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 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 Bank has introduced a new initiative aimed at increasing remittance inflows and controlling the overall cost of sending remittances from abroad. Under this directive, all commercial banks are required to submit detailed daily data on remittance transactions, including fees, exchange rates, taxes, and other related costs, to the central bank by noon of the following day. The central bank has provided two specific reporting templates for this purpose, effective from January 1. The move follows global trends observed by the World Bank, which has reported rising remittance transfer costs in several countries, including Bangladesh. By collecting and analyzing this data, Bangladesh Bank intends to identify ways to reduce these costs and ensure fair exchange rate practices among foreign exchange houses. Currently, domestic banks are prohibited from charging fees for crediting remittance funds to recipients’ accounts, a measure that has already helped lower costs slightly. The new system aims to further enhance transparency and affordability in remittance transfers.

Government employees in Bangladesh have announced a mass rally demanding the immediate publication of the Ninth Pay Commission gazette before the upcoming national election. The Bangladesh Secretariat Officers and Employees United Council submitted a memorandum to the Finance Adviser, warning of strict action from January 10 if the gazette is not issued by December. Leaders of the Ministerial Service Association expressed solidarity, noting that employees have worked under the same pay scale for nearly a decade despite rising living costs. They criticized the delay in implementing the new pay structure, which is supposed to be revised every five years. The organizations also proposed restructuring the existing 20-grade system into 10 steps with a 1:4 pay ratio to reduce disparities. Additional demands include the introduction of Secretariat allowance and ration benefits. The delay in finalizing the pay commission’s recommendations has reportedly caused frustration and resentment among lower-income government staff.

Bangladesh’s Directorate of Inspection and Audit (DIA) has identified 1,172 teachers and staff in private educational institutions who obtained jobs using fake certificates. The agency has recommended recovering Tk 253 crore, which includes salaries, allowances, and funds linked to fraudulent recruitment, embezzlement, and tax irregularities. The DIA is preparing to send a list of the offenders to the Ministry of Education, urging disciplinary action. Among the identified individuals, 400 certificates were found to be entirely fake, while around 300 were deemed invalid. The Rajshahi division recorded the highest number of fake certificate holders with 779 cases, followed by Khulna with 179, the Madrasa Education Directorate with 120, Dhaka with 70, and Chattogram with 24. Initially, a list of 400 teachers will be forwarded to the ministry for punitive measures. The findings highlight widespread credential fraud within the country’s private education sector.

A faction of the Bangladesh Secretariat Officers and Employees Coordinated Council has warned of launching a tough program from January 10 if the government fails to issue a gazette notification on the ninth national pay scale by December. In a memorandum sent to the Finance Advisor on December 3, the group expressed frustration over delays in finalizing the recommendations of the National Pay Commission 2025, formed by the interim government. The organization demanded restructuring the existing 20 pay grades into 10 steps with a 1:4 ratio to eliminate long-standing salary disparities. It also called for the introduction of a Secretariat allowance and ration allowance. The memorandum highlighted that rising commodity prices and living costs have severely affected lower-grade employees, leading to growing resentment. The group urged the Finance Ministry to intervene directly to resolve the issue and meet their legitimate expectations promptly.

The president of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), AHM Shafiquzzaman, has called on the government to take strict measures against traders who increased edible oil prices without approval from the Ministry of Commerce. Following a meeting at the Secretariat on Wednesday, he stated that under the Essential Commodities Act, the ministry determines prices for certain goods based on a specific formula. Shafiquzzaman emphasized that any price hike without ministry consent violates consumer rights and is unjustified. He expressed hope that the government would enforce the tough actions promised by the commerce adviser. He further noted that under the Competition Act and the Consumer Rights Protection Act, hoarding or price manipulation is punishable, urging the government to strengthen market oversight to ensure fair pricing of daily essentials.

