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.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has accepted the resignations of Mahfuz Alam and Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, two advisers to Bangladesh’s interim government. The announcement was confirmed by Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam during a briefing at the state guesthouse Jamuna on Wednesday evening. According to the statement, the resignations will take effect upon the declaration of the election schedule by the Election Commission.

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 key figures during the July mass uprising. The Chief Adviser extended his best wishes for their future endeavors after accepting their resignations.

Sources indicate that both advisers had been advised to step down by mid-September but sought additional time. Their departure marks a notable shift in the interim administration’s composition as Bangladesh moves closer to national elections.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has strongly criticized the growing trend of dishonoring women, attacking dissenting voices, and misusing artificial intelligence on social media. In a verified post on December 10, he emphasized that political differences should never turn into hostility and urged people to maintain decency and respect in online interactions.

Dr. Rahman cited Islamic teachings that prohibit mockery and abusive language, stressing that believers must speak kindly and avoid defaming others. He expressed concern that such behavior, especially from those identifying with religious values, undermines moral and social integrity.

Calling for restraint and ethical engagement, the Jamaat chief reminded followers that every word is accountable before God. He urged citizens to build a society based on logic and civility rather than hatred, warning that the misuse of technology and AI to spread disrespect poses a serious moral challenge.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has emphasized that a meaningful national election in February is essential for Bangladesh’s democratic and institutional progress. Speaking at the Friends of the Earth International biennial general meeting in Savar, she highlighted the need for justice for victims of political violence and urged participation from all sections of society.

Hasan noted that Bangladesh’s administrative and legal frameworks are undergoing reform, but real transformation will require time, consistency, and political stability. She acknowledged that the country, currently ranked near the bottom of global environmental indices, cannot achieve rapid improvement overnight. However, she expressed optimism that sustained efforts over five to seven years could yield significant progress.

The adviser also cited recent legislative advances, including two landmark forest protection laws and an upcoming wetland conservation act. She added that polluting industries are being relocated and that workers will be re-employed in agriculture-related sectors. Hasan concluded that improved urban governance and transparency have already lifted Bangladesh from the lowest ranks of environmental performance.

Two student representatives serving as advisers in Bangladesh’s interim government, Mahfuz Alam and Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, have resigned from their posts. Mahfuz Alam was responsible for the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, while Asif Mahmud oversaw the Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, and Youth and Sports ministries. Their resignations were submitted to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus during a meeting on December 10, according to government sources.

Officials confirmed that a press briefing has been scheduled for the evening to address the resignations. The move follows weeks of internal discussions within the advisory council, where senior members reportedly urged both advisers to step down as early as mid-September. Despite earlier resistance, both eventually agreed to resign. The interim government, formed under Yunus’s leadership after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s administration in August 2023, had included three student leaders from the July uprising.

The dual resignations may signal internal realignments within the transitional administration as it prepares for the next phase of political stabilization and possible elections.

Bangladesh and the United States have launched their 12th Defense Dialogue in Dhaka, aiming to deepen bilateral military cooperation. The two-day meeting, which began on Wednesday at the Armed Forces Division headquarters, brings together senior military and government officials from both nations. The dialogue, first initiated in 2012, serves as a key platform for strategic discussions on defense and security collaboration.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the dialogue will cover a wide range of topics including regional and global security, defense technology, disaster response, peacekeeping operations, training, joint exercises, and workshops. The Bangladeshi delegation is led by Brigadier General Muhammad Ali Haider Siddiqui, while the U.S. side is headed by Brigadier General Sarah Russ. Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Border Guard Bangladesh, and the Coast Guard are also participating.

Observers note that the dialogue could further enhance mutual trust and operational coordination between the two countries, reinforcing Bangladesh’s role in regional stability and peacekeeping initiatives.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul emphasized the need to preserve the reforms introduced by the interim government, stating that Bangladesh’s future progress must be built upon these achievements. Speaking at an event marking International Human Rights Day in Dhaka, he highlighted that the caretaker government system and the establishment of the Supreme Court Secretariat are two reforms that will remain protected.

