Advocate Monjila Sultana Jhuma, a leader of the National Citizens Party (NCP), has announced that she will not participate in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. She made the announcement on Sunday night through a post on her Facebook page, confirming that she had informed the party’s Khagrachhari district convener, Nahid Islam, of her decision earlier that day.

According to Jhuma, the NCP had initially nominated her to contest from Khagrachhari-298 constituency with the party’s ‘Shapla Koli’ symbol, and the nomination form had already been collected on her behalf on December 24. The final date for submission was the following day, but she decided to withdraw from the race. Her announcement follows recent resignations from the NCP by senior joint member secretary Dr. Tasnim Zara, who declared her candidacy as an independent from Dhaka-9, and joint convener Tajnuva Jabin.

Jhuma concluded her post expressing faith that young people will eventually enter parliament, reflecting optimism about future political participation.

Azad Khan Bhasani, grandson of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani and chief coordinator of the farmers’ wing of the National Citizens Party (NCP), has resigned from the party. His resignation came on Sunday night through a Facebook post, following reports that the NCP had formed an alliance with Jamaat. Several other party leaders also resigned after the news of the alliance emerged.

In his post, Azad explained that he had joined the NCP with hopes of building a new Bangladesh inspired by the ideals of the July uprising and the unfinished struggle of the Liberation War. He said he was motivated by his grandfather’s vision of people-oriented, anti-imperialist, and anti-discrimination politics. However, he expressed disappointment over what he described as a lack of commitment and depth within the party to fulfill those historical responsibilities.

Azad stated that his decision to leave was driven by his desire to remain true to the ideals of the Liberation War and Maulana Bhasani’s political philosophy. He wished the young members of the NCP success in their future political journey.

A major fire broke out on the Tatanagar–Ernakulam Express in Andhra Pradesh early Sunday, resulting in one death. The incident occurred at 1:45 a.m. near Yelamanchili, about 66 kilometers from Visakhapatnam. Two coaches of the train caught fire while carrying 158 passengers. After the blaze was extinguished, one body was recovered from the affected coaches.

Following the incident, railway authorities detached the two damaged coaches from the train and arranged replacement compartments for the affected passengers at another station. Two forensic teams have been deployed to determine the cause of the fire, according to police officials.

Train movement on the Vijayawada–Visakhapatnam route was temporarily disrupted due to the accident, though railway staff were working to restore normal service as quickly as possible.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast that temperatures in Dhaka and surrounding areas will remain nearly unchanged. The six-hour forecast issued from 7 a.m. on Monday indicates that the sky may remain partly cloudy and the weather mostly dry. Moderate to dense fog is expected to occur during this period.

According to the department, winds from the north-northwest may blow at speeds of 8 to 12 kilometers per hour. The temperature recorded in Dhaka at 6 a.m. was 14 degrees Celsius, with the day’s minimum temperature measured at 13.8 degrees Celsius. The forecast suggests that daytime temperatures will remain almost steady.

The weather office’s message comes amid reports of cold conditions across the country, with cold waves sweeping through various regions and intensifying winter chill in Dhaka and beyond.

A Dhaka-bound Agnibina Express train derailed early Monday morning near Gafargaon Railway Station in Mymensingh after rail plates were reportedly removed from the track. The incident occurred around 5:15 a.m. as the train was approaching the station, causing the engine and two coaches to leave the tracks. Following the derailment, rail communication between Dhaka and Mymensingh was suspended.

Gafargaon Railway Station Master Md. Hanif confirmed the derailment, stating that he had not yet reached the site but received information from the railway security forces that the removal of rail plates led to the incident. He also confirmed that no casualties had been reported so far.

Authorities have not yet provided details on when train services will resume or who might be responsible for the removal of the rail plates.

A massive crowd gathered at the funeral of Sharif Osman Hadi, where mourners chanted slogans calling for independence, justice, and reform. The unprecedented turnout was described as a reflection of Hadi’s influence and his vision for political and social transformation in Bangladesh. The article portrays Hadi as a leading reformist who sought to reshape the nation’s political culture and challenge external dominance.

Hadi’s ideology emphasized justice, human rights, and resistance against oppression, which he viewed as integral to Islamic principles. He advocated for reforming Bangladesh’s electoral system, criticizing the influence of money and disorderly campaigning. He also called for a Bangladesh-centered cultural movement to counter what he described as Indian hegemony and the enduring cultural dominance of the Awami League. His political struggle, according to the article, was intellectual and cultural rather than violent.

