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.

Bangladesh’s Detective Branch (DB) police have arrested Nur Uddin, a mechanic accused of manufacturing illegal firearms under the guise of operating an engineering workshop in Chandraganj, Lakshmipur. The arrest took place on December 9 in a remote area of Rangamati district, following a week-long manhunt after he fled during an earlier police raid.

Authorities said Nur Uddin’s workshop, 'Noha Auto Traders and Engineering,' was used to produce locally made weapons. During a December 1 raid, police recovered one homemade firearm and a large quantity of weapon-making equipment. Later, on December 7, officers discovered five single-barrel guns and one LG firearm hidden near a graveyard in Begumganj, allegedly produced in the same workshop.

Police officials confirmed that legal proceedings have begun under the Arms Act. The arrest highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to curb the spread of illegal weapons manufacturing in rural Bangladesh, a growing concern for local security agencies.

A 24-year-old factory worker named Mohammad Hossain was fatally stabbed in Dhaka’s Lalbagh area on Tuesday afternoon following a dispute linked to a previous altercation. The attack occurred around 3:30 p.m. in Shahidnagar Lane No. 2, where Hossain was ambushed by a local youth named Abir. He was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

According to witnesses, the conflict began the previous night when Abir demanded an iron pipe from Hossain’s friend Nirab. After Nirab refused, Abir slapped him, prompting Hossain to intervene and strike back. Although the issue was reportedly settled by local residents, Abir allegedly retaliated the next day with a knife attack. Police confirmed multiple stab wounds to Hossain’s chest and abdomen.

Lalbagh police have launched an investigation to determine whether the killing stemmed from personal enmity or provocation. Officers stated that all individuals involved will be brought under legal scrutiny as the inquiry continues.

Four people were killed in three separate road accidents in Chapainawabganj district on Tuesday, according to local police. The incidents occurred in Shibganj, Bholahat, and Gomostapur upazilas at different times of the day. In Shibganj’s Satrajitpur area, 93-year-old Bosed Ali died after being hit by a locally made vehicle while crossing the road. Later, in Bholahat’s Islampur area, eight-year-old schoolboy Hasan Ali was struck and killed by a trolley while returning home from school.

In the afternoon, two motorcyclists, Ashik Ali (25) and Abdullah (30), died on the spot after a truck collision in Rahonpur Tentultala area of Gomostapur upazila. Police from the three upazilas confirmed that the bodies were recovered and legal procedures are underway.

The series of accidents has raised concerns about road safety and the lack of enforcement of traffic regulations in rural areas of Bangladesh, where unregistered vehicles and poor road conditions often contribute to fatalities.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali has urged city residents to verify the identity of domestic workers before hiring them. In a statement issued on Tuesday night, the DMP emphasized that employers should collect a copy of the worker’s national ID card, a recent passport-sized photograph, and the names and addresses of at least two identifiers to ensure proper verification.

The commissioner also requested citizens to cooperate with police by accurately filling out tenant registration forms and providing necessary personal details. The advisory follows a recent double murder in Mohammadpur allegedly committed by a domestic worker, as well as recurring incidents of theft and disappearance involving household staff.

Authorities believe that increased public awareness and adherence to verification procedures could significantly reduce such crimes. The DMP plans to strengthen community policing and data collection to improve urban safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Bangladesh recorded a strong inflow of remittances in the first eight days of December, reaching USD 1.008 billion, according to Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan. The daily average stood at USD 126 million, marking a significant rise from USD 831 million during the same period last year. On December 8 alone, expatriates sent USD 131 million, reflecting continued momentum in foreign income inflows.

Between July and December 8 of the current fiscal year, total remittances reached USD 14.046 billion, up 18.4% year-on-year. November saw the highest monthly inflow of the fiscal year at USD 2.889 billion, followed by strong figures in October and September. The previous fiscal year (2024–25) closed with a record USD 30.32 billion in remittances, the highest in Bangladesh’s history.

Economists attribute the growth to improved banking channels, policy incentives, and seasonal demand ahead of year-end festivities. Sustained remittance growth is expected to support foreign reserves and stabilize the exchange rate amid global economic uncertainty.

National Citizen Party (NCP) member secretary Akhtar Hossain stated that Bangladesh’s 2026 national election was never intended to be a mere transfer of power but a platform for structural reform. Speaking at the National Youth Power Representative Conference in Dhaka’s Shahbagh, he said the election has been turned into a political showdown rather than a movement for change.

Hossain emphasized that the NCP’s long-standing goal was to move beyond what he described as a ‘fascist framework’ and to establish a new political structure for Bangladesh. He criticized major parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, for sidelining reform discussions and focusing solely on strategies for regaining or seizing power.

He further argued that both ruling and opposition groups are misleading the public with half-truths about governance experience and promises of change. Hossain urged citizens to recognize these patterns and to prioritize genuine reform in the upcoming election cycle.