The Bangladesh Election Commission has published a gazette redefining the boundaries of four parliamentary constituencies—Pabna-1, Pabna-2, Faridpur-2, and Faridpur-4. The gazette, signed by Md. Mamunur Rashid, Deputy Director of the Department of Films and Publications attached to the Commission, was released on Wednesday. The decision follows a writ petition filed with the High Court Division of the Supreme Court.

According to the gazette, Pabna-1 (constituency 68) will now include Santhia Upazila and several unions and the municipality of Bera Upazila. Pabna-2 (constituency 69) will cover Sujanagar Upazila and the remaining parts of Bera Upazila, excluding the areas included in Pabna-1. Faridpur-2 (constituency 212) will consist of Nagarkanda and Saltha upazilas, while Faridpur-4 (constituency 214) will include Bhanga, Charbhadrasan, and Sadarpur upazilas.

The redefinition aims to align constituency boundaries with administrative and legal considerations as directed by the High Court petition.

Fatima Tasnim Juma, spokesperson for the Dhaka University branch of Inquilab Manch, expressed strong anger at the interim government’s stance on the murder of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi. On Friday, December 26, after the Juma prayers, Inquilab Manch leaders, students, and supporters marched from the university’s central mosque to Shahbagh, where they blocked the road and halted traffic. The protest site filled with slogans demanding justice for Hadi’s killing.

In her speech, Juma recalled Hadi’s legacy as a humble activist who never claimed leadership but inspired others through his dedication. She criticized the authorities for failing to provide clear information about the suspects’ whereabouts and accused intelligence agencies of negligence. Juma also warned against attempts to label their movement as mob activity, calling such claims a tactic to delay justice and elections.

Juma declared that the protesters would not leave the streets until Hadi’s killers are brought to justice, vowing that the trial must take place in Bangladesh and that Shahbagh would witness its outcome.

After Friday prayers, leaders and activists of Inquilab Mancha, along with students and the public, marched from Dhaka University Central Mosque to Shahbagh intersection and began a sit-in. The demonstration was organized to demand justice for Sharif Osman Hadi, who was shot on December 12 and later died in a Singapore hospital on December 18.

Inquilab Mancha member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber announced that the protesters would not leave Shahbagh until the interim government’s advisers publicly respond regarding Hadi’s case. He stated that they were prepared to stay overnight and even risk their lives to continue the protest. A reliable source indicated that the sit-in would continue until Home Adviser Lieutenant General Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury arrives at the site.

The protesters accused government advisers of avoiding accountability and vowed to maintain their position at Shahbagh until their demands are addressed.

A fire that broke out at the Khaddar Bazar Shopping Complex in Gulistan, Dhaka, was brought under control after about one and a half hours on Friday, December 26. The Fire Service managed to contain the blaze at 6:58 p.m., after receiving the first report at 5:28 p.m. The first response team arrived at the scene within five minutes, and a total of nine units from the Siddik Bazar Fire Station worked to extinguish the fire.

The upper floors of the commercial building contained warehouses, raising fears that the fire could spread quickly. Panic spread among shopkeepers and customers on the lower floors, prompting them to evacuate the building immediately. Firefighters initially faced difficulties in accessing water sources due to heavy crowds on the road.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire or the extent of the damage, and an assessment is expected once the site is fully secured.

Dhaka University authorities announced that additional metro rail services will operate on Saturday, December 27, to ease transportation for candidates attending the 2025–26 academic year science unit undergraduate admission test. The measure aims to prevent travel congestion as both Dhaka University (DU) and the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) are holding admission tests on the same day. The DU Public Relations Office confirmed the arrangements on Friday, December 26.

A total of 114,114 students will compete for 1,891 seats in the DU science unit admission test, which will be held at Dhaka University and seven public universities in divisional cities including Rajshahi, Chittagong, Barishal, Khulna, Sylhet, Mymensingh, and Rangpur. To accommodate students who shifted their DU exam centers to Dhaka due to the MIST schedule, three additional centers have been set up in Mirpur and Farmgate.

Authorities have also shortened metro rail intervals and arranged extra trains to ensure safe and smooth travel for examinees. Additionally, MIST rescheduled its architecture department’s second phase exam from December 27 to December 28 following DU’s request.

