British Labour Party MP Tulip Rizwana Siddiq, niece of Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has been sentenced to two years in prison by a Dhaka court for abusing power in allocating a government plot to her mother, Sheikh Rehana, under the Purbachal New Town Project. The verdict, delivered in absentia by Special Judge Md Rabiul Alam, also includes a fine of 100,000 taka, with an additional six months’ imprisonment in default. This marks the first time a British MP has been convicted by a Bangladeshi court. The case has drawn extensive coverage from major UK media outlets including The Guardian, BBC, Sky News, The Telegraph, and The Independent, all highlighting the unusual cross-border legal implications and Siddiq’s political ties. Siddiq, who resigned earlier this year as the UK’s City Minister amid separate allegations of financial misconduct, has not commented publicly on the ruling. The conviction has sparked renewed debate in both Bangladesh and the UK over political accountability and corruption.

Bangladesh’s primary and mass education ministry adviser Professor Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar announced that the long-standing demand of primary school teachers for an upgrade to the 11th pay grade is expected to be implemented, although the decision remains unofficial. Speaking in Monpura, Bhola, he urged teachers to suspend their protests and resume annual examinations. The adviser noted that the ministry has already communicated the teachers’ demand to the pay commission and is maintaining continuous dialogue with relevant departments. The ministry later issued a statement acknowledging the legitimacy of the teachers’ demand and confirmed that discussions are ongoing with the Finance Division, the Ministry of Public Administration, and the Pay Commission. Once the commission’s report is finalized, the Finance Division will take necessary action. Most teacher organizations have already suspended their movements in anticipation of positive outcomes.

A Bangladeshi court has sentenced British MP Tulip Siddiq, niece of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, to two years in prison for alleged abuse of power in the Purbachal New Town project. The verdict also includes Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana. Siddiq, 43, was accused of using political influence to secure plots for family members and faces a separate investigation over alleged £4 billion embezzlement linked to the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project. The Daily Mail first reported the allegations, prompting Siddiq to resign as City Minister. UK media and legal experts suggest that a confirmed conviction could increase pressure on her to resign as MP for Hampstead and Highgate. Questions have also arisen over a London flat she claimed was a family gift, though a UK government probe found no ministerial code breach. British lawyers have raised concerns about the transparency of the Bangladeshi trial and have written to the Bangladesh High Commission seeking clarification.

At a press conference in Dhaka’s RAOWA Club, Rakin Ahmed Bhuiyan, son of former BDR Director General Major General Shakil Ahmed, alleged that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina orchestrated the 2009 Pilkhana massacre to protect India’s interests and prolong her rule. He claimed the incident was meant to send a warning that any army officer opposing India would face a similar fate. Bhuiyan demanded immediate action against those named in the BDR investigation commission’s report and called for justice for the slain officers. He warned that failure to hold the responsible individuals accountable could lead to another tragedy like Pilkhana. Families of the victims were also present at the event, expressing their continued demand for justice and transparency in the investigation process.

Popular Bangladeshi actress Rukaiya Jahan Chomok has expressed her prayers for the speedy recovery of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who remains in critical condition at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. In a social media post on November 30, Chomok called Khaleda an uncompromising leader and wished her strength and peace. Her message came as BNP leaders confirmed that Khaleda Zia’s health has not improved, with serious infections in her lungs and heart. Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi stated that the medical board overseeing her treatment has not yet recommended sending her abroad. Meanwhile, Chomok recently appeared as a model in singer Luipa’s new music video, which has gained popularity online for her performance and appearance.

Bangladeshi film actor and Film Artistes’ Association general secretary Monowar Hossain Dipjol has called on the public to pray for the recovery of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who remains in critical condition at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. In a social media post, Dipjol urged everyone to pray sincerely for her health and strength. Netizens echoed his sentiments, expressing their hopes for the country’s first female prime minister’s recovery. Khaleda Zia, suffering from multiple chronic illnesses including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney complications, was admitted to the hospital on November 23 after experiencing breathing difficulties. She is currently under the care of a medical board comprising local and foreign specialists. BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi stated that her condition has not improved and that no decision has been made regarding treatment abroad without the board’s recommendation.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that Bangladesh has achieved a conducive environment for holding free and fair elections following a period of political upheaval and public uprising. Speaking at BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s political office in Gulshan, Dhaka, Fakhrul credited the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus for forming several reform commissions and signing reform charters. He mentioned that the interim administration has announced elections for February 2026, and preparations are underway. Fakhrul expressed optimism that citizens will use this opportunity to elect a representative parliament and establish a democratic government. He also highlighted BNP’s governance experience, asserting that the party could build a democratic and prosperous economy if given the mandate. Regarding Khaleda Zia’s health, Fakhrul said she remains seriously ill and under hospital care, with local and foreign doctors involved in her treatment, and requested prayers for her recovery.

Former Bangladesh cricket captain Tamim Iqbal has called on the public and political groups not to view BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s illness through a political lens. Khaleda Zia remains in critical condition at Evercare Hospital’s Coronary Care Unit in Dhaka. Tamim visited her on Sunday night to express his concern and gratitude, recalling that her family had checked on him during his own illness. Speaking to the media afterward, he emphasized the need for compassion and humanity rather than political interpretation. A day earlier, Tamim had posted on Facebook wishing Khaleda Zia a speedy recovery and praising her resilience in facing life’s challenges. His comments come amid heightened political sensitivity surrounding the health of the opposition leader, who has long been a central figure in Bangladesh’s politics.

