The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has received official permission to organize a reception for its acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, who is scheduled to return from the United Kingdom on December 25. The approval was confirmed by BNP media cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan, who stated that the Dhaka Divisional Commissioner’s office issued a written authorization to BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on the evening of December 21.

According to party sources, the permission letter was delivered to BNP’s central office in Naya Paltan by an official from the commissioner’s office. BNP leaders, including central committee member Sattar Patwari, formally received the document. The event is being described by party officials as a “historic homecoming” for Tarique Rahman, who has been living in exile in the UK for several years.

The reception is expected to draw large crowds and tight security measures in Dhaka. Political observers note that Tarique’s return could significantly reshape Bangladesh’s opposition politics ahead of future elections.

A major political controversy has erupted in Kurigram after several former and current Awami League leaders, including an accused in the high-profile Rafiqul murder case, formally joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The induction ceremony took place at the district BNP office last Saturday, sparking outrage among grassroots activists and civil society groups who labeled the move as a betrayal of political ethics.

Political and student organizations have sharply criticized the BNP’s decision, calling it a ‘rehabilitation of fascists’ and a ‘betrayal of martyrs.’ Among those joining were municipal councilor Anisur Rahman, Al Harunuzzaman Harun, Mostafa Kamal, Jamshed Ali Tunku, Abdul Malek, and two former reserved female councilors. Critics argue that bringing in figures linked to violent political episodes undermines BNP’s moral standing.

BNP leaders in Kurigram defended the move, claiming some of the returnees were former party activists who had joined the Awami League under pressure. Analysts say the controversy could deepen internal divisions within the BNP and complicate its efforts to rebuild credibility ahead of future elections.

A political rift has emerged in Panchhari upazila of Khagrachhari after a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) joining event sparked allegations of covert rehabilitation of Awami League (AL) leaders. The December 2 program, attended by former MP and district BNP president Abdul Wadud Bhuiyan, reportedly saw over a hundred activists from various parties join the BNP.

However, local BNP members claim that around 70 of the new entrants were active or former AL leaders, including union-level officeholders and youth front members. Veteran BNP activists, who endured years of repression, expressed anger, saying the inclusion of former rivals undermines their sacrifices. Allegations also surfaced that financial transactions influenced the recruitment process.

Analysts warn that such cross-party realignments could destabilize local politics ahead of the 13th national election. The situation has been further complicated by claims that local Jamaat-e-Islami units are sheltering former AL activists. Residents have questioned the administration’s inaction amid the nationwide “Devil Hunt” anti-crime campaign, raising concerns about governance and political accountability in the region.

Six deans of Rajshahi University resigned late Sunday following a day-long student protest demanding their removal. The deans, reportedly aligned with the Awami League-backed Yellow Panel, declared their inability to continue duties during an evening meeting, confirmed Public Relations Administrator Professor Akhtar Hossain Majumder. The resignations came after students locked the deans’ offices and confined the registrar in protest.

The six deans represented key faculties including Law, Science, Business Studies, Social Science, Engineering, and Geoscience. Their terms had officially expired earlier in the week, but the vice-chancellor had instructed them to remain in office until new elections were held. Student leaders, including those affiliated with Islami Chhatra Shibir, led the demonstrations, demanding immediate resignations. Attempts to reach Vice-Chancellor Professor Saleh Hasan Naqib for comment were unsuccessful.

The resignations highlight growing tensions between politically aligned academic panels and student groups. The university administration is expected to announce further decisions regarding interim appointments and upcoming dean elections in the coming days.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a formal statement rejecting India’s claim that local media reports on a protest outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi were misleading. The ministry described the December 20 incident as deeply regrettable, noting that demonstrators were allowed to gather just outside the mission without prior notice, causing alarm among staff inside the compound.

The statement came a day after India’s official response and emphasized that Bangladesh expects the Indian government to uphold its commitment to ensuring the safety of all Bangladeshi diplomatic posts. Dhaka also dismissed Indian authorities’ attempt to portray a recent isolated attack on a Hindu citizen in Bangladesh as a broader assault on minorities, stressing that suspects had already been arrested.

Bangladesh reiterated that interfaith relations in the country remain comparatively stable within South Asia and underscored that protecting minority communities is a shared responsibility of all regional governments. The exchange highlights ongoing sensitivities in bilateral relations between the two neighbors.