Hadi’s views on death were rooted in faith, seeing it as a noble end for those who die in pursuit of justice. The author concludes that his death and ideals will continue to inspire movements for fairness and reform in Bangladesh.

Mojibur Rahman Shamim, former chairman of Chitalmari Upazila in Bagerhat and owner of Joy Group, received an exit facility from Bangladesh Bank despite his company being declared a willful defaulter by Trust Bank. Joy Group had taken loans from multiple banks but failed to repay them despite having the capacity. The central bank extended the facility under a policy meant for businesses affected by political changes or currency fluctuations, raising questions about the decision.

According to bank data, Joy Group’s eight entities owe a total of Tk 517 crore to four banks, all classified as defaulted. Trust Bank, Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, and Padma Bank hold the loans. The central bank’s policy allows affected businesses to regularize loans with a two percent down payment and up to ten years for repayment, but willful defaulters are not eligible. Bank officials said they were reluctant to extend new facilities but were compelled by Bangladesh Bank’s directive.

Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan stated that willful defaulters are not entitled to such benefits and any irregularities would be investigated. Deputy Governor Zakir Hossain Chowdhury denied allegations of exerting pressure to approve the facility.

The interim government of Bangladesh is facing widespread protests and multiple challenges over the implementation of the National Equipment Identity Registrar (NEIR). Around 20,000 mobile phone traders across the country, including in Dhaka, have taken to the streets opposing the initiative. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) announced that from tomorrow, unregistered or illegally imported mobile phones will no longer function in the country. The government argues that NEIR will curb illegal handset trade, reduce crime, and restore order in the mobile market.

Opposing traders claim that the system will strengthen a syndicate of 18 importers and put small businesses at risk, potentially rendering about five million phones illegal. The mobile industry currently employs about 160,000 people and contributes over Tk 2,000 crore in annual tax revenue. In response to concerns, a joint meeting of NBR, the Commerce Ministry, the Telecom Division, and BTRC decided to lower import duties and begin registering unlisted traders.

Industry leaders and experts believe NEIR could ensure sustainable growth, protect consumers, and enhance national security, though they stress the need for policies to safeguard small traders’ interests.

Following the July uprising, Bangladesh’s primary and secondary textbooks have undergone extensive revisions. The new editions prepared for the 2026 academic year have removed the honorific titles 'Father of the Nation' and 'Bangabandhu' previously used before Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s name. The updated content now includes references to the July Revolution, the BAKSAL period under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the flight of Sheikh Hasina, and subsequent political developments under Ziaur Rahman, Hussain Muhammad Ershad, and Khaleda Zia.

A review of the National Curriculum and Textbook Board’s (NCTB) 2026 “Bangladesh and Global Studies” textbook for eighth grade shows that the word 'Bangabandhu' has been omitted in most instances describing the March 7 speech. According to an NCTB source, the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) issued a written directive to remove the title, prompting the board to make the changes. The revisions were made under the guidance of the National Curriculum Coordination Committee (NCCC), which oversaw additions and deletions across multiple subjects.

The new textbooks have already been printed and uploaded online for free access before the start of the school year, allowing students to read them in advance.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has announced major logistical preparations ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary election and referendum scheduled for February. To ease voter pressure, the EC will add around 150,000 new secret booths for ballot marking, while the total number of polling centers will remain largely unchanged at 42,766. For the first time, an IT-supported postal ballot system will be introduced for expatriates, government employees working outside their constituencies, election officials, and prisoners.

According to EC data, there will be over 245,000 polling rooms and more than 400,000 secret booths nationwide. The number of voters per room has been reduced from up to 600 to between 350 and 400 to shorten waiting times. Voting hours have also been extended by one hour. However, field-level challenges have emerged, including inadequate entryways in educational institutions being converted into multiple booths.

A total of 778,351 officials have been appointed to conduct the polls, including presiding, assistant presiding, and polling officers. Sixty-nine returning officers, including district commissioners and regional election officials, will oversee the process.

Inkilab Manch has issued four demands, including the cancellation of work permits for all Indians residing in Bangladesh. The organization made the announcement through a statement on Sunday night. Among its demands are the completion of trials for the killers, planners, and accomplices of a murder case within 24 days, the cancellation of all Indian work permits, filing a case against India in the International Court if it refuses to return accused killers, and identifying and arresting fascist collaborators within civil and military intelligence.

