A severe fertilizer shortage has hit five unions in Taraganj upazila of Rangpur, causing major disruption for potato farmers. The scarcity of TSP and Moroccan fertilizers has prevented many from sowing seeds on time, raising fears of reduced potato yields this season. Farmers report that despite repeated contact with local agricultural officials, no clear information or supply has been provided. Investigations reveal that some dealers are secretly selling fertilizers at nearly double the government-fixed prices, with Moroccan fertilizer bags priced between Tk 2,200 and Tk 2,500 instead of Tk 1,350. Local farmers express frustration as their fields remain idle due to the lack of fertilizer. The upazila agriculture office claims that supply is being distributed as per government allocation but admits a temporary shortage due to increased demand. Officials have promised to resolve the crisis soon and take legal action against dealers overcharging farmers.

US President Donald Trump announced he is nullifying all documents signed by his predecessor Joe Biden, including executive pardons, claiming Biden used an autopen to sign them. The autopen, a device replicating a person’s signature, has long been used by presidents from both parties for official documents. Legal experts say Trump’s move is unprecedented and lacks constitutional or statutory basis, as there is no law requiring a president to personally sign such documents or allowing one president to revoke another’s pardons. Trump made the announcement on his social media platform Truth Social, asserting that any pardon or legal document signed this way is invalid. Biden had issued several pardons before leaving office, including for family members and nonviolent drug offenders. Reports suggest Trump’s action may not affect Hunter Biden’s pardon, which was hand-signed, but could impact others like Dr. Anthony Fauci. Analysts view Trump’s decision as politically motivated and legally unenforceable.

The European Union has agreed on a provisional deal to halt all gas imports from Russia by November 2027, marking a major step toward energy independence following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Under the agreement, member states will stop importing Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) by the end of 2026 and end pipeline gas imports by November 2027. The move aims to eliminate the bloc’s reliance on Russian energy, which once supplied about half of its gas needs before 2022. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the decision as the beginning of Europe’s energy freedom. However, the deal still requires final approval from the European Parliament and Council, and faces political resistance from countries like Hungary and Slovakia that remain dependent on Russian energy. Hungary’s foreign minister has vowed to challenge the measure in the EU Court of Justice. The agreement also bans new long-term pipeline contracts after September 2027 and LNG contracts after January 2027, with short-term deals phased out earlier.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam has emphasized that only through structural reforms can transparency and accountability be ensured within the Bangladesh Police. Speaking to journalists after a meeting with Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Abdul Momen at the ACC headquarters in Segunbagicha, Dhaka, on December 3, Alam described corruption among police officers as a complex issue that cannot be resolved overnight. He underscored the importance of implementing the Police Reform Commission’s recommendations for long-term and sustainable solutions. The IGP further noted that greater accountability within the force is essential to curb corruption. His remarks come amid ongoing investigations into alleged corruption by several senior police officials who served during the previous Sheikh Hasina administration, including former IGP Benazir Ahmed, former SB chief Monirul Islam, and former DB chief Harun-or-Rashid, some of whom are now facing ACC cases.

Bangladesh’s interim government has criticized traders for raising edible oil prices without prior consultation or approval from authorities. Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin stated that the traders increased prices by around 20 taka per liter despite recently selling oil to the government at lower rates. He questioned both the justification and legality of the move, suggesting that the price hike lacked any rational basis. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Wednesday, Bashir Uddin said the government would hold discussions with business representatives to determine necessary actions. He also responded to concerns about the growing influence of traders, emphasizing that the government would take appropriate measures through dialogue rather than confrontation. The incident has sparked debate over market regulation and the balance of power between the state and private sector in setting essential commodity prices.

In Comilla’s Burichang upazila, BNP nomination aspirant and local party president ATM Mizanur Rahman organized a large prayer gathering seeking the recovery of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who is currently hospitalized. The event, held in the Sonodrom area of Varella South Union, brought together around 2,000 women. Rahman also arranged lunch for all attendees. Speakers at the event described Khaleda Zia as a steadfast leader who never compromised with the ruling Awami League and emphasized her importance to the nation. Religious leader Qari Nasrin Akter led the prayer, calling Khaleda Zia a symbol of unity for 180 million Bangladeshis. Rahman stated that Khaleda Zia’s illness resulted from political oppression and urged everyone to pray for her recovery. Several local BNP and affiliated organization leaders were present at the event, which reflected ongoing grassroots support for the ailing opposition leader.

Following a series of earthquakes in November that rattled Bangladesh, experts are calling for the country to learn from Japan’s extensive experience in earthquake preparedness and resilience. Japan, located on the seismically active Ring of Fire, experiences around 1,500 earthquakes annually but minimizes casualties through strict building codes, public awareness, and regular drills. Japanese citizens are trained from childhood to respond calmly and effectively during tremors, while cities maintain clear evacuation routes and safe zones. Structural innovations such as seismic isolation, motion dampers, and flexible mesh frameworks help Japanese skyscrapers withstand strong quakes. In contrast, many smaller private buildings in Bangladesh fail to follow seismic codes, leaving them vulnerable. Experts emphasize that Bangladesh should prioritize awareness programs, regular earthquake drills in schools and workplaces, and enforcement of construction regulations. They also stress the need for political will to ensure urban safety and disaster resilience.

A fire broke out at a cork sheet manufacturing factory and warehouse owned by Morshed Khondaker in Narayanganj’s Bandar upazila on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred in the Lakshankhola area at Ayesha EPS Insulation Limited. Four units of the Bandar Fire Service worked for about an hour to bring the blaze under control. According to factory sources, stored goods in the warehouse were severely damaged, resulting in significant financial losses. Local witnesses and fire officials suspect that the fire originated from an electrical short circuit while workers were inside the facility. Station Officer Sanjay Khan of the Bandar Fire Service stated that there were no casualties in the incident. Authorities are still assessing the extent of the damage and investigating the exact cause of the fire. The incident highlights ongoing fire safety concerns in industrial zones of Narayanganj, a region known for its dense concentration of factories and warehouses.

