A Manikganj District and Sessions Judge Court on Monday rejected the bail plea of Baul singer Abul Sarkar, who has been in custody since November 19 on charges of making derogatory comments about Islam during a musical performance. Judge S.K.M. Tofayel Hasan delivered the order following a hearing attended by 15–16 defense lawyers and public prosecutor Nurataj Alam Bahar representing the state. Following the court’s decision, several lawyers staged a demonstration in the court premises demanding punishment for the artist. Sarkar’s counsel, Jinnat Ali, stated that this was the second bail petition after an earlier rejection by the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court on November 23. The case stems from a November 4 performance in Ghior, Manikganj, where a video of Sarkar’s remarks went viral on social media, sparking widespread criticism. If convicted, Sarkar faces up to two years in prison, a fine, or both under existing laws. The case has drawn attention to the intersection of artistic expression and religious sensitivity in Bangladesh’s cultural sphere.

Pirojpur-1 constituency Jamaat-e-Islami nominated MP candidate and former upazila chairman Masud Saeedi has emphasized the need for better working conditions for teachers to create an enlightened and progressive society. Speaking at a discussion meeting with teachers and local dignitaries at Pirojpur Government Suhrawardy College, he stated that education is the driving force of national progress, and teachers are its foundation. Saeedi pledged that, if elected, he would prioritize improving the education system, ensuring a safe, supportive, and corruption-free environment for teachers and students. He also promised to introduce modern, technology-based learning tools and training programs to enhance teaching quality. Addressing the broader national context, he criticized persistent corruption as a major obstacle to Bangladesh’s development, vowing to work toward its eradication. Local educators and community leaders attended the meeting, expressing support for initiatives that would enhance teacher dignity and student safety. Saeedi’s remarks reflect growing public discourse on education reform and governance accountability ahead of the upcoming election.

At a seminar in Manikganj, the Director General of the National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate, Faruk Ahmed, highlighted widespread irregularities in the market and the challenges faced by regulators with limited manpower. He remarked that nearly every product category shows problems, emphasizing that the agency’s goal is not punishment but correction and awareness. Ahmed announced that the Directorate has proposed amendments to the Consumer Rights Protection Act of 2009, citing existing legal barriers that hinder effective enforcement. He urged both consumers and businesses to act responsibly—consumers by becoming more aware, and businesses by maintaining honesty and integrity. The seminar, organized by the district administration and the Directorate’s local office, was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Nazmun Ara Sultana and attended by officials, business leaders, and journalists. The proposed legal reforms aim to strengthen consumer protection mechanisms and ensure a fairer marketplace. Officials indicated that awareness campaigns and stakeholder consultations will continue as part of the Directorate’s broader reform agenda.

Bangladesh’s interim government adviser on labour and shipping, Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain, stated that the interim administration was not given any specific mandate or deadline to hold national elections. Speaking at a press conference on December 8 at the Secretariat, he clarified that when the interim government assumed office on August 8, 2024, no instruction or timeframe was set for conducting elections. He added that the government itself had expressed the intention to hold elections, and political parties’ subsequent activities were beyond government control. Hossain emphasized that the interim government believes elections should take place in due time to restore democratic governance and global democratic norms, which he said had been absent for nearly two decades. Drawing on his experience as a former election commissioner, he declined to comment on whether the current political environment is ready for elections, saying that only the Election Commission could assess that. He further noted that political parties currently appear uncertain about their strategies and future, suggesting that political instability would arise only if the government and parties move in opposite directions.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman has announced that his party will restart the canal excavation project if given the opportunity to govern after the upcoming national election. Speaking virtually from London at an event in Dhaka’s Krishibid Institution, Rahman said the initiative, originally launched by late President Ziaur Rahman, had helped control floods and improve irrigation, leading to food self-sufficiency in the past. He emphasized that the BNP’s development agenda would focus on environmental restoration, waste management, and air pollution control. Rahman also discussed plans to enhance remittance inflows by providing skills training to migrant workers and to support digital content creators through partnerships with global financial platforms such as PayPal, Google, and Meta. He urged party activists to prioritize the BNP’s electoral symbol over individual candidates and to engage citizens in implementing the party’s national rebuilding plans. The speech, delivered during the “Plan to Build the Nation” program, was attended by over a thousand student leaders. Rahman called on the youth to unite for Bangladesh’s future, warning that inaction could lead to national setbacks.

