Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed confidence that the upcoming national election in Bangladesh will not be postponed. Following a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other commissioners on Monday, the party’s Secretary General, Mia Golam Porwar, stated that Jamaat does not foresee any risk of delay in the electoral schedule.

During the meeting, the six-member Jamaat delegation urged the Election Commission (EC) to install CCTV cameras at polling centers to ensure transparency and public confidence in the voting process. Porwar suggested that the EC could seek assistance from donor agencies to fund the initiative. The meeting followed similar consultations held earlier with representatives from the BNP, NCP, and the Bangladesh Administration Association.

Jamaat leaders also met with a European Union delegation, where party chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman emphasized that Jamaat’s politics serve the people rather than any individual or group, and that while the party works with religious values, it does not exploit religion for political gain.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has instructed Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar to prepare for recording the Chief Election Commissioner’s (CEC) address to the nation on December 10, when the schedule for the 13th National Parliamentary Election will be announced. The EC’s Public Relations Department confirmed the directive on December 8, noting that the CEC, A M M Nasir Uddin, will deliver a pre-recorded speech outlining the election timetable.

According to EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, the CEC and other commissioners will meet the President on the same day before the address is recorded. Officials indicated that the election schedule could be formally declared by December 11, with voting likely to occur between February 8 and 12. The EC emphasized its commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and neutral election process.

Unlike the previous election, when the CEC delivered the announcement live, this year’s address will be pre-recorded. The CEC is expected to urge citizens to participate in the election and call on candidates to uphold fairness throughout the process.

A German-based operator has canceled the air ambulance flight that was scheduled to transport former Bangladeshi Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia from Dhaka to London for medical treatment. The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) confirmed that the operator, FAI Aviation Group, formally withdrew its landing slot request through its local agent despite having prior approval for arrival on Tuesday morning.

According to CAAB officials, the air ambulance, a Bombardier Challenger 604 jet, had been arranged with support from the Qatari government. It was expected to land in Dhaka at 8 a.m. and depart for London at 9 p.m. with Khaleda Zia on board. However, the operator later submitted a formal request to cancel the slot, which CAAB has forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Neither the operator nor the BNP has provided an official explanation for the cancellation, leaving uncertainty over Khaleda Zia’s next medical transfer plan and her current treatment arrangements in Bangladesh.

A new political alliance named the National Democratic Front (NDF) was officially launched in Dhaka under the leadership of former Jatiya Party heavyweights Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud and Anwar Hossain Manju. The announcement came during a press conference at the Jana Party Center in Gulshan, where leaders introduced a coalition of 20 parties, including the Jatiya Party (Manju), Jatiya Party (Anisul), Bangladesh National Party, Trinamool BNP, and several smaller groups.

NDF leaders said the alliance aims to uphold democratic continuity and protect citizens’ rights. They criticized the government’s approach to the upcoming election, calling for a truly participatory process. ABM Ruhul Amin Hawlader, a Jatiya Party faction leader, stressed that reforms cannot exclude the Jatiya Party and urged all parties to be given equal opportunity. Mahmud argued that the interim government’s stance on ensuring fair competition remains unclear and self-serving.

The coalition’s formation follows a November 30 consultation meeting where 16 parties initially joined, later expanding to 20. The NDF’s emergence signals renewed efforts to reshape Bangladesh’s opposition landscape before the next national polls.

Mahmudur Rahman Manna, president of Nagorik Oikya and former Daksu vice president, has cautioned that any delay in announcing Bangladesh’s election schedule will deepen public uncertainty. Speaking at the inauguration of his party’s district office in Kurigram on Sunday, he noted that the Election Commission had initially hinted at declaring the schedule earlier in the month but has since deferred the announcement. Manna reiterated his party’s stance that the election should be held before Ramadan to maintain public confidence.

He praised Begum Khaleda Zia’s contributions to democratic movements, expressing concern over her health and emphasizing the importance of her participation in the electoral process. Manna also said that Nagorik Oikya maintains communication with the BNP and other opposition groups but has yet to form any formal electoral alliance. Senior party leaders, including Shahidullah Kaiser and Major (Retd.) Abdus Salam, were present at the event.

