The International Crimes Tribunal-1 of Bangladesh has appointed lawyer Ameer Hossain as the state-appointed counsel to represent former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in two cases related to enforced disappearances and alleged crimes against humanity during the Awami League government. The appointment was made by a two-member bench led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumdar, with Justice Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury as the other member. Previously, senior Supreme Court lawyer Z I Khan Panna had been appointed to the same position on November 23 but later withdrew, citing Hasina’s lack of confidence in the tribunal. The tribunal expressed strong dissatisfaction over Panna’s absence and social media statement, prompting him to appear and offer an unconditional apology. Following his apology, the tribunal relieved him of his duties and appointed Ameer Hossain as the new state counsel. Hossain had earlier served as a state-appointed lawyer in another case against Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan.

BNP leader and lawyer Fazlur Rahman has submitted a written unconditional apology to the International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh in connection with a contempt of court case. The tribunal had earlier summoned him to appear in person on December 8 to explain his remarks made during a television talk show, where he questioned the legitimacy and impartiality of the tribunal’s formation and judges. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam confirmed the apology during a press briefing at the tribunal premises on December 3. The tribunal will hold a hearing on the matter on December 8. The contempt charge was filed on November 26 following Rahman’s comments, which were deemed derogatory toward the tribunal. This incident follows a similar case involving BNP leader Z I Khan Panna, who also sought unconditional apology for contempt allegations.

BNP Assistant International Affairs Secretary Rumin Farhana has alleged that a significant portion of Bangladesh’s administration is under the control of Jamaat-e-Islami. Speaking on a private television talk show, she claimed that Jamaat’s influence extends beyond the administration and police to universities, banks, and other institutions. Farhana sharply criticized Jamaat leader Shahjahan Chowdhury for his recent remarks, accusing him of displaying arrogance and suggesting undue control over legal and administrative processes. She argued that such statements reveal Jamaat’s attempts to exert dominance over state mechanisms. Farhana also commented on the current political atmosphere, saying that similar authoritarian tendencies seen over the past 15 years are now visible in some parties even before elections. She emphasized that fair elections require more than just the role of police or administration, highlighting the importance of government goodwill, political parties, candidates, and the Election Commission’s impartiality.

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers has introduced new proposals to require congressional approval before any potential military action by the Trump administration against Venezuela. Senators Tim Kaine, Chuck Schumer, Adam Schiff, and Rand Paul issued a joint statement warning that unauthorized military intervention would be a costly mistake risking American lives. The lawmakers plan to invoke the War Powers Resolution to ensure debate and voting in Congress before any use of US forces in or against Venezuela. In the House, Representatives Jim McGovern, Joaquin Castro, and Thomas Massie submitted a similar proposal. The move follows reports of at least 21 US-led strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific regions since September, allegedly targeting drug trafficking linked to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s government. Critics accuse Trump of bypassing constitutional requirements for congressional authorization of major military actions. Recent reports of possible violations of international law have prompted congressional committees to announce investigations into US operations in Venezuela.

Students from the seven government colleges affiliated with Dhaka University have announced a new phase of protests demanding the issuance of an ordinance to establish the proposed Dhaka Central University. At a press conference held in front of Dhaka College on Wednesday, student leader Abdur Rahman declared that if the authorities fail to issue the ordinance by Saturday, students will begin a continuous sit-in in front of the Education Building from Sunday, December 7. Earlier in the day, students held demonstrations and blocked Mirpur Road for over two hours before announcing their next program. The government has already taken a policy decision to merge the seven colleges and form a new public university named Dhaka Central University, ending their affiliation with Dhaka University. Students argue that the delay in issuing the ordinance has created uncertainty and administrative complications, prompting them to continue their movement until the demand is met.

The Mexican Parliament has expressed eagerness to work with Bangladesh’s newly elected government, according to the Bangladesh Embassy in Mexico. The announcement was made during a ceremony on December 2, where the Mexico-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group was officially formed. Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Mexico, Mushfiqur Fazal Ansaree, attended the event and was invited to observe a parliamentary session. The Congress President, Kenia López Rabadán, formally introduced the friendship group, emphasizing bilateral cooperation. Ambassador Ansaree highlighted Bangladesh’s democratic progress, referencing the upcoming national election led by Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus and recalling the 2024 democratic uprising. Mexican lawmakers praised Bangladesh’s economic growth and textile industry, pledging to strengthen political, trade, and environmental collaboration. The event also marked 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Ambassadors from Jordan and Ivory Coast attended as guests, and the ceremony concluded with official signings and gift exchanges.

Members of the Kuril Tiles and Sanitary Market Owners and Employees Association organized a human chain at Kuril World Road in Dhaka, demanding the construction of a bridge connecting Bhola and Barishal. The demonstration, held on Wednesday afternoon near Jamuna Future Park, urged the interim government to take immediate steps toward building the bridge to reduce travel difficulties between the two districts. Speakers argued that despite Bhola supplying gas nationwide, the district remains isolated from the mainland, which contradicts the vision of an equitable Bangladesh. They emphasized that the proposed Bhola-Barishal bridge would enhance communication, industrialization, and tourism in the region. In addition to the bridge, protesters also called for establishing a medical college, a public university, gas-based industries, and sustainable embankments and marine drive roads to prevent river erosion in Bhola.

