Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has confirmed that the European Union (EU) is likely to send between 175 and 200 election observers for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary polls. Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed announced the development in Dhaka, noting that an administrative agreement has been signed among the EU, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the EC. The EU delegation will be led by Member of the European Parliament Ivars Ijabs.

According to Ahmed, the agreement was finalized earlier but awaited formal approval from Brussels, which was received recently. The EC will provide logistical and administrative support to the EU mission, including assistance with travel and movement across the country. However, the Commission has requested that observers strictly follow local security protocols, particularly in sensitive areas such as the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

The deployment of EU observers is seen as a step toward ensuring transparency and international confidence in the electoral process. The final number of observers and their detailed schedule will be announced later.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has strongly condemned what it describes as a growing trend of associating Islamic symbols such as the beard and prayer cap with the term 'razakar'—a label historically used for wartime collaborators. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the group’s joint secretary general, Maulana Azizul Haque Islamabadi, said the practice promotes hatred and division under the guise of patriotism.

Islamabadi accused certain secular and pro-Indian groups of reviving anti-Islamic rhetoric during Victory Day celebrations. He alleged that such narratives aim to marginalize religious identity and distort the history of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. The Hefazat leader also criticized past governments for fostering hostility toward Islamic culture and called for unity against what he termed “Hindutva propaganda.”

The statement urged historians to present an objective account of the 1971 war to younger generations. Analysts note that Hefazat’s remarks reflect ongoing tensions between religious and secular narratives in Bangladesh’s political discourse, particularly around national identity and historical interpretation.

After nearly two decades of delay, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has officially opened the long-awaited 60-foot link road in Mirpur for public use. The inauguration ceremony, held in Mirpur, was attended by Faiz Ahmad Tayyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, as chief guest, and DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz as chair. The project aims to directly connect the 60-foot road to Mirpur’s main thoroughfare, significantly improving traffic flow.

DNCC officials explained that the project had been stalled for 17 years due to land disputes and inter-departmental coordination issues. Through joint efforts among government agencies, the road was completed within two months. Tayyeb emphasized the symbolic importance of the road, noting that coordinated work among service agencies can still make Dhaka a livable city. The DNCC cleared illegal structures and acquired postal department land to complete the connection.

Local residents expect the new link to reduce chronic congestion between Mirpur-10 and Mirpur-2. DNCC plans further infrastructure upgrades to address long-pending urban mobility challenges.

The Ministry of Education has transferred Dhaka College sociology professor A.K.M. Rafiqul Alam to Charfassion Government College in Bhola following allegations that he attempted to incite students amid debates over the proposed Dhaka Central University model. The transfer order, issued on December 10 under presidential authority, requires him to be released from his current post by December 18. The ministry described the move as being in the public interest.

The decision follows leaked remarks from an online meeting where Rafiqul Alam allegedly suggested mobilizing students to counter opposition to the proposed university structure. His comments drew criticism from students, who said teachers should guide and protect learners rather than provoke division or unrest. They welcomed the transfer, saying accountability is essential for educators.

The incident has reignited debate over the governance of the seven affiliated colleges and the future of higher education reforms. Observers note that the ministry’s swift action signals a zero-tolerance stance toward educators’ involvement in politically sensitive agitation.

Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed inaugurated the newly renovated courtroom of the International Crimes Tribunal-2 (ICT-2) in Dhaka on Wednesday afternoon. The ceremony was attended by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder, Chairman of Tribunal-1, and Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, Chairman of Tribunal-2, along with other judges, prosecutors, and court officials. The upgraded facility replaces the previous tin-roofed structure that had housed ICT-2’s operations for years.

The International Crimes Tribunals are currently handling cases related to alleged crimes against humanity committed during the Awami League’s 15-year rule, including incidents linked to the July 2024 mass uprising. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam and Supreme Court Registrar General Habibur Rahman Siddique were also present at the event, underscoring the judiciary’s commitment to improving infrastructure for war crimes adjudication.

