A new political alliance named the National Democratic Front (NDF) was officially launched in Dhaka under the leadership of former Jatiya Party heavyweights Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud and Anwar Hossain Manju. The announcement came during a press conference at the Jana Party Center in Gulshan, where leaders introduced a coalition of 20 parties, including the Jatiya Party (Manju), Jatiya Party (Anisul), Bangladesh National Party, Trinamool BNP, and several smaller groups. NDF leaders said the alliance aims to uphold democratic continuity and protect citizens’ rights. They criticized the government’s approach to the upcoming election, calling for a truly participatory process. ABM Ruhul Amin Hawlader, a Jatiya Party faction leader, stressed that reforms cannot exclude the Jatiya Party and urged all parties to be given equal opportunity. Mahmud argued that the interim government’s stance on ensuring fair competition remains unclear and self-serving. The coalition’s formation follows a November 30 consultation meeting where 16 parties initially joined, later expanding to 20. The NDF’s emergence signals renewed efforts to reshape Bangladesh’s opposition landscape before the next national polls.

The Dhaka Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education has released the 2025 Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) scholarship list. The announcement, made on Sunday, December 7, details that 456 students have received merit scholarships and 3,032 have been granted general scholarships. The list is now available on the board’s official website. Earlier, the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education issued an official order on November 26 outlining the distribution of merit and general scholarships across nine education boards based on the 2025 HSC results. According to the directive, a total of 1,125 students nationwide will receive merit scholarships, while 9,375 will receive general scholarships. Recipients of merit scholarships will receive a monthly stipend of BDT 825 and an annual grant of BDT 1,800, while general scholarship holders will get BDT 375 per month and a yearly grant of BDT 750. The initiative aims to encourage academic excellence and support students’ continued education.

Mahmudur Rahman Manna, president of Nagorik Oikya and former Daksu vice president, has cautioned that any delay in announcing Bangladesh’s election schedule will deepen public uncertainty. Speaking at the inauguration of his party’s district office in Kurigram on Sunday, he noted that the Election Commission had initially hinted at declaring the schedule earlier in the month but has since deferred the announcement. Manna reiterated his party’s stance that the election should be held before Ramadan to maintain public confidence. He praised Begum Khaleda Zia’s contributions to democratic movements, expressing concern over her health and emphasizing the importance of her participation in the electoral process. Manna also said that Nagorik Oikya maintains communication with the BNP and other opposition groups but has yet to form any formal electoral alliance. Senior party leaders, including Shahidullah Kaiser and Major (Retd.) Abdus Salam, were present at the event. Observers note that Manna’s remarks reflect growing anxiety among smaller political groups about election timing and opposition unity ahead of the national polls.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that his party does not use religion for political gain, criticizing those who invoke religious symbols only during elections. Speaking to reporters after meeting ambassadors from eight European Union countries in Dhaka, he emphasized that Jamaat avoids mixing religion with politics or business. Dr. Rahman warned that any delay in the upcoming February national election could push Bangladesh into a deep crisis, stressing that Jamaat wants the polls to proceed on time. He pledged that if the party came to power, it would build an inclusive government, ensure rule of law, and restore economic stability. He urged political actors to reject corruption and guarantee equal justice for all citizens. Addressing concerns about BNP leader Khaleda Zia’s health, Rahman said political continuity should not depend on individual well-being. He also noted that holding two votes on the same day could raise logistical concerns, suggesting separate dates for elections and referendums.

Russia has claimed control over two additional strategically important settlements in Ukraine’s Kharkiv and Donetsk regions, even as US-mediated peace talks continue. According to a report by Anadolu Agency on Sunday, the Russian Defense Ministry stated that its forces used guided bombs, drones, and Kinzhal missiles to destroy Ukrainian communication lines, military infrastructure, and fuel depots. The ministry also asserted that Ukrainian troops were encircled in the Dimitrov area of Donetsk. Ukraine, however, has denied losing new territory, saying its defense lines remain intact. Kyiv’s eastern command reported launching a major counterattack on Russian positions in Pokrovsk, forcing Russian troops to retreat from Myrnohrad. Ukrainian officials also claimed that Russian forces were trapped near a dam in Kharkiv. The conflicting reports highlight the ongoing intensity of the war despite diplomatic efforts. Analysts warn that Russia’s latest territorial claims could complicate peace negotiations and further strain relations between Moscow and Western allies supporting Kyiv.

Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, stated that preparations for the upcoming national election are progressing well. Speaking after a meeting of the law and order advisory committee on December 8, he said all security forces are undergoing training expected to conclude by January. Measures are being taken to ensure a peaceful, fair, and festive election, including the use of body cameras by law enforcement and uninterrupted electricity at polling centers. Chowdhury acknowledged that crimes and killings may not completely stop before the election, emphasizing that there is no 'magic switch' to eliminate all incidents instantly. Addressing political participation, he noted that all parties are active, though some prefer to remain indoors due to internal issues. He also mentioned strict instructions to identify and arrest those involved in the recent murder of a freedom fighter and his wife in Rangpur. The adviser’s remarks reflect the government’s intent to project readiness and transparency ahead of a crucial national vote.

Former Dhaka University Chhatra Shibir president and current Howard University assistant professor Dr. Mirza Galib has criticized the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for adopting what he described as the Awami League’s failed strategy against Jamaat-e-Islami. In a Facebook post on December 8, Galib said BNP is treating this ineffective approach as its primary political weapon instead of focusing on building a healthy two-party democratic system. He emphasized that national interest should rise above party interest, citing examples of post-war European unity and the United States’ federal resilience after its civil war. Galib warned that both BNP and Jamaat are drifting toward an unhealthy rivalry, fueled not only by emotional supporters but also by senior leaders. He noted that BNP leaders are now attacking Jamaat using rhetoric similar to that of the Awami League. Galib urged both parties to prioritize creating a stable political environment to harness Bangladesh’s demographic dividend. He called on BNP and Jamaat leaders to focus on the country’s long-term future rather than short-term electoral gains.

Massive donations have poured in for the proposed Babri Mosque project announced by suspended Trinamool Congress leader Humayun Kabir in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district. Eleven steel donation boxes placed at the foundation-laying event on December 6 filled up within two days. Counting began Sunday night, revealing over ₹37 lakh in cash and ₹93 lakh in online contributions via QR code, with total donations expected to cross several crores. Kabir, expelled from the TMC following his mosque announcement, claimed that people were donating generously, including contributions from abroad. The counting process is being livestreamed to ensure transparency, with 30 people engaged in tallying funds. Security measures, including CCTV and a dedicated storage room, are being arranged to safeguard the money. Kabir has declared plans to launch a new political party on December 22 and contest 135 seats in the upcoming state elections. His mosque initiative and political ambitions have drawn both grassroots enthusiasm and scrutiny from state political circles.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has exempted BNP Chairperson’s adviser and senior Supreme Court lawyer Fazlur Rahman from contempt of court charges after he issued an unconditional apology. The case stemmed from his earlier remarks about the tribunal, which were deemed disrespectful. On Monday, December 8, the three-member judicial panel led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar accepted his apology and dismissed the proceedings. Fazlur Rahman appeared before the tribunal at 11 a.m. accompanied by senior lawyers including Zainul Abedin, Barrister Kaiser Kamal, and Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kajol. His counsel Ruhul Quddus first presented arguments before Rahman personally addressed the bench, stating that his comments during a talk show were a “slip of the tongue” and affirming, “After Allah, I respect the court.” The tribunal accepted his explanation and apology. The decision closes a brief but high-profile contempt case involving a senior BNP figure, reflecting the tribunal’s readiness to uphold judicial dignity while allowing space for contrition.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has launched a citywide campaign to remove all unauthorized banners, posters, and billboards from public and private spaces. The operation began Monday morning in the Science Lab area, with officials confirming that all unapproved materials will be cleared within a week. The initiative follows recent public notices warning that such displays violate city laws and electoral guidelines. According to DSCC officials, the move is grounded in the City Corporation Act and the Wall Writing and Poster Control Act 2012, which allow for up to 15 days of imprisonment for unauthorized installations. The Election Commission’s directives have also been taken into account, especially ahead of upcoming political activities. Citizens and organizations have been urged to voluntarily remove unapproved materials to avoid legal action. The campaign aims to improve Dhaka’s urban aesthetics and ensure compliance with municipal regulations. DSCC has indicated that similar drives will continue in other areas to maintain a cleaner and more organized city environment.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed stated that his party does not intend to exploit religion for political gain, emphasizing instead a detailed socio-economic development plan for Bangladesh. Speaking at an event titled “BNP’s Plan for Nation Building” at the Krishibid Institute in Dhaka, he said the party aims to communicate its policy agenda clearly to the public. Ahmed criticized rival parties for lacking ideology and using religion as a deceptive tool to mislead citizens. He argued that sustainable governance requires prior planning and that the BNP’s approach is rooted in democratic and development-oriented principles. Citing historical contributions, he said the BNP played a key role in restoring multiparty democracy and introducing the caretaker government system. The weeklong program, now in its second day, seeks public input on future national policies to shape the BNP’s upcoming election manifesto. Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to join the closing ceremony virtually on December 13.

