The National Citizens Party (NCP) has released its preliminary list of 125 candidates for the first phase of Bangladesh’s upcoming national parliamentary elections. The announcement was made by party member secretary Akhtar Hossain on Wednesday, December 10, outlining the constituencies and nominees selected to contest under the party’s banner.

Among the 125 nominees, 14 are women, including several well-known figures such as Dr. Tasnim Jara, Dr. Mahmuda Alam Mitu, and Dilshana Parul. The list also features new entrants like Advocate Humayra Noor and Engineer Nabila Tasnid, representing constituencies across Dhaka, Chattogram, Khagrachhari, and other districts. Some previously speculated names, including Samanta Sharmin and Nusrat Tabassum, were not included in this phase.

Analysts note that the inclusion of women candidates in multiple competitive seats signals the NCP’s effort to project a more inclusive image ahead of the polls. The party is expected to announce additional candidates in subsequent phases as the election schedule progresses.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police have arrested a domestic worker named Ayesha from Jhalkathi in connection with the brutal murder of a mother and daughter in the Mohammadpur area of Dhaka. The victims, Laila Afroz (48) and her daughter Nafisa Lawal Binte Aziz (15), were found dead in their apartment on Shahjahan Road on Monday morning, both bearing multiple stab wounds. Police confirmed that Ayesha, who had been employed only four days earlier, is the prime suspect.

CCTV footage from the building showed a woman wearing a school uniform and carrying a bag leaving the apartment shortly after the incident. Investigators later identified her as the domestic worker, who had entered the building wearing a burqa. According to police, she allegedly attacked the victims with a sharp weapon while wearing gloves. Family members said the worker had provided false personal information when hired.

Authorities are now processing legal actions against Ayesha, while forensic analysis and interrogation continue to uncover the motive behind the killings.

The Election Commission of Bangladesh, led by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin, met President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban on Wednesday to brief him on preparations for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and a planned referendum. The commission’s motorcade left the Election Commission headquarters around 11:40 a.m. for the presidential palace.

Following the meeting, the CEC is scheduled to record a televised address to the nation through Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar, during which the official election schedule will be announced. Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud indicated that the announcement could come Wednesday evening or Thursday, December 11. Reliable sources, however, suggested the schedule is more likely to be revealed on Thursday.

Preliminary discussions indicate that voting may take place on either February 11 or 12, though the commission has not confirmed the exact date. The meeting marks a key procedural step before the formal declaration of the election timetable, signaling that the electoral process is entering its final preparatory phase.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has announced preliminary candidates for 125 constituencies ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election. Among them, A H M Shamsul Muqtadir, the party’s Dinajpur district convener, has been nominated to contest from Dinajpur-3 — the seat traditionally associated with BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. The announcement was made by NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain during a press conference in Dhaka’s Banglamotor on Wednesday, December 10.

The Dinajpur-3 constituency is shaping up to be a competitive race, with the BNP nominating Khaleda Zia and Jamaat-e-Islami fielding Advocate Moinul Alam. The NCP’s decision marks a shift from its earlier stance, as the party’s chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari had previously stated that NCP would not contest in Khaleda Zia’s seat. The reversal suggests a strategic recalibration within the party as it seeks broader visibility in the upcoming polls.

Political analysts note that the NCP’s move could fragment opposition votes in the constituency, potentially influencing the balance of power in northern Bangladesh.

A 28-year-old man named Imran from Cox’s Bazar reportedly took his own life after falling into severe debt caused by online gambling. Police recovered his body from his home in the SM Para area of the municipality’s Ward 5 on Tuesday night. According to local residents, Imran had been addicted to online gambling for a long time and had borrowed money from several people in the community.

Relatives said Imran locked himself in his room before the incident, and when he did not respond to repeated calls, family members broke down the door and found him hanging from a ceiling fan. Police confirmed the death and sent the body to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital morgue for autopsy. Officer-in-Charge Shomiyuddin of Cox’s Bazar Sadar Model Police Station stated that initial evidence suggests suicide linked to gambling-related debt.

