Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that his party does not use religion for political gain, criticizing those who invoke religious symbols only during elections. Speaking to reporters after meeting ambassadors from eight European Union countries in Dhaka, he emphasized that Jamaat avoids mixing religion with politics or business.

Dr. Rahman warned that any delay in the upcoming February national election could push Bangladesh into a deep crisis, stressing that Jamaat wants the polls to proceed on time. He pledged that if the party came to power, it would build an inclusive government, ensure rule of law, and restore economic stability. He urged political actors to reject corruption and guarantee equal justice for all citizens.

Addressing concerns about BNP leader Khaleda Zia’s health, Rahman said political continuity should not depend on individual well-being. He also noted that holding two votes on the same day could raise logistical concerns, suggesting separate dates for elections and referendums.

Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, stated that preparations for the upcoming national election are progressing well. Speaking after a meeting of the law and order advisory committee on December 8, he said all security forces are undergoing training expected to conclude by January. Measures are being taken to ensure a peaceful, fair, and festive election, including the use of body cameras by law enforcement and uninterrupted electricity at polling centers.

Chowdhury acknowledged that crimes and killings may not completely stop before the election, emphasizing that there is no 'magic switch' to eliminate all incidents instantly. Addressing political participation, he noted that all parties are active, though some prefer to remain indoors due to internal issues. He also mentioned strict instructions to identify and arrest those involved in the recent murder of a freedom fighter and his wife in Rangpur.

The adviser’s remarks reflect the government’s intent to project readiness and transparency ahead of a crucial national vote.

Former Dhaka University Chhatra Shibir president and current Howard University assistant professor Dr. Mirza Galib has criticized the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for adopting what he described as the Awami League’s failed strategy against Jamaat-e-Islami. In a Facebook post on December 8, Galib said BNP is treating this ineffective approach as its primary political weapon instead of focusing on building a healthy two-party democratic system.

He emphasized that national interest should rise above party interest, citing examples of post-war European unity and the United States’ federal resilience after its civil war. Galib warned that both BNP and Jamaat are drifting toward an unhealthy rivalry, fueled not only by emotional supporters but also by senior leaders. He noted that BNP leaders are now attacking Jamaat using rhetoric similar to that of the Awami League.

Galib urged both parties to prioritize creating a stable political environment to harness Bangladesh’s demographic dividend. He called on BNP and Jamaat leaders to focus on the country’s long-term future rather than short-term electoral gains.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has exempted BNP Chairperson’s adviser and senior Supreme Court lawyer Fazlur Rahman from contempt of court charges after he issued an unconditional apology. The case stemmed from his earlier remarks about the tribunal, which were deemed disrespectful. On Monday, December 8, the three-member judicial panel led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar accepted his apology and dismissed the proceedings.

Fazlur Rahman appeared before the tribunal at 11 a.m. accompanied by senior lawyers including Zainul Abedin, Barrister Kaiser Kamal, and Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kajol. His counsel Ruhul Quddus first presented arguments before Rahman personally addressed the bench, stating that his comments during a talk show were a “slip of the tongue” and affirming, “After Allah, I respect the court.” The tribunal accepted his explanation and apology.

The decision closes a brief but high-profile contempt case involving a senior BNP figure, reflecting the tribunal’s readiness to uphold judicial dignity while allowing space for contrition.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has launched a citywide campaign to remove all unauthorized banners, posters, and billboards from public and private spaces. The operation began Monday morning in the Science Lab area, with officials confirming that all unapproved materials will be cleared within a week. The initiative follows recent public notices warning that such displays violate city laws and electoral guidelines.

According to DSCC officials, the move is grounded in the City Corporation Act and the Wall Writing and Poster Control Act 2012, which allow for up to 15 days of imprisonment for unauthorized installations. The Election Commission’s directives have also been taken into account, especially ahead of upcoming political activities. Citizens and organizations have been urged to voluntarily remove unapproved materials to avoid legal action.

