The National Citizens Party (NCP) has announced preliminary candidates for 125 constituencies ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election. Among them, A H M Shamsul Muqtadir, the party’s Dinajpur district convener, has been nominated to contest from Dinajpur-3 — the seat traditionally associated with BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. The announcement was made by NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain during a press conference in Dhaka’s Banglamotor on Wednesday, December 10. The Dinajpur-3 constituency is shaping up to be a competitive race, with the BNP nominating Khaleda Zia and Jamaat-e-Islami fielding Advocate Moinul Alam. The NCP’s decision marks a shift from its earlier stance, as the party’s chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari had previously stated that NCP would not contest in Khaleda Zia’s seat. The reversal suggests a strategic recalibration within the party as it seeks broader visibility in the upcoming polls. Political analysts note that the NCP’s move could fragment opposition votes in the constituency, potentially influencing the balance of power in northern Bangladesh.

A 28-year-old man named Imran from Cox’s Bazar reportedly took his own life after falling into severe debt caused by online gambling. Police recovered his body from his home in the SM Para area of the municipality’s Ward 5 on Tuesday night. According to local residents, Imran had been addicted to online gambling for a long time and had borrowed money from several people in the community. Relatives said Imran locked himself in his room before the incident, and when he did not respond to repeated calls, family members broke down the door and found him hanging from a ceiling fan. Police confirmed the death and sent the body to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital morgue for autopsy. Officer-in-Charge Shomiyuddin of Cox’s Bazar Sadar Model Police Station stated that initial evidence suggests suicide linked to gambling-related debt. Authorities have begun legal procedures, while the incident highlights growing concerns over the rise of online gambling addiction and its social consequences in Bangladesh.

Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet has sharply criticized Hollywood’s growing dependence on plastic surgery, expressing concern that young performers are chasing unrealistic beauty ideals for social media approval. In a recent interview, the 'Titanic' star said she finds it alarming that many actors and ordinary women are resorting to cosmetic procedures, often without understanding the health risks involved. Winslet argued that self-worth should not depend solely on appearance, noting that she admires women who embrace aging naturally. She recalled facing harsh body-shaming after 'Titanic’s' success, including cruel remarks from television hosts and industry figures. The actress said such experiences shaped her determination to speak out against beauty-related bullying and the toxic standards imposed on women in entertainment. Her comments have reignited debate about body image, ageism, and the influence of social media on self-perception. Industry observers say Winslet’s stance could encourage more open discussions about authenticity and mental health in Hollywood.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Grounds Committee Chairman Khaled Masud has announced the formation of an investigation committee to probe alleged soil theft at the under-construction Purbachal Cricket Stadium. During a site visit on Tuesday, Masud revealed that around 12,500 cubic feet of soil was missing from the project, prompting concerns over irregularities in construction work. Masud, who recently replaced Aminul Islam as committee head, emphasized transparency and accountability in stadium development. He stated that if work quality does not improve within the next few months, he would voluntarily step down. “I didn’t come for the chair; I came to contribute to cricket’s development,” he said, stressing that misuse of authority had long plagued the board. The BCB is expected to form a neutral inquiry team to identify those responsible for the missing soil. The incident has raised questions about oversight in major infrastructure projects and could influence future management reforms within the cricket board.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin and the Election Commission (EC) are scheduled to meet President Mohammed Shahabuddin today to present the overall readiness for Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and the concurrent constitutional referendum. Following the meeting, the CEC’s pre-recorded national address will be broadcast on state media, during which the official election schedule is expected to be announced. Reliable sources indicate that the EC may announce the schedule on Thursday, with voting likely to take place on February 11 or 12. The Commission has finalized preparations including constituency demarcation, appointment of returning officers, and formation of monitoring and law enforcement cells. The voter list now includes over 127 million citizens across 42,766 polling centers. Former EC officials and observers have expressed optimism about a festive yet challenging election environment, emphasizing adherence to electoral codes. The upcoming polls will determine both the next elected government and the outcome of proposed constitutional reforms, marking a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s democratic process.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has announced its preliminary list of candidates for 125 parliamentary constituencies as part of its first phase of nominations for Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th National Election. The announcement was made on Wednesday, December 10, by the party’s member secretary, Akhtar Hossain, who confirmed that the nomination paper distribution process had been completed and that the initial list was being made public. Hossain stated that any allegations against the nominated candidates would be investigated and could lead to disqualification if proven. The list includes candidates across northern districts such as Panchagarh, Thakurgaon, Dinajpur, Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat, Rangpur, Kurigram, Gaibandha, Joypurhat, Bogura, Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, Natore, and Sirajganj. The announcement marks the NCP’s formal entry into the election race, signaling its intent to contest widely across the country. Political observers note that the NCP’s early declaration may help it gain visibility and mobilize grassroots support ahead of the official campaign period. The party is expected to release additional candidate lists in subsequent phases as the election approaches.

