Ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina described a series of earthquakes that struck the country shortly after her death sentence verdict as ‘Allah’s play’. In an audio message to her party members, Hasina linked the tremors to the same day the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced her and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death for crimes against humanity during the July uprising. She also criticized the government’s handling of medical services and disaster response, claiming such negligence would not have occurred under her administration. Hasina further condemned the leasing of Chattogram Port’s New Mooring Container Terminal to a foreign company, questioning the legality of the deal. The High Court had earlier issued a rule on the matter, with judges divided over whether to suspend the contract process. The 5.7 magnitude earthquake on November 21, centered in Narsingdi’s Madhabdi, killed ten people and caused structural damage across several regions.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s planned medical trip to London has been delayed by a day. The special air ambulance, arranged by the Emir of Qatar to transport her, could not arrive in Dhaka on schedule. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir confirmed on Friday, December 5, that the aircraft is now expected to reach Dhaka on Saturday. Consequently, Khaleda Zia’s departure for London has been rescheduled for Sunday, December 7, subject to her health condition and the medical board’s approval. Earlier, it was announced that she might leave for London on Friday morning, and BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s wife had already arrived in Dhaka to accompany her. Khaleda’s personal physician, Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, stated that the decision to transfer her to a designated hospital in London via Qatar’s royal air ambulance was based on the medical board’s unanimous recommendation and her current health status.

Special prayers were held across Bangladesh on Friday for the recovery of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who is currently undergoing treatment in the CCU of Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Following Jumma prayers, BNP leaders, activists, and citizens gathered in mosques nationwide to pray for her health, while the party also urged prayers at temples, churches, and pagodas. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir attended a prayer session in Naya Paltan and stated that an air ambulance from Qatar was expected to arrive to take Khaleda Zia to London for advanced treatment. However, the transfer has been delayed due to technical issues with the aircraft. The party said that if her condition permits and doctors approve, she may be flown to London on Sunday. Mirza Fakhrul also appealed to the nation to pray for the former prime minister, describing her as a lifelong fighter for democracy.

A new political coalition named the 'Alliance for Humanity' comprising 15 political parties has been launched in Bangladesh ahead of the next national elections. The announcement came at a press conference held at the VIP Lounge of Shishu Kalyan in Dhaka’s Topkhana Road, where Kazi Sabbir, chairman of the National Congress Bangladesh (NCB), read the declaration. The alliance appointed Kazi Sabbir as convener and Newton Adhikari, chairman of Sabas Bangladesh Party, as member secretary. Chaired by Advocate Md. Jahangir Hossain of the Democratic Party Bangladesh, the event emphasized the coalition’s commitment to democratic values, communal harmony, and freedom of religious practices. The alliance pledged to promote healthy politics and uphold the spirit of the Liberation War. Leaders stated they would participate in the upcoming elections if a fair and neutral environment is ensured, though they expressed skepticism about the current Election Commission’s credibility.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has rejected the so-called 'Minus Four' theory as baseless propaganda spread by a vested group. Speaking to reporters after inaugurating an inter-college football tournament in Magura, he said Begum Khaleda Zia is a national leader who now stands above party politics. Alam clarified that no one has been deliberately excluded from politics, adding that those who have been 'minus-ed' did so through their own violent actions. On the upcoming national election, he said all parties except those legally banned will be allowed to participate, noting that the Jatiya Party has not been banned but has historically supported autocracy. Addressing the issue of convicted war criminals, he urged for the execution of death sentences against Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, following due legal process. He vowed to bring all perpetrators of killings back to Bangladesh for justice within the remaining 70 days before the election.

Legal adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul emphasized that young people have consistently been at the forefront of movements for justice and democracy in Bangladesh. Speaking at an event held at BRAC University in Dhaka on Friday, December 5, he recalled the courageous role of university students during the historic July uprising, noting that youth leadership in such causes is a long-standing tradition. Dr. Nazrul highlighted that the gathering of students demonstrated their ability not only to defend rights but also to advocate for justice in courts and on the global stage. He mentioned that 52 universities participated in this year’s Jessup Bangladesh competition, now the world’s third-largest qualifying round, reflecting the nation’s passion for international law and debate. He added that Jessup is more than a competition—it fosters research, writing, advocacy, and teamwork skills. Dr. Nazrul expressed hope that the workshop would further sharpen students’ abilities and strengthen their commitment to justice and the rule of law.

Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, stated that the government has not failed in its ongoing operation to recover heavy weapons ahead of the national election. Speaking at a volunteer recognition event at the Fire Service training ground in Purbachal on Friday, he emphasized that the campaign is progressing effectively. Addressing the proposed Police Commission Ordinance, he said the law aims to enhance public service delivery, and any objections from law enforcement agencies can be formally submitted. When asked about the BDR mutiny investigation report, he avoided commenting. The adviser also announced that 55,000 volunteers will be trained to assist in disaster management and support the Fire Service. The government is considering additional benefits for these volunteers. During the event, 22 Fire Service members were honored for their outstanding contributions to their duties.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has nominated its Vice Chairman Advocate Zainul Abedin as the candidate for the Barishal-3 (Babuganj-Muladi) constituency in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. The announcement was made by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan on Thursday, December 4, during the second phase of candidate declarations. This decision ends weeks of speculation regarding the party’s nominee for the seat, which had remained vacant in earlier announcements. Following his nomination, Abedin pledged to transform the underdeveloped Babuganj-Muladi area into a modern industrial zone, emphasizing infrastructure development and employment opportunities for youth. Local BNP leaders and activists expressed enthusiasm, describing the nomination as a morale booster for the organization. Abedin is expected to face competition from Jamaat-e-Islami’s candidate Principal Zahir Uddin Mohammad Babor and Amar Bangladesh Party’s Secretary General Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is set to meet former U.S. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during her visit to Washington, according to Reuters. The meetings will take place on the sidelines of the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw ceremony, which Sheinbaum is attending. The discussions are expected to touch on trade tensions following the U.S. decision to impose additional tariffs on Mexico and Canada, as well as the upcoming review of the USMCA trade agreement involving the three nations. The brief meetings come amid heightened regional economic and political sensitivities, with Washington pushing for stricter trade terms. Analysts suggest that Sheinbaum’s engagements could help ease diplomatic strains and reaffirm trilateral cooperation ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the three North American countries.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain stated that India has not yet given a positive response regarding the repatriation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently convicted by the country’s highest court. Speaking to journalists at Rangpur Circuit House on Friday morning, Hossain clarified that there is no information about Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh and mentioned that Khaleda Zia’s departure for London might be delayed by a day due to technical issues with the aircraft. He emphasized that such diplomatic matters take time and that Bangladesh is waiting to see India’s official reaction, though Indian authorities are reportedly reviewing the issue. Addressing the abduction of Bangladeshi fishermen by the Arakan Army, Hossain explained that direct bilateral talks with the group are not possible since it is not a recognized state actor, but measures have been taken to prevent such incidents in the future.

Major General Roman Gofman has been appointed as the next head of Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The announcement was made in an official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office on Thursday, December 4. Gofman will assume office in June next year, succeeding the current Mossad chief, David Barnea. Before this appointment, Gofman served as Netanyahu’s military secretary, a role that positioned him close to the country’s top leadership. Mossad is widely regarded as one of the world’s most powerful and influential intelligence agencies, ranking just behind the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in global intelligence assessments. Gofman’s appointment comes at a time of heightened regional tensions and evolving security challenges for Israel, making his leadership crucial for the agency’s strategic direction and operations in the coming years.

Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, arrived at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on Friday after landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport earlier in the morning. She had departed from London on Thursday evening local time and reached Dhaka aboard Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-302. Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that the special air ambulance from Qatar, intended to transport BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to London for advanced medical treatment, could not arrive due to technical issues. As a result, Khaleda Zia’s planned departure has been delayed. He added that if her health condition permits and the medical board approves, she may leave for treatment abroad on Sunday, December 7.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia’s planned medical transfer to London has been delayed due to the late arrival of a special air ambulance sent by the Emir of Qatar. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir informed the media on Friday, December 5, that the aircraft could not arrive in Dhaka as scheduled because of technical problems. He added that the air ambulance might reach on Saturday if all issues are resolved. Khaleda Zia will only travel if her health condition allows and the medical board approves the journey, possibly on Sunday, December 7. Earlier, it had been announced that she would depart for London on Friday morning, and the wife of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman had already traveled to Dhaka in preparation. Khaleda Zia remains in critical condition under intensive care at a hospital in Dhaka.

Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Mexico, Mushfiqur Fazal Ansari, emphasized the pivotal role of students in democratic transformation and global leadership during an interactive session at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Addressing international relations students, he reflected on Bangladesh’s recent political changes, describing the August uprising as a defining moment led by youth demanding democracy and accountability. Ansari underscored that human rights and dignity must remain central to leadership. He also outlined Bangladesh’s foreign policy priorities—peace, multilateralism, climate justice, and workers’ rights—while identifying Mexico as an emerging partner in trade, culture, and academic exchange. The session included presentations on Bangladesh’s development achievements, digital transformation, and climate resilience. Students engaged in discussions on Bangladesh’s role in UN peacekeeping, climate diplomacy, and international issues like Palestine and Rohingya crises. The event concluded with a Q&A session and a reception featuring cultural exchanges and gifts symbolizing Bangladesh’s heritage.

The New York Times has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, challenging new restrictions on media access. The suit, filed in a federal court in Washington, D.C., argues that the Pentagon’s new policy—requiring journalists to sign a 21-page agreement pledging not to collect unauthorized information—is unconstitutional and violates press freedom. The policy, implemented in October, also restricts journalists’ access to certain areas without official escorts. Several major U.S. outlets, including The Guardian, The Washington Post, CNN, Reuters, AP, and NPR, have refused to sign the agreement. The Times is seeking a court order to halt enforcement of the policy, asserting that it undermines transparency and the public’s right to know. The publication emphasized its long-standing commitment to defending press freedom through legal means.