Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for collective resistance against all forms of oppressive forces, emphasizing that awareness alone is not enough. Speaking on Monday morning, he urged citizens and political actors to take a firm stand to protect democratic values and freedoms.

Addressing recent attacks on media outlets, Fakhrul stated that the assaults on newspapers such as Prothom Alo and The Daily Star were not merely attacks on institutions but on democracy itself and the fundamental right to free expression. His remarks come amid growing concerns over press freedom and political polarization in Bangladesh.

Political analysts note that the BNP’s renewed rhetoric signals a broader campaign to mobilize public sentiment ahead of upcoming political activities. Observers warn that continued pressure on the media could further strain Bangladesh’s democratic environment and complicate dialogue between major political parties.

More than 575,000 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 latest update as of Monday morning. The registration process, initially open until December 18, has been extended to December 25 to accommodate more overseas voters.

Among the registered expatriates, 538,808 are men and 36,459 are women. Saudi Arabia accounts for the highest number of registrants at 138,705, followed by Qatar with 52,109, Oman with 38,099, Malaysia with 36,427, the United Arab Emirates with 26,500, and the United States with 24,055 voters. The Election Commission stated that the initiative aims to ensure greater participation of Bangladeshis living abroad in national decision-making.

Officials expect the final registration tally to rise further before the December 25 deadline, marking a milestone in Bangladesh’s effort to integrate its diaspora into the democratic process through digital platforms.

Tensions have risen within the eight-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami in Sunamganj as disputes over candidate selection intensify ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th national election. The uncertainty centers on two constituencies—Sunamganj-1 and Sunamganj-3—where frequent party-switching by two prominent politicians, Dr. Rafiqul Islam Chowdhury and Advocate Maulana Shahinur Pasha Chowdhury, has triggered grassroots mistrust and internal divisions.

Dr. Rafiqul Islam, once a BNP executive member, has shifted allegiances multiple times, most recently joining Islami Andolan Bangladesh in November 2025 to seek the alliance’s nomination. Local Jamaat leaders argue his candidacy could endanger the coalition’s vote base. Similarly, Shahinur Pasha, now with Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, faces skepticism from alliance activists due to his history of switching parties and participation in controversial elections.

Grassroots leaders warn that nominating controversial figures could erode voter confidence and damage the alliance’s electoral prospects. Party insiders suggest that final nominations will depend on field surveys and local acceptance to prevent internal rifts before the polls.

Economist and historian Mahbub Ullah has argued that Bangladesh, despite 54 years of independence, remains economically fragile and politically fractured. In a recent commentary, he contrasted Bangladesh’s limited industrial progress with Vietnam’s socialist-driven industrialization, noting that Bangladesh’s economy still depends heavily on garments and remittances. He warned that poverty has risen from 18% to 22% in four years due to inflation and job scarcity, while investment remains stagnant.

Ullah accused past governments of fostering oligarchic kleptocracy, capital flight, and institutional decay. He claimed that corruption and state capture have undermined democracy and economic vitality. The economist also alleged that Indian influence has compromised Bangladesh’s sovereignty through trade barriers and political interference.

He urged national unity to counter external dominance and restore confidence in state institutions, warning that internal political divisions and social media hostility threaten the country’s stability. His call emphasized the need for structural reform, economic diversification, and a renewed commitment to national self-reliance.

Bangladesh stands at a pivotal juncture as the nation prepares for its next general election following the July 2024 mass uprising that reshaped the country’s political landscape. The uprising, driven by grassroots frustration with authoritarianism and inequality, has intensified calls for a fair, participatory election and deep institutional reform. Reform proposals under Professor Muhammad Yunus’s interim administration have introduced structural changes to the Election Commission, though key recommendations—such as an independent delimitation body and recall voting—were excluded.

Analysts warn that public trust in the electoral process remains fragile after years of politicized governance. Concerns persist over the influence of money, partisan administration, and weak law enforcement. Political parties’ confrontational rhetoric and reports of violence, including an attack on Inquilab leader Sharif Osman Hadi, have raised fears of voter intimidation. Media independence and digital misinformation also pose challenges.

Experts emphasize that democratic transition requires more than a single election. Institutional accountability, judicial independence, anti-corruption measures, and inclusion of women and marginalized groups are essential to fulfilling the July uprising’s promise of a just, participatory republic.

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun has appealed against the five-year prison sentence handed to him by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal. The appeal, filed on December 17, seeks acquittal from charges related to crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the July Uprising. The tribunal had delivered its verdict on November 17, sentencing Mamun to five years in prison.

