The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs of Bangladesh has finalized the selection of four distinguished women for the Begum Rokeya Padak 2025, recognizing their outstanding contributions in various fields. The honorees are Dr. Ruvana Rakib for women’s education (research), Kalpana Akter for women’s labor rights, Dr. Nabila Idris for human rights, and Ritu Porna Chakma for women’s empowerment in sports.

According to ministry sources, the nominations were approved following recommendations from the National Awards Advisory Council meetings held on November 27 and December 7. The summary of the recommendations was later endorsed by the Chief Adviser, and the official gazette notification is now pending. The Begum Rokeya Padak, named after the pioneering feminist and social reformer Begum Rokeya, is one of the highest state honors for women in Bangladesh.

The award highlights the government’s continued commitment to promoting gender equality and recognizing women’s leadership across diverse sectors, from academia and activism to sports and social reform.

Authorities have announced a temporary closure of the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar from December 6 to 15 to facilitate preparations and development work for the upcoming Victory Day celebrations on December 16. A notice posted at the memorial gate on Saturday confirmed that visitors will not be allowed entry during this nine-day period.

Officials stated that the closure is necessary to ensure smooth arrangements for the state ceremony marking Bangladesh’s Victory Day, one of the nation’s most significant commemorations. The memorial, which honors those who sacrificed their lives during the 1971 Liberation War, typically attracts large crowds in the days leading up to the event.

Authorities have expressed regret for the temporary inconvenience and requested public cooperation. The site is expected to reopen to the public immediately after the official Victory Day observances conclude.

Bangladesh’s interim government Education Adviser Dr. C.R. Abrar said the sacrifice of 11 scouts during the July mass uprising symbolizes the inspiration to build a new Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Saturday while addressing a national award ceremony at the Bangladesh Scouts headquarters in Dhaka, where scouts from across the country received the Shapla Cub Award, President Scout Award, and President’s Rover Scout Award.

Dr. Abrar highlighted that scouting is not merely about earning badges but about developing character, leadership, and social responsibility. He praised scouts for their service during natural disasters such as cyclones, floods, and fires, emphasizing the need to expand scouting to build self-reliant, service-oriented citizens. Senior officials, including Public Administration Secretary Md. Ehsanul Haque and Home Ministry Senior Secretary Nasimul Ghani, attended the event.

The adviser noted that Bangladesh ranks fourth among 176 scouting nations and plays a leadership role in Asia-Pacific committees. He also commended the growing participation of women in scouting, calling it a positive sign for inclusive national development.

Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Slovenia have announced they will boycott the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in protest against Israel’s participation. The decision follows the European Broadcasting Union’s (EBU) Geneva meeting, where members voted to adopt new voting regulations but rejected calls to exclude Israel, allowing the contest to proceed as planned.

Broadcasters from Spain and Ireland expressed frustration, citing humanitarian concerns over Gaza and alleged voting irregularities involving Israel’s contestant Yuval Raphael. Spain’s RTVE said the decision eroded trust in the event’s integrity, while Ireland’s RTE called participation “unacceptable” amid ongoing civilian casualties. The Netherlands and Slovenia echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing moral and public opposition.

Germany and several Nordic nations, however, backed the EBU’s stance, framing Eurovision as a celebration of cultural unity rather than politics. The boycott underscores growing divisions within the Eurovision community as it approaches its 70th anniversary, raising questions about the contest’s neutrality and future cohesion.

The Chattogram Divisional Public Library, located on KC Dey Road, has remained closed for seven years since renovation work began in January 2018. Despite multiple government assurances, the Tk 281 crore modernization project has stalled, leaving over 111,000 books and valuable furniture at risk of decay. The contractor, RP Enterprise, abandoned the project before completion, halting progress even though officials claim 92–95% of the work is done.

Writers, students, and cultural activists have voiced frustration, saying the prolonged closure has eroded reading habits and deprived young people of access to knowledge. Many fear the city’s cultural identity is fading as youth turn to digital distractions. Library officials report that only a small administrative office operates temporarily on the fifth floor, while the main reading halls remain unusable.

