Azharul Islam Mannan, a central executive member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and nominated candidate for the Narayanganj-3 (Sonargaon-Siddhirganj) constituency, has alleged that a vested group is conducting a smear campaign against him on social media. According to a press release signed by Sonargaon BNP’s office secretary, false and edited audio clips are being circulated on Facebook to damage Mannan’s reputation and create confusion among party supporters. Mannan claims the campaign began after he received his nomination from acting BNP chairman Tarique Rahman. He urged party members and the public not to be misled by the propaganda and to remain united. Political analysts suggest that Mannan’s growing popularity and organizational strength have made him a target of such conspiracies before the election.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has said that ensuring fair prices for potatoes is more important for farmers than spending around Tk 3,000 crore on a proposed referendum. Speaking virtually at an event marking National Revolution and Solidarity Day in Dhaka, he emphasized that national unity is a strength while division weakens the nation. Rahman warned political parties not to underestimate the interim government or attempt to manipulate outcomes against the BNP, cautioning that such actions could backfire. He also urged anti-fascist political forces to face the people in the upcoming February elections instead of threatening the interim administration. Highlighting road safety issues, Rahman noted Bangladesh’s alarming rate of road accident casualties, lamenting that the issue has been neglected in policy discussions.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has said he feels an 'obligation' to sue the BBC, accusing the British broadcaster of misleading the public by editing his January 6, 2021 speech in a Panorama documentary. The BBC has already apologized, admitting the edit gave the impression that Trump directly called for violent action. The controversy has reportedly contributed to the resignations of BBC Director General Tim Davie and BBC News head Deborah Turness. Trump’s legal team has filed a billion-dollar claim in a Florida court, though legal experts doubt its success due to the state’s liberal libel laws and the limited broadcast reach of the program. The BBC faces a dilemma over whether to fight the case publicly or settle, as any payout could be politically sensitive given its public funding.

The Assam Cabinet has approved the draft of the Polygamy Prohibition Bill, proposing up to seven years of imprisonment for individuals entering into multiple marriages. The bill, set to be tabled in the state assembly on June 25, aims to make polygamy a criminal offense. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that offenders would face arrest without immediate bail. The legislation also includes the creation of a special fund to support women affected by polygamy, ensuring they do not suffer financially or socially. However, the law will not apply to tribal communities in Sixth Schedule areas such as BTC, Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao, where customary laws prevail. Political analysts view the move as a significant milestone for the Sarma government ahead of the 2026 state elections.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry has summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner Pavan Badhe to protest India’s decision to allow former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to New Delhi after being ousted in the July uprising, to speak to Indian media. Dhaka expressed deep concern, calling the move detrimental to bilateral relations. Officials conveyed that providing a platform to a fugitive accused of crimes against humanity to make anti-Bangladesh remarks and incite unrest was unacceptable. The ministry urged the Indian government to immediately stop Hasina’s media appearances, emphasizing that such actions could harm the constructive relationship between the two neighboring countries.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) organized a protest march in Dhaka on Wednesday opposing the lockdown called by the banned Awami League. The demonstration began at the NCP headquarters near Bangla Motor and proceeded toward Shahbagh, with participation from members of the party’s central convening committee as well as student, youth, labor, and women’s wings. During the rally, NCP leaders declared they were not intimidated by what they termed fascist threats and vowed to resist any attempts to create unrest. Meanwhile, police have been placed on high alert across the city in anticipation of possible tensions surrounding the Awami League’s lockdown program scheduled for Thursday.

Security measures at Saidpur Airport have been significantly strengthened following directives from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) amid nationwide concerns over possible unrest and arson. The airport has deployed the maximum number of security personnel, intensified passenger and baggage screening, and enhanced fire safety monitoring. Similar measures have been implemented at other domestic airports across the country, including Cox’s Bazar, Rajshahi, Jessore, Barishal, Cumilla, and Ishwardi. Authorities stated that the heightened security will remain in place until the upcoming parliamentary elections to ensure safe travel for passengers and prevent any untoward incidents during this sensitive period.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that the current crisis in Bangladesh was intentionally created without necessity. Speaking at a discussion marking National Revolution and Solidarity Day at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka, he said the crisis was designed to obstruct the country’s democratic transition and hinder fair elections. Fakhrul urged national leaders to unite against conspiracies and work toward building a truly democratic state. The event, attended virtually by BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, also featured senior BNP leaders and representatives from allied political parties, who echoed concerns about the political situation and called for collective action to restore democracy in Bangladesh.

