Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has called on party leaders and activists to remove all election-related campaign materials following the announcement of the 13th National Parliamentary Election schedule. In a verified Facebook post on Friday, he said the party is ready to extend all logical cooperation to ensure a fair and successful election process.

Dr. Rahman reminded party members to comply with the Election Commission’s directive and the Representation of the People Order (RPO), which require all campaign materials—such as banners, festoons, and billboards—to be removed within 48 hours of the schedule announcement. The Election Commission announced the long-awaited election schedule on Thursday, confirming that the national polls and a referendum will be held on the same day.

The Jamaat chief’s statement comes amid heightened political activity across the country. Observers note that his call for compliance may signal the party’s intent to maintain a lawful stance ahead of the polls, though its participation status remains uncertain.

Prices of daily essentials in Bangladesh remain stubbornly high, with only marginal relief for consumers. Although onion prices have dipped slightly, they still hover around BDT 140 per kilogram for older stock, while newly harvested varieties sell for BDT 110–120. Despite increased imports and fresh supply entering the market, traders say meaningful price reductions will depend on greater availability in the coming weeks.

Fish prices also show little sign of easing, with popular varieties such as rohu, pabda, and shrimp maintaining elevated rates between BDT 300 and BDT 900 per kilogram. Retailers note that fluctuations in wholesale prices rarely translate into relief for end buyers. Meanwhile, chicken and egg prices have stabilized somewhat, while new potatoes have entered the market at lower—but still high—rates compared to previous weeks.

Market observers warn that sustained high food prices could strain household budgets further, especially ahead of the Ramadan season, when demand typically spikes and unscrupulous traders may exploit the situation.

A mild cold wave has persisted for a second consecutive day in Panchagarh district, northern Bangladesh, with the lowest temperature recorded at 9.3°C in Tetulia on Friday morning, according to the local weather office. The previous day saw a minimum temperature of 8.9°C, marking one of the season’s coldest spells so far.

Officials from the Tetulia Meteorological Office reported that the cold wave has spread across surrounding areas, bringing biting cold and prompting residents to light fires for warmth. While daytime temperatures reached around 26.8°C, nighttime cold intensified due to chilly winds descending from the Himalayas. Light fog was observed early Friday, though dense fog remained absent.

Acting officer Jitendranath Roy stated that the mild cold wave is expected to continue for another one to two days. Authorities have advised residents, especially children and the elderly, to take precautions against the increasing cold as winter conditions deepen across northern Bangladesh.

After serving nearly 16 months as adviser to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan—one of the key figures in the July uprising—has stepped down from his position. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) expressed deep gratitude for his contributions, highlighting his commitment and clarity in addressing cricket-related matters.

In a statement issued Thursday night, BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul commended Mahmud’s efforts in infrastructure development, resolving administrative challenges, and strengthening the board’s confidence. Following Mahmud’s departure, interim government adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul has assumed the role of sports adviser. The BCB extended a warm welcome to Nazrul, noting his long-standing interest in sports and experience in public engagement.

Bulbul said the board expects Nazrul’s leadership to bring renewed direction and resilience to Bangladesh’s sports sector, signaling continuity and optimism amid the transition.

Austria’s parliament has passed a new law banning girls under 14 from wearing the hijab in schools, a move the government says is intended to protect minors from coercion. The legislation, approved on Thursday, applies to all public and private schools and will take effect next February. Initially, authorities will focus on explaining the new rules to teachers, parents, and students before imposing fines on repeat violations.

Human rights organizations and opposition parties have criticized the measure as discriminatory and unconstitutional. The Green Party voted against the bill, arguing it violates freedom of religion. The conservative-led government, under pressure from rising anti-immigration sentiment, insists the law is constitutional and aims to promote gender equality. A similar 2019 ban on headscarves in primary schools was previously overturned by Austria’s Constitutional Court.