The judgment was issued by a three-member panel of the International Crimes Tribunal-1, chaired by Justice Golam Murtuza Mozumdar, with Justices Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury as members. Prosecutors had earlier, on March 16, requested that Mamun be made an accused in the case, a motion the tribunal accepted.

Legal analysts note that the appeal will test the tribunal’s procedural robustness and may set a precedent for future cases involving senior officials. The Supreme Court is expected to schedule a hearing date in early 2026, with both prosecution and defense preparing extensive documentation.

Bangladesh’s interim government, formed after the fall of an authoritarian regime, is preparing for national elections amid rising regional security challenges. Despite political stabilization, the country faces mounting external and internal threats, including India’s expanded military presence near the northern border, insurgent activity in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and instability from Myanmar’s civil war. Analysts warn that Bangladesh’s outdated defense infrastructure—comprised largely of obsolete tanks, aircraft, and naval assets—cannot meet these evolving threats.

A proposed modernization roadmap outlines a three-phase plan from 2025 to 2040 to rebuild the armed forces into a technologically advanced, integrated defense system. Immediate priorities include acquiring modern main battle tanks, 4.5-generation fighter jets, guided-missile frigates, and advanced air defense systems. Midterm goals focus on joint command structures, domestic defense production, and cyber and drone warfare capabilities. Long-term objectives envision a blue-water navy and AI-driven defense research. Experts emphasize increasing defense spending to 2% of GDP and launching defense bonds for expatriates. The plan underscores that national security, not politics, must now be Bangladesh’s foremost priority.

Bangladesh’s interim government led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus has initiated a major realignment in foreign policy, emphasizing national sovereignty and reduced dependence on India. Following Sheikh Hasina’s fall from power after mass protests, Yunus has sought to reassert Bangladesh’s diplomatic independence by strengthening ties with China, Turkey, and Pakistan while maintaining engagement with Western partners. His administration’s early moves include reviving the Teesta River project with Chinese participation and signing agreements to modernize Mongla Port.

This shift recalls the foreign policy of former President Ziaur Rahman, who steered Bangladesh away from the Soviet-India axis in the late 1970s. Analysts note that Yunus’s approach has unsettled New Delhi, which had long enjoyed strategic influence over Dhaka’s political and defense affairs. Indian media have responded critically, reflecting growing unease over Bangladesh’s diversification of alliances.

The new policy’s implications are significant: it could reshape South Asian geopolitics by balancing regional powers and enhancing Bangladesh’s bargaining position. However, the transition also carries risks of diplomatic friction with India and challenges in sustaining economic and security cooperation across competing blocs.

Following the July–August revolution, Bangladesh’s interim government initiated an ambitious administrative reform drive, forming 11 commissions to restructure governance, decentralize power, and curb corruption. The Public Administration Reform Commission proposed reducing ministries from 43 to 25 and divisions from 61 to 40, introducing merit-based promotions, and creating a professional, citizen-oriented bureaucracy. However, several proposals, such as converting divisions into provinces, have been criticized as unrealistic.

The reform process has been derailed by entrenched cadre rivalries, particularly over the deputy secretary promotion quota, and by persistent political interference in recruitment and transfers. Administrative cadres protested against the proposed 50:50 quota, while other cadres supported it as a step toward equality. Analysts note that despite reform rhetoric, political parties have failed to prioritize bureaucratic neutrality and accountability.

Experts warn that without political consensus, transparent implementation, and institutional safeguards against politicization, the reform agenda risks stagnation. The future of Bangladesh’s bureaucracy now hinges on whether the government can enforce merit-based systems and restore public trust in state institutions.

The Bangladesh government has assigned armed bodyguards and initiated firearm licensing for several political figures and July Movement leaders following a surge in security concerns. Among those receiving protection are former interim government adviser and National Citizens’ Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam, NCP coordinators Hasnat Abdullah, Tasnim Zara, and Sarjis Alam. The move follows recent violent incidents, including the daylight shooting of activist Sharif Osman Hadi, which heightened fears of targeted attacks against anti-hegemony and sovereignty advocates.

Security agencies have reportedly identified a hit list targeting individuals critical of India’s influence in Bangladesh’s internal politics. In response, multiple politicians from parties such as BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Jatiya Party, and LDP have applied for armed protection. Authorities confirmed that several requests are being processed, with some already approved. Additional Inspector General Khondker Rafiqul Islam stated that all applicants seeking security are being reviewed carefully.

The decision underscores the government’s attempt to stabilize the political environment ahead of upcoming elections, though it also reflects deepening mistrust and polarization within Bangladesh’s political landscape.

