Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi held an unusually long meeting inside India’s Parliament, sparking widespread political speculation. Official sources said the discussion centered on the appointment of a new Chief Information Commissioner (CIC), a post vacant since September following Hiralal Samariya’s retirement. The extended duration of the meeting, however, has prompted questions about whether broader political issues were also discussed.

Under India’s constitutional framework, the CIC is selected by a committee comprising the Prime Minister, a minister nominated by him, and the Opposition Leader. Sources indicate that Gandhi rejected all proposed names and submitted written objections, continuing his pattern of challenging key appointments. The vacancy has left only two commissioners managing a backlog of around 31,000 pending Right to Information (RTI) cases.

Opposition parties accuse the government of deliberately delaying the appointment, undermining transparency and citizens’ access to information. Analysts suggest the meeting may have also touched on parliamentary deadlock, controversial bills, and economic concerns. No official statement was issued, leaving the true scope of the discussion uncertain.

Three Bangladeshi civil society organizations—Local Education and Economic Development Organization (LEEDO), Human Rights Development Centre (HRDC), and Dhaka Centre for Dialogue (DCD)—have jointly called on political parties to include four child protection commitments in their 2026 election manifestos. The demand was made during a discussion at the National Press Club in Dhaka on International Human Rights Day.

The groups urged parties to ban children’s participation in political rallies, ensure safety for street and vulnerable children during elections, include explicit commitments to child rights in manifestos, and sign public declarations against the political use of minors. Speakers, including academics and political representatives, warned that children face heightened risks during election periods despite not being voters. They criticized ongoing child labor and exploitation, calling for stronger state action on education, healthcare, and shelter for street children.

Participants emphasized that meaningful elections require safeguarding the next generation. They also urged future governments to institutionalize child protection policies and criticized global silence over children affected by conflict worldwide.

Residents of Babuganj in Barishal organized a broom procession and protest on Wednesday against Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, the general secretary of the Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party and its candidate for Barishal-3 constituency. The demonstration took place at Mirganj Bazar, where hundreds of men and women condemned Fuad’s recent remarks and demanded their withdrawal along with legal action against him.

According to protesters, Fuad had accused local residents of extortion and terrorism during a bridge inauguration event on December 7, alleging that Babuganj politicians and citizens sought money from a Chinese construction firm. Locals called the statements false and defamatory, saying they tarnished the reputation of the community. Fuad later claimed that bomb-making factories and illegal firearms were common in the area, further angering residents.

Protesters insisted that Fuad must apologize unconditionally and face exemplary punishment, warning of intensified movements if their demands remain unmet. The incident highlights growing tensions between the AB Party candidate and his constituency ahead of the upcoming election.

BNP publicity secretary and Tangail-5 candidate Sultan Salahuddin Tuku has pledged that no human rights violations will occur if his party forms the next government. Speaking at a human chain organized to mark the 77th International Human Rights Day in Tangail, he said the BNP’s politics is centered on public welfare and democracy, promising a humane and democratic Bangladesh free of violence and repression.

Tuku criticized past governments as illegitimate and authoritarian, accusing them of suppressing citizens’ fundamental rights and using law enforcement to commit abuses. He highlighted BNP’s recent social initiatives, including distributing wheelchairs and winter clothing to underprivileged and homeless people, as examples of people-centered politics.

He urged citizens to remain united to prevent any future authoritarian rule and to express their democratic will in the upcoming national elections. The event, organized by the Unity for Universal Human Rights of Bangladesh Foundation, concluded with a rally through Tangail town.

Brigadier General (Retd.) M Sakhawat Hossain, adviser to the Ministry of Shipping and Labour, said the interim government has been working to restore public confidence and reform every sector after taking charge in a severely damaged state following the fall of the former autocratic regime. He made the remarks on Wednesday while visiting a ship under construction at Karnaphuli Ship Builders in Narayanganj.

During the inspection, senior officials including the shipping secretary, district commissioner, and police superintendent accompanied him. Hossain emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring a level playing field for all candidates in the upcoming parliamentary elections, dismissing any doubts about the electoral process. He also instructed shipyard authorities to maintain strict safety standards for workers.

