The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has announced major logistical preparations ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary election and referendum scheduled for February. To ease voter pressure, the EC will add around 150,000 new secret booths for ballot marking, while the total number of polling centers will remain largely unchanged at 42,766. For the first time, an IT-supported postal ballot system will be introduced for expatriates, government employees working outside their constituencies, election officials, and prisoners.

According to EC data, there will be over 245,000 polling rooms and more than 400,000 secret booths nationwide. The number of voters per room has been reduced from up to 600 to between 350 and 400 to shorten waiting times. Voting hours have also been extended by one hour. However, field-level challenges have emerged, including inadequate entryways in educational institutions being converted into multiple booths.

A total of 778,351 officials have been appointed to conduct the polls, including presiding, assistant presiding, and polling officers. Sixty-nine returning officers, including district commissioners and regional election officials, will oversee the process.

Inkilab Manch has issued four demands, including the cancellation of work permits for all Indians residing in Bangladesh. The organization made the announcement through a statement on Sunday night. Among its demands are the completion of trials for the killers, planners, and accomplices of a murder case within 24 days, the cancellation of all Indian work permits, filing a case against India in the International Court if it refuses to return accused killers, and identifying and arresting fascist collaborators within civil and military intelligence.

Earlier, Inkilab Manch organized a blockade at Dhaka’s Shahbagh area from 2 p.m. on Sunday, demanding the arrest and trial of those responsible for the killing of Shaheed Sharif Osman Bin Hadi. Protesters began gathering at the site from 11 a.m., chanting slogans and blocking traffic after 2 p.m. The blockade continued until 10 p.m., halting all vehicular movement through Shahbagh.

The group had also called for similar blockades in all divisional cities the previous night as part of its nationwide protest program.

On Sunday, December 28, protesters blocked the Rajshahi–Dhaka highway at Talaimari intersection in Rajshahi, demanding justice for the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi. The blockade was organized by residents opposing Indian dominance under the banner of Inquilab Mancha as part of a previously announced divisional city blockade program. The demonstration caused long traffic congestion on both sides of the road.

During the blockade, the protesters allowed ambulances and other emergency vehicles to pass, ensuring that essential services remained operational. When asked how long the protest would continue, participants said it would depend on the situation and could last through the night if necessary.

Sharif Osman Hadi, described as a leader of the July uprising, a vocal critic of Indian aggression, and convener of Inquilab Mancha, was shot on December 12 and died on December 18 while under treatment. Protesters alleged that his killing was premeditated and demanded a fair trial and maximum punishment for those responsible.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has signed nomination papers to contest the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election from Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6 constituencies under the party’s ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol. The signing took place on Sunday evening at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, accompanied by coordinators from both constituencies. Earlier in the day, the BNP Chairperson’s private secretary ABM Abdus Sattar collected the nomination papers from the office of the Dhaka Divisional Commissioner, Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, in Segunbagicha.

According to BNP sources, Tarique Rahman applied on Saturday to become a voter in Dhaka-17. Senior BNP leaders had requested him to contest from that constituency. Following this development, Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) Chairman Andalib Rahman Partha decided to withdraw from Dhaka-17 and instead contest from Bhola-1 to honor Tarique Rahman’s candidacy. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed confirmed that Tarique Rahman would contest from Dhaka-17, while Partha would run from Bhola-1 as part of the alliance.

The developments mark a key step in BNP’s candidate finalization process ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election.

The interim government of Bangladesh is sending seven fighters injured in the July Uprising 2024 to Thailand for advanced medical treatment. According to an official order signed by Md. Zahirul Islam, Deputy Secretary of the July Uprising Directorate under the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, the group will depart on Monday morning from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. They will travel to Bangkok on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight scheduled to leave at 11:15 a.m.

The seven individuals traveling for treatment are Md. Sujan Mia, Sheikh Mohammad Shanto, Md. Shakil, Md. Liton, Ali Hossain, Md. Mizan Mia, and Md. Hamidul Sarkar. Each of them will be accompanied by one family member to assist during their stay abroad. The decision reflects the government’s ongoing support for those injured during the July 2024 uprising.

