The final day for submitting nomination papers for Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election and national referendum is Monday, December 29, 2025. The Election Commission’s central coordination committee reported that by Sunday, 2,780 nomination papers had been collected nationwide, though only about fifty had been submitted. The election and referendum are scheduled to take place on February 12, 2026, with voting from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

According to the Election Commission, scrutiny of submitted nominations will occur from December 30 to January 4, appeals against returning officers’ decisions can be filed between January 5 and 9, and appeal resolutions will be completed by January 18. The deadline for candidate withdrawal is January 20, symbol allocation will take place on January 21, and voting will be conducted using transparent ballot boxes. Dhaka region recorded the highest number of nomination collections at 501, followed by Comilla with 405 and Mymensingh with 339.

The Commission noted that most candidates traditionally submit on the final day. Restrictions remain in place limiting attendance during submission to five persons and prohibiting rallies or showdowns to ensure compliance with the electoral code of conduct.

Home Affairs Adviser Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has called on the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to take necessary preparations to ensure a peaceful election. He made the remarks on Monday morning while addressing an event marking BGB Day. The adviser emphasized the need for strategic measures to resolve border issues and urged vigilance to prevent terrorists from escaping through border areas.

According to the adviser, maintaining security along the borders is crucial for national stability, particularly during the election period. His comments came as part of broader discussions on law enforcement readiness and coordination among security agencies ahead of the polls.

The call for BGB’s preparedness highlights the government’s focus on preventing cross-border threats and ensuring a secure environment for the upcoming election process.

Iran launched three remote-sensing satellites—Tolou-3, Zafar-2, and Kowsar-1.5—into orbit on Sunday from Russia’s Vostochny Cosmodrome. The satellites were carried aboard a Soyuz-2.1b launch vehicle as part of a multi-payload mission. This marks the seventh time Iran has used a Russian rocket for satellite deployment, according to the Mehr news agency.

Hassan Salarieh, head of Iran’s Space Agency, said the launch signals a bright future for the country’s space sector and is the first instance of Iran sending multiple satellites into space simultaneously. Among the satellites, Tolou-3 is Iran’s heaviest and most advanced observation satellite to date, weighing 150 kilograms. About 80 percent of its components were manufactured domestically, representing a major step toward the localization of satellite cluster technology.

Iran also plans to launch its first telecommunications satellite cluster, named “Shahid Soleimani,” next year, continuing its efforts to expand national space capabilities.

At least 16 people were killed in a fire that broke out at a nursing home in Manado, the capital of Indonesia’s North Sulawesi province, on Sunday night at 8:36 p.m. local time, according to Xinhua. Police spokesperson Almsiah P. Hasibuan said identification of the victims’ bodies was underway at the North Sulawesi Regional Police Hospital.

Police reported that three fire department units were dispatched immediately after the blaze began, and the fire was brought under control by around 9:30 p.m. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but an investigation has been launched. Manado Fire Service Chief Jimmy Ratinsulu stated that most of the residents were physically weak due to old age and became trapped inside the building when the fire erupted.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the source of the fire and to identify all victims.

China has announced plans to conduct large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, including live-fire drills in five maritime and air zones near the island on Tuesday. Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson for the Chinese military, said the exercises, code-named “Justice Mission 2025,” will involve the army, navy, air force, and rocket force under the PLA Eastern Theater Command. The state news agency Xinhua confirmed that the drills will begin on December 29.

In response, Taiwan has deployed what it described as “appropriate forces” around the island. Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo condemned China’s actions as “military intimidation.” The announcement follows Japan’s recent plan to deploy missiles near Taiwan, which prompted China to warn that any foreign interference in Taiwan would be thwarted. Beijing reiterated its determination to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The exercises mark another escalation in the region, reflecting ongoing military and political friction between China and neighboring countries over Taiwan’s security and foreign involvement.

Advocate Monjila Sultana Jhuma, a leader of the National Citizens Party (NCP), has announced that she will not participate in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. She made the announcement on Sunday night through a post on her Facebook page, confirming that she had informed the party’s Khagrachhari district convener, Nahid Islam, of her decision earlier that day.

