Bangladesh Bank has approved the launch of the Combined Islamic Bank PLC, formed through the merger of five struggling Islamic banks—First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, EXIM Bank, and Union Bank. The new institution began operations on December 2, with its official inauguration scheduled for Thursday by Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur. Depositors will be able to withdraw up to Tk 2 lakh starting Sunday, while a roadmap is being prepared for larger withdrawals. The bank’s paid-up capital has been set at Tk 35,000 crore, with the government contributing Tk 20,000 crore and depositors’ shares covering the remaining Tk 15,000 crore. The authorized capital stands at Tk 40,000 crore. Officials expect the merger to stabilize the Islamic banking sector and restore depositor confidence after months of financial uncertainty.

Government secondary school teachers in Bangladesh have temporarily suspended their ongoing strike, which began on December 1, after two days of halted annual exams across more than 700 schools. The Bangladesh Government Secondary Teachers’ Association (BASMASIS) announced the decision late Tuesday, citing concern for students’ academic progress and mental well-being. Teachers will resume annual examinations from Wednesday, December 3. The strike was originally called to press four key demands: inclusion of assistant teachers in the BCS (General Education) cadre, prompt recruitment and promotion in vacant positions, implementation of pending time-scale and selection-grade benefits per Supreme Court rulings, and restoration of pre-2015 salary increments. The association urged authorities to take effective steps to address these demands swiftly to prevent future disruptions in education. Teachers expressed gratitude to colleagues who participated in the strike and affirmed their commitment to ensuring smooth examinations while continuing dialogue on their demands.

The United Nations is grappling with a severe financial crisis after four major member states—United States, China, Russia, and Mexico—failed to pay their dues, leaving the organization short of $1.59 trillion. To manage the shortfall, UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced a 15.1% reduction in the 2026 budget to $3.24 billion and an 18.8% cut in staff positions, eliminating 2,681 posts. Despite the austerity, funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and African development initiatives will remain unchanged. The UN also plans to reduce spending on special political missions by 21.6% and cancel two office leases in New York by 2027 to save $24.5 million annually from 2029. Guterres emphasized that the liquidity crisis has already left 18% of positions vacant, warning that continued non-payment by member states threatens the UN’s operational capacity.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has released the final schedule for the 12th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), set to begin on December 26 and conclude with the final on January 23. The T20 franchise tournament will feature 34 matches across three venues—Sylhet, Chattogram, and Dhaka. The opening match will see Sylhet Titans face Rajshahi Warriors in Sylhet. After the Sylhet leg, the tournament will move to Chattogram before concluding in Dhaka. The eliminator and first qualifier are scheduled for January 19, the second qualifier for January 21, and the final for January 23, all at Mirpur Stadium, with a reserve day allocated for the final stage. Six teams will compete this season: Dhaka Capitals, Sylhet Titans, Chattogram Royals, Rangpur Riders, Rajshahi Warriors, and Noakhali Express.

Bangladesh’s Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akhter emphasized the need for responsible harvesting, technological innovation, science-based policymaking, and effective governance to ensure sustainable marine development. Speaking at the second day of the international conference ‘Marine Fisheries and Blue Innovations: Safeguarding Ocean Harmony’ in Chattogram, she said that identifying the blue economy as a national priority has created opportunities for a sustainable ocean future through coordination among science, policy, and community development. Farida highlighted alarming declines in small pelagic fish stocks—down 78.6% in seven years—and the rise of jellyfish due to reduced predator fish, signaling ecological imbalance in the Bay of Bengal. She also warned that the hilsa fish, a national and global heritage species, faces serious threats. Farida called for regional and global cooperation to combat climate change and illegal fishing, and urged that research findings by Bangladeshi scientists be prioritized in policymaking for ecosystem protection and climate-resilient fisheries management.

Bangladesh Bank is set to introduce a newly designed Tk 500 banknote on December 4, themed on the country's historic and archaeological architecture. The note, bearing the signature of Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur, will first be issued from the central bank’s Motijheel office before being distributed nationwide. The 152mm × 65mm note features the Central Shaheed Minar on the front and the Supreme Court of Bangladesh on the back. The design incorporates a blooming national water lily motif and predominantly green tones for a modern and secure look. It includes ten advanced security features, such as color-shifting ink, a red security thread that changes color under light, tactile marks for the visually impaired, and UV-visible elements. The Royal Bengal Tiger watermark and electrotype ‘500’ enhance authenticity. Bangladesh Bank confirmed that all existing notes and coins will remain valid, while collectors can obtain sample notes from the Money Museum in Mirpur.

Bangladesh Police Headquarters announced that charge sheets have been submitted in 106 cases related to the July anti-discrimination student uprising. Among these, 31 are murder cases and 75 fall under other legal categories. The murder cases span districts including Pabna, Sirajganj, Bogura, Dhaka, Narayanganj, Cumilla, Chandpur, Feni, Kurigram, and Sherpur, as well as several metropolitan police jurisdictions such as Rajshahi, Chattogram, and Dhaka. The remaining 75 cases involve incidents in multiple districts and are being handled by various police units including PBI, CID, and metropolitan police divisions. Senior police officials are supervising the investigations to ensure proper legal procedures. Additionally, under Section 173(a) of the Criminal Procedure Code, interim investigation reports have been submitted in 437 cases recommending exemption for 2,830 individuals. Police authorities reaffirmed their commitment to completing investigations and bringing offenders to justice.

