Russia’s parliament has approved a major military logistics agreement with India just before President Vladimir Putin’s two-day state visit to New Delhi. The Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) pact allows both nations’ armed forces to use each other’s military facilities for logistical support, strengthening defense cooperation. Putin is visiting India at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation to attend the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, where discussions are expected to cover defense, trade, and energy. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the depth of bilateral cooperation depends on India’s willingness to engage further. The RELOS agreement, originally signed on February 18, was formally ratified by Russia’s State Duma this week, underscoring Moscow’s emphasis on its strategic partnership with New Delhi. The move highlights both countries’ intent to deepen military and strategic ties amid shifting global alliances.

In the run-up to Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election, the two sons of late Jamaat-e-Islami leader and former MP Delwar Hossain Sayeedi — Masud Sayeedi and Shamim Sayeedi — are contesting from Pirojpur-1 and Pirojpur-2 constituencies respectively. Both have drawn attention due to their father’s legacy but are expected to face tough competition from heavyweight candidates. In Pirojpur-1, Masud Sayeedi will compete against former minister and Jatiya Party (Zafar) chairman Mostafa Jamal Haider, while BNP and NCP figures are also vying for nomination. In Pirojpur-2, Shamim Sayeedi faces former minister and Jatiya Party (Manju) chairman Anwar Hossain Manju, along with BNP’s Ahmad Suman and NCP’s Shams Istiak Rahman. Although Jamaat announced its candidates early, other parties like BNP, NCP, and Jatiya Party are still finalizing their lineups. Local voters anticipate intense contests, particularly in Pirojpur-1 and Pirojpur-2, where the Sayeedi brothers’ entry has energized the campaign field.

The Dhaka University unit of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), the student wing of the BNP, has accused Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Liberation War and Democratic Movement Affairs Secretary Fatima Tasnim Juma of distorting the history of Bangladesh’s Liberation War through a recent social media post. In a statement issued on December 3, JCD leaders Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahas and Nahiduzzaman Shipon condemned Juma’s remarks, calling them an affront to the nation’s democratic aspirations. The group also criticized the university administration for failing to uphold the tradition of decorating campus landmarks during December, the month of victory, describing it as negligence toward the Liberation War’s legacy. JCD urged the administration to properly honor the contributions of Dhaka University’s teachers, students, and staff during the 1971 war and demanded accountability from DUCSU representatives for controversial actions and comments. Fatima Tasnim Juma’s post had linked the region’s anti-colonial struggles to the 1971 war and called for renewed efforts to fulfill the nation’s democratic aspirations in 2024.

United Peoples Bangladesh (UP Bangladesh) has called on the interim government to initiate legal action against India’s Border Security Force (BSF) at the International Court of Justice over the alleged killing of two Bangladeshi nationals near the Thakurgaon border. At a protest meeting in Dhaka, the group’s chief organizer, Naeem Ahmad, accused the BSF of committing crimes against humanity and acting out of political vengeance. He demanded that the government make the discussions of flag meetings between Bangladeshi and Indian border forces public. Ahmad also urged India to abandon its current approach and rebuild a respectful, trust-based relationship with Bangladesh. Other speakers, including joint organizers Abrar Hamim and Ahsan Ullah, emphasized the need to strengthen Bangladesh’s military capacity along the border and raise public awareness against what they described as Indian aggression. The protest reflected growing frustration over recurring border incidents and perceived diplomatic imbalance between the two neighbors.

Nigeria’s Defense Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has resigned, citing health reasons, according to a statement from the president’s office on Monday. The resignation comes at a time when President Bola Tinubu has declared a national security emergency following a surge in armed banditry and kidnappings across the country. In recent weeks, incidents have included the abduction of a priest and several others from a church in Kogi State, and the kidnapping of around 490 people from various regions, including 315 children from a Catholic boarding school in Niger State. The government has responded by ordering mass recruitment into the police and military forces. Nigeria, with a population of over 220 million, reportedly has only about 370,000 security personnel, many of whom are assigned to protect wealthy individuals rather than rural communities, leaving vast areas vulnerable to criminal activity.

