Bangladesh Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed has said that the establishment of dedicated commercial courts will mark a new era for the country’s economy and judicial system. Speaking at a seminar in Chattogram organized by the Supreme Court and UNDP, he noted that the Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance 2025 has granted the judiciary full administrative and financial autonomy for the first time, enabling long-term judicial reforms.

The Chief Justice explained that the draft Commercial Courts Act—developed through consultations with BIDA, legal experts, and business stakeholders with EU technical support—has been approved in principle by the Cabinet. The law includes provisions for specialized courts, mandatory mediation, limited adjournments, transparent case statistics, and specialized training for judges and lawyers. These measures aim to ensure faster, more transparent commercial dispute resolution and enhance Bangladesh’s global competitiveness.

He emphasized that effective implementation will require infrastructure, human resource development, and digital capacity building. The Supreme Court is preparing practice directions to ensure smooth operation of the new courts, reflecting a national consensus for an independent and efficient judiciary.

More than 193,000 expatriate Bangladeshis have registered to vote in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ mobile application, according to the Election Commission (EC). As of Saturday morning, the EC’s website reported 193,874 registered expatriate voters, including 174,909 men and 18,965 women. Saudi Arabia and the United States lead in registrations, with 38,269 and 19,271 voters respectively.

The EC urged expatriates to provide accurate and complete addresses during registration to ensure delivery of postal ballots. Registrants can correct address errors through the app’s edit menu until December 6. The registration deadline has been extended to December 25, allowing global participation from any location. EC officials also announced that an in-country postal voting system will be introduced for government employees, detainees, and voters stationed outside their constituencies.

The ‘Postal Vote BD’ app, launched on November 18, marks Bangladesh’s first large-scale digital initiative to include overseas citizens in national voting, signaling a significant step toward inclusive electoral participation.

A new assessment by Bangladeshi experts has raised grave concerns about Dhaka’s earthquake preparedness, warning that a 6.9-magnitude quake along the Madhupur fault could cause nearly 40% of the capital’s buildings—over 850,000 structures—to collapse. Fatalities could reach up to half a million, with hundreds of thousands more seriously injured. Despite these risks, implementation of earthquake-resilient land use planning and structural safety audits has been stalled for over a year.

The World Bank–funded Urban Resilience Project, worth around Tk 5.68 billion, remains inactive due to bureaucratic disputes and institutional inertia. Experts from BUET and RAJUK have urged immediate integration of seismic-resilient land use plans into Dhaka’s master plan and the activation of modern testing equipment already procured. RAJUK officials say a new trust is being formed to oversee building fitness audits and ensure compliance with seismic codes.

Analysts warn that further delays could make Dhaka’s dense urban landscape increasingly perilous. The government has pledged to approve necessary legislation soon, but experts stress that only sustained enforcement and public compliance can avert a catastrophic outcome.

Tasnim Jara, senior joint member secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP), announced on social media that she will contest the upcoming Dhaka-9 parliamentary seat nomination while strictly adhering to the legal campaign spending limit of 2.5 million taka. In her post, she criticized the widespread practice of candidates underreporting expenses to the Election Commission and starting their political journey with dishonesty.

Jara declared that she would publicly disclose all campaign income and expenditures, promising to maintain complete transparency. She urged citizens and volunteers to contribute time and skills instead of money, forming a grassroots team to support her campaign. Her initiative aims to demonstrate that elections can be conducted honestly, without reliance on wealth or muscle power.

Political observers note that Jara’s stance could spark broader discussions on electoral integrity and campaign finance reform in Bangladesh, where high spending and opaque funding are long-standing concerns.

Bangladesh’s industrial and public works adviser Adilur Rahman Khan announced that sugar imports have been temporarily suspended until the unsold stock from domestic mills is cleared. Speaking after inspecting the Natore Sugar Mill and Uttara Gonobhaban on December 6, he said Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) has already begun selling locally produced sugar to stabilize the market.

Adilur emphasized that state-owned sugar mills, many dating back to the British era, cannot operate sustainably on subsidies alone. He called for both local and foreign investment to modernize production and expand capacity. Discussions with potential investors are ongoing, and he expressed optimism about positive developments soon. He also mentioned plans to diversify into related production activities to improve profitability.

The adviser further noted that Uttara Gonobhaban has been renovated after years of neglect and could host cabinet meetings under the current government, following historical precedent. Local officials, including the Natore deputy commissioner and police superintendent, attended the visit.