Observers note that Manna’s remarks reflect growing anxiety among smaller political groups about election timing and opposition unity ahead of the national polls.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that his party does not use religion for political gain, criticizing those who invoke religious symbols only during elections. Speaking to reporters after meeting ambassadors from eight European Union countries in Dhaka, he emphasized that Jamaat avoids mixing religion with politics or business.

Dr. Rahman warned that any delay in the upcoming February national election could push Bangladesh into a deep crisis, stressing that Jamaat wants the polls to proceed on time. He pledged that if the party came to power, it would build an inclusive government, ensure rule of law, and restore economic stability. He urged political actors to reject corruption and guarantee equal justice for all citizens.

Addressing concerns about BNP leader Khaleda Zia’s health, Rahman said political continuity should not depend on individual well-being. He also noted that holding two votes on the same day could raise logistical concerns, suggesting separate dates for elections and referendums.

Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, stated that preparations for the upcoming national election are progressing well. Speaking after a meeting of the law and order advisory committee on December 8, he said all security forces are undergoing training expected to conclude by January. Measures are being taken to ensure a peaceful, fair, and festive election, including the use of body cameras by law enforcement and uninterrupted electricity at polling centers.

Chowdhury acknowledged that crimes and killings may not completely stop before the election, emphasizing that there is no 'magic switch' to eliminate all incidents instantly. Addressing political participation, he noted that all parties are active, though some prefer to remain indoors due to internal issues. He also mentioned strict instructions to identify and arrest those involved in the recent murder of a freedom fighter and his wife in Rangpur.

The adviser’s remarks reflect the government’s intent to project readiness and transparency ahead of a crucial national vote.

Former Dhaka University Chhatra Shibir president and current Howard University assistant professor Dr. Mirza Galib has criticized the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for adopting what he described as the Awami League’s failed strategy against Jamaat-e-Islami. In a Facebook post on December 8, Galib said BNP is treating this ineffective approach as its primary political weapon instead of focusing on building a healthy two-party democratic system.

He emphasized that national interest should rise above party interest, citing examples of post-war European unity and the United States’ federal resilience after its civil war. Galib warned that both BNP and Jamaat are drifting toward an unhealthy rivalry, fueled not only by emotional supporters but also by senior leaders. He noted that BNP leaders are now attacking Jamaat using rhetoric similar to that of the Awami League.

Galib urged both parties to prioritize creating a stable political environment to harness Bangladesh’s demographic dividend. He called on BNP and Jamaat leaders to focus on the country’s long-term future rather than short-term electoral gains.

Massive donations have poured in for the proposed Babri Mosque project announced by suspended Trinamool Congress leader Humayun Kabir in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district. Eleven steel donation boxes placed at the foundation-laying event on December 6 filled up within two days. Counting began Sunday night, revealing over ₹37 lakh in cash and ₹93 lakh in online contributions via QR code, with total donations expected to cross several crores.

Kabir, expelled from the TMC following his mosque announcement, claimed that people were donating generously, including contributions from abroad. The counting process is being livestreamed to ensure transparency, with 30 people engaged in tallying funds. Security measures, including CCTV and a dedicated storage room, are being arranged to safeguard the money.

Kabir has declared plans to launch a new political party on December 22 and contest 135 seats in the upcoming state elections. His mosque initiative and political ambitions have drawn both grassroots enthusiasm and scrutiny from state political circles.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has exempted BNP Chairperson’s adviser and senior Supreme Court lawyer Fazlur Rahman from contempt of court charges after he issued an unconditional apology. The case stemmed from his earlier remarks about the tribunal, which were deemed disrespectful. On Monday, December 8, the three-member judicial panel led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar accepted his apology and dismissed the proceedings.

Fazlur Rahman appeared before the tribunal at 11 a.m. accompanied by senior lawyers including Zainul Abedin, Barrister Kaiser Kamal, and Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kajol. His counsel Ruhul Quddus first presented arguments before Rahman personally addressed the bench, stating that his comments during a talk show were a “slip of the tongue” and affirming, “After Allah, I respect the court.” The tribunal accepted his explanation and apology.

