Two party chairmen and one secretary general have formally joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) as the country prepares for its upcoming national election. NPP Chairman Fariduzzaman Farhad, NDM Chairman Bobby Hajjaj, and LDP Secretary General and former minister Redwan Ahmed joined BNP on Wednesday. They are expected to contest under BNP’s electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf.

In a related move, BNP announced it would leave seven parliamentary seats for allied and coalition partners. The party confirmed that it will not field candidates in these constituencies, instead supporting alliance nominees. The seats include Dhaka-12, Bogura-2, Patuakhali-3, Jhenaidah-4, Brahmanbaria-6, Pirojpur-1, and Jashore-5, with candidates from parties such as the Revolutionary Workers Party, Citizens’ Unity, and Gana Odhikar Parishad.

The inclusion of new leaders and strategic seat-sharing arrangements signal BNP’s effort to consolidate opposition forces against the ruling Awami League. Analysts view this as a tactical step to strengthen the party’s electoral base and broaden its coalition appeal ahead of the polls.

Bangladesh’s prosecution authority has formally filed charges against former Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman and ten other senior officers in connection with the killing of Imam Hasan Taim during the July uprising in Jatrabari. The charges were submitted to the registrar of the International Crimes Tribunal on Wednesday, confirmed Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam.

The accused include former Joint Commissioner Sudip Kumar Chakraborty, former DC of Wari Zone Iqbal Hossain, ADC Shakil Mohammad Shamim, and several other officers, including the then Officer-in-Charge of Jatrabari Police Station, Abul Hasan. Taim, son of a police sub-inspector, was reportedly shot dead on July 20 last year while out with a friend during the unrest.

The case has drawn significant public attention as it involves senior law enforcement officials accused of excessive use of force. Legal analysts say the tribunal’s proceedings could set a precedent for accountability in police operations during political crises. The next hearing date is expected to be announced soon.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) announced on December 24, 2025, that it has allocated seven additional parliamentary constituencies to its alliance partners as part of its seat-sharing strategy for the upcoming national election. The party confirmed it will not field candidates in these constituencies, instead supporting nominees from allied groups including the Revolutionary Workers Party, Nagorik Oikya, Gono Odhikar Parishad, and Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar faction).

The newly allocated seats include Dhaka-12, Bogura-2, Patuakhali-3, Jhenaidah-4, Brahmanbaria-6, Pirojpur-1, and Jashore-5. Earlier in the week, BNP had already granted four constituencies to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam. Party officials stated that the move aims to strengthen opposition unity and maximize electoral coordination against the ruling Awami League.

Political analysts view the decision as a strategic effort to consolidate the broader opposition bloc under the BNP-led alliance. The final list of candidates and seat arrangements is expected to be announced soon as election preparations intensify across Bangladesh.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has alleged large-scale corruption worth Tk 2,926 crore in six government and private solar power projects implemented under the Awami League government. The findings, released at a press conference in Dhaka, indicate irregularities in land acquisition and inflated project cost estimates, particularly within the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB).

According to TIB, while BPDB’s standard cost for generating one megawatt of solar power is around Tk 8 crore, the six projects studied were estimated at an average of Tk 13.08 crore per megawatt—over 1.5 times higher. The report also found that five of the projects involved Tk 249 crore in irregularities related to land purchase and acquisition.

TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said the findings highlight systemic weaknesses in project oversight and accountability. The organization urged the government to conduct independent audits and ensure transparency in future renewable energy initiatives to restore public trust and safeguard public funds.

With the announcement of the 13th parliamentary election schedule, political activity has surged across Pirojpur district, where the main contest is expected between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. The ruling Awami League’s absence from the race has reshaped local dynamics, particularly in Pirojpur-1, where Hindu voters make up nearly one-fourth of the electorate. Both parties are actively seeking their support through rallies and door-to-door campaigns.

Jamaat has finalized candidates for all three constituencies, including Masud Sayeedi and Shamim Sayeedi, sons of former MP Delwar Hossain Sayeedi. BNP has confirmed two candidates but is yet to finalize its nominee for Pirojpur-1, where speculation surrounds several contenders. Local civic groups express cautious optimism about a fair election under an interim government, though doubts remain about the Election Commission’s neutrality.

Analysts note that young and first-time voters are showing renewed enthusiasm after years of limited participation. The outcome in Pirojpur could signal broader trends in opposition-led contests across Bangladesh if voting proceeds freely.

In Chuadanga’s Alamdanga upazila, seventy-one leaders and activists from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) formally joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Tuesday evening. The joining ceremony, held at Jehela Union and organized by Jamaat-e-Islami, was attended by Masud Parvez Russell, assistant secretary of the district Jamaat and parliamentary candidate for Chuadanga-1, who welcomed the new members with flowers and greetings.

Russell stated that Jamaat’s ideology is based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), emphasizing justice, honesty, and accountability. He added that the party believes in service-oriented politics rather than a pursuit of power. Among the new members were former ward president Kazi Yunus, secretary Imarat, and several local BNP and Jubo Dal leaders.

Local Jamaat and Islami Chhatra Shibir leaders also attended the event, signaling Jamaat’s continued grassroots mobilization ahead of potential national political developments. The move reflects ongoing political realignments in rural Bangladesh as parties prepare for future electoral contests.

Bangladeshi cultural affairs adviser and filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has said that the killing of activist Sharif Osman Hadi cannot intimidate Bangladesh. Writing on his verified Facebook page on Wednesday, Farooki described Hadi as a martyr who awakened a sense of unity and courage across the country. He noted that Hadi’s funeral drew massive crowds and that people continue to visit his grave daily to pray and mourn.

