Bangladesh police have filed a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009 against 14 government officials and employees for allegedly violating the civil service code of conduct during a protest at the Secretariat. The case, lodged at Shahbagh Police Station, accuses the officials of organizing unauthorized demonstrations, meetings, and confining Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed for six hours while demanding a 20% Secretariat allowance.

The accused include officers from the Health, Public Administration, Finance, and Information ministries, many of whom hold leadership roles in the Secretariat Officers and Employees Combined Council. Police stated that video evidence of the incident has been collected, and four individuals were arrested on the spot. Enhanced security measures have since been deployed around the Secretariat and the Finance Ministry.

The protest followed delays in implementing a promised allowance and the pending finalization of a new pay commission. Authorities have warned that further disruptions or violations of conduct rules will result in legal action, as the government seeks to maintain order within administrative offices.

Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho and an independent candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency, was shot and critically injured in Bijoynagar, Dhaka, shortly after Friday prayers. According to police, unidentified assailants arrived on three motorcycles and opened fire before fleeing the scene. Hadi was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors confirmed he had sustained a gunshot wound to the head and was placed in intensive care.

Police officials said they are investigating the incident but have yet to identify the attackers or determine a motive. Witnesses reported that Hadi had been distributing campaign leaflets following prayers when the shooting occurred. Supporters gathered at the hospital seeking B-negative blood donations as his condition remained critical.

Hadi had previously reported receiving multiple death threats from local and foreign numbers in November, alleging that he and his family were under surveillance. Authorities have not confirmed whether the earlier threats are linked to the attack, but security around independent candidates is expected to come under renewed scrutiny.

Independent candidate Sharif Osman Hadi, representing Dhaka-8 and spokesperson for the Inqilab Mancha, was shot while campaigning in the capital’s Bijoynagar area on Friday afternoon. Witnesses said unidentified assailants opened fire near Kalvert Road shortly after Friday prayers. Hadi was rushed to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he is receiving treatment.

Following the incident, National Citizens Party (NCP) South Region organizer Hasnat Abdullah posted a prayer on his verified Facebook account, expressing concern and calling for Hadi’s recovery. Hadi had previously alleged receiving threats from ruling party affiliates, including warnings of arson and sexual violence against his family. The attack has sparked renewed debate over election security and the safety of independent candidates.

Authorities have yet to confirm any arrests or motives. Election observers warn that escalating violence could undermine public confidence ahead of the upcoming polls, urging immediate investigation and stronger protection for all candidates.

Fayez Ahmad Tayyeb, the Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on ICT, has sharply criticized the Awami League for what he described as severe technical deficiencies in the implementation of national mega projects. In a verified Facebook post, he highlighted that the design of Dhaka Airport’s Third Terminal lacked essential telecommunication and data infrastructure, calling the oversight a ‘technical disaster.’

Tayyeb detailed multiple design flaws, including the absence of plans for indoor telecom coverage, optical fiber ducts, and dedicated spaces for data centers and routers. He argued that these omissions would force engineers to retrofit critical systems outside the original design, increasing costs and reducing efficiency. His remarks suggested that the project prioritized aesthetics over functionality, relying heavily on foreign contractors.

The comments have sparked debate over the government’s project management and technical oversight. Analysts warn that such gaps could undermine the long-term operational capacity of key infrastructure. The government has yet to issue an official response to the criticism.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission has announced that the country’s 13th national parliamentary election will be held on February 12, 2026. On the same day, citizens will also participate in a landmark referendum to decide whether to implement the ‘July Charter,’ a reform framework born out of the 2024 mass uprising. The referendum will ask voters to approve or reject a set of constitutional reform proposals under the July National Charter Implementation Order 2025.

If the majority votes ‘yes,’ a Constitutional Reform Council will be formed with newly elected members of parliament. The council will have 180 working days to finalize constitutional amendments, including establishing a bicameral legislature, limiting the prime minister’s tenure, strengthening presidential powers, and enhancing judicial independence. The upper house would be composed of 100 members proportionally representing party votes.

Political observers note that the referendum could redefine Bangladesh’s governance structure and power balance. Following reform completion, an upper chamber will be constituted within 30 working days, marking a major shift toward institutional restructuring and expanded democratic participation.

