More than 411,000 expatriate Bangladeshis have registered to vote in the upcoming 13th national election and referendum through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ mobile application, according to the Election Commission (EC). Of these, 384,928 are men and 26,161 are women. The EC extended the registration deadline until December 25, allowing citizens abroad to register from any country using the app.

Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed of the EC Secretariat confirmed that the app-based registration system remains open globally until December 18, with postal ballots to be sent based on the addresses provided. The EC urged registrants to ensure accurate mailing addresses to receive their ballots on time. The commission also plans to introduce an in-country postal voting system for government officials, detainees, and those stationed outside their constituencies.

The Postal Vote BD app, launched on November 18, enables registration from 148 countries. The initiative marks Bangladesh’s first large-scale digital effort to include overseas citizens in the electoral process, potentially expanding voter participation and transparency.

A tense confrontation erupted at the Narayanganj court premises on Sunday when former Fatullah Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Manjur Kader was surrounded by Jamaat-e-Islami–aligned lawyers and student leaders. They accused Kader of torture, extortion, and political persecution during the previous government’s rule. As the situation escalated, BNP-affiliated lawyers, including Advocate Sakhawat Hossain Khan and Advocate Abu Al Yusuf Khan Tipu, intervened and escorted Kader to safety.

Jamaat lawyers alleged that Kader had abused his authority under political patronage, targeting opposition activists and extracting money through coercion. Several claimed to be victims of his actions, citing incidents from 2013 following protests against the war crimes verdict of Abdul Quader Molla. In contrast, BNP lawyers argued that they acted to prevent mob justice and maintain order within the court compound.

The incident has reignited debate over political divisions within the legal community and accountability for past police abuses. Local observers warn that such confrontations could further strain relations between BNP and Jamaat factions in Narayanganj’s legal circles.

Police in Sirajganj have arrested Jewel Sheikh, convener of the Sirajganj Government College unit of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, on charges of sexually harassing a seventh-grade schoolgirl. The arrest took place Sunday night in the Soyagobindh Millon Mor area, and authorities confirmed Monday that he will be sent to court following a case filed by the victim’s sister.

According to the complaint, the accused met the girl through Facebook about eleven months ago and allegedly lured her with promises of marriage. The girl’s family claimed that after obtaining a party position, Sheikh deleted online communications and later refused to marry her. When the girl confronted him at his home, his family allegedly assaulted her and threatened her with further harm.

Police say the investigation is ongoing, and the case has drawn local attention due to the accused’s political affiliation. Authorities have pledged to ensure a fair legal process amid growing public concern over harassment cases involving political figures.

Following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government and rising diplomatic tension between Bangladesh and India, cross-border travel and medical tourism have sharply declined. Bangladeshi patients, once the majority of India’s foreign medical clientele, are now seeking treatment in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Turkey, and China. Immigration data from Burimari land port in Lalmonirhat show daily passenger crossings dropping from 400–600 to under 70 since August 5, when India tightened visa rules.

Officials and travel agents report that India’s suspension of tourist, business, and student visas, coupled with stricter medical visa conditions, has discouraged Bangladeshi travelers. Hospitals in Bangkok, including Bumrungrad and Vejthani, have seen a 20% rise in Bangladeshi patients. Meanwhile, Indian hospitals that once relied heavily on Bangladeshi medical tourists are facing steep declines in revenue.

Analysts suggest that India’s restrictive policies have backfired economically, hurting hospitals and hospitality sectors in West Bengal. Experts urge Bangladesh to develop international-standard hospitals domestically to reduce dependence on foreign medical care.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin described the recent attack on Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Osman Hadi as an isolated event, dismissing concerns about overall law and order ahead of the national election. Speaking at a program in Gulshan on Monday, he said security forces are fully prepared and urged citizens to set aside fears regarding election safety.

Responding to questions about deteriorating law and order, the CEC argued that occasional incidents of violence are not unusual in Bangladesh, citing past attacks on political figures such as Ahsanullah Master and former finance minister Shah A.M.S. Kibria. He emphasized that such occurrences have historical precedent and do not indicate systemic instability.

