The weekly meeting of the Advisory Council of Bangladesh’s interim government was held on Thursday, December 4, at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon, Dhaka. The session was presided over by Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of the interim administration. According to Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, the meeting discussed ongoing administrative matters and reviewed recent government activities. Although specific agenda items were not disclosed, such meetings are part of the council’s regular schedule to evaluate policy implementation and coordinate between ministries. The gathering reflects the interim government’s continued efforts to maintain governance and ensure smooth administrative operations during the transitional period.

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia will be taken to London for advanced medical treatment by Friday morning, according to her personal physician and BNP Standing Committee member Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain. Speaking to reporters outside Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on Thursday, Dr. Zahid confirmed that arrangements have been finalized, and a hospital in London has already been selected for her care. Khaleda Zia has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital for the past 12 days, including eight days in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU), due to multiple health complications such as arthritis, diabetes, kidney, lung, and eye problems. Her condition remains critical but stable, and she is responding to medical attention. A medical board has been overseeing her treatment, including mechanical ventilation and dialysis. Interim government chief adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus visited her at the hospital on Wednesday night.

At least 12 activists from various leftist organizations were injured when police baton-charged participants of a 'Jamuna siege' program in Dhaka on Thursday. The demonstration was organized to protest a state agreement with foreign companies regarding the management of national ports. The injured, including senior leaders from the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Bangladesh Students’ Union, and other left-wing groups, were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment. CPB leader Iqbal Hossain said police attacked when protesters began marching toward the Chief Adviser’s residence. However, Ramna Division Deputy Commissioner Masud Alam stated that gatherings near the residence were prohibited and police only attempted to stop the marchers, denying that a baton charge occurred. All injured activists were later released after receiving medical attention. The incident highlights growing tensions between leftist groups and authorities over foreign involvement in strategic national assets.

At a discussion organized by Ganatantra Mancha at the National Press Club, Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna emphasized that there is no alternative to holding national elections in Bangladesh. He warned that any attempt by the interim government to manipulate the process and remain in power would not succeed. Manna noted that the Nationalist Citizens’ Platform (NCP) has called for announcing the election schedule without delay, rejecting any proposal to postpone the polls. He also commented on the regional political context, mentioning India’s neutral stance on recent developments. Manna expressed concern about the complex political situation, questioning whether the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) would be able to participate effectively if instability continues. He urged political actors to focus on public sentiment toward the election rather than seat-sharing disputes. Other leaders, including Zonayed Saki and Saiful Haque, were also present at the event.

Dr. Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, is arriving in Dhaka from London amid preparations to take BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia abroad for advanced medical treatment. Sources confirm that Zubaida will be accompanied by her daughter, Zaima Rahman. Khaleda Zia, who has been in critical condition at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka for the past 12 days, remains under intensive care with multiple organ complications involving her heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs. A medical board continues to monitor her condition closely, though doctors report no significant improvement. Plans are underway to transfer her to London via an air ambulance sent from Qatar, possibly on Friday, with a 14-member medical team accompanying her. Interim government chief adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus visited Khaleda at the hospital on Wednesday night, where he was received by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Khaleda’s personal physician Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain.

Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has said that the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election will mark the birth of a 'new Bangladesh'. Speaking at a meeting with all district Superintendents of Police (SPs) at his office on Thursday, Yunus emphasized that the election is not a routine event but a historic responsibility following the recent mass uprising. He urged the SPs to ensure a fair, peaceful, and credible election, describing their role as that of 'midwives' assisting in the birth of a new nation. Yunus highlighted that this election would set the 'building code' for a just and resilient society, serving as a model for future generations. He also mentioned that international observers would evaluate the election as a benchmark of democratic progress. Expressing regret over the random selection process for SP postings, he said it was designed to prevent bias and ensure neutrality. Yunus concluded by invoking the sacrifice of Shahriar Khan Anas, urging officials to uphold his ideals through their service.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has confirmed that he held a 'sincere' phone conversation with former US President Donald Trump about ten days ago. Speaking on state television, Maduro said the discussion focused on resolving ongoing tensions between Washington and Caracas. Analysts view the conversation as a potential diplomatic opening to ease escalating tensions in the Caribbean region. Trump also acknowledged the call but refrained from providing further details, and the White House has not released any official statement. The dialogue comes amid a series of US military operations targeting suspected drug-carrying vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, which have resulted in around 83 deaths. These actions are widely seen as part of Washington’s pressure campaign against Maduro’s government. The confirmation of direct communication between the two leaders marks a rare moment of engagement following years of strained relations between the United States and Venezuela.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia may be flown to London for advanced medical treatment as her health remains in a critical state. According to party sources, an air ambulance from Qatar is expected to transport her on Friday, accompanied by 14 people including doctors. Khaleda Zia has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka for 12 days, spending eight of those in the Coronary Care Unit under close observation. Her condition is described as unchanged but responsive to doctors’ calls. Medical teams, including foreign specialists from the UK and China, are monitoring her heart, liver, kidney, and lung complications. Interim government chief adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus visited her at the hospital on Wednesday night. Across Bangladesh, BNP leaders and supporters held prayers and gatherings for her recovery, reflecting widespread concern over the health of the 79-year-old opposition leader.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has issued an arrest warrant against Sajib Wazed Joy, son of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, over allegations of aiding genocide by shutting down the internet during the July coup. The order was given on Thursday, December 4, by Tribunal-1 chaired by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder. Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim represented the prosecution, requesting the warrant against the fugitive accused, which the court approved. The prosecution also submitted formal charges against Joy and Palak, accusing them of facilitating mass killings through digital communication restrictions. The next hearing has been scheduled for December 10. The case marks a significant development in the tribunal’s ongoing investigations into alleged crimes committed during the political upheaval earlier this year.