Independent candidate and Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi was shot while campaigning in Dhaka-8 constituency on Friday afternoon. He was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital’s emergency department after sustaining bullet injuries. Police confirmed the incident occurred near DR Tower in Paltan’s Box Culvert area shortly after Friday prayers.

According to witnesses and political associates, unidentified assailants on three motorcycles opened fire at Hadi during his election campaign. Dhaka Metropolitan Police officials said a team has been dispatched to verify details and identify the attackers. Hadi, a key organizer of the July Unity platform, had previously reported receiving multiple death threats from local and foreign numbers in November.

The attack has raised concerns about candidate safety ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th national elections. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and increasing security in the area. Election observers and rights groups have urged a swift and transparent investigation to ensure a violence-free electoral process.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has officially released the complete schedule for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. According to the circular issued on Thursday, the deadline for submitting nomination papers to returning or assistant returning officers is set for December 29. Scrutiny of nomination papers will take place between December 30 and January 4, while appeals against scrutiny decisions can be filed from January 5 to 11. The resolution of appeals will occur between January 12 and 18, with January 20 as the final date for withdrawal of candidacy. Election symbols will be allotted on January 21, and voting is scheduled for February 12, 2025.

The circular, signed by Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain, was issued under Article 11(1) of the Representation of the People Order, 1972. The EC has called upon voters in all constituencies to elect one member per constituency, formally initiating the electoral process. Political parties are now expected to finalize candidate lists and campaign strategies ahead of the February polls.

Observers note that the timely announcement provides clarity for stakeholders and sets the stage for a competitive national election season.

The Bangladesh Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has approved a chargesheet against Tulip Rizwana Siddiq, niece of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and former RAJUK legal adviser Sardar Mosharraf Hossain. They are accused of facilitating the illegal transfer of a Gulshan plot and receiving a flat from Eastern Housing Limited as a bribe. The decision was confirmed by ACC Director General Md Akhtar Hossain on Thursday, with the charges filed under multiple sections of the Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947.

According to the ACC, Siddiq allegedly used her influence to help Eastern Housing gain unauthorized approval to subdivide and sell a government-leased plot, violating the 99-year lease terms. In return, she reportedly received a free apartment, which she later transferred to her sister. The ACC claims documentary evidence supports the allegation, including company letters and tax records.

The chargesheet will soon be submitted to court. Legal experts note the case could have political implications given Siddiq’s high-profile family ties and her role as a UK politician.

Bangladesh’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin has announced that the 13th National Parliamentary Election will be held on February 12, ending weeks of speculation. Amid this announcement, questions arose over whether BNP’s acting chairman Tareque Rahman, currently residing in London, can register as a voter or contest in the election.

Election Commission (EC) officials clarified that under the Representation of the People Order, the Constitution, and the Voter List Act, any Bangladeshi citizen meeting legal qualifications can register as a voter or candidate, even from abroad. Rahman may apply online or through the Bangladesh High Commission in the UK. He must register as a voter by December 29 and submit his nomination paper by the same date.

Officials added that unless Rahman has acquired foreign citizenship or is legally disqualified, he can participate remotely. BNP leaders, however, indicated he might return to Bangladesh soon. The EC’s schedule sets nomination scrutiny for December 30–January 4, appeals until January 18, and campaigning until February 10.

Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) has undergone a major administrative reshuffle ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary elections. According to an official press release signed by Deputy Director and Public Relations Officer Md. Ashikuzzaman, 47 district commandants and 162 upazila-level officers have been reassigned to new posts. The restructuring aims to ensure efficient coordination and professional management of election security operations across the country.

Officials said the initiative is part of broader preparations to build a modern, citizen-friendly security framework. The force is updating deployment lists, integrating data into digital platforms, and conducting special training and simulation exercises. Emphasis is being placed on professionalism, neutrality, and behavioral discipline among members deployed at polling centers. The government expects all personnel to demonstrate integrity and impartiality during election duties.