According to Jhuma, the NCP had initially nominated her to contest from Khagrachhari-298 constituency with the party’s ‘Shapla Koli’ symbol, and the nomination form had already been collected on her behalf on December 24. The final date for submission was the following day, but she decided to withdraw from the race. Her announcement follows recent resignations from the NCP by senior joint member secretary Dr. Tasnim Zara, who declared her candidacy as an independent from Dhaka-9, and joint convener Tajnuva Jabin.

Jhuma concluded her post expressing faith that young people will eventually enter parliament, reflecting optimism about future political participation.

Azad Khan Bhasani, grandson of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani and chief coordinator of the farmers’ wing of the National Citizens Party (NCP), has resigned from the party. His resignation came on Sunday night through a Facebook post, following reports that the NCP had formed an alliance with Jamaat. Several other party leaders also resigned after the news of the alliance emerged.

In his post, Azad explained that he had joined the NCP with hopes of building a new Bangladesh inspired by the ideals of the July uprising and the unfinished struggle of the Liberation War. He said he was motivated by his grandfather’s vision of people-oriented, anti-imperialist, and anti-discrimination politics. However, he expressed disappointment over what he described as a lack of commitment and depth within the party to fulfill those historical responsibilities.

Azad stated that his decision to leave was driven by his desire to remain true to the ideals of the Liberation War and Maulana Bhasani’s political philosophy. He wished the young members of the NCP success in their future political journey.

A major fire broke out on the Tatanagar–Ernakulam Express in Andhra Pradesh early Sunday, resulting in one death. The incident occurred at 1:45 a.m. near Yelamanchili, about 66 kilometers from Visakhapatnam. Two coaches of the train caught fire while carrying 158 passengers. After the blaze was extinguished, one body was recovered from the affected coaches.

Following the incident, railway authorities detached the two damaged coaches from the train and arranged replacement compartments for the affected passengers at another station. Two forensic teams have been deployed to determine the cause of the fire, according to police officials.

Train movement on the Vijayawada–Visakhapatnam route was temporarily disrupted due to the accident, though railway staff were working to restore normal service as quickly as possible.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast that temperatures in Dhaka and surrounding areas will remain nearly unchanged. The six-hour forecast issued from 7 a.m. on Monday indicates that the sky may remain partly cloudy and the weather mostly dry. Moderate to dense fog is expected to occur during this period.

According to the department, winds from the north-northwest may blow at speeds of 8 to 12 kilometers per hour. The temperature recorded in Dhaka at 6 a.m. was 14 degrees Celsius, with the day’s minimum temperature measured at 13.8 degrees Celsius. The forecast suggests that daytime temperatures will remain almost steady.

The weather office’s message comes amid reports of cold conditions across the country, with cold waves sweeping through various regions and intensifying winter chill in Dhaka and beyond.

A Dhaka-bound Agnibina Express train derailed early Monday morning near Gafargaon Railway Station in Mymensingh after rail plates were reportedly removed from the track. The incident occurred around 5:15 a.m. as the train was approaching the station, causing the engine and two coaches to leave the tracks. Following the derailment, rail communication between Dhaka and Mymensingh was suspended.

Gafargaon Railway Station Master Md. Hanif confirmed the derailment, stating that he had not yet reached the site but received information from the railway security forces that the removal of rail plates led to the incident. He also confirmed that no casualties had been reported so far.

Authorities have not yet provided details on when train services will resume or who might be responsible for the removal of the rail plates.

A massive crowd gathered at the funeral of Sharif Osman Hadi, where mourners chanted slogans calling for independence, justice, and reform. The unprecedented turnout was described as a reflection of Hadi’s influence and his vision for political and social transformation in Bangladesh. The article portrays Hadi as a leading reformist who sought to reshape the nation’s political culture and challenge external dominance.

Hadi’s ideology emphasized justice, human rights, and resistance against oppression, which he viewed as integral to Islamic principles. He advocated for reforming Bangladesh’s electoral system, criticizing the influence of money and disorderly campaigning. He also called for a Bangladesh-centered cultural movement to counter what he described as Indian hegemony and the enduring cultural dominance of the Awami League. His political struggle, according to the article, was intellectual and cultural rather than violent.

