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.

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas has accused the ruling Awami League of being an 'uncivilized' party and claimed that it aligns ideologically with those who collaborated with Pakistan during Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, such as the Razakars and Al-Badr. Speaking at the inauguration of a medical camp in Dhaka’s Siddheshwari area, Abbas alleged that some political groups are exploiting religion to intimidate voters ahead of the upcoming elections. He criticized statements suggesting that not voting for certain parties could lead to religious consequences or even physical threats. Abbas further stated that those who once betrayed the nation are now seeking votes again, questioning their right to do so. Urging citizens to remain vigilant, he warned against supporting parties that distort religion and betray the spirit of the Liberation War.

India’s political scene has heated up again following Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s controversial comments about former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Speaking at an event in Sadli village, Gujarat, marking Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary, Singh alleged that Nehru once proposed using government funds to build the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, a move opposed by Patel. He further claimed that Nehru discouraged public fundraising for Patel’s memorial, suggesting the money be used for wells and roads instead. Singh portrayed Patel as a secular, decisive leader who could have become prime minister but withdrew in deference to Mahatma Gandhi’s wishes. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with restoring Patel’s rightful place in history through initiatives like the Statue of Unity. Singh also argued that Patel’s approach could have prevented the prolonged Kashmir issue. His remarks have triggered intense debate among historians and political parties, with analysts suggesting the comments align with the ruling party’s broader ideological narrative.

NCP chief organizer Hasnat Abdullah told supporters in Cumilla’s Debidwar upazila that they are free to vote for anyone they choose but asked them to keep him in their prayers. Speaking during campaign visits across Sultanpur Union on December 3, Hasnat emphasized that his goal is not extortion or personal gain but to earn a place in people’s hearts. He described himself as a middle-class man and the son of a mason, saying he came to serve the people rather than seek votes. Hasnat also spoke about his vision for change following the 2024 mass uprising, noting that the movement has created an opportunity for transformation across all sectors of the country. He urged citizens to use their votes to realize that change. His remarks and public interactions have drawn positive responses locally and on social media, with local NCP leaders accompanying him during the events.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 of Bangladesh has appointed lawyer Ameer Hossain as the state-appointed counsel to represent former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in two cases related to enforced disappearances and alleged crimes against humanity during the Awami League government. The appointment was made by a two-member bench led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumdar, with Justice Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury as the other member. Previously, senior Supreme Court lawyer Z I Khan Panna had been appointed to the same position on November 23 but later withdrew, citing Hasina’s lack of confidence in the tribunal. The tribunal expressed strong dissatisfaction over Panna’s absence and social media statement, prompting him to appear and offer an unconditional apology. Following his apology, the tribunal relieved him of his duties and appointed Ameer Hossain as the new state counsel. Hossain had earlier served as a state-appointed lawyer in another case against Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan.

BNP leader and lawyer Fazlur Rahman has submitted a written unconditional apology to the International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh in connection with a contempt of court case. The tribunal had earlier summoned him to appear in person on December 8 to explain his remarks made during a television talk show, where he questioned the legitimacy and impartiality of the tribunal’s formation and judges. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam confirmed the apology during a press briefing at the tribunal premises on December 3. The tribunal will hold a hearing on the matter on December 8. The contempt charge was filed on November 26 following Rahman’s comments, which were deemed derogatory toward the tribunal. This incident follows a similar case involving BNP leader Z I Khan Panna, who also sought unconditional apology for contempt allegations.

BNP Assistant International Affairs Secretary Rumin Farhana has alleged that a significant portion of Bangladesh’s administration is under the control of Jamaat-e-Islami. Speaking on a private television talk show, she claimed that Jamaat’s influence extends beyond the administration and police to universities, banks, and other institutions. Farhana sharply criticized Jamaat leader Shahjahan Chowdhury for his recent remarks, accusing him of displaying arrogance and suggesting undue control over legal and administrative processes. She argued that such statements reveal Jamaat’s attempts to exert dominance over state mechanisms. Farhana also commented on the current political atmosphere, saying that similar authoritarian tendencies seen over the past 15 years are now visible in some parties even before elections. She emphasized that fair elections require more than just the role of police or administration, highlighting the importance of government goodwill, political parties, candidates, and the Election Commission’s impartiality.

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers has introduced new proposals to require congressional approval before any potential military action by the Trump administration against Venezuela. Senators Tim Kaine, Chuck Schumer, Adam Schiff, and Rand Paul issued a joint statement warning that unauthorized military intervention would be a costly mistake risking American lives. The lawmakers plan to invoke the War Powers Resolution to ensure debate and voting in Congress before any use of US forces in or against Venezuela. In the House, Representatives Jim McGovern, Joaquin Castro, and Thomas Massie submitted a similar proposal. The move follows reports of at least 21 US-led strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific regions since September, allegedly targeting drug trafficking linked to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s government. Critics accuse Trump of bypassing constitutional requirements for congressional authorization of major military actions. Recent reports of possible violations of international law have prompted congressional committees to announce investigations into US operations in Venezuela.

Students from the seven government colleges affiliated with Dhaka University have announced a new phase of protests demanding the issuance of an ordinance to establish the proposed Dhaka Central University. At a press conference held in front of Dhaka College on Wednesday, student leader Abdur Rahman declared that if the authorities fail to issue the ordinance by Saturday, students will begin a continuous sit-in in front of the Education Building from Sunday, December 7. Earlier in the day, students held demonstrations and blocked Mirpur Road for over two hours before announcing their next program. The government has already taken a policy decision to merge the seven colleges and form a new public university named Dhaka Central University, ending their affiliation with Dhaka University. Students argue that the delay in issuing the ordinance has created uncertainty and administrative complications, prompting them to continue their movement until the demand is met.

The Mexican Parliament has expressed eagerness to work with Bangladesh’s newly elected government, according to the Bangladesh Embassy in Mexico. The announcement was made during a ceremony on December 2, where the Mexico-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group was officially formed. Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Mexico, Mushfiqur Fazal Ansaree, attended the event and was invited to observe a parliamentary session. The Congress President, Kenia López Rabadán, formally introduced the friendship group, emphasizing bilateral cooperation. Ambassador Ansaree highlighted Bangladesh’s democratic progress, referencing the upcoming national election led by Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus and recalling the 2024 democratic uprising. Mexican lawmakers praised Bangladesh’s economic growth and textile industry, pledging to strengthen political, trade, and environmental collaboration. The event also marked 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Ambassadors from Jordan and Ivory Coast attended as guests, and the ceremony concluded with official signings and gift exchanges.