An air ambulance carrying medical support for former Bangladeshi Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia is scheduled to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, December 9. The aircraft will later depart for London around 9 p.m. the same day, pending final medical evaluations and logistical preparations by Zia’s medical team.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), the flight has been granted landing permission and will operate as a special medical evacuation mission. The air ambulance is a Bombardier Challenger 604 business jet, a model widely used for long-distance medical transfers due to its range and onboard medical facilities.

Zia’s planned transfer follows weeks of concern over her deteriorating health. Her medical team and party officials have been pressing for advanced treatment abroad. Any change in her condition or readiness could alter the flight schedule, officials said.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has urged party members and the public to stay alert against fake Facebook accounts operating under his name. In an official statement, he clarified that he has never opened a Facebook account and that any posts or comments attributed to him on such pages are entirely fabricated.

Rizvi stated that unidentified groups have been spreading false statements through these accounts, misleading the public and tarnishing his reputation. He mentioned that he had previously filed a general diary with the police and informed the media about the issue. The BNP leader also requested the authorities and Facebook to take immediate action to close the fake accounts.

He further appealed to his party colleagues and citizens not to be misled by any content shared from these fraudulent profiles, emphasizing the need for vigilance against misinformation on social media platforms.

The Trump administration’s newly released 33-page national security strategy has drawn contrasting global reactions, with Moscow praising it as aligned with Russia’s worldview while European leaders express deep concern. The document downplays Russia as a major threat to the United States, instead emphasizing curbing foreign influence, reducing immigration, and opposing EU censorship and regulatory controls.

European Union officials have criticized the strategy’s tone, warning that it echoes Kremlin narratives and could weaken Washington’s stance on the Ukraine war. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul argued that issues like freedom of expression should not be part of a security doctrine, while Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reminded that “Europe is your closest ally, not a problem.”

In Washington, Democratic lawmakers cautioned that the plan could destabilize US foreign policy. The strategy also calls for increased defense spending by Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Taiwan, and even contemplates military action in Venezuela, signaling a broader “America First” reorientation of US global engagement.

Bangladesh’s Primary and Mass Education Adviser Professor Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar announced that promotions for around 32,000 assistant teachers remain suspended because of a pending court case. Speaking to reporters after inspecting several schools in Kutubdia, Cox’s Bazar, he said that although thousands of schools lack head teachers, the government cannot proceed with promotions until the legal dispute is resolved. He assured that efforts are underway to settle the matter, which could unlock multiple administrative bottlenecks within the primary education system.

The adviser also highlighted acute teacher shortages in remote and island areas such as Kutubdia. He stated that new recruitment drives will be launched to address staffing gaps in these regions, ensuring that isolated schools receive adequate teaching personnel. Local education officials accompanied him during the visit, emphasizing the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and staffing in under-resourced schools.

The resolution of the court case is expected to significantly impact teacher morale and school management nationwide, potentially reshaping the promotion process within Bangladesh’s primary education sector.

Students from Dhaka’s seven government colleges continued their sit-in late into Sunday night in front of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education on Abdul Gani Road. They are demanding immediate issuance of the ordinance for the proposed Dhaka Central University, which would transform their colleges into a unified university structure.

The protest began around 1 p.m. with processions from each college converging at the Education Bhaban. Although the students lifted their blockade at the High Court intersection in the evening to ease public suffering, they maintained their presence outside the building. Representatives said the movement would continue until the ordinance is officially issued.

The proposed ordinance, published on September 24 by the Education Ministry, suggests reorganizing the seven colleges into four interdisciplinary schools while retaining higher secondary programs. Teachers and education cadre officials have expressed concerns about losing autonomy and promotion rights, while some students support swift approval. The ministry has acknowledged ongoing revisions to the draft, noting the process will take time.

At least 35 people were injured in a series of violent clashes between rival factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) during campaign activities in Gazipur-1 constituency on Sunday evening. The incidents occurred in three separate areas—Rakhaliychala, Chandra Polli Bidyut, and Matikata Rail Crossing—where motorcycles were also set on fire. Injured supporters were admitted to local clinics and health complexes.