The arrangement aims to ensure that the injured fighters receive specialized medical care not available locally, with family members providing personal support throughout their treatment period in Thailand.

Bangladesh Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has welcomed the growing engagement between Bangladesh and Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of expanding travel, cultural and educational cooperation, and people-to-people contact among SAARC member states. He made the remarks on Sunday during a courtesy call by Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Imran Haider, at the state guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka.

According to the Chief Adviser’s press wing, both sides discussed strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, and aviation, as well as expanding exchanges in culture, education, and healthcare to deepen bilateral relations. Yunus expressed hope that during Haider’s tenure, both countries would explore new investment and joint venture opportunities.

High Commissioner Haider noted a 20 percent increase in bilateral trade compared to the previous year and said business communities were seeking new investment avenues. He added that Bangladeshi students were increasingly interested in higher studies in Pakistan, particularly in medical science, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence. Haider also mentioned the possible launch of a direct Dhaka-Karachi flight in January.

The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has suspended all passenger vessel operations between Barishal and the rest of the country due to dense fog. The decision, announced around 7 p.m. on Sunday, affects both the Barishal–Dhaka route and all internal waterways in the region. Thousands of passengers were forced to leave terminals after the sudden suspension, which authorities said was necessary to prevent accidents and ensure safety.

According to BIWTA officials in Barishal, the abrupt increase in fog has heightened the risk of river accidents, prompting the emergency measure. Launch owners confirmed that several scheduled departures, including MV Aman Khan-7, MV Parabat-10, MV Parabat-12, Suravi-7, and Bhaira, were canceled, and cabin passengers received ticket refunds. Many travelers expressed frustration over the disruption, noting that alternative bus tickets were unavailable at the start of the workweek.

BIWTA stated that the suspension will remain in effect until further notice, emphasizing that passenger safety remains the top priority.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has returned 14 Indian nationals who were pushed into Bangladesh through the Darshana border in Chuadanga by India’s Border Security Force (BSF). The repatriation took place early Sunday through the Madonenghat border point in Ramkrishnapur Union of Daulatpur upazila, Kushtia. According to BGB and local sources, the individuals were handed back to India and later detained by the BSF.

A BGB-47 battalion statement said the BSF attempted to push the 14 Indian citizens into Bangladesh twice, first around 2 a.m. on Wednesday and again at 10 a.m. on Thursday. BGB increased vigilance along the zero line after detecting the attempts. Following a flag meeting between company commanders of BGB and BSF at India’s Chaidoba, the BSF agreed to take back the individuals after BGB’s protest.

BGB officials said the group claimed to be residents of Odisha, India, and spoke Hindi. Local police stated they had been evicted from government land in India, jailed for a short period, and later pushed toward Bangladesh by BSF.

Former interim government adviser Mahfuz Alam announced on Sunday that he will not contest the 13th National Parliamentary Election under the Jamaat-e-Islami alliance or the National Citizens Party (NCP). In a verified Facebook post, he clarified his political stance, stating that although he had advised and supported the NCP and Citizens Committee over the past year and a half, he would not be part of the alliance.

Alam explained that he had tried to establish the NCP as an independent platform under a broader 'Big July' umbrella but was unable to do so for various reasons. He emphasized that his respect and friendship with his July colleagues remain intact, but maintaining his long-standing political position is more important than contesting a seat in Dhaka under the Jamaat-NCP alliance.

He further wrote that Bangladesh is currently in a “cold war” phase and that it is better to remain steadfast in one’s principles without taking sides. Alam reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing political, cultural, and intellectual efforts toward a new political-economic framework and the rise of alternative youth forces.

Sylhet Divisional Commissioner Khan Md. Reza-un-Nabi has directed that the Haor protection embankment must be completed within the scheduled timeframe. He warned that any irregularities, negligence, or obstruction in the construction process would prompt immediate strict action by the upazila administration. He made these remarks on Sunday while visiting the Hali Haor embankment, Beheli Union Parishad, and attending a public awareness meeting on the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum in Jamalganj, Sunamganj.

