In Bogura, wholesale and retail onion prices fell sharply on Sunday, dropping by Tk 30–35 per kilogram within a single day. Traders reported heavy losses as they rushed to sell stocks following news that letters of credit (LCs) had been opened for importing Indian onions. The sudden price fall brought relief to consumers but financial strain to local sellers.

According to market data from Rajabazar and Fatehali markets, new onions that sold for Tk 100–110 per kg on Saturday dropped to Tk 65–70 on Sunday, while old onions fell from Tk 115–120 to Tk 70–80. Traders said the market had been unstable due to limited supply and a long halt in Indian imports. The LC announcement triggered expectations of increased supply, prompting panic selling.

Local trade leaders expect prices to stabilize soon, possibly reaching Tk 50 per kg. However, they warned that the timing of import approvals, just before new domestic onions enter the market, could cause significant losses for Bangladeshi traders.

The Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party has condemned an alleged attack on its General Secretary Asaduzzaman Fuad in Barishal’s Mirganj area, reportedly carried out by activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju described the incident as a blatant display of fascist mentality and demanded immediate arrest and trial of those responsible. The attack occurred after Fuad publicly commented that local individuals had demanded extortion money from a bridge contractor in Babuganj upazila.

Following the incident, the AB Party held a protest rally in Dhaka, marching from the Dhaka Reporters Unity to Paltan intersection. Monju accused BNP-linked groups of orchestrating the assault to suppress dissenting political voices. He said such violence undermines democratic practice and could further destabilize the political climate. The AB Party leadership reaffirmed their commitment to continue their movement for democracy and citizens’ rights despite intimidation.

Monju urged BNP to abandon what he termed fascist politics, warning that the public will no longer tolerate violence and extortion in national politics.

A drug dealer named Riad stabbed Assistant Sub-Inspector (ATSI) Babor Ali of the Banani Police Outpost in Bogura on Sunday evening while being detained. The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. in Rahman Nagar Jiladarpara area, when police attempted to arrest Riad for selling Tapentadol tablets, a controlled narcotic substance. The injured officer was taken to Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital for treatment.

According to Inspector Farhad Hossain, in-charge of the Banani outpost, the attack happened during a planned operation following local complaints about drug sales. Riad and another suspect named Jihad managed to flee the scene after the stabbing. Police have since launched a search operation to apprehend the suspects, and a case is being prepared at the Sadar Police Station.

Authorities have intensified patrols in the area, emphasizing a zero-tolerance stance against narcotics-related crimes. The incident highlights the growing risks faced by law enforcement officers during anti-drug operations in urban neighborhoods.

Authorities in Monirampur, Jashore, exhumed the body of 65-year-old Majid Dafadar nearly two and a half months after his burial, following a court order linked to a murder case filed against his son, local union council member Sohrab Dafadar. The exhumation took place on Sunday morning in the presence of an executive magistrate and an assistant commissioner (land) for post-mortem examination.

According to police and family sources, a long-standing land dispute between father and son allegedly led to the fatal incident. Sohrab reportedly pressured his father to transfer property in his name, and when he refused, the son allegedly assaulted and confined him, leading to his death on September 15. The body was buried hastily the next morning, raising suspicion among relatives and neighbors.

Following a complaint by Majid’s son-in-law, Sattar Molya, a murder case was registered on November 11. Police have since arrested Sohrab, who remains in judicial custody as investigators await the autopsy report to determine the cause of death.

Bangladesh Under-17 cricket team clinched a convincing 78-run win against Sri Lanka in Chattogram, driven by a superb century from opener Adrit Ghosh. Batting first, Bangladesh posted 271 for six in their allotted 50 overs, with Ghosh remaining unbeaten on 103 off 138 balls. Supporting contributions came from Naeem (32), Akash (39), and Saurav (32), while Sri Lankan bowler Himaru claimed two wickets.

In reply, Sri Lanka’s youth side struggled to build momentum and managed only 193 for seven in 50 overs. Fernando top-scored with an unbeaten 78, helping reduce the margin of defeat. Bangladesh’s bowlers shared the wickets evenly, with Akash Roy, Akash, Mahinuzzaman Mahabir, Faiyaz Arib, Jarif Siam, Mohammad Iftekhar, and Rakibul Hossain each taking one wicket.

The victory gives Bangladesh a 1–0 lead in the three-match youth series. The second match is scheduled for December 9, followed by the final on December 12, both in Chattogram.

