Nomination papers for the Nilphamari-4 (Kishoreganj-Saidpur) constituency were scrutinized on Friday afternoon ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. Out of 12 submitted nominations, eight were declared valid, while four independent candidates’ nominations were canceled due to inconsistencies in information and inaccuracies in the required one percent voter signatures. The verification was conducted at the conference room of the district administration and returning officer’s office, confirmed by Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Nayiruzzaman.

The eight valid candidates represent various political parties, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Jatiya Party, Bangladesh Socialist Party (Marxist), and Liberal Democratic Party. The four disqualified independent candidates are Jobaydor Rahman (Hira), Md. Riad Arfan Sarkar, S.M. Mamunur Rashid, and Md. Shahriar Ferdous. According to the returning officer, these candidates may appeal for validation of their nominations until January 9.

The decision finalizes the initial list of eligible contenders for Nilphamari-4, pending any appeals by the disqualified independents.

NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain has objected to the validation of a Jatiya Party candidate’s nomination during the scrutiny process at the Rangpur DC office on January 2, 2026. He demanded that the Jatiya Party be declared ineligible for the upcoming national election, alleging that the party helped institutionalize fascism and supported authoritarian rule in Bangladesh. Akhtar claimed that despite his objections, the returning officer declared the nomination valid under legal technicalities.

Akhtar argued that the Jatiya Party’s actions over the past 16 years contributed to sustaining authoritarianism and that those who legitimized fascism should not be allowed to contest elections. He stated that the NCP would pursue legal action if necessary and criticized the authorities for not informing them earlier about the opportunity to submit written objections. He also mentioned that seat-sharing discussions between the NCP and Jamaat-e-Islami within their eight-party alliance were still ongoing.

In response, Mahbubur Rahman, the Jatiya Party candidate for Rangpur-4, said that relevant authorities had already given their considered opinion and that law enforcement agencies would investigate any allegations.

In the verification process for the 13th National Parliamentary Election, Islamic preacher Kamrul Islam Saeed Ansari’s nomination for the Madaripur-2 constituency was canceled. Another independent candidate, Md. Reyazul Islam, was also disqualified. The decision was made on Friday afternoon by Madaripur Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Jahangir Alam after reviewing the required documents of all ten candidates.

According to the returning officer, Ansari’s nomination was canceled because a mismatch was found between the national identity card and the name of one supporter listed in the one percent voter endorsement required for independent candidates. However, Ansari retains the right to appeal the decision. During the verification session, officials from the district administration, police, National Board of Revenue, rural electricity authority, and banks were present.

Ansari stated that the supporter in question had been willing to appear in person, yet his nomination was still rejected. He announced his intention to appeal, expressing hope for justice in the next stage.

The Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist armed political group in Yemen, has announced plans to hold a referendum within two years to decide on the independence of South Yemen from the north. STC President Aidarous al-Zubaidi made the announcement in a televised speech on Friday, declaring the start of a two-year transitional period and urging the international community to sponsor dialogue between the northern and southern parties. He warned that if no dialogue occurs or if the south faces renewed attacks, the STC would immediately declare independence.

The announcement comes amid escalating tensions between Saudi-backed forces and the UAE-supported STC. Fighting broke out in Hadramaut province, near the Saudi border, between forces loyal to the Saudi-backed governor and STC fighters. STC commander Mohammed Abdul Malik reported that seven people were killed and more than 20 injured in seven airstrikes on an STC camp in Al-Khasha, carried out by Saudi Arabia.

The conflict follows years of instability since the Houthi takeover of Yemen’s capital in 2014, with the country divided between Houthi-controlled north and the Saudi-recognized Presidential Council in the south.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said the party will move forward following the ideals, commitments, and path shown by Begum Khaleda Zia. He made the remarks on Saturday, January 3, at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar’s Zia Udyan in Dhaka after the Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal paid tribute at Khaleda Zia’s grave. Rizvi stated that Tarique Rahman would lead the country along the path shown by Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia.

Rizvi described Begum Khaleda Zia as an unparalleled political figure who inspired the nation to fight against autocratic and fascist misrule for democracy. He said she demonstrated how to stand by the people even in times of crisis and never abandoned them. Rizvi alleged that Khaleda Zia was intentionally given wrong treatment in prison and that her death involved conspiracy and manipulation by malevolent forces.

He added that Khaleda Zia deeply loved the Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal and built its current leadership. According to Rizvi, BNP and its affiliated organizations will continue to uphold her ideals, ethics, and commitments to preserve the nation’s democracy, independence, and sovereignty.

The district returning officer has declared the nomination of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman valid for the Bogura-6 constituency in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The announcement was made on Saturday morning, confirming his candidacy under the party’s electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf.

