Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has stated that informal workers make up the overwhelming majority of Bangladesh’s labor force but remain largely unrecognized and unprotected. Speaking at the ‘Women Workers in Informal and Marginal Sectors Conference 2025’ in Dhaka, she emphasized that the country’s economic assessments often overlook the contributions of informal workers, leaving them excluded from policy and social protections. Akhter noted that around 85 percent of Bangladesh’s workforce operates in the informal sector, including tea laborers, fishers, and domestic workers, whose efforts sustain the national economy. However, economists and policymakers tend to focus on the formal sector, she said, neglecting the invisible labor that underpins economic growth. Other speakers, including former Labor Reform Commission head Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed and Oxfam in Bangladesh Country Director Ashish Damle, echoed calls for structural recognition and gender-sensitive labor reforms. Participants urged the government to integrate informal workers into national labor frameworks, highlighting the need for leadership development and collective advocacy to ensure fair rights and representation.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman issued a public apology to retired Major General Sadiq Hasan Rumi during a virtual meeting with over a hundred retired military officers on Tuesday night. The meeting, held at the BNP chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, was attended by senior party leaders including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who presided over the session. Speaking from London, Rahman recalled an incident from a past political rally where he had behaved rudely toward Rumi, then serving as the Director General of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI). Rahman expressed regret for his conduct and said he had long sought an opportunity to apologize. In response, Rumi thanked him and said he would remember the gesture. The meeting was part of BNP’s broader outreach to retired armed forces personnel. Party insiders said such engagements aim to strengthen ties with former defense officials ahead of potential political mobilizations. Several senior BNP leaders and retired officers also delivered remarks emphasizing unity and national service.

Allies of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) are set to meet on Wednesday in Dhaka’s Paltan area amid growing unease over seat-sharing arrangements for the upcoming 13th national election. The meeting, to be held at the Nagorik Oikya office, will include leaders from Ganatantra Mancha, the 12-Party Alliance, Gana Odhikar Parishad, Jatiyatabadi Samomona Jote, Nezame Islami Party, and Gano Forum, among others. The gathering follows BNP’s announcement of candidates for 272 parliamentary constituencies, leaving 28 seats unallocated, which the party says are mostly reserved for allies. However, several alliance members have expressed frustration, claiming BNP declared its candidate lists without prior consultation. Some unregistered allies reportedly sought nominations under BNP’s symbol but were excluded. BNP sources insist the party values its partners and aims to resolve the dispute while maintaining unity. The Election Commission is expected to announce the official election schedule this week, intensifying political maneuvering among opposition blocs seeking to present a united front against the ruling Awami League.

National Citizen Party (NCP) northern chief organizer Sarjis Alam has questioned why BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has not returned to Bangladesh more than a year after the political upheaval. Speaking at a party meeting in Thakurgaon, Alam said he believes Rahman would face no obstacles if he came back, and urged all political groups to ensure a competitive but peaceful election process. Alam emphasized that the NCP supports holding elections on schedule under the interim government and seeks a level playing field for all parties. He announced the formation of a Democratic Reform Alliance, uniting several reform-minded groups under a single electoral symbol. Alam also criticized corruption within law enforcement and warned that any officer acting as a partisan agent would face consequences. He argued that the upcoming election may break the traditional two-party dominance and that a third political force could influence the outcome. The NCP, he said, aims to position itself as a centrist alternative advocating reform and resistance to external interference.

Mufti Syed Muhammad Fayzul Karim, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Islami Andolon Bangladesh, has alleged that a conspiracy is underway to delay the country’s 13th national parliamentary election. Speaking at a campaign rally in Narayanganj on Tuesday, he warned that the people would not accept any attempt to postpone the election for the benefit of any individual or political group. He emphasized the need for a level playing field and a neutral interim government to ensure a credible vote early next February. Karim cautioned that any use of muscle power, intimidation, or violence during the polls would be resisted. He said citizens no longer wish to support extortionists, terrorists, or corrupt figures, urging the government to guarantee an environment where voters can freely choose their preferred candidates. Senior party leaders, including Professor Mahbubur Rahman and Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman, also addressed the gathering, attended by supporters who arrived in processions. The remarks come amid growing political tension and uncertainty over the election schedule, with opposition parties demanding greater transparency and fairness in the electoral process.

