Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman stated that corruption remains entrenched in Bangladesh, with political and administrative powers being misused for partisanship, extortion, and illegal occupation. Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka, he noted that while comparative data on corruption trends are lacking, the problem continues unabated. The event was held to present TIB’s recommendations for political party manifestos ahead of the upcoming national election. Dr. Iftekharuzzaman criticized the government for failing to take a stronger stance against corruption, despite having the opportunity to do so. He emphasized that building a democratic, inclusive, and corruption-free society is a long-term process, requiring genuine political will. He also highlighted the influence of money, muscle, and religion in politics as key obstacles to reform. TIB proposed 52 recommendations for political parties, including implementing past reform commission suggestions and ensuring accountability for human rights violations during authoritarian periods. The organization also called for greater transparency and fair competition in the business sector.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader and Supreme Court lawyer Fazlur Rahman has been exempted from contempt of court charges after offering an unconditional apology to the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). The tribunal’s three-member bench, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, issued the order on Monday, December 8. The case stemmed from remarks Rahman made during a television talk show, where he questioned the tribunal’s legitimacy and impartiality. The contempt allegation was filed on November 26 by prosecutor Gazi Monowar Hossain Tamim, who argued that Rahman’s comments undermined the tribunal’s authority. Following the complaint, the ICT summoned Rahman to appear in person on December 8 to explain his statements. Before the hearing, Rahman submitted a written apology, expressing regret for his remarks. Senior lawyers, including Zainul Abedin and Barrister Kaiser Kamal, accompanied him during the proceedings. The tribunal accepted Rahman’s apology, effectively closing the contempt case. Legal observers noted that the decision underscores the judiciary’s emphasis on accountability while allowing room for reconciliation through contrition.

U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced disappointment with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for not yet reviewing Washington’s draft peace proposal aimed at resolving the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Speaking to reporters at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Trump said he was 'a bit disappointed' that Zelensky had not read the document, though he noted that some of Zelensky’s close aides had responded positively to it. The peace plan, initially a 28-point proposal introduced last November, faced criticism from Kyiv and European partners, prompting revisions that reduced it to 22 points. Trump said the updated version considers both Moscow’s and Kyiv’s positions, leaving only a few unresolved issues. Recent discussions in Florida between U.S. and Ukrainian officials concluded with follow-up calls to Zelensky by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s adviser Jared Kushner. The U.S. is reportedly exploring new approaches to territorial disputes as part of ongoing negotiations. Analysts suggest Zelensky’s hesitation may reflect domestic political pressures and skepticism over U.S.-Russia compromises, potentially delaying progress toward a ceasefire framework.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC), led by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin, held a meeting with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Monday, December 8, at the EC headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka. The discussion focused on the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election and the planned referendum, as part of the commission’s ongoing dialogue with political parties. CEC Nasir Uddin and other election commissioners attended the meeting, while Jamaat’s six-member delegation was headed by Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar. The dialogue is part of the EC’s broader effort to ensure participation and transparency in the electoral process. Although details of the discussion were not disclosed, such meetings are viewed as crucial for building consensus and addressing concerns about election management. Observers note that the EC’s engagement with all registered political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, signals an attempt to foster inclusivity ahead of the polls. Further rounds of dialogue with other parties are expected in the coming weeks.

Dr. Tasnim Jara, senior joint member secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP), expressed deep concern over the recent incident involving AB Party General Secretary Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad in Barishal’s Babuganj area. In a Facebook post on Sunday, she condemned the use of threats and abusive slogans against Fuad, emphasizing that such behavior undermines democratic culture. Jara stated that political differences are natural, but physical or verbal assaults on opponents are unacceptable. Her remarks followed an event where Fuad faced hostility during a foundation stone ceremony for the Mirganj Bridge. Fuad had alleged attempts of extortion and tender manipulation linked to the project, which triggered anger among local BNP activists. Local BNP leaders denied the allegations, claiming the protest was spontaneous and warning that Fuad would be declared unwelcome if he did not apologize. The episode has reignited debate over political intolerance and the need for civility in Bangladesh’s electoral environment.

