Islami Chhatra Shibir’s central president, Zahidul Islam, has alleged that some political parties in Bangladesh continue to practice what he described as a 'fascist culture,' despite expectations of reform after August 5, 2024. Speaking at a rally in Fatikchhari, Chattogram, in support of Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Nurul Amin, he said that corruption, terrorism, and internal violence persist within certain political circles.

Zahidul Islam emphasized that his organization is not against any individual or party but opposes those involved in extortion, tender manipulation, and political killings. He called for justice and equality in Bangladesh, arguing that the country’s large population could become a powerful workforce if properly guided. He also criticized past and current governments, accusing Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Sheikh Hasina of authoritarian practices and political repression.

The event, chaired by former secretary Golam Hossain, was attended by several Jamaat and Shibir leaders. The remarks reflect ongoing political polarization and the persistence of historical grievances within Bangladesh’s Islamist political movements.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced that the party’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, will return to Bangladesh soon. Speaking at the inauguration of a BNP workshop titled “Nation-Building Plan” in Dhaka, Fakhrul urged party members to ensure that the entire country ‘shakes’ with enthusiasm when Rahman sets foot in the country. The event, held at the Krishibid Institute, was attended by leaders from various BNP wings.

Fakhrul emphasized that the BNP must achieve a decisive victory in the upcoming national election to lead Bangladesh toward progress. He described the BNP as a party rooted in the nation’s liberation and democratic struggles, asserting that it represents the people’s aspirations. The workshop, chaired by senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, focused on strategic planning for national development under a potential BNP-led government.

Rahman, who has been living abroad for years, remains a central figure in BNP politics. His anticipated return is expected to energize the party base and reshape the opposition’s campaign strategy ahead of the next election.

Bangladesh’s interim government has decided to withdraw the 15 percent value-added tax (VAT) on Dhaka Metro Rail tickets, a move expected to cost the state around Tk 40 crore in annual revenue. The decision was approved at a council meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus on December 11, according to his press secretary Shafiqul Alam.

Officials said the exemption aims to ease commuting costs for Dhaka residents, as the metro rail has become a vital part of the city’s daily transport network, serving roughly 250,000 passengers each day. The VAT had been imposed on July 1, 2024, by the previous administration. The same meeting also approved tax reductions on dates ahead of Ramadan and endorsed several legal amendments, including the Commercial Court Ordinance and the Registration Amendment 2025.

Analysts note that while the VAT removal may reduce short-term revenue, it could encourage greater public transport use and ease urban congestion. Further fiscal adjustments may be needed to offset the revenue shortfall.

Bangladesh’s interim government announced that the size of its advisory council will remain unchanged during the election period, according to Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. Following a council meeting on Thursday, Alam stated that all preparations for the upcoming national election have been completed and that the interim administration aims to ensure a peaceful vote.

During the meeting, three laws were approved, the value-added tax on metro rail services was lifted, and import duties on dates were reduced. Bangladesh also formally recognized the island nation of Grenada. Alam noted that despite around 2,000 protests over the past 16 months, no live ammunition was used. However, he warned that future road blockades over political demands would face strict action. The resignations of two student advisers will take effect with the election schedule announcement.

Additionally, the government announced financial assistance of 2 million taka for each family of the 36 victims of the Milestone tragedy, and 500,000 taka plus free medical care for the injured.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been placed on elective ventilator support due to worsening respiratory complications and severe infections, according to a statement from her medical board on Thursday. The board reported that her oxygen levels had dropped and multiple organ complications had developed, prompting doctors to initiate dialysis after her kidney function ceased.

The medical board, comprising both local and foreign specialists, stated that advanced antibiotic and antifungal treatments are being administered. Khaleda Zia has been under continuous observation at Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital since November 23, when she was admitted for health tests. Her condition became critical on November 27, leading to her transfer to the Critical Care Unit.

