Bangladesh’s interim government foreign affairs adviser Md. Touhid Hossain stated that if India declines to return ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Dhaka has limited options. Speaking to reporters on December 10, Hossain said efforts may still be made to persuade New Delhi through diplomatic channels. He confirmed that there is no official information suggesting Hasina plans to leave India for another country.

Hossain also addressed questions about the possible closure of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), noting that such institutions exist in all nations and cannot be easily disbanded. On visa-related complications, he emphasized that fraudulent documentation must stop for Bangladesh’s visa issues to be resolved, adding that student visa decisions rest solely with host countries.

Regarding new diplomatic missions, Hossain said financial constraints are delaying their launch despite prior approvals. He declined to comment on speculation about a potential South Asian alliance excluding India but involving Pakistan and China.

Bangladesh’s President Mohammed Shahabuddin expressed satisfaction with the Election Commission’s (EC) preparations for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary elections. The assurance came after a meeting at Bangabhaban between the President and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin, accompanied by four election commissioners and senior EC secretary Akhtar Ahmed. The CEC briefed the President on overall election readiness, including voter list updates, political party registration, and plans for a possible referendum on election day.

According to the EC secretary, the President pledged full cooperation to ensure a fair and transparent election process. Discussions also covered extending polling hours by one hour and other logistical matters. Following the meeting, the EC delegation returned to the Election Commission headquarters for further deliberations under the CEC’s leadership.

Bangladesh Television and Radio have been called to record the CEC’s address later in the day, a traditional precursor to the official announcement of the election schedule, which is expected imminently.

BNP Joint Secretary General and Lakshmipur-3 candidate Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie has suggested that party leader Tarique Rahman could return to Bangladesh within a few days if former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia is not taken abroad for medical treatment. Speaking at a courtyard meeting in Lakshmipur on Wednesday, Annie said the party is awaiting Tarique’s leadership and that his return depends on Khaleda Zia’s health condition.

Annie emphasized that the upcoming election will be challenging, describing it as a contest against an 'invisible force.' He accused the ruling Awami League of undermining fair electoral conditions through repression and avoidance. Annie also pledged that the BNP, under Tarique Rahman’s future leadership, would continue to stand beside the people, drawing parallels with the legacies of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia.

Local BNP leaders, including district and municipal representatives, attended the event, signaling intensified grassroots mobilization ahead of the national polls.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has announced its first list of 125 candidates for the upcoming national elections, leaving several constituencies open for potential alliances and rebel candidates from the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. At a press conference in Dhaka’s Banglamotor, NCP chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patowary said the party is ready to nominate reform-minded rebels who maintain strong grassroots connections.

Patowary emphasized that the NCP seeks candidates who support political reform and have credibility among local voters. He noted that many rebel politicians from major opposition parties have already approached the NCP, though he declined to specify numbers. The party’s member secretary, Akhtar Hossain, formally announced the initial list of nominees.

The move signals NCP’s strategic attempt to attract disaffected opposition figures and expand its electoral footprint. Analysts suggest this approach could reshape alliances in several constituencies, particularly if BNP and Jamaat rebels fail to reconcile with their parent parties before the polls.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, has publicly questioned the legitimacy and ethics of conducting a popularity survey on the banned Awami League and its affiliated organizations. In a verified Facebook post on Wednesday, December 10, he criticized the survey’s intent, suggesting it could serve to obscure the party’s alleged record of repression and violence during its long tenure in power.

Alam argued that such surveys risk normalizing or rehabilitating a political force accused of severe human rights abuses, including suppression of opposition rallies and widespread fear-based governance. He recalled that during the Awami League’s 16-year rule, political violence and intimidation were pervasive, leaving ordinary citizens in fear. He also cited analysts who claimed the Hasina government used fear as a political tool to maintain control.

The press secretary emphasized that accountability must precede any political normalization, asserting that the Awami League should face legal scrutiny and acknowledge its past actions before being included in future surveys or political processes.

Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, who joined the interim government as a student representative, is expected to announce his resignation just before the declaration of the national election schedule. He has called an emergency press conference at the Secretariat on Wednesday afternoon, where the announcement is likely to be made. His resignation would mark a significant shift as he is widely expected to contest from Dhaka-10 constituency.

It remains unclear whether another student representative and Information Adviser, Mahfuz Alam, will also resign. Sources suggest he may contest from Lakshmipur-1, his home constituency, where the National Citizen Party (NCP) has not yet nominated anyone. Asif Mahmud, meanwhile, has hinted on social media about running from Dhaka-10, where BNP’s Sheikh Robiul Alam and Jamaat’s Advocate Jasim Uddin are already confirmed candidates.

If both advisers step down, it could signal growing political ambitions among younger members of the interim administration, potentially reshaping the electoral dynamics in key constituencies ahead of the polls.

On International Human Rights Day, BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman declared that his party rejects the politics of revenge and is committed to a path of reconciliation and justice. In a Facebook post, he criticized the ruling Awami League for alleged enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and suppression of dissent during its tenure. Rahman pledged that no Bangladeshi should live in fear of the state, regardless of political affiliation.

He reflected on what he described as 16 years of political darkness, marked by fear, false cases, and repression, particularly against BNP members. Rahman also recounted his own experience of being silenced since 2015 and praised Khaleda Zia as a symbol of patience and democratic resistance. He emphasized that the BNP’s suffering should inspire forgiveness and moral strength rather than vengeance.

Rahman concluded by calling for a united Bangladesh that guarantees freedom of speech and human rights for all citizens, asserting that justice, accountability, and compassion must guide the nation’s political renewal.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has announced that any candidate found involved in corruption, terrorism, or fascist activities will have their nomination cancelled. The warning came from NCP convener Nahid Islam during a briefing at the party’s temporary office on Wednesday, following the release of a list of 125 preliminary candidates by the party’s member secretary Akhtar Hossain.

Nahid Islam emphasized that the nomination process remains open and subject to public verification. He said the party has not reserved any seats for specific individuals and that the selection was based on reports from the nomination board. The NCP aims to maintain inclusivity in its candidate list, ensuring representation from women, minorities, and professionals such as teachers, doctors, engineers, and expatriates.

He added that the party will continue to review nominations until all 300 constituencies are finalized. If credible allegations arise against any candidate, their nomination will be revoked, and new candidates may be considered to ensure transparency and accountability in the selection process.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has released its preliminary list of 125 candidates for the first phase of Bangladesh’s upcoming national parliamentary elections. The announcement was made by party member secretary Akhtar Hossain on Wednesday, December 10, outlining the constituencies and nominees selected to contest under the party’s banner.

Among the 125 nominees, 14 are women, including several well-known figures such as Dr. Tasnim Jara, Dr. Mahmuda Alam Mitu, and Dilshana Parul. The list also features new entrants like Advocate Humayra Noor and Engineer Nabila Tasnid, representing constituencies across Dhaka, Chattogram, Khagrachhari, and other districts. Some previously speculated names, including Samanta Sharmin and Nusrat Tabassum, were not included in this phase.

Analysts note that the inclusion of women candidates in multiple competitive seats signals the NCP’s effort to project a more inclusive image ahead of the polls. The party is expected to announce additional candidates in subsequent phases as the election schedule progresses.

The Election Commission of Bangladesh, led by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin, met President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban on Wednesday to brief him on preparations for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and a planned referendum. The commission’s motorcade left the Election Commission headquarters around 11:40 a.m. for the presidential palace.

Following the meeting, the CEC is scheduled to record a televised address to the nation through Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar, during which the official election schedule will be announced. Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud indicated that the announcement could come Wednesday evening or Thursday, December 11. Reliable sources, however, suggested the schedule is more likely to be revealed on Thursday.

Preliminary discussions indicate that voting may take place on either February 11 or 12, though the commission has not confirmed the exact date. The meeting marks a key procedural step before the formal declaration of the election timetable, signaling that the electoral process is entering its final preparatory phase.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has announced preliminary candidates for 125 constituencies ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election. Among them, A H M Shamsul Muqtadir, the party’s Dinajpur district convener, has been nominated to contest from Dinajpur-3 — the seat traditionally associated with BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. The announcement was made by NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain during a press conference in Dhaka’s Banglamotor on Wednesday, December 10.

