Leaders of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam have collected nomination papers on behalf of Syed Talha Alam, the AB Party candidate for Sunamganj-3 (Shantiganj-Jagannathpur) constituency. The papers were collected from the Jagannathpur Upazila Election Office under the leadership of central and local Jamiat figures, signaling cross-party cooperation ahead of the upcoming national election.

Talha Alam, formerly the publicity secretary of Jamiat’s Mufti Wakkas faction, joined the AB Party on December 16 with the consent of senior Jamiat leaders. Several Jamiat members, including Maulana Hossain Ahmed and Hafiz Syed Wazirul Haque, pledged to work for his campaign, emphasizing unity beyond party lines. They described Alam as a trusted colleague and expressed commitment to voter outreach and campaign coordination.

Political observers view this alliance as evidence of Alam’s grassroots appeal and leadership credibility. His candidacy, supported by both AB Party and former Jamiat activists, is expected to strengthen his position in the constituency and potentially reshape local political dynamics ahead of the national polls.

Students at Dhaka University have renewed calls to rename halls and structures bearing the Sheikh family’s names, arguing that such titles symbolize past political dominance. The movement gained momentum following the killing of activist Sharif Osman Hadi, prompting the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) to stage a sit-in and submit a memorandum to the administration demanding the removal of what they call ‘symbols of fascism.’ Protesters proposed renaming Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall to ‘Shaheed Osman Hadi Hall’ and Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall to ‘Fellani Hall.’

The issue has sparked internal debate within student bodies, with some hall representatives objecting to DUCSU’s unilateral announcements. Alternative names such as ‘Captain Sitara Begum Hall’ also received strong student support. University officials stated that final decisions will be made in an upcoming syndicate meeting. The controversy reflects broader tensions following the July uprising, as students seek to align campus symbols with what they describe as the spirit of political change.

Observers note that the outcome may set a precedent for renaming politically affiliated institutions nationwide, testing the balance between historical legacy and post-uprising reform sentiment.

BNP candidate for Dhaka-6, Engineer Ishraque Hossain, announced that the party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to return to Bangladesh on December 25, where millions of supporters will welcome him. Speaking at a women’s wing event in Gopibagh, Dhaka, Ishraque said there is no concern over Rahman’s safety, asserting that the people themselves will safeguard their leader.

Hossain emphasized the importance of women’s participation in politics, noting that women make up about 52% of the electorate. He pledged that a future BNP government would introduce special laws and a ‘Family Card’ program to empower women financially. On election integrity, he said BNP seeks a free and fair vote and is training polling agents, with plans to assign female agents to women’s centers.

Criticizing the ruling Awami League, Hossain accused it of destroying voting rights over the past 17 years. He vowed that if BNP returns to power, it will repatriate misappropriated funds and invest them for public welfare.

Inkilab Mancha has announced a protest march demanding the execution of those involved in the killing of its spokesperson, Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi. The march is scheduled for Monday, December 22, starting from Shahid Hadi Chattar in Shahbagh and ending at the Central Shaheed Minar. The announcement was made on Sunday through the organization’s verified Facebook page.

Osman Hadi, who was contesting as an independent candidate in Dhaka-8 constituency, was shot in the head on December 12 while campaigning in Purana Paltan. He was initially treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later transferred to Evercare Hospital before being flown to Singapore on December 15, where he died on December 18. Following his death, a previously filed attempted murder case was converted into a murder case at Paltan Police Station.

The protest reflects growing frustration among supporters demanding swift justice. Law enforcement agencies are under pressure to identify and prosecute those responsible, while political observers warn of heightened tensions ahead of the upcoming election period.

United Peoples Bangladesh (UP Bangladesh) chief organizer Nayeem Ahmad has accused the Dr. Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of losing direction by failing to rely on public support. Speaking at a protest in Dhaka’s Shahbagh area, Ahmad said the government’s detachment from the people has endangered justice, reform, and the upcoming election. The rally was organized to protest recent killings and arson attacks, including the deaths of labor leader Dipu Chandra and a child named Ayesha.

Ahmad alleged that a fascist network, left unchecked within law enforcement, is orchestrating nationwide sabotage. He criticized the government for not purging loyalists of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and for ignoring the role of intelligence agencies, which he said remain “actively inactive.” He urged rebuilding trust between the government and citizens to ensure a fair election.

Speakers also demanded accountability from the Home Affairs Adviser and immediate action to stop ongoing violence. Ahmad expressed solidarity with the Inquilab Manch’s two-point program and called for protection of those who participated in the July uprising.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has ordered a full review of the country’s police and intelligence agencies following a violent attack at Bondi Beach. The decision, announced on Sunday, aims to assess whether existing security frameworks and authorities are adequate to protect Australians from emerging threats.

In a statement, Albanese described the incident as a “horrific antisemitic terrorist attack” and said the government would examine the coordination, capacity, and preparedness of law enforcement and intelligence bodies. The review will evaluate how effectively these agencies share information and respond to extremist violence.

The move reflects growing concern over domestic security and social cohesion in Australia. Analysts expect the review to recommend stronger inter-agency cooperation and updated counterterrorism strategies. Findings from the assessment are likely to shape future national security policies and resource allocation.

The Bangladesh Commission of Inquiry on Disappearances has alleged that certain groups are deliberately attempting to question its neutrality and credibility. In a press release issued on Sunday, the commission urged patriotic citizens to remain alert and not be misled by false or provocative claims circulating on social and mainstream media.

