The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education in Bangladesh has transferred more than 500 assistant teachers from government primary schools to different districts citing administrative reasons. Among the transferred are 42 teachers, including five key leaders of the ongoing teachers’ movement demanding implementation of a three-point charter. The official order, issued on Thursday night, stated that the transfers were approved following a directive from the Directorate of Primary Education. The affected teachers have been reassigned to neighboring districts, effectively removing them from their home districts. Leaders of the movement, including Khairun Nahar Lipi and Shamsuddin Masud, confirmed the transfers and alleged that the move targets those leading the protests. Since November 27, assistant teachers across 65,000 government primary schools have been on work stoppage to press for their demands, which include pay scale adjustments and improved service benefits.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced its candidates for the two parliamentary constituencies in Sunamganj that were previously on hold. On Thursday afternoon, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir revealed the names as part of the party’s broader declaration for 36 out of 63 pending seats. Former MP Nasir Uddin Chowdhury has been nominated for Sunamganj-2 (Dirai-Shalla), while Advocate Nurul Islam Nurul, former district BNP general secretary and current convening committee member, has been nominated for Sunamganj-4 (Sadar and Bishwambharpur). Following the announcement, supporters of both candidates celebrated enthusiastically, visiting their homes with flowers and sweets and posting congratulatory messages on social media. Nurul Islam Nurul expressed gratitude to party leadership, calling his nomination a fulfillment of grassroots expectations, and prayed for the recovery of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

A major political controversy has erupted in Panchagarh after the National Citizen Party (NCP) included several leaders from the Jatiya Party in its newly approved district committee. The committee, approved by NCP member secretary Akhtar Hossain and northern region chief organizer Sarjis Alam, lists Hafizabad Union Parishad chairman Md. Ismail Hossain as a joint coordinator, despite his active involvement with the Jatiya Party and previous election under its symbol. Two other joint coordinators, Abdul Latif and Matiar Rahman, also have known ties to the Jatiya Party. The inclusion has sparked widespread debate on social media, with Jatiya Party’s Panchagarh district general secretary Md. Abu Salek questioning the ethics of NCP’s actions, especially given its previous criticism of the Jatiya Party. Attempts to reach Ismail Hossain for comment were unsuccessful, while NCP representatives claimed they were unaware of the appointees’ prior political affiliations.

The Oxford Union has invited several young Bangladeshi leaders, including Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Abu Sadiq Kayem, to participate as panel speakers at an international seminar titled 'Bangladesh’s July Revolution.' The event, jointly organized by the Oxford Union and the Oxford Bangla Society, is scheduled for the first week of January next year. Invitation letters signed by Oxford Union President Musa Hiraj were sent to Kayem and others, including National Citizens Party (NCP) South Region organizer Hasnat Abdullah, United Peoples Bangladesh convener Ali Ahsan Junaed, and DUCSU Assistant General Secretary Mohiuddin Khan. The letters cited their influential roles in Bangladesh’s 2024 quota reform movement and political transition. The invited participants will also engage with Oxford students and researchers on policy, politics, and contemporary issues during the visit.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has finalized its nominations for two highly discussed constituencies in Dhaka, ending weeks of speculation. Hamidur Rahman Hamid has been nominated for Dhaka-7, while Sheikh Robiul Alam Robi will contest from Dhaka-10. Both candidates are long-time grassroots leaders known for their active involvement and loyalty to the party. Following the announcement, BNP activists across Old Dhaka and other parts of the city celebrated with slogans, sweets, and gatherings. Local leaders expressed optimism about reclaiming the seats in the upcoming 13th national election, citing renewed enthusiasm among party workers. The decision comes after internal discussions and rumors that the BNP might leave these constituencies for alliance partners. The nominations are seen as a strategic move to strengthen the party’s urban presence and energize its base ahead of the polls.

The movement of government primary school teachers in Bangladesh has temporarily suspended its planned nationwide 'complete shutdown' program. According to a statement released Thursday night, the protesting teachers decided to halt the shutdown from Sunday until the completion of ongoing third-term (annual) examinations, citing moral and humanitarian considerations for their young students. The teachers’ associations—Demand Implementation Council and Unity Council—have been pressing for three key demands related to fair treatment and benefits for assistant teachers. The Directorate of Primary Education has recently transferred numerous protesting assistant teachers to other districts, citing administrative reasons. Leaders of the movement, who were also included in the transfer list, said further programs would be announced after discussions once the exams conclude.

BNP Standing Committee member and Cox’s Bazar-1 constituency candidate Salahuddin Ahmed publicly welcomed expelled BNP leader and former three-term Pekua Upazila chairman Shafayet Aziz Raju back onto the party stage during an election rally in Mognama Sonali Bazar. Salahuddin announced the withdrawal of Raju’s expulsion order, urging party members to unite and work for the BNP’s electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf. Raju had been expelled earlier for defying the party’s decision to boycott the 2024 upazila elections under the Awami League government and contesting independently, which led to his election as chairman. Expressing loyalty, Raju said he always considered himself a follower of Salahuddin and remained dedicated to the BNP despite his expulsion. His reinstatement is seen as part of Salahuddin’s effort to consolidate local support ahead of the national polls.