Sharif Osman Hadi, one of the prominent leaders of Bangladesh’s 2024 July uprising that toppled Sheikh Hasina’s government, died on December 18, 2025, in Singapore after being shot in Dhaka on December 12. The 32-year-old activist had emerged as a key figure in the post-revolt political landscape, leading the Inquilab Manch and promoting the ‘July Charter’—a proposed roadmap for a new political order emphasizing cultural independence and national identity.

Hadi’s politics centered on a Bengali Muslim identity and opposition to what he termed India-backed “cultural fascism.” While some student leaders joined Muhammad Yunus’s interim government or formed the National Citizen Party, Hadi’s faction remained independent, mobilizing grassroots groups. His assassination has triggered allegations of involvement by Bangladesh’s “deep state,” though police have arrested several suspects linked to the attack.

His death underscores the fragility of Bangladesh’s post-Hasina transition. With the July Charter referendum planned alongside the February 2026 elections, Hadi’s absence may reshape alliances among youth-led movements and challenge the interim government’s legitimacy.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-1 is set to hold a hearing on Monday to formally frame charges against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s adviser Salman F Rahman and former law minister Anisul Huq. The two are accused of inciting violence and imposing curfews that led to civilian deaths during the July Revolution, a period of political upheaval that followed the fall of the Awami League government.

The three-member tribunal, chaired by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumdar with members Shafiul Alam Mahmud and retired judge Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury, will hear arguments from the prosecution before defense lawyers present their statements. The formal charges were submitted on December 4, following the pair’s arrest on August 13, shortly after the government’s collapse.

Legal analysts say the case marks a critical test for Bangladesh’s post-revolution justice process. The tribunal’s decision on whether to proceed to trial could influence future accountability measures for alleged human rights violations during the July events.

Bangladesh’s stock market has gone 16 months without a single company listing or submitting an initial public offering (IPO) application, marking the longest such pause since the COVID-19 pandemic. The last company to list was Techno Drugs in July 2024. Despite directives from Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus to accelerate listings of state-owned and multinational firms, no progress has been made, raising concerns among investors and market analysts.

Officials attribute the stagnation to the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission’s (BSEC) ongoing revision of IPO regulations. The new Public Offer of Equity Securities Rules, 2025, has completed public consultation and awaits final approval. BSEC spokesperson Abul Kalam said companies could still apply under the 2015 rules but lacked initiative due to governance issues and restrictive pricing models. Market leaders, including the DSE Brokers Association, criticized the regulator for failing to maintain supply and investor confidence.

Analysts warn that the prolonged freeze has set the market back by at least two years, with over a quarter of listed firms now in weak ‘Z’ category. The new IPO framework, expected by December, may determine whether investor trust can be restored in 2026.

Leaders of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam have collected nomination papers on behalf of Syed Talha Alam, the AB Party candidate for Sunamganj-3 (Shantiganj-Jagannathpur) constituency. The papers were collected from the Jagannathpur Upazila Election Office under the leadership of central and local Jamiat figures, signaling cross-party cooperation ahead of the upcoming national election.

Talha Alam, formerly the publicity secretary of Jamiat’s Mufti Wakkas faction, joined the AB Party on December 16 with the consent of senior Jamiat leaders. Several Jamiat members, including Maulana Hossain Ahmed and Hafiz Syed Wazirul Haque, pledged to work for his campaign, emphasizing unity beyond party lines. They described Alam as a trusted colleague and expressed commitment to voter outreach and campaign coordination.

Political observers view this alliance as evidence of Alam’s grassroots appeal and leadership credibility. His candidacy, supported by both AB Party and former Jamiat activists, is expected to strengthen his position in the constituency and potentially reshape local political dynamics ahead of the national polls.

Farmers in Kaukhali upazila of Pirojpur district have seen a remarkable turnaround in fortunes this season through early bottle gourd cultivation. With favorable weather and strong market demand, wholesalers from various regions are purchasing directly from fields, ensuring steady income for growers. Around 58 hectares of land have been brought under bottle gourd cultivation this year, alongside other vegetables such as pumpkin, beans, cucumber, and bitter gourd.

Local farmers report significant profits. Mamun Hossain from Purba Keundia village earned about 250,000 taka from early sales and expects to sell another 200,000 taka worth of produce, with production costs of only 30,000–35,000 taka. Another farmer, Sujit, reported sales of around 150,000 taka. Agricultural officers credit the success to Kaukhali’s fertile alluvial soil and continuous technical support.

Officials say government projects and training programs have encouraged farmers to adopt improved vegetable varieties. With rising prices and expanding cultivation, bottle gourd farming is emerging as a sustainable income source for rural households in southern Bangladesh.