Bollywood filmmaker Vikram Bhatt has been arrested along with his wife Shwetambari Bhatt and daughter Krishna in connection with an alleged ₹30 crore financial fraud linked to an IVF-related project. Rajasthan and Mumbai police jointly conducted the operation, detaining the accused from the residence of Bhatt’s sister-in-law. The arrests follow a notice issued by Udaipur police a week earlier, instructing all accused to appear by December 8 and restricting foreign travel without permission. According to police sources, the complaint was filed by Ajay Murdia, who had planned to produce a biopic about his late wife. Murdia reportedly met Bhatt through Udaipur resident Dinesh Kataria and transferred funds after Bhatt assured him that he would handle the film’s production, involving his wife and daughter. The financial transactions later became disputed, leading to the fraud allegations. The case has drawn wide attention in the Indian film industry, raising questions about celebrity-led investment schemes and transparency in private film financing. Further investigation is underway to trace the flow of funds and determine the extent of Bhatt’s involvement.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has completed its investigation against Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, the Jubo League president, and five others in connection with the 2024 massacre case. The tribunal confirmed the development on Monday, December 8, marking a significant step toward formal proceedings against the accused, who are currently under a ban from political activities. In a parallel development, 17 former ministers and state ministers from the previous Hasina administration were produced before the tribunal under tight security from Keraniganj and Kashimpur prisons. The accused include former ministers from key portfolios such as law, education, ICT, industry, and food. Tribunal-1, chaired by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, is scheduled to review the progress of the case and determine the next procedural steps. Legal analysts note that the proceedings could reshape accountability narratives in Bangladesh’s political landscape. The tribunal’s decisions in the coming weeks will be closely watched for their implications on justice, governance, and political stability.

A powerful car bomb exploded outside a police station in the coastal town of Coahuayana, Michoacán state, Mexico, killing at least five people and injuring three others, authorities confirmed on Sunday. The explosion occurred shortly before noon on Saturday, according to the Attorney General’s Office, which has taken over the investigation. Officials initially reported three deaths, later revising the toll to five, including three local police officers. The attack marks one of the deadliest incidents in the region in recent months, an area long troubled by organized crime and cartel-related violence. Local media reported that emergency services and forensic teams were deployed immediately after the blast. Security analysts warn that the bombing underscores the growing use of improvised explosive devices in Mexico’s criminal conflicts. Federal authorities are expected to increase patrols in Michoacán as investigations continue into the perpetrators and possible cartel links.

The High Court of Bangladesh has placed on its cause list a writ petition seeking suspension of all activities related to the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The hearing may take place on Monday, December 8, before a bench led by Justice Shikdar Mahmudur Razi. The petition, filed on December 3, challenges the legality of appointing election officials from the executive branch and requests the formation of an independent Electoral Service Commission. The writ was filed by Advocate Iarul Islam, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Congress, naming the Chief Election Commissioner and other officials as respondents. It argues that appointing deputy commissioners and upazila executive officers as returning and assistant returning officers violates constitutional provisions that assign election management solely to the Election Commission. The petitioner claims that executive officials, as representatives of the government, compromise neutrality and public trust. If the court issues a rule in favor of the petition, it could temporarily halt election preparations and prompt a review of the Election Commission’s administrative structure, potentially delaying the national polls.

Hamas has declared it will not accept any foreign force exercising authority inside Gaza, even as Israel and the United States prepare to advance to the second phase of Washington’s ceasefire and stabilization plan. Senior Hamas official Basem Naim said the group is open to UN monitoring forces along Gaza’s borders to oversee truce compliance but rejects any disarmament role for international troops within Palestinian territory. The statement follows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement that he will meet U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss implementing the next stage of the plan, which aims to dismantle Hamas’s military capacity. The U.S. proposal envisions an international stabilization force and a transitional Palestinian administration, though key details—such as command structure, deployment timeline, and mandate—remain undefined. Indonesia has reportedly agreed to contribute troops, but the overall framework is still unclear. Analysts warn that the plan’s ambiguity and continued Israeli airstrikes during the truce risk undermining fragile progress. Qatar has cautioned that without full Israeli withdrawal and restored Palestinian mobility, the ceasefire could collapse at a critical juncture.

