Advocate Md. Shahjahan Mia, Jamaat-e-Islami’s nominated candidate for the Chandpur-3 constituency, intensified his election campaign ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. On December 9, he conducted day-long outreach across multiple villages and markets in Chandra Union, engaging directly with voters through rallies, yard meetings, and door-to-door visits. During his campaign, Mia emphasized his vision for a just and responsible governance system, free from corruption and injustice. He pledged to strengthen state initiatives for women’s dignity, safety, and empowerment, and to ensure free education for meritorious students from underprivileged families. He also promised increased government incentives for farmers, improved access to quality seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural machinery. Local Jamaat leaders and supporters joined the campaign, reporting growing enthusiasm among residents. Mia stated that if elected, he aims to build a modern and prosperous Chandpur, prioritizing citizens’ rights and social justice.

Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan has announced an urgent press conference amid growing speculation that he may contest in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. The announcement comes as the Election Commission prepares to meet the President to finalize the election schedule. Mahmud, a key figure in the July student uprising that led to the fall of the Awami League government, currently serves as adviser to the Local Government and Youth and Sports ministries. Public relations officials confirmed that the briefing will address current political issues, though no indication has been given regarding Mahmud’s resignation or candidacy. Previously, Mahmud stated his intention to run as an independent candidate from a Dhaka constituency, having transferred his voter registration from Comilla-3 to Dhaka. Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam has clarified that advisers cannot contest while holding office. The press conference is expected to clarify Mahmud’s political stance and potential resignation timeline, as the newly formed National Citizens Party prepares to release its candidate list on Wednesday.

The Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) in Bangladesh has cancelled several days of the upcoming winter vacation for government primary school teachers to ensure completion of annual examinations. The directive, signed by Deputy Secretary Rowshan Ara Polly on December 9, instructs schools to hold postponed exams between December 11 and 15, excluding Friday and Saturday. Teachers will be required to supervise and conduct the tests during what was originally scheduled as holiday time. According to the DPE, the decision follows disruptions caused by recent teacher protests, which prevented many schools from holding exams on December 1–4. The ministry emphasized that rescheduling is essential to maintain academic continuity and ensure fair evaluation for students. The annual holiday list had earlier designated December 11 as the start of the winter break. The move has drawn mixed reactions from educators, with some expressing frustration over the shortened break, while officials argue it is necessary to uphold the academic calendar. Further instructions on exam management and reporting are expected later this week.

The Ministry of Education in Bangladesh has introduced a new policy prohibiting teachers and employees under the Monthly Payment Order (MPO) scheme from holding multiple jobs or engaging in other profit-making professions, including journalism and law. Violation of this rule may result in the cancellation of MPO benefits. The 61-page policy also allows for the transfer of MPO-listed teachers to other institutions if vacancies exist and permits the appointment of BCS General Education Cadre officers as heads of MPO institutions on deputation. The new framework outlines staffing structures, recruitment conditions, and benefit adjustments for private schools and colleges. Teachers have expressed mixed reactions—some welcome the reforms for improving discipline and transparency, while others fear certain provisions could create inequality. Over 600,000 teachers and staff currently receive MPO benefits, including basic salary and allowances. Recently, the government also decided to raise the house rent allowance for MPO-listed teachers to 15% of their basic pay, implemented in two phases between 2025 and 2026, following sustained teacher protests.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman issued a personal apology to retired Major General Syed Fatemi Ahmed Rumi, former director general of the Special Security Force (SSF), during a virtual address at a meeting with retired military officers in Dhaka’s Gulshan on Tuesday night. The event, chaired by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, brought together 101 retired officers from the army, navy, and air force. Rahman recalled a past incident during a political procession where he had spoken harshly to Rumi and expressed regret for his behavior, saying he had long sought an opportunity to apologize. Rumi accepted the apology graciously. Rahman also spoke about his mother, Begum Khaleda Zia’s connection with the armed forces, emphasizing the family’s long-standing respect for defense personnel. Mirza Fakhrul urged party unity ahead of the upcoming national election, warning against misinformation and calling for resilience in the face of political and cyber challenges. He dismissed speculation that India’s stance was preventing Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh.

