BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman announced plans to transform Bangladesh’s youth into a skilled workforce through training and digital empowerment. Speaking virtually from London at the inauguration of a ‘Digital Memorial’ in Bogura on Sunday, he emphasized the party’s commitment to expanding freelancing opportunities and ensuring free internet access for students and young professionals. He also revealed that 20 locations in Bogura will soon have free Wi-Fi, with one college already connected.

Rahman outlined a broader development vision, including the recruitment of 100,000 health workers—85% of whom will be women—and the promotion of technical and language education to meet global labor market demands. He linked these initiatives to BNP’s revised seven-point agenda derived from its original 31-point program. Urging party members to remain vigilant, he criticized past governance as destructive and called for unity in rebuilding the nation.

Local BNP leaders, including Mosharaf Hossain and Rezaul Karim Badsha, attended the event, which drew participants from various professional sectors.

A school principal in Feni’s Sonagazi upazila has been served a show-cause notice after posting a Facebook status mocking BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman. The head of Al-Helal Academy, Omar Faruk, reportedly deleted the post after facing backlash. The Al-Helal Society, which oversees the institution, confirmed that disciplinary action is being considered against him.

The Sonagazi municipal BNP issued a press release demanding Faruk’s removal and exemplary punishment, alleging political bias and misuse of his position. Local BNP leaders claimed that Faruk, previously linked to the Awami League, used his influence to secure his current post and accumulate wealth through school-related activities. The controversy has sparked widespread criticism on social media, with BNP-affiliated groups calling for accountability.

The incident underscores the growing political sensitivity surrounding social media expression in Bangladesh’s education sector. Authorities are expected to decide on disciplinary measures soon, as the case continues to draw attention from both political and community circles.

Around 9,000 expatriate voters from Feni district have been officially registered to vote in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th National Parliament election and referendum through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ mobile application. According to the Election Commission’s website, a total of 20,491 expatriates applied for registration, of whom 8,755 have been approved while 11,736 remain pending. This marks the first time the Election Commission has introduced an IT-supported postal ballot system for overseas voters.

The new system allows expatriates, individuals in legal custody, and election officials on duty to cast their votes remotely. Registration began on November 19 and will continue until December 25. Once registered, voters will receive postal ballots by mail, cast their votes, and return them to the designated returning officer. Officials said the initiative aims to ensure broader participation of expatriates, though only 2.27% of Feni’s overseas population has registered so far.

District officials are promoting the process through social media and direct messaging. The system’s success could influence future national elections and expand digital voting mechanisms for Bangladesh’s large diaspora community.

Leaders of Islami Chhatra Shibir have strongly denied any involvement in recent attacks on the offices of national dailies The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, which followed protests over the death of Sharif Osman Hadi. In a statement issued Sunday, Shibir’s central president Zahidul Islam and secretary general Nurul Islam Saddam condemned what they called a deliberate attempt to implicate their organization.

The statement emphasized Shibir’s respect for media freedom and described any assault on journalists or cultural institutions as an attack on freedom of expression. The leaders alleged that vested groups were trying to deflect attention from the real culprits by blaming Shibir. They also clarified that controversial remarks made by some university-level Shibir members were personal opinions, not official positions.

Calling for an impartial and credible investigation, Shibir urged all parties to refrain from spreading misinformation. The group reiterated its commitment to lawful activism and national unity amid ongoing political tensions.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has called for transparent investigations and visible punishment for those responsible for recent arson killings and violent incidents across Bangladesh. Speaking to journalists at the Burn Institute in Dhaka after visiting a victim from Lakshmipur, Rizvi said that a series of secret attacks has created fear and uncertainty among citizens, posing a serious concern for the state.

Rizvi emphasized that people want to see justice served and that it is the government's duty to identify and prosecute the real perpetrators. He cautioned that any shortcomings in the investigation could deepen public anxiety and mistrust. The BNP leader also raised suspicions of a larger conspiracy possibly linked to the upcoming national elections or attempts to destabilize the country, hinting at potential foreign involvement.

He added that as a government claiming democratic legitimacy, the authorities must act decisively against wrongdoers. Other BNP leaders, including Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie and Dr. Rafiqul Islam, were present during his remarks.

