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.

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.