Authorities in Gazipur, Bangladesh, have uncovered a startling case of identity fraud inside the district jail. A man named Saiful Islam was found serving a prison sentence on behalf of the actual accused, Chattar Mia, in a forest department case. Saiful reportedly accepted 15,000 taka to impersonate Chattar and surrender before the court, leading to his imprisonment under the false identity. Local residents and officials revealed that Chattar, accused of illegal tree felling in the Fulbaria area, remains free despite a court order for his detention. Jail officials confirmed the deception after a biometric check exposed the mismatch between the prisoner’s identity and official records. The jail superintendent has since notified the court of the irregularity. Legal experts and residents have expressed outrage, calling for a thorough investigation into how court and prison procedures failed to detect the fraud earlier. Authorities are expected to review the involvement of lawyers and local intermediaries who facilitated the substitution, as the case raises serious concerns about accountability in the justice system.

A private helicopter owned by Square Group, en route from Pabna to Dhaka, made an emergency landing in a crop field in Manikganj on Tuesday afternoon after developing a mechanical fault midair. The S2–AGP helicopter landed safely around 4:30 p.m. in the Karikhola area of Atigram Union, avoiding any damage or injuries. The aircraft carried six passengers, including individuals close to Square Group Managing Director Tapan Chowdhury. Following the landing, another Square Group helicopter arrived to transport the passengers to Dhaka. Aircraft technician Mohammad Shibbir Hossain later inspected the site and identified an issue with the lead-acid aviation battery, which was sent to Dhaka for testing and recharging. A main technical team is expected to begin repair work on Wednesday. Local residents gathered in large numbers to witness the grounded helicopter, prompting Square Group to deploy about 30 staff members to guard the site overnight. Authorities confirmed that the situation remained under control and no injuries were reported.

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has stated that informal workers make up the overwhelming majority of Bangladesh’s labor force but remain largely unrecognized and unprotected. Speaking at the ‘Women Workers in Informal and Marginal Sectors Conference 2025’ in Dhaka, she emphasized that the country’s economic assessments often overlook the contributions of informal workers, leaving them excluded from policy and social protections. Akhter noted that around 85 percent of Bangladesh’s workforce operates in the informal sector, including tea laborers, fishers, and domestic workers, whose efforts sustain the national economy. However, economists and policymakers tend to focus on the formal sector, she said, neglecting the invisible labor that underpins economic growth. Other speakers, including former Labor Reform Commission head Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed and Oxfam in Bangladesh Country Director Ashish Damle, echoed calls for structural recognition and gender-sensitive labor reforms. Participants urged the government to integrate informal workers into national labor frameworks, highlighting the need for leadership development and collective advocacy to ensure fair rights and representation.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman issued a public apology to retired Major General Sadiq Hasan Rumi during a virtual meeting with over a hundred retired military officers on Tuesday night. The meeting, held at the BNP chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, was attended by senior party leaders including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who presided over the session. Speaking from London, Rahman recalled an incident from a past political rally where he had behaved rudely toward Rumi, then serving as the Director General of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI). Rahman expressed regret for his conduct and said he had long sought an opportunity to apologize. In response, Rumi thanked him and said he would remember the gesture. The meeting was part of BNP’s broader outreach to retired armed forces personnel. Party insiders said such engagements aim to strengthen ties with former defense officials ahead of potential political mobilizations. Several senior BNP leaders and retired officers also delivered remarks emphasizing unity and national service.

Allies of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) are set to meet on Wednesday in Dhaka’s Paltan area amid growing unease over seat-sharing arrangements for the upcoming 13th national election. The meeting, to be held at the Nagorik Oikya office, will include leaders from Ganatantra Mancha, the 12-Party Alliance, Gana Odhikar Parishad, Jatiyatabadi Samomona Jote, Nezame Islami Party, and Gano Forum, among others. The gathering follows BNP’s announcement of candidates for 272 parliamentary constituencies, leaving 28 seats unallocated, which the party says are mostly reserved for allies. However, several alliance members have expressed frustration, claiming BNP declared its candidate lists without prior consultation. Some unregistered allies reportedly sought nominations under BNP’s symbol but were excluded. BNP sources insist the party values its partners and aims to resolve the dispute while maintaining unity. The Election Commission is expected to announce the official election schedule this week, intensifying political maneuvering among opposition blocs seeking to present a united front against the ruling Awami League.

