The interim government of Bangladesh has reaffirmed that the Awami League will not be allowed to participate in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam made the announcement during an emergency press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Wednesday, citing the party’s existing ban on political activities. According to the press secretary, the Election Commission has already excluded the Awami League from the list of registered political parties eligible to contest. The interim government had earlier, in May, issued a notification prohibiting all activities of the Awami League and its affiliated organizations under the amended Anti-Terrorism Ordinance. The ban will remain in place until ongoing proceedings at the International Crimes Tribunal are concluded. The decision underscores the government’s firm stance on maintaining the prohibition, raising questions about the inclusiveness of the upcoming election and the political representation landscape in Bangladesh.

Barrister Rumin Farhana, the BNP’s International Affairs Secretary, has decided to contest as a rebel candidate in the Brahmanbaria-2 (Sarail-Ashuganj) constituency for Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. On Wednesday, her representative collected nomination papers from the local election office, accompanied by several hundred BNP, Jubo Dal, and Chhatra Dal activists from the area. The BNP had earlier allocated the Brahmanbaria-2 seat to its alliance partner, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh, nominating Maulana Junaid Al-Habib as the coalition candidate. Farhana’s move signals internal dissent within the party, as several BNP hopefuls were reportedly disappointed by the seat-sharing decision. Speaking to reporters, she acknowledged the party’s strategic alliance decision but hinted she might still run independently. Political analysts suggest her candidacy could test BNP’s internal discipline and alliance cohesion. The party leadership has yet to comment on possible disciplinary measures if she proceeds independently. The development adds new complexity to the opposition’s electoral strategy in a key constituency.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has imposed a temporary ban on fireworks, firecrackers, sky lanterns, and gas balloons across the capital during the Christmas holiday. The restriction will be in effect from 6 p.m. on December 24 to 6 a.m. on December 26, 2025. The decision, announced by DMP Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman, aims to maintain a solemn and festive environment for the Christian community’s largest religious celebration. Authorities stated that the ban is enforced under Section 28 of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance (Ordinance No. III/76). The DMP urged residents to cooperate in ensuring a peaceful and safe observance of Christmas. Police officials emphasized that the measure is preventive, designed to avoid fire hazards, noise disturbances, and public safety risks. The restriction aligns with similar safety protocols implemented during major religious and national events in Dhaka. Law enforcement agencies are expected to increase patrols and monitoring across key church areas and public spaces during the holiday period.

Bangladesh has finalized the draft of its first major Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Japan, marking a milestone in bilateral economic relations. Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Chairman Choudhury Ashiq described the achievement as historic, emphasizing that it reflects Bangladesh’s commitment to policy continuity, investment protection, and credible dispute resolution mechanisms. The agreement is expected to open new opportunities beyond traditional manufacturing and energy sectors, extending to automobiles, digital services, logistics, and healthcare. Ashiq noted that Japanese investment will bring advanced technology, skills, and standards, reshaping Bangladesh’s economic landscape. The move aligns with Bangladesh’s preparations for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, positioning the nation for broader global integration. Officials indicated that this is only the beginning, as Bangladesh seeks similar agreements with key markets such as the United States, the European Union, and South Korea. The EPA is seen as a strategic foundation for sustaining growth and competitiveness in the post-LDC era.

Billal Hossain Miazi has been appointed as the acting secretary general of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of Bangladesh. The appointment was made by LDP President Dr. Col. (Retd.) Oli Ahmed Bir Bikrom following the departure of former secretary general Redwan Ahmed, who recently joined another political party. The decision came after consultations with the party’s presidium members. Miazi has been associated with the LDP since its inception and previously served as a central committee member, publicity secretary, and joint secretary general. His long-standing involvement and organizational experience were cited as key reasons for his selection. Party insiders view the appointment as an effort to stabilize internal leadership and maintain continuity amid shifting political alliances. The leadership change comes at a time when smaller political parties in Bangladesh are reassessing their positions ahead of upcoming national elections. Observers suggest that Miazi’s appointment could help the LDP strengthen its organizational base and reassert its political relevance in the evolving landscape.