According to witnesses and party sources, the violence broke out when supporters of BNP-nominated candidate and former mayor Mojibur Rahman were allegedly attacked by followers of Barrister Ishraq Ahmed Siddiqi, who was denied nomination. Mojibur Rahman accused Ishraq’s supporters of launching an unprovoked assault and burning 11 motorcycles. However, Ishraq’s local coordinator Nurul Islam Sikder denied the allegations, claiming Rahman’s men initiated the attack.

The clashes have heightened tensions within the BNP ahead of the upcoming 13th national election, raising concerns about internal divisions and security risks during the campaign period.

The Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) has transferred the Officers-in-Charge (OCs) of all 12 police stations under its jurisdiction through a lottery system, as part of preparations for the upcoming national parliamentary election. The order, signed by RMP Commissioner Dr. Md. Zillur Rahman on Sunday, December 7, takes immediate effect. The reshuffle affects key police stations including Boalia Model, Motihar, Rajpara, and others.

According to RMP spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Gaziur Rahman, the decision aims to strengthen law and order, ensure neutrality, and enhance operational efficiency during the election period. The use of a lottery system for assigning new OCs was intended to maintain transparency and minimize allegations of favoritism or political influence in police postings.

The reshuffle is part of a broader nationwide effort to ensure impartial policing ahead of the polls. Observers note that such administrative changes are common before major elections in Bangladesh, as authorities seek to reinforce public trust and prevent local-level bias in law enforcement.

In Chandpur’s Baburhat area, a seventy-year-old woman named Momtaz Begum moved many by donating her lifelong savings to Sheikh Farid Ahmed Manik, the BNP candidate for Chandpur-3 constituency. During a courtyard meeting in support of the opposition candidate, she handed over bundles of ten- and twenty-taka notes, requesting that the money be used for election expenses. Witnesses described the moment as deeply emotional, with many attendees visibly touched by her gesture.

Momtaz Begum said she had saved the money over many years and hoped it would help improve her community. Sheikh Farid expressed gratitude, calling the act a symbol of people’s trust and love, and pledged to remain committed to public service. Local residents and party supporters praised the woman’s sacrifice as a reflection of grassroots faith in leadership.

The story quickly spread across social media, sparking widespread discussion about citizen engagement and the emotional connection between voters and political candidates in Bangladesh’s upcoming national elections.

At least 35 people were injured on Sunday evening when two rival factions of Bangladesh’s opposition BNP clashed in Kaliakair, Gazipur. The violence erupted between supporters of Mujibur Rahman, the BNP candidate for Gazipur-1 constituency, and followers of Barrister Ishraq Ahmed Siddiqui, a local BNP leader denied nomination. The confrontation included attacks, counterattacks, and arson, with several motorcycles set on fire.

Both groups blamed each other for initiating the violence. Mujibur Rahman’s supporters alleged that Ishraq’s men ambushed them during campaign activities and torched 15–20 motorcycles. Conversely, Ishraq’s faction claimed that Mujibur’s supporters vandalized their offices and shops, injuring several activists with sharp weapons. Local BNP leaders from multiple wards were among the injured, many of whom were hospitalized.

The incident underscores growing internal tensions within the BNP ahead of the national elections. Party insiders fear that such factional violence could weaken the opposition’s campaign momentum in key constituencies like Gazipur-1. Police and local authorities have yet to confirm any arrests or security reinforcements in the area.

Leaders and activists of the AB Party in Feni staged a protest march on Sunday night condemning the alleged harassment of the party’s central general secretary, Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, during a foundation stone-laying ceremony for a bridge in Mirganj, Barishal. The demonstration took place on Trunk Road under the leadership of district convener Master Ahsan Ullah and member secretary Assistant Professor Fazlul Haque.

During a brief rally following the march, Shah Alam Badal, the party’s Chattogram divisional joint organizing secretary, described Fuad as one of the key figures of the 2024 political movement. He claimed that certain groups were attempting to obstruct Fuad’s ongoing development initiatives in Barishal, including infrastructure projects such as the bridge over the Arial Khan River.

Local leaders including Nazrul Islam Kamrul, Shahadat Saju, Habib Miazi, and Kazi Jahangir Alam Liton attended the protest. The party has demanded an investigation into the incident and called for accountability for those involved.

The Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party has condemned an alleged attack on its General Secretary Asaduzzaman Fuad in Barishal’s Mirganj area, reportedly carried out by activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju described the incident as a blatant display of fascist mentality and demanded immediate arrest and trial of those responsible. The attack occurred after Fuad publicly commented that local individuals had demanded extortion money from a bridge contractor in Babuganj upazila.

Following the incident, the AB Party held a protest rally in Dhaka, marching from the Dhaka Reporters Unity to Paltan intersection. Monju accused BNP-linked groups of orchestrating the assault to suppress dissenting political voices. He said such violence undermines democratic practice and could further destabilize the political climate. The AB Party leadership reaffirmed their commitment to continue their movement for democracy and citizens’ rights despite intimidation.

Monju urged BNP to abandon what he termed fascist politics, warning that the public will no longer tolerate violence and extortion in national politics.

Foreign Affairs Adviser of the interim government, Touhid Hossain, returned to his childhood school, Magura High School in Kishoreganj, Nilphamari, after nearly 60 years. On Sunday afternoon, he attended a gathering at the school grounds, engaging in discussions with teachers, students, and local residents.

The meeting, chaired by Headmaster Abdul Quddus, was also attended by the district commissioner Mohammad Nayiruzzaman, police superintendent Sheikh Rashedul Islam, and Hossain’s former classmate Mahiuddin Azad. Participants raised demands for nationalization of the school, construction of a new academic building, and renovation of the playground. In response, the adviser assured them of his support and expressed his emotional connection to the institution.

Touhid Hossain reminisced about his student days at the school, recalling memories tied to his father’s government service that brought him to the area. His visit was seen as a gesture of respect toward his educational roots and a reaffirmation of the government’s attention to rural education development.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has revoked the expulsion orders of two senior leaders from Thakurgaon’s Baliadangi upazila—Advocate Md. Syed Alam and Dr. T.M. Mahbubur Rahman. The decision, announced on Sunday through a statement signed by Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, restores their party membership and all organizational positions. Supporters celebrated the announcement with processions and distribution of sweets.

The two leaders had been expelled earlier for alleged involvement in organizational misconduct following violent clashes during the upazila BNP conference in July. Their reinstatement follows appeals and internal reviews by the party’s central leadership. Observers view the move as an attempt to restore discipline and re-engage experienced figures in local politics.

Party insiders believe the decision could ease longstanding factional tensions within the Baliadangi BNP and strengthen its grassroots structure ahead of future political activities. The development also reflects the central leadership’s pragmatic approach to consolidating unity amid internal challenges.

Islami Chhatra Shibir’s central president, Zahidul Islam, announced that the era of violent and stone-throwing politics in Bangladesh is over. Speaking at a rally in Uzirpur Union, Comilla, on Sunday evening, he said the country has undergone a major transformation following the July–August mass uprising and the fall of what he termed a fascist regime. According to him, a new generation of students has rejected destructive political practices and embraced a culture of respect and constructive engagement.

Islam criticized certain political groups and individuals for continuing divisive and violent tactics, claiming they have taken up the same oppressive actions once associated with the previous government. He emphasized that Bangladesh’s future politics must be based on tolerance, integrity, and non-violence. The event was part of an election campaign supporting Jamaat-e-Islami leader Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher’s candidacy, attended by several local party leaders.

Observers note that such statements reflect Jamaat’s attempt to reposition itself within a changing political landscape, emphasizing reform and peaceful activism.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has issued show-cause notices to five leaders of its affiliated anti-discrimination student movement in Rajshahi, citing their role in recent organizational unrest. The notices, signed by NCP’s central office secretary Shahadat Hossain on December 7, accused the leaders of creating instability and tarnishing the party’s image. They were instructed to explain their actions within 24 hours and to refrain from all organizational activities until further notice.

The dispute began after the announcement of the Rajshahi district convening committee on November 29, which appointed Saiful Islam as convener. Some student leaders protested, labeling him as politically biased and demanding his removal. The conflict escalated when one leader declared a senior organizer “unwelcome” on social media, later retracting the statement. Party insiders say the disciplinary action aims to restore control amid growing factionalism.

Observers note that the incident highlights deep divisions within the NCP’s regional branches and may affect its organizational cohesion ahead of upcoming political activities.