According to the report, Tarique Rahman signed his nomination papers on December 28 as the BNP candidate for Bogura-6. Party leaders collected the nomination form from District Commissioner and Returning Officer Taufiqur Rahman on his behalf. The following day, on December 29 at around 2:30 p.m., Bogura District BNP President Rezaul Karim submitted the completed nomination papers to the returning officer on behalf of Tarique Rahman.

The validation of Tarique Rahman’s nomination formally secures his position as the BNP candidate for the Bogura-6 seat in the forthcoming national election.

Kazi Reha Kabir Sigma has emerged as the only independent female candidate among six constituencies in Kishoreganj for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. She is contesting from Kishoreganj-4, which includes Austagram, Itna, and Mithamain upazilas. Sigma, originally from the remote haor area of Austagram, described herself in her affidavit as a researcher, entrepreneur, and long-time social worker. She declared an annual income of Tk 544,167 and total assets worth Tk 28.74 million, while her husband Sadequl Kabir reported assets of Tk 44.45 million.

According to her affidavit submitted to the returning officer, Sigma holds a postgraduate degree, runs a business, and has no criminal cases. She stated she is not a dual citizen and is over 48 years old, residing in Gulshan, Dhaka. Her declared assets include two apartments in Gulshan valued at Tk 15.5 million, gold jewelry, a jeep, and bank deposits. The Kishoreganj-4 constituency has nine candidates, including nominees from BNP, Jamaat, and other parties.

The district returning officer and deputy commissioner Mohammad Aslam Molla confirmed that nomination papers for Kishoreganj-4 were submitted by nine candidates and were scheduled for scrutiny on January 3.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has intensified patrols and surveillance along the Lalmonirhat border ahead of the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. Rangpur Battalion (51 BGB) Commander Lt. Colonel Selim Al Din confirmed that special patrols, strict monitoring, and enhanced intelligence activities are being conducted to ensure security in the border areas. Temporary checkpoints have also been set up at key points to strengthen inspection operations.

According to BGB, the measures aim to prevent illegal infiltration and drug smuggling by criminal groups during the election period. Regular and special patrols, including coordinated operations involving multiple Border Outposts (BOPs), are being carried out in Patgram upazila. Awareness meetings are also being organized among local residents to encourage cooperation with BGB and to prevent any criminal activity.

BGB has maintained coordination with India’s Border Security Force (BSF) through flag meetings, pledging joint efforts to curb cross-border crimes. The force stated that patrols, intelligence surveillance, and public awareness programs will continue to ensure stability and peaceful elections in the border region.

The nomination of Jatiya Party candidate Anisul Islam Mahmud Chowdhury for the Chattogram-5 (Hathazari) constituency was canceled on Saturday afternoon. The decision was made by Divisional Commissioner and Returning Officer Dr. Zia Uddin at the Chattogram Divisional Commissioner’s Office. Shortly after the announcement, police detained Mahmud’s proposer, Md. Salauddin, for questioning. The reason for the cancellation was not immediately disclosed.

Earlier in the day, a hearing for the constituency began at noon, during which more than a hundred students under the banner of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement staged a protest outside the office. They chanted slogans demanding the cancellation of Mahmud’s nomination and later chased his proposer, who was then handed over to police. Salauddin was taken into custody by a team from Kotwali Police Station.

Chattogram North District Chhatra Dal president Takibul Hasan Chowdhury Taki alleged that Mahmud, though a Jatiya Party leader, had previously acted in favor of the Awami League and was responsible for repression in Hathazari. Authorities confirmed that Mahmud’s nomination had been officially canceled.

Abul Basar Khan, a central leader of the banned Awami League and a fugitive accused in the July Revolution murder case, has submitted his nomination papers to contest as an independent candidate from Faridpur-1 constituency. Following the announcement, he has become visibly active in the area, accompanied by a large motorcade. On November 28, he declared his candidacy at his own Razzak Jute Mill hall in Madhukhali, hosting over a thousand guests including two hundred journalists.

According to case documents, Basar is the 27th accused among 95 individuals named in a case filed at Mirpur Model Police Station, with Sheikh Hasina listed as the prime accused. The case, now under investigation, alleges brutal attacks on students and civilians during the July movement. Basar remains neither arrested nor on bail. He holds positions in the Awami League’s central subcommittee and Madhukhali Upazila advisory council.

Local voters have labeled him a “guest bird” for his sudden reappearance, while activists from the anti-discrimination student movement in Faridpur described his candidacy as a rehabilitation of fascism.

Jamaat-e-Islami has declared its readiness to challenge the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in multiple constituencies of Cox’s Bazar ahead of the upcoming 13th national election. The coastal district, known for its long beach and tourism, has four parliamentary seats across nine upazilas. Campaigns are intensifying as BNP, Jamaat, and several smaller parties, including the National Citizen Party (NCP), Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, and others, engage in day-and-night electioneering. Historically, the region’s voters have leaned toward Islamist and nationalist parties, giving BNP and Jamaat a strong base.