National Citizens Party (NCP) South Region chief organizer Hasnat Abdullah has declared that his campaign will continue until extortionists are eradicated from society. Speaking at a courtyard meeting titled 'Politics in the Yard' in Padmakut Bazar, Debidwar, Comilla, on Sunday night, Hasnat said extortion today leads to tender manipulation tomorrow, warning that such practices threaten ordinary citizens’ livelihoods. He pledged to resist criminal influence in politics even if it costs him votes. Hasnat emphasized his reliance on working-class supporters, saying that masons and laborers who were friends of his late father will serve as his election agents. He also expressed confidence in support from students, women, and expatriate Bangladeshis. Criticizing elitism in leadership, he stated that leaders who demand special treatment can no longer represent ordinary people. The meeting, chaired by Debidwar NCP coordinator Jahangir Alam, was attended by youth organizers Nazmul Hasan Nahid, Md. Mujibur Rahman, Osman Gani Molla, and Shamim Kawser, reflecting growing grassroots mobilization within the party.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 of Bangladesh is scheduled to hold a hearing today regarding a contempt of court allegation against Advocate Fazlur Rahman, the BNP-nominated candidate for Kishoreganj-4 constituency. The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder along with two other members, will review the case and may issue an order following the hearing. Rahman was earlier summoned to appear in person and explain his alleged derogatory remarks about the tribunal. The contempt proceedings were initiated after a prosecution petition filed on November 26. Following the tribunal’s order on November 30, Rahman was instructed to bring his academic and professional credentials, including his Bar Council certificate. In response, he submitted a written apology to the tribunal’s registrar office on December 3, expressing unconditional regret. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam confirmed the submission. The outcome of today’s hearing could determine whether formal legal action will proceed against Rahman. The case underscores the tribunal’s strict stance on maintaining judicial dignity and accountability in politically sensitive contexts.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) announced that 249,338 expatriates have registered through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ app to cast ballots in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. Of these, 228,147 are men and 21,191 are women. The EC will send ballot papers by mail to the registered expatriates’ addresses, marking the first time the country is using an IT-supported postal voting system. The registration process began on November 19 and will continue until December 23. Eligible groups include expatriates, individuals in legal custody, and election officials on duty. Registration is open in more than 30 countries, including South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Australia. According to EC data updated on December 8, the initiative aims to ensure broader participation among overseas Bangladeshis. The EC is targeting five million expatriate voters as part of its broader effort to expand electoral inclusion. The 13th national election is expected to be held in the first half of February 2025, with postal voting seen as a key test of digital election management.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, has publicly revisited the 2013 Shapla Chattar killings, alleging that the Awami League government repeatedly used its affiliated youth and student wings to suppress political opposition through intimidation and violence. In a detailed Facebook post on December 8, Alam described the night of May 5, 2013, when clashes between security forces and Hefazat-e-Islam supporters in Dhaka’s Motijheel area led to numerous deaths. Alam recounted his experience as a journalist at the time, verifying reports of gunshot victims in multiple hospitals and describing the government’s denial of casualties. He cited human rights groups that later estimated around 60 deaths, contradicting official figures. Alam also named individuals allegedly involved in the violence and linked subsequent killings to intra-party rivalries. His statement has reignited debate over state accountability and political violence in Bangladesh. Analysts suggest the remarks could intensify scrutiny of past government actions and influence ongoing discussions about justice and political reform.

Ukraine’s armed forces now include more than 70,000 women, marking a 20% increase since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Over 5,500 of them are deployed directly on the front lines, while many others serve in technical and operational roles supported by modern warfare technologies, particularly drones. Officials and soldiers say the rise in female participation reflects how technology has reshaped combat. Drones allow women to contribute effectively without traditional front-line exposure. Female drone pilots and technicians, such as those in the 9th Brigade and Khartia Corps, describe their missions as both challenging and transformative. President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier disclosed that around 45,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed and nearly 390,000 injured since the invasion began. Military recruiters have launched new campaigns targeting women, with female membership in some units up 20% since early 2024. As drone warfare evolves, it is redefining gender roles in Ukraine’s defense forces and signaling a broader shift toward technology-driven participation in modern conflict.