National Citizen Party (NCP) South Region chief organizer Hasanat Abdullah is scheduled to testify today before International Crimes Tribunal-2 in the case concerning the killing of Begum Rokeya University student Abu Sayeed, the first martyr of the July uprising. The three-member tribunal, chaired by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, will hear his testimony as the 22nd witness in the case against 30 accused, including the university’s former vice-chancellor Hasibur Rashid.

According to the prosecution, six of the accused are currently in custody, while 24 remain absconding. The tribunal has been hearing witness statements since August, with testimonies from police officers, students, and eyewitnesses describing the events of July 16 last year. The case formally began on August 27 following the submission of the investigation report and formation of charges in June.

Legal analysts note that Abdullah’s testimony may provide key insights into the chain of command and accountability during the violence. Further hearings are expected to continue in the coming weeks as the tribunal moves toward concluding witness examinations.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has reminded student leaders that the party’s electoral symbol, the ‘sheaf of paddy,’ should take precedence over individual candidates in the upcoming national election. Speaking at a Dhaka event titled ‘Plan to Build the Nation,’ he emphasized that loyalty to the party and its ideals must guide campaign efforts, regardless of personal preferences for particular nominees.

Addressing over a thousand Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal leaders from 75 units across Bangladesh, Rahman called for grassroots mobilization around BNP’s development agenda. He outlined plans focusing on environmental protection, waste management, sports, education, healthcare, and unemployment reduction. He urged activists to engage local communities and secure public support for these initiatives.

Rahman further stated that the next two months would be dedicated to connecting citizens with BNP’s vision for national reconstruction. His remarks come as the party intensifies its organizational activities ahead of the parliamentary elections, seeking to unify supporters under its electoral symbol rather than individual personalities.

Gono Odhikar Parishad’s central general secretary Rashed Khan has alleged that a plan is underway to assassinate 50 election candidates in an attempt to derail the upcoming national polls in Bangladesh. Speaking at a campaign rally in Jhenaidah’s Goalpra Bazar on December 8, Khan claimed that the ruling Awami League is behind the alleged conspiracy to carry out targeted killings aimed at sabotaging the February elections.

Khan emphasized that ensuring the safety of all candidates is the government’s responsibility and warned that any attack on contestants would be the government’s liability. He further stated that BNP leader Tarique Rahman is expected to return to Bangladesh after the election schedule is announced, asserting that his security is of national importance. Responding to questions about the purchase of a bulletproof vehicle for Rahman, Khan defended the move as a necessary precaution.

The allegations have sparked political tension ahead of the polls, with opposition parties demanding stronger security measures. Authorities have not yet issued an official response to Khan’s claims.

Pirojpur-1 constituency Jamaat-e-Islami nominated MP candidate and former upazila chairman Masud Saeedi has emphasized the need for better working conditions for teachers to create an enlightened and progressive society. Speaking at a discussion meeting with teachers and local dignitaries at Pirojpur Government Suhrawardy College, he stated that education is the driving force of national progress, and teachers are its foundation.

Saeedi pledged that, if elected, he would prioritize improving the education system, ensuring a safe, supportive, and corruption-free environment for teachers and students. He also promised to introduce modern, technology-based learning tools and training programs to enhance teaching quality. Addressing the broader national context, he criticized persistent corruption as a major obstacle to Bangladesh’s development, vowing to work toward its eradication.

Local educators and community leaders attended the meeting, expressing support for initiatives that would enhance teacher dignity and student safety. Saeedi’s remarks reflect growing public discourse on education reform and governance accountability ahead of the upcoming election.

Bangladesh’s interim government adviser on labour and shipping, Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain, stated that the interim administration was not given any specific mandate or deadline to hold national elections. Speaking at a press conference on December 8 at the Secretariat, he clarified that when the interim government assumed office on August 8, 2024, no instruction or timeframe was set for conducting elections. He added that the government itself had expressed the intention to hold elections, and political parties’ subsequent activities were beyond government control.

Hossain emphasized that the interim government believes elections should take place in due time to restore democratic governance and global democratic norms, which he said had been absent for nearly two decades. Drawing on his experience as a former election commissioner, he declined to comment on whether the current political environment is ready for elections, saying that only the Election Commission could assess that.

