The Election Commission (EC) is now fully prepared to hold the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and the referendum, said Akhtar Ahmed, Senior Secretary of the EC Secretariat. He made this remark while speaking at a training workshop for journalists on the national election. The workshop was jointly organized at the Election Training Institute (ETI) in Agargaon with support from UNDP and the Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy (RFED). Regarding the announcement of the election schedule, the EC Secretary said no specific date had yet been fixed. Earlier, on November 29, during an inspection of mock voting at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Girls’ High School, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin told reporters, “We hope to announce the schedule for the national parliamentary election in the second week of December.” The CEC also said that the law and order situation would continue to improve gradually and would remain conducive to holding the election.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has lauded the enduring contributions of Bangladesh Armed Forces to national security, development and nation building activities. Recalling the forces` support to citizens during any crisis he called them for playing a historical role in the upcoming national polls and referendum in February next. "I am proud to notice the progress of the armed forces and their enduring contributions to our national security, development and national building activities. Your commitment to safeguarding our nation has been exemplary," he said. The Chief Adviser made the remarks while addressing the graduation ceremony of the National Defence Course (NDC) and Armed Forces War Course (AFWC) 2025 at the National Defence College at Mirpur Cantonment in the city today. Prof. Yunus also appreciated the armed forces for their continuous efforts during national crises such as natural disasters, political unrest and pandemics that demonstrated their readiness to respond and unwavering dedication to the well-being of the people. "Moreover, your contributions to global peace through participation in the United Nations peacekeeping missions have enhanced Bangladesh`s global image," Prof Yunus said. "Still we have to play a very historical role in our national elections and referendum in February next to make it not only a historical landmark but also peaceful and festive," he said. "Make it a festive occasion for all voters and the nation will remember with pride they really had a historical occasion to turn this country around," he added. At the beginning of his speech, the Chief Adviser recalled the martyrs of the country’s 1971 Liberation War with due respect, saying, “This is a very special month. Month of our historical victory in the War of Liberation. We all recall with great pride all the heroes who laid down their lives during our War of Liberation. We also call the sacrifices made by the people of all walks of life during the struggle.” He also paid tribute to the people who made the July Revolution possible, saying: “My deepest homage to all students and the people who sacrificed their lives and got wounded to make the July Revolution possible with the dream to create a new Bangladesh.” Speaking about BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia’s health condition, Prof Yunus urged the nation to pray for her speedy recovery. “On this happy occasion of graduation, let us pray to Allah along with all the people of Bangladesh for the speedy recovery of former Prime Minister and our national leader Begum Khalida Zia who is struggling for her life,” he said. Congratulating the graduating officers of the NDC and AFWC 2025, the Chief Adviser said, “Today, the graduation day marks a remarkable milestone in your lives. Successful completion of the National Defence Course and the Armed Forces War Course is a great achievement”. “It`s a great moment to remember for the rest of your life. Your achievement represents year long hard work, dedication and perseverance. You are now ready to undertake higher responsibilities equipped with an enhanced understanding of national security, state craft, policy making, strategy formulation and the intricacies of national development,” he added. Reflecting on the vision of the National Defence College, Prof Yunus said the college was established with a clear vision to cultivate leaders who can dedicate themselves to the complex and ever evolving geopolitical landscape. In an era where the economic centre of gravity is shifting towards Asia, he said, Bangladesh occupied a strategic position that offers immense opportunities. “As the future leaders, you are tasked with leveraging this unique geostrategic advantage to foster sustainable growth and development for our nation,” the Chief Adviser said. He added: “I have learned that the national defense course is a strategic level course and prepares the participants to understand and analyze national security, engages in strategic decision making and enhances their leadership skills”. It`s very encouraging to know that the Armed Forces War Course is dealing with military strategic and operational level and aiming to bridge between strategic and tactical levels, Prof Yunus said. “Throughout these courses you have engaged in rigorous discussions and analysis of current global challenges including terrorism, climate change and cyber threats,” he added. Addressing international graduates, the Chief Adviser extended his special felicitation to them, saying, “I hope that during your time here you have forged friendships that transcends borders and develops a deeper understanding of our rich cultural heritage.” “Your presence enriches our institution and I trust that you will act as goodwill ambassadors for Bangladesh in your countries, fostering bonds of friendship and collaboration. I wish you every success in the days to come,” he added. Lauding NDC’s role, Prof Yunus said the National Defence College has met the desired goals for which it was established. “It is essential to recognize its role in shaping future leaders beyond the military. It gives me immense pleasure to see that a significant number of senior officials from the civil administration, Foreign Service, Police, Answer and VDP are participating in national defence courses every year”. Together with the overseas officers, he said, it offers exceptional opportunities for sharing thoughts, fostering bonding and harmonizing understanding. “I like to express my sincere appreciation to the Commandant, the faculty and the staff for their dedication and commitment in conducting the National Defense Course and Armed Forces War Course 2025 with excellence,” the Chief Adviser said. Acknowledging the contributions of the ambassadors, high commissioners, valuable resources persons from home and abroad and special speakers, who contributed to the courses, Prof Yunus said, “I also graciously recognize the support of the country that hosted the study tour, which is a very important part of this course”. “As we look ahead, I am confident that National Defence College will continue to uphold its motto, security to knowledge. These efforts will guide you as you step into your new roles equipped with knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of national and international security,” he added.