The Dinajpur-3 constituency is shaping up to be a competitive race, with the BNP nominating Khaleda Zia and Jamaat-e-Islami fielding Advocate Moinul Alam. The NCP’s decision marks a shift from its earlier stance, as the party’s chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari had previously stated that NCP would not contest in Khaleda Zia’s seat. The reversal suggests a strategic recalibration within the party as it seeks broader visibility in the upcoming polls.

Political analysts note that the NCP’s move could fragment opposition votes in the constituency, potentially influencing the balance of power in northern Bangladesh.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin and the Election Commission (EC) are scheduled to meet President Mohammed Shahabuddin today to present the overall readiness for Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and the concurrent constitutional referendum. Following the meeting, the CEC’s pre-recorded national address will be broadcast on state media, during which the official election schedule is expected to be announced.

Reliable sources indicate that the EC may announce the schedule on Thursday, with voting likely to take place on February 11 or 12. The Commission has finalized preparations including constituency demarcation, appointment of returning officers, and formation of monitoring and law enforcement cells. The voter list now includes over 127 million citizens across 42,766 polling centers. Former EC officials and observers have expressed optimism about a festive yet challenging election environment, emphasizing adherence to electoral codes.

The upcoming polls will determine both the next elected government and the outcome of proposed constitutional reforms, marking a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s democratic process.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has announced its preliminary list of candidates for 125 parliamentary constituencies as part of its first phase of nominations for Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th National Election. The announcement was made on Wednesday, December 10, by the party’s member secretary, Akhtar Hossain, who confirmed that the nomination paper distribution process had been completed and that the initial list was being made public.

Hossain stated that any allegations against the nominated candidates would be investigated and could lead to disqualification if proven. The list includes candidates across northern districts such as Panchagarh, Thakurgaon, Dinajpur, Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat, Rangpur, Kurigram, Gaibandha, Joypurhat, Bogura, Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, Natore, and Sirajganj. The announcement marks the NCP’s formal entry into the election race, signaling its intent to contest widely across the country.

Political observers note that the NCP’s early declaration may help it gain visibility and mobilize grassroots support ahead of the official campaign period. The party is expected to release additional candidate lists in subsequent phases as the election approaches.

Nepal’s Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a large-scale corruption case involving the Pokhara International Airport project, accusing 55 individuals and one company of inflating project costs and engaging in illicit financial transactions. The accused include five former ministers, ten former secretaries, and senior officials linked to the Chinese-funded infrastructure project. The case, lodged on Sunday, alleges that approximately USD 74.3 million (NPR 8.36 billion) was misappropriated through manipulated cost estimates and irregular tendering processes.

According to the CIAA, the project’s approved budget was deliberately revised with “malicious intent,” while Chinese firm China CAMC Engineering is accused of securing undue advantages through secret agreements and flawed feasibility studies. The project, initiated decades ago, has long faced controversy over transparency, political interference, and contract favoritism.

This is reportedly the largest corruption case ever submitted to Nepal’s Special Court. Analysts say the case could reshape public trust in foreign-funded infrastructure projects and intensify scrutiny of Chinese involvement in Nepal’s development sector.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged that Indian citizens are being forcibly pushed into Bangladesh by the Border Security Force (BSF). Speaking at a meeting with local officials in Cooch Behar on Monday, Banerjee criticized what she described as 'excessive actions' along the India-Bangladesh border and urged state police to remain active and conduct more checkpoint operations.

Banerjee accused border authorities of harassing residents in the border district, emphasizing that linguistic identity should not be used to question citizenship. She stated that speaking Bengali does not make someone Bangladeshi, drawing parallels with Urdu and Punjabi speakers across India and neighboring countries. Her remarks come amid ongoing tensions between the state government and the BSF over jurisdiction and alleged overreach.

The comments are expected to heighten political friction between the Trinamool Congress and the central government. Analysts suggest the issue could influence border policy debates and community relations in sensitive frontier areas.