According to a recent intelligence report submitted to Bangladesh’s top authorities, fugitive Awami League leaders, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, are allegedly coordinating from India to destabilize the country ahead of the upcoming national election. The report claims that these exiled figures are issuing instructions via voice calls and online platforms to incite violence, spread misinformation using artificial intelligence tools, and create communal unrest. It warns that armed groups and extremists in border districts may be mobilized to disrupt voting and intimidate minority voters. The report also highlights the risk of illegal weapons being used to provoke clashes during the election period. Security experts and political analysts have urged heightened vigilance by law enforcement agencies and the Election Commission to prevent potential violence and ensure a fair electoral process. Authorities have reportedly intensified surveillance and are planning stronger operations to recover illegal arms and maintain order during the election period.

The United States has indefinitely suspended all immigration applications from 19 non-European countries, citing national and public security concerns. The Trump administration stated that the decision aims to strengthen immigration controls and reassess potential security risks. The affected nations include Afghanistan, Somalia, Iran, Sudan, and Yemen, among others. Officials referenced recent incidents involving immigrants, including the arrest of an Afghan national linked to an attack on the National Guard in Washington, as factors prompting the move. Since returning to office, President Trump has intensified enforcement of immigration laws, expanding crackdowns on illegal immigrants and tightening rules for legal immigration as well. The new directive calls for a comprehensive review of all pending cases, with possible re-interviews to reassess applicants’ security profiles. Critics argue the policy disproportionately targets Muslim-majority countries, while supporters claim it reinforces national safety.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has announced plans to introduce QR codes on journalist identity cards to prevent the use of fake press credentials during the upcoming national elections. Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah stated that this measure aims to ensure transparency and security at polling centers. Speaking at a training workshop for journalists on Wednesday, he emphasized that the election will be of a different magnitude compared to previous ones, and that the media plays an irreplaceable role in maintaining electoral transparency. Sanaullah also mentioned that each voter is expected to take an average of 3 minutes and 52 seconds to cast their vote, and that increasing the number of polling centers is not feasible. Meanwhile, Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed of the EC Secretariat clarified that in the upcoming referendum, voters must respond with a clear 'yes' or 'no' to each of the four questions, without partial agreement or disagreement options.

The High Court of Bangladesh has issued a rule asking why provisions for stricter punishment have not been enacted for cases involving offenses against religious sentiments. The bench of Justice Fahmida Kader and Justice Asif Hasan issued the rule on Tuesday, directing the law secretary and other relevant authorities to respond within four weeks. The rule follows a writ petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Golam Kibria, who sought a directive to introduce the death penalty as the maximum punishment for such offenses. Currently, the Bangladesh Penal Code and the new Cyber Security Act prescribe a maximum sentence of two years for hurting religious sentiments. The petitioner argued that the existing punishment is inadequate and fails to deter offenders. The writ names the law secretary and cabinet secretary among the respondents, seeking legislative action to impose harsher penalties to prevent future violations.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP) for Bangladesh’s southern region, declared that every voter will serve as his agent in the upcoming national parliamentary election. Speaking at a campaign rally in Bakrikandi village of Sultanpur Union, Cumilla-4 constituency, Abdullah stated he cannot offer money to voters but promised to stand by them in both good and bad times. He urged supporters to convey his greetings to all voters. Addressing concerns about a lack of polling agents, Abdullah argued that even parties with many agents failed to unseat Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the past 17 years. He claimed that his party played a role in movements against authoritarianism and expressed confidence that if they work sincerely, supporters from other parties will join them. Earlier in the day, he launched a day-long campaign march from Khadghar village in Bhani Union, joined by NCP leaders and activists.

After more than three weeks without family contact, former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s sister Uzma Khanum was finally allowed to meet him at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail. Her visit followed widespread rumors about Khan’s death and mounting public concern over his condition. Uzma reported that Khan appeared physically healthy but complained of mental harassment by prison authorities. The meeting lasted about 30 minutes, during which she learned that Khan was being kept isolated with limited movement and communication. Outside the jail, hundreds of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters gathered demanding transparency about his health. Protests also erupted in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, prompting authorities to impose Section 144 to restrict gatherings. Government officials denied reports of Khan’s transfer to Islamabad but confirmed ongoing construction of a new prison. Imran Khan, 72, has been imprisoned since August 2023 following multiple convictions that he and his party claim are politically motivated to hinder his participation in politics and elections.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is expected to return to Bangladesh soon if his mother, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s health condition remains unchanged. Speaking at a prayer gathering organized by Jubo Dal in Dhaka, Fakhrul noted that Tarique will decide on his return after assessing whether Khaleda Zia can be taken abroad for treatment. Khaleda Zia has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka since November 23 due to lung infections and other chronic ailments, including arthritis, diabetes, and kidney issues. She is currently in the hospital’s Critical Care Unit under a medical board led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder. Meanwhile, security around Evercare Hospital has been tightened, with police setting up barricades and restricting public access to ensure safety and smooth hospital operations.

