The High Court of Bangladesh has issued a rule asking why provisions for stricter punishment have not been enacted for cases involving offenses against religious sentiments. The bench of Justice Fahmida Kader and Justice Asif Hasan issued the rule on Tuesday, directing the law secretary and other relevant authorities to respond within four weeks. The rule follows a writ petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Golam Kibria, who sought a directive to introduce the death penalty as the maximum punishment for such offenses. Currently, the Bangladesh Penal Code and the new Cyber Security Act prescribe a maximum sentence of two years for hurting religious sentiments. The petitioner argued that the existing punishment is inadequate and fails to deter offenders. The writ names the law secretary and cabinet secretary among the respondents, seeking legislative action to impose harsher penalties to prevent future violations.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP) for Bangladesh’s southern region, declared that every voter will serve as his agent in the upcoming national parliamentary election. Speaking at a campaign rally in Bakrikandi village of Sultanpur Union, Cumilla-4 constituency, Abdullah stated he cannot offer money to voters but promised to stand by them in both good and bad times. He urged supporters to convey his greetings to all voters. Addressing concerns about a lack of polling agents, Abdullah argued that even parties with many agents failed to unseat Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the past 17 years. He claimed that his party played a role in movements against authoritarianism and expressed confidence that if they work sincerely, supporters from other parties will join them. Earlier in the day, he launched a day-long campaign march from Khadghar village in Bhani Union, joined by NCP leaders and activists.

After more than three weeks without family contact, former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s sister Uzma Khanum was finally allowed to meet him at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail. Her visit followed widespread rumors about Khan’s death and mounting public concern over his condition. Uzma reported that Khan appeared physically healthy but complained of mental harassment by prison authorities. The meeting lasted about 30 minutes, during which she learned that Khan was being kept isolated with limited movement and communication. Outside the jail, hundreds of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters gathered demanding transparency about his health. Protests also erupted in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, prompting authorities to impose Section 144 to restrict gatherings. Government officials denied reports of Khan’s transfer to Islamabad but confirmed ongoing construction of a new prison. Imran Khan, 72, has been imprisoned since August 2023 following multiple convictions that he and his party claim are politically motivated to hinder his participation in politics and elections.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is expected to return to Bangladesh soon if his mother, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s health condition remains unchanged. Speaking at a prayer gathering organized by Jubo Dal in Dhaka, Fakhrul noted that Tarique will decide on his return after assessing whether Khaleda Zia can be taken abroad for treatment. Khaleda Zia has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka since November 23 due to lung infections and other chronic ailments, including arthritis, diabetes, and kidney issues. She is currently in the hospital’s Critical Care Unit under a medical board led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder. Meanwhile, security around Evercare Hospital has been tightened, with police setting up barricades and restricting public access to ensure safety and smooth hospital operations.

The Supreme Court of Bangladesh will resume on Wednesday the hearing of a leave-to-appeal petition challenging the High Court’s order that declared the formation and oath of the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus as valid. The hearing took place on Tuesday before a seven-member full bench headed by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed. During the proceedings, lawyers argued that the true legitimacy of any government stems from the people’s trust and confidence. Earlier, senior lawyer Mohammad Mohsin Rashid, who had filed the original petition challenging the interim government’s legitimacy, faced contempt allegations for making derogatory remarks about the court. The High Court had previously dismissed his petition, stating that the people’s endorsement grants legitimacy to the interim government. Rashid later sought permission from the Appellate Division to appeal against that decision.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs has issued the 'Prevention and Remedy of Enforced Disappearance Ordinance', prescribing the death penalty as the maximum punishment for enforced disappearance. The ordinance, published in the official gazette on December 2, establishes special tribunals at district and divisional levels to handle such cases. It classifies enforced disappearance as a non-bailable and non-compoundable offense. Senior law enforcement officials who authorize or permit such acts will face the same penalties as direct perpetrators. If a disappeared person dies or remains missing for five years, the responsible individuals may face death or life imprisonment. The ordinance also criminalizes concealing evidence or maintaining secret detention centers, punishable by up to seven years in prison and fines up to 2 million taka. National security or other excuses will not be accepted as defense. The ordinance received final approval from the Advisory Council on November 6 under the Chief Adviser’s leadership.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has firmly rejected an ultimatum from US President Donald Trump, who reportedly urged him to step down and leave the country in exchange for safe passage for himself and his family. Speaking at a mass rally in Caracas, Maduro declared that Venezuela seeks peace based on sovereignty, equality, and independence, not under colonial conditions. The ultimatum followed a phone call between the two leaders, which Trump later confirmed. Meanwhile, the US has intensified pressure on Venezuela, deploying warships near its coast under the pretext of anti-narcotics operations and closing Venezuelan airspace. Washington insists these actions aim to curb drug trafficking, while Caracas accuses the US of attempting regime change. According to CNN, Trump is consulting senior officials, including Ambassador Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, to determine the next steps in dealing with the Maduro government.

