The US State Department has announced visa bans on five European figures, including former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton, accusing them of aiding censorship and exerting pressure on free expression. Breton, who helped design the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), was cited for his role in shaping online content moderation rules. Others sanctioned include leaders from the UK-based Global Disinformation Index and Germany’s HateAid.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the individuals and organizations acted as tools of foreign censorship campaigns targeting American speakers and companies. Breton dismissed the move as politically motivated harassment, arguing that Washington’s understanding of censorship is misplaced. European officials have rejected claims that the DSA suppresses political speech.

The decision has drawn criticism from conservative US groups, who claim it punishes right-wing viewpoints. Analysts warn the dispute could strain transatlantic cooperation on digital regulation and free speech standards, as both sides accuse each other of politicizing online governance.

The Trump administration has ordered the recall of around 30 ambassadors and senior diplomats appointed during President Joe Biden’s tenure, as part of a sweeping reshuffle aligned with the 'America First' policy. According to U.S. State Department officials, the affected diplomats have been notified that their assignments will end in January 2026. The move primarily targets political appointees, with plans to replace them with individuals loyal to President Trump’s foreign policy agenda.

Officials described the decision as a routine transition process, though critics argue it reflects growing politicization within U.S. diplomacy. The American Foreign Service Association called the action 'highly irregular' and warned it could undermine U.S. credibility abroad. Most of the recalled ambassadors served in African and Asian nations, including Nigeria, Uganda, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

Analysts say the reshuffle underscores Trump’s intent to consolidate control over foreign missions early in his second term. The replacements are expected to be announced in early 2026, potentially signaling a shift in U.S. diplomatic priorities toward more transactional, nationalist engagement.

The central committee of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal has suspended all organizational positions of Faruk Hossain Bepari, convener of its Madaripur district unit, following controversy over his role in guarding the residence and businesses of former shipping minister and Awami League presidium member Shajahan Khan. The decision, announced Tuesday night through a notice signed by the party’s assistant office secretary, came after Faruk was served a show-cause notice earlier in the week.

Local sources said Faruk and about fifty supporters stood guard around Khan’s properties on December 20 to prevent possible violence after calls circulated online to besiege the area. Photos of the incident spread on social media, drawing criticism and prompting the party’s central leadership to intervene. Faruk denied the allegations, calling them fabricated and politically motivated.

The suspension underscores internal sensitivity within the BNP’s youth wing as it navigates heightened political unrest in Madaripur. Party leaders indicated the measure may remain temporary pending further investigation and Faruk’s formal explanation.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed concern that the northeastern Indian state could ‘automatically become part of Bangladesh’ if the population of Bangladeshi-origin residents increases by another ten percent. Speaking at a government event on Tuesday, Sarma claimed that around 40 percent of Assam’s population is of Bangladeshi descent and reiterated that he has been warning about demographic changes for the past five years.

His remarks follow recent controversy surrounding a statement by Hasnat Abdullah, leader of Bangladesh’s National Citizen Party, who reportedly suggested that Dhaka should support separatist forces in India’s northeast if New Delhi attempts to destabilize Bangladesh. Indian media widely covered the comment, prompting strong reactions from Sarma, who said India would not tolerate such threats. He added that if Bangladeshi leaders continue issuing such warnings, Delhi would not remain silent for long.

The exchange underscores ongoing sensitivities over migration and border politics between India and Bangladesh, particularly in Assam, where citizenship and demographic issues have long fueled political tension.

BNP Acting Chairman Tareq Rahman’s adviser Mahdi Amin has publicly praised Rahman’s political vision, commitment, and policy planning through a detailed Facebook post. Amin stated that he has closely observed Rahman’s passion and leadership qualities, which he believes reflect the legacy of his parents, former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. The post emphasized Rahman’s behind-the-scenes work on policy formulation across sectors including education, healthcare, agriculture, employment, and governance.

According to Amin, Rahman has spent hundreds of hours consulting professionals and academics from home and abroad to develop practical and inclusive policy frameworks. He described Rahman as focused on long-term national interests rather than short-term popularity. Amin added that Rahman intends to engage with citizens and experts further upon his return to Bangladesh to begin policy consultations and participatory politics.

The statement comes amid BNP’s ongoing policy programs and preparations for potential governance. Amin expressed confidence that if BNP forms the next government, Rahman will implement transparent, accountable, and citizen-centered policies.