The Bangladesh Army and Air Force will conduct test landings and takeoffs of helicopters near Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on December 4 between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., following Special Security Force (SSF) security protocols. The government has urged the public to avoid spreading misinformation or rumors regarding the activity. The announcement was made by the Senior Assistant Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Fayez Ahmed, citing an official statement. The move comes amid heightened security surrounding BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital since November 23 and was moved to the Coronary Care Unit on November 27 due to deteriorating health. A medical board led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, along with a team of Chinese doctors and British specialist Dr. Richard Bell, is overseeing her treatment. The interim government recently declared Khaleda Zia a Very Very Important Person (VVIP), prompting the SSF to assume her security responsibilities.

Senior Supreme Court lawyer Z I Khan Panna has offered an unconditional apology to Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal after failing to appear for a scheduled hearing. Panna had been appointed as state defense counsel for fugitive Sheikh Hasina in two separate cases involving allegations of enforced disappearance, torture, and murder during the Awami League government’s tenure. However, he later publicly stated that Hasina had no confidence in the tribunal and declared it unethical to represent her. His absence at the December 3 hearing prompted the tribunal to summon him. Appearing in a wheelchair, Panna cited illness and reiterated his unwillingness to continue as defense counsel. The tribunal accepted his apology, released him from his duties, and appointed lawyer Md Amir Hossain as the new state defense counsel. The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, expressed hope for Panna’s cooperation in future proceedings.

BNP Joint Secretary General and Narsingdi district BNP president Khairul Kabir Khokon stated that former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s health condition remains critical and she cannot yet be declared out of danger. Speaking at a prayer gathering organized by the Chinishpur Union BNP on Wednesday, Khokon said Khaleda Zia is currently under close observation in the CCU. He alleged that attempts were made to harm her through slow poisoning due to jealousy over her immense popularity. Khokon added that the entire nation stands with the Zia family and prays for her recovery. He expressed hope that Khaleda Zia will live to see her son assume state leadership and witness the establishment of a government elected directly by the people. The event concluded with prayers for her speedy recovery, attended by several senior BNP leaders from Narsingdi district.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus expressed optimism that Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, scheduled for February, will be peaceful and celebratory, marking a moment of pride for the nation. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the National Defence Course and Armed Forces War Course 2025 at Mirpur Cantonment on Wednesday, he praised the dedication of course participants and emphasized the importance of their acquired knowledge for national development and strategic policymaking. Dr. Yunus commended the armed forces for their contributions to national security and disaster response. He also highlighted the National Defence College’s role as a center of excellence in security and development studies, preparing capable leaders to tackle evolving global and national challenges. Additionally, he sought prayers from citizens for the recovery of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

Government primary school assistant teachers across Bangladesh began a 'complete shutdown' on Wednesday, December 3, locking up schools and suspending ongoing annual examinations. The protest, organized by the Primary Teachers’ Demand Implementation Council, aims to press a three-point demand that includes pay scale adjustments and improved employment status. Teachers are also staging demonstrations in front of local assistant education officers’ offices. While most schools remain closed, reports indicate that some in Dhaka and other divisional cities continue examinations. The movement follows several days of partial work abstention by teachers. Meanwhile, assistant teachers of government secondary schools, who had been on strike since December 1 over a four-point demand including BCS cadre inclusion, have suspended their protest considering the importance of annual exams. However, due to the sudden announcement, many students were unaware, resulting in exam disruptions in several schools. Authorities expect normal examination schedules to resume from Thursday.

Students of Eden Mohila College in Dhaka staged a road blockade on Wednesday, pressing a five-point demand that includes keeping the college exclusively for women and preventing the dissolution of any departments. The protest began around 11 a.m. near Gate No. 2 on the Azimpur-Nilkhet road, halting traffic and causing significant congestion in the area. Demonstrators chanted slogans rejecting co-education and calling for the preservation of the college’s current structure. Their demands also include keeping the university open 24 hours instead of limited hours, maintaining Eden as a higher education institution rather than reintroducing intermediate courses, and opposing any move to downgrade it into a single faculty. Police reported that although the students briefly left the road, they later resumed their sit-in, prolonging the traffic disruption and causing inconvenience to commuters in one of Dhaka’s busiest routes.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has alleged that the illness of party chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is due to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Speaking at a prayer gathering organized by the BNP’s Krishak Dal in Dhaka’s Nayapaltan on Tuesday, Rizvi claimed that Khaleda Zia’s unwavering stance for the country and sovereignty has earned her public affection. He criticized Sheikh Hasina for abolishing the caretaker government system, which he said was originally established by Khaleda Zia in 1996 to prevent political killings. Rizvi accused Hasina of ruling the country according to her own will rather than trusting the people. He also urged the interim government not to take actions that would cause public suffering and to prioritize the welfare of citizens.

A writ petition has been filed in the High Court seeking suspension of all activities related to Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The petition, submitted by Advocate Iarul Islam, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Congress, challenges the legality of appointing secretaries, returning officers, and assistant returning officers from the executive branch instead of from within the Election Commission. The writ also requests the formation of an Electoral Service Commission and a rule asking why the current system should not be declared illegal. The petitioner argues that assigning election duties to deputy commissioners and upazila executive officers compromises neutrality, as they represent the government. He claims that the executive branch has lost public trust and that only Election Commission personnel should manage the election process. The Chief Election Commissioner earlier announced that the election schedule would be declared in the second week of December, with preparations nearly complete.