The government of Bangladesh has announced that it will permit limited onion imports starting Sunday, December 7, in an effort to curb the recent surge in domestic prices. According to a statement from the Ministry of Agriculture issued Saturday night, 50 import permits will be granted daily, each allowing the import of up to 30 tons of onions. Only importers who previously applied for export permissions since August 1 will be eligible to reapply, and each importer may submit only one application.

The ministry stated that the measure will continue until further notice to maintain a stable market. Onion prices have risen sharply in recent weeks, with consumers reporting an increase of 20–30 taka per kilogram within just a few days. The current retail price ranges between 140 and 150 taka per kilogram. Officials expect the controlled import initiative to ease supply pressure and bring prices down, though traders warn that logistical delays could slow the impact on retail markets.

The Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) has re-elected Md. Shahidul Islam as president and Khurshid Alam as general secretary for the next full term. The decision was unanimously approved by members during the union’s biennial general meeting held on Saturday, December 6, at the National Press Club in Dhaka. The newly endorsed leadership will continue to guide the organization through its upcoming term with a full executive committee.

The meeting also confirmed other key office bearers, including Rafique Muhammad, Khandaker Hasnat Karim, and Rashedul Haque as vice presidents, Didarul Alam Didar as joint secretary, and Khandaker Alamgir Hossain as treasurer. Senior journalists and leaders from the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and National Press Club attended the event, offering congratulations and emphasizing the importance of strong, ethical journalism.

Observers noted that the DUJ’s renewed leadership aims to strengthen professional unity and advocate for press freedom amid evolving challenges facing Bangladesh’s media sector.

A section of Rajshahi University’s 60th, 61st, and 62nd batches of former students have declared a boycott of the university’s 12th convocation, citing dissatisfaction with the selection of guests and the event’s timing. The announcement came at a press conference held on December 6, where alumni alleged that their opinions were ignored in the decision-making process. University authorities, however, stated that there is no scope to revise the decision.

The convocation, rescheduled for December 17 after two postponements, will feature Education Adviser C.R. Abrar as president and Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud as a guest. Alumni representatives said they had requested reconsideration of the guest list and reopening of registration but received no response. They also demanded transparency regarding the use of convocation fees and related funds.

University officials confirmed that preparations are nearly complete and reaffirmed that the event will proceed as planned. The dispute underscores growing tensions between alumni and administration over inclusivity and transparency in major university events.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman declared that the era of seizing power through administrative coups is over, calling instead for political unity among Islamist groups. Speaking at a divisional rally of an eight-party Islamist alliance in Sylhet on Saturday, he criticized those who had previously destabilized the country in the name of elections, saying the public had grown weary of their actions and would reject them.

Rahman urged other Islamic parties to return to their ideological roots, warning against involvement in extortion and disorder. He described the current political environment as one where ‘fascist shadows’ still linger despite the departure of previous autocrats. Other speakers, including leaders from Islami Andolon Bangladesh and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, emphasized the upcoming national election as a referendum on implementing the July Charter and ensuring a level playing field.

The rally, attended by leaders from eight Islamist and nationalist parties, highlighted growing coordination among right-leaning religious groups seeking influence in the next general election.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has not yet fixed the date for announcing the election schedule, despite being fully prepared for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed made the statement on Saturday, December 6, during a journalists’ workshop at the Election Training Institute in Agargaon, Dhaka. The interim government earlier indicated that the national election would be held in February, prompting the EC to initially plan for a schedule announcement in early December.

Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin had previously mentioned the possibility of declaring the schedule in the second week of December. This year’s election will also coincide with a national referendum. Ahmed emphasized that all logistical and administrative preparations are in place and urged the media to avoid spreading misinformation. The workshop, organized by UNDP and the Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy (RFED), focused on election laws, candidate conduct rules, and special provisions for election officials.

Observers expect the EC to announce the schedule soon, as political parties and voters await clarity on the election timeline.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir’s central president, Md. Zahidul Islam, stated that the organization’s struggle is directed against injustice, corruption, and oppression, not against any specific person or political party. Speaking at a reunion of former activists in Debidwar, Cumilla, he emphasized that Shibir stands against fascism, terrorism, and extortion, and will oppose any group or individual engaged in such acts.