Residents of several neighborhoods in Dhaka’s Jatrabari area blocked the Dhaka–Chattogram Highway on Monday, demanding restoration of household gas supply. The protest, which began around noon and lasted over three hours, brought traffic to a standstill across major routes including Mayor Hanif Flyover and Gulistan. Demonstrators carried placards calling for an end to alleged syndicate manipulation and urged authorities to resolve the gas crisis immediately. The blockade caused heavy congestion stretching up to nine kilometers, severely disrupting city and long-distance travel. Ambulances faced delays, and one patient reportedly died en route to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Residents said they had been without gas for nearly three months, forcing families to cook with firewood or rely on restaurant food. Despite repeated complaints to Titas Gas, no improvement was seen. Police officials negotiated with gas authorities, who promised to restore supply, prompting protesters to withdraw. The incident underscores Dhaka’s recurring utility supply challenges and highlights growing public frustration over service inefficiencies. Authorities have pledged to investigate the cause of the prolonged disruption.

Dhaka South unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced a strict stance on maintaining internal discipline, warning that any public protest against party decisions will be treated as a violation. In a statement issued on Monday, signed by convener Rafiqul Alam Majnu and member secretary, the unit instructed all leaders and activists to remain unconditionally loyal to official party directives. The statement clarified that members may express differing opinions only through internal party forums or by communicating with designated leaders. However, any public demonstration or protest against party decisions will be considered a breach of discipline, subject to penalties under the BNP constitution. The notice emphasized that disciplinary provisions are clearly defined and must be respected by all levels of leadership. Party insiders view the move as an effort to prevent internal dissent amid ongoing political challenges. Observers suggest the directive aims to consolidate control and ensure message unity as the BNP navigates a tense political environment ahead of future mobilizations.

The European Union has reached a consensus to tighten its migration and asylum policies in response to growing pressure from irregular migration flows. During a meeting of EU interior ministers in Brussels on December 8, member states provisionally approved several measures proposed by the European Commission. These include stronger controls on migrant arrivals and returns, as well as the establishment of ‘return hubs’ outside the EU’s 27 member states to manage deportations more efficiently. Officials say the proposals aim to make the EU’s migration system more streamlined and enforceable. The initiative comes as many European governments face increasing domestic pressure from right-wing parties gaining popularity over migration concerns. The new measures still require final approval from the European Parliament before implementation. Human rights organizations have voiced strong opposition, warning that the tougher stance could undermine asylum rights and humanitarian protections. The debate highlights the EU’s struggle to balance border security with its commitment to international refugee obligations.

A strong 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck off the northern coast of Japan on Monday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The quake occurred near the coastal areas of Aomori and Hokkaido, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami warning for waves that could reach up to three meters (10 feet) high. The tremor was felt widely across the region, but no immediate reports of casualties or major damage were confirmed. Japan’s national broadcaster NHK reported that safety checks were underway at nearby nuclear power plants as a precautionary measure. The JMA urged residents in coastal zones to move to higher ground and remain alert for potential aftershocks. Local authorities activated emergency response systems and began monitoring sea level changes. Japan, located along the seismically active Pacific “Ring of Fire,” frequently experiences earthquakes. The latest event has revived concerns about disaster preparedness and nuclear safety, with officials emphasizing the importance of early warning systems and community readiness.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially announced its squad for the upcoming Under-19 Asia Cup, naming Azizul Hakim Tamim as captain and Jawad Abrar as vice-captain. The tournament is scheduled to begin on December 12 and conclude with the final on December 21 in the United Arab Emirates. Pacer Al Fahad has been ruled out due to injury, while off-spinner Sheikh Parvez Jibon has been called up to replace Debashish Sarkar. The 15-member squad includes promising young talents such as Samiun Bashir Ratul, Rizwan Hossain, and Farid Hossain Faisal, with six additional players named as standbys. The Under-19 Asia Cup serves as a key preparatory event ahead of the ICC Under-19 World Cup. Bangladesh, a former champion in the competition, will look to test its new leadership combination and assess bench strength under UAE conditions, which are expected to challenge both spinners and pacers.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has cautioned that the notion of portraying one leader as good and all others as bad poses a serious threat to democracy. Speaking virtually from London at a BNP event in Dhaka’s Krishibid Institution, he urged party members to uphold pluralism and accountability, emphasizing that democracy is the only path to restoring normalcy in Bangladesh’s governance. Rahman criticized the current state of the nation, citing economic hardship, factory closures, poor healthcare, and insecurity as signs of systemic dysfunction. He reiterated that only a democratically elected government can ensure accountability and gradual improvement. Addressing BNP activists, he called for unity and grassroots engagement ahead of the next election, stressing that loyalty should be to the party and its symbol, not individual candidates. He also pledged to revive the canal excavation program initiated by late President Ziaur Rahman, linking it to agricultural productivity and flood control. The BNP plans to continue policy workshops through mid-December, focusing on education, health, agriculture, and employment.

