An independent national investigation commission formed by Bangladesh’s interim government has alleged political involvement by members of the Awami League and possible Indian influence in the 2009 Pilkhana massacre at the then BDR headquarters in Dhaka. The commission’s report, submitted to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, claims that former MP Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh coordinated the incident with a 'green signal' from then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Witness testimonies revealed that Taposh allegedly instructed a youth to organize a rally that entered the BDR compound, and that members of the ruling party’s youth wing participated. Several witnesses also criticized the government’s handling of the mutiny, citing failures such as not deploying tanks, not convening the National Security Council, and declaring a general amnesty that emboldened the mutineers. The commission’s findings challenge previous official narratives and suggest political and external factors behind the tragic event.

Police in Lakshmipur’s Chandraganj area have uncovered an illegal arms manufacturing operation hidden behind a local engineering workshop named Nuha Auto Traders and Lathe Engineering. Acting on a tip-off, the district Detective Branch (DB) conducted a raid on Monday afternoon, discovering locally made firearms and weapon-making equipment. Although no arrests were made during the operation, police identified the workshop’s owner as Nur Uddin, also known as Jiku, from Begumganj in Noakhali. DB Officer-in-Charge Shahadat Hossain Titu stated that the workshop had been under surveillance for some time based on intelligence reports. The recovered weapons and materials have been handed over to the local police station as part of legal procedures. Authorities are currently investigating how the illegal factory operated and who else might be involved, while efforts to apprehend the owner are ongoing.

Six teenagers were abducted at gunpoint by an armed gang from a tea stall in Baharchhara Union of Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, on Sunday evening. The incident occurred in Shilkhali village when 10–12 armed robbers descended from nearby hills and took the boys, aged between 13 and 17, into the forested hills. Two of the abducted teens managed to escape later. Local residents report that Baharchhara has become a hotspot for robberies, kidnappings, and ransom demands, leaving villagers in constant fear. Police, led by Baharchhara Investigation Center Inspector Durjoy Biswas, launched an overnight search operation with local assistance but had not yet rescued the remaining victims by nightfall. Local political and community leaders have expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation and urged authorities to restore safety in the area.

A Dhaka Special Judge Court has scheduled January 5 for the hearing on charge framing in a sedition case against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 285 others. The Special Judge Court-9, presided over by Judge Md Abdus Salam, fixed the new date after the defense requested more time during Monday’s session. The case stems from an online meeting held on December 19 last year under the banner of 'Joy Bangla Brigade,' where participants allegedly pledged to bring Sheikh Hasina back to power through civil conflict. Investigators claim the meeting contained elements of a conspiracy against the state. Following an investigation, the CID filed a charge sheet on August 14, naming 286 accused, including several former MPs and political figures. The court accepted the charge sheet and issued arrest warrants for all accused. The hearing will determine whether formal charges will proceed against the defendants.

France has called on Israel to respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity following an Israeli airstrike in Damascus that killed at least 13 civilians, including women and children. The French chargé d’affaires in Syria, Jean-Baptiste Favre, expressed concern over civilian casualties and reaffirmed France’s commitment to international law and the 1974 disengagement agreement between the two countries. He urged Middle Eastern nations to engage in efforts to make Syria a center of peace, security, and stability for the region. Reports indicate that since December 2024, Israel has conducted over a thousand airstrikes and more than 400 cross-border operations in southern Syria. Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government late last year, Israel reportedly took control of a buffer zone in the Golan Heights, violating the previous agreement with Syria. France’s statement reflects growing international concern over escalating violence and regional instability.

Khulna is witnessing a concerning surge in HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths, according to data from the ART Center of Khulna Medical College Hospital. Between November 2024 and October 2025, 100 new HIV cases were detected among 1,279 blood samples, including eight children, while 23 people died of AIDS. The previous year saw 85 infections and 20 deaths. Health experts attribute the rise to cross-border movement with India’s West Bengal, unsafe sexual practices among transport workers and traders, and unregulated blood transfusions in some clinics. Among the newly infected, 56 are from the general population, 37 are homosexual men, and seven contracted the virus through blood. Officials emphasize the need for moral discipline, safe blood use, and public awareness to curb the spread. Currently, 887 patients are registered at the ART Center, with 550 receiving regular treatment. Authorities warn that without awareness and preventive measures, the trend may worsen.

Thousands of protesters gathered outside Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s residence in Tel Aviv after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu requested a presidential pardon in his ongoing corruption cases. The 76-year-old leader sought clemency without admitting guilt or expressing remorse, sparking outrage among opposition lawmakers and anti-government activists. Demonstrators carried effigies mocking Netanyahu and urged the president to reject the plea. Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, faces three separate corruption trials involving allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. One case accuses him and his wife of accepting luxury gifts worth around $260,000 from wealthy businessmen in exchange for political favors, while other cases involve attempts to secure favorable media coverage. Netanyahu denies all charges, insisting through his lawyers that he expects full acquittal through the legal process. The protests reflect growing public frustration over perceived political impunity and judicial interference in Israel’s governance.