Around 48,910 expatriate Bangladeshis from Sylhet Division have registered to vote in the upcoming 13th National Parliament election and referendum, according to the Election Commission’s website. The registration, conducted through the Postal BD app, began on November 18 and will close in four days. Despite an estimated 1–1.2 million Sylhetis living abroad, only a small fraction have completed registration.

Officials note that this marks the first time expatriates will be able to vote since Bangladesh’s independence, following a landmark decision by the interim government. However, progress has been slow due to limited technical capacity at embassies, lack of awareness, and the busy schedules of migrant workers. Sylhet district recorded the highest number of registrants at 23,687, followed by Moulvibazar, Sunamganj, and Habiganj.

Observers say the initiative could strengthen expatriate engagement in national governance, though low participation remains a concern. Expatriate leaders have urged all political parties to promote full registration before the deadline.

Inquilab Mancha has called a press conference for Monday, December 22, at noon in Dhaka University’s Madhur Canteen to announce its next course of action. The group made the announcement through a Facebook post on Sunday night, citing dissatisfaction with the government’s inaction on its two-point demand.

According to the statement, despite mass participation and public endorsement, none of the demands have been met. The group criticized the absence of the Home Adviser and Deputy Home Adviser at previous briefings and accused authorities of downplaying the killing of activist Shahid Osman Hadi. It also alleged that the chief adviser failed to assert full control over civil and military intelligence agencies.

The upcoming press conference is expected to outline new protest programs and demands. Political observers suggest the event could signal a renewed phase of mobilization by the group amid growing tensions between civil movements and the interim administration.

In Lakshmipur’s Kamalnagar upazila, Union Parishad administrator Md. Shakil Ahmed faces allegations of misusing a government ‘Swapnajatra’ ambulance for personal purposes. Reports claim he used the vehicle to transport family members to his in-laws’ residence in Faridpur. The ambulance driver confirmed the trip, stating he acted under the administrator’s and secretary’s instructions.

Beyond the ambulance misuse, Shakil Ahmed is also accused of irregularities in distributing fishermen’s relief rice, withholding tax collection records, and monopolizing administrative control of the council. Secretary Saiful Islam acknowledged the administrator’s unilateral decision-making, while Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Rahat Uz Zaman said he had not granted permission for any personal use of the ambulance.

Shakil Ahmed defended his actions, claiming his daughter was ill and required transport. The allegations have raised questions about accountability and oversight in local government operations, with potential administrative inquiry expected in the coming days.

In Cumilla’s Debidwar upazila, around 200 suspended Awami League leaders and activists formally joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) at the residence of Manjurul Hasan Munshi, BNP’s candidate for Cumilla-4 and former district president. The mass defection, held on Sunday, has sparked widespread criticism across political circles, with many describing it as a controversial act of political rehabilitation.

Leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami, the National Citizen Party (NCP), and even several BNP grassroots members voiced disapproval, arguing that those accused of past political repression should not be accepted into the opposition. NCP’s southern region organizer Hasnat Abdullah called the move “a naked attempt at power politics,” while Cumilla BNP’s member-secretary AFM Tarek Munshi labeled it “embarrassing” for the party. BNP candidate Munshi did not respond to calls for comment.

The incident underscores growing unease within the opposition alliance ahead of the next election, raising questions about candidate selection, internal discipline, and the party’s broader strategy to expand its support base in key constituencies.

Two brothers from Mirzapur, Tangail, have each collected nomination papers to contest the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election from the same constituency, Tangail-7. According to local election officials, Firoz Haidar Khan collected his nomination papers on Thursday, followed by his younger brother, Dipu Haidar Khan, on Sunday. The Mirzapur Upazila Election Officer, Shahanaj Akter, confirmed the submissions on December 21.

Firoz Haidar Khan is the president of the Bangladesh Brick Manufacturers Association and a former member of the Tangail District BNP. His younger brother, Dipu Haidar Khan, serves as the organizing secretary of the BNP-affiliated Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal’s central committee and is also the convener of the Tangail District Krishak Dal. Although Dipu was not initially nominated by the BNP, he proceeded to collect nomination papers independently.

The unusual development of two brothers seeking candidacy from the same party and constituency has drawn local attention, highlighting internal competition within the BNP’s Tangail unit. Party insiders suggest the nomination process may intensify as the election approaches, with the final candidate list expected after party scrutiny.