Government primary school assistant teachers across Bangladesh have announced a 'complete shutdown' starting Wednesday, December 3, to press for the implementation of their three-point demand, including pay grade reform. The move follows weeks of continuous work abstention and boycott of annual exams. The Primary Teachers’ Demand Implementation Council confirmed the decision after alleging harassment of teachers during earlier protests. Currently, head teachers receive salaries under the 10th grade, while assistant teachers remain in the 13th grade. Teachers have long demanded an upgrade to the 10th grade, but the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has only recommended the 11th grade for now. Dissatisfied with the slow progress, teachers plan to stage sit-ins in front of Upazila or Thana Education Offices nationwide. Bangladesh has over 65,000 government primary schools employing more than 384,000 teachers, most of whom are assistant teachers. The standoff highlights growing frustration over pay disparity and unfulfilled government promises.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has stated that his party will ensure transparency and public consultation in all major decisions if it comes to power. Speaking at a meeting with pharmaceutical traders in Dhaka’s Shewrapara area on December 2, he emphasized that Jamaat aims to build a just and corruption-free Bangladesh where both rich and poor benefit equally. Rahman said the party would maintain a strict position against mismanagement and corruption. He also criticized some doctors for allegedly taking illegal benefits from drug traders, calling it a form of deception against patients. Highlighting the progress of Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical industry, he noted that the country, once dependent on foreign medicine, now exports drugs to many nations.

Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarkar has indicated that Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election and a national referendum are likely to be held in the second week of February. Speaking to several media outlets on December 2, he mentioned that the polls could take place between February 8 and 12, with minor adjustments possible on either side of those dates. The Election Commission (EC) will finalize the schedule and voting date in a meeting on December 7, with the official announcement expected around December 11. The EC is also considering extending the voting period by one hour, from the current 8 a.m.–4 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., to accommodate both the parliamentary election and referendum on the same day. Additionally, the number of secret voting booths may be increased to ensure smoother voter participation. These measures aim to improve efficiency and voter convenience during the upcoming national polls.

The interim government’s advisory council held a special meeting on Tuesday, December 2, chaired by the Chief Adviser at the state guesthouse Jamuna, to discuss the medical care of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. According to an official statement read by Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud, the council decided to ensure uninterrupted hospital treatment for Khaleda Zia and, if necessary, to arrange for her advanced medical care abroad. The meeting also resolved to declare her a Very Very Important Person (VVIP), ensuring her security, transportation, and privileges consistent with her status as a three-time former prime minister. All relevant agencies have been instructed to implement these decisions immediately. The council also offered prayers for her speedy recovery and called upon the nation to join in prayers for her health. Khaleda Zia’s family and her political party, the BNP, have been informed of the government’s decisions.

Authorities in Pakistan have imposed Section 144 in Islamabad and Rawalpindi to prevent public gatherings ahead of a planned protest by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. The Interior Minister stated that the restrictions were necessary for public safety and would be strictly enforced. The government warned against any attempt to pressure prison authorities regarding visitation rights for former Prime Minister Imran Khan, emphasizing that such matters are administrative, not political. Officials also cautioned against the misuse of provincial resources for political purposes, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and warned of legal action against any government employees involved in political activities. Security forces have been placed on high alert, and authorities reiterated that any violation of the ban on rallies or protests would result in immediate action. The restrictions are in effect from December 1 to 3 in Rawalpindi and remain active in Islamabad.

In a rare move in Malaysian history, former Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad lodged a police complaint against current Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, accusing him of economic sabotage and undermining national sovereignty. The complaint, filed at the Putrajaya police headquarters, centers on the Malaysia–US Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) signed by Anwar and former US President Donald Trump on October 26. Mahathir claims the deal threatens Malaysia’s political and economic independence, increases foreign dependence, and weakens domestic policy-making power. He highlighted clauses that could compel Malaysia to comply with unilateral US sanctions and share cross-border data with Washington. Mahathir also cited 14 potential negative impacts, including risks to the halal industry, bumiputra empowerment, and rare earth exports. He demanded investigations into Anwar, the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry, and all officials involved. The agreement has sparked widespread criticism, with former Attorney General Tommy Thomas alleging Malaysia signed a US-drafted deal without negotiation. The controversy has intensified political debate over Malaysia’s sovereignty and trade policy direction.

The chiefs of Bangladesh’s Army, Navy, and Air Force visited former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on Tuesday night, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR). Khaleda Zia, who has long suffered from arthritis, diabetes, kidney, lung, and eye complications, has been under treatment since November 23 after a lung infection was detected. Following her release after the fall of the Awami League government in August last year, she spent over three months in London for advanced medical care before returning to Bangladesh in May. Her personal physician, Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain, expressed hope for her recovery but became emotional while speaking to reporters, urging the public not to spread rumors about her condition. A medical team from the UK is expected to arrive soon to assess whether she should be taken abroad for further treatment. The interim government has declared Khaleda Zia a ‘very important person’.

Mohammad Ali Hossain, Senior District and Sessions Judge of Jashore, and Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman, Chief Metropolitan Magistrate of Dhaka, have been elected as the new president and general secretary of the Bangladesh Judicial Service Association. The election was held online on December 2 in a festive atmosphere, with live coverage from the Judicial Administration Training Institute. Out of 2,138 eligible judges across 64 districts, 1,890 cast their votes, marking an 88% turnout. Hossain received 1,003 votes while Rahman secured 1,238 votes. A total of 45 judges were elected to 16 executive positions. In his remarks, Rahman expressed gratitude to his colleagues and pledged to modernize the judiciary, implement full judicial allowances, advance the e-judiciary project, and improve judges’ working conditions and security. The new committee also aims to enhance training opportunities and ensure fair rights for all judges nationwide.