BNP leader Shamsuzzaman Dudu has called on Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus to resign and lead a student political movement instead.

“Participate in the election—if the people vote for you, BNP will be the first to congratulate you,” said Dudu. He emphasized that over 500,000 BNP activists face lawsuits, and Khaleda Zia endured imprisonment without proper medical care. “No other party can take on challenges like BNP. Announce the election date before BNP takes to the streets,” he warned.

He added, “Shaheed Zia proved how dedicated one man can be to a nation. The party he founded is a threat to fascist Awami League. For BNP, democracy is the only priority.”

Sarjis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizers of the National Citizen Party (NCP) in the North and South regions, met with Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Abdul Momen. “We’ve come with some complaints and submitted them in writing,” Hasnat stated. When asked who the complaints were against, he responded, “That’s highly confidential. If we disclose it, the element of surprise is lost—and the culprits might take precautions.” Sarjis Alam added, “In the past, some used the ACC to build empires, while ordinary citizens were harassed without cause. We hope that won’t be repeated—and that’s why we’re here.”

Gano Adhikar Parishad has shared its feedback on the recommendations by various reform commissions with the National Consensus Commission (NCC), agreeing with about 85% of the proposals while partially agreeing or dissenting on the rest. The party proposed forming a national government based on broad political consensus to implement a reformed constitution through ordinances and conduct elections under it. It also called for limiting prime ministerial terms to two, separating party leadership from executive governance, and directly electing mayors in municipal elections. While agreeing to the formation of the NCC, the party opposed the inclusion of “pluralism” as a constitutional principle, suggesting “communal harmony” as an alternative. It also supported amending Article 70 of the Constitution.

Following a petition by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), a court has ordered the freezing of Tk 161.25 million deposited in the name of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Trust, linked to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, and sister Sheikh Rehana. The ACC stated in its plea that during the course of an investigation, evidence surfaced suggesting attempts to transfer or conceal these funds. To ensure a fair inquiry, the commission deemed it necessary to immediately freeze the related account.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan revealed that he had instructed senior party leader Azam Swati to initiate dialogue with the military establishment.

Khan clarified that the decision was not aimed at seeking personal legal relief or influencing his ongoing cases. “This was solely in the interest of Pakistan,” he stated.

He further added that PTI is no longer engaged in any talks with the current government, as he believes it lacks real authority.

Aman Azmi, son of former Jamaat chief Ghulam Azam, claimed that on January 18, 1970, two individuals were martyred while shielding his father during an attack by Chhatra League and Awami League members at a rally in Paltan. He said his father personally treated the wounded, who took shelter near their home. Azmi added that after Yahya Khan took power in 1969, Governor M.N. Huda offered his father a ministerial post, which he refused to retain his freedom to criticize the government.

In a joint meeting on Wednesday, Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh and the National Citizen Party (NCP) reached a consensus on several key issues. Both parties agreed that the Awami League should be tried for genocide and its registration as a political party must be revoked. They also demanded the swift withdrawal and resolution of politically motivated cases filed during the Awami League’s tenure. Additionally, they called for a suspension of all Awami League political and organizational activities until the trial is concluded. Both parties emphasized the importance of initiating this legal process before the next election and supported declaring the Awami League a terrorist organization prior to the polls.

BNP will organize nationwide protest and solidarity rallies on Thursday to condemn Israeli atrocities in Gaza and Rafah. The central rally will begin at 4 PM in front of BNP’s Naya Paltan office and proceed through Kakrail, Malibagh, and Moghbazar before ending at Banglamotor. The party has urged all members and the public to join.

BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stressed that elected governments earn more trust from investors. Referring to a speaker at the investment summit, he echoed that maintaining democratic continuity via elections is crucial. He pointed out that the growth of the garment industry and private sector in Bangladesh was rooted in BNP’s policies, highlighting that when BNP left power 21 years ago, the GDP growth rate was 7.06%.

BNP is seeking a meeting with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus by December to discuss a roadmap for the upcoming national election. Salahuddin Ahmed stated that resolving election-related uncertainty requires a clear timeline. He also emphasized restoring the pre-15th amendment constitutional balance, although the party has not proposed removing secularism. BNP is also not in favor of declaring a state of emergency.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced plans to celebrate Pahela Baishakh, the Bengali New Year, on a grand scale, envisioning a future free from fascism and autocracy. The party plans to host cultural fairs, Baishakhi parades, folk music concerts, traditional village games like ha-du-du, and panta ilish feasts across cities, districts, and upazilas. The BNP will also seek another meeting with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus to discuss a concrete election roadmap and is considering organizing a solidarity rally for Palestine.

In Natore’s Lalpur upazila, BNP activists forcefully freed detained Chhatra Dal leader Rubel Uddin from police custody. According to reports, Rubel was arrested in connection with a shooting incident at a BNP leader’s house in Bagatipara on December 16. At around 3:30 PM on Tuesday, police brought him to the station. Soon after, more than 50 members of Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal gathered, demanding his release. When police refused, chaos ensued, and the activists stormed the station, forcibly taking Rubel with them. The Superintendent of Police stated that a manhunt has been launched to apprehend all those involved.

Former Awami League MP and Chairman of Bengal Group, Morshed Alam, has been arrested by the Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police. Alam, who also chairs private TV station RTV, is reportedly facing multiple cases. He was elected MP from Noakhali-2 (covering parts of Senbagh and Sonaimuri upazilas) in the 10th parliamentary election in 2014 and was re-elected in both the 11th and 12th general elections.

At least five people were injured in Muladi, Barishal, when activists of the ruling party’s student wing, Chhatra League, allegedly threw hand bombs during a rally organized by the opposition’s Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal. The attack was reportedly led by Chhatra League’s upazila president Zubair Ahmed Jewel. During the ensuing chaos, several participants were hurt while trying to flee. Enraged activists of Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal later chased Jewel, who managed to escape. Following the incident, police detained Jewel’s brother-in-law, Jasim Patwari, from his residence. However, the local OC claimed that Jasim was arrested in connection with a separate case.

Sani Sarkar, a student of Political Science at Dhaka University, was attacked after requesting the removal of a banner belonging to the banned militant group Hizb ut-Tahrir. The incident occurred during a protest on Monday at the Raju Memorial Sculpture against Israeli attacks on Palestine. Sani has filed a complaint with the university proctor’s office. He is a student of the 2022–23 academic session. Abdul Kader, the convener of Democratic Students’ Council at DU, was also harassed during the incident. In response, students of the Political Science Department have announced a protest rally at the Raju Sculpture on Wednesday at 11 AM. The Democratic Students’ Council has issued a statement condemning the attack and demanding justice.