The National Citizen Party (NCP) has finalized its candidates for 100 constituencies ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. Joint Convener Sarowar Tushar confirmed that the initial list is ready and will be officially announced today, barring any last-minute changes. The remaining seats will be settled later this month through alliance-based negotiations.

Party insiders said the selection process prioritized professionals and young reform-minded individuals over family-based leadership. NCP sold 1,484 nomination forms between November 6 and 20. However, internal dissatisfaction has surfaced, with some leaders alleging interference by senior advisers and favoritism toward family members in seat allocation.

Key figures such as Convener Nahid Islam, Member Secretary Akhter Hossain, and several regional organizers are among the confirmed candidates. The party recently formed the ‘Democratic Reform Alliance’ with Nahid Islam as spokesperson, signaling its broader reformist agenda ahead of the election.

Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday praised Begum Rokeya as a guiding force for women’s enlightenment and social progress in Bangladesh. Speaking at the Rokeya Padak award ceremony held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, Yunus highlighted Rokeya’s pioneering role in advancing education and equality for women, calling her a cornerstone of social reconstruction.

The Rokeya Padak, awarded annually by the government, recognizes women who have made outstanding contributions to women’s empowerment and social development. This year’s ceremony brought together policymakers, educators, and activists to celebrate the achievements of female leaders inspired by Rokeya’s ideals. Yunus emphasized that true national progress depends on ensuring equal opportunities for women in all sectors.

Observers noted that the event reaffirmed the government’s commitment to gender equality and women’s leadership. The Chief Adviser’s remarks are expected to strengthen ongoing initiatives promoting women’s participation in education, entrepreneurship, and governance across Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s Cabinet Secretary Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid has directed all ministries to swiftly implement the ‘Joint Declaration’ on preventing and controlling non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Speaking at the third inter-ministerial meeting in Dhaka, he emphasized expanding sports facilities, improving road safety, and considering tax exemptions for health-promoting institutions such as gyms and clubs. The meeting, organized by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare with technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO), was chaired by Health Services Secretary Saidur Rahman.

The plan involves 35 ministries working together to reduce NCD-related premature deaths through time-bound action plans, stronger coordination, and institutional training on healthy lifestyles. Key measures include stricter enforcement of tobacco and food safety laws, promoting smoke-free religious sites, and mandating health-friendly urban planning. Proposals also include higher taxes on sugary drinks and unhealthy foods, and free airtime for public health messages.

Officials said the integrated approach—combining policy, law, infrastructure, and awareness—will be crucial to achieving sustainable progress in public health and reducing the country’s growing NCD burden.

Maulana Faridul Islam, a 35-year-old Islamic scholar and teacher, died after suffering a brain stroke while delivering a sermon at a Tafsirul Quran gathering in Gobindaganj on Saturday night. Witnesses said he collapsed on stage shortly after beginning his speech as the third speaker of the event. He was immediately given first aid and later transferred to a private hospital in Rangpur, where he passed away on Monday morning after two days of treatment.

Faridul Islam was a resident of Khamar Gobindapur village in Gaibandha Sadar upazila and served as a religious teacher at Mahimaganj Ideal Academic School as well as the imam of Ghoshpra Jame Mosque. He is survived by his wife and a two-and-a-half-year-old child. His sudden death has cast a pall of grief over his family, students, and the local community, who remembered him as a dedicated teacher and preacher.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Ramgati, Lakshmipur, has alleged that 22 of its activists were injured and three local offices vandalized in an attack reportedly carried out by supporters linked to Awami League leader Sharaf Uddin Azad Sohel. The incident occurred on Monday evening during a rally supporting Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) candidate Tania Rob. BNP leaders claimed that banners and posters featuring Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman, and former MP Ashraf Uddin Nizan were torn down.

At a press conference held later that night, local BNP leaders accused Sohel of orchestrating the assault using hired groups from nearby areas. They alleged that the attack followed their earlier objection to Sohel’s participation in the JSD rally. The BNP leadership demanded Sohel’s arrest within 24 hours, warning of tougher political action if authorities fail to respond.

The incident underscores rising political tensions in Lakshmipur ahead of national elections, with both major parties trading accusations of violence and intimidation.

