Pakistan’s federal government has imposed a complete ban on all meetings with former Prime Minister Imran Khan inside Adiala Jail, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced on Friday. The minister described Khan as a ‘war-mongering extremist’ and said the decision was taken under prison regulations to prevent political directives being issued from inside the facility.

Tarar warned that any attempt to disrupt law and order outside the prison would be met with swift and strict action. He accused Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of trying to push the country toward economic default by allegedly writing to the IMF and orchestrating violent attacks on military installations on May 9. The minister also claimed that PTI members were distancing themselves from Khan’s ‘Taliban-like mindset’.

The government is reportedly considering imposing governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a PTI stronghold. Tarar emphasized that there would be no dialogue with groups promoting extremism or anti-state narratives, signaling a further hardening of Islamabad’s stance against Khan and his supporters.

December 6 marks the anniversary of the 1992 demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, India—an event that continues to shape South Asia’s political and cultural discourse. The destruction of the 16th-century mosque, built by Mir Baqi in 1528, was not merely the fall of a structure but a symbolic rupture in India’s pluralistic and secular fabric. The incident exposed the fragility of state institutions when confronted with religious nationalism.

The Babri demolition followed decades of tension, from the 1949 idol installation to the 1980s rise of Hindutva politics and the 1990 Rath Yatra led by L.K. Advani. The Liberhan Commission later concluded the demolition was premeditated, not spontaneous. Human rights data indicate over 2,000 deaths in communal violence between 1992 and 2002, reflecting the deep societal scars left by the event.

The 2019 Supreme Court verdict granting the disputed land for temple construction reignited debates on justice and secularism. Analysts argue that December 6 remains a moral reminder—civilization cannot be built on destruction but on coexistence, equality, and the courage of reason.

The Bangladesh Labour Party has officially severed its two-decade-long political alliance with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The decision was announced on Friday, December 5, following a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee at its Nayapaltan headquarters, chaired by party chairman Dr. Mostafizur Rahman Iran. A press release confirmed that the Labour Party will no longer maintain any political cooperation or joint programs with the BNP.

Party leaders accused the BNP of showing disregard and betrayal toward its allies, breaking promises related to movements, elections, and coalition governance. They alleged that BNP’s nomination process under Tarique Rahman favored controversial figures and was influenced by financial transactions, undermining the party’s moral leadership. The Labour Party also recalled years of sacrifice, including arrests, attacks, and deaths of activists in joint movements.

The decision marks a significant shift in Bangladesh’s opposition landscape, as the once 20-party alliance continues to fragment. The Labour Party announced plans to pursue its own reformist political agenda focused on social equality and democratic governance.

Germany’s Bundestag has approved a new voluntary military service program for 18-year-olds, marking a major shift in the country’s defense policy. The initiative, set to begin in January 2026, requires all 18-year-old men to respond to a mandatory questionnaire about their interest in joining the armed forces, while participation remains optional for women. The move is part of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s broader plan to build “Europe’s strongest army.”

The law passed by a 323–272 vote and has sparked widespread protests across nearly 90 German cities, with students and youth groups opposing what they see as a step toward militarization. Demonstrators argue that young people should not be trained for war, emphasizing that conflict destroys their future rather than securing it. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that from 2027, all 18-year-old men will undergo medical screening to assess their fitness for potential deployment.

Germany currently has about 182,000 active troops and aims to expand to 260,000 by the early 2030s. Officials have not ruled out reinstating mandatory conscription if voluntary enlistment falls short or security conditions worsen.

Hezbollah’s deputy chief Sheikh Naim Qassem declared that no external power, including the United States and Israel, will succeed in disarming the Lebanese armed group. Speaking at a memorial event for fallen clerics on December 5, Qassem emphasized that Hezbollah remains committed to defending Lebanon’s sovereignty and will not surrender under any circumstances.

Qassem described Hezbollah as a unifying national force that symbolizes patriotism, freedom, and dignity. He accused Israel of expansionist aggression and urged all necessary measures to counter threats against Lebanon. The leader also criticized U.S. and Israeli interference in Lebanese internal affairs, asserting that neither has the right to dictate the country’s defense policies.