Authorities have requested an extension from the national planning body to resume construction. Residents urge the government to reopen the historic library within the year, warning that further delay could permanently damage Chattogram’s intellectual and cultural landscape.

The Rajshahi district administration has stopped the demolition of a historic mansion in the Sipai Para area, once owned by the Dighapatia royal family. The house, believed to be around 120 years old, belonged to Sandeep Kumar Roy, son of Raja Hemendra Narayan Roy. Demolition began after the Boalia Land Office auctioned the abandoned property for Tk 152,000, but following media reports and public criticism, authorities intervened. Heritage Rajshahi president Mahbub Siddiqui emphasized the building’s architectural and historical significance, urging preservation of its rare Nagalingam tree. The mansion, previously leased to language movement veteran and entrepreneur Monowara Rahman, had served as a women’s cottage industry training center employing thousands. After her death in 2009, the property became neglected. Officials have now sealed the site and suspended all activities pending further review to assess its heritage value before any future decision.

The five-day Jor Ijtema organized by Tabligh Jamaat Bangladesh Shura-e-Nizam concluded on the banks of the Turag River in Tongi with a mass prayer on Tuesday morning. Around 250,000 devotees participated in the concluding prayer, which was led by Maulana Ahmed Batla from Pakistan. According to Habibullah Raihan, the media coordinator of Tabligh Jamaat Bangladesh Shura-e-Nizam, 732 foreign guests from 27 countries attended the event. During the gathering, six devotees passed away. Following the final prayer, several groups of devotees set out for religious outreach activities in preparation for the Khuruj Jor scheduled for January 2–4, 2026. The remaining participants returned to their localities to continue organizational work. Authorities have indicated that the next World Ijtema in Tongi will be held after the upcoming national elections.

The concluding prayer (Akheri Munajat) of the five-day Jor Ijtema at Tongi, Gazipur, will be held on Tuesday morning between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m. on the banks of the Turag River. The prayer will be led by Maulana Ahmad Batla from Pakistan. After the Munajat, participating devotees will disperse across the country and abroad for religious preaching activities, returning again during the World Ijtema. Monday marked the fourth day of the gathering, featuring sermons, prayers, and religious discussions led by scholars from India and Bangladesh. However, the event has also seen the deaths of six devotees, including Azizur Rahman from Chapainawabganj, who reportedly died of a stroke near the ablution area on Monday afternoon. The information was confirmed by Habibullah Raihan, media coordinator of the Shura Committee. The Jor Ijtema serves as a preparatory congregation ahead of the annual World Ijtema.

The 135th annual three-day 'Echale Sawab Mahfil' at the Sarshina Darbar Sharif in Pirojpur concluded with a grand final prayer attended by hundreds of thousands of devotees. Algerian Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Abdel Wahab As Saidani attended as the chief guest, highlighting the deep religious and cultural ties between Algeria and Bangladesh. He stated that despite geographical differences, both nations are united by their shared Islamic faith and ideals. The ambassador also offered opportunities for Sarshina students to pursue higher education in Algerian universities and invited the Pir of Sarshina to visit Algeria. The concluding prayer, led by Pir Maulana Shah Abu Nasr Nesaruddin Ahmad Hussain, sought peace and welfare for the nation and the global Muslim community. Several religious scholars and dignitaries from Bangladesh and Algeria were present at the event.

December 1 marks the beginning of Victory Month in Bangladesh, commemorating the nation’s triumph in the 1971 Liberation War that led to the creation of an independent and sovereign Bangladesh on December 16. The nine-month war, which cost the lives of three million people and saw immense sacrifices from countless others, remains the most significant event in the country’s history. On December 1, 1971, Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi urged Pakistan’s President Yahya Khan to withdraw troops from Bangladesh to restore peace in the subcontinent. Reports from that time, including one from The New York Times, highlighted the intensifying guerrilla attacks and brutal retaliations by Pakistani forces. Despite the violence, the Bengali freedom fighters advanced toward victory, culminating in Pakistan’s surrender at the Racecourse Ground. The month of December continues to symbolize the nation’s pride, resilience, and the ultimate realization of its long-cherished dream of independence.