The campaign aims to improve Dhaka’s urban aesthetics and ensure compliance with municipal regulations. DSCC has indicated that similar drives will continue in other areas to maintain a cleaner and more organized city environment.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed stated that his party does not intend to exploit religion for political gain, emphasizing instead a detailed socio-economic development plan for Bangladesh. Speaking at an event titled “BNP’s Plan for Nation Building” at the Krishibid Institute in Dhaka, he said the party aims to communicate its policy agenda clearly to the public.

Ahmed criticized rival parties for lacking ideology and using religion as a deceptive tool to mislead citizens. He argued that sustainable governance requires prior planning and that the BNP’s approach is rooted in democratic and development-oriented principles. Citing historical contributions, he said the BNP played a key role in restoring multiparty democracy and introducing the caretaker government system.

The weeklong program, now in its second day, seeks public input on future national policies to shape the BNP’s upcoming election manifesto. Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to join the closing ceremony virtually on December 13.

A new political alliance named the National Democratic Front (NDF) was officially launched in Dhaka on Monday, December 8. The coalition, comprising twenty political parties, is led by former Jatiya Party leaders Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud of Jatiya Party (JaPa) and Anwar Hossain Manju of Jatiya Party (JP). The announcement was made at a press conference held in the capital’s Gulshan area.

The alliance includes a wide range of smaller political groups such as Janata Party Bangladesh, Bangladesh National Party, Trinamool BNP, Bangladesh Cultural Freedom Alliance, Bangladesh Nationalist Movement, Bangladesh Muslim League, National Islamic Grand Alliance, National Reform Alliance, Bangladesh Labour Party, and several others. The leaders stated that the coalition aims to strengthen democratic practices and create a broader political platform beyond the dominant parties.

Political analysts view the formation of NDF as an attempt to consolidate smaller parties ahead of future national elections. However, it remains to be seen whether the alliance can exert significant influence in Bangladesh’s competitive political landscape.

The Bangladesh government has reaffirmed its plan to activate the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system on December 16 to curb the use of unregistered, stolen, or illegally imported mobile phones. The initiative aims to enhance network security, reduce digital crimes, and increase state revenue. Ahead of the rollout, mobile retailers reported a surge in customer demand as buyers rushed to purchase devices before the new registration rules take effect.

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) agreed to review aspects of the NEIR system following a day-long protest by mobile phone traders under the Mobile Business Community Bangladesh (MBCB). Demonstrators demanded reforms to the system, the abolition of import syndicates, and lower taxes, arguing that the new policy could harm small traders and raise handset prices beyond consumers’ reach. Officials, however, maintain that 73% of digital fraud involves illegal smartphones, justifying the government’s firm stance.

A joint meeting involving the BTRC, National Board of Revenue, Commerce Ministry, and industry representatives is scheduled to address technical and regulatory concerns before the launch.

Bangladesh’s interim government legal adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul has clarified confusion among expatriates regarding the import of mobile phones from abroad. In a Facebook post on December 8, he explained that migrant workers can now bring two new mobile phones in addition to their personal set without paying tax, an increase from the previous limit of one. The National Board of Revenue (NBR) amended the baggage rules to provide this benefit specifically for workers registered through the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET).

Nazrul dismissed claims circulating on social media that the government had imposed new discriminatory taxes or registration requirements targeting expatriates. He emphasized that from December 16, all users in Bangladesh—locals and expatriates alike—must register any new mobile phone within 60 days of activation to curb illegal device use linked to crimes such as extortion or kidnapping.

He urged expatriates to remain alert against misinformation, calling rumor-spreading a serious moral offense, and assured that further clarifications on related issues would be provided soon.

The United Kingdom and Qatar have jointly announced a humanitarian assistance package worth $11.2 million to support more than 647,000 Rohingya refugees and local host communities in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar district. The funding aims to strengthen humanitarian relief and environmental protection efforts in one of the world’s largest refugee settlements.

According to a statement from the British High Commission in Dhaka, the partnership reflects both countries’ commitment to building safer, healthier, and more sustainable communities. The assistance will focus on improving living conditions for vulnerable Rohingya families and reducing environmental degradation by providing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to replace firewood as a cooking fuel.