He reiterated Hezbollah’s readiness to cooperate with all Lebanese factions, including Christian groups, to safeguard national interests. Qassem concluded by stating that Hezbollah has fulfilled its duty in defending the nation, and it is now the Lebanese government’s turn to take initiative in ensuring stability and sovereignty.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has claimed that party chairperson Khaleda Zia’s health is in critical condition due to what he described as ongoing political persecution under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s rule. In a Facebook post on Friday, Rahman accused the government of subjecting Zia to imprisonment and multiple forms of oppression, asserting that her life now faces extreme danger.

Rahman’s statement coincided with the anniversary of December 6, 1990, the day Bangladesh’s autocratic regime under Hussain Muhammad Ershad ended. He drew parallels between that movement and current political struggles, urging democratic forces to remain united against what he termed a “fascist” regime. He also paid tribute to those who died in the anti-autocracy movement of the 1980s and called for continued efforts to restore full democracy.

The remarks come amid ongoing political tension and concerns over Khaleda Zia’s health, which has been a recurring issue in Bangladesh’s political discourse. No immediate response was issued from the ruling Awami League regarding Rahman’s allegations.

Tensions within Bangladesh’s opposition alliance have intensified as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) announced 272 candidates for the upcoming 13th National Election without prior consultation with its partners. The move has angered long-time allies, including the Bangladesh Labour Party, which ended its two-decade partnership with the BNP, citing broken promises and unilateral decision-making. Other coalition members, such as the 12-Party Alliance, the Nationalist Like-Minded Alliance, and the Ganatantra Mancha, have also voiced frustration over being sidelined.

Allied leaders accused BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman of disregarding earlier commitments on seat-sharing and government formation. They claim BNP’s approach has eroded trust and weakened the opposition’s unity, while BNP insists that nominations were based on candidates’ winning potential and that allies should remain patient. The 12-Party Alliance is set to announce its next steps on December 8, while Ganatantra Mancha may consider contesting independently.

The growing discord threatens the cohesion of the opposition movement, raising doubts about its ability to mount a unified challenge to the ruling Awami League in the forthcoming election.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam has called on Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) to take into account the illness of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia when announcing the election schedule. Speaking at a policy dialogue in Dhaka on Friday, he emphasized that while the EC should show empathy, the electoral process must not be halted for any particular political party.

Nahid Islam stated that the EC should work to unite all political parties and ensure a smooth start to the electoral journey. He clarified that NCP has no objection to the timing of the election schedule and that the polls should be held as planned. Addressing speculation about alliances, he said NCP has not entered into any formal or informal agreements with other parties and is preparing independently.

He added that NCP seeks to promote a new political culture based on democracy and economic justice, distancing itself from traditional parties that have lost public trust. The party aims to present itself as a fresh alternative in Bangladesh’s political landscape.

Special prayers were held across Bangladesh on Friday seeking the speedy recovery of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. From Rajbari to Bagerhat, and from Noakhali to Mymensingh, mosques hosted prayer gatherings following the Jumu’ah prayers, joined by BNP leaders, activists, and local worshippers. In several districts, including Panchagarh, Pirojpur, and Kushtia, local BNP units and affiliated organizations arranged Qur’an recitations and milad ceremonies.

Party leaders such as Barrister Ragib Rauf Chowdhury, Engineer M.A. Matin Khan, and Dr. Mohammad Jalal Uddin attended regional events, emphasizing unity and collective supplication for Zia’s health. The BNP’s central and district committees coordinated the observances, which also drew participation from journalists and civic representatives in some areas.

The widespread prayer initiative reflects the party’s concern over Khaleda Zia’s ongoing health condition and aims to demonstrate solidarity among supporters nationwide. BNP officials indicated that similar religious gatherings may continue until her condition improves, underscoring the symbolic and emotional significance of the events for the party’s grassroots base.

On the 33rd anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition, former Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir laid the foundation stone for a mosque named 'Babri Masjid' in Raninagar, Murshidabad, West Bengal. The ceremony took place on December 6 at noon, coinciding with the date of the original mosque’s destruction in Ayodhya in 1992. Local authorities deployed heightened security to ensure the event proceeded peacefully.

A division bench of the Calcutta High Court declined to intervene in a petition seeking to halt the construction, effectively removing legal barriers to the project. Kabir announced that the mosque’s construction would take around three years, funded by donations from devout Muslims. He urged for police cooperation to maintain peace during the event.

