DHAKA, Dec 8, 2025 (BSS) - Eight political parties led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, demonstrating for a five-point demand that includes holding a national referendum ahead of the general election have agreed, in the country's greater interest, to accept the government's decision to hold the referendum on the same day as the 13th parliamentary polls. "We had earlier demanded that the referendum be held before the national election. But the government has announced that it will conduct the referendum on the election day, saying it is not feasible for them to organize it separately," said Khelafat Majlis Secretary General Dr Ahmad Abdul Kader.  "Considering the broader national interest, we have accepted this. Our focus now is to ensure a victory for the 'Yes' vote," he said. The announcement came this evening after an emergency meeting of the liaison committee of the parties at the central office of Khelafat Majlis in the capital's Purana Paltan area. Dr Kader briefed reporters following the meeting. He said all eight parties will run month-long campaigns throughout December to mobilize public support in favour of the 'Yes' option in the referendum. Leafletting, rallies, public outreach and awareness campaigns will be carried out extensively, he added. Dr Kader said that although the parties accepted the government's timing, they were not withdrawing any of their key demands. "Ensuring a level playing field in the election, bringing fascist criminals to justice, and imposing restrictions on political parties that collaborated with past fascism -- these demands remain intact," he said. Referring to the series of divisional rallies already completed, Dr Kader said the public response proved that "people accepted the causes and programmes" of the eight parties, strengthening morale among supporters and activists. The liaison committee coordinator and Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Dr Hamidur Rahman Azad attended the meeting, along with representatives from Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Khelafat Majlis, Nezame Islam Party, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon, Bangladesh Development Party and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party.  

KHULNA, Dec 8, 2025 (BSS) - The 10th meeting of the Activities Management Committee of Khulna City Corporation (KCC) was held this afternoon at the Shaheed Altaf Auditorium of Nagar Bhaban.  KCC Administrator Md Mokhter Ahmed presided over the meeting. The meeting approved implementation of development schemes under the Annual Development Programme (ADP) for the fiscal year 2025-26.  A total of 92 schemes involving Taka 2.76 crore under the "special allocation" sub-sector of KCC's development assistance will be implemented through five-member Project Implementation Committees (PICs), each headed by the institutional chairman or head of the respective institution. The meeting also decided to proceed with the regularization of 102 master- roll employees of KCC in accordance with the orders of the High Court and the  Supreme Court. A letter regarding the matter will be sent to the Local  Government Division. Acting Chief Executive Officer Sharif Asif Rahman conducted the meeting while  Chief Engineer Moshiuzzaman Khan, Chief Revenue Officer Rahima Sultana  Bushra, among others, addressed. Later, a meeting of the KCC Disaster Management Committee was held with  Administrator Md Mokhter Ahmed in the chair.  The meeting was convened as per the directives of the Local Government  Division to strengthen preparedness for earthquakes and other natural  disasters and to minimize damages during and after disasters. The committee emphasized the removal of structurally risky buildings  identified within the city and decided to form a subcommittee to implement  follow-up actions.