The new courtroom is expected to streamline trial processes, ensure better working conditions for judges and prosecutors, and reinforce public confidence in the tribunals’ ongoing efforts to deliver justice in politically sensitive cases.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit has recovered a motorcycle, helmet, and fake number plate allegedly used in the recent attack on Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Osman Hadi. The items were found abandoned in the Bonolota residential area of Sher-e-Bangla Nagar on December 14, following a targeted search operation based on intelligence and CCTV footage analysis.

According to CTTC officials, investigators traced the motorcycle’s altered registration number through video evidence and discovered it had changed hands eight times before being purchased under a false identity. The fake plate was later recovered from a nearby manhole. The recovered evidence has been handed over to the Detective Branch (DB) for further forensic and ownership verification.

Authorities say the findings could help identify key suspects, including Faisal and his associate Md. Kabir, who allegedly used forged documents during the vehicle’s last transaction. Investigators are now focusing on mapping the chain of ownership to establish direct links to the attackers.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has formed a central committee to organize the reception for its acting chairman Tarique Rahman, who is scheduled to return to Bangladesh on December 25. The committee will be headed by BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed as convener and Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed as member secretary. Party insiders said the body will coordinate all programs, public engagements, and logistical preparations surrounding the long-awaited homecoming.

BNP leaders and supporters across the country have expressed strong enthusiasm about Rahman’s return, viewing it as a potential turning point for the opposition party. Many within the BNP believe his arrival could energize grassroots activists and reshape the national political landscape. The committee’s immediate task is to ensure a disciplined and large-scale welcome event, reflecting the party’s organizational strength.

Analysts note that Rahman’s return may influence upcoming political dynamics, especially in the context of renewed opposition activity and calls for political reform. Security and logistical arrangements are expected to be closely monitored by both party and government agencies.

A planned protest march organized by the political alliance July Oikya, titled 'March to Indian High Commission,' was halted by police in Dhaka on Wednesday. The procession began at Rampura Bridge and advanced toward Middle Badda before being stopped by police barricades. Following the obstruction, organizers converted the event into a stationary rally at the site.

Speakers at the rally accused India of interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs and demanded the repatriation of alleged killers residing in India. They vowed to continue their movement until these demands were met and warned of tougher programs ahead. Police deployed additional personnel in the area to maintain order and prevent escalation.

The incident reflects ongoing tensions between nationalist groups and authorities over Bangladesh–India relations. Officials have not reported any major violence, but security forces remain on alert as organizers plan further demonstrations in the coming weeks.

The Bangladesh government has pledged to bear all medical expenses for Inquilab Manch spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, who was critically injured in a shooting incident in Dhaka. Officials confirmed that the state will also provide maximum assistance for his advanced treatment abroad. Hadi was airlifted to Singapore on Monday for specialized care following emergency treatment in Dhaka.

Hadi sustained a gunshot wound to the head last Friday while returning from a campaign in the Motijheel area. He was initially treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital before being transferred to Evercare Hospital. His condition remains critical, according to family sources and party representatives. The Inquilab Manch announced the government’s support through its official Facebook page.

Authorities have not yet disclosed details about the investigation into the attack. The government’s decision to fund Hadi’s treatment underscores its commitment to ensuring medical support for political activists injured in violent incidents. Further updates on his recovery and the probe into the shooting are expected in the coming days.

Bangladesh’s Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam announced that formal charges have been filed against retired Major General Ziaul Ahsan for alleged involvement in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. The tribunal accepted the charges, issuing a production warrant for Ahsan and scheduling the next hearing for December 21. The case accuses him of orchestrating operations that led to the abduction and killing of over 100 people across multiple districts.

According to the prosecution, the charges include three major incidents involving the abduction, torture, and killing of political dissidents and others between Dhaka, Gazipur, and coastal regions like Barguna and the Sundarbans. Victims were allegedly executed and their bodies disposed of in rivers to conceal evidence. The prosecutor claimed that the operations were conducted under the guise of anti-crime or anti-piracy missions.

The tribunal’s move marks a rare legal step against a former senior security official. Human rights groups are expected to closely monitor the proceedings, which could set a precedent for accountability in cases of state-linked disappearances.

