A Muslim youth from West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, identified as Rahul Islam, was allegedly assaulted in Odisha’s Ganjam district by a group of men who forced him to chant religious slogans such as 'Jai Shri Ram' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'. The attackers reportedly accused him of being a 'Bangladeshi' and a 'Rohingya' after questioning his identity documents. Following the incident, migrant workers’ groups lodged complaints with the Odisha Police, the National Minority Commission, and the National Human Rights Commission. The Odisha government recently stated that thousands of undocumented Bangladeshis had been identified in the state, prompting intensified identity checks since the BJP came to power. Labor unions claim over 300 migrant workers have been detained in the past 10 days. Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra has threatened legal action against the Odisha Police. Rahul Islam sustained injuries and returned to Murshidabad out of fear. Police maintain that identity verification is ongoing and no deportations have occurred.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur announced that global digital payment platform PayPal is preparing to begin operations in Bangladesh soon. Speaking at the ‘Agro Award 2025’ event in Dhaka, he said the move will significantly benefit freelancers and small entrepreneurs by enabling smoother international transactions and faster payment transfers. Mansur noted that the lack of international payment gateways currently hampers outsourcing and freelance earnings, often causing delays or non-payment. PayPal’s entry is expected to solve these issues and facilitate cross-border trade. He also emphasized reducing cash transactions to curb corruption, revealing that cash management costs the country around Tk 20,000 crore annually. Additionally, he urged banks to increase agricultural lending from 2% to 10% of total loans and improve SME loan distribution. Highlighting Bangladesh’s agricultural progress, he said food grain production has tripled since independence, reaching nearly 40 million tons.

The Bangladesh government has introduced a new policy to curb illegal mobile phone imports and smuggling. Expatriates registered with the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) can now bring up to three mobile phones tax-free when returning home, including their personal device and two new handsets. Those without BMET cards may bring one additional phone by paying applicable taxes. The policy also mandates registration of used phones in the National Equipment Identity Registrar (NEIR) for expatriates staying over 60 days. The government plans to reduce high import duties—currently around 61%—to encourage legal imports and lower market prices. Additionally, VAT and taxes on locally manufactured phones will be rationalized to support domestic production and foreign investment. Authorities are tightening surveillance at airports and land ports to prevent refurbished or cloned phones from entering the country. The Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology confirmed that no active handset will be deactivated before December 16 as NEIR becomes operational.

Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Prime Minister, is in good health, according to his sister Uzma Khan. She made the statement after meeting him at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail on Tuesday, December 2. The visit came after widespread rumors about Khan’s death in custody prompted authorities to allow his family to see him. Pakistani media reported that the meeting was arranged before PTI’s planned protest program. Uzma Khan said she would share more details after consulting with her sisters Aleema and Naureen. Meanwhile, security around Adiala Jail has been tightened, with five new checkpoints established on Adiala Jail Road. Earlier in the day, unverified reports of Khan’s death sparked unrest across Pakistan, leading PTI to call for protests in Rawalpindi. To prevent gatherings, local authorities imposed Section 144, banning all public assemblies in the area.

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has urged strict enforcement of a zero-tolerance policy against the misuse and overuse of antibiotics to curb antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Bangladesh. Speaking at an event titled ‘Fleming Fund Legacy in Bangladesh: Tackling AMR through One Health Approach,’ organized by the British High Commission in Dhaka, she emphasized the importance of ensuring food safety in line with WTO guidelines. Akhter highlighted that achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2, which aims to end hunger, requires not only food production but also responsible use of antibiotics and pesticides in agriculture and livestock sectors. She noted that poor communities suffer most from the misuse of antibiotics in cheap poultry production. The adviser praised the UK government’s Fleming Fund for strengthening AMR surveillance and raising awareness among farmers, veterinarians, and field officers. She called for integrated efforts across human health, fisheries, livestock, and agriculture sectors under the One Health framework to ensure safe food and responsible antimicrobial use.

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas has accused the ruling Awami League of being an 'uncivilized' party and claimed that it aligns ideologically with those who collaborated with Pakistan during Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, such as the Razakars and Al-Badr. Speaking at the inauguration of a medical camp in Dhaka’s Siddheshwari area, Abbas alleged that some political groups are exploiting religion to intimidate voters ahead of the upcoming elections. He criticized statements suggesting that not voting for certain parties could lead to religious consequences or even physical threats. Abbas further stated that those who once betrayed the nation are now seeking votes again, questioning their right to do so. Urging citizens to remain vigilant, he warned against supporting parties that distort religion and betray the spirit of the Liberation War.

India’s political scene has heated up again following Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s controversial comments about former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Speaking at an event in Sadli village, Gujarat, marking Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary, Singh alleged that Nehru once proposed using government funds to build the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, a move opposed by Patel. He further claimed that Nehru discouraged public fundraising for Patel’s memorial, suggesting the money be used for wells and roads instead. Singh portrayed Patel as a secular, decisive leader who could have become prime minister but withdrew in deference to Mahatma Gandhi’s wishes. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with restoring Patel’s rightful place in history through initiatives like the Statue of Unity. Singh also argued that Patel’s approach could have prevented the prolonged Kashmir issue. His remarks have triggered intense debate among historians and political parties, with analysts suggesting the comments align with the ruling party’s broader ideological narrative.

