Former interim government adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan has formally joined the National Citizens Party (NCP). The announcement was made on Monday evening at a press conference held at the party’s temporary central office in Banglamotor, Dhaka, by NCP convener Nahid Islam. He stated that although the NCP has entered its electoral phase, Asif Mahmud will not contest in the upcoming election. Instead, he will work to ensure the success of NCP-nominated candidates and has been appointed as the head of the party’s election management committee.

Asif Mahmud previously served as one of the key coordinators of the anti-discrimination student movement that led the mass uprising of July–August 2024. Following the fall of the then Awami League government on August 5, 2024, he took oath as an adviser in the interim government. He resigned from that position on December 10, 2025, with the resignation becoming effective on December 11, coinciding with the announcement of the election schedule.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday that he has asked U.S. President Donald Trump to consider providing Ukraine with a 30 to 50-year security guarantee. Zelensky stated that Trump responded he would “think about” the proposal. He confirmed that under the current agreement, Ukraine is already assured of a 15-year security guarantee from the United States.

Zelensky added that the next round of discussions will take place in Kyiv in January. He said that the head of Ukraine’s National Defense and Security Council, Rustem Umerov, is coordinating the process with partners. Following that, Ukraine will hold talks with European leaders to align the main documents and prepare communications between Trump and European leaders.

Zelensky also mentioned that Trump has discussed his 20-point peace plan with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who he said is ready for peace. He noted that lifting martial law would only be possible once security guarantees are in place, including the deployment of foreign troops.

Nasiruddin Patwari, the chief coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has submitted his nomination papers to contest the Dhaka-8 parliamentary seat. The submission took place on Monday, December 29, 2025, before the returning officer. Patwari confirmed that he will run under the NCP’s symbol, the Shapla Koli, and described his candidacy as a continuation of the vision of Shaheed Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, the late spokesperson of Inquilab Monch, who previously represented the constituency.

Patwari stated that he is standing in the seat Hadi once aspired to represent, aiming to fulfill the dreams Hadi had for the area. He acknowledged that Dhaka-8 is a challenging constituency where few are willing to contest, referring to it as Hadi’s seat and expressing readiness to face any risk in pursuing national progress. The report did not mention other candidates or party reactions.

The nomination marks NCP’s attempt to strengthen its presence in Dhaka’s political landscape through symbolic continuity with Hadi’s legacy.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Parwar said that the people will resist any attempt at vote rigging. He made the remarks on Monday at the Khulna Deputy Commissioner’s office while speaking to journalists on the final day for submitting nomination papers. Parwar stated that Jamaat-e-Islami is participating in the election based on an eight-party understanding, which has now expanded to ten parties after two more joined the alliance.

Highlighting concerns about possible electoral manipulation and deprivation of voting rights, he urged citizens to remain united to ensure a free and fair election. He also called on voters to support the July Charter by voting “yes” in the referendum scheduled on the same day as the election. Quoting the party’s Amir, Parwar said their struggle has shifted from fighting fascism to combating corruption, aiming for a corruption-free economy and society.

He emphasized that the nation seeks change after 54 years of governance by those he described as tested and failed, expressing confidence that his party will bring that change.

Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, a recently resigned adviser and a leading figure in the July uprising, is reportedly set to join the National Citizen Party (NCP). Multiple sources on Monday, December 29, 2025, indicated that he may be appointed as the party’s spokesperson, although he has not yet publicly confirmed his position. Following his resignation, speculation has grown about his political direction, while he has also announced plans to contest independently from Dhaka-10 and nomination papers have been collected on his behalf for Cumilla-3 (Muradnagar).

In contrast, another former adviser and July uprising leader, Mahfuz Alam, has declared that he will not join the NCP. In a Facebook post titled “My Political Position,” he explained that although he had long collaborated with NCP and the Citizen Committee, he chose to maintain his independent stance. Mahfuz emphasized his commitment to cultural and political resistance against fascism and to fostering a new political-economic framework.

The developments highlight internal realignments among July uprising leaders and suggest possible shifts in Bangladesh’s emerging political landscape.

Election Commission (EC) Secretary Akhtar Ahmed announced that the deadline for submitting nomination papers for the 13th National Parliamentary Election will not be extended. He made the statement during a briefing held on Monday afternoon, confirming that the existing schedule for candidate submissions remains unchanged.

The announcement comes as part of the Election Commission’s ongoing preparations for the upcoming national polls. The EC has been conducting briefings and coordination activities to ensure the election process proceeds according to the established timeline. The secretary’s statement indicates that the commission intends to maintain procedural discipline and avoid any delays in the electoral schedule.

Further details about the nomination process and subsequent election stages are expected to be released later, as the commission continues its preparations for the national election.

Former state minister for home affairs Lutfozzaman Babar has submitted his nomination papers to contest the upcoming election from the Netrokona-4 constituency, which includes Madan, Mohanganj, and Khaliajuri. The submission took place on Monday afternoon at the office of the district returning officer and deputy commissioner Md. Saifur Rahman.

Babar, representing the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), stated that his candidacy is driven by a commitment to restoring democracy, ensuring people's rights, and advancing the overall development of the Netrokona-4 area. He expressed confidence that with the love and support of local residents, his campaign team will move forward unitedly toward victory.

The report highlights Babar’s emphasis on unity and local support as central to his electoral strategy in the constituency.

A platform named Manch-24 held a press conference at Dhaka University’s Madhur Canteen on Monday, demanding justice within 25 days for the killing of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Manch. The group also announced four demands, including the immediate arrest of the main killer and accomplices, reform of intelligence agencies before the election, action against anti-national elements in the media, and review of work permits for Indian citizens in Bangladesh.