Fourteen government officials and employees have been temporarily suspended following a protest at Bangladesh’s Secretariat that violated administrative laws. The Ministry of Public Administration confirmed the suspensions through multiple circulars issued on Monday. The action follows a December 10 incident in which non-cadre officials confined Economic Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed for over six hours during a demonstration demanding a 'Secretariat allowance.' The officials were later placed on five-day remand under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

According to ministry sources, those suspended include leaders of the Bangladesh Secretariat Officers and Employees United Council and staff from several ministries, including Health, Finance, and Information. Witnesses said protesters blocked the adviser’s exit and chanted slogans until police escorted him out around 8:12 p.m.

The suspensions mark a strong administrative response to growing unrest among non-cadre employees over pay disparities. Officials indicated that further disciplinary measures could follow pending investigation outcomes, while unions have called the move excessive and politically motivated.

Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha, remains in a critical condition at Singapore General Hospital after being airlifted there earlier this week. His health deteriorated slightly during the air transfer but stabilized temporarily before worsening again on Wednesday afternoon. Doctors are now assessing whether he is fit enough to be moved to the UK for advanced neurological surgery.

According to hospital and family sources, Hadi requires a complex brain operation that cannot be adequately performed in Singapore. The Singapore General Hospital has already contacted Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham to arrange his transfer, pending medical clearance. Interim government advisers have assured Hadi’s family of full cooperation, while supporters in Bangladesh and the UK continue to coordinate efforts.

Medical experts warn that transporting Hadi without stabilization could be risky. His family and colleagues have requested prayers for his recovery, emphasizing that the immediate goal is to restore brain-body connectivity before any surgery can proceed.

Jamaat-e-Islami central executive member and Dhaka South Ameer, Md. Nurul Islam Bulbul, has officially collected his nomination papers to contest from Chapainawabganj-3 (Sadar) constituency in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. Speaking to reporters after submitting his papers, Bulbul demanded that authorities ensure the safety of all candidates, party workers, and voters during the election process.

He emphasized the need for a level playing field to guarantee a free, fair, and credible election, asserting that Jamaat-e-Islami seeks to build a humane and secure Bangladesh. Bulbul also pledged to make Chapainawabganj a safe haven for people of all political, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. Senior party leaders, including former mayor Mohammad Nazrul Islam and former MP Latifur Rahman, were present during the nomination submission.

The call for security reflects growing concerns among opposition parties about election-time violence and intimidation. Election officials are expected to review nominations and finalize the candidate list in the coming weeks.

Biru Molla, the president of the BNP’s Laxmikunda Union unit in Ishwardi, Pabna, was shot dead on Wednesday morning following a family dispute over land. The incident occurred in Kamalpur village when Molla visited his cousin Jahurul Molla’s home to discuss the contested property. According to police, an argument escalated, leading Jahurul and his son to open fire, fatally striking Biru Molla in the head.

Additional Superintendent of Police Pranab Kumar Sarkar confirmed that the killing stemmed from a long-standing family conflict. Ishwardi Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mominuzzaman said the body was sent for autopsy and legal proceedings are underway. Local residents reported heightened tension in the area after the shooting.

Police have been deployed to prevent further violence, as the killing of a local political leader has stirred unrest in the community. Authorities are investigating the incident to determine whether political motives were involved or if it was purely a domestic dispute.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 of Bangladesh is set to hold a hearing today on the formation of formal charges against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s adviser Salman F Rahman and former law minister Anisul Huq. The case concerns alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July Revolution period. The three-member tribunal is chaired by Justice Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, with members Shofiul Alam Mahmud and retired district judge Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.

According to tribunal sources, the prosecution will first present its arguments, followed by the defense counsel’s response. The prosecution had earlier submitted formal charges on December 4, marking a key procedural step in the case. Both accused have denied wrongdoing, while human rights observers are closely monitoring the proceedings.

Legal analysts note that this hearing could determine whether the case proceeds to a full trial, potentially setting a precedent for accountability in politically sensitive human rights cases. The tribunal’s decision is expected to draw significant domestic and international attention.