When asked about special prisons for former military officers accused of enforced disappearances, Hossain declined to elaborate, saying details would be shared later. His comments reflect the administration’s effort to project stability and transparency amid a sensitive political transition.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has announced Abdullah Al Waki as its candidate for the Bogura-6 (Sadar) constituency, a seat long dominated by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The announcement was made at a press conference in Dhaka, where NCP member secretary Akhtar Hossain confirmed Waki’s nomination. Waki expressed optimism about his campaign, pledging to begin outreach immediately and to seek support across party lines.

Bogura-6 holds symbolic importance for the BNP, as former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia won the seat in multiple elections between 1996 and 2008. This year, her son and acting BNP chairman Tarique Rahman is contesting from the constituency under the party’s traditional ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol. Other contenders include Jamaat-e-Islami’s Abidur Rahman Sohel, BASAD’s Advocate Dilruba Nuri, and Islami Andolon’s A N M Mamunur Rashid.

With the official election schedule expected to be announced Thursday, political activity in Bogura has intensified. BNP activists are mobilizing to secure a strong victory for Tarique Rahman, while Khaleda Zia’s illness has prompted widespread prayer gatherings across the district.

Senior Naib-e-Ameer of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh and Director General of Hathazari Madrasa, Mufti Khalil Ahmad Quraishi Qasemi, emphasized that only qualified and ethical leadership can ensure a prosperous, peaceful, and education-friendly Hathazari. Speaking at a scholars’ conference supporting Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh’s parliamentary candidate Maulana Nasir Uddin Munir, he said a learned Islamic leader can guide society with integrity and values.

At the event, senior madrasa teachers praised Munir’s record as Hathazari’s former vice-chairman, noting his corruption-free tenure and contributions to local development. Mufti Jasim Uddin, presiding over the conference, expressed confidence that an honest and experienced scholar like Munir could open a new chapter in the region’s progress.

Munir, describing himself as a trusted friend of Hathazari’s people, pledged to transform the constituency into a model township if elected in the upcoming 13th national election. The event saw participation from numerous madrasa heads and Islamic scholars across the region, reflecting growing clerical engagement in local politics.

At a discussion marking International Human Rights Day, prominent activist Sultana Kamal said that human rights are inherent and inalienable, and the state’s duty is to protect them, not to grant them. She expressed concern that fear and lack of accountability have eroded respect for fundamental rights in Bangladesh. The event, held at the Liberation War Museum in Dhaka, also featured remarks from trustee Dr. Sarwar Ali, who described a prevailing 'culture of fear' as the main obstacle to realizing human rights.

Speakers at the event emphasized that justice, freedom, and peace are essential conditions for ensuring human rights. Kamal drew historical parallels to the Magna Carta, noting that even after centuries, societies still struggle to uphold basic freedoms such as protection from arbitrary arrest and the right to free movement. She urged the creation of a culture of accountability at every level of society, warning that deviation from constitutional values of equality and justice inevitably leads to rights violations.

The discussion reflected growing civil society concern over shrinking civic space and the need for renewed commitment to human rights principles in Bangladesh.

A coalition of 29 allied political parties met in Dhaka on December 10 to express frustration over the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) unilateral seat announcements ahead of the upcoming national election. The meeting, held at the Nagorik Oikya office, included leaders from the Ganatantra Mancha, 12-Party Alliance, Gana Odhikar Parishad, Nationalist Likeminded Alliance, Nizam-e-Islami Party, and Gano Forum. Participants criticized the BNP for announcing candidates in 272 constituencies without prior consultation, calling the move a breach of trust.

Leaders such as Mahmudur Rahman Manna and Saiful Haque warned that BNP’s “go-it-alone” approach risks alienating long-time allies who had joined its anti-government movement. Several coalition leaders demanded an immediate dialogue with BNP to resolve the dispute, emphasizing respect and fairness in seat allocation. BNP sources, however, indicated that the party intends to preserve unity and will allocate remaining seats to partners.

The dispute underscores growing tension within the opposition alliance as the election nears, raising concerns about coordination and the opposition’s collective strength against the ruling Awami League.

Bangladesh’s Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed was released from the Secretariat late Wednesday night after being confined for over six hours by non-cadre officials and employees demanding a 20% 'Secretariat allowance'. The standoff began around 2 p.m. and ended at 8:12 p.m. when police escorted the adviser out under tight security.

Protesters gathered outside the adviser's office, chanting slogans and rejecting assurances that a government notification would be issued next Monday to meet their demands. They insisted on immediate action, maintaining their blockade throughout the afternoon. As tensions escalated, a specialized police unit entered the Finance Ministry to restore order, leading to brief scuffles between officers and demonstrators.