The decision closes a brief but high-profile contempt case involving a senior BNP figure, reflecting the tribunal’s readiness to uphold judicial dignity while allowing space for contrition.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed stated that his party does not intend to exploit religion for political gain, emphasizing instead a detailed socio-economic development plan for Bangladesh. Speaking at an event titled “BNP’s Plan for Nation Building” at the Krishibid Institute in Dhaka, he said the party aims to communicate its policy agenda clearly to the public.

Ahmed criticized rival parties for lacking ideology and using religion as a deceptive tool to mislead citizens. He argued that sustainable governance requires prior planning and that the BNP’s approach is rooted in democratic and development-oriented principles. Citing historical contributions, he said the BNP played a key role in restoring multiparty democracy and introducing the caretaker government system.

The weeklong program, now in its second day, seeks public input on future national policies to shape the BNP’s upcoming election manifesto. Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to join the closing ceremony virtually on December 13.

A new political alliance named the National Democratic Front (NDF) was officially launched in Dhaka on Monday, December 8. The coalition, comprising twenty political parties, is led by former Jatiya Party leaders Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud of Jatiya Party (JaPa) and Anwar Hossain Manju of Jatiya Party (JP). The announcement was made at a press conference held in the capital’s Gulshan area.

The alliance includes a wide range of smaller political groups such as Janata Party Bangladesh, Bangladesh National Party, Trinamool BNP, Bangladesh Cultural Freedom Alliance, Bangladesh Nationalist Movement, Bangladesh Muslim League, National Islamic Grand Alliance, National Reform Alliance, Bangladesh Labour Party, and several others. The leaders stated that the coalition aims to strengthen democratic practices and create a broader political platform beyond the dominant parties.

Political analysts view the formation of NDF as an attempt to consolidate smaller parties ahead of future national elections. However, it remains to be seen whether the alliance can exert significant influence in Bangladesh’s competitive political landscape.

Bangladesh’s interim government legal adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul has clarified confusion among expatriates regarding the import of mobile phones from abroad. In a Facebook post on December 8, he explained that migrant workers can now bring two new mobile phones in addition to their personal set without paying tax, an increase from the previous limit of one. The National Board of Revenue (NBR) amended the baggage rules to provide this benefit specifically for workers registered through the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET).

Nazrul dismissed claims circulating on social media that the government had imposed new discriminatory taxes or registration requirements targeting expatriates. He emphasized that from December 16, all users in Bangladesh—locals and expatriates alike—must register any new mobile phone within 60 days of activation to curb illegal device use linked to crimes such as extortion or kidnapping.

He urged expatriates to remain alert against misinformation, calling rumor-spreading a serious moral offense, and assured that further clarifications on related issues would be provided soon.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman stated that corruption remains entrenched in Bangladesh, with political and administrative powers being misused for partisanship, extortion, and illegal occupation. Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka, he noted that while comparative data on corruption trends are lacking, the problem continues unabated. The event was held to present TIB’s recommendations for political party manifestos ahead of the upcoming national election.

Dr. Iftekharuzzaman criticized the government for failing to take a stronger stance against corruption, despite having the opportunity to do so. He emphasized that building a democratic, inclusive, and corruption-free society is a long-term process, requiring genuine political will. He also highlighted the influence of money, muscle, and religion in politics as key obstacles to reform.

TIB proposed 52 recommendations for political parties, including implementing past reform commission suggestions and ensuring accountability for human rights violations during authoritarian periods. The organization also called for greater transparency and fair competition in the business sector.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader and Supreme Court lawyer Fazlur Rahman has been exempted from contempt of court charges after offering an unconditional apology to the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). The tribunal’s three-member bench, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, issued the order on Monday, December 8. The case stemmed from remarks Rahman made during a television talk show, where he questioned the tribunal’s legitimacy and impartiality.

The contempt allegation was filed on November 26 by prosecutor Gazi Monowar Hossain Tamim, who argued that Rahman’s comments undermined the tribunal’s authority. Following the complaint, the ICT summoned Rahman to appear in person on December 8 to explain his statements. Before the hearing, Rahman submitted a written apology, expressing regret for his remarks. Senior lawyers, including Zainul Abedin and Barrister Kaiser Kamal, accompanied him during the proceedings.

The tribunal accepted Rahman’s apology, effectively closing the contempt case. Legal observers noted that the decision underscores the judiciary’s emphasis on accountability while allowing room for reconciliation through contrition.