The board urged the public and media not to spread speculation or misinformation regarding her treatment. Political observers note that her health crisis comes amid heightened political activity within the BNP ahead of upcoming national events.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has called on party leaders and activists to mobilize nationwide ahead of the next general election, describing the contest as an 'electoral battle' crucial for Bangladesh’s sovereignty and democracy. Speaking virtually at a Dhaka event titled 'Plan to Build the Nation,' he urged grassroots leaders to engage directly with citizens, promote the party’s agenda, and counter misinformation spread by rivals.

Rahman emphasized that BNP’s campaign should focus on the party’s symbol, the paddy sheaf, and on uniting public opinion around it. He warned that the election would be far more challenging than many expect and stressed that only a strong democratic movement could safeguard the country’s future. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir added that Rahman would return to Bangladesh soon, calling for full-scale preparation to ensure electoral victory.

The event, attended by over a thousand divisional leaders, marked a renewed push by the opposition to energize its base amid growing political tension and uncertainty over the electoral process.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission has announced the schedule for the 13th National Parliamentary Election, set for February 12, following a 16‑month gap since the student‑led uprising. Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin declared the timetable in a televised address on December 11, confirming that a national referendum on implementing the July Charter will be held on the same day.

To accommodate both the parliamentary election and the referendum, the commission extended the voting period by one hour, with polling to run continuously from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The number of secret voting booths at polling centers will also increase to ensure smoother management. This will be the first national election under the new commission formed on November 21, 2023, after the fall of the Awami League government.

Over 127.6 million citizens are eligible to vote, including more than 300,000 expatriate Bangladeshis registered for postal ballots. The simultaneous vote marks a key test for the new election authority’s capacity to conduct a credible and inclusive process.

Bangladesh’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin has announced that 127,695,183 citizens are officially registered to vote in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. In a televised address on December 11, he confirmed that the Election Commission (EC) has finalized 42,761 polling centers across 300 constituencies nationwide.

According to the EC’s final list, there are 64.81 million male voters, 62.88 million female voters, and 1,234 transgender voters. EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed earlier stated that citizens who turned 18 by October 31, 2025, were eligible for inclusion. This year marks the first time the EC has updated the voter list three times within a single year, reflecting efforts to ensure accuracy and inclusivity.

The finalized voter roll sets the stage for one of the largest democratic exercises in Bangladesh’s history. Election authorities emphasize transparency and logistical readiness, while political observers note that the updated list will be central to ensuring credibility and public trust in the upcoming polls.

Bangladesh’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin has announced the schedule for the country’s 13th parliamentary election, setting February 12 next year as the polling day. In a televised address on December 11, he also confirmed that a national referendum on the July Charter implementation will be held on the same day. Candidates may submit nomination papers between December 12 and 29, with scrutiny scheduled from December 30 to January 4. The deadline for withdrawal of candidacy is January 20, and election symbols will be allocated on January 21.

According to the CEC, the upcoming election will be a “nationwide festival of democracy,” covering all 300 constituencies. Over 127.6 million citizens are registered to vote, including more than 300,000 expatriate Bangladeshis who will cast ballots through postal voting for the first time. The commission has allotted 18 days for nomination submission and 20 days for campaigning.

Observers note that the simultaneous referendum adds administrative complexity, but the Election Commission insists preparations are on track for a transparent and inclusive process.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has directed all potential candidates to remove campaign materials such as banners, posters, and billboards within 48 hours following the announcement of the 13th National Parliament election and referendum schedule. Chief Election Commissioner Nasir Uddin Ahmed made the announcement in a televised address, confirming that the national vote and referendum will take place on February 12 next year.

According to an EC circular issued on December 10, local government bodies—including city corporations, municipalities, and union councils—have been instructed to ensure compliance with the directive. The EC emphasized that candidates must remove promotional materials at their own expense. The nomination process will run from December 12 to December 29, with scrutiny, appeals, and withdrawals scheduled through January.