The new regulation is expected to affect around 12,000 girls nationwide. Analysts warn the policy could deepen social divisions and face renewed legal challenges in the coming months.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has accused the ruling Awami League of having a long history of killings and corruption, urging citizens not to forget those events. Speaking on Friday at the Krishibid Institution in Dhaka during the sixth day of BNP’s ‘Nation-Building Plan’ program, he alleged that some political parties remain silent about the Awami League’s actions in hopes of securing electoral benefits.

Salahuddin criticized the use of the 1971 Liberation War spirit for political gain, saying such exploitation has ultimately failed. He described BNP’s 31-point reform agenda as the ‘essence of a national charter of liberation’ and claimed it has become a ‘national epic’. He also referenced a white paper alleging that Tk 29.25 trillion was laundered under the current government, blaming the Awami League for economic devastation.

The BNP leader emphasized that the upcoming 13th parliamentary election should be approached with planning rather than emotion, portraying the party’s movement as the culmination of 15 years of struggle. He warned that the nation must remember past violence and corruption to prevent history from repeating itself.

National Citizen Party (NCP) North Region chief organizer Sarjis Alam has called for the abolition of Bangladesh’s lottery-based school admission system, describing it as an 'absurd process' that undermines merit and competition. In a verified Facebook post on Thursday, December 11, Alam argued that the system discourages students from valuing academic excellence and weakens the foundation of the country’s education structure.

The lottery-based admission method was introduced in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic for students from grades one to nine in both public and private schools, replacing the previous merit-based entrance exams. Alam questioned why such a non-competitive approach continues when meritocracy remains central to higher education and employment in Bangladesh.

His remarks have reignited debate over the fairness and effectiveness of the current system. Education experts and parents remain divided—some favoring the lottery for reducing corruption, others demanding a return to merit-based selection. The Ministry of Education has yet to respond to Alam’s comments.

Former interim government student adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan has announced his decision to contest the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election from Dhaka-10 as an independent candidate. He made the declaration in a Facebook post on Friday morning, a day after the Election Commission released the official election schedule.

Bhuiyan, along with fellow adviser Mahfuz Alam, resigned from the interim government earlier this week, sparking speculation about their political futures and possible party affiliations. His announcement clarifies that he will not be joining any political party at this stage. Political observers note that independent candidacies often face organizational and financial challenges but can attract voter interest when linked to reformist or youth-oriented movements.

The Dhaka-10 constituency is expected to be closely watched, as several high-profile candidates are likely to compete. Bhuiyan’s independent run could reshape local campaign dynamics and test public sentiment toward non-partisan leadership in the upcoming election.

Iran is set to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban government following renewed border clashes that have strained relations between the two neighbors. Tehran is preparing to host a high-level meeting on December 16–17, aiming to de-escalate tensions and restore dialogue after months of military and diplomatic standoffs.

According to Islamabad Post, this initiative is viewed as the most significant diplomatic effort yet to resolve the deadlock. Previous rounds of talks in Doha, Istanbul, and Jeddah failed to produce tangible progress. Pakistan’s special envoy for Afghanistan, Muhammad Sadiq, will represent Islamabad in the upcoming discussions. Diplomatic sources indicate that both China and Russia are expected to participate, signaling broader regional concern over the instability.

Analysts note that the involvement of major powers underscores the strategic importance of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations for regional security. Observers will watch closely whether Tehran’s mediation can achieve a breakthrough where earlier efforts faltered.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has been placed on elective ventilator support after her health condition worsened significantly, according to a statement from her medical board led by Professor Dr. Shahabuddin Talukder. The 79-year-old leader, who has long suffered from multiple chronic ailments including liver, kidney, and heart diseases, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 following severe respiratory distress and weakness.

The medical board reported that despite intensive treatment with high-flow oxygen and BiPAP support, her oxygen levels continued to drop, prompting the decision to initiate ventilator support to allow her lungs and other organs to rest. She is also being treated for acute pancreatitis, kidney failure requiring dialysis, and severe bacterial and fungal infections. Doctors have identified infective endocarditis through echocardiography and are administering targeted therapy.