The Supreme Court of Bangladesh will resume on Wednesday the hearing of a leave-to-appeal petition challenging the High Court’s order that declared the formation and oath of the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus as valid. The hearing took place on Tuesday before a seven-member full bench headed by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed. During the proceedings, lawyers argued that the true legitimacy of any government stems from the people’s trust and confidence. Earlier, senior lawyer Mohammad Mohsin Rashid, who had filed the original petition challenging the interim government’s legitimacy, faced contempt allegations for making derogatory remarks about the court. The High Court had previously dismissed his petition, stating that the people’s endorsement grants legitimacy to the interim government. Rashid later sought permission from the Appellate Division to appeal against that decision.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs has issued the 'Prevention and Remedy of Enforced Disappearance Ordinance', prescribing the death penalty as the maximum punishment for enforced disappearance. The ordinance, published in the official gazette on December 2, establishes special tribunals at district and divisional levels to handle such cases. It classifies enforced disappearance as a non-bailable and non-compoundable offense. Senior law enforcement officials who authorize or permit such acts will face the same penalties as direct perpetrators. If a disappeared person dies or remains missing for five years, the responsible individuals may face death or life imprisonment. The ordinance also criminalizes concealing evidence or maintaining secret detention centers, punishable by up to seven years in prison and fines up to 2 million taka. National security or other excuses will not be accepted as defense. The ordinance received final approval from the Advisory Council on November 6 under the Chief Adviser’s leadership.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has firmly rejected an ultimatum from US President Donald Trump, who reportedly urged him to step down and leave the country in exchange for safe passage for himself and his family. Speaking at a mass rally in Caracas, Maduro declared that Venezuela seeks peace based on sovereignty, equality, and independence, not under colonial conditions. The ultimatum followed a phone call between the two leaders, which Trump later confirmed. Meanwhile, the US has intensified pressure on Venezuela, deploying warships near its coast under the pretext of anti-narcotics operations and closing Venezuelan airspace. Washington insists these actions aim to curb drug trafficking, while Caracas accuses the US of attempting regime change. According to CNN, Trump is consulting senior officials, including Ambassador Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, to determine the next steps in dealing with the Maduro government.

Government primary school assistant teachers across Bangladesh have announced a 'complete shutdown' starting Wednesday, December 3, to press for the implementation of their three-point demand, including pay grade reform. The move follows weeks of continuous work abstention and boycott of annual exams. The Primary Teachers’ Demand Implementation Council confirmed the decision after alleging harassment of teachers during earlier protests. Currently, head teachers receive salaries under the 10th grade, while assistant teachers remain in the 13th grade. Teachers have long demanded an upgrade to the 10th grade, but the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has only recommended the 11th grade for now. Dissatisfied with the slow progress, teachers plan to stage sit-ins in front of Upazila or Thana Education Offices nationwide. Bangladesh has over 65,000 government primary schools employing more than 384,000 teachers, most of whom are assistant teachers. The standoff highlights growing frustration over pay disparity and unfulfilled government promises.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has stated that his party will ensure transparency and public consultation in all major decisions if it comes to power. Speaking at a meeting with pharmaceutical traders in Dhaka’s Shewrapara area on December 2, he emphasized that Jamaat aims to build a just and corruption-free Bangladesh where both rich and poor benefit equally. Rahman said the party would maintain a strict position against mismanagement and corruption. He also criticized some doctors for allegedly taking illegal benefits from drug traders, calling it a form of deception against patients. Highlighting the progress of Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical industry, he noted that the country, once dependent on foreign medicine, now exports drugs to many nations.

Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarkar has indicated that Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election and a national referendum are likely to be held in the second week of February. Speaking to several media outlets on December 2, he mentioned that the polls could take place between February 8 and 12, with minor adjustments possible on either side of those dates. The Election Commission (EC) will finalize the schedule and voting date in a meeting on December 7, with the official announcement expected around December 11. The EC is also considering extending the voting period by one hour, from the current 8 a.m.–4 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., to accommodate both the parliamentary election and referendum on the same day. Additionally, the number of secret voting booths may be increased to ensure smoother voter participation. These measures aim to improve efficiency and voter convenience during the upcoming national polls.

The interim government’s advisory council held a special meeting on Tuesday, December 2, chaired by the Chief Adviser at the state guesthouse Jamuna, to discuss the medical care of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. According to an official statement read by Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud, the council decided to ensure uninterrupted hospital treatment for Khaleda Zia and, if necessary, to arrange for her advanced medical care abroad. The meeting also resolved to declare her a Very Very Important Person (VVIP), ensuring her security, transportation, and privileges consistent with her status as a three-time former prime minister. All relevant agencies have been instructed to implement these decisions immediately. The council also offered prayers for her speedy recovery and called upon the nation to join in prayers for her health. Khaleda Zia’s family and her political party, the BNP, have been informed of the government’s decisions.

Authorities in Pakistan have imposed Section 144 in Islamabad and Rawalpindi to prevent public gatherings ahead of a planned protest by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. The Interior Minister stated that the restrictions were necessary for public safety and would be strictly enforced. The government warned against any attempt to pressure prison authorities regarding visitation rights for former Prime Minister Imran Khan, emphasizing that such matters are administrative, not political. Officials also cautioned against the misuse of provincial resources for political purposes, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and warned of legal action against any government employees involved in political activities. Security forces have been placed on high alert, and authorities reiterated that any violation of the ban on rallies or protests would result in immediate action. The restrictions are in effect from December 1 to 3 in Rawalpindi and remain active in Islamabad.