A new political alliance named the National Democratic Front (NDF) was officially launched in Dhaka on Monday, December 8. The coalition, comprising twenty political parties, is led by former Jatiya Party leaders Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud of Jatiya Party (JaPa) and Anwar Hossain Manju of Jatiya Party (JP). The announcement was made at a press conference held in the capital’s Gulshan area. The alliance includes a wide range of smaller political groups such as Janata Party Bangladesh, Bangladesh National Party, Trinamool BNP, Bangladesh Cultural Freedom Alliance, Bangladesh Nationalist Movement, Bangladesh Muslim League, National Islamic Grand Alliance, National Reform Alliance, Bangladesh Labour Party, and several others. The leaders stated that the coalition aims to strengthen democratic practices and create a broader political platform beyond the dominant parties. Political analysts view the formation of NDF as an attempt to consolidate smaller parties ahead of future national elections. However, it remains to be seen whether the alliance can exert significant influence in Bangladesh’s competitive political landscape.

Netflix has agreed to acquire Warner Bros Discovery’s film, television, and streaming divisions in a landmark $72 billion deal, marking one of the largest mergers in entertainment history. The acquisition will transfer ownership of globally renowned franchises such as Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, DC Comics, and HBO Max to Netflix, significantly expanding its content portfolio and influence across the global media landscape. Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos stated that the merger aligns with the company’s mission to entertain the world, combining Warner Bros’ century-old classics—from Casablanca to Friends—with Netflix’s modern hits like Squid Game and Stranger Things. Analysts, however, warn that the deal could face intense antitrust scrutiny in the United States and Europe, as it consolidates two major streaming players and may reduce market competition. Despite regulatory hurdles, Netflix expects to save between $2 and $3 billion annually within three years. The company also confirmed that Warner Bros films will continue to receive theatrical releases, signaling a hybrid distribution approach amid industry transformation.

The Bangladesh government has reaffirmed its plan to activate the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system on December 16 to curb the use of unregistered, stolen, or illegally imported mobile phones. The initiative aims to enhance network security, reduce digital crimes, and increase state revenue. Ahead of the rollout, mobile retailers reported a surge in customer demand as buyers rushed to purchase devices before the new registration rules take effect. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) agreed to review aspects of the NEIR system following a day-long protest by mobile phone traders under the Mobile Business Community Bangladesh (MBCB). Demonstrators demanded reforms to the system, the abolition of import syndicates, and lower taxes, arguing that the new policy could harm small traders and raise handset prices beyond consumers’ reach. Officials, however, maintain that 73% of digital fraud involves illegal smartphones, justifying the government’s firm stance. A joint meeting involving the BTRC, National Board of Revenue, Commerce Ministry, and industry representatives is scheduled to address technical and regulatory concerns before the launch.

Bangladesh’s interim government legal adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul has clarified confusion among expatriates regarding the import of mobile phones from abroad. In a Facebook post on December 8, he explained that migrant workers can now bring two new mobile phones in addition to their personal set without paying tax, an increase from the previous limit of one. The National Board of Revenue (NBR) amended the baggage rules to provide this benefit specifically for workers registered through the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET). Nazrul dismissed claims circulating on social media that the government had imposed new discriminatory taxes or registration requirements targeting expatriates. He emphasized that from December 16, all users in Bangladesh—locals and expatriates alike—must register any new mobile phone within 60 days of activation to curb illegal device use linked to crimes such as extortion or kidnapping. He urged expatriates to remain alert against misinformation, calling rumor-spreading a serious moral offense, and assured that further clarifications on related issues would be provided soon.