The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami have finalized their candidates for seven parliamentary constituencies in North Chattogram ahead of the 13th national election. Following the political collapse of the Awami League after the 2024 July uprising and the flight of its top leaders, the region’s political landscape has shifted sharply. BNP has nominated new faces in five constituencies, while all Jamaat candidates are newcomers, signaling a generational and strategic reset.

Historically a BNP stronghold, North Chattogram now sees Jamaat gaining organizational strength through early campaigning and consistent grassroots presence. In contrast, BNP faces internal divisions and delayed candidate announcements, leading to factional disputes and even threats of rebel candidacies. Analysts note that the direction of former Awami League voters could decisively shape outcomes. Local observers describe competitive races in Mirsharai, Fatikchhari, Sandwip, Sitakunda, Hathazari, Raozan, and Rangunia, where Islamist alliances and Hefazat-linked networks may also influence results.

The evolving dynamics suggest a fragmented opposition contest, with Jamaat’s disciplined mobilization challenging BNP’s traditional dominance in the region.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur has directed that all depositors of five recently merged banks must receive their funds by the end of December 2025. The instruction came during the first board meeting of the newly formed Sammilit Islami Bank, which combines the five institutions under a single resolution framework. Mansur emphasized completing all procedural and technical preparations to ensure timely repayment and avoid disruptions.

The meeting, chaired by Dr. Mohammad Ayub Mia, included senior government secretaries and Bangladesh Bank officials. The governor also ordered rapid integration of IT systems and the creation of a unified human resources policy to harmonize ranks, grades, and promotion structures across the merged banks. Customers will be allowed to withdraw funds using previously issued checks.

The Sammilit Islami Bank is scheduled for formal inauguration in January 2026, but depositors are expected to receive their money beforehand. The board pledged to prioritize depositor protection and maintain transparency under Bangladesh Bank’s supervision.

An assassination attempt on Sharif Osman Hadi, convener of the Inquilab Mancha and a prominent youth leader of Bangladesh’s July uprising, has intensified political tensions in Dhaka. Hadi, known for his anti-fascist activism and cultural mobilization, was targeted in what observers describe as a politically motivated attack aimed at silencing dissenting voices and intimidating election candidates. The incident occurred shortly after the election schedule was announced, raising fears of renewed violence and instability.

Investigative outlet The Descent identified the attackers as members of the banned student wing linked to the former ruling Awami League. Reports suggest the assailants fled to India within 24 hours, fueling allegations of cross-border complicity. Critics accuse pro-Delhi networks of seeking to destabilize Bangladesh’s fragile post-Hasina transition and derail upcoming elections. Political parties have condemned the attack and discussed joint protests, though divisions remain over how to confront alleged external interference.

Analysts warn that failure to restore law enforcement credibility and political unity could embolden extremist elements. The attack underscores the volatile intersection of domestic power struggles and regional geopolitics shaping Bangladesh’s democratic trajectory.

A tweet by retired Indian Army officer Colonel (Retd.) Ajay K. Rayna has triggered widespread criticism and concern across social media in both India and Bangladesh. In his post, Rayna allegedly suggested that Bangladeshi political figure Hasnat Abdullah could be the next 'target' after Osman Hadi, a spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha who was recently attacked. The tweet also contained violent language, which many interpreted as an explicit threat.

Following the post, Bangladeshi media personalities and commentators condemned the statement, calling it a direct incitement to violence against political actors in Bangladesh. Some analysts questioned whether the message was linked to the recent assault on Hadi. Despite the uproar, Rayna has not issued a formal clarification. In a brief media comment, he dismissed the controversy, saying people were being overly sensitive about social media posts and advised Bangladesh not to overreact to Indian security matters.

Observers warn that such rhetoric could strain diplomatic relations and fuel online hostility between the two neighboring countries if not addressed promptly.

Bangladesh’s interim government has firmly dismissed India’s recent comments on its upcoming national elections, saying Dhaka will not accept any ‘advice’ from New Delhi. Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain stated that Bangladesh knows best how to conduct its own polls and criticized India for remaining silent during the previous 15 years of flawed elections. His remarks followed a series of diplomatic summons between the two neighbors, triggered by mutual concerns over security and political interference.

India summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner in New Delhi to express concern over what it described as a deteriorating security situation and threats to its missions in Dhaka. Earlier, Bangladesh had summoned the Indian envoy to protest alleged incitement by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who remains in India after being sentenced to death for war crimes. The closure of Indian visa centers in Dhaka and accusations of harboring extremists have further strained ties.

