Bangladesh’s Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has issued a stern warning to government primary school assistant teachers who are continuing work abstention and exam boycotts. The ministry directed all teachers to withdraw their protests and resume duties immediately, stating that failure to comply would result in disciplinary and legal action under civil service and criminal laws. Several teachers’ associations have been on strike since December 1, demanding pay grade upgrades and full departmental promotion to head teacher positions. The ministry said it has already forwarded proposals to the Finance and Public Administration ministries and discussed the matter with the upcoming National Pay Commission 2025. Despite these steps, some groups have obstructed annual exams and allegedly harassed teachers willing to conduct them. The ministry emphasized that such actions endanger students’ education and violate service conduct rules, urging teachers to complete the third-term exams properly.

National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Md Nahid Islam has urged the Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh to announce the schedule for the 13th National Parliamentary Election at a time that considers the current political situation and allows all parties adequate preparation. During a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin in Dhaka, Nahid welcomed the recent amendment to the Representation of the People Order (RPO) and condemned attempts to overturn it through political pressure or court intervention. He emphasized that each party should contest under its own electoral symbol and criticized efforts by a major party to impose a single symbol system. Nahid also expressed concern about the influence of money and power in elections, urging the EC to strictly monitor candidate affidavits and campaign spending. Additionally, he warned that politically motivated transfers of deputy commissioners and superintendents of police could affect fairness, and called for accurate public communication regarding any referendum issues.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has indicated that Seoul may issue an apology to North Korea following court findings that former President Yoon Suk-yeol deliberately provoked tensions to maintain his political power. Speaking at a press conference in Seoul on December 3, Lee said he believes an apology is appropriate but expressed concern that such a move could be politically exploited or labeled as pro-North. Yoon is accused of ordering drones carrying propaganda leaflets into North Korean airspace to incite conflict. His administration’s actions, including a controversial martial law declaration, triggered mass protests and a constitutional crisis. The Supreme Court later ruled the martial law unconstitutional, leading to Yoon’s impeachment and removal from office. He is currently in prison awaiting trial on multiple charges, including insurrection. Lee’s remarks come amid renewed debate over accountability for past provocations and the future of inter-Korean relations.

More than 10,000 people gathered at the Hazrat Khan Jahan Ali shrine field in Bagerhat on Wednesday to pray for the speedy recovery of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The event, organized by former Bagerhat Sadar MP M.A.H. Selim, included Quran recitations, Milad, and special prayers. Participants included Selim’s family members, former district Jubo Dal president Fakir Tarikul Islam, former BNP leader and Red Crescent unit secretary Sheikh Mahabubur Rahman Tutul, madrasa students, and numerous party activists. The large turnout reflected continued public concern for Khaleda Zia’s health, as she remains under medical care. The gathering was peaceful and marked by collective prayers for her well-being.

Begum Rokeya University (BRU) has become tense after the suspension of its central student union and hall council elections. The Islamist student group Islami Chhatra Shibir, under the banner of general students, held a press conference demanding that the election be held on December 24 as previously announced. They accused the university administration and election commission of deliberate delays and lack of sincerity. The election process had begun after the schedule was announced on November 18, but following the resignation of two chief election commissioners and alleged pressure from anti-election groups, the commission postponed the vote indefinitely citing voter list inconsistencies. Shibir threatened mass protests if the election is not held on the declared date, while another faction led by the Chhatra Dal is demanding a delay. The campus is now divided between opposing groups, raising fears of unrest and uncertainty about whether a fair election can take place.

The prosecution of Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has received an investigation report implicating Sajib Wazed Joy, son of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, along with former Law Minister Anisul Huq, former Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman, and former State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak. The report concerns alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising. Prosecutor Gazi Monowar Hossain Tamim confirmed the development in a message to journalists on Wednesday, December 3. According to standard procedure, the tribunal’s investigation agency submits its findings to the Chief Prosecutor’s Office, which then reviews the report before filing formal charges with the tribunal. The submission marks a significant step in the ongoing legal process surrounding the political upheaval that led to Sheikh Hasina’s removal from power.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has reinstated the membership of eight doctors whose affiliations with the Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB) and related party bodies were previously revoked for alleged breaches of party discipline. According to a statement signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday, December 3, the earlier decision to suspend the doctors—Dr. Khairul Islam, Dr. Rafiqul Kabir Labu, Dr. Md. Faruk Hossain, Dr. Mahbub Arefin Rezanur Ranjhu, Dr. M A Kamal, Dr. Syed Imtiaz Uddin Sajid, Dr. Shawon Bin Rahman, and Dr. Rakib Uz Zaman—has been withdrawn. The announcement restores their eligibility to hold positions within DAB, the BNP, and its affiliated organizations. The eight doctors had been relieved of their posts on July 29. DAB, founded in 1993, serves as the professional body for physicians aligned with the BNP.

