National Citizen Party (NCP) North Region chief organizer Sarjis Alam has called for the abolition of Bangladesh’s lottery-based school admission system, describing it as an 'absurd process' that undermines merit and competition. In a verified Facebook post on Thursday, December 11, Alam argued that the system discourages students from valuing academic excellence and weakens the foundation of the country’s education structure.

The lottery-based admission method was introduced in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic for students from grades one to nine in both public and private schools, replacing the previous merit-based entrance exams. Alam questioned why such a non-competitive approach continues when meritocracy remains central to higher education and employment in Bangladesh.

His remarks have reignited debate over the fairness and effectiveness of the current system. Education experts and parents remain divided—some favoring the lottery for reducing corruption, others demanding a return to merit-based selection. The Ministry of Education has yet to respond to Alam’s comments.

Former interim government student adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan has announced his decision to contest the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election from Dhaka-10 as an independent candidate. He made the declaration in a Facebook post on Friday morning, a day after the Election Commission released the official election schedule.

Bhuiyan, along with fellow adviser Mahfuz Alam, resigned from the interim government earlier this week, sparking speculation about their political futures and possible party affiliations. His announcement clarifies that he will not be joining any political party at this stage. Political observers note that independent candidacies often face organizational and financial challenges but can attract voter interest when linked to reformist or youth-oriented movements.

The Dhaka-10 constituency is expected to be closely watched, as several high-profile candidates are likely to compete. Bhuiyan’s independent run could reshape local campaign dynamics and test public sentiment toward non-partisan leadership in the upcoming election.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has been placed on elective ventilator support after her health condition worsened significantly, according to a statement from her medical board led by Professor Dr. Shahabuddin Talukder. The 79-year-old leader, who has long suffered from multiple chronic ailments including liver, kidney, and heart diseases, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 following severe respiratory distress and weakness.

The medical board reported that despite intensive treatment with high-flow oxygen and BiPAP support, her oxygen levels continued to drop, prompting the decision to initiate ventilator support to allow her lungs and other organs to rest. She is also being treated for acute pancreatitis, kidney failure requiring dialysis, and severe bacterial and fungal infections. Doctors have identified infective endocarditis through echocardiography and are administering targeted therapy.

The board urged the public to avoid speculation and respect the patient’s privacy, while family members requested prayers for Khaleda Zia’s recovery. Her condition remains critical under continuous observation.

Concerns over a possible halt in Dhaka Metro Rail services eased after the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) confirmed that trains would continue running on schedule. The assurance came late Thursday night through a verified Facebook post, following fears sparked by employees’ announcement of an indefinite work stoppage starting Friday.

Earlier, DMTCL’s regular officers and staff had declared a full-scale strike demanding the formulation and publication of an independent employment regulation. The announcement had raised uncertainty among commuters and city authorities about potential service interruptions. However, DMTCL clarified that passenger services would remain unaffected and operate as per the regular timetable.

The resolution brings temporary relief to Dhaka’s growing metro network, which has become a vital part of the city’s transport system. Authorities are expected to continue discussions with employees to address their regulatory concerns and prevent future disruptions.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has instructed district officials to finalize the panel of polling officers for the 13th National Parliamentary Election by December 15. In a recent directive signed by Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain, the EC said that if sufficient government officials are unavailable, qualified personnel from private banks may be recruited after proper verification.

The decision follows political debate over the neutrality of polling staff. The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) recently urged the EC not to appoint employees from institutions perceived as partisan, such as Islami Bank and Al-Arafah Bank, citing concerns about election fairness. The EC’s conditional inclusion of private bank officers appears to balance logistical needs with political sensitivities.

Observers note that the move underscores the administrative challenges of organizing the February 12 election amid calls for transparency. The EC is expected to monitor recruitment closely to prevent bias allegations and ensure confidence in the electoral process.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has deployed executive magistrates across the country starting Friday, December 12, to ensure strict enforcement of the electoral code of conduct for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The magistrates will remain on duty until two days after the voting concludes, operating mobile courts to monitor and address any violations.

The EC announced the election schedule on Thursday evening, setting February 12 as the polling date. Following the announcement, the EC’s Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain formally notified the Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration to arrange the deployment. Each upazila and police station area will have at least two magistrates assigned to oversee compliance and maintain order during the campaign period.

The move underscores the commission’s effort to maintain transparency and discipline during the election process. Officials expect the deployment to deter irregularities and strengthen public confidence in the fairness of the upcoming vote.

Essential commodity prices in Bangladesh have risen sharply ahead of Ramadan, with traders accused of manipulating the market. Within just two days, sugar prices increased by up to Tk 5 per kilogram, now selling at Tk 95–115 in retail markets. Rice, potatoes, garlic, and lentils have also seen notable hikes, with Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) data showing sugar prices up 2.5% in a week and rice up to 8.57% higher than last year.

Consumer rights groups, including the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), have condemned the price manipulation, urging authorities to identify and monitor the syndicates responsible. CAB Vice President S.M. Nazer Hossain stated that there is no sugar shortage, as imports have increased and global prices have fallen. Despite this, traders are exploiting Ramadan demand to inflate profits.

The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection has pledged intensified monitoring during Ramadan. Analysts warn that without strict oversight, consumers may face severe hardship during the fasting month, despite adequate supply and stable foreign exchange conditions.

Bangladesh’s women’s national football team has slipped eight places to 112th in the latest FIFA rankings released on Thursday. The team, which had reached a record 104th position in August with 1,180 points, lost 12 rating points after four consecutive defeats in recent international fixtures, bringing their total down to 1,168.

