Former head of the Election System Reform Commission, Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, has voiced concerns about the possibility of holding a fully fair and impartial national election in Bangladesh. Speaking at a discussion titled “Bangladesh’s Upcoming Election and Electoral Reform” at the National Press Club in Dhaka on Friday, he said that while fears of election cancellation have largely subsided, doubts remain about the transparency and neutrality of the entire electoral process.

Dr. Majumdar emphasized that a fair election depends on every stage—from voter registration to result declaration—being free from manipulation and bias. He warned that political violence among parties could again create uncertainty around the polls. To ensure fairness, he called for deep institutional reforms and urged the Election Commission to act neutrally while political parties show genuine commitment to democratic principles.

Other speakers at the event, organized by the unregistered political group Rashtra Sangskar Andolon, echoed similar concerns about the credibility of the electoral process and the need for systemic reform.

Former interim government adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan has expressed deep concern following the shooting of independent candidate Sharif Osman Hadi in Dhaka-8 constituency. Hadi, a spokesperson for the Inquilab Mancha, was shot during an election campaign in Bijoynagar shortly after the national election schedule was announced. He is currently receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

In a Facebook post on Friday, Asif Mahmud urged authorities to arrest those responsible and restore public confidence in law enforcement. He described the incident as an alarming sign for the upcoming national polls, emphasizing that both the government and the Election Commission must ensure security and order during the campaign period.

The attack has raised fresh concerns about pre-election violence and the safety of candidates across Bangladesh. Observers warn that failure to address such incidents promptly could undermine voter turnout and trust in the electoral process.

Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho and independent candidate for Dhaka-8, was shot during an election campaign on Friday in the capital’s Paltan area. According to police, unidentified assailants on motorcycles opened fire near DR Tower around 2:20 p.m., injuring Hadi below his left ear. He was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he remains under observation.

The attack has sparked outrage among supporters and student activists. Dhaka University Central Students’ Union Vice President Sadiq Kayem condemned the shooting in a verified Facebook post, warning of an imminent uprising to “free Dhaka from extortionists and gangsters.” Police officials said an investigation team has been dispatched to verify details and identify the attackers.

Hadi, known for his role in July’s student-led uprising, had previously reported receiving death threats from local and foreign numbers. The incident raises concerns over election security and political violence ahead of the upcoming national polls.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has expressed deep concern after independent candidate and Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi was seriously injured in a shooting in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area. In a statement issued on Friday, Yunus directed law enforcement agencies to immediately identify and arrest those responsible for the attack.

Calling the incident unacceptable during an election period, Yunus emphasized that such violence undermines the country’s peaceful political environment. He instructed authorities to ensure Hadi receives the best possible medical care and ordered the Health Ministry to closely monitor his treatment. The Chief Adviser also urged investigators to collect evidence from the scene, review CCTV footage, and determine whether the attack was part of an organized plot.

Yunus warned that any attempt to disrupt the upcoming election through violence would not be tolerated. He appealed to all political groups, supporters, and citizens to maintain calm and restraint to ensure a peaceful and participatory electoral process.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam declared that no power on earth can obstruct the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. Speaking to reporters after visiting Sureshwar Darbar Sharif in Naria, Shariatpur, on Friday, he said the people of Bangladesh are eagerly waiting to vote and that any attempt to disrupt law and order will be met with firm action.

Alam warned that those seeking to derail the election through unlawful or unethical means would face strict measures from the government. Responding to a question about the banned Awami League’s participation, he claimed that the party, which he described as a “fallen autocrat’s group,” had voluntarily withdrawn from the electoral process. He also accused its members of resorting to violence instead of peaceful political movement.

Local officials, including the Naria Upazila Executive Officer, were present during the press briefing. The statement underscores the administration’s determination to proceed with the election despite political tensions and security concerns.

Bangladesh police have filed a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009 against 14 government officials and employees for allegedly violating the civil service code of conduct during a protest at the Secretariat. The case, lodged at Shahbagh Police Station, accuses the officials of organizing unauthorized demonstrations, meetings, and confining Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed for six hours while demanding a 20% Secretariat allowance.