Students of Dhaka College blocked the Science Lab intersection in Dhaka on Monday, protesting the proposed and ongoing implementation of the 'Dhaka Central University' model. The demonstration, which began around 11:15 a.m., halted traffic on Mirpur Road and surrounding areas including Elephant Road, Nilkhet, New Market, and Dhanmondi. Commuters faced severe disruptions as buses, private cars, and rickshaws were stuck for hours, forcing many to walk to their destinations. Protesters argued that merging seven government colleges into a new central university would undermine their long-standing identity, heritage, and educational environment. They also criticized the government for making the decision without consulting students. The government had earlier announced its plan to establish 'Dhaka Central University' as an independent public university, ending the colleges’ affiliation with Dhaka University. The sudden blockade caused widespread public suffering and highlighted growing discontent among students over the restructuring of higher education institutions in the capital.

Reza Kibria, son of former finance minister Shah A M S Kibria, has officially joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The announcement was made at BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s political office in Gulshan, where he was welcomed by the party’s Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Reza Kibria expressed pride in joining the BNP, while Mirza Fakhrul said the party was honored to have him and believed he would contribute to building Bangladesh in line with BNP’s 31-point agenda. Reza Kibria previously contested the 2018 general election as a candidate of the BNP-led Jatiya Oikya Front under the BNP’s electoral symbol. Before joining BNP, he had been involved with several political groups, including Gano Forum, where he served as general secretary, and later co-founded Gana Adhikar Parishad with Nurul Haque Nur. Internal divisions in these parties eventually led him to form his own group, Amjanatar Dal, before his latest political move to BNP.

BNP candidate for Dhaka-6 constituency Ishraq Hossain has prayed for the recovery of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, emphasizing the need for unity and peace in Bangladesh. Speaking at a prayer gathering organized by Dhaka South Jubo Dal leader Mukitul Ahsan Ranzu, Ishraq expressed concern over Khaleda Zia’s critical health condition and called for collective prayers for her swift recovery. He highlighted the importance of a visionary and unifying leadership during the country’s current crisis, describing Khaleda Zia as a guardian figure for the nation. Ishraq urged all citizens to pray for her health, hoping that she would once again overcome her illness with divine help. Several BNP and Jubo Dal leaders, including Haji Liaqat Ali, Sabbir Ahmed Arif, and Khandaker Enamul Haque Enam, were present at the event.

A group of 10 to 12 activists linked to the banned Awami League and its affiliates held a surprise torch procession in Fatikchhari, Chattogram, late Sunday night. Led by expatriate leader Zahid, the rally began near Nanuppur Lailakbir College and ended within minutes before participants dispersed. Several individuals in the procession were seen wearing helmets and covering their faces, as shown in videos circulating on social media. Following the viral footage, police launched an operation and arrested two Chhatra League activists named Hridoy and Ershad. Fatikchhari Police Station Officer-in-Charge Nur Ahmad confirmed the arrests and stated that efforts are underway to identify and detain others involved in the unauthorized demonstration.

A Dhaka court has sentenced former Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Hasina to five years in prison, her sister Sheikh Rehana to seven years, and Rehana’s daughter, former UK Labour minister Tulip Rizwana Siddiq, to two years for their involvement in a land allocation fraud case tied to the Purbachal New Town Project. The verdict was delivered on Monday by Judge Rabiul Alam of Dhaka’s Special Judge Court-4. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed the case on January 13, accusing Rehana of abusing power to obtain a 10-katha plot illegally. Following investigation, the ACC submitted a charge sheet against 17 individuals on March 10, and the trial began on July 31 after charges were framed. A total of 32 witnesses testified during the proceedings. This ruling follows earlier convictions in November, when Hasina received a total of 21 years in three separate cases, while her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy and daughter Saima Wazed Putul were each sentenced to five years in another case.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Sadiq Kayem announced via his verified Facebook account that he will file a lawsuit against several unauthorized social media pages accused of spreading false, fabricated, and misleading information about him. In his post, Kayem stated that the misinformation campaign intensified after the 45th BCS results, where a banned Chhatra League activist, Raisul Islam, was reportedly recommended for the police cadre. Kayem said he had contacted several government advisers, including those in the Home and Law ministries, urging legal action against Raisul and others allegedly involved in attacks on students. He further claimed that fake photo cards and propaganda materials were being circulated to tarnish his reputation. Kayem confirmed that legal proceedings against the responsible pages would begin on Monday, December 1.

Tea workers in the Srimangal-Kamalganj area of Moulvibazar remain frustrated as their living conditions show little improvement despite repeated election promises. With nearly 450,000 voters in the Moulvibazar-4 constituency, candidates from major parties including the Awami League, BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP, and independents are focusing their campaigns on tea garden communities. Workers demand fair wages, land rights, better healthcare, and education for their children. Local residents and union leaders say that despite the community’s historical support for ruling parties, their socio-economic conditions have barely changed. Bangladesh Tea Workers’ Union leaders urge candidates to include workers’ rights in their manifestos. Opposition candidates have pledged concrete steps to improve wages, housing, and employment opportunities if elected. Many tea workers, however, remain skeptical, recalling that previous promises were forgotten after elections. The issue highlights the long-standing neglect of tea workers who contribute significantly to the national economy but continue to live in poverty.