Malaysia will officially begin registering refugees and asylum seekers under a new biometric-based system starting January 1, 2026. Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Shamsul Anuar Nasarah announced in parliament that the initiative, developed under National Security Council Directive No. 23, aims to create the country’s first comprehensive government database on refugees. The Immigration Department will oversee the registration process, while the system is being developed with technical support from MIMOS Berhad. The database will assist in planning social welfare, employment, and education programs, as well as strengthening national security. Refugees will receive a Refugee Registration Document (DPP), granting them legal access to residence, work, education, and healthcare in Peninsular Malaysia. Although Malaysia is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention or the 1967 Protocol, the government expects around 200,000 refugees to be included in the database. Coordination among ministries and NGOs is ongoing to ensure transparency and effective implementation.

BNP National Standing Committee member and Cox’s Bazar-1 candidate Salahuddin Ahmed has described the upcoming national parliamentary election as a 'historic and powerful' event that will restore democracy in Bangladesh. Speaking at a series of campaign rallies in Pekua and surrounding areas, he said the election would symbolize victory over years of authoritarian rule and the re-establishment of citizens’ constitutional and democratic rights. Ahmed emphasized that the people of Bangladesh had sacrificed their blood for democracy and that the fall of what he called 'fascist rule' paved the way for a free and fair election. He also highlighted BNP’s 31-point reform agenda introduced in 2023, aimed at ensuring economic freedom and prosperity. During his campaign, Ahmed visited graves of former leaders, met fire-affected families, and provided financial aid. Thousands of supporters attended his rallies, reflecting strong local enthusiasm for his candidacy.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is being taken to London for advanced medical treatment following a decision by her medical board. An air ambulance has been prepared for her transfer, expected late Thursday night or early Friday morning. According to a statement signed by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, a total of 14 individuals will accompany her on the trip. Among them are six doctors—Dr. Abu Jafar Md. Zahid Hossain, Dr. Fakhruddin Mohammad Siddiqi, Dr. Shahabuddin Talukder, Dr. Nuruddin Ahmed, Dr. Jafar Iqbal, and Dr. Mohammad Al Mamun. Family member Sayeda Shamila Rahman, several BNP officials, and two members of the Special Security Force will also join the delegation. Domestic aides Fatema Begum and Rupa Shikdar are part of the entourage as well. The trip marks a significant step in Khaleda Zia’s ongoing health management efforts abroad.

The process to take BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to London for medical treatment has begun, though her departure has been delayed due to technical issues with the Qatari Emir’s air ambulance. Initially expected to arrive in Dhaka on Thursday night, the aircraft may now land around midnight or early Friday morning. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir confirmed the delay, noting that Khaleda’s flight to London could be pushed past 10 a.m. Friday. Khaleda will be accompanied by 14 people, including doctors and family members. Her daughter-in-law, Zubaida Rahman, is flying from London to Dhaka Thursday night and will accompany Khaleda back to London. Khaleda previously traveled to London in January for treatment on the same air ambulance and returned to Bangladesh in May after recovery.

At a public rally in Berhampore, Murshidabad, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of exploiting the SIR issue as a political weapon to advance its communal agenda. She claimed that more than half of the deaths linked to SIR incidents involved Hindus, rejecting the BJP’s religious polarization narrative. Banerjee reaffirmed that she would never allow NRC or detention camps in the state. Addressing concerns over the amended Waqf Property Act, she assured that all Waqf properties would remain protected and dismissed rumors about religious sites being misclassified. Her remarks followed violent clashes in Jangipur and Umarpur over the Waqf law, which left three dead and displaced thousands. Banerjee also criticized the BJP for fielding independent candidates in Bihar to divide votes and reiterated that border control is the central government’s responsibility. She invoked Murshidabad’s secular heritage, urging people to reject divisive politics.

Environmental and Forest Affairs Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan stated that while former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will continue to receive Special Security Force (SSF) protection as a declared Very Very Important Person (VVIP), her family members, including her son Tarique Rahman, will not be entitled to the same privilege. The clarification came after public speculation following the government’s recent gazette notification assigning SSF to Khaleda Zia’s security. Meanwhile, Khaleda Zia, who has been hospitalized at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka for eleven days, is being prepared for transfer to London for advanced medical treatment. Her personal physician, Professor AZM Zahid Hossain, confirmed that arrangements are being made to fly her out in a special air ambulance provided through the initiative of the Amir of Qatar. The government has expressed readiness to assist with all necessary procedures for her overseas treatment if her family requests further support.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expressed its desire for the upcoming national election to be held on schedule, without unnecessary delays. Following a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin in Dhaka, BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said the party aims to restore citizens’ voting rights and remain within the electoral process. BNP proposed extending polling hours from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., reducing voters per booth, increasing marking stations, and adding more ballot boxes to ensure smooth voting. The party also requested that passports be accepted as valid identification for voter registration, particularly for expatriate Bangladeshis lacking national ID cards. Additionally, BNP urged the Election Commission not to use private presses for printing ballot papers, citing security concerns. The CEC assured that the commission would discuss these proposals and decide in its upcoming meeting. BNP reiterated its commitment to timely elections despite political tensions and Khaleda Zia’s illness.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced a new program calling for nationwide prayers for the recovery of its chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who remains in critical condition at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. According to a press release signed by senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, prayers will be held after Friday’s Juma prayers in mosques across the country, while followers of other faiths are urged to pray in their respective places of worship. Meanwhile, preparations are underway to transfer Khaleda Zia to London for advanced medical treatment, with a Qatar-sent air ambulance expected to depart at midnight. She will be accompanied by 14 people, including seven doctors, family members, and aides. Khaleda Zia has been hospitalized since November 23 and has spent the past eight days in the hospital’s coronary care unit under close observation. Her condition remains critical but stable, with ongoing dialysis and mechanical ventilation support.