A devastating fire broke out in Munshiganj’s Gazaria upazila on Wednesday morning after an LPG gas cylinder exploded in a house near a primary school in Baghaikandi village under Imampur Union. The explosion triggered a rapid spread of flames, completely destroying two tin-roofed houses and all household furniture. Although no casualties were reported, the affected families lost nearly all their possessions, estimating damages between Tk 12 and 14 lakh. Firefighters from the Gazaria Fire Service arrived promptly and managed to bring the blaze under control after about one and a half hours. Station Officer Firoz Mia said a gas leak might have caused the explosion, but the exact reason will be confirmed after investigation. Preliminary estimates suggest total losses of around Tk 15 lakh, while some property worth Tk 20 lakh was salvaged.

The Bangladesh Secretariat Officers and Employees United Council has submitted a memorandum to the Finance Adviser, urging immediate implementation of the Ninth National Pay Commission report. The memorandum, delivered on December 3, outlines three key demands: implementation of the 9th pay scale, introduction of a Secretariat allowance, and provision of a ration allowance. The council warned that if the government fails to issue a circular in December and publish a gazette by January 1, 2026, they will announce strict protest programs on January 10. The organization expressed concern over delays in finalizing the pay commission’s recommendations, citing rising living costs and growing frustration among lower-grade public employees. They emphasized that the current 20-grade pay structure should be revised to a 10-grade system with a 1:4 salary ratio to reduce disparities. The memorandum reflects mounting pressure on the interim government to address public servants’ long-standing demands amid economic challenges.

Guinness World Records has reportedly suspended the review of record registration applications from Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. The decision came after an Israeli organization, Matnat Chaim, which promotes kidney donations, submitted an application to register a record based on the number of voluntary kidney donors. Guinness responded by informing the group that it is not currently processing submissions from Israel or the Palestinian territories. Israeli media outlet Channel 12 reported that the move affects both the West Bank and Gaza. Matnat Chaim, claiming to have organized 2,000 donors, described the decision as politically motivated. Guinness World Records, a UK-based organization, has not yet issued an official statement explaining the reason behind the suspension, leaving the matter open to speculation and criticism from Israeli sources.

NCP chief organizer Hasnat Abdullah told supporters in Cumilla’s Debidwar upazila that they are free to vote for anyone they choose but asked them to keep him in their prayers. Speaking during campaign visits across Sultanpur Union on December 3, Hasnat emphasized that his goal is not extortion or personal gain but to earn a place in people’s hearts. He described himself as a middle-class man and the son of a mason, saying he came to serve the people rather than seek votes. Hasnat also spoke about his vision for change following the 2024 mass uprising, noting that the movement has created an opportunity for transformation across all sectors of the country. He urged citizens to use their votes to realize that change. His remarks and public interactions have drawn positive responses locally and on social media, with local NCP leaders accompanying him during the events.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 of Bangladesh has appointed lawyer Ameer Hossain as the state-appointed counsel to represent former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in two cases related to enforced disappearances and alleged crimes against humanity during the Awami League government. The appointment was made by a two-member bench led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumdar, with Justice Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury as the other member. Previously, senior Supreme Court lawyer Z I Khan Panna had been appointed to the same position on November 23 but later withdrew, citing Hasina’s lack of confidence in the tribunal. The tribunal expressed strong dissatisfaction over Panna’s absence and social media statement, prompting him to appear and offer an unconditional apology. Following his apology, the tribunal relieved him of his duties and appointed Ameer Hossain as the new state counsel. Hossain had earlier served as a state-appointed lawyer in another case against Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan.

Pakistan’s Minister for Railways, Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, has announced that the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) freight train service will resume operations on December 31, 2025. Speaking at a meeting with the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Abbasi emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity with Iran and Turkey. The initiative aims to strengthen trade links among the three countries and improve logistical efficiency across the region. The minister stated that Pakistan Railways plans to expand its freight transport capacity by the end of this year to support the project. He urged the business community to take advantage of the renewed trade corridor, which is expected to play a key role in boosting Pakistan’s regional commerce and economic integration with neighboring countries.

Reports from Al Jazeera and BBC indicate that Israel has violated the Gaza ceasefire more than 600 times within 50 days since it was declared on October 10. Despite the truce, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have carried out extensive airstrikes, artillery attacks, and ground operations, destroying over 1,500 buildings and killing at least 357 Palestinians. The Gaza government’s media office reported that Israel conducted 164 shootings at civilians, crossed the ‘Yellow Line’ 25 times, and bombed residential areas 280 times. Additionally, 35 Palestinians were detained during this period. The ceasefire, agreed upon under a 20-point plan brokered by former U.S. President Donald Trump, was supposed to halt all military actions, including air and artillery strikes. However, humanitarian aid remains blocked, and destruction of homes and infrastructure continues across Gaza, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the ceasefire and the worsening humanitarian crisis.

BNP leader and lawyer Fazlur Rahman has submitted a written unconditional apology to the International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh in connection with a contempt of court case. The tribunal had earlier summoned him to appear in person on December 8 to explain his remarks made during a television talk show, where he questioned the legitimacy and impartiality of the tribunal’s formation and judges. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam confirmed the apology during a press briefing at the tribunal premises on December 3. The tribunal will hold a hearing on the matter on December 8. The contempt charge was filed on November 26 following Rahman’s comments, which were deemed derogatory toward the tribunal. This incident follows a similar case involving BNP leader Z I Khan Panna, who also sought unconditional apology for contempt allegations.