The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is preparing a large public reception in Dhaka’s Purbachal 300-Foot area to welcome its acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, who is returning from London on December 25 after nearly 16 years. A massive stage, measuring 48 by 36 feet, has been built for the event, with final decorations and lighting completed ahead of his arrival. Party activists from across the country have already begun gathering at the venue, turning the area into a festive scene filled with slogans, banners, and flags.

Security measures have been intensified, with police and army patrols deployed to ensure a safe environment. BNP student and youth leaders described the occasion as one of the most significant political moments since the fall of autocracy, calling it a day of national celebration. Organizers expect the event to demonstrate strong grassroots support for Rahman. His motorcade will travel from the airport through Banani and Kakoli to the main stage, where he will address supporters upon arrival.

The High Court of Bangladesh has dismissed a petition filed by Mahmudur Rahman Manna, president of the political platform Citizen Unity, seeking removal of his name from the list of loan defaulters. The bench of Justice Md Bazlur Rahman and Justice Md Manzur Alam issued the order on Wednesday, effectively disqualifying Manna from contesting in the upcoming national election.

According to court documents, Manna’s company, Afaku Cold Storage Limited, owes Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited approximately Tk 38.04 crore. The bank’s Bogura branch had issued a call-back notice earlier in December, demanding repayment by December 18. Failure to comply led to the company’s inclusion in the defaulter list. Due to a three-day court recess, Manna cannot appeal before December 28, leaving his disqualification in effect.

Legal analysts note that the decision underscores the Election Commission’s strict enforcement of financial eligibility rules for candidates. Manna may still seek redress through the chamber court after the holidays, but his immediate electoral prospects remain uncertain.

Bangladesh’s Advisory Council has approved a major amendment to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Ordinance, introducing a landmark clause that prohibits any government or authority from shutting down internet or telecom services. The 52nd council meeting also endorsed reforms aimed at strengthening regulatory independence, accountability, and transparency within the sector, including a new framework for lawful interception and data protection.

The revised ordinance rebalances powers between the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), restoring licensing authority to BTRC while mandating periodic public hearings. It also establishes the Center for Information Support (CIS) under the Home Ministry to replace the National Telecommunication Monitoring Center (NTMC), ensuring judicial oversight and compliance with data protection laws. Misuse of SIM or device registration data for surveillance or harassment is now a punishable offense.

Analysts view the amendment as a step toward aligning Bangladesh’s telecom governance with international best practices, potentially boosting investor confidence and digital rights protection. The ordinance is expected to reshape state surveillance mechanisms and enhance citizens’ trust in digital infrastructure.

Supporters of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Iqbal staged a rail blockade at Sararchar station in Bajitpur, Kishoreganj, after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) replaced him with Syed Ehsanul Huda as its nominee for the Kishoreganj–5 (Nikli–Bajitpur) constituency. Protesters placed tree trunks on the railway tracks, halting train operations, including the Dhaka–Kishoreganj intercity service, for nearly an hour before traffic resumed.

The nomination shift followed Huda’s decision earlier in the week to dissolve his own political party, the Bangladesh National Party, and join the BNP with his followers. The move sparked anger among Iqbal’s supporters, who viewed the replacement as a breach of internal party commitments. Station officials confirmed that train services were temporarily suspended due to the blockade.

The incident underscores growing internal tensions within the BNP ahead of the upcoming national elections. Party leaders have yet to comment publicly on the protests, but observers suggest the nomination reshuffle could deepen factional divides in several constituencies.

The interim government of Bangladesh has reaffirmed that the Awami League will not be allowed to participate in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam made the announcement during an emergency press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Wednesday, citing the party’s existing ban on political activities.

According to the press secretary, the Election Commission has already excluded the Awami League from the list of registered political parties eligible to contest. The interim government had earlier, in May, issued a notification prohibiting all activities of the Awami League and its affiliated organizations under the amended Anti-Terrorism Ordinance. The ban will remain in place until ongoing proceedings at the International Crimes Tribunal are concluded.

The decision underscores the government’s firm stance on maintaining the prohibition, raising questions about the inclusiveness of the upcoming election and the political representation landscape in Bangladesh.

Barrister Rumin Farhana, the BNP’s International Affairs Secretary, has decided to contest as a rebel candidate in the Brahmanbaria-2 (Sarail-Ashuganj) constituency for Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. On Wednesday, her representative collected nomination papers from the local election office, accompanied by several hundred BNP, Jubo Dal, and Chhatra Dal activists from the area.

The BNP had earlier allocated the Brahmanbaria-2 seat to its alliance partner, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh, nominating Maulana Junaid Al-Habib as the coalition candidate. Farhana’s move signals internal dissent within the party, as several BNP hopefuls were reportedly disappointed by the seat-sharing decision. Speaking to reporters, she acknowledged the party’s strategic alliance decision but hinted she might still run independently.

Political analysts suggest her candidacy could test BNP’s internal discipline and alliance cohesion. The party leadership has yet to comment on possible disciplinary measures if she proceeds independently. The development adds new complexity to the opposition’s electoral strategy in a key constituency.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has imposed a temporary ban on fireworks, firecrackers, sky lanterns, and gas balloons across the capital during the Christmas holiday. The restriction will be in effect from 6 p.m. on December 24 to 6 a.m. on December 26, 2025. The decision, announced by DMP Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman, aims to maintain a solemn and festive environment for the Christian community’s largest religious celebration.

Authorities stated that the ban is enforced under Section 28 of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance (Ordinance No. III/76). The DMP urged residents to cooperate in ensuring a peaceful and safe observance of Christmas. Police officials emphasized that the measure is preventive, designed to avoid fire hazards, noise disturbances, and public safety risks.

The restriction aligns with similar safety protocols implemented during major religious and national events in Dhaka. Law enforcement agencies are expected to increase patrols and monitoring across key church areas and public spaces during the holiday period.

Billal Hossain Miazi has been appointed as the acting secretary general of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of Bangladesh. The appointment was made by LDP President Dr. Col. (Retd.) Oli Ahmed Bir Bikrom following the departure of former secretary general Redwan Ahmed, who recently joined another political party. The decision came after consultations with the party’s presidium members.

Miazi has been associated with the LDP since its inception and previously served as a central committee member, publicity secretary, and joint secretary general. His long-standing involvement and organizational experience were cited as key reasons for his selection. Party insiders view the appointment as an effort to stabilize internal leadership and maintain continuity amid shifting political alliances.

The leadership change comes at a time when smaller political parties in Bangladesh are reassessing their positions ahead of upcoming national elections. Observers suggest that Miazi’s appointment could help the LDP strengthen its organizational base and reassert its political relevance in the evolving landscape.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has decided not to field candidates in two constituencies—Patuakhali-03 and Jhenaidah-04—reserved for Gono Odhikar Parishad leaders Nurul Haque Nur and Rashed Khan. The announcement was confirmed by BNP’s media coordinator Abu Hanif on Wednesday, who said the decision honors the joint movement against authoritarianism led by both parties.

Hanif clarified that this arrangement should not be interpreted as an electoral alliance, as BNP will contest all other seats except the one held by its chairperson, Begum Khaleda Zia. Nur and Rashed will contest under their party’s symbol, the truck, while BNP continues its broader electoral campaign. The Gono Odhikar Parishad expressed gratitude to BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman for the gesture.

The move signals a limited tactical understanding between opposition groups ahead of the national polls, reflecting BNP’s attempt to maintain opposition unity without forming a formal coalition. Political observers view this as a symbolic gesture to strengthen anti-government coordination.

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.