A poem by Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, previously shared on Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s verified Facebook page, was suddenly removed along with the page’s profile photo. The disappearance, noticed on Friday morning, quickly drew widespread discussion and speculation across social media platforms.

The poem had earlier sparked nationwide attention after being posted on the Chief Adviser’s page. When users found the post and profile photo missing, questions arose about the cause. Senior Assistant Press Secretary Fayez Ahmad stated that neither the government nor the press office deleted any content. He attributed the incident to a technical error on Facebook’s side and confirmed that communication with the platform’s authorities was underway to resolve the issue.

According to the press wing, the changes were temporary and the page was expected to return to normal soon. However, the unexplained timing of the “technical error” continued to fuel public curiosity during a sensitive period.

A record crowd gathered in Dhaka’s 300 Feet area to welcome BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, defying the season’s coldest spell. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam described the turnout as clear evidence of the nation’s readiness for the upcoming general election and referendum. In a verified Facebook post on December 26, he confirmed that both events would proceed on schedule, just seven weeks away.

Alam stated that the recent developments had dispelled any remaining doubts about the February 12 election date. He added that nomination submissions for parliamentary seats would begin within days, followed by campaign activities across the country. Printing presses and television debates were expected to intensify as the election approached.

Political analysts cited in the report said the massive turnout and the government’s high-level remarks reflected growing political engagement and tension ahead of the polls. Alam concluded that only a truly credible election could heal the deepening national divisions.

The Rehab Fair 2025, one of the largest events in Bangladesh’s housing sector, is set to conclude tomorrow. On Friday, the third day of the fair, large crowds gathered at the China–Bangladesh Friendship Conference Center despite traffic congestion and personal commitments. Visitors came with families, friends, and colleagues, exploring options for affordable apartments and residential plots. The fairgrounds became lively in the afternoon as people sought information and offers from developers.

Developers such as Hawk Homes & Builders and Credence Housing Limited participated with ready and ongoing projects across key locations in Dhaka. Credence Housing announced special discounts and booking offers for buyers, while Hawk Homes reported increased attendance later in the day as temperatures rose. The fair has become more than a marketplace, serving as a platform for inspiration and planning for those aspiring to own homes.

With only one day remaining, many visitors are making preliminary discussions and comparisons, hoping to finalize decisions before the fair ends tomorrow.

The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) will upload the online versions of free primary and secondary textbooks for the 2026 academic year on its official website this Sunday, December 28. The launch event will be attended by Education Adviser Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar and Mass Education Adviser Professor Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar. According to a letter signed by NCTB’s public relations officer, students of both Bangla and English versions will be able to access and read the books before the new school year begins.

The NCTB website, www.nctb.gov.bd, will host a total of 647 textbooks covering all levels of primary and secondary education. The initiative aims to make the government’s free textbooks available online ahead of the academic session, ensuring early access for students across the country.

The official inauguration ceremony, titled “Uploading of 2026 Academic Year Textbooks Online,” will be organized by NCTB on December 28, marking a step toward digital accessibility in the national education system.

BNP’s acting chairman Tareq Rahman was on his way to the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar after visiting the grave of late president Ziaur Rahman on Friday, December 26, 2025. His vehicle was on the Gabtoli road when it became clear he would not reach the memorial before sunset.

As a result, senior BNP leaders paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War on his behalf. According to the party’s media cell, at 5:06 p.m., standing committee members Gayeshwar Chandra Roy and Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, along with advisory council members Amanullah Aman and Lutfozzaman Babar, placed wreaths at the memorial. They were joined by Dhaka district BNP president Khondoker Abu Ashfaq, advocate Nipun Roy Chowdhury, Dr. Dewan Mohammad Salauddin, Tamizuddin, Yasin Ferdous Murad, Ayub Khan, retired Major General Fazle Elahi Akbar, and media cell member Shairul Kabir Khan.

The BNP media cell stated that the tribute was made in accordance with the rule requiring visits to the memorial before sunset.

The Directorate of Primary Education has suspended the recruitment examination for the post of 'Accounts Assistant' that was scheduled for Friday afternoon. The decision was announced in an official notice signed by the director (administration) of the directorate, stating that the exam, set for 3:00 p.m. to 4:20 p.m., was postponed due to unavoidable reasons. The new date and time for the exam will be announced later.