Bangladesh’s Department of Mass Communication has produced 34 songs in various regional languages to raise public awareness about the upcoming national parliamentary election and referendum, which will be held on the same day for the first time in the country’s history. The initiative aims to make voting procedures easier to understand and to encourage voter participation, especially in rural areas. Demonstrations on how to cast 'yes' or 'no' votes will also be organized in village markets. Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farzana emphasized the need for innovative and people-centered communication strategies to boost turnout. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs will work jointly on the campaign, while the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) will coordinate fact-checking efforts to counter misinformation. The songs will be performed locally to ensure regional engagement and inclusivity.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has withdrawn the expulsion orders of 24 of its leaders who were previously removed from all party positions for alleged anti-organizational activities. According to a statement issued on Wednesday, December 3, by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, the decision came after the expelled leaders submitted appeals seeking reinstatement. The reinstated members include former leaders from various districts such as Satkhira, Brahmanbaria, Pabna, Jamalpur, Natore, Pirojpur, Bandarban, Chattogram, Kurigram, Khulna, Rangpur, and Sirajganj. The party stated that the decision was made following a review of their appeals and in accordance with the party’s internal policy. This move is seen as part of BNP’s broader effort to strengthen organizational unity and bring back experienced members ahead of future political activities.

Interim government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus visited Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on Wednesday evening. BNP media cell member Shairul Kabir Khan confirmed that Yunus arrived around 7:07 p.m. and was received by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. He was escorted to Khaleda Zia’s room by medical professionals Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain and Dr. Shahabuddin Talukder. The visit followed an earlier one by the chiefs of Bangladesh’s three armed forces, who met the medical board on December 2 to inquire about her health. The 80-year-old leader has been suffering from multiple chronic illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney complications. She was admitted to the hospital on November 23 due to breathing difficulties and remains under the care of a team of local and foreign specialists. Her elder son Tarique Rahman and his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman are monitoring her condition from London.

Economist and newly joined BNP member Dr. Reza Kibria has alleged that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was involved in the assassination of his father, former Finance Minister Shah A.M.S. Kibria. Speaking to reporters in his home village of Jalalsap in Habiganj, Reza claimed that Hasina protected his father’s killers for the past 15 years, suggesting her directive may have led to the murder. He also criticized the ruling Awami League, questioning its claim of being a pro-liberation force and accusing it of lacking genuine freedom fighters. Reza further alleged that Hasina neglected a war hero’s widow by denying her medical care. He expressed doubts about the government’s administrative capacity to hold a fair election, citing widespread public mistrust. Reza recalled his father’s contributions to local development and his principled approach to public service.

BNP National Standing Committee member and Cox’s Bazar-1 (Chakaria-Pekua) candidate Salahuddin Ahmed began his election campaign in Pekua on Wednesday, expressing gratitude for public support and pledging lifelong service to the people. He started his campaign by visiting his parents’ graves and later addressed supporters at several locations, including Baguzaara, Shilkhali, Barbakia, and Dheniyakata. Salahuddin called on party activists to convey greetings from BNP leaders Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman to every household and sought prayers for Khaleda Zia’s recovery. He accused the ruling Awami League government of abducting him years ago and thanked supporters for their prayers that helped him survive. Salahuddin promised that if BNP returns to power, significant development projects will be implemented in Chakaria-Pekua through public consultation. Senior BNP leaders, including former MP Hasina Ahmed and local party officials, joined the first day of his campaign, which will continue in other union areas on Thursday.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has officially received its registration certificate from the Election Commission of Bangladesh, with the symbol 'Shapla Koli' (water lily bud) allocated to the party. NCP Convener Nahid Islam accepted the certificate following a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner in Dhaka. Nahid praised the recent amendments to the Representation of the People Order (RPO) and condemned efforts to overturn them through legal or political pressure. He expressed gratitude to the Election Commission for finalizing the registration after a long process and confirmed that NCP will contest the upcoming national elections under its new symbol. The party urged the Commission to maintain its stance on allowing each party to contest under its own symbol and called for strict monitoring of campaign financing and candidate affidavits to prevent misuse of money and influence. NCP also raised concerns about political interference in administrative transfers and emphasized the need for accurate dissemination of referendum information.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir’s central secretary general, Nurul Islam Saddam, emphasized that students must become smart citizens to help build a 'Smart Bangladesh'. Speaking as the chief guest at a reception and career guideline event at Bogura Government Azizul Haque College, he said that students and citizens want campuses free from terrorism and corruption. Saddam claimed that students have chosen Shibir in student union elections, including at Dhaka University, to achieve this goal. The event, titled 'Nabinboron-25 and Career Guideline', was presided over by district Shibir president Abdullah Al Mamun and conducted by secretary Sakib Hasan Tamim. Other speakers included IFSU secretary general and Bogura-4 parliamentary candidate Dr. Mostafa Faisal Parvez, central planning and development secretary Riazul Islam, and several local leaders. The program was attended by former student leaders and local representatives from Bogura.

Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Prime Minister, is in good health, according to his sister Uzma Khan. She made the statement after meeting him at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail on Tuesday, December 2. The visit came after widespread rumors about Khan’s death in custody prompted authorities to allow his family to see him. Pakistani media reported that the meeting was arranged before PTI’s planned protest program. Uzma Khan said she would share more details after consulting with her sisters Aleema and Naureen. Meanwhile, security around Adiala Jail has been tightened, with five new checkpoints established on Adiala Jail Road. Earlier in the day, unverified reports of Khan’s death sparked unrest across Pakistan, leading PTI to call for protests in Rawalpindi. To prevent gatherings, local authorities imposed Section 144, banning all public assemblies in the area.