A year ago from today not even a savvy soothsayer would have dared to predict the change in our political climate that we are witnessing now.

For 91 days from January 5 to April 5 last year, there was hardly a single day when innocent people were not burnt to death or injured in arson attacks on public transports. Some lost their loved ones, others their lone bread earners during the longest spell of horror allegedly carried out by the BNP-led coalition, protesting the January 5, 2014, elections.

For 91 days from January 5 to April 5 last year, there was hardly a single day when innocent people were not burnt to death or injured in arson attacks on public transports. Some lost their loved ones, others their lone bread earners during the longest spell of horror allegedly carried out by the BNP-led coalition, protesting the January 5, 2014, elections.

Ending its 17-year ties with the BNP-led alliance, a faction of the Islami Oikya Jote led by Abdul Latif Nejami yesterday quit the combine. Nejami, chairman of the Qawmi madrasa-based IOJ's faction, made the announcement at its triennial council at the capital's Institute of Engineers, Bangladesh. Talking to The Daily Star, several leaders of the Islamist party faction said they had no alternative but to quit the BNP-led alliance, as the government put “huge pressure” on them to quit the opposition combine.

Islami Oikya Jote quits the BNP-led 20-party alliance for what it says organisational interest adding that the move "was inevitable" to strengthen the party itself.

It is a great relief that 5th January passed off without any untoward incident, although the stipulations set by the DMP before giving the go-ahead were observed only in their violation.

The BNP is now concentrating on “positive politics” with nonviolent programmes like rallies, discussions, and human chains to compel the government to initiate talks with all political parties for an immediate national election.

It was a different day in our politics, imbued with hope that any flashpoint could be avoided with a democratic spirit. The ruling Awami League and its rival BNP deserve praise for making this difference on Tuesday.

He masterminded the formation of a ruthless militia that unleashed terror on peace-loving Bangalees, killed unarmed civilians, raped women and destroyed properties during the 1971 Liberation War. Towards the end of the nine-month war, the infamous militia -- Al-Badr Bahini -- committed “crimes of serious gravity intending to demean the human civilisation”. Sensing Pakistan's imminent defeat, the notorious force systematically rounded up, tortured and killed the nation's brightest luminaries to intellectually cripple the soon-to-be independent Bangladesh.

Re-elections to 51 polling stations in 20 municipalities across the country will be held on January 12, officials at the Election Commission say.

For 91 days from January 6 to April 4 last year, there was hardly a single day when innocent people were not burnt to death or injured in arson attacks on public transports.

A Dhaka court sends BNP standing committee members Mirza Abbas to jail after his surrender before it in connection with two violence cases.

Bitterly criticising the BNP for its violent agitation last year, the ruling Awami League has called on its political foe to return to peaceful politics.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia yesterday urged the government to open talks with all political parties to find a solution to the “ongoing political crisis and restore democracy” in the country.

Awami League General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam calls upon BNP to return to the path of peaceful politics and shun the path of violence while addressing a rally at Bangabandhu Avenue celebrating the second anniversary of January 5 general elections.

At least 35 people were injured in clashes between different factions of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) across the country as the pro-Awami League student organisation celebrated its 68th founding anniversary yesterday.

The countrywide blockade, called by the BNP-led 20-party alliance last year, is still on. It is hard to believe that the opposition alliance is yet to officially withdraw the programme through any announcement, party insiders have said.

The month of January has come again, starting a new year with new hopes and new promises. But it makes no difference to those stuck in a circle of pain, sorrow and uncertainties resulted from the unprecedented violence last year.

The BNP can hold today's rallies in Dhaka and Chittagong, but there are conditions.

At least 20 people are injured in infighting between two groups of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) in Chittagong city.