Although the directorate cited unavoidable circumstances, individuals involved in the process claimed that the suspension followed allegations of a question paper leak. Job seekers reportedly raised the issue earlier in the day, alleging that the exam questions had been leaked and shared on social media platforms. The incident caused significant inconvenience to candidates who had arrived to take the test.

The report indicates that the alleged leak spread rapidly online, prompting the directorate to issue the suspension notice. No further details were provided regarding any investigation or rescheduling plans.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman was on his way to the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar after visiting the grave of late President Ziaur Rahman on Friday, December 26, 2025. As he could not reach the memorial before sunset, senior BNP leaders paid tribute on his behalf under the leadership of Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan. The tribute took place at 5:06 p.m.

According to BNP’s media cell, the delegation included Standing Committee members Gayeshwar Chandra Roy and Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Advisory Council members Amanullah Aman and Lutfozzaman Babar, along with Dhaka District BNP President Khandaker Abu Ashfaq and several other party leaders. They placed floral wreaths at the memorial to honor the martyrs of the Liberation War.

The event highlighted BNP’s continued observance of national commemorations, even when its acting chairman could not be physically present at the memorial due to time constraints before sunset.

Police in Lakshmipur have arrested Md. Rubel, 41, the elder brother of Abdul Aziz Hakim, general secretary of the Sadar Upazila Chhatra League, for setting fire to the district election office under a 10,000 taka contract. The arrest was announced by Superintendent of Police Md. Abu Tarek during a press briefing on Friday, December 26, 2025. Rubel, a resident of Ward 10 in Lakshmipur Municipality, allegedly carried out the arson on instructions from Shimul Chakraborty, the late MP Shahajahan Kamal’s APS.

According to police, Rubel received 2,000 taka before the incident and was paid the remaining 8,000 taka afterward. When presented before court, Rubel confessed to setting the fire and was subsequently sent to jail. The arson occurred on the night of December 12, when a masked man was seen on CCTV footage igniting the election office. Investigators later identified Rubel and arrested him from his home through a special operation by the detective branch.

Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about the motive or whether additional suspects are being investigated.

A severe cold wave has gripped Bhurungamari in Kurigram, where residents have endured four consecutive sunless days. The temperature dropped to 11.4°C on Friday morning, December 26, according to the Rajarhat Agricultural Meteorological Office. Dense fog has blanketed the area from evening until noon, forcing vehicles to use headlights during the day. The biting cold has particularly affected children, the elderly, and low-income workers, many of whom are struggling to continue their daily activities.

Local residents have been lighting fires to stay warm, while demand for second-hand clothing has surged. Auto-rickshaw drivers reported reduced income due to poor visibility and fewer passengers. Relief efforts are underway, but supplies remain insufficient. The Upazila Project Implementation Officer said Tk 600,000 was allocated by the Ministry of Disaster Management, with 1,300 blankets distributed across ten unions and 600 more received from the district.

Officials warned that temperatures could fall further until December 31, with the cold wave expected to persist, heightening hardship for vulnerable communities in the region.

The Urban Development Journalists Forum Bangladesh (UDJFB) has formed a new executive committee for the 2026–27 term. Matin Abdullah, special correspondent of the daily Jugantor, was elected president, and Hasan Imon, staff reporter of Bangladesh Pratidin, was elected general secretary. The election took place on Friday at a restaurant in Banglamotor, Dhaka, during the forum’s biennial general meeting. Chief Election Commissioner Amitosh Pal announced the results, assisted by commissioners Khalid Saifullah of Naya Diganta and Mizanur Rahman of The Daily Observer.

Other elected members include Faisal Khan as vice president, Yasin Rana as joint general secretary, Rashedul Hasan as finance secretary, Zahidul Islam as organizational secretary, Md. Billal Hossain (Sagar) as publicity and publication secretary, Latiful Islam as office secretary, Rahat Hossain as training and research secretary, and Delaowar Hossain Dolon as hospitality and welfare secretary. Executive members are Mahmuda Dolly, Moinul Islam (Rajib), Niaz Morshed, and Abdul Kaiyum.

The meeting was presided over by newly elected president Matin Abdullah and conducted by Faisal Khan, with all forum members and leaders in attendance.