Nazrul explained that the caretaker system has been secured through a Supreme Court ruling, making its reversal highly unlikely. He added that the Supreme Court itself will act as the guardian of its secretariat, ensuring judicial independence. He expressed confidence that no future government would attempt to roll back these reforms, calling them fundamental to human rights advancement.

He further noted that several less controversial laws enacted by the interim government are already benefiting citizens. Nazrul urged the public to recognize the progress achieved so far and to understand the limitations behind unfinished reforms, stressing that continued oversight and accountability will strengthen institutional transparency.

Bangladesh’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin will address the nation on Thursday, December 11, to announce the schedule for the 13th National Parliamentary Election and a national referendum. The announcement, set for 6 p.m., was confirmed by Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed. The CEC pre-recorded his speech at the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon on Wednesday afternoon, followed by a meeting with other commissioners to finalize details.

According to officials, both the parliamentary election and the referendum will be held on the same day, with voters receiving two differently colored ballots. The simultaneous arrangement has prompted the Election Commission to undertake additional logistical and administrative preparations. Following the schedule announcement, the interim government has urged all political groups and citizens to refrain from unauthorized gatherings or movements that could disrupt the electoral process.

Observers note that this election marks a significant test for the Election Commission’s capacity to manage dual national votes under tight timelines and heightened political sensitivity.

Interim government adviser on local government Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan has confirmed his intention to contest in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election but said he will disclose later from which constituency or political party he will run. He made the remarks on Wednesday, December 10, during a press briefing at the Local Government Ministry in Dhaka.

According to government sources, Asif Mahmud met with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and other senior advisers on Tuesday at a regular luncheon meeting, where the issue of two advisers’ possible resignations was discussed. Officials later indicated that Mahmud’s resignation might be announced soon, though he said the Chief Adviser’s Office would formally communicate any decision.

Reports suggest that both Asif Mahmud and fellow adviser Mahfuz Alam had earlier been advised to step down by mid-September. While Alam expressed willingness to remain until the end of the interim government’s tenure without contesting the polls, Mahmud appears set to enter electoral politics, signaling a potential shift in the interim cabinet’s political neutrality.

Former Bangladeshi ministers Salman F Rahman and Anisul Huq have requested permission to appoint foreign lawyers in their ongoing war crimes case linked to the July–August 2024 mass uprising. The plea was submitted to the International Crimes Tribunal-1 on December 10 by senior Supreme Court lawyer Mansurul Haque Chowdhury, who represented both defendants. The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, said it would issue an order later on the matter.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam sought additional time for the hearing on charge framing, which the tribunal scheduled for December 17. Prosecutors allege that a recorded phone conversation between Rahman and Huq during the curfew period contained remarks urging the suppression of protesters, which allegedly incited subsequent violence. Both men were arrested in August 2024 and remain in custody.

Legal experts note that appointing foreign counsel requires tribunal approval and subsequent clearance from the Bar Council. The tribunal’s upcoming decision could influence defense strategies and international attention to the high-profile case.

Interim government adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan stated on Wednesday that any announcement regarding his resignation will come from the Chief Adviser’s Office. He made the remark during a press briefing at the Secretariat, amid growing speculation about the departure of two advisers from the interim administration led by Professor Muhammad Yunus.

According to government sources, senior advisers met Yunus on Tuesday at Jamuna, where the issue of resignations was discussed. Officials later confirmed that Mahmud was expected to step down on Wednesday. Both Mahmud and fellow adviser Mahfuz Alam had earlier been advised to resign by mid-September but sought additional time. Mahfuz Alam reportedly expressed willingness to remain until the end of the government’s tenure without contesting elections.

Sources within the interim government suggest a consensus that student representatives in advisory roles should resign after the election schedule is announced. The Yunus-led interim government was formed on August 8, following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s administration on August 5, with three student leaders joining as advisers.