Nasir Uddin reaffirmed the Election Commission’s confidence in conducting a fair and inclusive election. He called for collective cooperation from all stakeholders to ensure a peaceful and credible voting process, stressing that the Commission remains fully committed to transparency and preparedness.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Liberation War and Democratic Movement Secretary Fatima Tasnim Juma has claimed that the suspect involved in a recent incident remains in Bangladesh. In a Facebook post on Monday, she warned against what she described as propaganda to help the accused escape accountability, asserting that justice must be ensured regardless of circumstances.

In subsequent posts, Juma expressed frustration over the state of Bangladesh’s sovereignty and called on citizens to gather at the Shaheed Minar at 3 p.m. to demonstrate in defense of national interests. She referenced Osman Hadi, reportedly injured while pursuing leadership, describing his struggle as symbolic of a broader fight for true independence.

Her remarks have drawn attention within student and political circles, highlighting ongoing tensions over governance, justice, and national identity. The planned gathering at Shaheed Minar is expected to serve as a platform for renewed debate on sovereignty and accountability in Bangladesh.

A local BNP leader in Shariatpur’s Naria upazila, Motiur Rahman Sagar, has been accused of threatening voters not to support Jamaat-e-Islami candidates in the upcoming election. A video of his remarks, made during a meeting at the BNP office in Noadda Ghat, went viral on social media, sparking widespread criticism and concern among local residents. Sagar later claimed his comments were manipulated and circulated maliciously online.

Election officials confirmed they had received the video and said the remarks appeared to violate the electoral code of conduct, though no formal complaint had yet been filed. Naria Upazila BNP President Dadon Munshi stated that such comments were unacceptable and could harm the electoral environment. Jamaat leaders in the area condemned the statement, calling it an attempt to intimidate voters.

Authorities indicated that if a written complaint is submitted, the electoral committee will take appropriate action. The controversy comes as BNP and Jamaat candidates prepare to contest the Shariatpur-2 constituency, intensifying political tensions ahead of the polls.

Activist Mohiuddin Rony has stepped in to campaign for independent Dhaka-8 candidate Sharif Osman Hadi, who was critically injured by gunfire during electioneering last Friday. Hadi, a spokesperson for the Inqilab Mancha and a key figure in the July uprising, remains in critical condition and is being flown to Singapore for advanced treatment at the National Neuroscience Institute.

Rony began his campaign early Monday morning from Baitul Mukarram Mosque, urging voters to support Hadi and praying for his recovery. In a Facebook post, he shared that many citizens have expressed solidarity and are praying for Hadi’s health. His initiative has drawn attention to the emotional and political impact of the attack on Hadi’s campaign.

Observers note that Rony’s involvement may help sustain Hadi’s presence in the race despite his absence. The incident underscores ongoing concerns over political violence ahead of the polls, as authorities investigate the shooting and ensure candidate security.

Bangladesh’s prosecution is set to appeal for the death penalty against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the July killings case, where she was earlier sentenced to life imprisonment for crimes against humanity. Prosecutor Gazi M.H. Tamim confirmed that the appeal would be filed on Monday before the Appellate Division, seeking to enhance the existing sentence.

The move follows the prosecution’s earlier announcement on November 27 that it intended to pursue a harsher sentence. The case, tied to the July killings incident, has drawn intense political and legal attention, given Hasina’s long tenure and subsequent removal from power. Officials stated that a detailed briefing would be held following the submission of the appeal.

Legal analysts note that the appeal could further polarize the political landscape, as supporters and opponents of the former leader remain deeply divided. The Appellate Division’s decision will be closely watched both domestically and internationally for its legal and political ramifications.

A recent opinion piece by engineer Jalal Uddin Omar has urged that leaders of Bangladesh’s Jatiya Party face trial for their alleged complicity in what he describes as the Awami League’s ‘fascist’ governance. The article argues that the Jatiya Party repeatedly supported or partnered with the Awami League in key elections from 1996 through 2024, helping sustain its political dominance despite opposition boycotts and allegations of electoral manipulation.

Omar’s commentary recounts how the Jatiya Party alternated between being part of the ruling coalition and serving as the official opposition, while maintaining close ties with the government. He cites Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s February 2024 parliamentary statement that over eight thousand cases were filed against BNP-Jamaat members, with millions implicated. The author contends that such repression was enabled by the Jatiya Party’s cooperation.