Three senior army officers were presented before Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal on Tuesday in connection with a case alleging enforced disappearances and torture at the Joint Interrogation Cell (JIC) during the Awami League government’s tenure. The officers—Major General Sheikh Md. Sarwar Hossain, Brigadier General Md. Mahbubur Rahman Siddiqui, and Brigadier General Ahmed Tanvir Majhar Siddiqui—were brought from a special military prison in Dhaka under tight security.

The case lists 13 accused, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the principal defendant, along with her former defense adviser Tariq Ahmed Siddiq and ten others who remain fugitives. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam previously filed five charges detailing the alleged torture of 26 victims between 2015 and 2024. The tribunal, chaired by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Mozumdar, began hearings with both state defense and defense counsel present.

Legal analysts note that this is one of the most politically sensitive cases in recent years, potentially testing the scope of accountability for alleged human rights violations by state institutions. Further hearings are expected in the coming weeks.

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has paid deep tribute to Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain on her birth and death anniversary, lauding her as an indomitable symbol of progress in a conservative society. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Rahman highlighted Rokeya’s pioneering role in women’s awakening and education in Bengal.

He emphasized that despite facing severe social resistance, Begum Rokeya remained steadfast in her mission to educate and empower Muslim women. Rahman noted that Rokeya’s writings boldly challenged social inequalities and inspired movements for women’s independence and self-reliance. Her belief that education was the key to women’s dignity continues to resonate today.

Rahman concluded by saying that the essence of Begum Rokeya’s message lay in true female emancipation, which still motivates women across generations. He also prayed for the eternal peace of her soul, reaffirming her enduring legacy in Bangladesh’s social and cultural progress.

Bangladeshi actor Omar Sani has issued a strong response to singer Asif Akbar after the latter made personal remarks about him during a recent podcast. The dispute began last month when Asif faced criticism for his comments about national football and players, prompting reactions from several celebrities, including Sani. In the podcast, Asif described Sani as a 'simple man' and 'woman-dominated', while also making comments about his personal life, though he later softened his tone by saying 'I love him'.

In a Facebook video message posted Monday morning, Omar Sani condemned Asif’s remarks, stating he had never spoken ill of Asif’s personal life and only commented on professional matters. He warned Asif against involving family issues in public discussions and challenged him to address disagreements face-to-face. Sani further urged Asif to maintain dignity and respect, reminding him that fame should be accompanied by humility.

The exchange has drawn attention across social media, reflecting ongoing tensions between entertainment figures and the boundaries of personal commentary in public discourse.

Dhaka experienced a noticeable drop in temperature on Tuesday, with the mercury dipping to 17°C — the lowest recorded so far this season. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department’s (BMD) storm warning center, the capital and surrounding areas will see dry conditions with partly cloudy skies over the next six hours. Winds from the north and northwest are expected to flow at speeds between 6 and 12 kilometers per hour.

The BMD reported that humidity in Dhaka stood at 89% at 6 a.m., while the city’s maximum temperature on Monday reached 27.8°C. No rainfall was recorded in the past 24 hours. Sunset is expected at 5:12 p.m., and sunrise tomorrow at 6:30 a.m. Nationwide, weather conditions are expected to remain dry, with nighttime temperatures likely to fall further.

Meteorologists suggest that the gradual cooling trend signals the onset of the winter season across Bangladesh, with cooler nights and mild days expected in the coming weeks.

National Citizen Party (NCP) South Region chief organizer Hasanat Abdullah is scheduled to testify today before International Crimes Tribunal-2 in the case concerning the killing of Begum Rokeya University student Abu Sayeed, the first martyr of the July uprising. The three-member tribunal, chaired by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, will hear his testimony as the 22nd witness in the case against 30 accused, including the university’s former vice-chancellor Hasibur Rashid.

According to the prosecution, six of the accused are currently in custody, while 24 remain absconding. The tribunal has been hearing witness statements since August, with testimonies from police officers, students, and eyewitnesses describing the events of July 16 last year. The case formally began on August 27 following the submission of the investigation report and formation of charges in June.

Legal analysts note that Abdullah’s testimony may provide key insights into the chain of command and accountability during the violence. Further hearings are expected to continue in the coming weeks as the tribunal moves toward concluding witness examinations.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has reminded student leaders that the party’s electoral symbol, the ‘sheaf of paddy,’ should take precedence over individual candidates in the upcoming national election. Speaking at a Dhaka event titled ‘Plan to Build the Nation,’ he emphasized that loyalty to the party and its ideals must guide campaign efforts, regardless of personal preferences for particular nominees.