The accused include officers from the Health, Public Administration, Finance, and Information ministries, many of whom hold leadership roles in the Secretariat Officers and Employees Combined Council. Police stated that video evidence of the incident has been collected, and four individuals were arrested on the spot. Enhanced security measures have since been deployed around the Secretariat and the Finance Ministry.

The protest followed delays in implementing a promised allowance and the pending finalization of a new pay commission. Authorities have warned that further disruptions or violations of conduct rules will result in legal action, as the government seeks to maintain order within administrative offices.

Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho and an independent candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency, was shot and critically injured in Bijoynagar, Dhaka, shortly after Friday prayers. According to police, unidentified assailants arrived on three motorcycles and opened fire before fleeing the scene. Hadi was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors confirmed he had sustained a gunshot wound to the head and was placed in intensive care.

Police officials said they are investigating the incident but have yet to identify the attackers or determine a motive. Witnesses reported that Hadi had been distributing campaign leaflets following prayers when the shooting occurred. Supporters gathered at the hospital seeking B-negative blood donations as his condition remained critical.

Hadi had previously reported receiving multiple death threats from local and foreign numbers in November, alleging that he and his family were under surveillance. Authorities have not confirmed whether the earlier threats are linked to the attack, but security around independent candidates is expected to come under renewed scrutiny.

The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) of Bangladesh has released a new directive regarding the syllabus for the 2026 Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations. According to the notice, irregular and grade-improvement candidates will continue to follow the 2025 revised syllabus, rather than a newly developed one. All education boards have been instructed to take necessary measures to implement this decision.

The Dhaka Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education confirmed the implementation through an official letter issued on Thursday, December 11. The letter clarified that the 2025 HSC, equivalent, and Alim examinations were conducted under the NCTB’s revised curriculum, and the same syllabus will remain valid for those retaking or improving their results in 2026.

Education officials say the move aims to ensure consistency and fairness for students who could not pass or wish to improve their grades. Further updates on any future curriculum changes are expected to be announced later by the NCTB.

Independent candidate Sharif Osman Hadi, representing Dhaka-8 and spokesperson for the Inqilab Mancha, was shot while campaigning in the capital’s Bijoynagar area on Friday afternoon. Witnesses said unidentified assailants opened fire near Kalvert Road shortly after Friday prayers. Hadi was rushed to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he is receiving treatment.

Following the incident, National Citizens Party (NCP) South Region organizer Hasnat Abdullah posted a prayer on his verified Facebook account, expressing concern and calling for Hadi’s recovery. Hadi had previously alleged receiving threats from ruling party affiliates, including warnings of arson and sexual violence against his family. The attack has sparked renewed debate over election security and the safety of independent candidates.

Authorities have yet to confirm any arrests or motives. Election observers warn that escalating violence could undermine public confidence ahead of the upcoming polls, urging immediate investigation and stronger protection for all candidates.

Fayez Ahmad Tayyeb, the Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on ICT, has sharply criticized the Awami League for what he described as severe technical deficiencies in the implementation of national mega projects. In a verified Facebook post, he highlighted that the design of Dhaka Airport’s Third Terminal lacked essential telecommunication and data infrastructure, calling the oversight a ‘technical disaster.’

Tayyeb detailed multiple design flaws, including the absence of plans for indoor telecom coverage, optical fiber ducts, and dedicated spaces for data centers and routers. He argued that these omissions would force engineers to retrofit critical systems outside the original design, increasing costs and reducing efficiency. His remarks suggested that the project prioritized aesthetics over functionality, relying heavily on foreign contractors.

The comments have sparked debate over the government’s project management and technical oversight. Analysts warn that such gaps could undermine the long-term operational capacity of key infrastructure. The government has yet to issue an official response to the criticism.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission has announced that the country’s 13th national parliamentary election will be held on February 12, 2026. On the same day, citizens will also participate in a landmark referendum to decide whether to implement the ‘July Charter,’ a reform framework born out of the 2024 mass uprising. The referendum will ask voters to approve or reject a set of constitutional reform proposals under the July National Charter Implementation Order 2025.