Bangladesh has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Italian defense manufacturer Leonardo S.p.A. to procure Eurofighter Typhoon multirole combat aircraft for the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF). The signing took place on December 9 at the Air Force Headquarters in Dhaka, marking a major step toward modernizing the country’s aerial defense capabilities. The ceremony was attended by Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro, and senior military and civilian officials from both nations. According to the BAF, the Eurofighter Typhoons will eventually join the force’s frontline fleet, enhancing its operational range and combat readiness. The initiative aligns with Bangladesh’s long-term defense modernization plan. Earlier this year, the government had formed an 11-member committee led by the Air Chief to evaluate fighter jet options, including China’s J-10 aircraft. The Typhoon deal signals Dhaka’s strategic diversification in defense procurement and could strengthen bilateral defense ties with Italy and the European Union.

UNESCO has officially recognized Bangladesh’s traditional Tangail saree weaving as part of the world’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. The decision was adopted unanimously on December 9 during the 20th Intergovernmental Committee session in New Delhi. This marks Bangladesh’s sixth individual inscription on the heritage list and the second achievement since the country’s election to the committee four years ago. Bangladesh’s delegation, led by Ambassador Khandker M. Talha, described the recognition as a moment of national pride, celebrating over two centuries of craftsmanship by Tangail’s weavers. The application, submitted to UNESCO headquarters in April, successfully passed all evaluation stages despite earlier concerns of political complications. The recognition follows a 2023 controversy after India declared Tangail saree a Geographical Indication (GI) product. Experts believe the UNESCO listing will help ease cross-border tensions and reinforce cultural cooperation. Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, Md. Riaz Hamidullah, noted that the recognition symbolizes shared heritage and pride for women in both countries.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for national unity to preserve and strengthen the achievements of the 2024 mass uprising. Speaking at the book unveiling ceremony of Professor Dr. Mahbub Ullah and his wife Salma Alo at the National Press Club on December 9, Fakhrul emphasized that differences among political parties must not undermine the movement’s sacrifices and outcomes. He described Professor Mahbub Ullah as an extraordinary thinker and uncompromising advocate for citizens’ rights, voting rights, and economic justice. Fakhrul also paid tribute to Begum Rokeya on her birth anniversary, recognizing her role in women’s empowerment in South Asia. The event featured academics, journalists, and political figures including Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman and Saiful Haque, who echoed calls for unity and democratic consolidation. Analysts note that Fakhrul’s remarks come as Bangladesh’s opposition seeks to maintain momentum following the uprising, amid ongoing political uncertainty and calls for institutional reform.

Bangladesh’s economic adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed stated that the number of millionaire bank account holders has risen as individuals deposit long-hidden cash into banks. Speaking after a government procurement advisory meeting on December 9, he cited Bangladesh Bank data showing that accounts with deposits of at least one crore taka have surpassed 128,000. According to the central bank’s latest report, total bank deposit accounts reached 174.6 million by September 2025, up by 5.6 million in three months. While small deposits are declining due to rising living costs, large deposits are increasing, reflecting widening income inequality. Banking officials clarified that not all crore-level accounts belong to individuals; many are held by corporations or government entities. Economists note that the trend underscores the uneven impact of inflation and economic pressure. Wealthier groups continue to accumulate assets, while middle- and lower-income households deplete savings. The data suggest a growing concentration of financial resources among high-income earners, raising concerns about long-term economic inclusivity.