Officials expressed optimism that the initiative will reduce deforestation caused by high demand for firewood since the mass influx of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar in 2017. The joint effort underscores continued international engagement in addressing the protracted refugee crisis and supporting Bangladesh’s humanitarian response.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman stated that corruption remains entrenched in Bangladesh, with political and administrative powers being misused for partisanship, extortion, and illegal occupation. Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka, he noted that while comparative data on corruption trends are lacking, the problem continues unabated. The event was held to present TIB’s recommendations for political party manifestos ahead of the upcoming national election.

Dr. Iftekharuzzaman criticized the government for failing to take a stronger stance against corruption, despite having the opportunity to do so. He emphasized that building a democratic, inclusive, and corruption-free society is a long-term process, requiring genuine political will. He also highlighted the influence of money, muscle, and religion in politics as key obstacles to reform.

TIB proposed 52 recommendations for political parties, including implementing past reform commission suggestions and ensuring accountability for human rights violations during authoritarian periods. The organization also called for greater transparency and fair competition in the business sector.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader and Supreme Court lawyer Fazlur Rahman has been exempted from contempt of court charges after offering an unconditional apology to the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). The tribunal’s three-member bench, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, issued the order on Monday, December 8. The case stemmed from remarks Rahman made during a television talk show, where he questioned the tribunal’s legitimacy and impartiality.

The contempt allegation was filed on November 26 by prosecutor Gazi Monowar Hossain Tamim, who argued that Rahman’s comments undermined the tribunal’s authority. Following the complaint, the ICT summoned Rahman to appear in person on December 8 to explain his statements. Before the hearing, Rahman submitted a written apology, expressing regret for his remarks. Senior lawyers, including Zainul Abedin and Barrister Kaiser Kamal, accompanied him during the proceedings.

The tribunal accepted Rahman’s apology, effectively closing the contempt case. Legal observers noted that the decision underscores the judiciary’s emphasis on accountability while allowing room for reconciliation through contrition.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC), led by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin, held a meeting with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Monday, December 8, at the EC headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka. The discussion focused on the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election and the planned referendum, as part of the commission’s ongoing dialogue with political parties.

CEC Nasir Uddin and other election commissioners attended the meeting, while Jamaat’s six-member delegation was headed by Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar. The dialogue is part of the EC’s broader effort to ensure participation and transparency in the electoral process. Although details of the discussion were not disclosed, such meetings are viewed as crucial for building consensus and addressing concerns about election management.

Observers note that the EC’s engagement with all registered political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, signals an attempt to foster inclusivity ahead of the polls. Further rounds of dialogue with other parties are expected in the coming weeks.

Dr. Tasnim Jara, senior joint member secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP), expressed deep concern over the recent incident involving AB Party General Secretary Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad in Barishal’s Babuganj area. In a Facebook post on Sunday, she condemned the use of threats and abusive slogans against Fuad, emphasizing that such behavior undermines democratic culture.

Jara stated that political differences are natural, but physical or verbal assaults on opponents are unacceptable. Her remarks followed an event where Fuad faced hostility during a foundation stone ceremony for the Mirganj Bridge. Fuad had alleged attempts of extortion and tender manipulation linked to the project, which triggered anger among local BNP activists.

Local BNP leaders denied the allegations, claiming the protest was spontaneous and warning that Fuad would be declared unwelcome if he did not apologize. The episode has reignited debate over political intolerance and the need for civility in Bangladesh’s electoral environment.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has completed its investigation against Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, the Jubo League president, and five others in connection with the 2024 massacre case. The tribunal confirmed the development on Monday, December 8, marking a significant step toward formal proceedings against the accused, who are currently under a ban from political activities.

In a parallel development, 17 former ministers and state ministers from the previous Hasina administration were produced before the tribunal under tight security from Keraniganj and Kashimpur prisons. The accused include former ministers from key portfolios such as law, education, ICT, industry, and food. Tribunal-1, chaired by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, is scheduled to review the progress of the case and determine the next procedural steps.

Legal analysts note that the proceedings could reshape accountability narratives in Bangladesh’s political landscape. The tribunal’s decisions in the coming weeks will be closely watched for their implications on justice, governance, and political stability.