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) has revoked the lifetime membership previously granted to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during its 2019 session. The decision was announced after DUCSU’s second general meeting held on Wednesday night. Vice President Sadiq Kayem stated that the membership was given illegally and beyond the DUCSU constitution through an undemocratic resolution in 2019. The meeting, chaired by Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor and DUCSU President Professor Niaz Ahmad Khan, was attended by the VP, GS, AGS, and other executive members. The resolution to cancel Hasina’s membership was unanimously approved, marking a symbolic move by the current student leadership to correct what they termed a procedural violation.

Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, general secretary of the Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party and a parliamentary candidate, stated that he does not wish to make any promises before the upcoming national election. Speaking at a meeting with local civil society members in Babuganj, Fuad emphasized his ongoing efforts to address issues such as river erosion, roads, and educational institutions. He criticized the former MP for failing to implement development projects in Babuganj and Muladi upazilas, claiming that he has already initiated projects worth several hundred crore taka under the current interim government. Fuad pledged that if elected, he would continue development activities in collaboration with local residents. The event was attended by local leaders, teachers, businesspeople, and youth representatives who shared their views on regional development.

A defamation case has been filed against former BNP lawmaker Mezba Uddin Farhad for allegedly making derogatory remarks about lawyers. The case was lodged by advocate Md. Selim Hossain, a member of the Barguna District Lawyers’ Association. According to the complaint, Farhad stated that those who practice law are 'tout and frauds,' a comment that was circulated on Facebook and YouTube on November 6. The Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate of Barguna, Md. Moniruzzaman, accepted the case and summoned Farhad to appear in court on December 24. The plaintiff claimed that the statement defamed the entire legal community, causing reputational damage worth Tk 5 crore. Farhad, a former MP from Barishal-4 constituency, could not be reached for comment despite multiple attempts.

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to sue the BBC, accusing the broadcaster of airing a misleading Panorama documentary that allegedly edited his speech to make it sound like he urged supporters to attack Capitol Hill. The documentary was broadcast ahead of last year’s U.S. election. The BBC confirmed receiving a legal warning from Trump, while Chairman Samir Shah said the organization is preparing for potential litigation, describing Trump as “a very litigious man.” The controversy has deepened as BBC Director-General Tim Davie and Head of News Deborah Turness both resigned on Sunday, intensifying scrutiny on the network’s editorial practices. Several of Trump’s previous lawsuits against U.S. media outlets have already been dismissed, but his latest threat has drawn global attention and raised questions about press freedom, accountability, and political influence in journalism.

Iran has expressed willingness to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan to defuse escalating tensions along their shared border. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made the offer during a phone conversation with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, according to Iranian media. Araghchi reaffirmed Tehran’s readiness to assist in promoting peace, urging both countries to engage in deeper dialogue and foster mutual understanding for sustainable stability. He noted that the leaders of both nations agreed to continue cooperation aimed at maintaining regional peace and preventing further conflict. The two sides also discussed bilateral relations, regional developments, and broader international issues. Araghchi voiced concern over the deteriorating border situation and emphasized Iran’s commitment to regional diplomacy and constructive engagement to avert further escalation.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has implemented a set of strict new regulations, marking the first-ever complete ban on posters in election campaigns. The rules, published in a gazette on Monday night, were formulated in line with recommendations from the Election System Reform Commission and the 2008 Code of Conduct. According to the updated guidelines, the use of posters is prohibited to curb environmental pollution and reduce campaign expenses. Candidates will be allowed no more than 20 billboards, banners, or festoons. The EC has also imposed a total ban on drone usage and any form of overseas campaigning.

Additionally, the new regulations introduce tighter oversight on social media activities, explicitly banning the use of artificial intelligence for misleading or manipulative campaign content. Candidates must now submit a written pledge to follow the code of conduct and, for the first time, present election manifestos together on a common platform. Violations may lead to severe penalties, including up to six months’ imprisonment, fines up to Tk 150,000, and even cancellation of candidacy in serious cases.

A late-night explosion occurred in front of the National Citizen Party (NCP) office on Monday, November 10, around 11 p.m., after two improvised explosive devices, commonly known as cocktails, were hurled toward the building. Witnesses reported that one device detonated while the other remained unexploded. Police personnel already present in the area immediately secured the site and later deployed additional forces. According to NCP Media Cell Secretary Mushfiq Us Salehin, party activists apprehended one of the individuals directly involved in throwing the explosives, capturing him moments after the attack. The detained attacker has been handed over to police, who are now interrogating him to identify motives and determine whether others were involved in planning the incident. The unexploded device has been safely recovered by the bomb disposal unit. While no injuries were reported, the attack has stirred tension and raised concerns about political security in the area.