The board urged the public to avoid speculation and respect the patient’s privacy, while family members requested prayers for Khaleda Zia’s recovery. Her condition remains critical under continuous observation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed firm support for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro despite mounting pressure from the United States. According to the Kremlin, Putin conveyed his backing for Maduro’s government policies during a phone call on Thursday, signaling Moscow’s continued alliance with Caracas at a time of heightened geopolitical tension.

On the same day, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko met with Venezuela’s ambassador to Minsk, Jesús Rafael Salazar Velásquez, for the second time in 17 days. Belarus’ state news agency reported Lukashenko’s assurance that Maduro would always be welcome in Belarus. Reuters sought clarification on whether Minsk might offer asylum to Maduro if he stepped down, but received no response.

The Trump administration has refused to recognize Maduro’s presidency since his disputed 2018 re-election, labeling it fraudulent. Washington has tightened sanctions and increased military presence in the Caribbean. Analysts say Putin’s gesture underscores Russia’s intent to counter U.S. influence in Latin America and maintain strategic partnerships with allied regimes.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has dissolved parliament following a week of renewed border clashes with Cambodia and growing political instability. A royal decree issued on December 12 confirmed that general elections will be held within 45 to 60 days. Anutin, who came to power three months ago leading a minority government, said the dissolution was necessary to return political authority to the people and restore stability.

The decision follows the withdrawal of support from the progressive, youth-backed People’s Party, which accused Anutin’s Bhumjaithai Party of failing to honor a coalition agreement that included constitutional reforms. The government has also faced criticism over its handling of deadly floods in southern Thailand that killed at least 176 people. Recent border violence has left 20 dead and displaced hundreds of thousands.

Thailand has seen persistent political turbulence, with two previous prime ministers removed by court rulings in the past year. Analysts say the upcoming election could reshape alliances and determine whether Thailand moves toward reform or returns to conservative dominance.

Malaysia’s Immigration Department detained 31 undocumented migrants, including 11 Bangladeshis, during a special enforcement drive named ‘Ops Kutip’ in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday night. The operation, conducted around Masjid Jamek LRT Station, involved 25 immigration officers who randomly checked foreign passengers and pedestrians in the area.

According to Kuala Lumpur Immigration Director Wan Mohammad Saupi Wan Yusoff, officers inspected 60 foreigners and arrested 31 for lacking valid documents. Among those detained were nationals from Bangladesh (11), India (8), Pakistan (7), Indonesia (3), Sudan (1), and the Philippines (1). Five individuals were charged under Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for overstaying, while the rest were detained under Section 6(1)(c) for not possessing valid passes or permits.

All detainees have been transferred to the Kuala Lumpur Immigration Depot for further legal processing. The operation reflects Malaysia’s ongoing crackdown on undocumented foreign workers amid rising concerns over labor law compliance and border control.

Concerns over a possible halt in Dhaka Metro Rail services eased after the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) confirmed that trains would continue running on schedule. The assurance came late Thursday night through a verified Facebook post, following fears sparked by employees’ announcement of an indefinite work stoppage starting Friday.

Earlier, DMTCL’s regular officers and staff had declared a full-scale strike demanding the formulation and publication of an independent employment regulation. The announcement had raised uncertainty among commuters and city authorities about potential service interruptions. However, DMTCL clarified that passenger services would remain unaffected and operate as per the regular timetable.

The resolution brings temporary relief to Dhaka’s growing metro network, which has become a vital part of the city’s transport system. Authorities are expected to continue discussions with employees to address their regulatory concerns and prevent future disruptions.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has instructed district officials to finalize the panel of polling officers for the 13th National Parliamentary Election by December 15. In a recent directive signed by Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain, the EC said that if sufficient government officials are unavailable, qualified personnel from private banks may be recruited after proper verification.

The decision follows political debate over the neutrality of polling staff. The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) recently urged the EC not to appoint employees from institutions perceived as partisan, such as Islami Bank and Al-Arafah Bank, citing concerns about election fairness. The EC’s conditional inclusion of private bank officers appears to balance logistical needs with political sensitivities.

Observers note that the move underscores the administrative challenges of organizing the February 12 election amid calls for transparency. The EC is expected to monitor recruitment closely to prevent bias allegations and ensure confidence in the electoral process.