The Bangla Academy has announced that the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 will start on February 20 and continue until March 15, marking a 24-day event instead of the usual month-long schedule. The decision was made due to the timing of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election, which led to a delay from the traditional February 1 opening. The revised dates were finalized during an emergency meeting held at the academy’s Shaheed Munir Chowdhury auditorium. The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Bangla Academy, Dhaka University, publishers’ representatives, and law enforcement agencies. The fair’s inauguration will take place at 11 a.m. on February 20. Organizers said the adjustment aims to ensure smooth coordination with national events and maintain visitor safety. The Amar Ekushey Book Fair remains Bangladesh’s largest literary gathering, celebrating the country’s language movement and cultural heritage. Preparations are underway to accommodate publishers and readers despite the shortened schedule.

FIFA has announced a major revision to its 2026 World Cup ticket pricing following widespread criticism from fans and national football associations. The governing body will now offer a limited number of tickets for each match, including the final, priced at $60 under a new 'Supporter Entry Tier' category. The decision comes after public outrage over previously announced prices that reached as high as $8,680 for the final. According to the Associated Press, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the organization reversed their earlier stance amid mounting pressure. Participating nations will receive between 400 and 750 of these lower-priced tickets to distribute among their supporters. Earlier, ticket prices for group-stage matches ranged from $180 to $700, sparking global criticism over affordability. The revised pricing aims to ease tensions with fans and improve accessibility ahead of the North American-hosted tournament. Analysts suggest the move could help restore FIFA’s public image and ensure greater stadium attendance when the World Cup kicks off in 2026.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain has clarified that the government will not provide shelter to any separatist groups, following controversial remarks by National Citizens Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah. During a press briefing in Dhaka, Hossain stated that no Bangladeshi government, present or future, would allow its territory to be used for such purposes, emphasizing that Abdullah’s comments reflected personal opinion, not official policy. The clarification came after Abdullah, speaking at a rally in Dhaka, warned that Bangladesh could support Indian separatists if India continued to harbor groups critical of Bangladesh’s sovereignty. His statement drew attention amid sensitive cross-border relations between the two neighbors. Hossain’s response sought to reaffirm Bangladesh’s commitment to regional stability and non-interference. Observers note that Dhaka’s prompt response aims to prevent diplomatic friction with New Delhi. The government’s stance underscores its broader foreign policy principle of mutual respect and non-alignment in internal affairs of neighboring countries.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has directed the Ministry of Information to ensure that all political parties and candidates receive equal opportunities in televised election dialogues, interviews, and talk shows ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election. The directive also prohibits any form of derogatory or defamatory remarks against any party or candidate in both public and private media outlets. In a letter signed by EC’s Director of Public Relations, Md. Ruhul Amin Mallik, the commission emphasized adherence to the Political Parties and Candidates’ Code of Conduct 2025, which forbids personal attacks during election-related media events. The EC instructed the ministry to take necessary precautions and implement measures to uphold fairness and neutrality in election coverage. This move comes as part of broader efforts to maintain a level playing field in the electoral process and to prevent media bias. Observers note that strict enforcement will be critical to sustaining public trust in the upcoming election and referendum.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Towhid Hossain stated that the country does not require advice from any neighboring state regarding its upcoming national elections. Speaking at a press briefing in Dhaka, he emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring a high-standard election where citizens can freely cast their votes, a situation he claimed had been absent for the past 15 years. Hossain criticized India’s recent comments on Bangladesh’s electoral process, calling them unacceptable. He argued that India remained silent during previous administrations, despite what he described as farcical elections under governments with which India maintained close ties. The adviser reiterated that Bangladesh knows its responsibilities and will conduct credible elections without external guidance. He also clarified that Bangladesh will not provide shelter to separatist groups from other countries. The remarks come amid heightened regional attention on Bangladesh’s political climate ahead of the polls, signaling Dhaka’s intent to assert its sovereignty in managing internal democratic processes.