The National Citizen Party (NCP), a youth-led political force that emerged from the July uprising, is in the final phase of negotiations with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) over seat-sharing for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election. Sources indicate that the discussions, which also involve Jamaat-e-Islami, could conclude once BNP’s acting chairperson Tarique Rahman returns to the country this week. A decision is expected soon, potentially shaping the opposition’s electoral alignment.

Both BNP and Jamaat are courting the NCP to strengthen their electoral base, while the NCP seeks to ensure parliamentary representation for young revolutionaries. Party leaders say they are weighing their options carefully to maximize seats and maintain ideological integrity. If talks with BNP succeed, discussions with Jamaat may end; otherwise, an NCP–Jamaat understanding could follow.

Political observers note that the NCP’s decision will influence alliance dynamics within the broader Democratic Reform Coalition. The party has already announced candidates in over 125 constituencies, with further nominations expected soon, signaling its readiness to contest either independently or within a coalition.

The Bangladesh government is preparing to transfer the entire Registration Department from the Ministry of Law to the Ministry of Land, with the proposal expected to be discussed in Wednesday’s cabinet meeting. News of the move has triggered strong discontent among officials and legal experts, as the issue remains pending before the High Court since a 2008 public interest writ petition halted similar efforts.

The Land Ministry argues that combining land registration with Assistant Commissioner (Land) offices would streamline public service delivery. However, the Law Ministry insists that land registration is a judicial function governed by complex legal frameworks, including the State Acquisition Act and Non-Agricultural Tenancy Act. Critics warn that placing the function under administrative officers without legal training could increase public hardship and bureaucratic confusion.

Observers note that the Land Ministry already struggles with service delivery and corruption allegations. Bringing the Registration Department under its control, they argue, could worsen inefficiency. The cabinet’s decision, if pursued despite the pending court case, may invite further legal challenges and institutional friction.

Advocate Maulana Sheikh Abdul Wadud, Jamaat-e-Islami’s candidate for Bagerhat-3 (Mongla-Rampal), stated that his party has always stood by the Hindu community and will continue to do so. Speaking at a courtyard meeting with local Hindu residents in Mithakhali Union, he emphasized that Jamaat’s politics is rooted in protecting the rights, dignity, and security of all citizens regardless of religion or ethnicity.

Wadud described Bangladesh as a nation built by people of all faiths—Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians—and reiterated Jamaat’s commitment to a just and discrimination-free society. He argued that honest and capable leadership is essential to end political revenge and ensure public safety. Local Jamaat leaders, including Professor Kohinur Sardar, echoed his call for interfaith harmony and mutual respect.

The meeting, chaired by community leader Manoranjan Halder, also highlighted social and civic challenges faced by the Hindu community. Participants urged cooperation among all groups to maintain peaceful coexistence in the region.

Mujibur Rahman Manju, chairman of the Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party and candidate for the Feni-2 constituency, collected his nomination papers from the district returning officer and deputy commissioner on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. The event marks his formal entry into the race for the 13th National Parliamentary Election, representing the party’s Eagle symbol.

Manju was accompanied by senior AB Party leaders, including Barrister Zobaer Ahmed Bhuiyan and several regional organizers. Speaking to the media, he said he sought the judgment of Feni’s people on the need for new political arrangements beyond what he described as 54 years of flawed politics. He emphasized that the electorate would decide whether the call for new politics has real support.

Manju further stated that Feni’s development required no grand promises but rather an end to violence, extortion, and political hostility. He called for neutrality in administration and political unity to make Feni one of Bangladesh’s most peaceful and advanced districts.

National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam has described Bangladesh’s political history as one defined by broken promises and unfulfilled commitments. Speaking at an election dialogue organized by The Daily Star at the China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka, he said that the country’s political movements once aimed for systemic reform, but those aspirations were never fully realized. Despite this, the NCP plans to support the ‘yes’ vote in the upcoming national referendum.

Islam emphasized that without transparency and accountability, corruption cannot be eradicated. He proposed a new initiative called “Hisab Dao” (Give Account), under which the government would regularly disclose its activities and expenditures to the public. He also urged political parties to honor their pledges, including the creation of a post-election consensus commission.

