A two-year-old boy named Sajid fell about 35 feet into an eight-inch-wide borehole in Rajshahi’s Tanore upazila on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred in Koelhat Purbo Para village when the child accidentally slipped into an abandoned semi-deep tube well hole while playing near a field where his mother was collecting rice straw. Three units of the Fire Service and Civil Defence from Tanore, Chapainawabganj, and Rajshahi Sadar are engaged in a complex rescue operation.

According to officials, oxygen is being supplied through a pipe to keep the child alive, while an excavator is digging beside the borehole to reach him. Assistant Director Didarul Islam of Rajshahi Fire Station said that local residents had attempted a rescue before firefighters arrived, causing some soil to fall into the hole. Rescue teams have used cameras to locate the child but have not yet received a clear response.

Authorities estimate that the operation may take another three to four hours. Local residents have gathered anxiously at the site, hoping for Sajid’s safe recovery.

Senior Naib-e-Ameer of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh and Director General of Hathazari Madrasa, Mufti Khalil Ahmad Quraishi Qasemi, emphasized that only qualified and ethical leadership can ensure a prosperous, peaceful, and education-friendly Hathazari. Speaking at a scholars’ conference supporting Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh’s parliamentary candidate Maulana Nasir Uddin Munir, he said a learned Islamic leader can guide society with integrity and values.

At the event, senior madrasa teachers praised Munir’s record as Hathazari’s former vice-chairman, noting his corruption-free tenure and contributions to local development. Mufti Jasim Uddin, presiding over the conference, expressed confidence that an honest and experienced scholar like Munir could open a new chapter in the region’s progress.

Munir, describing himself as a trusted friend of Hathazari’s people, pledged to transform the constituency into a model township if elected in the upcoming 13th national election. The event saw participation from numerous madrasa heads and Islamic scholars across the region, reflecting growing clerical engagement in local politics.

Nineteen fishermen from Bhola, Bangladesh, returned home on Wednesday after spending 95 days in Indian custody. They were detained by the Indian Coast Guard in September when their fishing trawler drifted into Indian waters during a storm. The release took place under a bilateral agreement between Bangladesh and India, with both countries exchanging detained fishermen through their respective coast guards at the maritime boundary.

According to Bangladesh Coast Guard officials, India handed over 32 Bangladeshi fishermen, including the 19 from Bhola, while Bangladesh released 47 Indian fishermen. Local authorities confirmed that the Bhola fishermen were received at Mongla Port and later reunited with their families. Officials said the process was expedited through diplomatic coordination and administrative support.

The incident had left the fishermen’s families in severe hardship, as many relied solely on the detained men’s income. Local administration and fisheries officials provided food aid during their absence. The exchange underscores ongoing cooperation between Dhaka and New Delhi on maritime issues and humanitarian repatriation.

At a discussion marking International Human Rights Day, prominent activist Sultana Kamal said that human rights are inherent and inalienable, and the state’s duty is to protect them, not to grant them. She expressed concern that fear and lack of accountability have eroded respect for fundamental rights in Bangladesh. The event, held at the Liberation War Museum in Dhaka, also featured remarks from trustee Dr. Sarwar Ali, who described a prevailing 'culture of fear' as the main obstacle to realizing human rights.

Speakers at the event emphasized that justice, freedom, and peace are essential conditions for ensuring human rights. Kamal drew historical parallels to the Magna Carta, noting that even after centuries, societies still struggle to uphold basic freedoms such as protection from arbitrary arrest and the right to free movement. She urged the creation of a culture of accountability at every level of society, warning that deviation from constitutional values of equality and justice inevitably leads to rights violations.

The discussion reflected growing civil society concern over shrinking civic space and the need for renewed commitment to human rights principles in Bangladesh.

A coalition of 29 allied political parties met in Dhaka on December 10 to express frustration over the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) unilateral seat announcements ahead of the upcoming national election. The meeting, held at the Nagorik Oikya office, included leaders from the Ganatantra Mancha, 12-Party Alliance, Gana Odhikar Parishad, Nationalist Likeminded Alliance, Nizam-e-Islami Party, and Gano Forum. Participants criticized the BNP for announcing candidates in 272 constituencies without prior consultation, calling the move a breach of trust.