A young man named Siam was killed on Wednesday evening after a bomb thrown by unidentified assailants exploded beneath the Moghbazar flyover in central Dhaka. Witnesses reported that the device was hurled from the top of the flyover near the Muktijoddha Memorial, injuring Siam fatally at the scene. Police arrived shortly after the blast, cordoning off the area as panic spread among local residents. Deputy Police Commissioner Masud Alam of Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Ramna Division said initial findings suggest the bomb was thrown from above, though the motive remains unclear. Siam, an employee of a private factory, was later identified by his relatives. Authorities are reviewing nearby CCTV footage to identify those responsible. The incident has raised concerns about public safety in Dhaka’s busy commercial zones. Police have intensified patrols in the area and assured that further details will be disclosed once the investigation concludes.

Indian Customs officials in West Bengal’s North Dinajpur district recovered Bangladeshi currency worth 120,000 taka during a raid near Raiganj on Tuesday morning. Acting on a tip-off, officers intercepted two men on a motorcycle without a license plate in the Hemtabad police area. When ordered to stop, the suspects fled, throwing bundles of 2-taka notes onto the road before escaping. Authorities later collected 60,000 brand-new, unused 2-taka notes from the scene. The seizure has prompted an investigation into how such a large quantity of new Bangladeshi currency entered Indian territory. Officials suspect the notes may have been smuggled across the border for illegal trade or currency exchange purposes. Customs sources said the incident highlights ongoing cross-border monetary smuggling challenges between India and Bangladesh. Security agencies are now coordinating with Bangladeshi counterparts to trace the origin of the notes and identify the individuals involved.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has decided not to field candidates in two constituencies—Patuakhali-03 and Jhenaidah-04—reserved for Gono Odhikar Parishad leaders Nurul Haque Nur and Rashed Khan. The announcement was confirmed by BNP’s media coordinator Abu Hanif on Wednesday, who said the decision honors the joint movement against authoritarianism led by both parties. Hanif clarified that this arrangement should not be interpreted as an electoral alliance, as BNP will contest all other seats except the one held by its chairperson, Begum Khaleda Zia. Nur and Rashed will contest under their party’s symbol, the truck, while BNP continues its broader electoral campaign. The Gono Odhikar Parishad expressed gratitude to BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman for the gesture. The move signals a limited tactical understanding between opposition groups ahead of the national polls, reflecting BNP’s attempt to maintain opposition unity without forming a formal coalition. Political observers view this as a symbolic gesture to strengthen anti-government coordination.

The Bangladesh government has announced that vehicles will be allowed to use the Dhaka Elevated Expressway without paying tolls for four hours on Thursday, December 25, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The decision coincides with the return of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman after nearly 17 years abroad. The announcement was made by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing on Wednesday afternoon. Officials stated that the toll exemption will apply to the expressway’s entry points near the airport area, easing traffic flow into central Dhaka. The measure aims to manage expected congestion as BNP supporters prepare large-scale receptions for Rahman’s arrival. Authorities anticipate heavy movement across the capital during the event. The temporary toll waiver reflects the government’s attempt to maintain order and minimize gridlock during a politically significant day. Traffic police and city management units have been instructed to remain on high alert, with additional monitoring planned around key routes and gathering points.

Bangladesh and Japan have finalized the draft of their long-anticipated Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), paving the way for extensive trade liberalization between the two nations. Under the agreement, Japan will grant duty-free access to 7,379 Bangladeshi products, including ready-made garments, while Bangladesh will offer similar benefits to 1,039 Japanese items. The formal signing is expected in January 2026, following months of negotiations led by trade officials from both countries. The EPA also covers the services sector, with Bangladesh opening 97 service categories and Japan 120, aimed at boosting investment and technology exchange. The agreement follows eight rounds of discussions held alternately in Dhaka and Tokyo since early 2024. Officials say the deal will deepen bilateral trade ties and diversify Bangladesh’s export base beyond apparel. Analysts view the EPA as a strategic step for Bangladesh ahead of its graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, ensuring continued market access in Asia’s third-largest economy. The agreement is expected to strengthen supply chains, attract Japanese investment, and enhance Bangladesh’s competitiveness in high-value exports.