US President Donald Trump announced he is nullifying all documents signed by his predecessor Joe Biden, including executive pardons, claiming Biden used an autopen to sign them. The autopen, a device replicating a person’s signature, has long been used by presidents from both parties for official documents. Legal experts say Trump’s move is unprecedented and lacks constitutional or statutory basis, as there is no law requiring a president to personally sign such documents or allowing one president to revoke another’s pardons. Trump made the announcement on his social media platform Truth Social, asserting that any pardon or legal document signed this way is invalid. Biden had issued several pardons before leaving office, including for family members and nonviolent drug offenders. Reports suggest Trump’s action may not affect Hunter Biden’s pardon, which was hand-signed, but could impact others like Dr. Anthony Fauci. Analysts view Trump’s decision as politically motivated and legally unenforceable.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam has emphasized that only through structural reforms can transparency and accountability be ensured within the Bangladesh Police. Speaking to journalists after a meeting with Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Abdul Momen at the ACC headquarters in Segunbagicha, Dhaka, on December 3, Alam described corruption among police officers as a complex issue that cannot be resolved overnight. He underscored the importance of implementing the Police Reform Commission’s recommendations for long-term and sustainable solutions. The IGP further noted that greater accountability within the force is essential to curb corruption. His remarks come amid ongoing investigations into alleged corruption by several senior police officials who served during the previous Sheikh Hasina administration, including former IGP Benazir Ahmed, former SB chief Monirul Islam, and former DB chief Harun-or-Rashid, some of whom are now facing ACC cases.

In Comilla’s Burichang upazila, BNP nomination aspirant and local party president ATM Mizanur Rahman organized a large prayer gathering seeking the recovery of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who is currently hospitalized. The event, held in the Sonodrom area of Varella South Union, brought together around 2,000 women. Rahman also arranged lunch for all attendees. Speakers at the event described Khaleda Zia as a steadfast leader who never compromised with the ruling Awami League and emphasized her importance to the nation. Religious leader Qari Nasrin Akter led the prayer, calling Khaleda Zia a symbol of unity for 180 million Bangladeshis. Rahman stated that Khaleda Zia’s illness resulted from political oppression and urged everyone to pray for her recovery. Several local BNP and affiliated organization leaders were present at the event, which reflected ongoing grassroots support for the ailing opposition leader.

The Islami Oikya Jote organized a special prayer session at the southern courtyard of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque on Wednesday after Asr prayers, seeking the recovery of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The prayer was led by Maulana Mohammad Ilias Athari, the party’s joint secretary general and spokesperson. During the prayer, Athari emphasized Khaleda Zia’s importance in safeguarding Bangladesh’s democracy, sovereignty, and independence, and in resisting foreign dominance. He expressed hope that she would regain her health and once again lead the nation during its critical times. Several leaders from Islami Chhatra Samaj and Islami Oikya Jote’s Dhaka Metropolitan unit, including Hafiz Belal Hossain, H.M. Borkatullah, Nurul Azam Hawlader, and others, attended the event. The gathering reflected continued political and religious solidarity with the ailing opposition leader, who remains a symbolic figure in Bangladesh’s democratic movement.

On December 3, the Bangladesh Autism and Disability Institute (BADI) organized a human chain in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka, demanding rehabilitation for those injured in the July uprising. The event was held to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities and was chaired by Dr. Zahidul Bari, with Md. Aminul Islam Bulbul conducting. Advocate Dr. Helan Uddin, Supreme Court lawyer and Dhaka-8 constituency candidate, attended as chief guest. In his speech, Dr. Uddin emphasized that neglecting persons with disabilities is a grave injustice and that social progress requires their inclusion. He stated that those injured during the July movement were not disabled beforehand but became so due to state and political violence. He urged the interim government to ensure sustainable rehabilitation for the July fighters and all persons with disabilities, stressing that it is a moral duty of the state to honor their sacrifices and ensure their well-being.