At the event, Manch-24 convener Fahim Faruqi criticized the interim government for what he described as lenient decisions regarding the murder case, accusing it of leaning toward dominance and aggression. He said Hadi had embodied the 2024 student-people revolution both culturally and politically through his Inquilab Cultural Center and anti-hegemony activities.

Faruqi warned that failure to arrest the alleged killer Faisal would embolden criminal groups and endanger other movement leaders. Inquilab Manch continues its protest at Shahbagh demanding justice for Hadi’s killing.

Khalistan supporters disrupted a protest organized by Hindutva activists outside the Bangladesh High Commission in London on Saturday. The protest had been arranged in response to reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. During the demonstration, the Khalistani group chanted anti-India slogans and displayed their flags, effectively halting the event. A brief scuffle occurred between Paramjit Singh Pamma, coordinator of the Khalistan Referendum campaign, and an Indian Hindu protester.

Metropolitan Police officers quickly intervened, separating the individuals involved and dispersing both groups from the area surrounding the mission building. No injuries were reported in the incident.

Manu Khajuria of the UK Insight Group described the actions of the Khalistani extremists as surprising, saying they attempted to silence voices advocating for minority rights and harmony.

Jamaat-e-Islami–nominated candidate and Nagarkanda Upazila Jamaat Amir Maulana Sohrab Hossain has withdrawn his candidacy for the upcoming national election in Faridpur-02 constituency, which covers Nagarkanda and Saltha. His decision came after an eight-party alliance declared Allama Shah Akram Ali, known as Dhola Huzur, as its official candidate. On Monday at 10 a.m., Sohrab Hossain announced his withdrawal through a Facebook post, expressing full support for the alliance’s nominee in the interest of Islamic unity.

The announcement has sparked discussion in local political circles, with party activists describing the move as a significant step toward strengthening unity among Islamic parties. Leaders of the eight-party alliance stated that all members would work together in support of Shah Akram Ali and expressed optimism about achieving favorable results through this cooperation.

Local observers noted that the Jamaat candidate’s withdrawal is expected to bolster the alliance’s position in Faridpur-02 and reshape the electoral dynamics in the constituency.

Former president of Islami Chhatra Shibir, Md. Abdul Jabbar, has withdrawn his candidacy from the Narayanganj-4 constituency ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary election. He announced the decision on Monday through a verified Facebook post, stating that he stepped down in accordance with his organization’s decision and emphasized that the nation’s interest remains the top priority.

In his post, Abdul Jabbar expressed gratitude to his supporters, including members, well-wishers, students, and youth who worked tirelessly during the campaign. He extended his best wishes to Advocate Abdullah Al Amin, the central leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), who received the coalition’s nomination for the same seat on Sunday.

The withdrawal marks a shift in the electoral dynamics of Narayanganj-4, as the 10-party alliance consolidates its support behind the NCP candidate following Jabbar’s decision.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman visited the party’s central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka, on Monday afternoon, marking his first appearance there in 17 years. He left his residence on Gulshan Avenue at 3 p.m. and arrived at the office around 4 p.m., where senior party leaders including Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and M Rashiduzzaman Millat welcomed him with flowers. Several central leaders, advisers, and staff members were also present during the visit.

Addressing party members, Tarique Rahman said there was no formal event scheduled and requested that roads be reopened quickly to avoid public inconvenience. He asked everyone to pray for each other’s well-being and called on supporters to contribute from their respective positions to rebuild the country anew. He added that he would deliver a speech when future programs are announced.

The visit was seen as a symbolic return to the party’s central hub after a long absence, with Tarique emphasizing unity and collective effort for national reconstruction.

Law enforcement agencies have been unable to arrest Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader and six other top leaders of the party’s affiliated organizations in a war crimes case related to killings during the July Revolution. The prosecution informed International Crimes Tribunal-2 on Monday that officers visited both permanent and temporary addresses but could not locate the accused. The tribunal, led by retired district judge Md Manjurul Basid with member judge Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir, said further orders would follow after receiving all reports.

The accused include Awami League Joint General Secretary A.F.M. Bahauddin Nasim, former State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat, Jubo League President Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain, and General Secretary Wali Asif Enan. Arrest warrants were issued on December 18 after the prosecution filed formal charges and presented specific allegations against each accused, including three counts against Quader for instruction, provocation, and incitement.

The tribunal will issue its next order once the remaining address report for Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash is submitted.

The government has canceled the appointments of one deputy attorney general and three assistant attorneys general over allegations of irregularities. A formal notification announcing the decision was issued on Monday afternoon, according to the report published on December 29, 2025.

Those whose appointments have been revoked are Deputy Attorney General Zulfiqar Ali Shimul and Assistant Attorneys General Ibrahim Khalil, Ayub Ali, and Montu Alam. The report did not provide further details about the nature of the alleged irregularities or the specific circumstances leading to the decision.

Further information about the case is expected to be released later, as the report indicated that more details are forthcoming.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia’s formal recognition of Afghanistan’s Taliban government has opened new opportunities for regional cooperation. Russia granted official recognition to the Taliban administration in July, a move welcomed by the Afghan government, according to Tolo News. Lavrov emphasized that the recognition has paved the way for collaboration between the two countries in areas including regional security.

The Taliban government in Kabul expressed appreciation for Russia’s stance, saying that expanding regional cooperation would contribute to regional stability. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid called on other countries to normalize relations with Afghanistan, describing Russia’s decision as courageous and beneficial for positive engagement.

Political analyst Najibullah Hotak noted that Russia, as a regional power, could encourage Central Asian and other nations to strengthen ties with Afghanistan. Russia remains the only country to have officially recognized the Taliban government as of July 4.