Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin has indicated that the schedule for Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament election could be announced within the current week. He made the remark on Tuesday, December 9, after a one-hour closed-door meeting with Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed at the Supreme Court. The meeting, held in the Chief Justice’s chamber, followed a long-standing tradition where the CEC meets the Chief Justice before announcing the national election schedule. Earlier, Election Commissioner Abul Fazl Md. Sanaullah stated that the schedule for both the parliamentary election and a national referendum would be declared by December 15. The Election Commission is reportedly finalizing preparations for the announcement, including constituency logistics and polling arrangements. Political observers note that the meeting signals the final phase of pre-election formalities. The upcoming announcement is expected to set the timeline for candidate nominations, campaign periods, and polling dates, marking the formal start of the election process. Stakeholders are closely watching for signs of consensus and transparency as Bangladesh heads into another national vote.

The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) of Bangladesh has issued five urgent directives to all educational institutions to guarantee the timely distribution of free textbooks for the 2026 academic year. The notice, signed by Assistant Director S.M. Ziaul Haider Henry, emphasizes that printing and supply of textbooks for primary, secondary, Dakhil, SSC, and vocational levels have already begun. According to the circular, institutions must collect textbooks from designated printing firms following National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) specifications. Officials are required to approve delivery challans online without delay through the NCTB portal. The DSHE also instructed that book distribution continue uninterrupted, including on weekends, and that all district and sub-district education officers update their contact details and signatures in the system. The directives aim to prevent delays and ensure quality control in textbook distribution, a recurring challenge in previous years. Authorities expect the measures to streamline logistics and improve accountability across administrative levels before the new school year begins.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh has announced the withdrawal of excise duty on air tickets for next year’s Hajj pilgrims. The directive, issued on December 9, takes immediate effect and will remain valid until June 30, 2025. The exemption means that pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj will not have to pay the usual 5,000 taka excise duty on their flight tickets. This is not the first time the NBR has introduced such a waiver; similar exemptions have been granted in previous years to ease the financial burden on pilgrims. Typically, the excise duty is collected at the time of ticket purchase and deposited into the national treasury. The measure is expected to reduce travel costs for thousands of Bangladeshi pilgrims preparing for the annual pilgrimage. According to official estimates, 78,500 Bangladeshi pilgrims will be allowed to perform Hajj in 2025, which is expected to take place around May 26, depending on the lunar calendar.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly ruled out any territorial concessions to Russia, as Kyiv prepares to submit a revised peace proposal to the United States. Speaking at a joint press conference with European and NATO leaders, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine’s constitution, national laws, and international norms do not allow the surrender of any part of its territory. He added that any border changes would require a national referendum. The move follows reports that Kyiv rejected a proposal discussed during a recent secret meeting between U.S. and Ukrainian officials. Zelensky met British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at Downing Street, where leaders reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine and called for a “just and lasting peace.” Zelensky’s ongoing European tour includes meetings with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Meanwhile, Moscow described its talks with Washington as “constructive,” though no policy shift was evident. Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Zelensky, claiming he is the main obstacle to a peace deal.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the National Citizens Party’s southern region, disclosed new information about a secret safe house while testifying before the International Crimes Tribunal-2 on Tuesday. His testimony is part of a case concerning the killing of Abu Sayeed, a student of Begum Rokeya University, during the July 2024 mass uprising. The tribunal, chaired by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, is hearing charges against 30 accused, including former university vice-chancellor Hasibur Rashid. Abdullah recounted that on July 16, 2024, nationwide protests saw several student deaths, including Sayeed’s in Rangpur. He alleged that after the protests, intelligence agencies detained him and others, pressuring them to withdraw their movement. He described being taken overnight to a “safe house” near the Department of Fisheries and the International Mother Language Institute in Dhaka, where they were interrogated and threatened. The testimony has drawn attention to alleged state-level coercion during the July uprising. The tribunal will resume hearing Abdullah’s remaining statement later in the day, with prosecutors Gazi M.H. Tamim and Moinul Karim representing the state.