Bangladesh’s government has announced a new target of March 2026 to launch the long-anticipated direct rail service between Pabna and Dhaka. Sheikh Moinuddin, Special Assistant for Road, Bridge, and Rail Communication to the Chief Adviser, confirmed the revised timeline during a press briefing at the Pakshi West Zone Railway Office in Pabna on December 9. The project, initially expected to begin in late 2025, was delayed due to a shortage of train coaches and related logistical challenges. Moinuddin explained that the railway department is preparing to resolve the coach shortage soon and begin operations by March 2026. He also mentioned that the underused railway station built for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant will be reviewed for potential integration into the new service. In addition, the government plans to upgrade Pabna’s main Abdul Hamid Road into a four-lane highway as part of a broader national infrastructure modernization initiative. The announcement has renewed optimism among Pabna residents, who have long demanded improved connectivity with Dhaka. Officials expect the new service to enhance regional trade, reduce travel time, and support balanced economic growth across western Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has announced that four political symbols, including the Awami League’s boat, will not appear on postal ballots for the upcoming 13th parliamentary elections. Election Commissioner Abdur Rahman El Mashud stated on Tuesday that symbols of parties whose registration has been suspended or cancelled will be excluded from the final postal ballot design. Since party registration became mandatory in 2008, 59 political parties have been registered. The Awami League’s registration is currently suspended, while the Freedom Party (axe), United Citizens’ Movement (key), and PDP (tiger) have had their registrations cancelled. The EC clarified that symbols of deregistered parties remain under the commission’s authority and may still appear on ballots if necessary. For this election, 118 symbols have been finalized. Postal ballots, which must be prepared and dispatched early, will include only symbols rather than candidate names. Voters will mark their chosen symbol after verifying candidate details through the EC’s app or website.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced Monday that he reached an agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping allowing Nvidia to export its H200 artificial intelligence chips to China. The decision marks a major shift from the Biden administration’s strict export controls, which had limited advanced chip sales over national security concerns and potential military use by China. Democratic lawmakers sharply criticized the move, warning it could strengthen China’s military and economic capabilities. Trump said the exports would proceed under conditions ensuring U.S. national security and that 25% of the chip sales revenue from China would return to the United States, though he provided no details on enforcement. Nvidia welcomed the decision, calling it a boost for high-paying jobs and U.S. competitiveness. The deal excludes Nvidia’s most advanced Blackwell and Rubin chips, which remain restricted to U.S. customers. Analysts say the policy shift could reshape the global AI chip market and reignite debates over balancing innovation with security risks.

Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam has confirmed that members of the interim government’s advisory council will not be allowed to contest in the upcoming national elections or participate in any campaign activities. Speaking to reporters on December 9, he said the Election Commission (EC) has taken this position in line with the electoral code of conduct, which prohibits anyone holding a government position from engaging in electioneering. Islam noted that recent discussions had suggested some advisers might resign before the election schedule is announced to become candidates. However, he emphasized that as long as they hold government posts, they are ineligible to run. The commissioner also stated that all preparations for the election are nearly complete, including constituency delineation, appointment of returning officers, and formation of monitoring and law enforcement cells. Another commissioner, Abdur Rahmanel Masud, added that maintaining law and order before the schedule announcement is not the EC’s responsibility, but ensuring equal opportunity for all candidates will be once the schedule is declared.

Bangladesh’s interim government has released the complete eight-volume report of the National Consensus Commission, detailing its recommendations, the July National Charter 2025, and summaries of consultations with political parties and alliances. The report also includes public opinion survey results and related documentation. According to the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing, all volumes are now accessible online at https://reform.gov.bd, alongside reports from ten other reform commissions. Formed under the leadership of Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the National Consensus Commission was established after the completion of six initial reform commissions. Professor Ali Riaz, head of the Constitutional Reform Commission, served as vice-chair. The commission incorporated heads of other reform bodies, later adjusted due to unavailability of some members. Following extensive dialogue with political parties and civil society, the July National Charter 2025 was finalized on July 31 and formally signed on October 17. The government has already issued the ‘July National Charter Implementation (Constitution) Order,’ signaling the start of institutional reforms aligned with the commission’s recommendations.

Bangladesh’s interim government has urged all political and civic groups to refrain from organizing unauthorized rallies or demonstrations following the imminent announcement of the national election schedule. The decision was made at a Home Ministry meeting on December 9, under the directive of the Chief Adviser, as the country prepares for the 13th parliamentary election expected in early February. Officials said the government’s primary goal is to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election. Nearly 900,000 members of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies will be deployed nationwide, marking the largest security operation in the country’s electoral history. About 150,000 police officers have already received election-specific training. Authorities warned that any illegal gatherings or disruptive movements will be strictly controlled, and violators will face legal action. Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury acknowledged citizens’ rights to protest but urged them to present their demands to the next elected government. He emphasized maintaining calm and avoiding activities that could disturb the electoral environment.