If the majority votes ‘yes,’ a Constitutional Reform Council will be formed with newly elected members of parliament. The council will have 180 working days to finalize constitutional amendments, including establishing a bicameral legislature, limiting the prime minister’s tenure, strengthening presidential powers, and enhancing judicial independence. The upper house would be composed of 100 members proportionally representing party votes.

Political observers note that the referendum could redefine Bangladesh’s governance structure and power balance. Following reform completion, an upper chamber will be constituted within 30 working days, marking a major shift toward institutional restructuring and expanded democratic participation.

Independent candidate and Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi was shot while campaigning in Dhaka-8 constituency on Friday afternoon. He was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital’s emergency department after sustaining bullet injuries. Police confirmed the incident occurred near DR Tower in Paltan’s Box Culvert area shortly after Friday prayers.

According to witnesses and political associates, unidentified assailants on three motorcycles opened fire at Hadi during his election campaign. Dhaka Metropolitan Police officials said a team has been dispatched to verify details and identify the attackers. Hadi, a key organizer of the July Unity platform, had previously reported receiving multiple death threats from local and foreign numbers in November.

The attack has raised concerns about candidate safety ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th national elections. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and increasing security in the area. Election observers and rights groups have urged a swift and transparent investigation to ensure a violence-free electoral process.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has officially released the complete schedule for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. According to the circular issued on Thursday, the deadline for submitting nomination papers to returning or assistant returning officers is set for December 29. Scrutiny of nomination papers will take place between December 30 and January 4, while appeals against scrutiny decisions can be filed from January 5 to 11. The resolution of appeals will occur between January 12 and 18, with January 20 as the final date for withdrawal of candidacy. Election symbols will be allotted on January 21, and voting is scheduled for February 12, 2025.

The circular, signed by Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain, was issued under Article 11(1) of the Representation of the People Order, 1972. The EC has called upon voters in all constituencies to elect one member per constituency, formally initiating the electoral process. Political parties are now expected to finalize candidate lists and campaign strategies ahead of the February polls.

Observers note that the timely announcement provides clarity for stakeholders and sets the stage for a competitive national election season.

The Bangladesh Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has approved a chargesheet against Tulip Rizwana Siddiq, niece of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and former RAJUK legal adviser Sardar Mosharraf Hossain. They are accused of facilitating the illegal transfer of a Gulshan plot and receiving a flat from Eastern Housing Limited as a bribe. The decision was confirmed by ACC Director General Md Akhtar Hossain on Thursday, with the charges filed under multiple sections of the Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947.

According to the ACC, Siddiq allegedly used her influence to help Eastern Housing gain unauthorized approval to subdivide and sell a government-leased plot, violating the 99-year lease terms. In return, she reportedly received a free apartment, which she later transferred to her sister. The ACC claims documentary evidence supports the allegation, including company letters and tax records.

The chargesheet will soon be submitted to court. Legal experts note the case could have political implications given Siddiq’s high-profile family ties and her role as a UK politician.

Bangladesh’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin has announced that the 13th National Parliamentary Election will be held on February 12, ending weeks of speculation. Amid this announcement, questions arose over whether BNP’s acting chairman Tareque Rahman, currently residing in London, can register as a voter or contest in the election.

Election Commission (EC) officials clarified that under the Representation of the People Order, the Constitution, and the Voter List Act, any Bangladeshi citizen meeting legal qualifications can register as a voter or candidate, even from abroad. Rahman may apply online or through the Bangladesh High Commission in the UK. He must register as a voter by December 29 and submit his nomination paper by the same date.

Officials added that unless Rahman has acquired foreign citizenship or is legally disqualified, he can participate remotely. BNP leaders, however, indicated he might return to Bangladesh soon. The EC’s schedule sets nomination scrutiny for December 30–January 4, appeals until January 18, and campaigning until February 10.