A severe cold wave has struck Kurigram district in northern Bangladesh, with temperatures plunging to 11.4°C on Wednesday morning, according to the Rajarhat Meteorological Observatory. The cold has intensified over the past ten days, with daytime temperatures hovering between 12°C and 13°C, and biting winds worsening conditions, especially in riverine and char areas. Women, children, and the elderly are among the worst affected, with school attendance dropping due to the harsh weather. Hospitals across the district are reporting a surge in patients suffering from cold-related illnesses such as respiratory infections and fevers. Despite sunlight during the day, the lack of warmth has kept conditions uncomfortable for residents. Authorities are monitoring the situation as forecasts suggest the cold spell may persist. Local administrations and relief agencies are being urged to distribute warm clothing and blankets to vulnerable communities to mitigate health and livelihood risks.

A six-year-old girl named Shikha Moni died in Savar, near Dhaka, after being bitten by a snake and failing to receive timely antivenom treatment. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon when the child was playing near her home. Despite being rushed to several hospitals, including Savar Upazila Health Complex, Enam Medical College, Shaheed Suhrawardy Hospital, and Mohakhali Hospital, none could provide the necessary antivenom. Family members said that delays and lack of antivenom at multiple facilities forced them to travel for hours through heavy traffic before reaching Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared the child dead. The victim’s grandmother expressed frustration and grief, questioning how such a shortage could exist in a country prone to snakebites. Health officials have confirmed the death and notified local police. The case highlights critical gaps in emergency medical preparedness and the availability of essential antivenom supplies in Bangladesh’s healthcare system, particularly in suburban and rural areas.

A 38-year-old carpenter, Mohammad Khalil Sarkar, died after being hit by an autorickshaw in the Dashdona Nimtali Bazar area of Bancharampur upazila, Brahmanbaria, on Tuesday evening. Witnesses said Khalil was returning home from work when the speeding autorickshaw struck him, leaving him critically injured. Locals rushed him to the Bancharampur Upazila Health Complex, where his condition deteriorated and he was pronounced dead. Dr. Panna, the on-duty medical officer, reported that Khalil arrived unconscious with severe head injuries and signs of internal bleeding. Preparations were underway to transfer him to Dhaka for advanced treatment, but he succumbed to his injuries before that could happen. Police confirmed that the autorickshaw driver fled the scene and has not yet been identified. Bancharampur Model Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Yasin said legal action will follow once a formal complaint is filed by the victim’s family. Authorities are investigating the incident, emphasizing road safety concerns in the area.

Seventeen-year-old Lenart Karl made history as Bayern Munich defeated Sporting Lisbon 3–1 in the UEFA Champions League. Karl scored a decisive goal in the second half, helping Bayern overturn an early own goal by Joshua Kimmich. His performance not only secured victory but also set a new record, making him the youngest player ever to score in three consecutive Champions League matches. The record previously belonged to Kylian Mbappé, who achieved the feat at 18 years and 113 days while playing for AS Monaco. Karl, at just 17 years and 290 days, surpassed that milestone, drawing widespread attention from fans and analysts. Despite the presence of star striker Harry Kane, Karl emerged as Bayern’s main attacking threat, showcasing composure and precision beyond his years. The teenager’s rapid rise has sparked speculation about a potential call-up to Germany’s senior national team ahead of the next World Cup. His breakout performance signals a new generation of European football talent challenging established stars like Mbappé.