The prosecution of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has received the probe report in a case filed over crimes against humanity committed during the July Mass Uprising against Sajeeb Wazed Joy and three others. "We have received the probe report over July Mass Uprising crimes against humanity against Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, Salman F Rahman and Anisul Huq," prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim told newsmen. Although the prosecutor declined to provide details, various media outlets have reported that Joy, former ICT affairs adviser to ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and Palak have been accused of shutting down internet services nationwide during the uprising, thereby abetting the commission of crimes against humanity. Anisul Huq and Salman F Rahman, meanwhile, have reportedly been accused of inciting mass killings and other crimes against humanity by imposing curfew at the time.

Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin today said that the government is `well-prepared` to ensure adequate supply of essential items ahead of the forthcoming holy Month of Ramadan. He noted the increased LC openings for essential commodities and recent reductions in the prices of sugar, lentils, chickpeas and eggs. "InshaAllah, we hope to manage edible oil prices as well. We will welcome any logical proposal, but won`t accept any unjustified move," he said, adding: "InshaAllah, we are well-prepared. Just like last year, we are addressing revenue-related issues and overall supply. We are seeing higher LCs opening than last Ramadan, so there should be no problem." The Commerce Adviser was replying to the queries of reporters at the Ministry of Commerce at Bangladesh Secretariat today. Bashir said earlier there was a syndicate, but now sugar price has come down; chickpeas price will also come down; lentil price has decreased while prices of several items have fallen. "Egg prices have also gone down somewhat. We hope the price of edible oil will also be managed. InshaAllah, we will listen, understand, and if there is a logical solution - we will go for that (price hike). We will not accept any illogical solution," He noted that ensuring market stability and consumer protection remains the government`s top priority, and any violation of law would be dealt with accordingly. When his attention was drawn to the recent edible oil price hike, the Commerce Adviser said that the recent sudden increase in edible oil prices by several companies has no legal basis, asserting that the government was neither consulted nor informed prior to the price hike. The Adviser said he came to know about the price increase "only half an hour earlier," terming the move as unjust in recent years. He noted that the Ministry had purchased 50 lakh litres of soybean oil through the Public Procurement process just a day earlier at a rate Taka 20 per litre lower than the price now being charged in the retail market. "If we can procure oil through tender at a price significantly lower, what justification is there for selling it at such a high rate? I find no logical reason," he said. Sk. Bashir Uddin stated firmly that the government would take necessary measures, saying the ministry`s authority over essential commodities is "clear and intact." "There is no legal basis for this price hike. Our actions will make it evident what steps we are taking," he added. The Adviser also dismissed claims from industry associations that companies are not required to seek approval from the ministry or the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission before increasing prices. "We don`t acknowledge such a position," he said. He reaffirmed that the ministry is initiating discussions with concerned companies and would act in accordance with established legal and regulatory practices.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus visited Evercare Hospital in the city this evening to inquire about the health condition of three-time former Prime Minister, wife of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The Chief Adviser reached the hospital shortly after 7 pm, said the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing. Upon his arrival, Prof Yunus was received by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Begum Khaleda Zia’s personal physician Professor Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, Professor Dr Shahabuddin Talukder, her younger son late Arafat Rahman Koko’s wife Syeda Sharmila Rahman and her younger brother Shamim Iskander. The Chief Adviser stayed at the hospital for about half an hour and urged the family members and party leaders to remain patient during this difficult time. At that time, Begum Khaleda Zia’s medical team briefed Prof Yunus about her current health status. They informed him that Begum Khaleda Zia’s treatment is being conducted under the supervision and support of specialist physicians from Mount Sinai and Johns Hopkins in the United States (US), as well as experts from the United Kingdom, China and other countries. The Chief Adviser reiterated the government’s assurance of providing all necessary support for her treatment. He urged the countrymen to pray for Begum Khaleda Zia’s speedy recovery. National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman accompanied the Chief Adviser during the hospital visit.