Former president of the National Press Club and Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ), Shawkat Mahmud, was detained by the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police on Sunday, December 7. According to police officials, a DB team brought him from his residence in Malibagh to the DB office in the afternoon. Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman confirmed that Mahmud is currently in DB custody but did not specify whether his detention is linked to any particular case.

Shawkat Mahmud, a veteran journalist and former vice-chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), recently became the secretary general of a newly formed political party called Janata Party Bangladesh, launched in April with actor Ilias Kanchan as chairman. His detention has drawn attention within media and political circles, though authorities have yet to clarify the reasons behind the move.

Observers note that the arrest could have political undertones given Mahmud’s past BNP affiliation and recent political activities. Further details from law enforcement are awaited as journalists’ associations monitor the situation closely.

Bangladesh’s Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah announced that the day of the 13th National Parliamentary Election will be a general holiday across the country. The decision was revealed after a review meeting on the election schedule, referendum, and related preparations. Banks and post offices may remain open as per the Election Commission’s operational needs. The advisory council will not be allowed to approve new projects after the election schedule is declared.

Sanaullah stated that the election and referendum schedule will be announced within the current week, accompanied by a televised address from the Chief Election Commissioner. Two magistrates will be assigned to each upazila from the day of the schedule announcement to ensure compliance with the electoral code of conduct, with additional magistrates deployed five days before voting.

Ballots will reach polling centers the night before the election, and printing for expatriate voters has already begun. The voting period has been extended by one hour, running from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., aiming to facilitate greater voter participation.

Bridge Adviser Fawzul Kabir Khan stated that the nation will stand beside whoever wins the upcoming national election, emphasizing unity and respect for democratic outcomes. He made the remarks on Sunday, December 7, during the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Mirganj Bridge over the Arial Khan River in Babuganj, Barishal.

Khan urged that the election be held in a festive and peaceful environment, free from past irregularities such as polling center takeovers. He noted that the Election Commission now holds full authority over the electoral process. Addressing infrastructure issues, he said project delays often stem from local disputes, which increase costs and hinder timely completion. He called for cooperation from all stakeholders.

Navy Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain warned against extortion and local interference during construction, which can affect quality and timelines. The 1.5-kilometer bridge, with an estimated cost of Tk 1,442 crore, will connect Muladi and Hizla upazilas to the national road network once completed.

Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah announced that the schedule for Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election will be declared within the current week. Speaking to reporters after a meeting on Sunday, he said two magistrates will be deployed in each upazila from the day of the announcement to ensure compliance with the electoral code of conduct. The number of magistrates will increase five days before the vote. Candidates will have 48 hours after the schedule is declared to remove campaign posters.

Sanaullah added that the advisory council cannot approve new projects after the schedule is announced, and its members cannot contest while holding their posts. Voting hours have been extended by one hour, running from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Ballot printing for expatriate voters will begin Monday. Government, semi-government, and state bank officials will serve as polling officers, while private bank staff will not be engaged. Election day will be a public holiday, though banks and post offices may remain open as required by the Election Commission.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has announced a new three-party political and electoral alliance ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The coalition, unveiled on Sunday at the Dhaka Reporters Unity, includes the NCP, the State Reform Movement, and the Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party). Organizers said the alliance aims to uphold the spirit of the July uprising and to build a new political framework. They also indicated that more parties may join in the future.

During the press conference, NCP Convener Nahid Islam, Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, and AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju were among the speakers. Monju stated that citizens are seeking a new political arrangement and that this alliance marks the beginning of that journey. Although the Gono Odhikar Parishad was expected to join, no representatives from the group were present.

The alliance plans to field joint candidates under a single electoral symbol, signaling a coordinated strategy to challenge established political forces in the next election.

Bangladesh’s Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam alleged that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina directly ordered enforced disappearances during her tenure, with her defense adviser, retired Major General Tarique Ahmed Siddique, carrying out the directives. The claim was made on Sunday, December 7, during a hearing at International Crimes Tribunal-1 concerning abductions and torture allegedly conducted at the Joint Interrogation Cell, known as ‘Aynaghar’.