A mobile court in Bhangura upazila of Pabna sentenced a 28-year-old man named Mizan to three months of imprisonment and fined him Tk 10,000 for producing and marketing fake milk made from caustic soda, jelly, and soybean oil. The operation, led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Mizanur Rahman, took place in the Sahanagar area of Ashtamanisha Union following a tip-off. During the raid, authorities seized 10 liters of soybean oil, a blender machine, and fake milk. Mizan, son of Golam Mostafa from Menda Paschim Para, was caught red-handed while making the adulterated milk. The court acted under Section 52 of the Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009. The confiscated soybean oil and blender were donated to a local orphanage, while the fake milk was destroyed. Officials from the livestock department and local police assisted in the operation, which aimed to curb food adulteration in the region.

Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) in Noakhali has arrested one suspect in the murder of a day laborer, allegedly beaten to death at the home of former union chairman and Awami League leader A.K.M. Siraj Ullah. The arrested man, Md. Lutfur Rahman alias Latu, 59, was reportedly the caretaker of Siraj’s house and confessed to his involvement during court proceedings. The victim, 26-year-old Md. Alauddin, was accused of theft and brutally assaulted with iron rods and sticks on May 1, 2024. He later died on May 6 while undergoing treatment at Chittagong Medical College Hospital. Initially, political influence allegedly prevented the victim’s family from filing a case, but his mother later lodged a murder complaint in June. PBI exhumed the body for autopsy 36 days after burial. The main accused, Siraj Ullah, remains at large as investigators continue efforts to apprehend him and other suspects.

A business establishment owned by Jubo Dal leader Ahbab Hossain in Osmaninagar, Sylhet, was reportedly attacked, vandalized, and looted by rival groups on November 28. According to a police complaint filed by the shop manager, Md. Ahar Mia, around 10–12 individuals armed with local weapons stormed the Khadimpur Drug House at Khadimpur New Market, assaulted him, and looted Tk 25,000 in cash. The attackers also damaged goods inside the pharmacy and vandalized a personal autorickshaw, causing an estimated loss of Tk 20,000. The incident allegedly stemmed from a prior dispute between the parties. Local traders expressed outrage, saying such organized violence threatens market security and stability. Osmaninagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Monayem Mia confirmed that an investigation is underway and necessary legal action will be taken. The Jubo Dal leader urged swift justice to ensure safety for business owners and residents.

The Islami Oikya Jote organized a special prayer session at the southern courtyard of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque on Wednesday after Asr prayers, seeking the recovery of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The prayer was led by Maulana Mohammad Ilias Athari, the party’s joint secretary general and spokesperson. During the prayer, Athari emphasized Khaleda Zia’s importance in safeguarding Bangladesh’s democracy, sovereignty, and independence, and in resisting foreign dominance. He expressed hope that she would regain her health and once again lead the nation during its critical times. Several leaders from Islami Chhatra Samaj and Islami Oikya Jote’s Dhaka Metropolitan unit, including Hafiz Belal Hossain, H.M. Borkatullah, Nurul Azam Hawlader, and others, attended the event. The gathering reflected continued political and religious solidarity with the ailing opposition leader, who remains a symbolic figure in Bangladesh’s democratic movement.

The fifth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival is set to begin on December 4 in Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad district, Saudi Arabia. The festival will open with Rowan Athale’s film 'Giant', inspired by the life of British-Yemeni boxer Prince Naseem Hamed, starring Amir El-Masry and Pierce Brosnan. This year’s event features 111 films, including 16 in the main competition—half from the Middle East and half international. Oscar-winning director Sean Baker will chair the jury. The lineup includes Saudi Arabia’s Oscar entry 'Hijra', Cherien Dabis’s 'All That’s Left of You', and other acclaimed titles from Tunisia, Spain, and Switzerland. Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai is among the confirmed celebrity attendees. The Red Sea Film Foundation, now led by CEO Faisal Baltyuor, aims to attract 40,000 visitors this year, up from 30,000 in 2024. The festival will also feature outdoor screenings, family programs, and a youth filmmaking initiative called 'Voices of Tomorrow'.

Bangladesh’s Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has warned that the unnecessary use of antibiotics in low-cost poultry production is disproportionately harming poor communities. Speaking as chief guest at a British High Commission event in Dhaka titled 'Fleming Fund Legacy in Bangladesh: Tackling AMR through One Health Approach', she emphasized that preventive measures and food safety are the most effective ways to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Akhter called for strict enforcement of zero-tolerance policies against antibiotic misuse and adherence to WTO standards to ensure safe food in imports and exports. She also stressed that achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) requires not only food production but also proper regulation of antibiotic and pesticide use in agriculture and livestock. The UK’s Fleming Fund has been supporting Bangladesh since 2020 in strengthening AMR surveillance through the One Health approach. Officials from the British High Commission, FAO, and various government departments attended the event.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has proposed to mediate between China and Japan to ease escalating tensions following recent remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan. Speaking at a press conference in Seoul, Lee emphasized that taking sides would only worsen the situation and urged all parties to seek coexistence instead of confrontation. The dispute intensified after Takaichi said any Chinese attack on Taiwan could pose an existential threat to Japan, justifying the use of collective self-defense. In response, China condemned the statement, urged its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan, suspended seafood imports from Japan, and postponed a planned trilateral meeting with Japan and South Korea. Lee’s mediation proposal comes as Seoul seeks to play a constructive role in maintaining regional stability amid growing geopolitical friction in East Asia.