National Citizen Party (NCP) northern chief organizer Sarjis Alam has questioned why BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has not returned to Bangladesh more than a year after the political upheaval. Speaking at a party meeting in Thakurgaon, Alam said he believes Rahman would face no obstacles if he came back, and urged all political groups to ensure a competitive but peaceful election process. Alam emphasized that the NCP supports holding elections on schedule under the interim government and seeks a level playing field for all parties. He announced the formation of a Democratic Reform Alliance, uniting several reform-minded groups under a single electoral symbol. Alam also criticized corruption within law enforcement and warned that any officer acting as a partisan agent would face consequences. He argued that the upcoming election may break the traditional two-party dominance and that a third political force could influence the outcome. The NCP, he said, aims to position itself as a centrist alternative advocating reform and resistance to external interference.

Mufti Syed Muhammad Fayzul Karim, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Islami Andolon Bangladesh, has alleged that a conspiracy is underway to delay the country’s 13th national parliamentary election. Speaking at a campaign rally in Narayanganj on Tuesday, he warned that the people would not accept any attempt to postpone the election for the benefit of any individual or political group. He emphasized the need for a level playing field and a neutral interim government to ensure a credible vote early next February. Karim cautioned that any use of muscle power, intimidation, or violence during the polls would be resisted. He said citizens no longer wish to support extortionists, terrorists, or corrupt figures, urging the government to guarantee an environment where voters can freely choose their preferred candidates. Senior party leaders, including Professor Mahbubur Rahman and Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman, also addressed the gathering, attended by supporters who arrived in processions. The remarks come amid growing political tension and uncertainty over the election schedule, with opposition parties demanding greater transparency and fairness in the electoral process.

Bangladesh has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Italian defense manufacturer Leonardo S.p.A. to procure Eurofighter Typhoon multirole combat aircraft for the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF). The signing took place on December 9 at the Air Force Headquarters in Dhaka, marking a major step toward modernizing the country’s aerial defense capabilities. The ceremony was attended by Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro, and senior military and civilian officials from both nations. According to the BAF, the Eurofighter Typhoons will eventually join the force’s frontline fleet, enhancing its operational range and combat readiness. The initiative aligns with Bangladesh’s long-term defense modernization plan. Earlier this year, the government had formed an 11-member committee led by the Air Chief to evaluate fighter jet options, including China’s J-10 aircraft. The Typhoon deal signals Dhaka’s strategic diversification in defense procurement and could strengthen bilateral defense ties with Italy and the European Union.

UNESCO has officially recognized Bangladesh’s traditional Tangail saree weaving as part of the world’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. The decision was adopted unanimously on December 9 during the 20th Intergovernmental Committee session in New Delhi. This marks Bangladesh’s sixth individual inscription on the heritage list and the second achievement since the country’s election to the committee four years ago. Bangladesh’s delegation, led by Ambassador Khandker M. Talha, described the recognition as a moment of national pride, celebrating over two centuries of craftsmanship by Tangail’s weavers. The application, submitted to UNESCO headquarters in April, successfully passed all evaluation stages despite earlier concerns of political complications. The recognition follows a 2023 controversy after India declared Tangail saree a Geographical Indication (GI) product. Experts believe the UNESCO listing will help ease cross-border tensions and reinforce cultural cooperation. Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, Md. Riaz Hamidullah, noted that the recognition symbolizes shared heritage and pride for women in both countries.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for national unity to preserve and strengthen the achievements of the 2024 mass uprising. Speaking at the book unveiling ceremony of Professor Dr. Mahbub Ullah and his wife Salma Alo at the National Press Club on December 9, Fakhrul emphasized that differences among political parties must not undermine the movement’s sacrifices and outcomes. He described Professor Mahbub Ullah as an extraordinary thinker and uncompromising advocate for citizens’ rights, voting rights, and economic justice. Fakhrul also paid tribute to Begum Rokeya on her birth anniversary, recognizing her role in women’s empowerment in South Asia. The event featured academics, journalists, and political figures including Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman and Saiful Haque, who echoed calls for unity and democratic consolidation. Analysts note that Fakhrul’s remarks come as Bangladesh’s opposition seeks to maintain momentum following the uprising, amid ongoing political uncertainty and calls for institutional reform.