Hadi’s views on death were rooted in faith, seeing it as a noble end for those who die in pursuit of justice. The author concludes that his death and ideals will continue to inspire movements for fairness and reform in Bangladesh.

Mojibur Rahman Shamim, former chairman of Chitalmari Upazila in Bagerhat and owner of Joy Group, received an exit facility from Bangladesh Bank despite his company being declared a willful defaulter by Trust Bank. Joy Group had taken loans from multiple banks but failed to repay them despite having the capacity. The central bank extended the facility under a policy meant for businesses affected by political changes or currency fluctuations, raising questions about the decision.

According to bank data, Joy Group’s eight entities owe a total of Tk 517 crore to four banks, all classified as defaulted. Trust Bank, Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, and Padma Bank hold the loans. The central bank’s policy allows affected businesses to regularize loans with a two percent down payment and up to ten years for repayment, but willful defaulters are not eligible. Bank officials said they were reluctant to extend new facilities but were compelled by Bangladesh Bank’s directive.

Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan stated that willful defaulters are not entitled to such benefits and any irregularities would be investigated. Deputy Governor Zakir Hossain Chowdhury denied allegations of exerting pressure to approve the facility.

The interim government of Bangladesh is facing widespread protests and multiple challenges over the implementation of the National Equipment Identity Registrar (NEIR). Around 20,000 mobile phone traders across the country, including in Dhaka, have taken to the streets opposing the initiative. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) announced that from tomorrow, unregistered or illegally imported mobile phones will no longer function in the country. The government argues that NEIR will curb illegal handset trade, reduce crime, and restore order in the mobile market.

Opposing traders claim that the system will strengthen a syndicate of 18 importers and put small businesses at risk, potentially rendering about five million phones illegal. The mobile industry currently employs about 160,000 people and contributes over Tk 2,000 crore in annual tax revenue. In response to concerns, a joint meeting of NBR, the Commerce Ministry, the Telecom Division, and BTRC decided to lower import duties and begin registering unlisted traders.

Industry leaders and experts believe NEIR could ensure sustainable growth, protect consumers, and enhance national security, though they stress the need for policies to safeguard small traders’ interests.

Following the July uprising, Bangladesh’s primary and secondary textbooks have undergone extensive revisions. The new editions prepared for the 2026 academic year have removed the honorific titles 'Father of the Nation' and 'Bangabandhu' previously used before Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s name. The updated content now includes references to the July Revolution, the BAKSAL period under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the flight of Sheikh Hasina, and subsequent political developments under Ziaur Rahman, Hussain Muhammad Ershad, and Khaleda Zia.

A review of the National Curriculum and Textbook Board’s (NCTB) 2026 “Bangladesh and Global Studies” textbook for eighth grade shows that the word 'Bangabandhu' has been omitted in most instances describing the March 7 speech. According to an NCTB source, the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) issued a written directive to remove the title, prompting the board to make the changes. The revisions were made under the guidance of the National Curriculum Coordination Committee (NCCC), which oversaw additions and deletions across multiple subjects.

The new textbooks have already been printed and uploaded online for free access before the start of the school year, allowing students to read them in advance.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has announced major logistical preparations ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary election and referendum scheduled for February. To ease voter pressure, the EC will add around 150,000 new secret booths for ballot marking, while the total number of polling centers will remain largely unchanged at 42,766. For the first time, an IT-supported postal ballot system will be introduced for expatriates, government employees working outside their constituencies, election officials, and prisoners.

According to EC data, there will be over 245,000 polling rooms and more than 400,000 secret booths nationwide. The number of voters per room has been reduced from up to 600 to between 350 and 400 to shorten waiting times. Voting hours have also been extended by one hour. However, field-level challenges have emerged, including inadequate entryways in educational institutions being converted into multiple booths.

A total of 778,351 officials have been appointed to conduct the polls, including presiding, assistant presiding, and polling officers. Sixty-nine returning officers, including district commissioners and regional election officials, will oversee the process.