BNP Standing Committee member and former state minister Salahuddin Ahmed has accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of never believing in Bangladesh’s independence and attempting to establish one-party rule through BAKSAL. Speaking at a women’s rally in Chakaria’s Islamnagar on December 6, he claimed that the people’s uprising had removed her from power and alleged that she served the interests of a neighboring country. The event was part of Ahmed’s campaign activities in Cox’s Bazar-1 constituency ahead of the upcoming national election.

During his speech, Ahmed asserted that the forthcoming election would be fair and internationally recognized, emphasizing that citizens are now more aware of their voting rights. He urged voters to support the BNP’s symbol, the paddy sheaf, and prayed for the recovery of party chairperson Khaleda Zia. Ahmed pledged that if BNP returns to power, it will restore democracy, rebuild the economy, and ensure justice and civil liberties. Thousands of supporters, including local BNP leaders, reportedly attended the rally.

Political analysts note that Ahmed’s remarks reflect BNP’s intensified campaign rhetoric as the election approaches, highlighting deep political polarization in Bangladesh.

An air ambulance from Qatar is on standby to transport BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to London for advanced medical treatment once her medical board grants approval. BNP adviser Enamul Haque Chowdhury confirmed that the Royal authorities in Qatar have arranged the aircraft, which is reportedly sourced from Germany. He added that the party is maintaining constant communication with Qatari officials regarding the arrangements.

Khaleda Zia remains under intensive observation at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where she has been receiving treatment since November 23. Doctors say she has not yet regained the physical stability required for air travel, delaying her transfer. The medical board, led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder and including Dr. Zubaida Rahman, has been meeting daily to review her condition and test results.

BNP sources indicate that once the board issues a ‘green signal,’ the air ambulance will immediately depart for Dhaka to carry her to London. The situation continues to be closely monitored by both medical and political stakeholders.

National Citizen Party (NCP) South Region chief organizer Hasnat Abdullah has declared that he will contest the upcoming election in Devidwar independently, without forming any alliance. Speaking at a courtyard meeting in Rajamehar Union on Friday night, he said he would continue working for the people even if he received only ten votes, emphasizing his commitment to the constituency over electoral success.

Hasnat addressed speculation that he would not secure more than 500 votes without joining a coalition, asserting that he is personally engaging with voters across Devidwar. He noted that many local elders have urged him to consider alliances, but he remains determined to stand alone. According to him, educated youths and students from various universities have already joined the NCP and are actively supporting his campaign.

He added that young people and women are increasingly aligning with his party’s symbol, the Shapla (water lily), and expressed confidence that his campaign would rely on grassroots volunteers rather than financial resources or formal agents.

Eight Islamist and like-minded political parties held a large-scale rally in Sylhet’s historic Alia Madrasa field today, aiming to demonstrate unity and public strength ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming national election. Central leaders from all eight parties attended, with speeches scheduled from noon to late afternoon. Organizers built a large stage and installed around 100 microphones to accommodate the expected massive turnout.

The rally, coordinated by Jamaat-e-Islami’s Sylhet city leader Muhammad Fakhrul Islam, focused on five key demands, including a referendum on the July National Charter Implementation Order and ensuring a level playing field in the election. The city was decorated with banners, arches, and posters, as organizers anticipated attendance from across the Sylhet division.

Political observers note that the gathering could signal renewed cooperation among Islamist parties seeking greater influence in national politics. The event’s outcomes may shape future alliances and policy debates around electoral reform and Islamic governance principles.

Two key government offices in Magura — the Assistant Land Commissioner’s office and the District Sub-Registrar’s office — were set on fire early Saturday morning, reportedly by unidentified miscreants. The attackers allegedly poured petrol through windows and door gaps before igniting the blaze around 4 a.m. The fire damaged crucial land records, cash stamps, computers, and other official documents before firefighters managed to bring it under control.

According to police sources, bottles and petrol residues were recovered from the scene. The night guard alerted emergency services by calling 999, prompting a rapid response from the fire service. Additional Superintendent of Police Mirajul Islam stated that no formal complaint had yet been filed by either office, but law enforcement had already begun an independent investigation to identify those responsible.

Authorities are assessing the extent of the damage and potential data loss. The incident has raised concerns about the security of sensitive land and registration records in the district, prompting calls for enhanced surveillance and fire safety measures in government facilities.

