Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury will be sworn in today as the 26th Chief Justice of Bangladesh. According to Supreme Court Public Relations Officer Md. Shafiqul Islam, the oath-taking ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. at Bangabhaban, where President Md. Shahabuddin will administer the oath. The appointment was made under Article 95(1) of the Constitution through a presidential order issued on December 20, signed by Law Secretary Liaqat Ali Molla. The appointment takes effect from the date of the oath.

Justice Chowdhury began his legal career in 1985 at the Judge Court and became an advocate of the High Court Division in 1987. He was appointed as an additional judge of the High Court Division on August 27, 2003, and became a permanent judge two years later. On August 12, 2024, he was elevated to the Appellate Division.

He holds an LLB (Honours) and LLM from the University of Dhaka and later earned an LLM in International Law from the United Kingdom.

A total of 170 central leaders of the Nationalist Citizens Party (NCP) have sent a letter to the party’s convener, Nahid Islam, expressing support for forming an alliance with Jamaat. The letter, issued on Saturday, emphasized that the decision was made considering political realities ahead of the upcoming election and called for a unified and pragmatic approach under Nahid’s leadership.

The move followed internal tension after a separate letter from 30 leaders opposing the alliance was made public, despite an understanding that it would remain confidential. This disclosure led to disagreement within the party, prompting pro-alliance leaders to begin collecting counter-signatures. According to several sources, the number of signatories supporting the alliance could exceed 170.

In their letter, the supporting leaders expressed confidence in Nahid Islam’s leadership and political foresight, stating that his decisions would strengthen the NCP organizationally and reinforce public trust in the party.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change under the interim government, has assured that the trial of those responsible for killing Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi will be completed during the interim government’s tenure. She made the statement late Saturday night at the Inquilab Mancha sit-in program at Shahbagh in Dhaka.

Hasan said the government is in regular contact with Hadi’s family and is working tirelessly to identify and prosecute everyone involved in the murder. She noted that the charge sheet will be submitted after January 7, 2025, and the trial will proceed swiftly. She also mentioned that if any accused have fled abroad, they will be tried in absentia, and diplomatic efforts are underway to bring them back, with India expressing cooperation.

She added that the government aims to prepare a flawless and strong charge sheet, drawing on past experience of completing trials within a few working days. Police are scheduled to hold a press conference on Sunday morning to share further details about the investigation.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) is facing internal division as its alliance or seat-sharing arrangement with Jamaat-e-Islami and seven like-minded parties nears finalization. According to party sources, around 90 percent of the executive council and 80 percent of the central committee members supported the move, and a formal announcement could come on Sunday. However, 30 central leaders submitted a letter to convener Nahid Islam expressing principled objections, citing concerns over the party’s ideals and the historical role of Jamaat. Senior joint member secretary Dr. Tasnim Zara resigned from the party on Saturday to run as an independent candidate in Dhaka-9.

The dissenting leaders argued that joining Jamaat would weaken NCP’s moral position and contradict the spirit of the July uprising. Some signatories later claimed their names were added without consent. NCP leaders said the decision followed failed seat-sharing talks with the BNP and was driven by the need to ensure representation of July revolution supporters in the next parliament. Jamaat’s leadership also indicated that a final announcement on seat-sharing among eight parties could come today.

The alliance decision comes just before Monday’s nomination submission deadline, making finalization urgent for both parties.

The Inqilab Mancha has announced a new round of blockade programs across eight divisional cities, following a temporary suspension of its ongoing sit-in at Shahbagh in Dhaka. The movement, demanding justice for the killing of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi, was briefly eased on Saturday night after the arrival of Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the interim government on environment, forest, and climate change. Protesters paused slogans and blockades after hearing her remarks, but declared that demonstrations would continue until visible progress in the trial process.

Rizwana Hasan assured demonstrators that the interim government was actively pursuing justice, stating that a specific and accurate charge sheet would be submitted in early January and that the trial would be completed within the government’s tenure. She also mentioned diplomatic efforts regarding fugitives and said India had been formally informed. The adviser urged calm and announced that the Dhaka Metropolitan Police would brief the media on the investigation’s progress the following morning.