The decline follows losses in two October matches against Thailand (3–0 and 5–1) and two November home matches in a tri-nation series against Malaysia (1–0) and Azerbaijan (2–1). The setbacks ended a period of steady progress for the squad led by Afida Khandakar and Rituparna Chakma, who had previously drawn attention for their rapid rise in the global standings.

Bangladesh will next compete in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in March in Australia, facing a challenging Group B lineup that includes China (17th), North Korea (9th), and Uzbekistan (49th). The tournament will test Bangladesh’s ability to rebound and gain experience against top-tier Asian teams.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has issued new directives to party leaders and activists following the announcement of the 13th National Parliament election schedule. In a Facebook post on Friday morning, he welcomed the Election Commission’s declaration and pledged the party’s readiness to cooperate in ensuring a fair and successful election process.

Dr. Rahman specifically called on all party members to remove campaign materials within 48 hours, as required by the updated Representation of the People Order (RPO). His message comes amid preparations for the first parliamentary election under the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, which also coincides with a national referendum.

The upcoming election marks a significant test for the interim administration and the Election Commission, both relatively inexperienced in conducting national polls. Political observers note that Jamaat’s cooperative tone may signal an attempt to re-engage in mainstream politics after years of restrictions and political upheaval.

Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) announced late Thursday that metro rail services in Dhaka will continue as scheduled, easing fears of a complete shutdown. The assurance came after regular officers and employees of DMTCL had declared an indefinite work stoppage starting Friday, raising concerns about major disruptions to passenger transport across the capital.

In a verified Facebook post, DMTCL informed passengers that trains would operate according to the regular timetable and that all services would remain uninterrupted. The company’s statement followed a Wednesday notice from its staff union announcing a full-scale strike, reportedly over unresolved internal issues. The reversal of the strike decision has brought relief to thousands of daily commuters who rely on the metro for timely travel.

The development highlights ongoing labor-management tensions within DMTCL, though details of the dispute remain unclear. Authorities are expected to continue discussions with employees to prevent future disruptions to Dhaka’s growing metro network.

The Bangladesh government has announced a series of directives surrounding the Savar National Memorial ahead of the country’s Victory Day celebrations on December 16, 2025. According to an official statement from the Department of Information on December 11, public entry to the memorial complex will remain closed from December 13 to 15 to ensure cleanliness and preparation for the national observance.

On Victory Day morning, entry will remain restricted until 8:30 a.m. while VVIPs, VIPs, and invited guests lay floral tributes at the memorial. Authorities have also prohibited the display of posters, banners, and festoons along the Gabtoli–Savar route during the celebration period.

The government urged citizens to respect the sanctity of the site by refraining from damaging the memorial’s flower gardens during tribute offerings. These measures aim to maintain order, security, and the solemn atmosphere of the nation’s most significant commemorative event.

Abdul Kader Siddiqui, president of the Krishak Sramik Janata League, has stated that his party will join Bangladesh’s upcoming national election only if all political parties are allowed to participate. Speaking at the Tangail District Freedom Day event on December 11, Siddiqui warned that if the election becomes a limited contest involving only the BNP and NCP, voter turnout could collapse as citizens would lose interest in a one-sided race.

Siddiqui reaffirmed his lifelong allegiance to the ideals of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, emphasizing unity and democratic inclusivity. He criticized past political decisions that empowered extremist groups and urged current leaders to restore an environment where citizens can freely choose their representatives. Former minister Abdul Latif Siddiqui echoed similar concerns, saying that without a fair electoral atmosphere, public enthusiasm for voting will decline.

Observers note that these remarks highlight growing skepticism about the credibility of Bangladesh’s electoral process. Calls for inclusive participation and political tolerance are likely to intensify ahead of the next general election.

Bangladesh’s Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin on Thursday announced that the country’s 13th national parliamentary election will be held on February 12, alongside a national referendum. The announcement, made in a televised address, marks the formal start of the election process for all 300 constituencies.

Shortly after the schedule was declared, Reuters published an interview with President Mohammed Shahabuddin, in which he expressed his intention to step down following the February election. Shahabuddin, who became Bangladesh’s 22nd president in April 2023 during the Awami League government, said he wishes to leave office but will continue to serve until a new government is formed, as required by the constitution.

Shahabuddin’s statement comes amid a transitional political period following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. His potential resignation could open the way for a new political alignment once the election concludes, signaling a possible shift in Bangladesh’s post-crisis governance landscape.

Bangladesh’s Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) has announced that admissions for students selected through the digital lottery for government and private secondary schools will begin on December 17 and continue until December 21. If seats remain vacant, the first waiting list will be used from December 22 to 24, and the second from December 27 to 30. All admission activities must be completed by December 30.

The DSHE circular instructs schools to carefully verify each student’s documents, including original birth certificates and parents’ national ID cards. Institutions must strictly follow quota policies and reject any student found to have provided false information. School heads will face disciplinary action for any irregularities in the admission process.

According to the published results, 305,499 students were selected in the first list, including 107,521 for government schools. In private schools, 197,978 students were selected, leaving 874,273 seats vacant, highlighting a significant gap between applications and available admissions.

Two advisers to Bangladesh’s interim government, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan and Mahfuz Alam, have submitted their resignations to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. However, the resignations will not take immediate effect, as the official election and referendum schedules for the 13th National Parliament have yet to be announced.

Environment and Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan explained that one of the resigning advisers intends to contest in the upcoming election and therefore cannot remain in a non-political government. He will complete pending official duties before the schedule is declared. The other adviser’s future political plans remain unclear. Hasan added that the interim government has introduced several legal and democratic reforms during its tenure, and their success will depend on future political practice and the results of the upcoming referendum.

The Chief Adviser will decide who will take over the vacated ministerial responsibilities once the resignations become effective after the election schedule is announced.