On the third day of his visit to Turkey, Pope Leo XIV toured Istanbul’s iconic Sultan Ahmed Mosque, widely known as the Blue Mosque. Built in 1617 under Ottoman Sultan Ahmed I, the mosque is famed for its more than 21,000 Iznik ceramic tiles in shades of blue and turquoise. According to the Vatican’s media office, the Pope visited in a spirit of silence, reflection, and deep respect for the faith of those gathered in prayer. He was accompanied by Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Istanbul’s provincial mufti Emrullah Tuncel, and the mosque’s imam, Kura Hafiz Fatih Kaya. The visit was guided by muezzin Musa Asgin Tunca. Pope Leo became the third pontiff to visit the Blue Mosque, following Pope Francis in 2014 and Pope Benedict XVI in 2006, marking another gesture of interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding between Christianity and Islam.

Renowned writer and educator Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed, founder of the World Literature Centre, inspired young participants at the 'Carnival of Change 2025' held at BRAC CDM in Savar on Saturday, November 29. In his keynote speech, he emphasized that true success comes from following one’s passion and inner calling, not from seeking rewards. Sayeed stated that nothing great can be achieved without a touch of madness and encouraged youth to listen to their soul’s desires. The two-day event, organized by BRAC, showcased the creativity, leadership, and innovation of over 250 young participants from across Bangladesh. The first day featured exhibitions, discussions, and workshops highlighting social entrepreneurship and innovation. Twelve projects were shortlisted, and three were selected for awards recognizing their potential to drive positive social change and community development.

A protest concert titled 'Ganer Artonad' organized by the civic platform 'Sampriti Jatra' at Dhaka’s Shahbagh was disrupted on Friday afternoon by a group of youths under the banner of 'Julai Moncho'. The event was held to demand the release of Baul singer Abul Sarkar, who had been accused of making derogatory remarks about Islam and Allah. The opposing group chanted slogans demanding punishment for Sarkar and attempted to stop the event, leading to a brief scuffle and heightened tension between the two sides. Organizers claimed that the attackers damaged the event’s backdrop before leaving, after which the program resumed. Shahbagh police stated they had not received any complaint or report of violence. Several artists, writers, and cultural activists attended the event, calling for Sarkar’s immediate release and performing protest songs and a torch procession.

The five-day Jor Ijtema, a preparatory congregation ahead of the annual Bishwa Ijtema, will begin on Friday after the Fajr sermon at the Turag River bank in Tongi. Organized by the Shura-e-Nezam faction of Tablighi Jamaat, led by followers of Maulana Zubair, the event will conclude on December 2 with a final prayer. The Jor Ijtema is held about 40 days before the main Bishwa Ijtema to review annual activities and receive guidance from senior scholars. Devotees and elders from both home and abroad are expected to attend. Tongi West Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Harun-or-Rashid stated that additional police forces have been deployed around the venue to ensure security and maintain order during the gathering.

The five-day Jor Ijtema organized by the Shura-e-Nezam faction of the Tabligh Jamaat is set to begin at the Tongi World Ijtema ground in Gazipur on Friday after Fajr prayers. The event, which serves as a preparatory congregation held about 40 days before the annual World Ijtema, will conclude with the Akheri Munajat (final prayer) on Tuesday, December 2. According to media coordinator Habibullah Raihan, followers of Maulana Zubair Ahmad from home and abroad have already started gathering at the venue’s tin-shed mosque, where senior scholars will deliver guidance and sermons. Tongi West Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Harun-or-Rashid confirmed that additional police forces will be deployed to ensure the safety of the attendees. Earlier, followers of Maulana Saad Ahmad Kandhalvi held a similar five-day Jor Ijtema in Atibazar, Keraniganj, from November 7 to 11.