Sujon, a rickshaw driver who gained public attention during the July uprising for saluting protesting students, has purchased a nomination form from the National Citizen Party (NCP) to contest the upcoming national parliamentary election from Dhaka-8 constituency. He collected the form on Thursday evening, accompanied by senior NCP leaders. Sujon expressed optimism about winning the election, citing his popularity and connection with ordinary people. He emphasized that his candidacy demonstrates equal political rights for all citizens, thanking the NCP for allowing him the opportunity. In the same constituency, BNP has nominated its standing committee member Mirza Abbas, Jamaat-e-Islami nominated Advocate Helal Uddin, and Sharif Osman Hadi from Inquilab Manch announced his independent candidacy. The contest in Dhaka-8 is expected to draw attention due to Sujon’s unique background and symbolic representation of grassroots participation in politics.

Bangladesh’s caretaker government has given final approval to establish a separate secretariat for the judiciary, a long-awaited step toward full judicial independence. The new body, to be known as the Supreme Court Secretariat, will operate under the High Court. Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul announced the decision at a press conference following an advisory council meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. The ‘Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance 2025’ is expected to be gazetted next week. This move fulfills a decades-long demand stemming from the landmark Masdar Hossain case, filed in 1995 by members of the BCS Judicial Association seeking separation of the judiciary from the executive. The Supreme Court’s 1999 verdict mandated the establishment of an independent judiciary, but full implementation had been pending for 26 years. Officials described the approval as the final step in ensuring judicial autonomy in Bangladesh.

Senior lawyer Shishir Monir, representing Jamaat-e-Islami in the recent appeal, stated that under the current caretaker government formation, the most recently retired Chief Justice would serve as the head of the interim administration. However, he noted that this provision is not presently in effect. Following the Supreme Court’s historic verdict delivered by a seven-member Appellate Division bench led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, Monir explained that the caretaker government system has been automatically reinstated in the constitution. He added that the upcoming 13th national election will be held under an interim government, while the caretaker system will take effect from the 14th parliamentary election onward. Monir also mentioned that the final structure of the caretaker government could change depending on the outcome of the July Charter referendum and subsequent constitutional reform sessions in the new parliament.

Mahmudur Rahman, editor of the newspaper *Amar Desh*, has called on Bangladesh’s post-election government to act in accordance with the aspirations of the July Revolution. Speaking at a seminar titled “Successes and Failures of Revolutions and Uprisings: From November 7 to August 5” at Rajshahi University, he emphasized that the revolution is ongoing and will continue until its goals are fully realized. Rahman stressed the importance of holding the 13th national parliamentary election on time, warning that any delay could create instability that external forces, particularly Delhi, might exploit. Expressing doubts about the possibility of a free and fair election, he blamed administrative and bureaucratic complications and the influence of ruling party allies. He also criticized the government for failing to conduct a cleansing campaign and for not embracing the revolutionary spirit. Rahman urged the July revolutionaries to remain united, asserting that their unity is essential to keeping Bangladesh on the right path.

At Jagannath University, the student wings of Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Adhikar Parishad have formed a joint panel named 'Oikyoboddho Nirvik Jobian' for the upcoming central student union (JnUCSU) election. The panel nominated AKM Rakib, president of the university’s Chhatra Adhikar unit, as vice president candidate. Central general secretary Nazmul Hasan of Chhatra Adhikar said Rakib’s inclusion aims to keep Chhatra Dal relevant on campus and ensure broader student benefit. Rakib emphasized that the alliance is electoral, not political, and pledged to work for student rights without external influence. He also criticized the administration for irregular teacher recruitment and delays in scholarship processes. Meanwhile, Jagannath University Chhatra Dal convener Mehedi Hasan Himel clarified that the coalition is inclusive and not based on political ideology, adding that Nazmul Hasan’s remarks reflect his personal opinion. The election alliance highlights both cooperation and underlying tension between the two student organizations.

The High Court of Bangladesh has ordered a halt to all activities related to the contract for the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at Chattogram Port until the ongoing case is resolved. The directive was issued verbally by a bench led by Justice Fatema Najib, with the state counsel assuring compliance with the order. The case stems from a writ petition filed by Mirza Walid Hossain, president of the Bangladesh Young Economists Forum, challenging the legality of handing over the management of the NCT to a foreign company. Earlier, on July 30, the High Court had issued a rule questioning the validity of the agreement between the Chattogram Port Authority and the foreign firm. The court’s latest instruction effectively freezes all contractual and operational activities tied to the terminal pending judicial review.

A 20-year-old student of East West University, identified as B.M. Mushfiquzzaman, was found dead near the university’s main campus in Aftabnagar, Badda, Dhaka, on Thursday evening. Security personnel discovered him unconscious beside the Farauddin Building and rushed him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival. Mushfiquzzaman, a first-year student of Mathematics, Medical, and Physics, was originally from Panchgaon village in Tongibari, Munshiganj, and lived with his family in Khilgaon. His father is associated with the management of the national women’s kabaddi team. Police confirmed the recovery of the body and said it has been sent to the hospital morgue for autopsy. The cause of death remains unknown pending the post-mortem report, and authorities have informed the local police station for further investigation.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali has warned that attempts to weaken police morale through acts of sabotage, including recent cocktail attacks, could endanger public safety. Speaking at the inauguration of the DMP’s new Cyber Support Center, he emphasized that if police morale collapses, citizens may have to protect their own homes. The commissioner highlighted that the newly launched center is designed to combat evolving cybercrimes such as online fraud, digital harassment, defamation, and gambling. Equipped with advanced laboratories, digital forensic experts, and a 24-hour response team, the center aims to provide faster and more effective services, particularly to protect women and youth from online abuse. Citizens can report cybercrime incidents through the center’s official Facebook page or email. Addressing questions about alleged shoot-to-kill orders against attackers, Sajjat clarified that he issued no new directives, only reminded officers of existing laws.