Signed by Secretary Kudrat-e-Elahi, the statement clarified that recent reports linking an individual named Khandaker Rakib to the commission’s interrogation activities are entirely baseless. The commission emphasized that Rakib has never been employed by or participated in any of its proceedings. It described these claims as part of a broader effort to obstruct or influence its ongoing work.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting investigations with impartiality and respect for the families of disappeared persons. It called for public cooperation and cautioned against spreading misinformation that could erode trust in the inquiry process.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has received official permission to organize a reception for its acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, who is scheduled to return from the United Kingdom on December 25. The approval was confirmed by BNP media cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan, who stated that the Dhaka Divisional Commissioner’s office issued a written authorization to BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on the evening of December 21.

According to party sources, the permission letter was delivered to BNP’s central office in Naya Paltan by an official from the commissioner’s office. BNP leaders, including central committee member Sattar Patwari, formally received the document. The event is being described by party officials as a “historic homecoming” for Tarique Rahman, who has been living in exile in the UK for several years.

The reception is expected to draw large crowds and tight security measures in Dhaka. Political observers note that Tarique’s return could significantly reshape Bangladesh’s opposition politics ahead of future elections.

A major political controversy has erupted in Kurigram after several former and current Awami League leaders, including an accused in the high-profile Rafiqul murder case, formally joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The induction ceremony took place at the district BNP office last Saturday, sparking outrage among grassroots activists and civil society groups who labeled the move as a betrayal of political ethics.

Political and student organizations have sharply criticized the BNP’s decision, calling it a ‘rehabilitation of fascists’ and a ‘betrayal of martyrs.’ Among those joining were municipal councilor Anisur Rahman, Al Harunuzzaman Harun, Mostafa Kamal, Jamshed Ali Tunku, Abdul Malek, and two former reserved female councilors. Critics argue that bringing in figures linked to violent political episodes undermines BNP’s moral standing.

BNP leaders in Kurigram defended the move, claiming some of the returnees were former party activists who had joined the Awami League under pressure. Analysts say the controversy could deepen internal divisions within the BNP and complicate its efforts to rebuild credibility ahead of future elections.

A political rift has emerged in Panchhari upazila of Khagrachhari after a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) joining event sparked allegations of covert rehabilitation of Awami League (AL) leaders. The December 2 program, attended by former MP and district BNP president Abdul Wadud Bhuiyan, reportedly saw over a hundred activists from various parties join the BNP.

However, local BNP members claim that around 70 of the new entrants were active or former AL leaders, including union-level officeholders and youth front members. Veteran BNP activists, who endured years of repression, expressed anger, saying the inclusion of former rivals undermines their sacrifices. Allegations also surfaced that financial transactions influenced the recruitment process.

Analysts warn that such cross-party realignments could destabilize local politics ahead of the 13th national election. The situation has been further complicated by claims that local Jamaat-e-Islami units are sheltering former AL activists. Residents have questioned the administration’s inaction amid the nationwide “Devil Hunt” anti-crime campaign, raising concerns about governance and political accountability in the region.

Six deans of Rajshahi University resigned late Sunday following a day-long student protest demanding their removal. The deans, reportedly aligned with the Awami League-backed Yellow Panel, declared their inability to continue duties during an evening meeting, confirmed Public Relations Administrator Professor Akhtar Hossain Majumder. The resignations came after students locked the deans’ offices and confined the registrar in protest.

The six deans represented key faculties including Law, Science, Business Studies, Social Science, Engineering, and Geoscience. Their terms had officially expired earlier in the week, but the vice-chancellor had instructed them to remain in office until new elections were held. Student leaders, including those affiliated with Islami Chhatra Shibir, led the demonstrations, demanding immediate resignations. Attempts to reach Vice-Chancellor Professor Saleh Hasan Naqib for comment were unsuccessful.

The resignations highlight growing tensions between politically aligned academic panels and student groups. The university administration is expected to announce further decisions regarding interim appointments and upcoming dean elections in the coming days.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a formal statement rejecting India’s claim that local media reports on a protest outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi were misleading. The ministry described the December 20 incident as deeply regrettable, noting that demonstrators were allowed to gather just outside the mission without prior notice, causing alarm among staff inside the compound.

The statement came a day after India’s official response and emphasized that Bangladesh expects the Indian government to uphold its commitment to ensuring the safety of all Bangladeshi diplomatic posts. Dhaka also dismissed Indian authorities’ attempt to portray a recent isolated attack on a Hindu citizen in Bangladesh as a broader assault on minorities, stressing that suspects had already been arrested.

Bangladesh reiterated that interfaith relations in the country remain comparatively stable within South Asia and underscored that protecting minority communities is a shared responsibility of all regional governments. The exchange highlights ongoing sensitivities in bilateral relations between the two neighbors.

Around 48,910 expatriate Bangladeshis from Sylhet Division have registered to vote in the upcoming 13th National Parliament election and referendum, according to the Election Commission’s website. The registration, conducted through the Postal BD app, began on November 18 and will close in four days. Despite an estimated 1–1.2 million Sylhetis living abroad, only a small fraction have completed registration.

Officials note that this marks the first time expatriates will be able to vote since Bangladesh’s independence, following a landmark decision by the interim government. However, progress has been slow due to limited technical capacity at embassies, lack of awareness, and the busy schedules of migrant workers. Sylhet district recorded the highest number of registrants at 23,687, followed by Moulvibazar, Sunamganj, and Habiganj.

Observers say the initiative could strengthen expatriate engagement in national governance, though low participation remains a concern. Expatriate leaders have urged all political parties to promote full registration before the deadline.

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.