Addressing over a thousand Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal leaders from 75 units across Bangladesh, Rahman called for grassroots mobilization around BNP’s development agenda. He outlined plans focusing on environmental protection, waste management, sports, education, healthcare, and unemployment reduction. He urged activists to engage local communities and secure public support for these initiatives.

Rahman further stated that the next two months would be dedicated to connecting citizens with BNP’s vision for national reconstruction. His remarks come as the party intensifies its organizational activities ahead of the parliamentary elections, seeking to unify supporters under its electoral symbol rather than individual personalities.

Bangladesh is preparing for an ambitious Victory Day celebration on December 16, 2025, marking 54 years of independence with a record-setting parachuting event. The Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force will jointly organize a skydiving display featuring 54 paratroopers, each carrying a national flag, aiming to set a Guinness World Record for the most flags flown during parachuting. The event will take place at Dhaka’s old Tejgaon Airport and remain open to the public.

A preparatory meeting chaired by Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk E Azam outlined extensive national programs, including air shows, cultural performances, and nationwide fairs. Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki emphasized youth participation through concerts, traditional plays, and performances of songs from the Liberation War era.

Government ministries will coordinate flag hoisting, illumination, and special tributes to freedom fighters across the country. The Ministry of Information will release a commemorative publication, while museums, entertainment venues, and religious institutions will host free public events and prayers for the martyrs.

Gono Odhikar Parishad’s central general secretary Rashed Khan has alleged that a plan is underway to assassinate 50 election candidates in an attempt to derail the upcoming national polls in Bangladesh. Speaking at a campaign rally in Jhenaidah’s Goalpra Bazar on December 8, Khan claimed that the ruling Awami League is behind the alleged conspiracy to carry out targeted killings aimed at sabotaging the February elections.

Khan emphasized that ensuring the safety of all candidates is the government’s responsibility and warned that any attack on contestants would be the government’s liability. He further stated that BNP leader Tarique Rahman is expected to return to Bangladesh after the election schedule is announced, asserting that his security is of national importance. Responding to questions about the purchase of a bulletproof vehicle for Rahman, Khan defended the move as a necessary precaution.

The allegations have sparked political tension ahead of the polls, with opposition parties demanding stronger security measures. Authorities have not yet issued an official response to Khan’s claims.

A Manikganj District and Sessions Judge Court on Monday rejected the bail plea of Baul singer Abul Sarkar, who has been in custody since November 19 on charges of making derogatory comments about Islam during a musical performance. Judge S.K.M. Tofayel Hasan delivered the order following a hearing attended by 15–16 defense lawyers and public prosecutor Nurataj Alam Bahar representing the state.

Following the court’s decision, several lawyers staged a demonstration in the court premises demanding punishment for the artist. Sarkar’s counsel, Jinnat Ali, stated that this was the second bail petition after an earlier rejection by the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court on November 23. The case stems from a November 4 performance in Ghior, Manikganj, where a video of Sarkar’s remarks went viral on social media, sparking widespread criticism.

If convicted, Sarkar faces up to two years in prison, a fine, or both under existing laws. The case has drawn attention to the intersection of artistic expression and religious sensitivity in Bangladesh’s cultural sphere.

Pirojpur-1 constituency Jamaat-e-Islami nominated MP candidate and former upazila chairman Masud Saeedi has emphasized the need for better working conditions for teachers to create an enlightened and progressive society. Speaking at a discussion meeting with teachers and local dignitaries at Pirojpur Government Suhrawardy College, he stated that education is the driving force of national progress, and teachers are its foundation.

Saeedi pledged that, if elected, he would prioritize improving the education system, ensuring a safe, supportive, and corruption-free environment for teachers and students. He also promised to introduce modern, technology-based learning tools and training programs to enhance teaching quality. Addressing the broader national context, he criticized persistent corruption as a major obstacle to Bangladesh’s development, vowing to work toward its eradication.

Local educators and community leaders attended the meeting, expressing support for initiatives that would enhance teacher dignity and student safety. Saeedi’s remarks reflect growing public discourse on education reform and governance accountability ahead of the upcoming election.