An unexpected clash broke out on Tuesday between students of Dhaka College and Dhanmondi Ideal College, leading to a series of chases and counter-chases near the campuses. Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (Ramna Division) Masud Alam confirmed that the situation escalated after allegations that some Ideal College students attacked a Dhaka College bus. Police quickly intervened, dispersing the students and restoring order. Authorities said several students were injured during the confrontation. Meetings between police, college administrations, and teachers were held to calm tensions. DC Masud stated that investigators are examining whether any external groups were involved and have requested video evidence from both institutions. He also clarified that a viral photo of a student named Ahad was from a previous incident and that he is no longer enrolled at Ideal College. The clash comes less than a month after both colleges signed a peace agreement mediated by New Market Police, pledging to avoid future violence. Police remain on alert as normalcy gradually returns to the area.

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have formally signed an agreement to construct a high-speed electric passenger rail line connecting Riyadh and Doha, marking the first major infrastructure collaboration between the two Gulf nations once seen as fierce rivals. The project, announced on December 8 through Saudi state media, will link Riyadh’s King Salman International Airport with Doha’s Hamad International Airport, passing through Al-Hofuf and Dammam. The train is expected to exceed speeds of 300 km/h, cutting travel time between the capitals to roughly two hours compared to the current 90-minute flight. The six-year project aims to transport 10 million passengers annually and create around 30,000 jobs across both countries. The agreement was signed during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s meeting with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Riyadh. Analysts view the deal as a symbol of improving Saudi-Qatari relations following years of diplomatic tension. It also aligns with broader Gulf initiatives to enhance regional connectivity and economic diversification under Saudi Vision 2030.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin met privately with Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed on Tuesday, December 9, at the Chief Justice’s chamber in Dhaka. The meeting took place shortly before the expected announcement of the national election schedule, following a long-standing practice of consultations between the Election Commission and the judiciary. According to officials, discussions covered boundary-related legal cases and measures to prevent election-related writ petitions from disrupting the electoral process after the schedule is announced. The two also reportedly discussed the role of judges in carrying out magistracy duties during the election period. The CEC attended the meeting accompanied only by his secretary, underscoring the confidential nature of the discussion. The meeting signals coordination between the judiciary and the Election Commission to ensure a smooth and legally sound election process. Further announcements from the Election Commission regarding the election timetable are expected soon.

BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan declared that the people of Bangladesh will not allow any conspiracy surrounding the upcoming national election. Speaking at a BNP-organized discussion titled “Plan to Build the Nation” in Dhaka’s Krishibid Institution, Khan cited a recent survey suggesting that 66% of respondents expect BNP to win the most seats, while 26% favored Jamaat-e-Islami. He warned that such figures might prompt attempts at manipulation but insisted that citizens are determined to prevent it. Khan emphasized that the fall of what he called a “fascist regime” has already occurred and that an interim government is necessary to complete the transition toward a neutral election. He criticized the country’s development model, arguing that while infrastructure has expanded, inequality and poverty have worsened. He noted that Bangladesh reportedly produces the highest number of new millionaires per capita, even as millions fall below the poverty line. The event, chaired by BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, also featured student leaders and is part of the party’s broader effort to outline its post-election governance and economic reform agenda.

The Bangladesh government has issued a gazette amending several sections of the Representation of the People Order (RPO) ahead of the 13th parliamentary election and national referendum. The revisions clarify the conditions under which postal ballots will be counted or invalidated, expanding the authority of returning officers and defining new judicial powers related to election management. Under the updated Article 27(10) and newly added Article 37A, postal ballots lacking a voter’s signature, containing no mark, or showing marks for multiple candidates will not be counted. Ballots will also be excluded if a court alters the candidate list for a constituency or if the returning officer does not formally accept the ballot before counting. These changes aim to ensure procedural transparency and reduce disputes over postal votes. Election observers note that the amendments could tighten oversight but may also increase ballot rejection rates. The Election Commission is expected to issue detailed guidelines soon to help returning officers apply the new provisions consistently.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has finalized preparations to announce the schedule for the 13th National Parliamentary Election, expected either on Wednesday evening or by December 11. Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud confirmed that the announcement will follow a meeting with the President, after which Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin will deliver a televised address to the nation. The EC has already instructed Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar to record the CEC’s speech. According to EC officials, the election is likely to be held in the first half of February next year. The commission emphasized the importance of cooperation from all political parties and stakeholders to ensure a fair and peaceful election process. This will be the first national election under the current commission led by Nasir Uddin, marking a major test of its administrative and organizational capacity. If the schedule is not announced on Wednesday, it will be declared the following day, officials added, signaling the final phase of election preparations.