The High Court of Bangladesh has issued a split verdict regarding the legality of the Chittagong Port Authority’s ongoing process to sign an operational contract with a foreign company for managing the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT). Justice Fatema Najib declared the contract process illegal, while Justice Fatema Anwar deemed it lawful. The verdict was delivered on Thursday, December 4. Following the split decision, the Chief Justice will now assign another High Court bench to resolve the matter. The ruling stems from a writ petition filed by the Bangladesh Young Economists Forum, which questioned the legality of outsourcing NCT operations to a foreign firm without ensuring fair and competitive public bidding. The petition cited media reports highlighting concerns over the decision to hand over the terminal despite its existing operational capacity. The Attorney General represented the state, while several senior lawyers appeared for the petitioner. The final outcome will depend on the decision of the newly assigned bench.

Bangladesh’s Appellate Division has upheld the High Court’s verdict declaring the oath and formation process of the interim government, led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, as lawful. The seven-member full bench headed by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed delivered the order on Thursday, December 4. The Supreme Court dismissed the leave-to-appeal petition filed by senior lawyer Mohsin Rashid, who had earlier challenged the legality of the interim government’s oath in the High Court. The High Court had previously ruled that since the people of the country had accepted the interim government, its legitimacy could not be questioned. With this decision, the Supreme Court has reaffirmed the constitutional validity of the interim administration and effectively ended the legal challenge against its formation.

Russia’s parliament has approved a major military logistics agreement with India just before President Vladimir Putin’s two-day state visit to New Delhi. The Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) pact allows both nations’ armed forces to use each other’s military facilities for logistical support, strengthening defense cooperation. Putin is visiting India at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation to attend the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, where discussions are expected to cover defense, trade, and energy. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the depth of bilateral cooperation depends on India’s willingness to engage further. The RELOS agreement, originally signed on February 18, was formally ratified by Russia’s State Duma this week, underscoring Moscow’s emphasis on its strategic partnership with New Delhi. The move highlights both countries’ intent to deepen military and strategic ties amid shifting global alliances.

In the run-up to Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election, the two sons of late Jamaat-e-Islami leader and former MP Delwar Hossain Sayeedi — Masud Sayeedi and Shamim Sayeedi — are contesting from Pirojpur-1 and Pirojpur-2 constituencies respectively. Both have drawn attention due to their father’s legacy but are expected to face tough competition from heavyweight candidates. In Pirojpur-1, Masud Sayeedi will compete against former minister and Jatiya Party (Zafar) chairman Mostafa Jamal Haider, while BNP and NCP figures are also vying for nomination. In Pirojpur-2, Shamim Sayeedi faces former minister and Jatiya Party (Manju) chairman Anwar Hossain Manju, along with BNP’s Ahmad Suman and NCP’s Shams Istiak Rahman. Although Jamaat announced its candidates early, other parties like BNP, NCP, and Jatiya Party are still finalizing their lineups. Local voters anticipate intense contests, particularly in Pirojpur-1 and Pirojpur-2, where the Sayeedi brothers’ entry has energized the campaign field.

The Dhaka University unit of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), the student wing of the BNP, has accused Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Liberation War and Democratic Movement Affairs Secretary Fatima Tasnim Juma of distorting the history of Bangladesh’s Liberation War through a recent social media post. In a statement issued on December 3, JCD leaders Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahas and Nahiduzzaman Shipon condemned Juma’s remarks, calling them an affront to the nation’s democratic aspirations. The group also criticized the university administration for failing to uphold the tradition of decorating campus landmarks during December, the month of victory, describing it as negligence toward the Liberation War’s legacy. JCD urged the administration to properly honor the contributions of Dhaka University’s teachers, students, and staff during the 1971 war and demanded accountability from DUCSU representatives for controversial actions and comments. Fatima Tasnim Juma’s post had linked the region’s anti-colonial struggles to the 1971 war and called for renewed efforts to fulfill the nation’s democratic aspirations in 2024.

United Peoples Bangladesh (UP Bangladesh) has called on the interim government to initiate legal action against India’s Border Security Force (BSF) at the International Court of Justice over the alleged killing of two Bangladeshi nationals near the Thakurgaon border. At a protest meeting in Dhaka, the group’s chief organizer, Naeem Ahmad, accused the BSF of committing crimes against humanity and acting out of political vengeance. He demanded that the government make the discussions of flag meetings between Bangladeshi and Indian border forces public. Ahmad also urged India to abandon its current approach and rebuild a respectful, trust-based relationship with Bangladesh. Other speakers, including joint organizers Abrar Hamim and Ahsan Ullah, emphasized the need to strengthen Bangladesh’s military capacity along the border and raise public awareness against what they described as Indian aggression. The protest reflected growing frustration over recurring border incidents and perceived diplomatic imbalance between the two neighbors.