Zahidul Islam accused previous governments of widespread corruption, claiming that over 28 trillion taka had been illicitly transferred abroad in the past 15 years. He urged citizens to support honest and patriotic leadership in upcoming elections, asserting that the public now understands the difference between right and wrong. The event was attended by local Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and parliamentary candidates, who echoed calls for moral and ideological renewal.

Analysts view the remarks as part of a broader effort by Islamist student and political groups to reassert influence ahead of Bangladesh’s next national polls, amid ongoing debates over governance, accountability, and political freedoms.

At a policy seminar in Dhaka, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter called for international and government-backed climate risk funds to provide additional financing for entrepreneurs, particularly women leading environmentally sustainable businesses. Speaking at the event titled ‘Voices for Change: Putting Climate Action, Women Entrepreneurs and SMEs in Bangladesh’s Public Policy,’ she emphasized that empowering women in business should focus on visibility and opportunity, not just numbers.

Akhter highlighted that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the largest source of employment creation in Bangladesh, with 50–60% potential for women’s participation. She noted that women have a proven record of loan repayment, urging financial institutions to expand credit access for them. Despite government initiatives through Bangladesh Bank and the SME Foundation, she said opportunities remain limited for women, who make up 51% of the population.

She also warned that climate change poses daily threats to Bangladesh’s fisheries and livestock sectors, urging policy alignment to reduce methane emissions and strengthen women’s roles in climate-resilient economic growth.

Bangladesh’s interim government Education Adviser Dr. C.R. Abrar said the sacrifice of 11 scouts during the July mass uprising symbolizes the inspiration to build a new Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Saturday while addressing a national award ceremony at the Bangladesh Scouts headquarters in Dhaka, where scouts from across the country received the Shapla Cub Award, President Scout Award, and President’s Rover Scout Award.

Dr. Abrar highlighted that scouting is not merely about earning badges but about developing character, leadership, and social responsibility. He praised scouts for their service during natural disasters such as cyclones, floods, and fires, emphasizing the need to expand scouting to build self-reliant, service-oriented citizens. Senior officials, including Public Administration Secretary Md. Ehsanul Haque and Home Ministry Senior Secretary Nasimul Ghani, attended the event.

The adviser noted that Bangladesh ranks fourth among 176 scouting nations and plays a leadership role in Asia-Pacific committees. He also commended the growing participation of women in scouting, calling it a positive sign for inclusive national development.

More than 203,000 Bangladeshi expatriates have registered to vote through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ app ahead of the country’s 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum, according to the Election Commission (EC). As of Saturday, December 6, a total of 203,110 overseas Bangladeshis had completed registration, including 181,108 men and 19,202 women.

Saudi Arabia topped the list with 40,766 registered voters, followed by the United States with 19,228, and a third country with 11,465 applicants. The EC has kept registration open until December 25, urging expatriates to provide accurate addresses during the process. The app-based registration system was launched to facilitate postal voting for citizens living abroad.

Additionally, government employees assigned to election duties or stationed outside their constituencies can also register through the app until December 25. The initiative marks a significant step toward expanding electoral participation among Bangladesh’s global diaspora, though logistical and verification challenges remain.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain has said that the upcoming national election will serve as a major test for the country’s law enforcement agencies. Speaking at a meeting with government officials in Rangpur on December 6, he emphasized that law and order form the foundation of national stability. He noted that while there were initial challenges, the police have now become more organized and cohesive.

Referring to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, Hossain said the forthcoming election is expected to be an exemplary one, urging security forces to remain vigilant against potential unrest from losing parties. He also highlighted the government’s recent focus on education and health, citing the recruitment of 3,500 doctors and 3,500 nurses and increased budget allocations. Additionally, he discussed prospects for potato exports, skilled labor migration, and livestock development, stressing the need for skill-based manpower exports to secure better wages abroad.

Officials from the police, health, and livestock departments attended the meeting, underscoring inter-agency coordination ahead of the election period.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has announced that government officials assigned to election duties and those stationed outside their home constituencies can register for postal voting through the 'Postal Vote BD' mobile app until December 25. The registration window applies to the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and any concurrent referendums, starting from the date of the election schedule announcement.