He further noted that political parties currently appear uncertain about their strategies and future, suggesting that political instability would arise only if the government and parties move in opposite directions.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman has announced that his party will restart the canal excavation project if given the opportunity to govern after the upcoming national election. Speaking virtually from London at an event in Dhaka’s Krishibid Institution, Rahman said the initiative, originally launched by late President Ziaur Rahman, had helped control floods and improve irrigation, leading to food self-sufficiency in the past.

He emphasized that the BNP’s development agenda would focus on environmental restoration, waste management, and air pollution control. Rahman also discussed plans to enhance remittance inflows by providing skills training to migrant workers and to support digital content creators through partnerships with global financial platforms such as PayPal, Google, and Meta. He urged party activists to prioritize the BNP’s electoral symbol over individual candidates and to engage citizens in implementing the party’s national rebuilding plans.

The speech, delivered during the “Plan to Build the Nation” program, was attended by over a thousand student leaders. Rahman called on the youth to unite for Bangladesh’s future, warning that inaction could lead to national setbacks.

Dhaka South unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced a strict stance on maintaining internal discipline, warning that any public protest against party decisions will be treated as a violation. In a statement issued on Monday, signed by convener Rafiqul Alam Majnu and member secretary, the unit instructed all leaders and activists to remain unconditionally loyal to official party directives.

The statement clarified that members may express differing opinions only through internal party forums or by communicating with designated leaders. However, any public demonstration or protest against party decisions will be considered a breach of discipline, subject to penalties under the BNP constitution. The notice emphasized that disciplinary provisions are clearly defined and must be respected by all levels of leadership.

Party insiders view the move as an effort to prevent internal dissent amid ongoing political challenges. Observers suggest the directive aims to consolidate control and ensure message unity as the BNP navigates a tense political environment ahead of future mobilizations.

The European Union has reached a consensus to tighten its migration and asylum policies in response to growing pressure from irregular migration flows. During a meeting of EU interior ministers in Brussels on December 8, member states provisionally approved several measures proposed by the European Commission. These include stronger controls on migrant arrivals and returns, as well as the establishment of ‘return hubs’ outside the EU’s 27 member states to manage deportations more efficiently.

Officials say the proposals aim to make the EU’s migration system more streamlined and enforceable. The initiative comes as many European governments face increasing domestic pressure from right-wing parties gaining popularity over migration concerns. The new measures still require final approval from the European Parliament before implementation.

Human rights organizations have voiced strong opposition, warning that the tougher stance could undermine asylum rights and humanitarian protections. The debate highlights the EU’s struggle to balance border security with its commitment to international refugee obligations.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has cautioned that the notion of portraying one leader as good and all others as bad poses a serious threat to democracy. Speaking virtually from London at a BNP event in Dhaka’s Krishibid Institution, he urged party members to uphold pluralism and accountability, emphasizing that democracy is the only path to restoring normalcy in Bangladesh’s governance.

Rahman criticized the current state of the nation, citing economic hardship, factory closures, poor healthcare, and insecurity as signs of systemic dysfunction. He reiterated that only a democratically elected government can ensure accountability and gradual improvement. Addressing BNP activists, he called for unity and grassroots engagement ahead of the next election, stressing that loyalty should be to the party and its symbol, not individual candidates.

He also pledged to revive the canal excavation program initiated by late President Ziaur Rahman, linking it to agricultural productivity and flood control. The BNP plans to continue policy workshops through mid-December, focusing on education, health, agriculture, and employment.

Shahadat Hossain Selim, chairman of the Bangladesh Liberal Democratic Party (BLDP), has formally joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) after dissolving his own party. The announcement was made on Monday at BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s political office in Gulshan, where Selim presented flowers to BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury. During the event, it was confirmed that Selim will contest the upcoming election from the Lakshmipur-1 constituency under the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol.

Amir Khosru stated that Selim’s nomination recognizes his contributions to political movements and his long-standing association with nationalist politics. He emphasized the need for unity under Tarique Rahman’s leadership to ensure BNP’s electoral success. Selim, who began his political career in the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, said he always remained emotionally connected to the BNP despite earlier separation. Declaring the dissolution of BLDP, he described his return as a homecoming after 25 years and pledged to strengthen the party ahead of the national polls.