The reshuffle is also expected to align manpower with regional security needs and improve operational efficiency. Newly appointed officers will implement directives from the force’s headquarters to maintain transparency and stability during the election period.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s parliamentary candidate for Cumilla-6, Kazi Din Mohammad, has initiated the removal of his campaign posters, banners, and festoons in compliance with Election Commission (EC) and Representation of the People Order (RPO) regulations. The activity began on Friday morning, December 12, as part of the official post-schedule cleanup requirement for all nominated candidates.

During the event, Kazi Din Mohammad instructed his supporters to remove all campaign materials within 48 hours at their own expense, emphasizing adherence to electoral laws. Local Jamaat and Shibir leaders attended the program, underscoring the party’s commitment to lawful and transparent election practices. The candidate stated that following EC directives is a democratic responsibility and pledged to maintain discipline throughout the campaign.

Local residents and business owners welcomed the initiative, noting that such compliance would help foster a peaceful and coordinated electoral environment in the constituency ahead of the national polls.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has called on party leaders and activists to remove all election-related campaign materials following the announcement of the 13th National Parliamentary Election schedule. In a verified Facebook post on Friday, he said the party is ready to extend all logical cooperation to ensure a fair and successful election process.

Dr. Rahman reminded party members to comply with the Election Commission’s directive and the Representation of the People Order (RPO), which require all campaign materials—such as banners, festoons, and billboards—to be removed within 48 hours of the schedule announcement. The Election Commission announced the long-awaited election schedule on Thursday, confirming that the national polls and a referendum will be held on the same day.

The Jamaat chief’s statement comes amid heightened political activity across the country. Observers note that his call for compliance may signal the party’s intent to maintain a lawful stance ahead of the polls, though its participation status remains uncertain.

Austria’s parliament has passed a new law banning girls under 14 from wearing the hijab in schools, a move the government says is intended to protect minors from coercion. The legislation, approved on Thursday, applies to all public and private schools and will take effect next February. Initially, authorities will focus on explaining the new rules to teachers, parents, and students before imposing fines on repeat violations.

Human rights organizations and opposition parties have criticized the measure as discriminatory and unconstitutional. The Green Party voted against the bill, arguing it violates freedom of religion. The conservative-led government, under pressure from rising anti-immigration sentiment, insists the law is constitutional and aims to promote gender equality. A similar 2019 ban on headscarves in primary schools was previously overturned by Austria’s Constitutional Court.

The new regulation is expected to affect around 12,000 girls nationwide. Analysts warn the policy could deepen social divisions and face renewed legal challenges in the coming months.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has accused the ruling Awami League of having a long history of killings and corruption, urging citizens not to forget those events. Speaking on Friday at the Krishibid Institution in Dhaka during the sixth day of BNP’s ‘Nation-Building Plan’ program, he alleged that some political parties remain silent about the Awami League’s actions in hopes of securing electoral benefits.

Salahuddin criticized the use of the 1971 Liberation War spirit for political gain, saying such exploitation has ultimately failed. He described BNP’s 31-point reform agenda as the ‘essence of a national charter of liberation’ and claimed it has become a ‘national epic’. He also referenced a white paper alleging that Tk 29.25 trillion was laundered under the current government, blaming the Awami League for economic devastation.

The BNP leader emphasized that the upcoming 13th parliamentary election should be approached with planning rather than emotion, portraying the party’s movement as the culmination of 15 years of struggle. He warned that the nation must remember past violence and corruption to prevent history from repeating itself.

National Citizen Party (NCP) North Region chief organizer Sarjis Alam has called for the abolition of Bangladesh’s lottery-based school admission system, describing it as an 'absurd process' that undermines merit and competition. In a verified Facebook post on Thursday, December 11, Alam argued that the system discourages students from valuing academic excellence and weakens the foundation of the country’s education structure.

The lottery-based admission method was introduced in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic for students from grades one to nine in both public and private schools, replacing the previous merit-based entrance exams. Alam questioned why such a non-competitive approach continues when meritocracy remains central to higher education and employment in Bangladesh.

His remarks have reignited debate over the fairness and effectiveness of the current system. Education experts and parents remain divided—some favoring the lottery for reducing corruption, others demanding a return to merit-based selection. The Ministry of Education has yet to respond to Alam’s comments.