Farooki emphasized that the 32-year-old’s death has become a symbol of resilience and inspiration for future generations. His remarks come amid ongoing public mourning and discussions about the broader implications of Hadi’s killing for civic activism and freedom of expression in Bangladesh.

Observers say the incident has sparked renewed debate about political violence and the role of youth movements in shaping national identity. Authorities have yet to release detailed findings from the investigation into Hadi’s death, while civil society groups continue to demand justice and accountability.

Bangladesh has lodged a strong diplomatic protest with India after a series of violent attacks by Hindu nationalist groups on its diplomatic missions in New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Siliguri. Dhaka summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma on Tuesday, describing the incidents as premeditated acts of violence and intimidation that endangered Bangladeshi diplomats and violated international norms. Following the attacks, Bangladesh’s High Commission in Delhi suspended visa services for Indian nationals indefinitely.

In Delhi and Mumbai, members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal clashed with police, vandalized property, and issued death threats against Bangladeshi diplomats. The protests, allegedly supported by local political figures, were organized over the killing of a Hindu man in Bangladesh. India’s Ministry of External Affairs informally summoned Bangladesh’s envoy in response, accusing Dhaka of overreacting.

The escalating tensions mark one of the most serious strains in recent Bangladesh–India relations. Dhaka has demanded a full investigation and stronger protection for its missions, while observers warn that continued unrest could undermine bilateral cooperation and regional stability.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-1 has formally opened the trial of four accused, including Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) officers Lt. Col. Redwanul Islam and Major Md. Rafat Bin Alam, in connection with the killing of 28 people during the July uprising in Dhaka’s Rampura area. The tribunal, led by Chairman Golam Mortuza Majumder, rejected the defendants’ petitions for discharge and set January 20 for opening statements.

The two detained officers were brought to court from prison, where the charges were read out by Justice Shafiul Alam Mahmud. Both pleaded not guilty and sought justice. The other two accused—former DMP ADC Md. Rashedul Islam and former Rampura Police OC Md. Moshior Rahman—remain fugitives. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam had earlier completed the hearing on charge framing on December 6.

The tribunal’s decision marks a significant step in addressing alleged crimes committed during the July uprising. The upcoming proceedings are expected to examine evidence and witness testimonies to determine accountability for the Rampura killings.

Government documents reveal that Sajjad Hossain, known as ‘Chhoto Sajjad’ and listed by police as a top Chattogram criminal, received bail in several murder cases without any state challenge or suspension request. The bail orders, issued between September 15 and 22, 2025, covered seven murder cases involving Sajjad and his wife, Sharmin Akter Tamanna. Despite the gravity of the charges, internal notes from the Attorney General’s Office marked the cases with ‘no objection.’

Additional Attorney General Mohammad Arshadur Rauf, who was acting Attorney General at the time, said he was unaware of Sajjad’s criminal background when approving the decision. He explained that the office handles a large volume of case files, often lacking full background details. After media exposure, Rauf said he personally sought to suspend the bail orders through the Appellate Division.

Police identify Sajjad as a key figure in organized crime, extortion, and murder in Chattogram’s Bayezid and Chandgaon areas. The incident has raised concerns about case management and information flow within the Attorney General’s Office.

Bangladesh’s National Board of Revenue (NBR) has made online income tax return filing mandatory for individual taxpayers from fiscal year 2025–26, implemented through local tech firm Synesis IT. However, NBR has yet to sign a formal contract with the company, despite the system handling sensitive taxpayer data. Officials and experts have voiced concern over potential legal and data security risks arising from this contractless arrangement.

Synesis IT developed the online return software under a European Union grant that expired in mid-2024, after which the firm continued service without payment. NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan acknowledged the absence of a contract, citing lengthy government procurement procedures. Synesis officials said they have repeatedly requested a formal agreement, warning of financial strain from providing unpaid services. Some NBR insiders expressed surprise that a mandatory national service operates without a legal framework.

The situation highlights governance and accountability gaps in Bangladesh’s digital tax modernization. While the system has reduced corruption and improved taxpayer convenience, unresolved contracting issues could expose the government to future legal and financial complications if not promptly addressed.

A case has been filed four days after a deadly house fire in Lakshmipur that killed an eight-year-old girl and injured three others. The fire broke out late on December 19 at the home of Belal Hossain, an assistant organizing secretary of the Bhabaniganj Union BNP. Belal, who was also injured, lodged the case on December 23 at Sadar Model Police Station against unidentified assailants.

Police confirmed the filing, stating that an investigation is underway to identify those responsible. The incident left Belal’s daughter Ayesha Akter dead, while his two other daughters, Salma Akter Smriti (17) and Samia Akter Bithi (14), sustained severe burns. Smriti, with 90 percent burns, remains in critical condition at Dhaka Medical College Hospital’s burn unit.

Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the arson. The case has drawn local attention amid heightened political tensions, as the victim’s father is a local BNP leader. Investigators are focusing on whether the attack was politically motivated or a personal dispute.

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.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 of Bangladesh is set to issue an order today to frame charges against four accused, including former Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) officers Lt. Col. Redwanul Islam and Maj. Md. Rafat Bin Alam, in a case over the killing of 28 people during the so-called July Revolution in Dhaka’s Rampura area. The tribunal, chaired by Justice Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, will hear the matter with two other members, Justice Shafiul Alam Mahmud and retired judge Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.

Two of the accused, Redwanul Islam and Rafat Bin Alam, are currently in custody and will be produced before the tribunal, while two others — former DMP ADC Md. Rashedul Islam and former Rampura OC Md. Mashiur Rahman — remain absconding. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam concluded the hearing on charge framing earlier on December 6.

The case marks another significant step in addressing alleged crimes committed during the July Revolution, with the tribunal’s decision expected to shape subsequent proceedings and accountability measures within Bangladesh’s justice system.

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.