Authorities have begun legal procedures, while the incident highlights growing concerns over the rise of online gambling addiction and its social consequences in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Grounds Committee Chairman Khaled Masud has announced the formation of an investigation committee to probe alleged soil theft at the under-construction Purbachal Cricket Stadium. During a site visit on Tuesday, Masud revealed that around 12,500 cubic feet of soil was missing from the project, prompting concerns over irregularities in construction work.

Masud, who recently replaced Aminul Islam as committee head, emphasized transparency and accountability in stadium development. He stated that if work quality does not improve within the next few months, he would voluntarily step down. “I didn’t come for the chair; I came to contribute to cricket’s development,” he said, stressing that misuse of authority had long plagued the board.

The BCB is expected to form a neutral inquiry team to identify those responsible for the missing soil. The incident has raised questions about oversight in major infrastructure projects and could influence future management reforms within the cricket board.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin and the Election Commission (EC) are scheduled to meet President Mohammed Shahabuddin today to present the overall readiness for Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and the concurrent constitutional referendum. Following the meeting, the CEC’s pre-recorded national address will be broadcast on state media, during which the official election schedule is expected to be announced.

Reliable sources indicate that the EC may announce the schedule on Thursday, with voting likely to take place on February 11 or 12. The Commission has finalized preparations including constituency demarcation, appointment of returning officers, and formation of monitoring and law enforcement cells. The voter list now includes over 127 million citizens across 42,766 polling centers. Former EC officials and observers have expressed optimism about a festive yet challenging election environment, emphasizing adherence to electoral codes.

The upcoming polls will determine both the next elected government and the outcome of proposed constitutional reforms, marking a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s democratic process.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has announced its preliminary list of candidates for 125 parliamentary constituencies as part of its first phase of nominations for Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th National Election. The announcement was made on Wednesday, December 10, by the party’s member secretary, Akhtar Hossain, who confirmed that the nomination paper distribution process had been completed and that the initial list was being made public.

Hossain stated that any allegations against the nominated candidates would be investigated and could lead to disqualification if proven. The list includes candidates across northern districts such as Panchagarh, Thakurgaon, Dinajpur, Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat, Rangpur, Kurigram, Gaibandha, Joypurhat, Bogura, Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, Natore, and Sirajganj. The announcement marks the NCP’s formal entry into the election race, signaling its intent to contest widely across the country.

Political observers note that the NCP’s early declaration may help it gain visibility and mobilize grassroots support ahead of the official campaign period. The party is expected to release additional candidate lists in subsequent phases as the election approaches.

A severe cold wave has struck Kurigram district in northern Bangladesh, with temperatures plunging to 11.4°C on Wednesday morning, according to the Rajarhat Meteorological Observatory. The cold has intensified over the past ten days, with daytime temperatures hovering between 12°C and 13°C, and biting winds worsening conditions, especially in riverine and char areas.

Women, children, and the elderly are among the worst affected, with school attendance dropping due to the harsh weather. Hospitals across the district are reporting a surge in patients suffering from cold-related illnesses such as respiratory infections and fevers. Despite sunlight during the day, the lack of warmth has kept conditions uncomfortable for residents.

Authorities are monitoring the situation as forecasts suggest the cold spell may persist. Local administrations and relief agencies are being urged to distribute warm clothing and blankets to vulnerable communities to mitigate health and livelihood risks.

A six-year-old girl named Shikha Moni died in Savar, near Dhaka, after being bitten by a snake and failing to receive timely antivenom treatment. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon when the child was playing near her home. Despite being rushed to several hospitals, including Savar Upazila Health Complex, Enam Medical College, Shaheed Suhrawardy Hospital, and Mohakhali Hospital, none could provide the necessary antivenom.

Family members said that delays and lack of antivenom at multiple facilities forced them to travel for hours through heavy traffic before reaching Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared the child dead. The victim’s grandmother expressed frustration and grief, questioning how such a shortage could exist in a country prone to snakebites.

Health officials have confirmed the death and notified local police. The case highlights critical gaps in emergency medical preparedness and the availability of essential antivenom supplies in Bangladesh’s healthcare system, particularly in suburban and rural areas.

