BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has cautioned that certain groups are attempting to create divisions in Bangladesh under the guise of religion. Speaking at the inauguration of the party’s ‘Nation-Building Plan’ program at the Krishibid Institution auditorium on Sunday, he emphasized that while Bangladeshis are religious, they do not believe in dividing the state along religious lines. Fakhrul said the country now has an opportunity to restore democracy after 15 years, but obstacles and misinformation campaigns persist.

He accused the ruling Awami League of destroying national institutions and called for their reconstruction. Fakhrul urged party members to remain alert against cyberwarfare and propaganda, asserting that only the BNP can lead the nation forward. He also highlighted the changing mindset of youth and the need to modernize the party’s vision to align with a new Bangladesh. Addressing Khaleda Zia’s health, he said her treatment is being closely supervised by Tarique Rahman and a team of national and international specialists.

The remarks come as BNP seeks to reframe its political agenda ahead of potential national elections, focusing on unity, reform, and democratic revival.

More than 223,000 expatriate Bangladeshis have registered to vote in the upcoming 13th National Parliament election and referendum through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ mobile application, according to the Election Commission’s update on December 7. Among the registrants, 203,578 are men and 20,121 are women. Saudi Arabia leads with over 51,000 registered voters, followed by the United States, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

The Election Commission (EC) has urged expatriates to provide accurate local addresses while registering, emphasizing that workplace or acquaintances’ addresses may be used if necessary. The registration deadline has been extended until midnight on December 25, allowing global access to the app. EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed confirmed that in-country postal voting will also be introduced for government officials, detainees, and those working away from home.

The ‘Postal Vote BD’ app, launched on November 18, enables registration from 148 countries. The initiative marks Bangladesh’s first large-scale digital system for overseas postal voting, aiming to expand participation and transparency in the electoral process.

Bangladesh’s interim government has announced that individuals holding recognized Qawmi Madrasa degrees will now be eligible to serve as Nikah Registrars (Kazi). The decision was confirmed by Dr. Asif Nazrul, Adviser to the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, through a verified social media post on Sunday, December 7. Previously, only individuals with Alim-level certificates were permitted to apply for the registrar position.

Dr. Nazrul stated that the law ministry has amended the relevant legal provisions to expand eligibility, allowing those with Dawra-e-Hadith certificates from recognized Qawmi boards to apply. The move aims to create broader inclusion for religious scholars within the country’s official marriage registration process.

Legal experts and religious leaders have welcomed the change as a recognition of Qawmi education’s equivalence to mainstream Islamic studies. However, some observers note that the implementation process will require careful oversight to ensure uniform standards across different educational boards.

The medical board overseeing the treatment of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has decided to postpone her transfer abroad for advanced medical care. Doctors concluded that her current physical condition does not permit the stress of a long-haul flight, emphasizing that her safety and stability must come first. The decision was announced at a press briefing outside Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital by her personal physician and BNP Standing Committee member Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain.

The board, which includes specialists from the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and Bangladesh, continues to monitor her condition closely. Dr. Zobaida Rahman, Zia’s daughter-in-law, recently arrived in Dhaka to coordinate treatment, while acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman remains in contact from London. Doctors urged the public not to spread misinformation about her health on social media.

Khaleda Zia, 79, suffers from multiple chronic ailments, including arthritis, diabetes, and organ complications. Her transfer abroad will proceed only when the board deems her fit for air travel, with all preparations reportedly in place.

A late-night gas leak explosion in Kanchpur Patatta village of Sonargaon, Narayanganj, left four members of the same family severely burned early Friday. The incident occurred around 3 a.m. when accumulated gas inside their home ignited, causing a sudden blast. The victims—Jarina Begum (65), Alauddin (35), Sathiya Akter (14), and Saima (4)—were rushed to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka around 4 a.m.

According to relatives, the family used piped gas for cooking, and a leak overnight allowed gas to fill the room. When a spark occurred, the explosion followed. Dr. Shawon Bin Rahman, a resident physician at the burn institute, said Alauddin sustained 40% burns and was admitted to the ICU, while the others suffered burns ranging from 12% to 30%. Police from Sonargaon station have been informed about the incident.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the leak, while safety experts again urged regular maintenance of household gas connections to prevent similar accidents.

