The Bangladesh government has announced that vehicles will be allowed to use the Dhaka Elevated Expressway without paying tolls for four hours on Thursday, December 25, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The decision coincides with the return of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman after nearly 17 years abroad. The announcement was made by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing on Wednesday afternoon.

Officials stated that the toll exemption will apply to the expressway’s entry points near the airport area, easing traffic flow into central Dhaka. The measure aims to manage expected congestion as BNP supporters prepare large-scale receptions for Rahman’s arrival. Authorities anticipate heavy movement across the capital during the event.

The temporary toll waiver reflects the government’s attempt to maintain order and minimize gridlock during a politically significant day. Traffic police and city management units have been instructed to remain on high alert, with additional monitoring planned around key routes and gathering points.

A petition has been submitted to the Chattogram Superintendent of Police seeking the arrest of former MP Anisul Islam Mahmud, accused of involvement in the July 2024 violence in Hathazari. The application, filed by Omar Faruk of Cumilla’s Laksam area, alleges that Mahmud, a known associate of the former authoritarian regime, directly participated in attacks on protesters on August 5, 2024, which led to multiple deaths.

According to the petition, Mahmud remains at large despite being named as the prime accused in several cases, including those filed at Double Mooring, Hathazari, and Kotwali police stations. The petitioner claims that Mahmud and his associates have been threatening victims’ families to withdraw their cases, creating fear in the community. Copies of the petition were also sent to senior law enforcement and advisory officials.

The call for Mahmud’s arrest has reignited public debate over accountability for the 2024 violence. Rights groups and local residents have urged authorities to ensure a transparent investigation and uphold justice for the victims.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has restored the previous boundaries of Pabna-1, Pabna-2, Faridpur-3, and Faridpur-4 constituencies following a High Court verdict. The EC decided not to contest the ruling and issued a revised gazette notification on Wednesday, ahead of the scheduled appeal hearing on January 4. The court order effectively reverses the recent redistricting carried out by the EC.

Earlier, the EC had redrawn constituencies based on administrative integrity, population balance, and geographical considerations. However, the High Court’s decision reinstates the earlier demarcations, similar to a previous ruling that restored Bagerhat’s seat configuration, which had reduced Gazipur’s seats. Reliable EC sources confirmed the implementation of the court’s directives.

The decision affects specific unions and municipalities within Bera, Sujanagar, Nagarkanda, Saltha, Bhanga, Charbhadrasan, and Sadar upazilas. Political observers note that the restoration may influence local electoral dynamics ahead of the next national polls, as constituency boundaries often shape party strategies and voter alignments.

Bangladesh authorities have heightened operational and security measures at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and across Biman Bangladesh Airlines ahead of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s return to Dhaka. Rahman is scheduled to arrive on Biman flight BG-202 from London’s Heathrow, landing first in Sylhet before continuing to Dhaka on Thursday morning. The national carrier has implemented additional oversight on flight operations, cabin services, and ground handling, with close coordination among airport and airline teams.

Airport management has temporarily restricted non-passenger access to terminals from December 24 evening to December 25 evening to maintain order and safety. Officials advised travelers to arrive early due to expected traffic congestion around the airport and major connecting roads. Aviation sources emphasized that Rahman’s high-profile arrival coincides with a busy morning arrival window, requiring real-time coordination among air traffic, apron, and law enforcement units.

Following his arrival, Rahman is expected to attend a reception in Purbachal before heading to Gulshan. Authorities are prioritizing uninterrupted flight operations and passenger processing throughout the event.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that a presidential election will be organized as soon as a peace agreement is signed to end Russia’s invasion. Speaking to journalists from AFP and other outlets, Zelensky referred to a draft plan prepared jointly by the United States and Ukraine, which has been sent to Moscow for review. The document reportedly includes a clause requiring Ukraine to hold elections promptly after the signing of the peace accord.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has been under martial law, suspending all national elections. Zelensky has repeatedly stated that holding a vote during wartime is impractical and unsafe. His latest remarks signal readiness to restore democratic processes once hostilities cease.