The High Court of Bangladesh has issued a rule asking why provisions for stricter punishment have not been enacted for cases involving offenses against religious sentiments. The bench of Justice Fahmida Kader and Justice Asif Hasan issued the rule on Tuesday, directing the law secretary and other relevant authorities to respond within four weeks. The rule follows a writ petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Golam Kibria, who sought a directive to introduce the death penalty as the maximum punishment for such offenses. Currently, the Bangladesh Penal Code and the new Cyber Security Act prescribe a maximum sentence of two years for hurting religious sentiments. The petitioner argued that the existing punishment is inadequate and fails to deter offenders. The writ names the law secretary and cabinet secretary among the respondents, seeking legislative action to impose harsher penalties to prevent future violations.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP) for Bangladesh’s southern region, declared that every voter will serve as his agent in the upcoming national parliamentary election. Speaking at a campaign rally in Bakrikandi village of Sultanpur Union, Cumilla-4 constituency, Abdullah stated he cannot offer money to voters but promised to stand by them in both good and bad times. He urged supporters to convey his greetings to all voters. Addressing concerns about a lack of polling agents, Abdullah argued that even parties with many agents failed to unseat Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the past 17 years. He claimed that his party played a role in movements against authoritarianism and expressed confidence that if they work sincerely, supporters from other parties will join them. Earlier in the day, he launched a day-long campaign march from Khadghar village in Bhani Union, joined by NCP leaders and activists.

Bangladesh police have arrested Tushar Mondal, the young man whose video firing a pistol during a violent clash between BNP and Jamaat supporters in Ishwardi, Pabna, recently went viral. The arrest took place on Monday night in Sirajganj’s Dhanbandhi area following a joint operation by the district detective branch and local police. Pabna Superintendent of Police Anwar Zahid confirmed the arrest on Tuesday. Mondal, identified as an active Jamaat worker and associate of district Jamaat leader and MP candidate Abu Taleb Mondal, was found hiding a pistol and two rounds of ammunition at his home. The viral footage had sparked heated disputes between BNP and Jamaat over his political affiliation. Separate cases were filed by both parties after the clash, and police have since launched neutral operations to detain all involved. A new case under the Arms Act has also been filed against Tushar Mondal.

After more than three weeks without family contact, former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s sister Uzma Khanum was finally allowed to meet him at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail. Her visit followed widespread rumors about Khan’s death and mounting public concern over his condition. Uzma reported that Khan appeared physically healthy but complained of mental harassment by prison authorities. The meeting lasted about 30 minutes, during which she learned that Khan was being kept isolated with limited movement and communication. Outside the jail, hundreds of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters gathered demanding transparency about his health. Protests also erupted in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, prompting authorities to impose Section 144 to restrict gatherings. Government officials denied reports of Khan’s transfer to Islamabad but confirmed ongoing construction of a new prison. Imran Khan, 72, has been imprisoned since August 2023 following multiple convictions that he and his party claim are politically motivated to hinder his participation in politics and elections.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is expected to return to Bangladesh soon if his mother, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s health condition remains unchanged. Speaking at a prayer gathering organized by Jubo Dal in Dhaka, Fakhrul noted that Tarique will decide on his return after assessing whether Khaleda Zia can be taken abroad for treatment. Khaleda Zia has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka since November 23 due to lung infections and other chronic ailments, including arthritis, diabetes, and kidney issues. She is currently in the hospital’s Critical Care Unit under a medical board led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder. Meanwhile, security around Evercare Hospital has been tightened, with police setting up barricades and restricting public access to ensure safety and smooth hospital operations.

The Supreme Court of Bangladesh will resume on Wednesday the hearing of a leave-to-appeal petition challenging the High Court’s order that declared the formation and oath of the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus as valid. The hearing took place on Tuesday before a seven-member full bench headed by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed. During the proceedings, lawyers argued that the true legitimacy of any government stems from the people’s trust and confidence. Earlier, senior lawyer Mohammad Mohsin Rashid, who had filed the original petition challenging the interim government’s legitimacy, faced contempt allegations for making derogatory remarks about the court. The High Court had previously dismissed his petition, stating that the people’s endorsement grants legitimacy to the interim government. Rashid later sought permission from the Appellate Division to appeal against that decision.

Bangladesh’s Education Adviser Professor Dr. C.R. Abrar has warned secondary school teachers who halted student examinations as part of their protest, saying such actions violate government service regulations. In an interview with the Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), he stated that teachers refusing to conduct exams could face disciplinary measures. Abrar criticized the teachers’ demand for promotion from the 10th to the 9th grade, calling it unfair and outside their employment terms. He emphasized that the 9th grade is reserved for BCS administration cadre officers and that the issue involves inter-ministerial coordination. The adviser condemned the use of students’ exams as leverage in the protest, describing it as unethical and harmful to learners and parents. He reiterated the government’s firm stance that examinations must proceed without interruption and urged teachers to resume tests immediately to reduce pressure on students and families.

The Bangladesh Public Service Commission (PSC) has issued a recruitment circular for 24 non-cadre positions in the 9th and 10th grades across various ministries and departments. The announcement, published on November 30, 2025, includes posts such as Assistant Architect, Assistant Computer Programmer, Public Relations Officer, Accounts Officer, and Assistant Cipher and Consular Officers. The positions fall under ministries including Housing and Public Works, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Foreign Affairs. Applicants must hold relevant bachelor's or master's degrees from recognized universities, with specific academic requirements for each post. The salary ranges from BDT 16,000 to 53,060 depending on grade. Candidates must be under 32 years of age as of November 1, 2025. Online applications can be submitted through the PSC website or Teletalk portal between December 14, 2025, and January 13, 2026. The application fee is BDT 200, reduced to BDT 50 for underprivileged applicants.