Dhaka South Chhatra Dal has expelled Nesar Uddin Rabbi, member secretary of Lalbagh Thana Chhatra Dal, and Adnan Ahmed Imon, president of Ward No. 24 Chhatra Dal, citing verified violations of organizational discipline. The decision was finalized after internal review procedures in accordance with the organization’s policies.

The expulsion order was jointly signed by Dhaka South Chhatra Dal President Shamim Mahmud and General Secretary Abdur Rahim Bhuiyan, and officially announced through a press release on Saturday, December 6. The statement confirmed that the disciplinary action would take immediate effect. The press release was distributed to the media by Amzad Hossain Mamun, the organization’s assistant office secretary.

The move underscores the organization’s emphasis on maintaining internal discipline amid broader efforts to strengthen its local units. No further details were provided about the specific nature of the disciplinary breaches or potential replacements for the expelled leaders.

Bangladesh’s law enforcement agencies are heightening security measures ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election as 1,340 looted firearms remain untraced from the July 2024 unrest. Out of 5,763 weapons stolen during that period, police have yet to recover a significant portion, raising concerns about potential election violence and criminal misuse. The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has ordered intensified recovery operations, including cash rewards of up to BDT 500,000 for information leading to retrieval.

Police officials fear that the missing weapons could fuel black money influence and underworld activity, destabilizing both the election and national security. Intelligence briefings have identified high-risk districts such as Chattogram, Dhaka, and Khulna, where additional forces will be deployed. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and cyber units are also monitoring social media for misinformation and foreign propaganda.

Authorities plan a nationwide crackdown in late December to recover lost arms and prevent pre-poll violence. Candidates requesting extra protection will receive special security to ensure voter confidence and election integrity.

The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has conducted a cleanup operation in the Mohakhali area to remove illegal banners and festoons. The drive took place on Saturday, December 6, covering key locations such as Bir Uttam AK Khandakar Road, Tajuddin Ahmed Road, Mohakhali Railgate, Setu Bhaban, Amtala Mor, and the Public Health gate area. DNCC officials said the operation was part of their regular efforts to maintain city cleanliness and remove unauthorized advertising materials.

According to DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz, the corporation removed a total of 247,000 illegal banners, festoons, and posters during November alone. The DNCC recently issued a public notice instructing individuals and organizations to remove unauthorized advertisements within seven days or face fines and legal action. The notice also highlighted the growing problem of unapproved banners, LED signs, and billboards across the city.

The ongoing campaign reflects DNCC’s broader initiative to enforce urban regulations and improve the visual environment of Dhaka. Authorities have urged residents and businesses to cooperate in maintaining public spaces free from illegal advertisements.

A massive stingray weighing around 600 kilograms was caught in a fishing net off the Teknaf coast in Cox’s Bazar on Friday, drawing large crowds of locals and tourists. The rare marine creature, belonging to the stingray family and locally known as ‘Shapla Pata Maach,’ was hauled ashore with the help of several people after fishermen struggled to lift it onto their trawler.

According to local fisheries officials, the stingray is a fully protected species under the Bangladesh Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, which prohibits its capture, sale, or transport. Despite this, the fish was reportedly sold for 50,000 taka to a local trader. Authorities from the Cox’s Bazar South Forest Division have launched an inquiry to determine who purchased and handled the protected animal.

Officials warned that violating wildlife protection laws can lead to up to one year in prison or a fine of 100,000 taka. Conservationists have urged stronger enforcement to prevent similar incidents as deep-sea species increasingly appear in shallow waters due to changing ocean conditions.

A high school headteacher in Ishwardi, Pabna, has drawn criticism after a video surfaced showing him chanting 'Joy Bangla'—a slogan historically linked to the ruling Awami League—while urging votes for the opposition BNP’s electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf. The incident occurred during a prayer gathering on Friday night for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s recovery, where the teacher, Sirajul Islam, spoke as a guest.

Local residents and social media users reacted sharply after the video went viral, questioning the teacher’s political neutrality and professional ethics. Sirajul Islam, head of Laxmikunda Girls’ High School, later apologized, saying he mistakenly uttered the slogan and denied any political affiliation. The event’s organizers also claimed it was not an official BNP program. However, the Ishwardi Upazila Executive Officer stated that government employees are prohibited from participating in political activities.

The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between Bangladesh’s major political parties and raises concerns about political involvement by public servants ahead of the next election cycle.