Observers note that the escalating rhetoric could complicate regional cooperation and election monitoring efforts. Both sides, however, have reiterated their commitment to maintaining diplomatic communication despite the current friction.

Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police (DB) have revealed possible links between Faisal Karim Masud, the prime suspect in the shooting of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, and multiple professional shooters as well as underworld networks. Investigators recovered a motorcycle, helmet, and fake license plate used in the attack from a residential area in Agargaon, tracing the vehicle through eight ownership transfers before it was allegedly purchased using a fake identity.

Authorities said Faisal’s parents were detained in Keraniganj but denied knowledge of his whereabouts, though they admitted he had contact with former home minister and banned Awami League leader Nanak. The DB continues efforts to arrest Faisal and his associate Alamgir, while a court granted three-day remand for a suspect accused of aiding Faisal’s escape.

The attack, which occurred on December 11 following the announcement of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election schedule, is being investigated as part of a broader plot to destabilize the country and intimidate candidates ahead of the polls.

Bangladesh’s main opposition party, the BNP, is grappling with internal unrest across more than 50 constituencies ahead of the upcoming national election. Following the announcement of 272 potential candidates, numerous nomination-deprived leaders have lodged formal complaints at the party’s central office, alleging favoritism toward inactive, elderly, or controversial figures over younger, active, and reform-minded members. Several local units have staged protests, road blockades, and human chains demanding candidate changes.

Party insiders report that dissatisfaction is particularly strong in constituencies such as Sirajganj-3, Chattogram-12, Dinajpur-2, and Brahmanbaria-4, where local leaders accuse nominees of corruption, extortion, or absenteeism. BNP’s Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku stated that the nominations were based on field surveys and organizational feedback but admitted that adjustments may occur. He urged unity, warning that internal divisions could weaken the party’s electoral prospects.

Analysts suggest that persistent factionalism may undermine BNP’s campaign momentum and allow ruling party candidates to capitalize on the disarray. The party plans further consultations in Dhaka to address grievances and refine its election strategy.

In Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts, tribal individuals who have converted to Islam report facing severe persecution, including social boycotts, economic exclusion, and threats from armed groups. The 2021 killing of Mohammad Omar Faruk Tripura, a convert and preacher, highlighted the dangers faced by new Muslims in remote areas like Roangchhari, Bandarban. His murder remains unsolved, and many families now conceal their faith for safety.

Human rights advocates and local activists describe a pattern of intimidation, extortion, and denial of basic rights for converts, particularly among the Tripura, Marma, and Mro communities. Converts are often accused of betraying indigenous identity and are barred from communal resources and markets. Legal experts call these acts violations of constitutional and human rights protections, while local armed groups such as JSS and UPDF are accused of enforcing anti-conversion campaigns.

Observers warn that the issue reflects a deeper intersection of religion, ethnicity, and politics in the Hill Tracts, leaving converts isolated from both state protection and their original communities.

Bangladesh’s Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has emphasized that the effective implementation of the ‘One Health’ approach requires coordinated commitment from the Ministries of Health and Family Welfare, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Fisheries and Livestock. Speaking at a seminar in Dhaka, she said the initiative must move beyond rhetoric to practical collaboration under a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation framework.

Environmental Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan highlighted that environmental protection and biodiversity must remain central to development planning, warning that ecological destruction ultimately harms society. She identified bureaucratic delays and weak inter-ministerial coordination as major obstacles to the One Health initiative. Health Ministry representative Dr. Sayedur Rahman stressed that human health should remain at the core of the program, as food contamination, antibiotic misuse, and environmental degradation directly affect people’s wellbeing.

The proposed One Health project will operate under a joint Development Project Proposal (DPP) with three project directors from the respective ministries. Officials expressed optimism that Bangladesh could set a regional example by integrating human, animal, and environmental health into a unified national strategy.

Students at Dhaka University held a late-night ‘Azadi’ rally on December 17, protesting what they described as interference by India’s High Commissioner in Bangladesh’s domestic politics. Organized under the banner of ‘Anti-Hegemony Students,’ the march began at Madhur Canteen and concluded with a brief gathering at the Raju Memorial sculpture, where participants chanted slogans rejecting foreign influence.

During the rally, Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) cultural secretary Mosaddeq Ali Ibn Mohammad cited an investigative report alleging that Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma had engaged with Bangladeshi authorities during the July uprising to shape state repression strategies. He called Verma’s actions a violation of diplomatic norms and urged the government to declare him persona non grata.