Addressing the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, Islam criticized them for competing with the ruling Awami League for votes rather than presenting unified reform agendas. His remarks reflect growing frustration among smaller parties over the credibility of Bangladesh’s political process ahead of the next election.

Haji Obaidul Haque, a suspended leader of the Awami League and former finance secretary of the party’s Feni district unit, has collected a nomination form to contest the 13th National Parliamentary Election from the Feni-2 constituency under the banner of Amjanatar Dal. He obtained the form on Tuesday from the district returning officer’s office.

Speaking to reporters, Haque explained that since Awami League’s political activities are currently suspended, he could not contest under the party’s name and therefore chose Amjanatar Dal as an alternative platform. He clarified that although he remains a member of the Awami League, he is temporarily representing Amjanatar Dal in the election. Ashish Dutta, convener of the party’s Feni district branch, confirmed Haque’s candidacy.

According to the district election office, a total of 30 candidates have collected nomination forms across Feni’s three constituencies so far. The development highlights shifting political alignments ahead of the upcoming national polls, with several local leaders seeking alternative affiliations amid party restrictions.

Leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Cumilla are preparing to travel to Dhaka to welcome the party’s acting chairperson, Tarique Rahman, who is set to return to the country after 17 years. Local BNP units across Cumilla district and city have held multiple preparatory meetings, with processions and gatherings taking place in anticipation of the event scheduled for December 25.

Cumilla South BNP President Zakaria Taher Suman said that party members have been instructed to reach Dhaka and join what he described as a ‘sea of people’. North district convener Md. Akhtaruzzaman noted that enthusiasm is at its peak, with activists ready to greet their leader near the 300 Feet area in Dhaka. City BNP General Secretary Yusuf Molla Tipu expressed emotional excitement, calling the return a historic moment for the party.

According to BNP’s divisional organizing secretary Mostak Mia, over 100,000 activists from 17 upazilas are expected to join the reception. The event is seen as a major political mobilization ahead of future national political developments.

Bangladesh’s Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed stated that while economic ties with India remain stable, the government is actively working to normalize political relations. He made the remarks following a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Government Procurement at the Secretariat on Tuesday.

Dr. Ahmed clarified that political relations between Dhaka and New Delhi have not deteriorated significantly, but the government is taking steps to prevent any abnormality. He emphasized that the Chief Adviser himself is engaged in efforts to improve bilateral understanding and maintain a cooperative atmosphere.

The adviser reiterated that Bangladesh seeks cordial relations with all neighboring countries and does not wish for any tension in the region. His comments come amid ongoing discussions about regional cooperation and the importance of maintaining balanced diplomacy with India, Bangladesh’s largest trading partner and strategic neighbor.

Helal Uddin Munshi, a long-time Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader and member of the Bauphal upazila convening committee, has joined Jamaat-e-Islami ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election. The switch was announced at a local rally in Bauphal’s Suryamani Union, where Munshi formally joined hands with Jamaat candidate Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud. Following the announcement, the BNP expelled Munshi through an official statement signed by Bauphal BNP’s member secretary, Apel Mahmud Firoz.

Munshi, who had been active in BNP politics for 25 years, said he now intends to dedicate his life to serving Islam under Jamaat’s banner. Local political observers believe his defection could strengthen Jamaat’s “balance scale” symbol in the Patuakhali-2 constituency, where BNP’s internal divisions have deepened. Jamaat leaders welcomed Munshi’s move, calling for unity to consolidate support ahead of the polls.

The development underscores shifting alliances in southern Bangladesh as parties recalibrate strategies before the upcoming election, potentially altering voter alignments in key constituencies.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to New Delhi, Riaz Hamidullah, on Tuesday, just hours after Dhaka called in Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma. The move followed Bangladesh’s formal protest over recent security incidents targeting its diplomatic premises in India.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry had expressed concern about violent demonstrations near its High Commission and the envoy’s residence in New Delhi, as well as vandalism at its visa center in Siliguri. Dhaka condemned what it described as “planned acts of intimidation” and urged India to ensure the safety of its diplomatic staff. Indian officials, however, downplayed the incidents, saying the protests were limited and did not breach security barriers.

The reciprocal summons highlight rising diplomatic tension between the two neighbors. Analysts note that both sides are seeking to contain the dispute through official channels, but the episode underscores the fragility of bilateral sensitivities amid domestic political pressures in both countries.