Jamaat-e-Islami is reportedly planning significant changes to its candidate list for Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, signaling a possible seat-sharing arrangement with seven other Islamist-leaning parties. The coalition aims to present the election as participatory by coordinating nominations to maximize winning potential rather than focusing on equal seat distribution. Jamaat had earlier announced candidates for all 300 constituencies, but now intends to leave several seats for allies and influential figures, including former vice-chancellors, student leaders, and prominent Islamic scholars. Party sources suggest that popular preachers like Mizanur Rahman Azhari and Amir Hamza may receive nominations, though official confirmation remains pending. Jamaat leaders emphasize unity among Islamist groups and broader inclusion of professionals and community representatives under a single electoral platform. The move reflects a strategic shift from earlier positions and aims to strengthen the Islamist bloc’s parliamentary presence.

A fatal accident occurred on Thursday afternoon in Chattogram’s port area when a private car veered off the elevated expressway and fell onto the ground below. The incident, which took place around 4 p.m., left one person dead and at least four others seriously injured. According to Sirajul Islam, the investigating officer of Bandar Police Station, the car was traveling from Patenga toward the city when it lost control and plunged off the expressway. A pedestrian named Shafik, aged 55 and reportedly a port worker, sustained critical injuries and later died after being taken to a hospital. The four injured individuals were rescued and transported to Islami Bank Hospital in Agrabad for treatment. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, which has raised concerns about road safety on the newly constructed elevated expressway in the port city.

A fire and crude bomb explosion occurred early Thursday morning at the residence of Umme Uswatun Rafia, an executive member of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Daksu). The incident was confirmed by Daksu’s Liberation War and Democratic Movement Secretary Fatima Tasnim Juma. According to a Facebook post by Daksu’s Literature and Cultural Secretary Musaddiq Ali Ibn Mohammad, the attack involved gunpowder and was allegedly carried out by a group referred to as 'Jongi League'. Authorities have yet to confirm the motive or identify the perpetrators. No casualties were immediately reported, but the event has raised concerns over the safety of student leaders and the growing tension within student politics at Dhaka University.

Twelve-year-old Aryan Afif, who suffered severe burns in the Uttara Milestone School and College plane crash in Dhaka, has finally returned home after 122 days of intensive treatment. Admitted to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery with 40% burns, Aryan underwent 34 surgeries and spent multiple periods in the ICU, including three days on life support. Doctors initially feared for his survival, but Aryan’s determination and the relentless efforts of medical staff led to his remarkable recovery. On November 20, he was discharged and reunited with his mother, who expressed deep gratitude and emotion. Institute Director Dr. Mohammad Nasir Uddin described Aryan’s case as one of the most challenging in their careers, emphasizing both physical and psychological healing. The institute will continue to provide follow-up care, while Dr. Uddin urged society to support Aryan’s long-term rehabilitation.

The Bangladesh government plans to complete a nationwide rice and paddy procurement drive before the February national election to ensure strong food reserves for the incoming administration. Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumder announced that the target for the current Aman season is 700,000 tons—comprising 50,000 tons of paddy, 50,000 tons of atap rice, and 600,000 tons of parboiled rice—purchased directly from farmers. The procurement campaign will run until February 28, 2026. Farmers will receive Tk 39 per kg for paddy, Tk 50 for parboiled rice, and Tk 49 for atap rice. The government has also expanded its food-friendly program to cover 5.5 million families for six months instead of five. Last season’s shortfall in collection led to the decision to import 800,000 tons of rice in FY2024–25. Despite current self-sufficiency, retail rice prices in Dhaka range between Tk 54 and Tk 85 per kg, depending on quality.

BNP central leader and former minister Advocate M Ruhul Kuddus Talukder Dulu stated that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) does not follow India’s directives in its political activities but works solely for the people of Bangladesh. Speaking at a public rally in Natore’s Kamar Diar area, Dulu emphasized that the people’s trust lies with the BNP and its election symbol, the sheaf of paddy. He criticized the ruling Awami League for what he described as a lack of development in Natore over the past 17 years and urged BNP activists to campaign door-to-door for votes. Earlier, at a meeting with retired bankers and workers, Dulu said the BNP had introduced the caretaker government system to ensure fair elections, which the Awami League later abolished. He welcomed a recent court ruling reinstating the caretaker system, calling it a victory for the people of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s Law Adviser Asif Nazrul announced that the government will finalize the referendum law within the next three to four working days. The Election Commission is currently awaiting the ordinance to proceed with preparations. The move follows Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus’s earlier declaration that a national referendum will be held on the same day as the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, scheduled for the first half of February. Yunus emphasized that the simultaneous referendum and election will not hinder ongoing reforms but will make the process more festive and cost-effective. The law is expected to provide the necessary legal framework for organizing the referendum alongside the general election, marking a significant step in Bangladesh’s political process under the interim administration.