According to an EC press release issued on December 6, eligible voters include election officials, government employees away from their registered voting areas, and individuals under lawful custody. The EC advised all eligible participants to visit its official website for detailed instructions. Data from the commission show that 198,840 expatriate Bangladeshis have already registered through the app, with the highest number coming from Saudi Arabia.

The initiative marks a significant step toward expanding digital electoral services and ensuring broader participation. Officials expect the system to reduce logistical challenges and enhance transparency in absentee voting ahead of the national polls.

Bangladesh’s interim government adviser for Road Transport and Bridges, Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan, emphasized the importance of protecting dissent and pluralism during a ceremony honoring Bir Pratik Siraj Uddin Ahmed, known as Naval Siraj. Speaking at the inauguration of the newly named Naval Siraj Road in Madhabdi, Narsingdi, he said Siraj was killed for his differing views but remains a symbol of courage and freedom. Kabir stressed that Bangladesh must remain a country of diverse opinions and faiths, where no one faces insecurity or violence for their beliefs.

The event, organized by the district administration and Roads and Highways Department, was attended by senior officials and freedom fighters. Kabir urged citizens to ensure a fair, participatory election, saying that honoring Naval Siraj’s memory means upholding democracy and rejecting electoral manipulation. Other speakers, including advisers and local leaders, praised Siraj’s role in the 1971 Liberation War and called for unity in preserving his ideals.

The ceremony reflected the interim administration’s message of inclusivity and its call for peaceful democratic participation ahead of national elections.

Nestlé Bangladesh successfully organized the Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMO) Luminary Summit on June 20–21, bringing together local and international health researchers, pediatricians, and policymakers. The two-day scientific workshop focused on the latest findings in human milk oligosaccharides and their role in improving child health and nutrition.

The event featured interactive group discussions, case studies, and expert exchanges aimed at translating scientific insights into practical applications. Dr. Randy Urtula, a renowned pediatrician from the Philippines, highlighted the importance of HMOs in strengthening immunity, supporting gut health, and promoting overall child development. Participants expressed renewed interest in applying HMO research to local health initiatives.

The summit concluded with a collective call to enhance scientific collaboration and apply HMO-related research to improve public health outcomes in Bangladesh. Organizers emphasized that such knowledge-sharing platforms are vital for advancing education, innovation, and sustainable health improvement in the country.

A new desalination plant project has been launched in the remote Kalabogi embankment area of Sutarkhali Union, Dakop, Khulna, to address the long-standing drinking water crisis faced by marginalized residents of the Sundarbans. The initiative, led by the Ex Notre Damians Welfare Foundation, began on December 6 with a community event collecting data from women representatives of low-income families who will receive around 3,000 liters of potable water daily from the plant.

The region’s rivers, ponds, and groundwater have become excessively saline and mineral-rich due to repeated floods and cyclones, rendering them undrinkable. Health experts note that women in coastal areas suffer severe reproductive and maternal health risks linked to high salinity, including hypertension, eclampsia, and maternal mortality.

Foundation representatives Dr. Shakil Arif Chowdhury and Dr. Dalilur Rahman announced that land acquisition and construction are underway, with water supply expected to begin by January next year, marking a significant step toward improving coastal health and resilience.

The Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs has approved a special air ambulance flight, designating it as a ‘VVIP movement,’ to transport BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia from Dhaka to London for advanced medical treatment. The Evercare Hospital patient is scheduled to depart on December 10, with the air ambulance arriving in Dhaka a day earlier. Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport authorities have already granted landing clearance for the flight.

Airport Executive Director Captain S M Ragib Samad confirmed that all security and operational arrangements are being made under VVIP protocols. The airport’s relevant units will activate upon final confirmation of the route and landing schedule. Khaleda Zia, a central figure in Bangladesh’s opposition politics, has been receiving treatment in Dhaka for several months amid repeated calls from her party for permission to seek care abroad.

The government’s approval marks a significant development in the long-running political and humanitarian debate surrounding her medical treatment. Observers expect heightened security and political attention during the transfer process.