The International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh has rejected a petition seeking virtual court appearances for ten arrested army officers accused in a war crimes case involving allegations of abduction and torture by the Rapid Action Battalion’s TFI cell during the Awami League government. The order was issued on December 3 by Tribunal-1, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder. Defense counsel Dr. Tabarak Hossain argued that the officers faced media trials and could face professional consequences even if acquitted, but the tribunal ruled that the law does not permit virtual appearances and directed the accused to attend in person. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam opposed the plea, citing the absence of legal provisions for such appearances. The case names 17 accused, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, with ten army officers currently in custody. The tribunal scheduled December 14 for hearing the discharge petitions of the accused.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has approved a chargesheet against Dr. Prashanta Kumar Roy, former secretary of the Rural Development and Cooperatives Division and ex-project director of the 'Ektee Bari Ektee Khamar' project. According to ACC spokesperson Md. Akhtarul Islam, Roy is accused of concealing assets worth over Tk 12 million and providing false information in his wealth statement. Investigations revealed that he possessed immovable and movable properties worth Tk 7.7 million beyond known income sources. Additionally, Roy allegedly deposited Tk 180 million in 12 bank accounts under his and his daughters’ names, later withdrawing or transferring the funds. Based on these findings, the ACC approved the submission of a chargesheet under relevant sections of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act and the Money Laundering Prevention Act. The case underscores ongoing efforts to address corruption within public service ranks in Bangladesh.

Pakistan has announced plans to privatize its state-owned Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) amid mounting debt and IMF loan conditions. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that an auction for the airline’s sale will be held on December 23 and broadcast live across national media. The government intends to sell between 51% and 100% of PIA’s shares to reform loss-making state enterprises and meet the terms of a $7 billion IMF bailout. Four consortiums—Lucky Cement, Arif Habib Corporation, Fauji Fertilizer, and Air Blue—have been shortlisted to participate in the bidding. Sharif emphasized transparency and merit in the privatization process, expressing hope that PIA will regain its former prestige and operational efficiency. The move marks Pakistan’s largest privatization effort in nearly two decades. A previous sale attempt failed after a $36 million offer fell far below the $305 million reserve price. The government aims to complete the process swiftly to stabilize the aviation sector and reduce fiscal pressure.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur has cautioned that the country’s export sector could face serious setbacks if industries fail to adopt environmentally sustainable practices. Speaking at a two-day conference organized by the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) in Dhaka, he emphasized that proper waste management, solar energy use, and efficient water management are essential for obtaining green certification, which is increasingly required in global trade. Dr. Mansur also highlighted structural issues in the current VAT system that disadvantage small entrepreneurs, as well as inefficiencies in loan distribution that could waste allocated funds. He stressed the need for an online marketplace with real-time data and individual entrepreneur profiles to boost market demand. Additionally, he urged the use of international digital payment platforms like PayPal to expand access to global markets, noting that Bangladesh’s small industries have immense potential if supported by sound policies.

Entrepreneurs associated with Agrani Bank’s agent banking services have demanded the immediate reopening of the bank’s agent server and settlement of all outstanding dues and compensations. At a press conference held at the National Press Club in Dhaka, spokesperson Md. Abu Sayed stated that Agrani Bank’s agent banking network had been one of the most successful in Bangladesh for the past decade. However, on June 19, the bank abruptly shut down all agent outlets nationwide, citing temporary reasons. Despite assurances from senior management, including the bank’s general manager, the services have remained suspended for nearly six months. The entrepreneurs allege that the bank’s leadership is neglecting their commitments and that the closure has caused severe financial hardship to thousands of agents. They also called for the resignation of the bank’s chairman, accountability for responsible officials, and the swift implementation of a High Court order to resume services and resolve pending arbitration cases.

The Bangladesh government has extended the tenure of the National Independent Investigation Commission, formed to reinvestigate the 2009 BDR massacre, by an additional seven days until December 7. The Cabinet Division issued the extension notification on December 3. The commission, chaired by retired Major General A L M Fazlur Rahman, was initially given three months to submit its report, later extended multiple times. Although the commission submitted its report to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus on November 30, the government decided to extend the term to allow for final procedural completion. The commission was tasked with uncovering the nature and scope of the February 25–26, 2009 mutiny at the BDR headquarters in Pilkhana, Dhaka, which left 57 army officers dead. It was also directed to identify perpetrators, collaborators, and any domestic or foreign entities involved in the incident.