The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, began proceedings to frame charges against 13 accused. Three former military officers—Major General Sheikh Md Sarwar Hossain, Brigadier General Md Mahbubur Rahman Siddiqui, and Brigadier General Ahmed Tanvir Mazahar Siddiqui—were produced from military custody. Several others, including Tarique Siddique and former DGFI chiefs, remain fugitives. The tribunal has appointed state defense lawyers for absconding defendants and ordered public notices in national newspapers.

The case marks a rare instance of high-level accountability proceedings for alleged human rights violations under a past government, potentially setting a precedent for future war crimes or political abuse inquiries.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Amir, Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, expressed gratitude to supporters and urged the government to understand the people’s voice following a series of successful divisional rallies organized by the eight-party alliance. In a statement issued Sunday, he praised the organizers for their efficiency and unity despite limited preparation time, calling the gatherings a testament to organizational discipline and public engagement.

Rezaul Karim highlighted the strong public turnout as evidence of widespread support for the alliance’s five-point demands, which include separating national elections from referendums and ensuring accountability for alleged authoritarian practices. He extended thanks to local leaders, journalists, and the administration for their cooperation during the events.

Calling on the government to respect public opinion, Karim said the rallies demonstrated national unity on key electoral and governance issues. He urged authorities to respond positively to the people’s demands, warning that ignoring them could deepen political polarization ahead of future national decisions.

Bangladesh’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and four election commissioners traveled to Jamuna on Monday to meet Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The meeting comes as the Election Commission (EC) finalizes preparations for announcing the schedule of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and a national referendum later this week.

Earlier in the day, the EC held a key meeting at its Agargaon headquarters to finalize the election timetable. Commissioner Abul Fazl Md. Sanaullah confirmed that the official schedule will be declared within the week. The EC decided that two magistrates will be assigned to each upazila from the day of announcement to ensure compliance with the electoral code of conduct. The commission also extended voting hours by one hour, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The EC further ruled that no new government projects may be approved after the schedule is announced, and only legally permitted individuals may contest the election. Printing of ballots for expatriate voters will begin on December 8, with government and semi-government officials serving as polling staff.

A hearing has begun at Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-1 on the formation of charges against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her security adviser Tarique Ahmed Siddique, and 11 others in a case involving allegations of enforced disappearance and torture. The prosecution initiated the session on Sunday, December 7, marking a significant step in the long-running legal proceedings.

Among the 13 accused are three former directors of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI)—Major General Sheikh Md. Sarwar Hossain, Brigadier General Md. Mahbubur Rahman Siddiqui, and Brigadier General Ahmed Tanvir Mazahar Siddiqui—who are currently in military custody and were produced before the tribunal. The list of defendants also includes five former DGFI director generals, reflecting the case’s deep ties to Bangladesh’s security establishment.

In a separate case at Tribunal-2, testimony continued against former minister and JASAD president Hasanul Haq Inu over alleged crimes against humanity during the Kushtia uprising, with witnesses including a freedom fighter and an investigation officer. Both Inu and Salman F Rahman appeared before the court in connection with the July killings case.

Dr. Zubaida Rahman, daughter-in-law of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, visited the former prime minister at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on Sunday morning after spending the night at her parental home in Dhanmondi. According to BNP’s media cell, Rahman arrived at the hospital around 11:30 a.m., maintaining close communication with the medical team overseeing Khaleda Zia’s treatment.

Khaleda Zia has been under intensive care at Evercare Hospital since November 23 due to critical health complications. A specialist medical board led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder is supervising her treatment, with Dr. Zubaida Rahman serving as one of the board members. BNP leaders have stated that a royal air ambulance from Qatar remains on standby to transport Khaleda abroad once doctors approve her travel.

The repeated hospital visits by Rahman underscore the family’s close involvement in the treatment process, while the BNP leadership continues to monitor the situation closely. The party has not yet confirmed when or whether the medical board will permit Khaleda Zia’s overseas transfer.