Foreign Affairs Adviser of the interim government, Touhid Hossain, returned to his childhood school, Magura High School in Kishoreganj, Nilphamari, after nearly 60 years. On Sunday afternoon, he attended a gathering at the school grounds, engaging in discussions with teachers, students, and local residents.

The meeting, chaired by Headmaster Abdul Quddus, was also attended by the district commissioner Mohammad Nayiruzzaman, police superintendent Sheikh Rashedul Islam, and Hossain’s former classmate Mahiuddin Azad. Participants raised demands for nationalization of the school, construction of a new academic building, and renovation of the playground. In response, the adviser assured them of his support and expressed his emotional connection to the institution.

Touhid Hossain reminisced about his student days at the school, recalling memories tied to his father’s government service that brought him to the area. His visit was seen as a gesture of respect toward his educational roots and a reaffirmation of the government’s attention to rural education development.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has revoked the expulsion orders of two senior leaders from Thakurgaon’s Baliadangi upazila—Advocate Md. Syed Alam and Dr. T.M. Mahbubur Rahman. The decision, announced on Sunday through a statement signed by Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, restores their party membership and all organizational positions. Supporters celebrated the announcement with processions and distribution of sweets.

The two leaders had been expelled earlier for alleged involvement in organizational misconduct following violent clashes during the upazila BNP conference in July. Their reinstatement follows appeals and internal reviews by the party’s central leadership. Observers view the move as an attempt to restore discipline and re-engage experienced figures in local politics.

Party insiders believe the decision could ease longstanding factional tensions within the Baliadangi BNP and strengthen its grassroots structure ahead of future political activities. The development also reflects the central leadership’s pragmatic approach to consolidating unity amid internal challenges.

Islami Chhatra Shibir’s central president, Zahidul Islam, announced that the era of violent and stone-throwing politics in Bangladesh is over. Speaking at a rally in Uzirpur Union, Comilla, on Sunday evening, he said the country has undergone a major transformation following the July–August mass uprising and the fall of what he termed a fascist regime. According to him, a new generation of students has rejected destructive political practices and embraced a culture of respect and constructive engagement.

Islam criticized certain political groups and individuals for continuing divisive and violent tactics, claiming they have taken up the same oppressive actions once associated with the previous government. He emphasized that Bangladesh’s future politics must be based on tolerance, integrity, and non-violence. The event was part of an election campaign supporting Jamaat-e-Islami leader Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher’s candidacy, attended by several local party leaders.

Observers note that such statements reflect Jamaat’s attempt to reposition itself within a changing political landscape, emphasizing reform and peaceful activism.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has issued show-cause notices to five leaders of its affiliated anti-discrimination student movement in Rajshahi, citing their role in recent organizational unrest. The notices, signed by NCP’s central office secretary Shahadat Hossain on December 7, accused the leaders of creating instability and tarnishing the party’s image. They were instructed to explain their actions within 24 hours and to refrain from all organizational activities until further notice.

The dispute began after the announcement of the Rajshahi district convening committee on November 29, which appointed Saiful Islam as convener. Some student leaders protested, labeling him as politically biased and demanding his removal. The conflict escalated when one leader declared a senior organizer “unwelcome” on social media, later retracting the statement. Party insiders say the disciplinary action aims to restore control amid growing factionalism.

Observers note that the incident highlights deep divisions within the NCP’s regional branches and may affect its organizational cohesion ahead of upcoming political activities.

A Dhaka court has ordered police detectives to investigate a blasphemy case filed against senior lawyer and Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for Sunamganj-2, Advocate Mohammad Shishir Monir. The case stems from his recent remarks comparing Islamic fasting (Roza) and Hindu worship (Puja) as two sides of the same coin. The Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Jashita Islam, accepted the plaintiff’s statement and directed the Detective Branch to proceed with the inquiry.

Following the case, Monir responded on Facebook, acknowledging the lawsuit and suggesting it was politically motivated. He stated that the complainant and witnesses were members of a particular political party and emphasized that everyone has the right to seek legal recourse. Monir reiterated his faith in the rule of law and said appropriate legal action would be taken at the proper time.

The case highlights growing political and religious sensitivities ahead of the national elections, as candidates face scrutiny over religious commentary and its potential political implications.