During the visit, the commissioner also distributed winter clothes among the poor, inaugurated the renovated upazila public library and children’s park, and inspected the Bhimkhali Union Parishad village court records and the upazila land office. He emphasized that the construction and maintenance of the Haor embankment require collective efforts from local representatives, implementing agencies, and residents to ensure crop protection and sustainable development.

He further stated that the government and election administration are fully prepared to hold the upcoming election and referendum in a free, fair, and impartial manner, ensuring that voters can cast their ballots without fear or pressure.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has decided to join an alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami and other like-minded parties to strengthen broader political unity. NCP Convener Nahid Islam announced the decision at an emergency press conference held on Sunday night, December 28, 2025, at the party’s temporary office in Banglamotor, Dhaka. He stated that the decision was made with the majority consent of party members.

Nahid Islam explained that the NCP had been preparing to contest all 300 constituencies in the upcoming national parliamentary election and referendum. However, the political context changed following the killing of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Mancha. Earlier, the NCP had reached an understanding with two other parties to form a reform alliance, but the evolving situation prompted a new strategic decision.

He also alleged that defeated hegemonic forces in Bangladesh were conspiring to disrupt the election process and undermine the new generation. The NCP’s latest move reflects its effort to consolidate opposition unity ahead of the national polls.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced that Islamabad intends to enhance engagement with Dhaka from February following Bangladesh’s 13th national election. Speaking at a year-end press conference in Islamabad on December 27, Dar referred to his August visit to Bangladesh, the first by a Pakistani foreign minister in 13 years, as a key step toward revitalizing bilateral relations.

Dar described his meetings with leaders of the National Citizen Party, BNP, and Jamaat-e-Islami as positive and productive. He noted that past governments, including those led by the Awami League, had not maintained strong bilateral ties, but expressed optimism about future cooperation. The visit focused on expanding trade, investment, cultural and educational collaboration, and regional cooperation under SAARC.

Dar emphasized that post-election political realities could open new opportunities for diplomatic and cooperative progress between the two South Asian nations.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has announced its decision to join an eight-party alliance that includes Jamaat-e-Islami to participate in the upcoming national election. NCP Convener Nahid Islam made the announcement on Sunday night, December 28, 2025, during an emergency press conference at the party’s temporary office in Banglamotor, Dhaka. He said the alliance was formed to ensure a fair election and promote broader political unity. The final list of candidates is expected to be announced on Monday.

Nahid Islam explained that the NCP had initially planned to contest all 300 constituencies independently and had sought nominations nationwide. Later, the party reached an understanding with two other groups to form a reform-oriented coalition. However, the political situation changed following the killing of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Mancha, prompting the NCP to expand its alliance to include more like-minded parties.

According to Nahid Islam, the decision to join the alliance with Jamaat was made based on majority consensus within the party.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) began an emergency press conference on Sunday night, December 28, at its temporary central office in Rupayan Tower, Banglamotor, Dhaka. The event focused on issues related to the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election.

Earlier the same day, at 5 p.m., Jamaat-e-Islami announced at a press conference at the National Press Club that two new parties had joined its eight-party alliance. The newly joined parties are the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), led by Colonel (Retd.) Oli Ahmed, and the National Citizen Party (NCP). The announcement was made by Jamaat-e-Islami’s Amir, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, though no NCP leaders were present at that event.

The NCP’s emergency briefing later in the evening came amid its formal inclusion in the alliance, signaling its alignment with the coalition ahead of the 13th parliamentary election.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has joined the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman confirmed the development, prompting a Facebook reaction from Abdul Kader, former coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, on Sunday evening. In his post, Kader congratulated those who worked on the process but criticized Nahid Islam and others for allegedly deceiving people’s emotions.

The Jamaat-led coalition now includes eight parties, with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) also joining alongside NCP. During a press conference, Dr. Rahman stated that while several other political parties had expressed interest in joining, it was not possible to include new members under the current circumstances. Senior leaders from the eight parties, including Colonel Oli Ahmed Bir Bikram, Ashraf Ali Akon, Ahmad Abdul Kader, and Rashed Pradhan, attended the event.

The announcement marks a significant expansion of the Jamaat-led alliance as political alignments intensify ahead of the national election.