Northern Bangladesh is experiencing a sharp drop in temperature as Tetulia, in Panchagarh district, recorded 10.5°C at 9 a.m. on Saturday, marking the lowest temperature of the current winter season. The humidity level stood at 94%, intensifying the cold sensation from early morning. Earlier in the week, the temperature had remained steady around 12°C for three consecutive days.

According to Jitendranath Roy, acting officer of the Tetulia Meteorological Observatory, the sudden fall in temperature signals the possibility of a cold wave in the coming days. Dense fog has also reduced road visibility, forcing vehicles to move slowly with headlights on. On Friday, the maximum daytime temperature reached 27°C, showing a wide fluctuation between day and night temperatures.

Meteorologists warn that if the downward trend continues, northern districts could face an early cold wave this December, affecting daily life, agriculture, and transportation in the region.

The Bangladesh Labour Party has officially severed its two-decade-long political alliance with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The decision was announced on Friday, December 5, following a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee at its Nayapaltan headquarters, chaired by party chairman Dr. Mostafizur Rahman Iran. A press release confirmed that the Labour Party will no longer maintain any political cooperation or joint programs with the BNP.

Party leaders accused the BNP of showing disregard and betrayal toward its allies, breaking promises related to movements, elections, and coalition governance. They alleged that BNP’s nomination process under Tarique Rahman favored controversial figures and was influenced by financial transactions, undermining the party’s moral leadership. The Labour Party also recalled years of sacrifice, including arrests, attacks, and deaths of activists in joint movements.

The decision marks a significant shift in Bangladesh’s opposition landscape, as the once 20-party alliance continues to fragment. The Labour Party announced plans to pursue its own reformist political agenda focused on social equality and democratic governance.

Six members of a single family, including women and children, were severely burned in a gas line explosion at their home in Dhaka’s Agargaon area early Saturday morning. The incident occurred around 4:30 a.m., reportedly due to a gas leak that ignited inside the residence near the Islamic Foundation’s Paka Market. The injured were taken to the burn unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) around 7:45 a.m. for emergency treatment.

The victims were identified as Jalil Mia (50), Aneeza Begum (40), Asif Mia (19), Sakib Mia (16), Monira (17), and Eva (6). According to their relative Afran Mia, the explosion happened suddenly while the family was inside the house. DMCH police camp in-charge Inspector Faruk confirmed that all six victims were receiving treatment, though the extent of their burns was not immediately known.

Authorities have informed the local police station, and an investigation is expected to determine whether the blast resulted from a gas leak or faulty pipeline maintenance.

Bangladesh’s onion market has turned volatile despite sufficient domestic supply, with retail prices soaring to Tk 160 per kilogram in Dhaka. Officials say more than 100,000 tons of old onions remain in storage, while new harvests are entering markets. Yet, traders are allegedly withholding supply to create an artificial shortage and pressure the government to allow imports, though their real motive appears to be profit maximization.

Market insiders and consumer groups claim a powerful syndicate of wholesalers and commission agents has been manipulating prices since October. The Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission (BTTC) confirmed evidence of market manipulation, noting that current prices far exceed the reasonable level of Tk 90 per kilogram. The BTTC has recommended limited imports to stabilize prices, while the Department of Agricultural Extension insists there is no genuine supply shortage.

Consumer advocates warn that unchecked profiteering could hurt both farmers and buyers, urging stronger market monitoring. The government is reviewing BTTC’s report before deciding on import measures.

Bangladesh’s northern district of Panchagarh is experiencing a sharp drop in temperature, with Tetulia recording the country’s lowest temperature of 11°C early Saturday, according to the local weather office. The humidity level stood at 95 percent at 6 a.m., creating a biting cold that disrupted daily life and reduced outdoor movement. Dense fog has also limited road visibility, forcing vehicles to move slowly with headlights on.

Officials at the Tetulia Meteorological Observatory noted that temperatures had hovered around 12°C for several days before dipping further. The persistent chill, combined with high humidity, has made conditions particularly difficult for outdoor workers, especially sand laborers working in rivers. Residents reported that even after sunrise, sunlight provided little warmth.

Meteorologists warned that the early onset of such low temperatures in December could indicate an approaching cold wave across northern Bangladesh. Authorities have advised residents to take precautions as the cold is expected to intensify in the coming days.