Algeria’s National People’s Assembly has begun formal debate on a draft bill seeking to classify French colonial rule from 1830 to 1962 as a crime. The bill, introduced during a plenary session, aims to legally recognize the colonial period as one of systematic oppression and dispossession. Speaker Brahim Boughali, who was authorized to present the bill, described it as more than a legal measure—calling it a defining moment in modern Algerian history that reaffirms national memory and moral responsibility toward the country’s martyrs.

Boughali accused France’s colonial administration of pursuing a deliberate project of destruction and occupation, seizing land from Algerians and distributing it to settlers. He argued that the colonial regime sought to erase Algerian identity, culture, and history. The bill is scheduled for a parliamentary vote on Wednesday.

The debate comes amid heightened diplomatic strain between Algeria and France, particularly over France’s support for Morocco’s autonomy plan in Western Sahara, which has deepened tensions between the two nations.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has collected nomination papers on behalf of its chairperson Khaleda Zia and acting chairman Tarique Rahman for two parliamentary constituencies in Bogura. On Sunday, local BNP leaders collected the forms from the district administration offices, signaling the party’s preparation for the upcoming national election.

According to officials, district BNP president Rezaul Karim Badsha led the team collecting Tarique Rahman’s nomination papers for Bogura-6 from the district returning officer. Meanwhile, BNP chairperson’s adviser Helaluzzaman Talukder Lalu collected Khaleda Zia’s nomination papers for Bogura-7. Party leaders expressed optimism about their leaders’ participation, citing Khaleda Zia’s previous electoral victories in the area.

The move marks a symbolic step for the BNP, as both leaders have faced legal and political challenges in recent years. Party sources said final submission of the nomination papers will follow internal consultations with Tarique Rahman. The developments in Bogura are being closely watched as indicators of BNP’s broader electoral strategy and its stance against the ruling government.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has extended the application deadline for domestic observer organizations wishing to monitor the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. According to an official notice signed by Assistant Director (Public Relations) Ashadul Haque, observer groups now have until December 29 to submit their applications. The election and a national referendum are scheduled for February 12, 2025.

Under the Election Observation Policy 2025, organizations were initially required to apply within ten days of the election schedule announcement, which expired on December 21. The EC extended the deadline following requests from several observer groups. The commission also clarified that central observers will receive ID cards and vehicle stickers from the EC Secretariat, while local observers will collect theirs from respective returning officers.

Observers must submit attested copies of their educational certificates, national ID cards, and completed undertaking forms when collecting credentials. The extension aims to ensure broader participation and transparency in the electoral monitoring process.

A Mymensingh court has ordered the imprisonment of former BNP lawmaker Shah Shahid Sarwar, 65, in connection with an attack and shooting during an anti-discrimination student protest. The Chief Judicial Magistrate’s Court rejected his bail plea on Sunday after he surrendered, citing specific allegations against him. The order was issued by Judge Md Sifat Ullah of the 6th Magistrate Court, and police confirmed Sarwar’s transfer to jail following the hearing.

According to the case filed by Amir Hossain on April 15, Sarwar allegedly led an armed group that attacked protesters in Phulpur municipality, injuring the complainant with a gunshot to the head. The case was later recorded as an FIR on June 23 under court directive. Sarwar, who served as MP for Mymensingh-2 after winning the 2001 election, was expelled from the BNP in 2024 after contesting under an independent symbol.

The case underscores continuing political tensions in Bangladesh, with opposition figures facing legal scrutiny amid protests and allegations of violence. Further hearings are expected in the coming weeks.

Islami Chhatra Shibir’s central president Zahidul Islam stated that the assassination of Sharif Osman Hadi, described as a fearless fighter against dominance and corruption, cannot change the ideological foundation upon which Bangladesh stands. Speaking at a memorial discussion and prayer event organized by the Thakurgaon Development Forum in Dhaka, he said those responsible for Hadi’s death made a grave mistake and that his martyrdom has only strengthened the resolve of young revolutionaries.

The event, attended by political figures and student leaders, highlighted Hadi’s commitment to justice and sovereignty. Speakers including parliamentary candidates from Thakurgaon constituencies praised Hadi’s struggle against oppression, corruption, and authoritarianism. They asserted that his ideals would inspire future generations to continue resisting dominance and injustice.

Participants emphasized that Hadi’s death symbolizes a broader struggle for a corruption-free and equitable society. The gathering concluded with prayers seeking the highest honor for the slain activist, underscoring his enduring influence among Bangladesh’s youth movements.

Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, the Amir of Islami Andolon Bangladesh and Charmonai Pir, has called on the United Nations to take responsibility for ensuring that political killers from Bangladesh do not find refuge in neighboring India. Speaking to journalists after visiting the grave of slain leader Sharif Osman Hadi, he demanded that those involved in Hadi’s murder and other crimes under the previous government be extradited to Bangladesh for trial.

Karim emphasized that mutual respect for sovereignty is a fundamental principle of international politics and criticized what he described as India’s regional dominance. He questioned how Hadi’s killers managed to flee Bangladesh after the high-profile shooting in Dhaka. The cleric also praised the massive public turnout at Hadi’s funeral as evidence of national unity against external interference.

The statement comes amid heightened political tension and cross-border sensitivity. Observers note that the demand for UN involvement reflects growing frustration over perceived impunity and regional power dynamics. The government has yet to respond to Karim’s remarks.

Maulana Muhammad Faisal, the Central Organizing Secretary of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, has officially collected his nomination papers to contest in the upcoming national election from Dhaka-8 (Ramna–Motijheel) constituency. The nomination was collected on Sunday afternoon from the office of the Divisional Commissioner in Dhaka, marking the formal start of his campaign activities.

Party leaders including Maulana Fazlur Rahman, Maulana Zahirul Islam, Maulana Harunur Rashid, and Maulana Ruhul Amin accompanied Faisal during the submission. Party officials confirmed that Faisal has been finalized as the party’s candidate and will contest under the ‘Rickshaw’ symbol. The event drew enthusiasm among local supporters and activists.

The nomination marks Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis’s renewed effort to strengthen its political presence in Dhaka’s central constituencies. Observers note that the party’s participation could diversify the electoral competition in the capital, where major national parties traditionally dominate.

More than 200 men and women from Telihati Union in Gazipur’s Sreepur upazila formally joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Sunday. The joining ceremony took place at the residence of Professor Dr. S.M. Rafiqul Islam Bachchu, BNP’s central assistant secretary for health affairs and party candidate for Gazipur-3 constituency. The group was led by Telihati Union Parishad member Safiqul Islam and local resident Abdul Malek.

During the event, the new members presented flowers to Dr. Bachchu, expressing admiration for his leadership and the party’s nationalist ideals. Dr. Bachchu welcomed them, stating that the country is facing a deep political and democratic crisis, and that citizens’ spontaneous participation reflects trust in the BNP. He emphasized that such grassroots involvement would strengthen the movement to restore democracy.

Local BNP leaders, including Mosleh Uddin Mridha and Nurul Amin Akand, attended the event. Party officials described the mass joining as a sign of growing public confidence ahead of future political mobilizations in the region.

BNP Chairperson’s adviser Lion Aslam Chowdhury has officially collected nomination papers to contest from Chattogram-4 (Sitakunda) constituency in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The papers were collected on his behalf by Mohammad Morsalin, former president of the North District Jubo Dal, from the office of the Divisional Commissioner and Returning Officer in Chattogram on Sunday afternoon.

Several local BNP leaders and activists were present during the submission, including Sitakunda Upazila BNP convener Dr. Kamal Kader, municipal BNP convener Zakir Hossain, and former district committee members. Their presence signaled strong local organizational support for Chowdhury’s candidacy.

As the election approaches, major political parties are accelerating their nomination processes across Bangladesh. Chowdhury’s move reflects BNP’s efforts to strengthen its position in key constituencies of Chattogram, a region historically significant in national politics. The final list of candidates is expected to be confirmed following scrutiny by the Election Commission later this month.

The interim government of Bangladesh has officially established eight regional tribunals dedicated to preventing and addressing enforced disappearances across the country. A gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs confirmed that the tribunals will operate separately in each of the eight administrative divisions, including Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Khulna, Barishal, and Mymensingh. The order, signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Ashek-ur Rahman, states that the decision takes immediate effect under the authority of the Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Remedy Ordinance, 2025.

The creation of these tribunals marks a significant institutional step toward addressing long-standing concerns over disappearances and ensuring accountability. Human rights observers have long urged the government to establish independent mechanisms to investigate such cases. Legal experts note that the division-based structure could help streamline case management and improve access to justice for victims’ families.

Implementation details, including staffing and procedural rules, are expected to follow soon. The move is being closely watched by civil society and international partners as a test of Bangladesh’s commitment to human rights reforms.