In Cox’s Bazar-1, BNP’s Salahuddin Ahmed faces Jamaat’s Abdullah Al Faruk, while in Cox’s Bazar-2, Jamaat’s Hamidur Rahman Azad’s nomination was canceled over legal issues. BNP’s internal divisions have surfaced in several seats, with multiple factions demanding candidate changes. In Cox’s Bazar-3 and 4, both parties have fielded strong contenders, including Jamaat’s Shahidul Alam Bahadur and Nur Ahmed Anwari. Jamaat leaders believe their organizational strength and renewed public confidence since the “July Revolution” will make them formidable rivals to BNP.

The contests in Cox’s Bazar are expected to be closely fought, with BNP’s dominance facing its strongest challenge in years from Jamaat’s mobilized grassroots network.

The nomination scrutiny for the Sylhet-2 (Osmaninagar-Bishwanath) constituency in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election has been completed. Out of nine candidates, six were declared valid, two were rejected, and one was kept pending. The verification took place on Saturday at the conference room of the Sylhet District Commissioner, who also serves as the district returning officer.

According to the returning officer, valid nominations include those of BNP candidate Tahsina Rushdir Luna, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Professor Abdul Hannan, Khelafat Majlish’s Mohammad Muntasir Ali, Jatiya Party’s Mahbubur Rahman Chowdhury, Islami Andolan’s Maulana Amir Uddin, and Gano Forum’s Supreme Court lawyer Md. Mujibul Haque. Independent candidates Abrar Ilyas and Abdus Shahid had their nominations canceled due to irregularities, while Gano Odhikar Parishad’s Zaman Ahmad Siddique’s nomination was suspended for absence during scrutiny.

As per the Election Commission’s schedule, the 13th National Parliamentary Election is set for February 12, 2026. Candidates whose nominations were canceled or suspended may appeal within the stipulated timeframe.

The nomination of Dr. Tasnim Zara, an independent candidate and former NCP leader for the Dhaka-9 parliamentary seat, has been canceled. The Dhaka district returning officer announced the cancellation at around 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. Dr. Zara stated that the authorities rejected her nomination due to issues with voter signatures and said she would appeal to the Election Commission, expressing hope of regaining her candidacy.

Dr. Zara had submitted her nomination papers on December 29 at the Sabujbagh Thana election office, meeting the requirement of collecting support from one percent of the constituency’s voters. According to her affidavit, she is a physician with an annual income of 713,333 taka from her job and 3,200 British pounds from abroad, paying 34,057 taka in taxes. Her declared assets include jewelry worth 250,000 taka, 10,019 taka in bank deposits, 1.6 million taka in cash, and 2,270 British pounds.

The affidavit also shows she has no loans, lawsuits, or government dues. Her husband, Khaled Saifullah, holds 1.5 million taka in cash and earns 39,800 British pounds abroad. Dr. Zara, born on October 7, 1994, holds an MSc degree and resides in Khilgaon, Dhaka.

Iran has sent a formal letter to the United Nations Secretary-General and the President of the UN Security Council condemning what it called the “illegal threats” made by U.S. President Donald Trump. The letter, delivered on Friday by Iran’s ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, followed Trump’s warning of possible intervention if Iran used violence to suppress protests. According to Al Jazeera, the Iranian envoy urged UN officials to strongly denounce Trump’s “reckless and provocative statements,” describing them as serious violations of the UN Charter and international law.

In the letter, Iran stated that any attempt to incite or justify internal unrest as a pretext for external pressure or military intervention would constitute a grave breach of the country’s sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity. The letter affirmed Iran’s right to defend its sovereignty and held the United States fully responsible for any consequences or escalation arising from Trump’s threats.

The correspondence came amid widespread protests in Iran over rising living costs, during which six people have reportedly been killed in clashes with security forces.

Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar publicly shook hands with Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq in Dhaka on the last day of 2025. The two met during the funeral of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, attended by several South Asian leaders. The gesture, made in the presence of diplomats, contrasted sharply with recent refusals by Indian cricket teams to shake hands with Pakistani players.

Analysts in Pakistan described the handshake as a rare sign of warmth in long-frozen relations, while some Indian commentators downplayed its significance. The meeting followed months of heightened hostility, including a deadly attack in Kashmir, India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, and a brief air conflict in May 2025. Former Pakistani ambassador Sardar Masood Khan called the handshake a diplomatic signal that likely had high-level approval, though he cautioned that major obstacles remain.

Experts suggested that limited dialogue and confidence-building measures could help stabilize ties. However, persistent mistrust and India’s tougher stance since 2019 make any near-term reconciliation uncertain.