On International Human Rights Day, BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman declared that his party rejects the politics of revenge and is committed to a path of reconciliation and justice. In a Facebook post, he criticized the ruling Awami League for alleged enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and suppression of dissent during its tenure. Rahman pledged that no Bangladeshi should live in fear of the state, regardless of political affiliation. He reflected on what he described as 16 years of political darkness, marked by fear, false cases, and repression, particularly against BNP members. Rahman also recounted his own experience of being silenced since 2015 and praised Khaleda Zia as a symbol of patience and democratic resistance. He emphasized that the BNP’s suffering should inspire forgiveness and moral strength rather than vengeance. Rahman concluded by calling for a united Bangladesh that guarantees freedom of speech and human rights for all citizens, asserting that justice, accountability, and compassion must guide the nation’s political renewal.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has announced that any candidate found involved in corruption, terrorism, or fascist activities will have their nomination cancelled. The warning came from NCP convener Nahid Islam during a briefing at the party’s temporary office on Wednesday, following the release of a list of 125 preliminary candidates by the party’s member secretary Akhtar Hossain. Nahid Islam emphasized that the nomination process remains open and subject to public verification. He said the party has not reserved any seats for specific individuals and that the selection was based on reports from the nomination board. The NCP aims to maintain inclusivity in its candidate list, ensuring representation from women, minorities, and professionals such as teachers, doctors, engineers, and expatriates. He added that the party will continue to review nominations until all 300 constituencies are finalized. If credible allegations arise against any candidate, their nomination will be revoked, and new candidates may be considered to ensure transparency and accountability in the selection process.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has released its preliminary list of 125 candidates for the first phase of Bangladesh’s upcoming national parliamentary elections. The announcement was made by party member secretary Akhtar Hossain on Wednesday, December 10, outlining the constituencies and nominees selected to contest under the party’s banner. Among the 125 nominees, 14 are women, including several well-known figures such as Dr. Tasnim Jara, Dr. Mahmuda Alam Mitu, and Dilshana Parul. The list also features new entrants like Advocate Humayra Noor and Engineer Nabila Tasnid, representing constituencies across Dhaka, Chattogram, Khagrachhari, and other districts. Some previously speculated names, including Samanta Sharmin and Nusrat Tabassum, were not included in this phase. Analysts note that the inclusion of women candidates in multiple competitive seats signals the NCP’s effort to project a more inclusive image ahead of the polls. The party is expected to announce additional candidates in subsequent phases as the election schedule progresses.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police have arrested a domestic worker named Ayesha from Jhalkathi in connection with the brutal murder of a mother and daughter in the Mohammadpur area of Dhaka. The victims, Laila Afroz (48) and her daughter Nafisa Lawal Binte Aziz (15), were found dead in their apartment on Shahjahan Road on Monday morning, both bearing multiple stab wounds. Police confirmed that Ayesha, who had been employed only four days earlier, is the prime suspect. CCTV footage from the building showed a woman wearing a school uniform and carrying a bag leaving the apartment shortly after the incident. Investigators later identified her as the domestic worker, who had entered the building wearing a burqa. According to police, she allegedly attacked the victims with a sharp weapon while wearing gloves. Family members said the worker had provided false personal information when hired. Authorities are now processing legal actions against Ayesha, while forensic analysis and interrogation continue to uncover the motive behind the killings.