Following the government’s May 2024 suspension of Awami League activities and registration pending trials for alleged crimes, Omar insists that Jatiya Party leaders should also be barred from politics and held accountable for aiding what he calls a repressive regime.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin has called for collective cooperation from all stakeholders to ensure a free, fair, and credible national election in Bangladesh. Speaking at a youth voter event in Gulshan, Dhaka, on Monday, he emphasized that the Election Commission alone cannot guarantee transparency and fairness without active participation from citizens, political parties, and law enforcement agencies.

The CEC highlighted the importance of youth engagement, describing young voters as symbols of courage and creativity essential for building the nation. He assured that the Election Commission is committed to ensuring every voter’s right to cast their ballot freely. Addressing recent concerns over political violence, Nasir Uddin termed the attack on Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Osman Hadi as an isolated incident and reaffirmed that law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to maintain order.

He urged citizens to remain confident and avoid unnecessary anxiety, reiterating that the upcoming polls will be transparent, peaceful, and inclusive, with youth participation at its core.

Inquilab Mancha has announced an all-party resistance rally in response to the recent attack on Osman Hadi. The gathering is scheduled for Monday at 3 p.m. at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, aiming to unite anti-fascist political groups under a common platform. The announcement was made Sunday night in front of Evercare Hospital by Abdullah Al Jaber, the member secretary of Inquilab Mancha.

Jaber stated that several opposition parties, including the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and NCP, are expected to join the rally. However, he clarified that no India-aligned groups were invited. The organizers said the rally would serve as a protest against what they described as Indian aggression and ruling party violence. They called on all “patriotic” political forces to participate in the movement.

The event comes amid heightened political tension and growing criticism of attacks on opposition figures. Observers say the rally could signal renewed coordination among anti-government groups ahead of potential nationwide protests.

Political tensions in Bangladesh have intensified ahead of the upcoming national election, with reports alleging that exiled figures linked to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and foreign intelligence agencies are attempting to disrupt the electoral process. The recent shooting of political activist Sharif Osman Hadi has heightened fears of escalating violence and instability, as authorities struggle to maintain order despite the army’s nationwide deployment since September 2024.

Analysts and security officials suggest that remnants of the previous regime and external actors may be seeking to provoke unrest to delegitimize the government led by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Critics argue that the administration has failed to remove key officials allegedly loyal to the former ruling party, undermining confidence in the promise of a free and fair election. Public concern is growing over the government’s apparent inaction against conspirators and the persistence of politically motivated violence.

Observers warn that without decisive measures to ensure security and transparency, the election could face severe credibility challenges, potentially threatening Bangladesh’s fragile political stability and international standing.

Bangladesh Bank’s latest report reveals a deepening crisis in the country’s banking sector, with 17 out of 61 banks now holding between 50% and 99% of their total loans as non-performing. As of September, the overall default loan ratio across the sector surged to 36%, up from 17% a year earlier, with total defaults reaching Tk 6.44 trillion. State-owned banks such as Janata, Rupali, and BASIC show default ratios above 50%, while several private banks—including Union, First Security Islami, and Global Islami—exceed 90%.

Banking officials attribute the surge to years of politically influenced lending and loan concealment under the previous government. Following a change in administration, previously hidden bad loans were reclassified, exposing the true scale of the problem. Analysts warn that the rapid deterioration threatens liquidity, investor confidence, and overall economic stability.

The government has begun merging several distressed banks to protect depositors and prevent systemic collapse. Economists urge urgent structural reforms, stronger regulatory oversight, and accountability measures to restore trust in Bangladesh’s financial system.

Bangladesh’s former army chief, General (Retd.) Moeen U Ahmed, told the National Independent Inquiry Commission that India had prepared for possible military intervention during the 2009 BDR mutiny if the Bangladeshi armed forces acted outside government orders. He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, feeling insecure and uncertain of army support, had sought India’s security assistance. Indian paratroopers were reportedly on standby to secure key sites in Dhaka, including the Prime Minister’s residence.

The revelations, supported by research from Avinash Paliwal of SOAS, appear in his 2024 Oxford University Press book *India’s Near East: A New History*. Former foreign secretary Touhid Hossain confirmed that Moeen was instructed not to use force, as Indian troops could have entered Dhaka within an hour. The commission’s report, submitted on November 30, 2024, details these communications and India’s readiness.

Analysts suggest the episode underscores the fragility of Bangladesh’s civil-military relations at the time and India’s strategic vigilance in the region. The findings may influence future discussions on regional security cooperation and crisis management.