Earlier, Inkilab Manch organized a blockade at Dhaka’s Shahbagh area from 2 p.m. on Sunday, demanding the arrest and trial of those responsible for the killing of Shaheed Sharif Osman Bin Hadi. Protesters began gathering at the site from 11 a.m., chanting slogans and blocking traffic after 2 p.m. The blockade continued until 10 p.m., halting all vehicular movement through Shahbagh.

The group had also called for similar blockades in all divisional cities the previous night as part of its nationwide protest program.

On Sunday, December 28, protesters blocked the Rajshahi–Dhaka highway at Talaimari intersection in Rajshahi, demanding justice for the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi. The blockade was organized by residents opposing Indian dominance under the banner of Inquilab Mancha as part of a previously announced divisional city blockade program. The demonstration caused long traffic congestion on both sides of the road.

During the blockade, the protesters allowed ambulances and other emergency vehicles to pass, ensuring that essential services remained operational. When asked how long the protest would continue, participants said it would depend on the situation and could last through the night if necessary.

Sharif Osman Hadi, described as a leader of the July uprising, a vocal critic of Indian aggression, and convener of Inquilab Mancha, was shot on December 12 and died on December 18 while under treatment. Protesters alleged that his killing was premeditated and demanded a fair trial and maximum punishment for those responsible.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has signed nomination papers to contest the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election from Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6 constituencies under the party’s ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol. The signing took place on Sunday evening at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, accompanied by coordinators from both constituencies. Earlier in the day, the BNP Chairperson’s private secretary ABM Abdus Sattar collected the nomination papers from the office of the Dhaka Divisional Commissioner, Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, in Segunbagicha.

According to BNP sources, Tarique Rahman applied on Saturday to become a voter in Dhaka-17. Senior BNP leaders had requested him to contest from that constituency. Following this development, Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) Chairman Andalib Rahman Partha decided to withdraw from Dhaka-17 and instead contest from Bhola-1 to honor Tarique Rahman’s candidacy. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed confirmed that Tarique Rahman would contest from Dhaka-17, while Partha would run from Bhola-1 as part of the alliance.

The developments mark a key step in BNP’s candidate finalization process ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh’s Joint Secretary General Maulana Azizul Haque Islamabadi has alleged that extremist Hindutva groups in India have launched a religious war against minorities. In a statement issued on Sunday, he condemned what he described as the suppression of security and religious freedom of Muslim and Christian minorities in India. He cited incidents of Muslims being beaten to death on suspicion of being ‘Bangladeshi’ and attacks on Christmas celebrations in several Indian states.

Islamabadi further claimed that India’s ruling Hindutva forces are inciting nationalist hatred and anti-Muslim sentiment against Bangladesh. He referred to a BJP leader’s reported threat to treat Bangladesh as Israel did Gaza and accused Indian mainstream media of spreading anti-Bangladesh propaganda. He warned that India’s alleged hegemonic behavior could hinder good relations with neighboring countries.

He also mentioned recent incidents in Bangladesh, including arson attacks on Hindu homes in Chattogram and explosions near Christian institutions in Dhaka, which he attributed to political manipulation by fascist and hegemonic forces. He called for unity to resist such conspiracies and urged the Bangladeshi government to take a stronger stance against minority persecution in India.

A ceasefire has taken effect along the Thailand–Cambodia border after several weeks of deadly clashes, but many displaced residents remain too fearful to return home. In Thailand’s Surin city, 21-year-old Kanlaya Somjettana said she would not go back until authorities confirm the area is safe, citing past ceasefire breakdowns. In Cambodia’s Banteay Meanchey province, 35-year-old So Cheun, who is expecting a child, also plans to wait several days to ensure peace holds before returning.

Officials from both countries confirmed the ceasefire was in force on Sunday, though normal conditions have not yet been declared in most areas. The recent three-week conflict killed at least 47 people and displaced over one million across both nations. A previous truce in July collapsed after five days. Under the current agreement, both sides pledged to halt shelling, suspend troop movements, and facilitate civilian return, while Thailand promised to repatriate 18 detained Cambodian soldiers.

Some residents, such as Thai farmer Saichon Wongpitak, have decided to return home for agricultural reasons despite doubts about the ceasefire’s durability.