Analysts note that the move could mark a crucial step toward political normalization and international legitimacy for post-war Ukraine. However, the timeline and feasibility of such elections will depend on the durability of any peace settlement and the country’s security conditions.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) General Secretary S.M. Farhad and Assistant General Secretary Mohiuddin Khan made a symbolic call for justice during their wedding ceremony, demanding accountability for the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha. The two student leaders held placards reading “Justice for Hadi” while standing on their wedding stage, drawing attention to the unresolved case.

Writer and political analyst Pinaki Bhattacharya shared a photo of the moment on social media, praising the duo for prioritizing justice even on their wedding day. Hadi’s death has previously sparked protests among student and activist groups, who allege political motives behind the killing. The renewed call from DUCSU leaders has reignited discussions about impunity and political violence on campuses.

Observers note that the gesture reflects growing frustration among young activists over delayed investigations. The demand for justice may pressure authorities to revisit the case, as public attention intensifies around student-led accountability movements in Bangladesh.

Rashed Khan, the central general secretary of Gana Adhikar Parishad, has been officially nominated as the BNP-backed candidate for the Jhenaidah-4 constituency. The announcement was made Wednesday afternoon by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan. The news quickly spread across social media, sparking mixed reactions and debates among party supporters and observers.

Several local BNP leaders, including Saiful Islam Firoz, Hamidul Islam Hamid, and Murshida Zaman, had sought the nomination for the same seat. Rashed Khan confirmed his candidacy via phone, stating that the decision was finalized during a meeting at the BNP office on Tuesday night. He also mentioned that BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to hold a campaign rally in Jhenaidah-4 soon.

The nomination reflects BNP’s broader strategy of aligning with smaller opposition groups ahead of the upcoming national elections, aiming to consolidate anti-government votes in key constituencies.

BNP’s student wing general secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir stated that attacks on the media cannot silence dissent or prevent elections in Bangladesh. Speaking at an event in Noakhali’s Subarnachar, he accused certain political groups of trying to destabilize the country following the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi. Nasir also demanded the resignation of the home affairs adviser and the chief adviser’s special assistant.

He recalled past incidents of government interference in the press, citing closures of several television channels and alleged attacks on journalists, including Mahmudur Rahman. Nasir criticized what he described as a pattern of suppressing media freedom to manipulate political outcomes.

Nasir further called on BNP activists to gather in Dhaka on December 25 to welcome acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s return, predicting a massive turnout. Party leaders said the event would energize members ahead of the upcoming political season, signaling renewed organizational momentum for the opposition.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is set to return to Bangladesh on Thursday, marking his first public appearance in years. According to BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, Rahman will visit his mother, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who is undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital. Following the hospital visit, he will deliver a short address at the 300 Feet area in Dhaka, where a limited-scale reception has been arranged.

At a press conference held at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office, Salahuddin Ahmed apologized to Dhaka residents for any inconvenience caused by the event. He emphasized that Rahman does not support programs that create public suffering. To minimize traffic disruption, the event will be held on the service lane of the 300 Feet road, and only Rahman will speak. Party leaders and activists have been instructed to use the Kanchan Bridge route for travel.

Rahman’s return is expected to energize BNP supporters ahead of upcoming political activities, while authorities prepare for crowd management and security measures in the capital.

A US federal court has upheld President Donald Trump’s executive order raising the H-1B visa application fee to $100,000, rejecting a lawsuit filed by attorneys general from 20 states. The challengers argued that the fee increase was excessive, unlawful, and harmful to both applicants and the US labor market. The 56-page ruling, issued by Judge Beryl Howell, affirms the administration’s authority to adjust visa fees when deemed necessary for economic or national security reasons.

Judge Howell acknowledged that the decision could negatively impact American businesses and universities that rely on skilled foreign workers. Critics of the H-1B program have long claimed it undermines opportunities for US workers, while supporters argue it helps attract top global talent essential for innovation and competitiveness.

The ruling marks a significant policy win for Trump’s immigration agenda, though it may face further appeals. Industry groups and academic institutions are expected to lobby for revisions, warning of potential talent shortages and economic repercussions.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has requested the Election Commission of Bangladesh (EC) to revise parts of the upcoming parliamentary election schedule while keeping the voting date unchanged. NCP’s chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary made the appeal during a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin in Dhaka on Wednesday.

