On International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, Adhikar urged the government to dissolve the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and implement a 10-point plan to address enforced disappearances. The demands include independent investigations, withdrawal of false cases, victim and witness protection, legal recognition for families of missing persons, and enhanced forensic and investigative capacity. The group criticized past state repression under Sheikh Hasina and called for reforms and the implementation of the “July Charter” to ensure justice and transparency.

BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that preparations are underway for the national parliamentary elections scheduled in February. “Everyone is eagerly awaiting the elections. Through this process, democracy will be reinstated in the country,” he said during the inauguration of the Small and Cottage Industry Fair in Barishal district.

He emphasized that voters will elect their representatives and government, hold them accountable, and voice fundamental concerns directly. Khasru added, “Previously, the economy was concentrated in the hands of a few. We must expand economic opportunities for ordinary citizens and create global markets for small and cottage industries, ensuring economic growth for Bangladesh.”

The United Kingdom has repatriated 15 Bangladeshi nationals accused of violating immigration laws. The returnees were sent on a special charter flight from London’s Stansted Airport via Islamabad, arriving in Dhaka on Friday. The passengers included both men and women, some with valid passports and others with expired ones, hailing from districts such as Sylhet, Comilla, and Dhaka. The UK authorities, coordinating with Bangladesh, are taking strict measures against illegal immigrants, with repatriation forming part of their enforcement efforts.

The Directorate of Madrasa Education has issued an urgent directive requiring full cooperation in the recruitment, joining, and MPO inclusion process of NTRCA-recommended teachers at private madrasas. Letters have been sent to principals, acting heads, and other officials of MPO-registered institutions. Complaints have emerged about delays due to absent committees or heads. Institutions must follow proper procedures through acting principals, ad hoc committees, or local administration. Non-compliance may result in suspension of MPO benefits and legal action under relevant regulations.

Under the Digital Connectivity (EDC) project, broadband internet has still not reached 85% of government and private institutions in Pirojpur and Jhalokathi. Dhaka-based contractor Access Telecom has been accused of embezzling millions while delivering only a few routers. In the 19 institutions that received connections, the lines frequently go offline. Even after extending the project deadline to September 30, 2025, questions remain about the pace and quality of work. Local ISPs have provided no assistance, and Tanzila Islam, Project Director (Joint Secretary) of the EDC project, said she cannot comment on whether irregularities or corruption occurred without reviewing the files.

Kader Siddiqui stated that the 2024 public movement is approaching the ideals of independence, but the population is increasingly frustrated with the behavior of the movement’s leaders.

During a press conference, he protested the arrests of several individuals, including Latif Siddiqui, by DRU authorities and demanded their release. He remarked, “I believed their victory would last a thousand years, but in just one year, it is on the verge of being destroyed—a situation we did not anticipate. The ruling powers are preventing people from speaking freely and expressing opinions. We demand a fair electoral environment and stronger security measures in Bangladesh.”

In Chandrakona Union, Sherpur, a reception and general meeting were held to welcome 24 BNP leaders and supporters who joined Jamaat as associate members.

At the event, Foijur Rahman Firoz, the Jamaat-nominated chairman candidate for the union, congratulated the new members, stating, “By joining Jamaat, you have become part of an ideologically driven Islamic party. However, mere membership is not enough. You must follow Islamic principles in all aspects of life to earn Allah’s satisfaction and attain success in the hereafter, building yourselves as devoted and principled individuals.”

The newcomers expressed their belief that Jamaat is a principled, justice-based Islamic party, adding that the country’s current situation and Jamaat’s patriotic activities inspired them to join voluntarily.

However, BNP leader Khorshedur Rahman from Nakla upazila downplayed the impact, saying, “Those who joined are not established leaders. We have never seen them at BNP events, and the party will not suffer any loss from their departure.”

BNP leader Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain has expressed hope that the Election Commission will announce the schedule for the 13th National Parliamentary Elections on time in February.