Inqilab Mancha confirmed that no one would remain at Shahbagh overnight and that the next phase of protests would begin at 2 p.m. after reviewing the DMP press conference.

National Citizen Party (NCP) member secretary Akhtar Hossain stated that agreement on reform points among NCP, Jamaat, and other parties is being considered the main factor in forming an electoral alliance. He made the remarks on Saturday in a post on the NCP’s official Facebook page.

Hossain explained that during discussions in the Consensus Commission, differences were observed between the BNP and other parties regarding reform issues. However, NCP, Jamaat, and several other groups naturally reached agreement on those reform points. He emphasized that the commitment to rebuilding the country and reshaping Bangladesh’s state structure through reform-oriented politics is the most important consideration in forming alliances or understandings for elections.

The post reflects NCP’s focus on political reform as the foundation for cooperation with like-minded parties ahead of upcoming electoral arrangements.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is passing through a critical phase of illness, according to Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain, a member of her medical board and BNP Standing Committee. He made the statement during an unannounced briefing outside Evercare Hospital in Dhaka around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday night. Dr. Zahid said Khaleda Zia’s condition has not improved and remains extremely complicated.

He explained that Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23, after which her health deteriorated significantly. Due to the worsening condition, she was moved from a cabin to the CCU and later to the ICU. Both local and foreign doctors are involved in her treatment, including her daughter-in-law Dr. Zubaida Rahman. BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman visited his mother at the hospital late Saturday night after returning from London for the first time in 17 years.

Khaleda Zia is undergoing regular medical tests as part of her ongoing treatment for multiple health complications, including diabetes, kidney, heart, and lung problems.

On Friday night, several major football clubs recorded key victories across leagues. In the English Premier League, Manchester City defeated Nottingham Forest 2–1, Arsenal beat Brighton 2–1, and Liverpool won by the same margin against Wolverhampton. Manchester United, despite being outplayed in possession and attack, secured a narrow 1–0 home win over Newcastle United at Old Trafford, with Patrick Dorgu scoring the decisive goal. The victory marked coach Ruben Amorim’s first win in three matches. Meanwhile, in the Saudi Pro League, Cristiano Ronaldo’s two goals led Al Nassr to a commanding 3–0 win over Al Akhdood.

The results highlighted a competitive night of football across Europe and the Middle East. Manchester United’s win broke a short run of poor form, while Arsenal, City, and Liverpool maintained their strong performances in the Premier League. Ronaldo’s brace reaffirmed his influence in Saudi football as Al Nassr continued their winning momentum.

These outcomes could influence the standings in both leagues, with title races and top-four battles intensifying as the season progresses.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman will contest the upcoming national election from two constituencies—Bogura-6 and Dhaka-17—according to party standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed. He disclosed this information to the media on Saturday night, stating that the decision was made by the party leadership.

The report also mentions that BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia will contest from three constituencies: Bogura-7, Feni-1, and Dinajpur-3, while Tarique Rahman will run from two. Meanwhile, Barrister Andaleeve Rahman Partha, chairman of BNP’s ally Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP), was initially featured on posters as a candidate for Dhaka-17 but will instead contest from his home constituency Bhola-1 under his party’s symbol, according to Salahuddin Ahmed.

The announcement clarifies BNP’s candidate lineup for key constituencies ahead of the 13th parliamentary election, indicating coordination among alliance partners and finalization of seat decisions.

At Jagannath University’s Nawab Faizunnesa Hall, two candidates from the Chhatra Dal-backed Oikyo Nirbhik Jobian panel admitted to distributing money and chocolates, an act that violates the JnUSU election code of conduct. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. on Friday inside the women’s dormitory. A video reportedly shows GS candidate Khadijatul Kubra handing over 3,000 taka in the presence of another candidate, while AGS candidate Atikur Rahman Tanzil’s supporters distributed chocolates to residents.

Khadijatul Kubra acknowledged giving money but claimed it was part of a previously announced scholarship program for meritorious students. When asked about the timing of the distribution just days before the election, she declined further comment. Tanzil denied personal involvement, saying some of his well-wishers may have distributed chocolates without his direction.

Chief Election Commissioner Professor Dr. Mostafa Hasan said the hall provost is responsible for initial action and that the commission will act upon receiving a written complaint. Hall Provost Anjuman Ara stated she was unaware of the incident and had not received any formal complaint.

Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman has resigned from his post, citing personal reasons in a letter submitted to the President. According to administrative officer Md. Nasir Uddin from the Attorney General’s Office, the resignation letter was submitted on Saturday night and is expected to be forwarded to the Ministry of Law on Sunday morning.

Reports indicate that Asaduzzaman plans to contest in the upcoming national parliamentary election from the Jhenaidah-1 constituency as a candidate of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). His resignation marks a significant development within the legal and political landscape, as the country prepares for the forthcoming election.

The resignation coincides with other key judicial transitions, including the retirement of the 25th Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed and the scheduled swearing-in of a new Chief Justice on Sunday.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has removed a total of 148 tons of waste from the 300 Feet area in the capital, where the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) held a reception on May 25 to mark the return of its acting chairman, Tarique Rahman. DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz ordered the cleanup on Thursday night, and a special cleaning drive began Friday morning with 350 sanitation workers participating. The collected waste was transported in 148 trips by 20 trucks and safely dumped at the Aminbazar landfill. By noon, the entire venue was cleared and reopened for public movement.

During the operation, some local BNP activists voluntarily joined DNCC workers from 10 a.m. to assist in the cleaning effort. Administrator Ejaz expressed gratitude to all participants, emphasizing that joint efforts by city authorities, citizens, and political activists after large gatherings can make the city cleaner and more livable.

The cleanup followed a massive public gathering celebrating Tarique Rahman’s return after 17 years, prompting DNCC’s immediate action to maintain environmental hygiene.

The final announcement on seat-sharing among Jamaat-e-Islami and several allied parties for the upcoming national election may come on Sunday. According to Jamaat Assistant Secretary General and head of the party’s publicity division, Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, party leaders were working to finalize the deal on Saturday night, with another meeting scheduled before the expected announcement. The process involves eight parties, including Jamaat, Islami Andolon, and others, with new entrants such as the NCP joining the alliance.

The seat-sharing discussions began on December 9 under a liaison committee formed by the participating parties. Despite difficulties in balancing the demands of all sides, the negotiations have reportedly reached their final stage. The eight-party group includes Khelafat Majlish, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Khelafat Andolon, Nezame Islam Party, JAGPA, and Bangladesh Development Party. Jamaat’s central executive council also met in Dhaka’s Moghbazar area to review the political situation and the alliance strategy.

The party has called for unity among citizens to establish justice and welfare in the country and urged participation in its planned mass rally at Suhrawardy Udyan on January 3.

Indian Border Security Force (BSF) personnel attempted to install barbed-wire fencing near the zero line at the Purba Uchana Ghonapara border area under Kaya Border Outpost in Panchbibi upazila of Joypurhat early Saturday. Locals informed the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), which intervened and stopped the work. Following the incident, BGB lodged a formal protest with BSF, and both sides held a flag meeting where BSF assured that the fencing would be halted and removed.

According to the report, similar attempts by BSF to erect fencing in the same area were previously stopped by BGB on October 19 last year and January 21 this year. The latest effort was also described as a violation of international border regulations, as the fencing work was initiated about 20 feet from the zero line. The incident was confirmed to the media by Mohammad Imran Hossain, Assistant Director of Joypurhat 20 BGB.

The repeated fencing attempts have led to renewed communication between the two border forces to prevent further violations and maintain stability along the shared boundary.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman visited his mother, party Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka’s Bashundhara area on Saturday night. This marks his second visit to the hospital since returning to Bangladesh after nearly 17 years. His first visit took place on Thursday, the day of his return, when he checked on his mother’s condition.

According to party sources, Tarique Rahman spoke with doctors upon arrival and was briefed on Khaleda Zia’s current health status. He also discussed the ongoing treatment and future plans with members of the medical board overseeing her care. The 80-year-old former prime minister has long suffered from multiple chronic health issues, including arthritis, diabetes, and complications involving her kidneys, liver, lungs, heart, and eyes.

Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital’s Critical Care Unit on November 27 after her condition worsened. A 30-member medical board comprising local and foreign specialists meets daily to review her situation and adjust treatment as needed.