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.

A young man named Siam was killed on Wednesday evening after a bomb thrown by unidentified assailants exploded beneath the Moghbazar flyover in central Dhaka. Witnesses reported that the device was hurled from the top of the flyover near the Muktijoddha Memorial, injuring Siam fatally at the scene. Police arrived shortly after the blast, cordoning off the area as panic spread among local residents.

Deputy Police Commissioner Masud Alam of Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Ramna Division said initial findings suggest the bomb was thrown from above, though the motive remains unclear. Siam, an employee of a private factory, was later identified by his relatives. Authorities are reviewing nearby CCTV footage to identify those responsible.

The incident has raised concerns about public safety in Dhaka’s busy commercial zones. Police have intensified patrols in the area and assured that further details will be disclosed once the investigation concludes.

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.

Bangladesh and Japan have finalized the draft of their long-anticipated Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), paving the way for extensive trade liberalization between the two nations. Under the agreement, Japan will grant duty-free access to 7,379 Bangladeshi products, including ready-made garments, while Bangladesh will offer similar benefits to 1,039 Japanese items. The formal signing is expected in January 2026, following months of negotiations led by trade officials from both countries.

The EPA also covers the services sector, with Bangladesh opening 97 service categories and Japan 120, aimed at boosting investment and technology exchange. The agreement follows eight rounds of discussions held alternately in Dhaka and Tokyo since early 2024. Officials say the deal will deepen bilateral trade ties and diversify Bangladesh’s export base beyond apparel.

Analysts view the EPA as a strategic step for Bangladesh ahead of its graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, ensuring continued market access in Asia’s third-largest economy. The agreement is expected to strengthen supply chains, attract Japanese investment, and enhance Bangladesh’s competitiveness in high-value exports.

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.

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.

A Dhaka court has granted a fresh four-day remand for Khadija Yasmin, daughter of jailed crime figure Subrata Bain, in connection with the murder of Jubo Dal leader Arif Sikder. The order was issued by Metropolitan Magistrate Sarah Farzana Haque after police sought additional time for interrogation. During the hearing, Yasmin told the court that her father’s criminal record should not make her responsible for his actions.

Defense lawyers argued against the remand, saying no new information had been obtained during the previous five-day interrogation and that Yasmin, a working mother of two, should be granted bail. The prosecution, however, claimed that she might hold crucial information relevant to national security and the ongoing investigation, especially ahead of the national elections.

Yasmin was arrested on December 15 near Cumilla Jail and previously remanded for five days. The case stems from the April 2025 shooting of Jubo Dal leader Arif Sikder in Dhaka’s Hatirjheel area, which later turned into a murder case after his death in hospital.

Rashed Khan, the central general secretary of Gana Adhikar Parishad, has been officially nominated as the BNP-backed candidate for the Jhenaidah-4 constituency. The announcement was made Wednesday afternoon by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan. The news quickly spread across social media, sparking mixed reactions and debates among party supporters and observers.

Several local BNP leaders, including Saiful Islam Firoz, Hamidul Islam Hamid, and Murshida Zaman, had sought the nomination for the same seat. Rashed Khan confirmed his candidacy via phone, stating that the decision was finalized during a meeting at the BNP office on Tuesday night. He also mentioned that BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to hold a campaign rally in Jhenaidah-4 soon.

The nomination reflects BNP’s broader strategy of aligning with smaller opposition groups ahead of the upcoming national elections, aiming to consolidate anti-government votes in key constituencies.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-1 has scheduled January 20 for delivering its verdict in a war crimes case involving the killing of six people in Dhaka’s Chankharpul area during the July uprising. The case names former Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Habibur Rahman and seven others as accused of crimes against humanity.

The three-member tribunal, chaired by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, fixed the date on Wednesday. The panel also includes Justice Md Shofiul Alam Mahmud and retired District and Sessions Judge Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury. The case has drawn significant public attention due to the seniority of the accused and the historical context of the July uprising.

Legal observers note that the verdict could set an important precedent for accountability in post-conflict justice. Families of the victims have expressed hope for closure, while defense lawyers maintain that the charges are politically motivated. Security measures are expected to be heightened around the tribunal on the day of the verdict.

BNP’s student wing general secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir stated that attacks on the media cannot silence dissent or prevent elections in Bangladesh. Speaking at an event in Noakhali’s Subarnachar, he accused certain political groups of trying to destabilize the country following the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi. Nasir also demanded the resignation of the home affairs adviser and the chief adviser’s special assistant.

He recalled past incidents of government interference in the press, citing closures of several television channels and alleged attacks on journalists, including Mahmudur Rahman. Nasir criticized what he described as a pattern of suppressing media freedom to manipulate political outcomes.

Nasir further called on BNP activists to gather in Dhaka on December 25 to welcome acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s return, predicting a massive turnout. Party leaders said the event would energize members ahead of the upcoming political season, signaling renewed organizational momentum for the opposition.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is set to return to Bangladesh on Thursday, marking his first public appearance in years. According to BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, Rahman will visit his mother, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who is undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital. Following the hospital visit, he will deliver a short address at the 300 Feet area in Dhaka, where a limited-scale reception has been arranged.

At a press conference held at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office, Salahuddin Ahmed apologized to Dhaka residents for any inconvenience caused by the event. He emphasized that Rahman does not support programs that create public suffering. To minimize traffic disruption, the event will be held on the service lane of the 300 Feet road, and only Rahman will speak. Party leaders and activists have been instructed to use the Kanchan Bridge route for travel.

Rahman’s return is expected to energize BNP supporters ahead of upcoming political activities, while authorities prepare for crowd management and security measures in the capital.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has requested the Election Commission of Bangladesh (EC) to revise parts of the upcoming parliamentary election schedule while keeping the voting date unchanged. NCP’s chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary made the appeal during a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin in Dhaka on Wednesday.

Following the meeting, Patwary told reporters that expatriate Bangladeshis were facing difficulties registering to vote and called for an extension of the registration period. He also urged the EC to ensure equal treatment for all political parties and to strengthen security around party offices. Patwary further alleged that external interference, particularly from India, could attempt to disrupt the electoral process, emphasizing the need to safeguard the integrity of the vote.

The NCP also pressed the EC to intensify public awareness campaigns about the national referendum process. The party’s demands come amid heightened political activity and scrutiny over election fairness and administrative preparedness across Bangladesh.