Shahadat Hossain Selim, chairman of the Bangladesh Liberal Democratic Party (BLDP), has formally joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) after dissolving his own party. The announcement was made on Monday at BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s political office in Gulshan, where Selim presented flowers to BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury. During the event, it was confirmed that Selim will contest the upcoming election from the Lakshmipur-1 constituency under the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol. Amir Khosru stated that Selim’s nomination recognizes his contributions to political movements and his long-standing association with nationalist politics. He emphasized the need for unity under Tarique Rahman’s leadership to ensure BNP’s electoral success. Selim, who began his political career in the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, said he always remained emotionally connected to the BNP despite earlier separation. Declaring the dissolution of BLDP, he described his return as a homecoming after 25 years and pledged to strengthen the party ahead of the national polls.

The Ministry of Education’s Secondary and Higher Education Division in Bangladesh has issued the MPO Policy 2025, prohibiting teachers and staff of MPO-listed non-government schools and colleges from holding any financially profitable positions. The directive, released Sunday, states that teachers cannot engage in other jobs or professions such as journalism, law, or employment in private organizations while receiving MPO benefits. According to clause 11.17(a) of the policy, any teacher or employee found involved in multiple posts or profit-oriented roles may face cancellation of MPO benefits and disciplinary action. The policy defines ‘financially profitable positions’ as any role that provides salary, allowance, or honorarium from government or private institutions. It also outlines performance-based conditions for institutions to retain MPO eligibility, including minimum pass rates in public exams. The policy further clarifies promotion criteria, stating that assistant teachers with ten years of satisfactory service will be promoted to senior teacher positions. However, library and information science teachers will receive financial benefits of higher grades without promotion. The reforms aim to ensure full-time dedication and accountability within the education sector.

The Ministry of Education of Bangladesh has urged teachers and stakeholders to avoid speculation and maintain professionalism regarding the proposed Dhaka Central University, which aims to integrate Dhaka’s seven government colleges under a unified structure. In a statement issued on December 8, the ministry emphasized that no misinformation should disrupt students’ education or institutional harmony. Officials said the draft ‘Dhaka Central University Ordinance 2025’ is being finalized after receiving over 5,000 public and stakeholder comments since its publication in September. The ministry has held multiple consultation meetings with teachers, students, and civil society representatives, and expects to hold an inter-ministerial meeting by December 25, 2025, to finalize the draft. Interim administrative arrangements are in place to ensure continuity of academic activities. Classes for the 2024–25 academic year are scheduled to begin on January 1, 2026. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the distinct identity of the seven colleges, protecting staff positions, and ensuring women’s education opportunities remain unaffected.

A Dhaka court has ordered the imprisonment of Shawkat Mahmud, former president of the National Press Club and current secretary-general of Janata Party Bangladesh, in connection with a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Metropolitan Magistrate Jewel Rana issued the order on Monday after police sought a 10-day remand for Mahmud. The court set Thursday for the hearing on the remand petition. Mahmud was arrested on Sunday in the same case that led to the detention of Bangladeshi-American Enayet Karim Chowdhury, who is accused of involvement in a conspiracy to overthrow the government. Following his arrest, Detective Branch (DB) police produced Mahmud before the court, requesting remand for further interrogation. However, the hearing was postponed due to the absence of the case’s main documents. The case has drawn attention from political observers and media circles, as Mahmud is a well-known journalist and political figure. The outcome of Thursday’s hearing is expected to determine whether investigators will be allowed to question him in custody.