A Dhaka court has granted a three-day remand for Md. Nuruzzaman Nomani, also known as Ujjal, who allegedly rented a microbus to help Faisal Karim Masud, the prime suspect in the attempted murder of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, flee the scene. The order was issued by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Jashita Islam after police sought a five-day remand. The hearing was conducted in the absence of the defense lawyer. The case, filed on December 14 by Inqilab Mancha’s member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber, accuses several individuals of involvement in the December 12 shooting of Hadi in Dhaka’s Paltan area. Hadi, an independent candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency, was critically injured and later transferred to Singapore for advanced treatment. Earlier, Masud’s wife, her friend, and his brother-in-law were placed on five-day remand, while a motorcycle owner was remanded for three days under Section 54. The attack has raised concerns about election-related violence ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th national polls, with investigators probing possible political motives and organized networks behind the assault.

Bangladesh’s Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Mohammad Tajul Islam, announced that BNP leader Ilias Ali was abducted and subsequently killed, based on findings from an ongoing investigation. The statement came after formal charges were filed against retired Major General Ziaul Ahsan, accused of involvement in multiple enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. According to Islam, Ahsan faces three charges related to the abduction and killing of over 100 individuals. The prosecution alleges that victims were murdered and their bodies disposed of in rivers across the country, including the Baleshwar, Shitalakshya, and Buriganga. Ahsan, who joined the army in 1991, later served in the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and held senior intelligence positions, including Director General of the National Telecommunication Monitoring Center (NTMC). The case marks a rare move to hold a high-ranking former security official accountable for alleged human rights abuses. Legal analysts say the tribunal’s proceedings could test Bangladesh’s commitment to addressing enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, long criticized by rights groups.

Bangladesh’s Religious Adviser Dr. A. F. M. Khalid Hossain stated that the current government is prepared to leave office following the national election scheduled for February 12, 2025. Speaking at a seminar organized by the Arabic Department of the University of Chittagong on International Arabic Language Day, he remarked that holding onto power has historically hindered the nation’s progress. He emphasized that his team is ready for transition and expressed no regret about their departure. Dr. Hossain mentioned that he has already begun sending his belongings to Chittagong in anticipation of the government’s handover once a new administration takes oath. His comments come amid preparations for the upcoming election, which will determine the next government. The adviser’s remarks were seen as a rare public acknowledgment of the administration’s readiness to transfer power peacefully. Observers note that such statements may help ease political tensions ahead of the polls, signaling a commitment to democratic continuity and institutional stability in Bangladesh.

A new study by Educo Bangladesh and the Child Labor Elimination Platform (CLAP) reveals that 66.6% of child laborers in Bangladesh are working in industrial factories, followed by 44.4% in services and 38.8% in agriculture. The report, presented at a policy-sharing event in Dhaka, warns that most of these children face severe health risks and calls for stronger social protection measures to prevent child labor. Dr. Khondaker Golam Moazzem, who presented the policy proposal, noted that around 3.5 million children are engaged in various forms of work, with about 100,000 in hazardous conditions. Despite existing laws and international commitments, informal child labor remains widespread. Government officials reaffirmed their commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and pledged to expand social safety nets for out-of-school children. Experts at the event emphasized the need for universal child benefits, increased education spending, and investment in rural livelihoods to reduce economic dependency on child labor. The recommendations aim to strengthen Bangladesh’s social protection framework and accelerate progress toward eliminating child labor by 2030.

Bangladesh Police have introduced extensive security arrangements ahead of Christmas and New Year’s Eve to ensure peaceful celebrations across the country. The decision was made during a meeting at the Police Headquarters chaired by Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam, attended by senior officers, Christian community leaders, and representatives from law enforcement agencies. The meeting emphasized vigilance around churches, tourist zones, and public gatherings, with additional lighting, volunteer deployment, and standby power systems recommended for event organizers. The police chief reaffirmed the force’s readiness to maintain law and order, while community leaders expressed satisfaction with the preparations. Cyber monitoring will be intensified to prevent misinformation or communal incitement on social media, and immediate legal action will be taken against violators. Authorities also announced stricter enforcement against reckless driving and noise pollution during festivities. Emergency services via hotline 999 will remain active. The measures reflect Bangladesh’s commitment to preserving communal harmony and ensuring safe, inclusive celebrations for all citizens.