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) on Monday held a crucial meeting with the Mobile Business Community Bangladesh (MBCB) at its Agargaon headquarters to address disputes surrounding the National Equipment Identity Registrar (NEIR) system. While discussions continued inside, hundreds of mobile traders gathered outside the BTRC building, staging a sit-in to press for reforms to the NEIR policy. Traders argue that the NEIR’s implementation could harm thousands of small retailers and benefit only select groups, while also driving up handset prices for consumers due to increased taxes and regulatory costs. MBCB leaders emphasized their preference for a peaceful, negotiated resolution. In contrast, BTRC officials defended the NEIR as essential for curbing illegal handset imports, ensuring consumer safety, and improving transparency in device tracking. A high-level joint meeting is scheduled for Tuesday to resolve the impasse, involving the Prime Minister’s economic adviser, the NBR chairman, the commerce secretary, and representatives from mobile manufacturers and traders. The outcome could determine the future of Bangladesh’s mobile phone retail market and regulatory environment.

At a discussion marking International Anti-Corruption Day in Dhaka, Economic Adviser Salahuddin Ahmed emphasized that corruption in Bangladesh can only be reduced if politicians uphold integrity and society collectively resists unethical behavior. He argued that punishment alone is insufficient, calling for a revival of social norms that once ostracized corrupt individuals. Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Dr. Mohammad Abdul Momen noted that despite widespread public opposition to corruption, eliminating it remains difficult when governance includes extortionists and criminals. He urged the government to assign senior officials to negotiate with foreign states to recover laundered funds. Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies Director Dr. A.K. Enamul Haque added that corruption cannot be eradicated by punishment alone, stressing the need for awareness and transparency. ACC Commissioner Brig. Gen. (Retd.) Hafiz Ahsan Farid proposed publishing all government project details online to enhance accountability. Speakers agreed that Bangladesh must develop its own anti-corruption model rather than relying on foreign frameworks.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has reinstated the registration of the Jatiya Ganatantrik Party–JAGPA and approved a new electoral symbol, the ‘glasses’. The party, originally registered in 2008, lost its registration in January 2021 for failing to meet EC requirements. Following a legal challenge by party president Tasmia Pradhan, the High Court ordered the restoration of the registration in March this year. According to the gazette published on December 9, the EC confirmed that the party had now fulfilled the necessary conditions for registration. The commission also approved the party’s request to modify its name to ‘Jatiya Ganatantrik Party–JAGPA’ and replace its previous symbol, the ‘hookah’, with the ‘glasses’. Party officials welcomed the decision as a recognition of their compliance and political legitimacy. The reinstatement allows JAGPA to contest future national and local elections under its new symbol. Political analysts note that the decision reflects the EC’s ongoing efforts to regularize party registrations ahead of the next general election cycle.

A major error in the British Council-administered IELTS English proficiency test has led to incorrect results for around 80,000 candidates worldwide, according to a report by The Telegraph on December 7. The technical fault caused some failing candidates to be marked as passing, allowing thousands of migrants, students, and healthcare workers to obtain UK visas despite insufficient English skills. The report also revealed evidence of exam paper leaks in Bangladesh, China, and Vietnam. Conservative Party members in the UK have demanded that ineligible migrants be identified and deported. IELTS authorities attributed the problem to a technical malfunction affecting listening and reading scores, claiming only about 1% of tests were impacted. However, that percentage equates to roughly 78,000 exams. The organization has since contacted affected candidates and reissued corrected results. The incident raises concerns about the reliability of international testing systems and the potential risks to UK education and healthcare sectors, where English proficiency is critical for safety and performance.