Police in Faridpur’s Sadarpur upazila have arrested Jalal Uddin Sek, a local Awami League leader, during the ongoing ‘Devil Hunt Phase-2’ operation aimed at maintaining law and order across Bangladesh. The arrest took place on December 21 at Sek’s residence in Char Bishnupur Union, where he served as president of the party’s Ward No. 6 unit.

According to Sadarpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Abdul Al Mamun Shah, the operation was part of a broader effort to curb criminal activities and prevent unrest in the region. Authorities allege that Sek was involved with a banned political organization, though details of the charges have not been publicly disclosed. Police confirmed that a case against him is currently being processed.

The ‘Devil Hunt Phase-2’ campaign has been active nationwide, with law enforcement agencies continuing targeted operations in multiple districts. Officials indicated that similar drives will continue in the coming days to strengthen local security and deter political violence.

Former Member of Parliament and BNP central committee member K.M. Anwarul Islam has collected nomination papers to contest as an independent candidate from the Pabna-3 constituency, which includes Chatmohar, Bhangura, and Faridpur upazilas. He obtained the nomination papers from the office of the Assistant Returning Officer and Chatmohar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Musa Naser Chowdhury on Sunday afternoon, accompanied by several local BNP leaders.

The move comes after the BNP officially nominated Krishak Dal president and agriculturist Hasan Jafir Tuhin for the same seat, triggering protests led by Anwarul Islam and other local BNP leaders. Demonstrations and torch processions were previously held in opposition to the party’s decision, reflecting internal divisions within the local BNP leadership.

Political analysts suggest that Anwarul Islam’s independent candidacy could split the BNP vote in Pabna-3, potentially benefiting rival parties. The development underscores the growing tension within BNP ranks ahead of the upcoming national elections, as several senior figures consider running independently after being denied party nominations.

The Election Commission of Bangladesh has authorized the Air Force to deploy drones for surveillance and security during the upcoming national elections. Chief Election Commissioner Abul Fazl Sanaullah announced the decision following a high-level meeting with the heads of the army, navy, and air force in Dhaka. The move comes amid heightened security concerns following the killing of political figure Sharif Osman Hadi, which officials say has affected law and order in several constituencies.

Sanaullah confirmed that joint forces have already launched coordinated operations to recover illegal weapons and detain suspects. Since December 13, security agencies have arrested around 2,000 individuals daily and seized dozens of weapons. The Election Commission emphasized that one-third of the planned 100,000-strong military deployment is already in place, with the remainder to follow soon. Authorities assured that all security forces are fully prepared to ensure a peaceful and credible election.

The Commission urged political parties to cooperate with law enforcement and maintain calm, stressing that those attempting to disrupt the electoral process will face legal consequences.

Masud Alam, a Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) official once thrust into the public spotlight after a remark by former minister Obaidul Quader went viral, was recently seen in Cox’s Bazar. Alam, who previously served as a deputy director, has since been promoted to director (engineering) for the Chattogram division. He attended a government event distributing financial aid to families of road accident victims.

The phrase “Masud, be good” — uttered by Quader during the previous Awami League government — became a long-standing social media meme, often resurfacing in online discussions. Many attendees reportedly recognized Alam at the Cox’s Bazar event, while others viewed him simply as a senior official. A photo from the event circulating on Facebook reignited humorous commentary, with users jokingly asking if he had indeed “become good.”

Although Alam did not speak to the media, his reappearance has revived a piece of Bangladesh’s recent political and internet folklore, highlighting how viral moments can linger in public memory far beyond their original context.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has strongly condemned the recent killings of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh and a child named Ayesha in Lakshmipur, both reportedly burned to death in separate incidents. In a statement issued on Sunday, the group’s joint secretary general, Maulana Azizul Haque Islamabadi, demanded immediate arrests and exemplary punishment for those responsible.

The statement alleged that Dipu Chandra’s murder was a premeditated act disguised under religious motives but rooted in labor disputes. Hefazat also criticized the culture of impunity in Bangladesh, citing previous incidents of mob violence that went unpunished. The organization warned that political mistrust and sabotage were deepening divisions within society.

Addressing recent attacks on institutions following the death of activist Osman Hadi, Hefazat urged supporters to avoid violence and maintain peace. The group called on the government to strengthen intelligence and law enforcement to prevent further unrest, especially ahead of the upcoming national elections.