The move comes as Ayodhya’s Ram Temple nears completion following the Supreme Court’s 2019 verdict. The Murshidabad project has drawn attention for its timing and symbolism, reflecting ongoing religious sensitivities in India’s socio-political landscape.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed announced that the party would create employment for 15 million unemployed people within one year if it returns to power. Speaking during a campaign event in his Cox’s Bazar-1 constituency, he said the pledge reflects BNP’s commitment to restoring the rule of law and ensuring equal rights for all citizens regardless of religion or background.

Ahmed accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government of depriving citizens of their voting rights for 17 years through what he described as state conspiracies. He emphasized that under BNP leadership, democratic and human rights would be reinstated, and the unfinished work of late President Ziaur Rahman would be completed under acting chairman Tarique Rahman.

The statement comes as BNP intensifies its campaign ahead of the upcoming 13th national election. Analysts note that the job creation promise aims to appeal to Bangladesh’s large youth population facing unemployment challenges.

The Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) has rejected a report published by the online news outlet *Amar Desh*, which claimed that Ansar members were deployed to guard a statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. In a statement issued Friday evening, the paramilitary force described the report as entirely false and clarified that no Ansar personnel had been assigned to the site.

According to the official statement, neither district nor local Ansar authorities were aware of any such deployment, and no official order had been issued. The Ansar further explained that two night guards currently stationed at the location were appointed by the municipal authority and were not members of the Ansar VDP, nor did they wear its uniform. The clarification followed *Amar Desh*’s earlier claim that two Ansar members were specifically posted to protect the statue.

The dispute underscores ongoing tensions over misinformation in local media and the sensitivity surrounding symbols of national leadership. The Ansar’s denial aims to prevent reputational damage and ensure public trust in official communication channels.

Members of the Hindu community in Dohar upazila organized a special prayer and blessing ceremony on Friday evening for the recovery of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The event took place at the Joypara Golabari Harisabha Temple, with Dhaka District BNP President Khandaker Abu Ashfaq attending as chief guest. The gathering was presided over by Advocate Ranjit Saha and conducted by Bikash Sarkar, senior joint convener of the Dohar Volunteer Team.

Several BNP and allied organization leaders, including Masud Parvez, Abul Hashem Bepari, and representatives from the Puja Celebration Council and Hindu Mahajot, were present. Meanwhile, a separate prayer event was held in Nawabganj after Friday prayers, organized by Dhaka North Chhatra Dal President Salahuddin Ahmed, where local BNP leaders also prayed for Khaleda Zia’s health.

These parallel events reflect cross-community concern for the former prime minister’s health and signal continued grassroots mobilization within the BNP network amid her prolonged illness and limited public appearances.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expelled Ahmad Tayebur Rahman Hiron, convenor of the Gauripur Upazila unit in Mymensingh, citing violations of party discipline and involvement in organizational conflicts. In a press release signed by Mymensingh North District BNP convenor A.K.M. Enayet Ullah Kalam and joint convenor Motahar Hossain Talukder, the party announced that senior joint convenor Md. Habibul Islam Khan Shahid will serve as acting convenor.

According to party sources, the expulsion followed internal unrest after the BNP’s executive committee nominated engineer M. Iqbal Hossain as the preliminary candidate for the Mymensingh-3 (Gauripur) constituency. Supporters of Hiron reportedly protested the nomination decision, demanding a change, which intensified factional tensions within the local unit.

The leadership reshuffle underscores growing internal challenges for the BNP ahead of potential national political movements. Party insiders suggest that maintaining unity at the grassroots level will be crucial as the BNP prepares for upcoming electoral and organizational activities.

National Citizen Party (South) chief organizer Hasnat Abdullah announced he will contest the upcoming Comilla-4 (Debidwar) parliamentary election independently, even if he receives only ten votes. Speaking at a campaign rally in Rajamehar village, he rejected the idea of forming alliances, emphasizing loyalty to party principles over political expediency. Abdullah said his supporters include educated youth and university students who are actively engaging with his campaign.

He outlined a series of pledges focusing on women’s education, employment training, and empowerment, as well as initiatives for religious clerics to gain small business support through microcredit. Abdullah also proposed scholarship and monitoring programs for meritorious students and language training centers to prepare migrant workers for better opportunities abroad. He criticized false campaign promises about household gas supply, calling them misleading and economically unsustainable.

Abdullah’s independent stance highlights growing local-level political diversification in Bangladesh’s electoral landscape, where smaller parties seek to assert identity amid dominant alliances. His campaign themes reflect a focus on social reform and grassroots empowerment.