RAB-12 arrested three members of a counterfeit money syndicate in Sherpur upazila of Bogura district on Saturday afternoon. Acting on a tip-off, the elite force raided a house in Mirzapur Paschim Khalifapara area and seized 157 fake Tk 1,000 notes, totaling Tk 157,000. The detainees were identified as Nayeb Ali (42) of Natore, Enamul Haque (29) of Singra, and Rafiqul Islam (42) of Tanore, Rajshahi. The suspects had contacted a local resident, Faruk Hossain, through Facebook under the pretext of buying stones, which led to their capture. RAB also recovered three small stones, four SIM cards, three smartphones, a button phone, and Tk 4,210 in cash. During initial interrogation, the arrestees admitted to distributing counterfeit currency across different areas to deceive people. They were handed over to Sherpur police, and a case was filed under the Special Powers Act before being presented in court.

The human rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has voiced serious concern over the repeated killing of unarmed Bangladeshi civilians by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) along the Bangladesh-India frontier. In a press statement issued on Sunday, ASK described the incidents as inhumane, unacceptable, and a violation of international human rights norms and bilateral commitments between the two nations. According to ASK’s data, at least 28 Bangladeshi nationals have been killed by BSF gunfire between January and November 2025. The organization called for impartial investigations into each incident and urged accountability for those responsible. ASK emphasized that both Bangladesh and India share equal responsibility for ensuring the safety of border residents and urged both governments to avoid the use of lethal weapons in border management. It also appealed to the Indian government and people to take visible steps to stop such killings in the interest of human rights, friendship, and regional stability.

India’s Ministry of Telecommunications has directed smartphone manufacturers to preinstall a state-owned cybersecurity app called ‘Sanchar Saathi’ on all new devices within 90 days. The app, which cannot be deleted or disabled, is intended to help track and block lost or stolen phones and strengthen cyber threat prevention. However, privacy advocates and industry experts have raised concerns that the mandatory inclusion could compromise user privacy and data security. Companies such as Apple, Google, Samsung, and Xiaomi have yet to comment on the directive. Analysts suggest Apple may seek a compromise, possibly offering users an installation choice instead of a compulsory preinstall. The government maintains that the app’s purpose is purely protective, but critics argue that the inability to remove it raises surveillance and data misuse fears among users.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has initiated an inquiry against its former chairman, Iqbal Mahmood, over allegations of corruption, money laundering, and abuse of power. This marks the first time in the ACC’s history that a former chairman is being formally investigated. According to ACC spokesperson Md. Akhtarul Islam, the decision was confirmed on December 1. Sources indicate that Mahmood’s brother, Sadiq Mahmood Bokul, was a close business associate of health sector contractor Motazzarul Islam Mithu, who is already under investigation for corruption. Allegations suggest that Mahmood used his influence to shield Mithu and Bokul from scrutiny. Additionally, Mahmood is accused of accepting two luxury apartments in Dhaka’s Gulshan area from Mithu. The ACC will also examine the sources of Bokul’s wealth. The inquiry reportedly stems from information obtained during Mithu’s interrogation following his arrest on September 11.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, has confirmed that the national election will be held in early February, dismissing speculation about possible delays. In a Facebook post on December 1, he stated that the country is moving toward a free, fair, participatory, and peaceful election. He noted that the Election Commission will soon announce the schedule and that extensive security measures, including deployment of armed forces, have been arranged. Alam criticized political analyst Zillur Rahman’s comments doubting the February timeline, calling them outdated. He also rejected the notion that excluding a party accused of crimes against humanity would make the election non-inclusive. According to him, most political parties have already declared candidates, and the overall security situation remains stable. He further claimed that international partners do not expect the Awami League to return to normal politics without accountability for past crimes.

A fire erupted in a six-storey residential building located at 36/A Zahuri Mohalla in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur area on Monday afternoon, around 4:45 PM. According to Fire Service duty officer Shihab Sarkar, two firefighting units were deployed to bring the blaze under control. The cause of the fire and the extent of damage have not yet been determined. Authorities have not reported any casualties so far. Emergency services are continuing their efforts to contain the fire and assess the situation. Further details are expected as the operation progresses and officials investigate the incident.

Bangladesh’s Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul has stated that there are no legal restrictions preventing BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman from returning to the country. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Monday, Nazrul clarified that he is unaware of any legal obstacles to Rahman’s return and assured full cooperation if any such issues are identified. He also emphasized that the government would ensure Rahman’s safety upon his arrival. Nazrul added that the decision on the appropriate time for his return rests solely with Tarique Rahman himself. When asked why Rahman has not yet returned, the adviser declined to comment, calling such questions distasteful and referring to the matter as a personal issue involving Rahman and his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

BNP’s Assistant International Affairs Secretary Rumin Farhana has expressed skepticism about the likelihood of national elections taking place in Bangladesh anytime soon. Speaking on a private television talk show, she described acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman as a major obstacle for those who oppose an elected government and political stability. Farhana argued that Rahman’s political participation is crucial for the survival of Bangladesh’s progressive and democratic middle ground. She emphasized that his return to the country is not merely a personal matter but one deeply tied to the nation’s political direction and citizens’ fate. Questioning the government’s commitment to democratic transition, she noted the shifting election schedule and the lack of political enthusiasm usually seen before polls. Citing analysts, she said the chances of a February election are slim, adding that the current political atmosphere remains tense and uncertain.