Hong Kong held its Legislative Council election on Sunday, December 7, under the shadow of deep public grief and anger following the city’s deadliest fire in nearly eight decades. The Tai Po blaze at Wang Fuk Court claimed at least 159 lives, prompting widespread mourning and criticism of government oversight. Authorities tightened surveillance and deployed heavy police presence to maintain order during voting.

Public frustration over the government’s handling of the tragedy led many residents to boycott the election, accusing officials of negligence and mismanagement. The administration launched multiple investigations into corruption and safety violations while urging calm. Chief Executive John Lee framed voter participation as a show of solidarity with victims and confidence in reform.

With only 20 of 90 seats directly elected and all candidates vetted for “patriotism,” analysts view the poll as another test of Beijing’s control over the territory. Declining voter turnout and arrests of critics underscore persistent distrust and shrinking political space in post-reform Hong Kong.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly protested comments made by National Citizen Party (NCP) member-secretary Akhtar Hossain, who alleged that parties like BNP and Jamaat are competing in 'armed demonstrations.' In a press statement issued on Sunday, Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair dismissed the remarks as 'false, fabricated, and politically motivated.'

Zubair emphasized that Jamaat is a responsible, peace-loving, and disciplined political party committed to the rule of law and democratic values. He argued that the party’s history and conduct do not support any claims of involvement in violent or unlawful activities. Calling Hossain’s statement 'regrettable and baseless,' he urged the NCP leader to withdraw his comments and act responsibly.

The statement further appealed to the media, political community, and citizens not to be misled by misinformation or political propaganda. The exchange highlights ongoing political friction in Bangladesh as parties navigate a tense post-uprising environment.

A new political and electoral alliance is being formed in Bangladesh, comprising the National Citizen Party (NCP), Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, and the Bangladesh State Reform Movement. The coalition will be officially launched on Sunday, December 7, at the Dhaka Reporters Unity in Segunbagicha. The alliance aims to promote political reform and uphold the spirit of the July uprising, according to organizers.

Discussions initially involved four parties, including the Gano Adhikar Parishad, but the final coalition excludes that group. NCP’s chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari confirmed that the alliance will operate under NCP’s leadership. AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Bhuiyan Monju and State Reform Movement Joint General Secretary Didarul Bhuiyan also confirmed their participation.

Political analysts view the move as an attempt to consolidate smaller reformist parties ahead of the next general election. The alliance’s success will depend on its ability to present a unified platform and attract broader public support in a competitive political environment.

Bhojpuri singer Neha Singh Rathore is facing possible arrest after the Allahabad High Court on Friday, December 6, rejected her anticipatory bail plea. The court’s decision came amid multiple legal cases filed against her across Uttar Pradesh following her remarks questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s responsibility for the Pahalgam attack earlier this year.

Rathore had publicly criticized the government, alleging that national politics has become dominated by religious and nationalist divisions while issues like education and healthcare are being neglected. Her comments went viral, prompting strong backlash from pro-government groups who accused her of defamation and incitement. In response, Rathore defended her statements, asserting her constitutional right to question the government’s handling of public safety and denying that her remarks were inflammatory.

Legal experts note that the case highlights growing tensions between artistic expression and political sensitivity in India. If arrested, Rathore could face prolonged legal proceedings, while the case may further fuel debate over freedom of speech and dissent in the country.

A new political alliance comprising three Bangladeshi parties, including the National Citizen Party (NCP), is set to be formally announced this Sunday afternoon at the Dhaka Reporters Unity in Segunbagicha. The coalition marks another attempt to reshape the country’s opposition landscape ahead of future elections.

Discussions had been ongoing among four parties — NCP, AB Party, Bangladesh State Reform Movement, and Gana Adhikar Parishad — to form a joint electoral front. However, the Gana Adhikar Parishad ultimately decided not to join. The alliance, according to party representatives, aims to uphold the ‘July Uprising Pledge’ and promote a new political and electoral framework in Bangladesh.

Political analysts view the move as part of a broader trend of smaller parties seeking relevance amid shifting power dynamics. The alliance’s effectiveness will depend on its ability to coordinate agendas and attract voter attention in an already crowded political field.