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has agreed to reform the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system following days of protests by mobile phone traders. After receiving assurances from BTRC Chairman Major General Md Emdad Ul Bari, the Mobile Business Community Bangladesh (MBCB) announced the suspension of their blockade until December 9.

According to BTRC sources, a joint meeting will be held to resolve NEIR-related issues, involving the Finance Adviser, NBR Chairman, Commerce Secretary, and representatives from mobile manufacturers and traders. MBCB leaders said the reforms should simplify import procedures and ensure all imported phones are listed without restriction. They also demanded reduced import duties and warned of renewed protests if tax issues remain unresolved.

The NEIR system, set to take effect on December 16, aims to curb the use of unregistered or stolen phones. The temporary suspension of protests signals a possible compromise, though traders have indicated they will resume action if their concerns are not addressed in the upcoming meeting.

The Alliance for Health Reforms Bangladesh (AHRB) has urged the Chief Adviser to prioritize the implementation of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) policy as a matter of national interest. In an open letter signed by Professor Syed Abdul Hamid of Dhaka University and Professor Syed Md. Akram Hossain of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, the group called for immediate administrative action to reduce import dependency and bolster national health security.

The letter highlights that although Bangladesh can produce most types of medicines, it remains heavily reliant on imported APIs, leaving the pharmaceutical supply chain vulnerable to global market disruptions. The AHRB recommended five urgent steps, including a production-linked incentive scheme, sustained R&D funding, stronger academia–industry collaboration, and formation of a permanent task force. Citing the success of the 1982 National Drug Policy, the group emphasized that strong political commitment and leadership are essential.

Experts argue that developing a knowledge-based pharmaceutical sector could raise the tax-to-GDP ratio and expand exports. The AHRB warned that without top-level oversight, the API policy may remain unimplemented, hindering Bangladesh’s competitiveness and health resilience.

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s health condition has shown signs of improvement, according to her medical team at Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital. Results from a recent CT scan and other key tests were reported as satisfactory, prompting the medical board to reconsider earlier plans to transfer her to London for advanced treatment. The board has not yet made a final decision, but doctors said her vital parameters are improving and she is responding better than before.

A member of the medical board stated that Khaleda Zia’s condition is now more stable, and they are optimistic about her recovery in Bangladesh. Her daughter-in-law, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, is coordinating her care alongside local and foreign specialists. BNP leaders confirmed that arrangements for an air ambulance from Qatar remain available if needed. Khaleda Zia, 79, has been hospitalized since November 23 with multiple chronic ailments, including liver, kidney, and heart complications.

The board’s final decision on whether she will remain in Dhaka or be flown abroad is expected soon, depending on her continued improvement.

Azerbaijan has announced plans to open an embassy in Dhaka following Bangladesh’s upcoming national election, signaling a new phase in bilateral relations. The announcement came during a courtesy meeting between Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev’s daughters, Leyla and Arzu Aliyeva, and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the state guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka.

During the meeting, both sides discussed strengthening cooperation in culture, environment, and people-to-people connectivity. Professor Yunus recalled his previous visits to Baku and his meeting with President Aliyev at the COP29 summit, emphasizing the potential for deeper trade, energy, and economic collaboration. Leyla Aliyeva, Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, conveyed President Aliyev’s greetings and expressed interest in joint projects on wildlife conservation and environmental protection.

Non-resident Ambassador Elchin Huseynli confirmed that the embassy initiative followed a request from Professor Yunus last November. The move is expected to elevate Bangladesh-Azerbaijan relations, opening avenues for humanitarian, social, and environmental partnerships.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has voiced deep concern over the rising contamination of food products in Bangladesh, emphasizing the urgent need for coordinated national action to protect public health. Chairing a high-level meeting at the state guesthouse Jamuna, Yunus called on ministries, regulatory agencies, and universities to jointly address the crisis through immediate and long-term measures. He instructed all relevant departments to submit written proposals within a week outlining steps to combat food contamination.

The Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) presented alarming data showing widespread presence of heavy metals, pesticides, and antibiotics in food and water samples. UNICEF estimates that 35 million Bangladeshi children are affected by lead exposure, while WHO data indicates that one in ten children suffers from foodborne illness annually. Officials also highlighted unregulated antibiotic use in poultry farms and the presence of toxic residues in fish and dairy products.

Experts warned that unchecked contamination threatens both child development and national health security. The government plans to launch a ten-year strategy to reduce lead exposure and strengthen food safety monitoring across sectors.