A special prayer and kirtan were held on Wednesday evening at the Sri Sri Joy Kali Bigraha Temple in Chatmohar, Pabna, seeking the speedy recovery and good health of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The event was organized by the Chatmohar municipal branch of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad. Devotees participated in an hour-long kirtan followed by a special prayer led by Sri Shibananda Shil. During the ceremony, participants prayed for Khaleda Zia’s quick recovery from illness. Among those present were the president of the municipal Puja Udjapan Parishad, Shambhunath Kundu, and general secretary Tarun Kumar Pal, along with other local leaders and devotees. The gathering reflected a gesture of interfaith goodwill and compassion for the ailing political leader.

Jamaat-e-Islami has nominated Krishna Nandi, a Hindu community leader, as its candidate for the Khulna-1 (Dacope–Batiaghata) constituency, marking the first time the Islamist party has fielded a Hindu candidate in the area. Nandi, who joined Jamaat in 2005, currently serves as president of the party’s Hindu committee in Dumuria Upazila and also heads the local Sanatan Committee. He stated that his decision to join Jamaat two decades ago stemmed from his belief in the party’s commitment to honesty, justice, and corruption-free politics. The nomination was announced by Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman at an eight-party divisional rally in Khulna and later finalized in a local meeting. Nandi claimed he remained loyal to the party even during difficult times and faced pressure under previous governments due to his political affiliation in an Awami League-dominated area. He also confirmed that the previous nominee, Maulana Abu Yusuf, is now supporting his campaign.

An eight-party Islamist alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is preparing for a major divisional rally in Sylhet on December 6, aiming to demonstrate mass support ahead of the upcoming national elections. The coalition, which includes Jamaat, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, and several Khelafat-based parties, has outlined five key demands, including a referendum on the July National Charter Implementation Order and ensuring a level playing field in the elections. The rally will be held at the historic Government Alia Madrasa field from noon to 4 p.m., with organizers expecting hundreds of thousands of participants from across Sylhet and nearby districts. Senior leaders from all eight parties are scheduled to attend. The alliance’s liaison committee has coordinated with Sylhet Metropolitan Police and the City Corporation for security, traffic, and logistical support. Organizers claim all preparations are complete and expect the event to become one of Sylhet’s largest political gatherings in recent years.

An eight-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a divisional rally in Chattogram’s Laldighi Maidan on Friday, which leaders expect to draw a massive crowd. The announcement was made at a press conference at the Chattogram Press Club, attended by senior leaders including Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Muhammad Shahjahan. Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman and other central leaders are scheduled to address the gathering. The rally’s key demands include holding a referendum before the national election to implement the July Charter, introducing a proportional representation system in parliament, ensuring a level playing field for all parties, and prosecuting alleged atrocities and corruption by the Awami League. The alliance also called for banning the activities of the Jatiya Party and the 14-party coalition for their alleged complicity. Shahjahan stated that the rally reflects the people’s aspirations for reform and that any election without a referendum would fail to represent the public mandate.

In a historic move, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has nominated Krishna Nandi, a Hindu community leader, as its candidate for the Khulna-1 (Dacope–Batiaghata) constituency, marking the party’s first-ever nomination of a non-Muslim candidate. The announcement was made by Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman during an eight-party divisional rally in Khulna. Nandi, who joined Jamaat in 2005, currently serves as president of the party’s Hindu committee in Dumuria Upazila and also leads the local Sanatan Committee. He replaces Maulana Abu Yusuf, who has pledged to campaign for him. Nandi described Jamaat as a principled, corruption-free organization and said he chose the party for its commitment to justice and integrity. Political observers view this nomination as a strategic and symbolic step by Jamaat to broaden its appeal among minority communities in a region traditionally dominated by the Awami League.