Gazipur district police have unraveled the mystery behind the murder of farmer Monir Molla, 55, within just 72 hours of the incident. Molla was found dead on December 6 in a field near the Forest Beat Office in Kaliganj’s Ulukhola area, with severe injuries inflicted by sharp weapons. Following the discovery, police launched an immediate investigation under the supervision of the district superintendent. According to Superintendent of Police Md. Sharif Uddin, the investigation revealed that the killing stemmed from a long-standing personal conflict and a dispute involving a woman. The main suspect, Beden Mridha, a childhood friend of the victim, was arrested on December 8 from his home in Joydebpur. During interrogation, he confessed to the crime under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code. Authorities confirmed that further investigations are ongoing to determine if others were involved. Senior officials, including additional superintendents of police, attended the press briefing where the case’s progress was presented.

Nepal’s Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a large-scale corruption case involving the Pokhara International Airport project, accusing 55 individuals and one company of inflating project costs and engaging in illicit financial transactions. The accused include five former ministers, ten former secretaries, and senior officials linked to the Chinese-funded infrastructure project. The case, lodged on Sunday, alleges that approximately USD 74.3 million (NPR 8.36 billion) was misappropriated through manipulated cost estimates and irregular tendering processes. According to the CIAA, the project’s approved budget was deliberately revised with “malicious intent,” while Chinese firm China CAMC Engineering is accused of securing undue advantages through secret agreements and flawed feasibility studies. The project, initiated decades ago, has long faced controversy over transparency, political interference, and contract favoritism. This is reportedly the largest corruption case ever submitted to Nepal’s Special Court. Analysts say the case could reshape public trust in foreign-funded infrastructure projects and intensify scrutiny of Chinese involvement in Nepal’s development sector.

Barcelona’s teenage forward Lamine Yamal made headlines again on Tuesday after surpassing Kylian Mbappé’s record for most goal contributions by a player aged 18 or under in the UEFA Champions League. In the 2–1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, Yamal assisted Jules Koundé’s decisive goal, taking his total to 14 goal involvements — seven goals and seven assists — one more than Mbappé’s previous record of 13. Despite the milestone, Yamal’s night ended on a bittersweet note as he received his third yellow card of the tournament, triggering a one-match suspension. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick confirmed that the young winger will miss the upcoming European fixture against Slavia Prague in January. Flick noted that Yamal was disappointed to be substituted late in the match but emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline and freshness in the squad. With several months left before Yamal turns 19, he still has opportunities to extend his record further as Barcelona aim to secure more points in the group stage.

Japan confirmed that Chinese and Russian strategic bombers conducted a joint long-range patrol around its airspace on Tuesday, prompting Tokyo to scramble fighter jets for monitoring. The Japanese Defense Ministry reported that two Russian Tu-95 nuclear-capable bombers flew from the Sea of Japan toward the East China Sea, joining two Chinese H-6 bombers before proceeding into the Pacific Ocean. Later, four Chinese J-16 fighters joined the formation near Okinawa and Miyako islands. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi described the operation as a clear show of force against Japan and a serious concern for national security. Russia’s Defense Ministry said the joint flight lasted eight hours, while South Korea also detected several Russian and Chinese aircraft entering its air defense identification zone. The patrol follows an incident where Chinese carrier-based jets allegedly targeted Japanese aircraft with radar. The coordinated patrol underscores deepening China-Russia military cooperation amid regional tensions over Taiwan and maritime boundaries. Analysts warn that such maneuvers could heighten the risk of miscalculation in the Indo-Pacific.

A Russian military cargo aircraft crashed near Moscow on Tuesday, killing all seven people on board, including the pilot. The incident occurred in the Ivanovo region, about 200 kilometers from the capital, according to Russia’s Defense Ministry. The aircraft, identified as an AN-22 military transport plane, went down shortly after takeoff during a test flight following engine repairs. The Defense Ministry stated that the plane crashed in an uninhabited area, preventing further casualties or damage on the ground. Preliminary reports suggest the aircraft experienced technical difficulties before the crash. A special commission has been formed to investigate the cause of the accident, and recovery operations are underway at the crash site. The AN-22 model, one of the largest turboprop transport aircraft in the Russian military fleet, has been in service for decades. The incident raises renewed concerns about the aging condition of Russia’s military transport fleet and the safety of its maintenance procedures.