A petition has been submitted to the Chattogram Superintendent of Police seeking the arrest of former MP Anisul Islam Mahmud, accused of involvement in the July 2024 violence in Hathazari. The application, filed by Omar Faruk of Cumilla’s Laksam area, alleges that Mahmud, a known associate of the former authoritarian regime, directly participated in attacks on protesters on August 5, 2024, which led to multiple deaths. According to the petition, Mahmud remains at large despite being named as the prime accused in several cases, including those filed at Double Mooring, Hathazari, and Kotwali police stations. The petitioner claims that Mahmud and his associates have been threatening victims’ families to withdraw their cases, creating fear in the community. Copies of the petition were also sent to senior law enforcement and advisory officials. The call for Mahmud’s arrest has reignited public debate over accountability for the 2024 violence. Rights groups and local residents have urged authorities to ensure a transparent investigation and uphold justice for the victims.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has restored the previous boundaries of Pabna-1, Pabna-2, Faridpur-3, and Faridpur-4 constituencies following a High Court verdict. The EC decided not to contest the ruling and issued a revised gazette notification on Wednesday, ahead of the scheduled appeal hearing on January 4. The court order effectively reverses the recent redistricting carried out by the EC. Earlier, the EC had redrawn constituencies based on administrative integrity, population balance, and geographical considerations. However, the High Court’s decision reinstates the earlier demarcations, similar to a previous ruling that restored Bagerhat’s seat configuration, which had reduced Gazipur’s seats. Reliable EC sources confirmed the implementation of the court’s directives. The decision affects specific unions and municipalities within Bera, Sujanagar, Nagarkanda, Saltha, Bhanga, Charbhadrasan, and Sadar upazilas. Political observers note that the restoration may influence local electoral dynamics ahead of the next national polls, as constituency boundaries often shape party strategies and voter alignments.

In 2025, Turkey’s long-term strategic patience paid off as it successfully balanced relations between Russia and the West amid ongoing global conflicts. Despite early fears that Ankara would be forced to choose sides following the 2022 Russia-Ukraine war, the country maintained diplomatic flexibility, turning crises into opportunities. Through initiatives such as the Antalya peace talks, the Black Sea grain deal, and the Istanbul peace process, Turkey positioned itself as a key mediator while sustaining trade with Moscow under Western sanctions. Turkey’s defense industry gained global recognition, particularly for its Bayraktar drones used in Ukraine and Azerbaijan’s Nagorno-Karabakh operations. The country also benefited from shifting regional dynamics, including the fall of the Assad regime in Syria and emerging peace prospects between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Improved ties with the EU, the U.S., and Gulf nations further strengthened Turkey’s geopolitical standing. Analysts suggest that Ankara’s pragmatic diplomacy and defense partnerships could accelerate its EU integration talks and restore its role in the F-35 program, marking 2025 as a pivotal year for its global influence.

Bangladesh authorities have heightened operational and security measures at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and across Biman Bangladesh Airlines ahead of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s return to Dhaka. Rahman is scheduled to arrive on Biman flight BG-202 from London’s Heathrow, landing first in Sylhet before continuing to Dhaka on Thursday morning. The national carrier has implemented additional oversight on flight operations, cabin services, and ground handling, with close coordination among airport and airline teams. Airport management has temporarily restricted non-passenger access to terminals from December 24 evening to December 25 evening to maintain order and safety. Officials advised travelers to arrive early due to expected traffic congestion around the airport and major connecting roads. Aviation sources emphasized that Rahman’s high-profile arrival coincides with a busy morning arrival window, requiring real-time coordination among air traffic, apron, and law enforcement units. Following his arrival, Rahman is expected to attend a reception in Purbachal before heading to Gulshan. Authorities are prioritizing uninterrupted flight operations and passenger processing throughout the event.

Russia’s state space agency Roscosmos has announced plans to construct a nuclear power plant on the Moon by 2036. The facility is expected to supply electricity to Russia’s lunar exploration program and a planned joint Russia-China research base. The project will be developed in partnership with the Lavochkin Association, with participation from the state nuclear corporation Rosatom and the Kurchatov Institute, Russia’s leading nuclear research center. The initiative marks Moscow’s renewed ambition to regain prominence in space exploration after setbacks such as the crash of its Luna-25 lander in 2023. Roscosmos described the proposed power plant as a critical step toward establishing a sustainable lunar presence. Although the agency did not explicitly confirm the plant’s nuclear nature, the involvement of major nuclear institutions strongly indicates that direction. Analysts view the project as part of Russia’s broader strategy to compete with the United States and China in lunar development. If successful, it could enable long-term human and robotic operations on the Moon, though technical and financial challenges remain significant.