Leaders such as Mahmudur Rahman Manna and Saiful Haque warned that BNP’s “go-it-alone” approach risks alienating long-time allies who had joined its anti-government movement. Several coalition leaders demanded an immediate dialogue with BNP to resolve the dispute, emphasizing respect and fairness in seat allocation. BNP sources, however, indicated that the party intends to preserve unity and will allocate remaining seats to partners.

The dispute underscores growing tension within the opposition alliance as the election nears, raising concerns about coordination and the opposition’s collective strength against the ruling Awami League.

Bangladesh’s Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed was released from the Secretariat late Wednesday night after being confined for over six hours by non-cadre officials and employees demanding a 20% 'Secretariat allowance'. The standoff began around 2 p.m. and ended at 8:12 p.m. when police escorted the adviser out under tight security.

Protesters gathered outside the adviser's office, chanting slogans and rejecting assurances that a government notification would be issued next Monday to meet their demands. They insisted on immediate action, maintaining their blockade throughout the afternoon. As tensions escalated, a specialized police unit entered the Finance Ministry to restore order, leading to brief scuffles between officers and demonstrators.

The incident underscores rising discontent among government staff over pay disparities and delayed policy implementation. Authorities have yet to confirm whether the promised notification will be issued as scheduled, while unions warn of further protests if demands remain unmet.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has called on party leaders and activists to work relentlessly for the victory of the party’s electoral symbol, the ‘Sheaf of Paddy,’ in the upcoming national election. Speaking at a BNP-organized discussion titled ‘Plan to Rebuild the Nation’ in Dhaka, he said that winning the election is essential to protect the country and implement the people’s development agenda.

Rahman outlined BNP’s socio-economic plans, including the introduction of ‘Family Cards’ for women’s empowerment, ‘Health Cards,’ and ‘Farmers’ Cards’ to support agriculture. He emphasized prioritizing education, healthcare, and human resource development over large infrastructure projects, pledging to recruit one million health workers, most of whom would be women. He also highlighted the need for population control, sports development, and urban planning.

BNP leaders including Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel attended the event. Rahman urged activists to take the party’s plans door-to-door and mobilize citizens, warning that inaction could lead to national decline.

Mobile phone traders in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar staged a major protest on Wednesday, blocking traffic at the busy SARC Fountain intersection. Their single-point demand was the resignation of Fayez Ahmad Tayyeb, special assistant to the chief adviser in charge of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology. The demonstration began around 5:40 p.m., with traders setting fire to tires and wooden planks, chanting slogans, and reportedly vandalizing a vehicle.

Police confirmed that traffic in and around the area came to a complete halt, causing severe congestion and hardship for commuters. The traders also called for reforms to the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR), the abolition of alleged syndicate control in the mobile market, and permission for open mobile imports. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) recently announced that NEIR will be implemented from December 16, requiring registration of all mobile devices.

Traders argue that the current NEIR framework and import restrictions threaten their livelihoods. Authorities have increased police presence, but tensions remain high as negotiations are yet to begin.

Two advisers to the interim government, Mahfuz Alam and Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, have submitted their resignations to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. According to Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, the resignations were handed in at the State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday afternoon and formally accepted by the Chief Adviser.

The press secretary clarified that both resignations will take effect immediately after the Election Commission announces the schedule for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum. The announcement is set for Thursday at 6 p.m., to be delivered by Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin in a televised address to the nation.

Dr. Yunus has reportedly conveyed his best wishes to the departing student advisers for their future endeavors. The resignations come amid heightened political attention as the country prepares for the formal start of the election process, which will define the next phase of Bangladesh’s governance transition.

Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, announced that a joint security operation will be conducted in Raipura to suppress terrorist activity and illegal arms. Speaking during a visit to Narsingdi District Jail on Wednesday, he said the area has become a hotspot for armed groups, prompting the need for coordinated action involving the army, police, and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).

The adviser noted that traditional weapons have evolved into more dangerous arms, requiring immediate legal action against offenders. He also addressed the July 19 incident in which Narsingdi jail was set on fire, allowing inmates to escape. Many have since surrendered or been recaptured, and a number of stolen weapons have been recovered. Most of the inmates were drug-related offenders, prompting the government to consider establishing a special prison for drug convicts.

Senior police officials, including Narsingdi Superintendent of Police Abdullah Al Faruq, accompanied the adviser during his inspection of police facilities and the district jail.