Gana Odhikar Parishad President and former DUCSU VP Nurul Haque Nur announced that his party will contest all 300 parliamentary constituencies independently in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national election. Speaking at a public rally in Brahmanbaria’s Nabinagar on December 6, Nur said the party aims to build a corruption-free and just Bangladesh. He also introduced local leader Nazrul Islam (Nazu) as the official candidate for Brahmanbaria-5 under the party’s ‘Truck’ symbol.

Nur emphasized that the party is nominating candidates with strong public images across the country. Addressing the election timeline, he said that if former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s health affects the schedule, the Election Commission will decide accordingly. However, he expressed confidence that the polls would be held in February, adding that the party is prepared to field candidates even if the election is delayed until April.

Party General Secretary Rashed Khan also spoke at the event, reaffirming the party’s readiness for a nationwide contest and its commitment to political reform.

Former State Minister for Home Affairs and BNP candidate for Netrakona-4, Lutfozzaman Babar, called on citizens to take action against drug users and gamblers, saying they should be caught and punished before being handed over to authorities. Speaking at campaign rallies in Madan upazila on December 6, Babar emphasized that no one, including party members, would be exempt from this directive.

During his speech, Babar also highlighted the need to expand income sources, especially for women, and to promote self-reliance through skill-based work. He described development as a continuous process and pledged to address unemployment and improve living standards. Babar further praised BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, portraying her as a symbol of integrity and national interest.

Local BNP leaders and activists attended the events, which marked part of Babar’s campaign for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. His remarks have drawn attention for their tough stance on social issues and emphasis on grassroots empowerment.

A daylong free medical camp organized by the Munnu Welfare Foundation in Manikganj provided healthcare and medicine to 2,000 underprivileged residents. The event took place on Saturday, December 6, at the Ghosta Government Primary School grounds in Putail under Sadar upazila. Patients received medical consultations, diagnostic services, and essential medicines at no cost.

The camp was inaugurated by Afroza Khanam Rita, adviser to the BNP chairperson and chairperson of Munnu Group of Industries. She stated that many residents of Manikganj cannot access hospitals due to distance or financial hardship, prompting the foundation to bring quality healthcare directly to their communities. Senior officials from Munnu Medical College and Hospital, including Principal Professor Dr. Abdul Karim and Director Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. Zulfiqar Ahmed Amin, were present at the event.

Organizers said similar initiatives would continue to ensure rural populations receive timely medical attention and preventive care, reducing the burden on urban hospitals.

India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Kumar Verma, reiterated that India considers Bangladesh as a close and integral friend during the Maitri Diwas 2025 celebration held at the Old India House in Gulshan on Saturday evening. The event, organized by the Indian High Commission, marked the enduring partnership between the two neighboring nations.

Verma emphasized that the India-Bangladesh relationship is one of the most unique in the world, rooted in shared history, culture, and sacrifices. He recalled India’s support during Bangladesh’s Liberation War and affirmed that India will continue to stand by Bangladesh in its journey toward prosperity. The envoy highlighted that friendship with Bangladesh remains a top priority for India’s foreign policy.

The event was attended by freedom fighters, diplomats, politicians, military officials, journalists, and cultural figures from both countries. It concluded with cultural performances by Indian and Bangladeshi groups, including patriotic songs and a stage play titled “Nishshobdo 71.”

Dr. Moin Uddin Ahmad, father of missing Sylhet Chhatra Dal leader Ifthekhar Ahmad Dinar, passed away on Saturday morning at a private hospital in Sylhet. Dinar, a former joint general secretary of the Sylhet district Chhatra Dal, disappeared along with fellow leader Juned Ahmad on April 3, 2012, during the tenure of the Awami League government, and has not been seen since.

Throughout his life, Dr. Ahmad held on to the hope of seeing his son again, but that reunion never came. He was also the father of Tahsin Sharmin Tamanna, acting president of the Sylhet district Mohila Dal, and a former director of the Directorate General of Health Services. Local BNP leaders, including former Sylhet mayor Ariful Haque Chowdhury and advocate Emran Ahmad Chowdhury, expressed deep sorrow and condolences over his death.

The case of Dinar’s disappearance remains unresolved, symbolizing the lingering pain of enforced disappearances in Bangladesh and the enduring grief of affected families.