The protestors demanded stronger protection of national sovereignty and urged the Foreign Ministry to take diplomatic steps regarding former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s return from India. The demonstration highlights growing student sensitivity toward perceived external involvement in Bangladesh’s political processes.

Bangladesh Bank has reported that the country's foreign exchange reserves increased to $32.48 billion as of December 17, 2025. The figure, however, stands at $27.82 billion when calculated under the International Monetary Fund’s BPM6 (Balance of Payments Manual 6) methodology. The announcement was made by Arif Hossain Khan, Executive Director and spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank.

The reserves had been $32.12 billion a week earlier, or $27.45 billion under the IMF standard. The difference between the two accounting methods reflects the exclusion of certain funds, such as export development and other non-liquid assets, under the BPM6 framework. The rise in reserves follows recent remittance inflows and moderate import payments, helping stabilize the country’s external balance.

Economists note that while the increase is positive, Bangladesh continues to face pressure from global commodity prices and a strong U.S. dollar. The central bank is expected to continue cautious management of reserves to maintain import coverage and meet IMF program conditions in the coming months.

The High Court of Bangladesh has suspended the government primary school scholarship examination process for one month after a writ petition questioned its legality. The bench, comprising Justice Fahmida Kader and Justice Asif Hasan, issued the order following a preliminary hearing on December 14, 2025. The Directorate of Primary Education had earlier announced the exam schedule on November 11, with tests set to begin on December 21.

The writ was filed by Md. Faruk Hossain, director of Keraniganj Public Laboratory School, along with two parents, arguing that the exam violated a previous High Court ruling from November 3. Petitioners’ lawyer Niaz Morshed alleged that the government changed the exam’s name to exclude private school students, effectively breaching the earlier judgment. Ministry sources confirmed that the exams will remain suspended while the writ is under judicial review.

The suspension affects thousands of government primary students who were preparing for subject-wise tests in Bangla, English, Mathematics, and Science. The court’s decision is expected to prompt a review of the exam’s structure and inclusivity before any rescheduling.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a new initiative titled 'People’s Manifesto' aimed at drafting a citizen-driven, accountable, and realistic election manifesto for the next national polls. Party Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar said the program will run from December 18 to 24, collecting public opinions through a dedicated website and mobile app. Citizens can submit written, audio, or video suggestions on national and local issues.

Porwar explained that the initiative is built on three pillars: direct citizen participation, data-driven online analysis of collected opinions, and a digital 'Promise Tracker' to monitor future implementation of manifesto commitments. The party plans to create both a national and constituency-level manifesto based on measurable and time-bound criteria.

He expressed hope that this participatory model will set a new precedent for transparency and accountability in Bangladesh’s political culture. The digital platform (www.janatarishtehar.org) will serve as the main hub for public engagement and information sharing throughout the process.

Bangladesh’s legal adviser Asif Nazrul has alleged that influential lawyers, many of whom are senior figures in major political parties, played a decisive role in securing bail for Faisal Karim Masud, accused of attempting to murder Osman Hadi. In a Facebook post on Wednesday night, Nazrul stated that such influence made bail in serious cases, including Masud’s earlier arms case, unusually easy to obtain.

Nazrul emphasized that the High Court operates independently of the Ministry of Law, but questioned whether judicial discretion was being properly exercised in certain bail decisions. He cited previous instances where hundreds of bail orders were issued within hours, prompting public concern. Nazrul also warned against what he termed a “bail trade,” urging lawyers to uphold judicial integrity.

The comments have reignited debate over the transparency of Bangladesh’s bail system and the role of political influence in judicial outcomes. Legal observers expect the issue to draw further scrutiny from the judiciary and civil society in the coming weeks.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus announced that the interim government has undertaken continuous reforms to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), resolving a long-standing issue at the Korean Export Processing Zone in Chattogram. He expressed optimism that this move would encourage major South Korean companies to expand their investments in Bangladesh.

During a farewell meeting with South Korean Ambassador Park Young-sik at the state guesthouse Jamuna, both sides discussed deepening bilateral relations. Topics included boosting Korean investment, advancing the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), and expanding cultural and human resource cooperation. Ambassador Park conveyed condolences over the deaths of six Bangladeshi peacekeepers in Sudan and wished success for Bangladesh’s democratic transition and upcoming February 12 elections.

Park noted that Samsung plans to expand operations in Bangladesh, including mobile phone production. The next CEPA negotiation round is scheduled for February, which could grant Bangladeshi apparel duty-free access to the Korean market, currently dominated by Vietnam and Indonesia.