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.

A case has been filed at Dhaka’s Paltan Police Station following the shooting and attempted murder of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Manch and a potential independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency. Police confirmed early Monday that the case was lodged by one of Hadi’s relatives, with Inspector (Operations) Yasin Mia assigned to lead the investigation.

Duty Officer ASI Rakibul Hasan stated that the case was formally registered after the attack, which left Hadi injured but alive. Authorities have not yet disclosed details about the suspects or motive behind the shooting. The incident has drawn attention within local political circles, as Hadi had recently announced his intention to contest as an independent candidate.

Police said they are reviewing CCTV footage and witness statements to identify the attackers. The case adds to growing concerns over political violence ahead of potential electoral activities in Dhaka’s central constituencies.

Sharif Osman Hadi, a key leader of the July Revolution and potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8, is being flown to Singapore on Monday afternoon for advanced medical treatment. Government officials confirmed that all arrangements, including a medical air ambulance and specialist team, have been completed. The decision followed an emergency conference led by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, with cultural adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and senior physicians participating. All medical expenses will be covered by the state.

According to the medical board, Hadi’s condition remains extremely critical. Recent CT scans revealed worsening brain swelling and oxygen deficiency, though kidney and lung functions are stable. Physicians reported hormonal imbalances and blood pressure fluctuations due to brain stem injury. The medical team continues to monitor vital signs closely and maintain life support. The Chief Adviser has instructed continuous updates on Hadi’s condition and requested public prayers for his recovery.

Hadi will be admitted to Singapore General Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department, where a full treatment plan is in place.

Bangladesh’s economy, under pressure from declining exports, weak private investment, and rising non-performing loans, is being sustained largely by record remittance inflows. According to Bangladesh Bank, expatriates sent $29.59 billion up to November 2024, an 18% increase from the previous year. Following the July 2024 political transition, remittance inflows surged by over 46%, helping foreign exchange reserves rise from $22 billion to nearly $32 billion.

Economists such as Dr. Zahid Hossain and Dr. Helal Uddin Ahmed note that remittances have stabilized the exchange rate and improved the balance of payments, offsetting weaknesses in exports and investment. Analysts attribute the surge to reduced money laundering, tighter monitoring, and a narrower gap between formal and informal dollar markets. Policy Exchange Bangladesh Chairman Masrur Riaz described the remittance boom as a “lifeline” for the economy.

Despite the relief, experts warn that gas shortages, export contraction, and slow investment continue to threaten recovery. They urge diversification of labor markets and skill development to sustain remittance growth and macroeconomic stability.

Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Branch (DB) has taken journalist Anis Alamgir into custody for extensive questioning regarding unspecified matters. According to DB Chief Shafiqul Islam, Alamgir was unable to provide satisfactory answers to several questions during the interrogation, prompting the initiation of legal procedures against him. As a result, he was required to remain at the DB office overnight.

Officials stated that Alamgir was brought in for questioning on specific issues, though no formal case details were disclosed. Additional Commissioner of Police noted that further information would be provided through the DMP Media Center. The reasons behind the interrogation and the nature of the alleged issues remain unclear, with authorities maintaining that the process is ongoing.

The incident has drawn attention within media circles, raising concerns about press freedom and the treatment of journalists in Bangladesh. Observers are awaiting official clarification from the police and any subsequent legal developments in the coming days.

A complaint has been filed under Bangladesh’s Anti-Terrorism Act against journalist Anis Alamgir, actress Meher Afroz Shaon, and two others. The case was lodged Sunday night at Uttara West Police Station by Arian Ahmed, a central organizer of the July Revolutionary Alliance. The complaint alleges that the accused conspired to destabilize the state and promote banned organizations through social media and television appearances following the July 2024 student movement.

According to the complaint, the accused allegedly spread propaganda to revive outlawed groups such as the Awami League’s student and youth wings, inspiring followers to engage in anti-state activities. Following the filing, Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police (DB) took Alamgir in for questioning Sunday night. DB officials confirmed his detention for interrogation but said further decisions would follow after questioning.

The incident has drawn attention from media and civil society, with observers noting the sensitivity of applying anti-terror laws to public figures. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether formal charges will proceed or if the accused will be released after questioning.

Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police (DB) have identified three additional suspects believed to be part of a support team in the attempted murder of Inqilab Manch spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. CCTV footage showed suspicious movements by three individuals near the crime scene, moments before gunman Faisal shot Hadi and fled with accomplice Alamgir on a motorcycle. Authorities are conducting nationwide raids, though the suspects remain at large.

Conflicting reports have emerged over whether the main suspects fled to India. While police claim Faisal and Alamgir are still in Bangladesh, DB sources suggest they escaped through the Haluaghat border. Law enforcement has sealed their passports and tightened border security. RAB has detained Faisal’s wife, brother-in-law, and girlfriend for questioning over possible involvement.

The attack has heightened concern over candidate safety ahead of the upcoming national election. Police have classified over 8,700 polling centers as highly risky and launched “Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2” to capture the attackers. Government officials have pledged maximum efforts to ensure justice and maintain election security.