Paying respects at the grave of party founder Ziaur Rahman, Zahid said the roadmap announced by the EC reflects the people’s demand for timely polls.

He stressed that elections remain the key means for citizens to shape the future of Bangladesh, entrusting their chosen representatives with nation-building responsibilities.

The University of East Anglia (UK), in collaboration with MH Global Group, plans to open a branch campus in Bangladesh, supported by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The initiative, backed by the Bangladesh Army, will also introduce joint and dual degree programs with Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) and the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST). The project aims to enhance higher education quality, offer opportunities in emerging tech fields, and support students’ global exposure and employability, including provisions for financially disadvantaged talent.

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has abolished the special quota for women in government primary school teacher recruitment, replacing it with a new 7 percent quota. Under the 2025 regulations, 93 percent of positions will be merit-based, while 7 percent are reserved for children of freedom fighters, small ethnic groups, and physically disabled or third-gender candidates. Separate positions have also been created for music and physical education. Recruitment will occur at the upazila level and through promotions, marking the 2019 regulations null and void.

AB Party leader Asaduzzaman Fuad has demanded that the upcoming national election be held under the July Charter, saying his party would not object even if polling is delayed.

Speaking to reporters, Fuad accused the Election Commission of preparing for a “half-hearted election.” He questioned whether the commission was capable of conducting a credible poll given its lack of proven experience.

Fuad warned that without fixing these issues, the upcoming election could become “the fairest but also the most one-sided in history.”

He also criticized the EC for ignoring key reforms, such as lowering the voting age to 17 for those who would reach that age on election day. Additionally, he urged cost-saving measures like standardized posters instead of expensive campaign materials.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain has said that young people will be the driving force behind political and qualitative transformation in Bangladesh’s future.

Speaking at the Bengal Delta Conference 2025, he emphasized the need to strengthen the country’s constitutional and institutional structures, which he said have remained weak despite decades of independence.

“Politics is not merely about holding office. We must build strong institutions if we are to bring meaningful change,” Hossain said.

He also warned that failure to repatriate Rohingya refugees would prolong the region’s suffering well into the next decade.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has warned of a “deep conspiracy” to eliminate liberal politics in Bangladesh and replace it with extremist forces, which he said would be disastrous for the nation.

Fakhrul cautioned that if elections are not held on time, fascism would rise, both domestically and with external influence. He noted growing public concern about whether elections will take place at all under current conditions.

Accusing certain political groups of spreading false propaganda against the BNP, Fakhrul reminded that party leaders and activists, including Khaleda Zia, have endured oppression for the past 15 years.

“We do not want Bangladesh to become a failed state,” he said, stressing the need to restore democracy in a way that serves the entire nation rather than a small elite.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher has accused the Election Commission (EC) of attempting to sabotage free and fair elections by announcing its recently unveiled roadmap.

Speaking at a gathering at Central Medical College Hospital in Cumilla, Taher, a Nayeb-e-Ameer of the party, said, “Announcing a roadmap before deciding whether to adopt the traditional system or the new proportional representation system is a grave offense by the Election Commission.”

He added that Jamaat would compel the EC and government to conduct elections under a reform charter. The EC recently revealed its 24-step action plan ahead of the 13th national parliamentary elections.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin has called on election officials to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and neutrality during the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election.

Speaking on Friday at the closing of a two-day core training workshop, the CEC stressed that law and order remains the biggest challenge ahead of the polls. “Every day we face new and evolving challenges. Election commissioners must remain focused on addressing these effectively,” he said.

Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarkar echoed this concern, warning that the 13th National Election could be “the most high-risk election in Bangladesh’s history.” He urged the commission and all those involved in the electoral process to remain vigilant.

Meanwhile, Election Commissioner Md. Sanaullah highlighted that the voter turnout may exceed expectations, noting that many expatriates are eagerly waiting to cast their votes with great enthusiasm.