The Ministry of Education’s Secondary and Higher Education Division in Bangladesh has issued the MPO Policy 2025, prohibiting teachers and staff of MPO-listed non-government schools and colleges from holding any financially profitable positions. The directive, released Sunday, states that teachers cannot engage in other jobs or professions such as journalism, law, or employment in private organizations while receiving MPO benefits.

According to clause 11.17(a) of the policy, any teacher or employee found involved in multiple posts or profit-oriented roles may face cancellation of MPO benefits and disciplinary action. The policy defines ‘financially profitable positions’ as any role that provides salary, allowance, or honorarium from government or private institutions. It also outlines performance-based conditions for institutions to retain MPO eligibility, including minimum pass rates in public exams.

The policy further clarifies promotion criteria, stating that assistant teachers with ten years of satisfactory service will be promoted to senior teacher positions. However, library and information science teachers will receive financial benefits of higher grades without promotion. The reforms aim to ensure full-time dedication and accountability within the education sector.

A Dhaka court has ordered the imprisonment of Shawkat Mahmud, former president of the National Press Club and current secretary-general of Janata Party Bangladesh, in connection with a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Metropolitan Magistrate Jewel Rana issued the order on Monday after police sought a 10-day remand for Mahmud. The court set Thursday for the hearing on the remand petition.

Mahmud was arrested on Sunday in the same case that led to the detention of Bangladeshi-American Enayet Karim Chowdhury, who is accused of involvement in a conspiracy to overthrow the government. Following his arrest, Detective Branch (DB) police produced Mahmud before the court, requesting remand for further interrogation. However, the hearing was postponed due to the absence of the case’s main documents.

The case has drawn attention from political observers and media circles, as Mahmud is a well-known journalist and political figure. The outcome of Thursday’s hearing is expected to determine whether investigators will be allowed to question him in custody.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has strongly criticized Jamaat-e-Islami, accusing the Islamist party of exploiting religion as a political tool to incite division, hatred, and violence. In a press release issued Monday, NCP rejected Jamaat’s recent statement against its member secretary Akhtar Hossain, calling it baseless and an attempt to mislead public opinion. NCP’s media cell editor Mushfiq us Salehin circulated the statement to the press.

The NCP cited a recent incident in Ishwardi, Pabna, where a Jamaat activist was allegedly involved in election-related violence, as confirmed by local intelligence police. The party argued that Jamaat’s denial of such facts reflects an effort to conceal the truth and evade responsibility. NCP urged Jamaat to embrace the post–August 5 political culture of peace and democratic values instead of reverting to old patterns of dominance and confrontation.

The NCP emphasized that responsible behavior by all political parties is essential for national stability ahead of the upcoming general election, warning that continued provocation could endanger peace and public trust.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has finalized the registration of 81 domestic election observer organizations ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The announcement was made on December 8 by the EC’s public relations division, confirming that the registration process was completed in two phases following a review of applications and objections.

Initially, 73 local organizations were shortlisted in September, after which the EC invited public objections until October 20. Following the resolution of claims, 66 organizations were approved in the first phase, with registration valid from November 6, 2024, to November 5, 2030. Another 15 organizations received approval in the second phase, valid from December 4, 2024, to December 3, 2030.

The EC also noted that the registrations of 96 observer groups from the 12th parliamentary election were automatically canceled under the new Election Observation Policy 2025. Since the introduction of observer registration in 2008, the number of approved organizations has fluctuated, reflecting evolving oversight measures and transparency efforts in Bangladesh’s electoral process.

The High Court of Bangladesh has dismissed a writ petition that sought to suspend all activities related to the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The bench, comprising Justice Shikdar Mahmudur Razi and Justice Riaz Uddin, ruled that the petition was not properly presented and noted that the nation is already election-focused, making such a request untimely.

The petition was filed on December 3 by Advocate Yarul Islam, Secretary General of the registered political party Bangladesh Congress. It challenged the legality of appointing election officials from the executive branch and requested the formation of an independent Electoral Service Commission. Following the court’s observation, the petitioner withdrew the case, citing national interest.

Legal experts say the ruling clears procedural uncertainty ahead of the polls. The Election Commission continues its preparations, including coordination with deputy commissioners and returning officers. The decision reinforces judicial reluctance to interfere with the electoral timeline unless clear constitutional violations are proven.