Following the meeting, Patwary told reporters that expatriate Bangladeshis were facing difficulties registering to vote and called for an extension of the registration period. He also urged the EC to ensure equal treatment for all political parties and to strengthen security around party offices. Patwary further alleged that external interference, particularly from India, could attempt to disrupt the electoral process, emphasizing the need to safeguard the integrity of the vote.

The NCP also pressed the EC to intensify public awareness campaigns about the national referendum process. The party’s demands come amid heightened political activity and scrutiny over election fairness and administrative preparedness across Bangladesh.

Two party chairmen and one secretary general have formally joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) as the country prepares for its upcoming national election. NPP Chairman Fariduzzaman Farhad, NDM Chairman Bobby Hajjaj, and LDP Secretary General and former minister Redwan Ahmed joined BNP on Wednesday. They are expected to contest under BNP’s electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf.

In a related move, BNP announced it would leave seven parliamentary seats for allied and coalition partners. The party confirmed that it will not field candidates in these constituencies, instead supporting alliance nominees. The seats include Dhaka-12, Bogura-2, Patuakhali-3, Jhenaidah-4, Brahmanbaria-6, Pirojpur-1, and Jashore-5, with candidates from parties such as the Revolutionary Workers Party, Citizens’ Unity, and Gana Odhikar Parishad.

The inclusion of new leaders and strategic seat-sharing arrangements signal BNP’s effort to consolidate opposition forces against the ruling Awami League. Analysts view this as a tactical step to strengthen the party’s electoral base and broaden its coalition appeal ahead of the polls.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) announced on December 24, 2025, that it has allocated seven additional parliamentary constituencies to its alliance partners as part of its seat-sharing strategy for the upcoming national election. The party confirmed it will not field candidates in these constituencies, instead supporting nominees from allied groups including the Revolutionary Workers Party, Nagorik Oikya, Gono Odhikar Parishad, and Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar faction).

The newly allocated seats include Dhaka-12, Bogura-2, Patuakhali-3, Jhenaidah-4, Brahmanbaria-6, Pirojpur-1, and Jashore-5. Earlier in the week, BNP had already granted four constituencies to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam. Party officials stated that the move aims to strengthen opposition unity and maximize electoral coordination against the ruling Awami League.

Political analysts view the decision as a strategic effort to consolidate the broader opposition bloc under the BNP-led alliance. The final list of candidates and seat arrangements is expected to be announced soon as election preparations intensify across Bangladesh.

Venezuela’s parliament has passed a new law imposing severe penalties, including up to 20 years in prison, for individuals or organizations that support or finance the U.S. naval blockade against the country. The legislation, approved on Tuesday, follows the recent seizure of Venezuela-linked oil tankers by the United States, which Caracas has condemned as a violation of international law and an act akin to piracy.

Presenting the bill, lawmaker Giuseppe Alessandrello said the measure is necessary to protect Venezuela’s economy and prevent further deterioration in citizens’ living conditions. The Maduro government has accused Washington of escalating military activity in Latin America and targeting Venezuelan assets under the pretext of anti-narcotics operations.

At a UN Security Council meeting, Venezuela’s representative Samuel Moncada denounced what he described as U.S. aggression, asserting that Venezuela poses no threat and that the real danger lies in U.S. policy. Analysts say the law could deepen diplomatic tensions and further isolate Caracas amid ongoing sanctions and economic hardship.

With the announcement of the 13th parliamentary election schedule, political activity has surged across Pirojpur district, where the main contest is expected between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. The ruling Awami League’s absence from the race has reshaped local dynamics, particularly in Pirojpur-1, where Hindu voters make up nearly one-fourth of the electorate. Both parties are actively seeking their support through rallies and door-to-door campaigns.

Jamaat has finalized candidates for all three constituencies, including Masud Sayeedi and Shamim Sayeedi, sons of former MP Delwar Hossain Sayeedi. BNP has confirmed two candidates but is yet to finalize its nominee for Pirojpur-1, where speculation surrounds several contenders. Local civic groups express cautious optimism about a fair election under an interim government, though doubts remain about the Election Commission’s neutrality.

Analysts note that young and first-time voters are showing renewed enthusiasm after years of limited participation. The outcome in Pirojpur could signal broader trends in opposition-led contests across Bangladesh if voting proceeds freely.