had not established full authority over civil and military intelligence agencies and that individuals loyal to the previous administration remained in key positions.

The group warned that attempts to downplay Hadi’s murder through official briefings would deepen public mistrust. Observers note that the demand adds political pressure on the interim administration as the election approaches.

The central committee of Jubo Dal has issued a show-cause notice to its Madaripur district convener, Faruk Hossain Bepari, after he was seen leading a group guarding the residence and businesses of suspended Awami League leader Shahjahan Khan and his family. The notice, signed by the party’s assistant office secretary, requires a written explanation within three days.

Local sources said the incident occurred amid heightened political tension following an attack on Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Osman Hadi. Photos of Faruk and around 40–50 activists stationed at a petrol pump owned by Shahjahan Khan’s brother circulated on social media, drawing criticism. Senior BNP leaders accused Faruk of damaging the party’s image by allegedly taking money to protect a rival’s property.

Faruk denied the allegations, claiming he acted at the request of police and local authorities to prevent possible sabotage. The controversy underscores internal strain within BNP’s youth wing as it navigates political unrest in Madaripur.

Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, a former student representative in the interim government’s advisory council, has collected his nomination form to contest the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election from Dhaka-10 constituency. He obtained the form from the Dhanmondi Thana Election Office on Monday morning, confirming his intention to run as an independent candidate.

Bhuiyan and fellow student adviser Mahfuz Alam resigned from their advisory roles on December 10 after meeting with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Their resignations sparked speculation about possible political affiliations, with rumors suggesting Bhuiyan might join the National Citizen Party (NCP) or the Gonodhikar Parishad under the BNP alliance. However, Bhuiyan clarified on December 12 that he would contest independently.

The Dhaka-10 constituency, covering Dhanmondi, Kalabagan, New Market, and Hazaribagh, is expected to see a competitive race. BNP has nominated Sheikh Robiul Alam, while Jamaat-e-Islami’s candidate is Supreme Court lawyer Jasim Uddin Sarkar. The NCP has yet to announce its contender for the seat.

The U.S. administration under President Donald Trump is preparing to intensify its anti-immigration campaign in 2026, allocating $170 billion over the next three and a half years to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The funding, which runs through September 2029, will support expanded enforcement operations across workplaces and communities nationwide.

Officials said the plan includes hiring thousands of new agents, opening additional detention centers, and partnering with private firms to locate undocumented immigrants. The initiative marks one of the largest financial boosts to federal immigration enforcement in recent years. However, public support for Trump’s immigration policy has declined, with approval dropping from 50% in March to 41% by mid-December, according to recent polls.

Critics warn that the expanded operations could strain local economies and deepen divisions in immigrant-heavy cities such as Miami. The administration maintains that the measures are necessary to ensure border security and uphold immigration laws, setting the stage for renewed political debate in 2026.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for collective resistance against all forms of oppressive forces, emphasizing that awareness alone is not enough. Speaking on Monday morning, he urged citizens and political actors to take a firm stand to protect democratic values and freedoms.

Addressing recent attacks on media outlets, Fakhrul stated that the assaults on newspapers such as Prothom Alo and The Daily Star were not merely attacks on institutions but on democracy itself and the fundamental right to free expression. His remarks come amid growing concerns over press freedom and political polarization in Bangladesh.

Political analysts note that the BNP’s renewed rhetoric signals a broader campaign to mobilize public sentiment ahead of upcoming political activities. Observers warn that continued pressure on the media could further strain Bangladesh’s democratic environment and complicate dialogue between major political parties.

More than 575,000 expatriate Bangladeshis have registered to vote in the upcoming 13th National Parliament election and referendum through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ mobile application, according to the Election Commission’s latest update as of Monday morning. The registration process, initially open until December 18, has been extended to December 25 to accommodate more overseas voters.

Among the registered expatriates, 538,808 are men and 36,459 are women. Saudi Arabia accounts for the highest number of registrants at 138,705, followed by Qatar with 52,109, Oman with 38,099, Malaysia with 36,427, the United Arab Emirates with 26,500, and the United States with 24,055 voters. The Election Commission stated that the initiative aims to ensure greater participation of Bangladeshis living abroad in national decision-making.

Officials expect the final registration tally to rise further before the December 25 deadline, marking a milestone in Bangladesh’s effort to integrate its diaspora into the democratic process through digital platforms.

Tensions have risen within the eight-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami in Sunamganj as disputes over candidate selection intensify ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th national election. The uncertainty centers on two constituencies—Sunamganj-1 and Sunamganj-3—where frequent party-switching by two prominent politicians, Dr. Rafiqul Islam Chowdhury and Advocate Maulana Shahinur Pasha Chowdhury, has triggered grassroots mistrust and internal divisions.

Dr. Rafiqul Islam, once a BNP executive member, has shifted allegiances multiple times, most recently joining Islami Andolan Bangladesh in November 2025 to seek the alliance’s nomination. Local Jamaat leaders argue his candidacy could endanger the coalition’s vote base. Similarly, Shahinur Pasha, now with Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, faces skepticism from alliance activists due to his history of switching parties and participation in controversial elections.

Grassroots leaders warn that nominating controversial figures could erode voter confidence and damage the alliance’s electoral prospects. Party insiders suggest that final nominations will depend on field surveys and local acceptance to prevent internal rifts before the polls.