The Election Commission of Bangladesh, led by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin, met President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban on Wednesday to brief him on preparations for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and a planned referendum. The commission’s motorcade left the Election Commission headquarters around 11:40 a.m. for the presidential palace. Following the meeting, the CEC is scheduled to record a televised address to the nation through Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar, during which the official election schedule will be announced. Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud indicated that the announcement could come Wednesday evening or Thursday, December 11. Reliable sources, however, suggested the schedule is more likely to be revealed on Thursday. Preliminary discussions indicate that voting may take place on either February 11 or 12, though the commission has not confirmed the exact date. The meeting marks a key procedural step before the formal declaration of the election timetable, signaling that the electoral process is entering its final preparatory phase.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has announced preliminary candidates for 125 constituencies ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election. Among them, A H M Shamsul Muqtadir, the party’s Dinajpur district convener, has been nominated to contest from Dinajpur-3 — the seat traditionally associated with BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. The announcement was made by NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain during a press conference in Dhaka’s Banglamotor on Wednesday, December 10. The Dinajpur-3 constituency is shaping up to be a competitive race, with the BNP nominating Khaleda Zia and Jamaat-e-Islami fielding Advocate Moinul Alam. The NCP’s decision marks a shift from its earlier stance, as the party’s chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari had previously stated that NCP would not contest in Khaleda Zia’s seat. The reversal suggests a strategic recalibration within the party as it seeks broader visibility in the upcoming polls. Political analysts note that the NCP’s move could fragment opposition votes in the constituency, potentially influencing the balance of power in northern Bangladesh.

A 28-year-old man named Imran from Cox’s Bazar reportedly took his own life after falling into severe debt caused by online gambling. Police recovered his body from his home in the SM Para area of the municipality’s Ward 5 on Tuesday night. According to local residents, Imran had been addicted to online gambling for a long time and had borrowed money from several people in the community. Relatives said Imran locked himself in his room before the incident, and when he did not respond to repeated calls, family members broke down the door and found him hanging from a ceiling fan. Police confirmed the death and sent the body to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital morgue for autopsy. Officer-in-Charge Shomiyuddin of Cox’s Bazar Sadar Model Police Station stated that initial evidence suggests suicide linked to gambling-related debt. Authorities have begun legal procedures, while the incident highlights growing concerns over the rise of online gambling addiction and its social consequences in Bangladesh.

Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet has sharply criticized Hollywood’s growing dependence on plastic surgery, expressing concern that young performers are chasing unrealistic beauty ideals for social media approval. In a recent interview, the 'Titanic' star said she finds it alarming that many actors and ordinary women are resorting to cosmetic procedures, often without understanding the health risks involved. Winslet argued that self-worth should not depend solely on appearance, noting that she admires women who embrace aging naturally. She recalled facing harsh body-shaming after 'Titanic’s' success, including cruel remarks from television hosts and industry figures. The actress said such experiences shaped her determination to speak out against beauty-related bullying and the toxic standards imposed on women in entertainment. Her comments have reignited debate about body image, ageism, and the influence of social media on self-perception. Industry observers say Winslet’s stance could encourage more open discussions about authenticity and mental health in Hollywood.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Grounds Committee Chairman Khaled Masud has announced the formation of an investigation committee to probe alleged soil theft at the under-construction Purbachal Cricket Stadium. During a site visit on Tuesday, Masud revealed that around 12,500 cubic feet of soil was missing from the project, prompting concerns over irregularities in construction work. Masud, who recently replaced Aminul Islam as committee head, emphasized transparency and accountability in stadium development. He stated that if work quality does not improve within the next few months, he would voluntarily step down. “I didn’t come for the chair; I came to contribute to cricket’s development,” he said, stressing that misuse of authority had long plagued the board. The BCB is expected to form a neutral inquiry team to identify those responsible for the missing soil. The incident has raised questions about oversight in major infrastructure projects and could influence future management reforms within the cricket board.

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.

Seventeen-year-old Lenart Karl made history as Bayern Munich defeated Sporting Lisbon 3–1 in the UEFA Champions League. Karl scored a decisive goal in the second half, helping Bayern overturn an early own goal by Joshua Kimmich. His performance not only secured victory but also set a new record, making him the youngest player ever to score in three consecutive Champions League matches. The record previously belonged to Kylian Mbappé, who achieved the feat at 18 years and 113 days while playing for AS Monaco. Karl, at just 17 years and 290 days, surpassed that milestone, drawing widespread attention from fans and analysts. Despite the presence of star striker Harry Kane, Karl emerged as Bayern’s main attacking threat, showcasing composure and precision beyond his years. The teenager’s rapid rise has sparked speculation about a potential call-up to Germany’s senior national team ahead of the next World Cup. His breakout performance signals a new generation of European football talent challenging established stars like Mbappé.