A 38-year-old carpenter, Mohammad Khalil Sarkar, died after being hit by an autorickshaw in the Dashdona Nimtali Bazar area of Bancharampur upazila, Brahmanbaria, on Tuesday evening. Witnesses said Khalil was returning home from work when the speeding autorickshaw struck him, leaving him critically injured. Locals rushed him to the Bancharampur Upazila Health Complex, where his condition deteriorated and he was pronounced dead.

Dr. Panna, the on-duty medical officer, reported that Khalil arrived unconscious with severe head injuries and signs of internal bleeding. Preparations were underway to transfer him to Dhaka for advanced treatment, but he succumbed to his injuries before that could happen. Police confirmed that the autorickshaw driver fled the scene and has not yet been identified. Bancharampur Model Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Yasin said legal action will follow once a formal complaint is filed by the victim’s family.

Authorities are investigating the incident, emphasizing road safety concerns in the area.

Gazipur district police have unraveled the mystery behind the murder of farmer Monir Molla, 55, within just 72 hours of the incident. Molla was found dead on December 6 in a field near the Forest Beat Office in Kaliganj’s Ulukhola area, with severe injuries inflicted by sharp weapons. Following the discovery, police launched an immediate investigation under the supervision of the district superintendent.

According to Superintendent of Police Md. Sharif Uddin, the investigation revealed that the killing stemmed from a long-standing personal conflict and a dispute involving a woman. The main suspect, Beden Mridha, a childhood friend of the victim, was arrested on December 8 from his home in Joydebpur. During interrogation, he confessed to the crime under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Authorities confirmed that further investigations are ongoing to determine if others were involved. Senior officials, including additional superintendents of police, attended the press briefing where the case’s progress was presented.

Forty-four cricket clubs in Dhaka have boycotted the ongoing First Division Cricket League, alleging irregularities in the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) elections. Despite the league commencing with 12 teams, the dissenting clubs refused to participate, declaring they would not play under the current BCB administration. At a press conference, organizers labeled the board as 'illegal' and vowed to organize independent tournaments without BCB support if necessary.

The dispute stems from demands for a 20-team league and greater transparency in domestic cricket governance. Players have expressed financial concerns due to the boycott, while club leaders like Masuduzzaman and Rafiqul Islam Babu reiterated that only a fair election could resolve the crisis. National cricketer Tamim Iqbal was mentioned as sympathetic to the reformist side, though his club continues to compete.

The standoff has deepened uncertainty in Bangladesh’s domestic cricket structure, with little sign of compromise. Analysts warn that prolonged conflict could harm player development and delay the domestic season’s full resumption.

Bangladesh today commemorates the 54th martyrdom anniversary of Bir Sreshtho Mohammad Ruhul Amin, one of the seven greatest heroes of the 1971 Liberation War. On December 10, 1971, Amin was killed in a fierce naval battle against Pakistani forces near the Rupsha River in Khulna. Born in 1934 in Noakhali, he joined the Navy after working briefly in journalism and rose to the rank of Junior Commissioned Officer through merit and dedication.

During the Liberation War, Ruhul Amin played a crucial role in forming the nascent Bangladesh Navy. He helped convert Indian-donated tugboats into gunboats named ‘Padma’ and ‘Palash’, serving as the chief engineer of the latter. Despite orders to abandon ship during an air attack at Hiron Point, Amin continued fighting until his vessel was destroyed. Captured and tortured by collaborators, he was martyred, and his body was never recovered.

His sacrifice remains a symbol of courage and patriotism. Each year, the nation pays tribute to his memory through military honors and public remembrance ceremonies.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqul Rahman announced that his party would form a national government under three specific conditions if it comes to power. Speaking at an election campaign event in Mirpur’s Kafrul area on December 9, he said Jamaat aims to include all political forces in governance rather than exclude any group. He emphasized that the party’s vision centers on establishing a balanced social order and reducing economic inequality.

Rahman criticized the current state of corruption and political malpractice, claiming that extortion and tender manipulation have eroded public trust. He argued that the lack of a fair electoral system has contributed to rising crime and instability, urging for a fully transparent election to ensure genuine representation. He also reiterated Jamaat’s stance on implementing laws aligned with Islamic principles, calling on other parties to make their positions clear.

Analysts view his remarks as an attempt to reposition Jamaat as a reform-oriented party ahead of upcoming national elections, though skepticism remains about its broader political acceptance.