The incident underscores rising discontent among government staff over pay disparities and delayed policy implementation. Authorities have yet to confirm whether the promised notification will be issued as scheduled, while unions warn of further protests if demands remain unmet.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has called on party leaders and activists to work relentlessly for the victory of the party’s electoral symbol, the ‘Sheaf of Paddy,’ in the upcoming national election. Speaking at a BNP-organized discussion titled ‘Plan to Rebuild the Nation’ in Dhaka, he said that winning the election is essential to protect the country and implement the people’s development agenda.

Rahman outlined BNP’s socio-economic plans, including the introduction of ‘Family Cards’ for women’s empowerment, ‘Health Cards,’ and ‘Farmers’ Cards’ to support agriculture. He emphasized prioritizing education, healthcare, and human resource development over large infrastructure projects, pledging to recruit one million health workers, most of whom would be women. He also highlighted the need for population control, sports development, and urban planning.

BNP leaders including Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel attended the event. Rahman urged activists to take the party’s plans door-to-door and mobilize citizens, warning that inaction could lead to national decline.

Two advisers to the interim government, Mahfuz Alam and Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, have submitted their resignations to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. According to Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, the resignations were handed in at the State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday afternoon and formally accepted by the Chief Adviser.

The press secretary clarified that both resignations will take effect immediately after the Election Commission announces the schedule for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum. The announcement is set for Thursday at 6 p.m., to be delivered by Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin in a televised address to the nation.

Dr. Yunus has reportedly conveyed his best wishes to the departing student advisers for their future endeavors. The resignations come amid heightened political attention as the country prepares for the formal start of the election process, which will define the next phase of Bangladesh’s governance transition.

Masud Saeedi, Jamaat-e-Islami’s nominated candidate for Pirojpur-1 constituency and former upazila chairman, has pledged to transform Pirojpur into a clean and livable district. Speaking at a Victory Day–themed cleanliness and public awareness campaign organized by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Saeedi emphasized the importance of community participation in maintaining hygiene and environmental responsibility. The event, held at Pirojpur District Hospital, included sweeping, waste removal, and awareness activities.

Saeedi criticized past governance under the Awami League, alleging widespread corruption and administrative syndicates that hindered justice and development. He vowed to eliminate drug abuse, extortion, and terrorism through a “zero tolerance” approach, promising transparency and inclusive development in health, education, and employment sectors. Local officials, including the civil surgeon and party leaders, attended the event.

The campaign signals Jamaat’s attempt to reconnect with local voters through civic initiatives. Saeedi’s message of unity and reform aims to position him as a candidate of change ahead of the next parliamentary election.

Bangladesh’s Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain has declared that anyone found involved in corruption within the Hajj management process will face legal consequences. Speaking at the inauguration of the Natore District Model Mosque and Islamic Cultural Center on Wednesday morning, he emphasized that Hajj is an act of worship, and the government is committed to ensuring transparency and efficiency in its management. He also assured that no syndicate will be allowed to exploit pilgrims.

The event, conducted by project director Shahidul Alam, was attended by senior local officials including the district commissioner, police superintendent, and civil surgeon. Dr. Hossain noted that increased awareness and vigilance have prevented syndicates from controlling the Hajj process, adding that last year the government refunded eight crore taka to pilgrims.

Three model mosques and cultural centers have been built in Natore district and its upazilas, costing between 14 and 17 crore taka each. These facilities include separate prayer spaces for men and women, accessibility for persons with disabilities, training centers, libraries, and residential quarters for mosque staff.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has accepted the resignations of two members of the interim government’s advisory council, Mahfuz Alam and Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan. According to Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, both advisers submitted their resignations in person at the state guesthouse Jamuna on Wednesday, December 10, at 5 p.m. Their resignations will take effect following the announcement of the election schedule, expected Thursday evening.

Mahfuz Alam, who oversaw the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and Asif Mahmud, responsible for Local Government, Rural Development, Cooperatives, and Youth and Sports, were prominent student leaders during the July uprising. Accepting their resignations, Dr. Yunus praised their leadership in freeing the nation from authoritarian rule and expressed confidence in their continued contributions to democratic progress.

Calling the day “historic,” the Chief Adviser said the interim government would remember their service and urged them to use their governmental experience for the nation’s welfare. The resignations mark a symbolic transition as Bangladesh moves toward its next electoral phase.