This will be the first election under the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, formed after the July 2024 uprising. Observers note that the simultaneous holding of parliamentary elections and a national referendum will test the administrative capacity of the new Election Commission.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has directed the deployment of executive magistrates across all upazilas and police stations starting Friday, December 12, to ensure strict compliance with the electoral code of conduct. The move comes as part of the preparatory activities for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election.

According to a letter sent by EC Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain to the Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, at least two executive magistrates will be assigned to each upazila and police station. They will operate under the Mobile Court Act, 2009, from the day after the election schedule announcement until two days after the voting concludes.

The deployment aims to curb violations of campaign rules and maintain order during the election period. Officials say the measure will strengthen field-level monitoring and help ensure a fair and transparent electoral process ahead of the national polls.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has convened a meeting with its political allies to ease tensions over seat-sharing ahead of the upcoming national election. The meeting, scheduled for Saturday at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan, will include top leaders from at least five allied coalitions, including Ganatantra Mancha, the 12-Party Alliance, Gana Odhikar Parishad, and Jatiyatabadi Samomona Jote.

The move follows growing frustration among allies after BNP announced candidates for 272 constituencies without prior consultation. Several alliance leaders, including Saiful Haque and Mahmudur Rahman Manna, publicly criticized the BNP for sidelining long-time partners. They demanded a fair resolution to avoid perceptions of internal discord and to maintain unity within the anti-government coalition.

BNP insiders indicated that the party seeks to preserve its alliances and will allocate the remaining 28 seats primarily to partner parties. Political observers note that the outcome of Saturday’s meeting will be crucial in determining whether the opposition can present a united front in the election.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has welcomed the announcement of the schedule for the 13th National Parliamentary Election, calling it a step that ends uncertainty over the polls. Party spokesperson Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair said on Thursday, December 11, that Jamaat, along with seven allied parties, will continue their programs aimed at securing a ‘Yes’ victory in the upcoming referendum to be held alongside the national election.

According to the Election Commission, Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin announced that voting will take place on February 12 next year, with candidate nominations due by December 29. Scrutiny of nomination papers will occur between December 30 and January 4, while appeals can be filed until January 11. The final withdrawal date is January 20, and campaign activities will run until the morning of February 10.

Political observers note that Jamaat’s acceptance of the schedule may signal a willingness to engage in the electoral process, though its continued focus on the referendum suggests parallel political objectives. The coming weeks are expected to clarify the coalition’s strategy and its impact on voter mobilization.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has expressed optimism following the announcement of the 13th National Parliamentary Election schedule by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). Speaking shortly after the televised declaration on Thursday, December 11, Fakhrul said the announcement reassured citizens and marked a significant moment in the country’s political history. He voiced hope that the Election Commission would conduct the polls in a free, fair, and credible manner, opening a new chapter for democracy in Bangladesh.

According to the CEC, the general election for 300 parliamentary seats will be held on February 12, 2026, alongside a national referendum on the 2025 Constitutional Reform Implementation Order. Nomination submissions will close on December 29, with scrutiny scheduled between December 30 and January 4. The final candidate list and symbol allocation will be completed by January 21, and campaigning will continue until February 10. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus congratulated the Commission, calling the schedule a milestone in Bangladesh’s democratic journey.

Bangladesh’s interim government has redistributed ministerial responsibilities among its advisers following the resignation of two key members, Mahfuz Alam and Asif Mahmud. A government gazette confirmed that Syeda Rizwana Hasan will now oversee the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, previously held by Mahfuz Alam. Professor Asif Nazrul has been assigned the Ministry of Youth and Sports, while Adilur Rahman will take charge of the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives.

The resignations came after a meeting between Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus and the two outgoing advisers, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan and Mahfuz Alam. The interim administration, formed in August last year under Yunus’s leadership, included representatives from the student movement that led the July uprising. The reshuffle follows earlier adjustments in which Asif Mahmud had been given additional responsibilities for the labor and local government ministries.

Political analysts view the latest reshuffle as an effort to maintain administrative stability ahead of the anticipated election schedule announcement. The reallocation aims to ensure continuity in governance as the interim government navigates growing political uncertainty.