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.

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.