Bangladesh’s interim government has acknowledged ongoing tensions in its relationship with India, according to Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain. Speaking at a press briefing in Dhaka on Wednesday, Hossain said the recent summoning of Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs was not unexpected and reflected normal diplomatic practice between neighboring states. Hossain noted that strains have persisted since the beginning of the interim government’s tenure but emphasized that Dhaka remains committed to improving ties with New Delhi. He stressed that constructive engagement requires reciprocal efforts from both governments, underscoring that Bangladesh alone cannot determine the pace of progress. His remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of bilateral relations following India’s diplomatic outreach. Observers suggest that while the current friction may test regional cooperation, both sides have strong incentives to maintain stability, particularly in trade, connectivity, and border management. Further diplomatic consultations are expected in the coming weeks to ease tensions and reaffirm mutual priorities.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has confirmed that the European Union (EU) is likely to send between 175 and 200 election observers for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary polls. Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed announced the development in Dhaka, noting that an administrative agreement has been signed among the EU, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the EC. The EU delegation will be led by Member of the European Parliament Ivars Ijabs. According to Ahmed, the agreement was finalized earlier but awaited formal approval from Brussels, which was received recently. The EC will provide logistical and administrative support to the EU mission, including assistance with travel and movement across the country. However, the Commission has requested that observers strictly follow local security protocols, particularly in sensitive areas such as the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The deployment of EU observers is seen as a step toward ensuring transparency and international confidence in the electoral process. The final number of observers and their detailed schedule will be announced later.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has strongly condemned what it describes as a growing trend of associating Islamic symbols such as the beard and prayer cap with the term 'razakar'—a label historically used for wartime collaborators. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the group’s joint secretary general, Maulana Azizul Haque Islamabadi, said the practice promotes hatred and division under the guise of patriotism. Islamabadi accused certain secular and pro-Indian groups of reviving anti-Islamic rhetoric during Victory Day celebrations. He alleged that such narratives aim to marginalize religious identity and distort the history of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. The Hefazat leader also criticized past governments for fostering hostility toward Islamic culture and called for unity against what he termed “Hindutva propaganda.” The statement urged historians to present an objective account of the 1971 war to younger generations. Analysts note that Hefazat’s remarks reflect ongoing tensions between religious and secular narratives in Bangladesh’s political discourse, particularly around national identity and historical interpretation.

After nearly two decades of delay, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has officially opened the long-awaited 60-foot link road in Mirpur for public use. The inauguration ceremony, held in Mirpur, was attended by Faiz Ahmad Tayyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, as chief guest, and DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz as chair. The project aims to directly connect the 60-foot road to Mirpur’s main thoroughfare, significantly improving traffic flow. DNCC officials explained that the project had been stalled for 17 years due to land disputes and inter-departmental coordination issues. Through joint efforts among government agencies, the road was completed within two months. Tayyeb emphasized the symbolic importance of the road, noting that coordinated work among service agencies can still make Dhaka a livable city. The DNCC cleared illegal structures and acquired postal department land to complete the connection. Local residents expect the new link to reduce chronic congestion between Mirpur-10 and Mirpur-2. DNCC plans further infrastructure upgrades to address long-pending urban mobility challenges.

The Ministry of Education has transferred Dhaka College sociology professor A.K.M. Rafiqul Alam to Charfassion Government College in Bhola following allegations that he attempted to incite students amid debates over the proposed Dhaka Central University model. The transfer order, issued on December 10 under presidential authority, requires him to be released from his current post by December 18. The ministry described the move as being in the public interest. The decision follows leaked remarks from an online meeting where Rafiqul Alam allegedly suggested mobilizing students to counter opposition to the proposed university structure. His comments drew criticism from students, who said teachers should guide and protect learners rather than provoke division or unrest. They welcomed the transfer, saying accountability is essential for educators. The incident has reignited debate over the governance of the seven affiliated colleges and the future of higher education reforms. Observers note that the ministry’s swift action signals a zero-tolerance stance toward educators’ involvement in politically sensitive agitation.