Seven fishermen abducted from the Sundarbans in Bangladesh’s Satkhira district have returned home after paying a ransom of Tk 180,000 through mobile banking. The men were kidnapped on Sunday while catching crabs in the Malancha River area and released early Wednesday morning after the ransom was paid. The abductees identified themselves as residents of Dakshin Kadamtala village in Shyamnagar upazila.

The fishermen reported that their captors initially claimed to be members of the surrendered Don Bahini gang but were later confirmed to belong to a nine-member pirate group known as Nanu Bahini. They alleged that the pirates possessed seven firearms, including one resembling a police or RAB-issued pistol. Some fishermen also claimed that a powerful group based in Parulia, Satkhira, controls the pirates remotely.

Local forest officials and police confirmed awareness of the incident and said investigations are underway to identify and apprehend the criminals. Authorities are collecting testimonies from the freed fishermen to trace the network behind the abduction.

A violent clash erupted in Noakhali’s Sonaimuri upazila between residents of two villages over local dominance, resulting in gunfire, arson, and widespread vandalism. The confrontation, centered around the Nadna Bazar area, left at least 50 to 60 people injured and caused severe damage to three banks, vehicles, and more than a hundred shops. Army, police, and fire service units were deployed overnight to restore order, though the situation remains tense.

According to local traders, the conflict between North and South Shaktala villages had been escalating for days, triggered by a dispute at a political event. Protesters reportedly set fire to Islami Bank, Agrani Bank, and Global Bank branches, halting financial operations. Business owners claim losses worth millions of taka from looting and destruction. Officials confirmed that a case has been filed naming 31 individuals and about 150 unidentified suspects.

Authorities have reinforced security in the area, with police and army patrols ongoing. The administration has pledged swift action to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of local businesses and residents.

Masud Saeedi, Jamaat-e-Islami’s nominated candidate for Pirojpur-1 constituency and former upazila chairman, has pledged to transform Pirojpur into a clean and livable district. Speaking at a Victory Day–themed cleanliness and public awareness campaign organized by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Saeedi emphasized the importance of community participation in maintaining hygiene and environmental responsibility. The event, held at Pirojpur District Hospital, included sweeping, waste removal, and awareness activities.

Saeedi criticized past governance under the Awami League, alleging widespread corruption and administrative syndicates that hindered justice and development. He vowed to eliminate drug abuse, extortion, and terrorism through a “zero tolerance” approach, promising transparency and inclusive development in health, education, and employment sectors. Local officials, including the civil surgeon and party leaders, attended the event.

The campaign signals Jamaat’s attempt to reconnect with local voters through civic initiatives. Saeedi’s message of unity and reform aims to position him as a candidate of change ahead of the next parliamentary election.

Bangladesh’s Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain has declared that anyone found involved in corruption within the Hajj management process will face legal consequences. Speaking at the inauguration of the Natore District Model Mosque and Islamic Cultural Center on Wednesday morning, he emphasized that Hajj is an act of worship, and the government is committed to ensuring transparency and efficiency in its management. He also assured that no syndicate will be allowed to exploit pilgrims.

The event, conducted by project director Shahidul Alam, was attended by senior local officials including the district commissioner, police superintendent, and civil surgeon. Dr. Hossain noted that increased awareness and vigilance have prevented syndicates from controlling the Hajj process, adding that last year the government refunded eight crore taka to pilgrims.

Three model mosques and cultural centers have been built in Natore district and its upazilas, costing between 14 and 17 crore taka each. These facilities include separate prayer spaces for men and women, accessibility for persons with disabilities, training centers, libraries, and residential quarters for mosque staff.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has accepted the resignations of two members of the interim government’s advisory council, Mahfuz Alam and Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan. According to Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, both advisers submitted their resignations in person at the state guesthouse Jamuna on Wednesday, December 10, at 5 p.m. Their resignations will take effect following the announcement of the election schedule, expected Thursday evening.

Mahfuz Alam, who oversaw the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and Asif Mahmud, responsible for Local Government, Rural Development, Cooperatives, and Youth and Sports, were prominent student leaders during the July uprising. Accepting their resignations, Dr. Yunus praised their leadership in freeing the nation from authoritarian rule and expressed confidence in their continued contributions to democratic progress.

Calling the day “historic,” the Chief Adviser said the interim government would remember their service and urged them to use their governmental experience for the nation’s welfare. The resignations mark a symbolic transition as Bangladesh moves toward its next electoral phase.