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.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has claimed that party chairperson Khaleda Zia’s health is in critical condition due to what he described as ongoing political persecution under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s rule. In a Facebook post on Friday, Rahman accused the government of subjecting Zia to imprisonment and multiple forms of oppression, asserting that her life now faces extreme danger.

Rahman’s statement coincided with the anniversary of December 6, 1990, the day Bangladesh’s autocratic regime under Hussain Muhammad Ershad ended. He drew parallels between that movement and current political struggles, urging democratic forces to remain united against what he termed a “fascist” regime. He also paid tribute to those who died in the anti-autocracy movement of the 1980s and called for continued efforts to restore full democracy.

The remarks come amid ongoing political tension and concerns over Khaleda Zia’s health, which has been a recurring issue in Bangladesh’s political discourse. No immediate response was issued from the ruling Awami League regarding Rahman’s allegations.

Rivers in southern Bangladesh are rapidly losing navigability with the onset of winter, severely disrupting key inland water routes including Dhaka-Barishal and Dhaka-Patuakhali. Several channels have developed sandbars, forcing large passenger vessels to travel at extreme risk or suspend operations entirely. Launch masters report that water depth in many areas has dropped to barely 1.5 meters, far below the 3-meter requirement for safe navigation.

The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has acknowledged the crisis, confirming that dredging operations are underway in multiple affected points. However, launch operators and passengers continue to face frequent strandings and delays. Veteran passengers note that the number of active routes has fallen from 20 to just a few dozen due to siltation and low water levels. Environmental groups are urging a long-term dredging master plan to restore navigability and prevent further economic and safety impacts.

If the situation persists, experts warn that the region’s inland water transport industry could face collapse, isolating communities and raising transport costs across southern Bangladesh.

Syed Nizam Uddin, Deputy Registrar of Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU), has been accused of serious irregularities in recruitment, promotion, and financial management. University staff allege that Nizam obtained his position through political influence and bribery, despite lacking required academic qualifications. He reportedly advanced from section officer to deputy registrar within four years, bypassing government promotion rules.

Multiple officials claim Nizam misused his authority in the finance department to embezzle large sums, purchase luxury properties, and demand payments for administrative approvals. Documents suggest he leveraged his role as an executive member of the Bangabandhu Officers’ Association and his political connections to maintain influence. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has stated it will review the allegations and coordinate with university authorities if evidence is found.

PSTU’s acting registrar and vice-chancellor confirmed that an internal investigation will be launched. If proven, disciplinary measures will follow, marking a potential test of accountability within Bangladesh’s public university administration.

A man named Babu, aged 40, was stabbed to death during a wedding preparation meeting at a residence in Hathazari, Chattogram, on Friday night. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. at the house of Musha Saudagar in the Farhadabad Union area. Two others, Babu’s brother Imrul Hossain Bachchu and cousin Imon, were injured while trying to intervene.

According to local sources, an argument broke out between Babu and another family member, Jasim, 48, during the social gathering known as a “pansolla.” The dispute escalated when Jasim reportedly fetched a knife from inside the house and attacked Babu, causing fatal injuries. Locals detained the suspect at a nearby hotel before police arrived to control the situation. Hathazari Model Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Manjur Kader Bhuiyan confirmed the incident and said further details would follow.

The attack has shocked the local community, highlighting how minor disputes can turn deadly in family events. Police are investigating the motive and have taken the suspect into custody for questioning.

Former Cox’s Bazar police officer Babul Azad, now serving as officer-in-charge of Chattogram’s Double Mooring Police Station, has been named in a murder case linked to the 2013 killings of two Jamaat-e-Islami activists during protests following the death sentence of Delwar Hossain Sayeedi. Witnesses and victims’ families allege Azad led police gunfire that killed Abdur Rashid and Nurul Haque, and injured dozens more. The case, filed by Rashid’s father, had long seen no progress under the previous administration.

Azad, once praised by ruling Awami League leaders for his “firmness” against opposition activists, reportedly rose quickly through the ranks. Following the recent political shift known as the “July Revolution,” he has been accused of switching allegiance and abusing power, including extortion, assaulting journalists, and detaining citizens over social media posts critical of police. Business figures and journalists have also accused him of torture and corruption.

The renewed attention to Azad’s past and present conduct underscores growing scrutiny of politically aligned policing in Bangladesh. Rights groups are calling for impartial investigations into the 2013 killings and recent allegations of abuse.

Tensions within Bangladesh’s opposition alliance have intensified as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) announced 272 candidates for the upcoming 13th National Election without prior consultation with its partners. The move has angered long-time allies, including the Bangladesh Labour Party, which ended its two-decade partnership with the BNP, citing broken promises and unilateral decision-making. Other coalition members, such as the 12-Party Alliance, the Nationalist Like-Minded Alliance, and the Ganatantra Mancha, have also voiced frustration over being sidelined.

Allied leaders accused BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman of disregarding earlier commitments on seat-sharing and government formation. They claim BNP’s approach has eroded trust and weakened the opposition’s unity, while BNP insists that nominations were based on candidates’ winning potential and that allies should remain patient. The 12-Party Alliance is set to announce its next steps on December 8, while Ganatantra Mancha may consider contesting independently.

The growing discord threatens the cohesion of the opposition movement, raising doubts about its ability to mount a unified challenge to the ruling Awami League in the forthcoming election.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam has called on Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) to take into account the illness of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia when announcing the election schedule. Speaking at a policy dialogue in Dhaka on Friday, he emphasized that while the EC should show empathy, the electoral process must not be halted for any particular political party.

Nahid Islam stated that the EC should work to unite all political parties and ensure a smooth start to the electoral journey. He clarified that NCP has no objection to the timing of the election schedule and that the polls should be held as planned. Addressing speculation about alliances, he said NCP has not entered into any formal or informal agreements with other parties and is preparing independently.

He added that NCP seeks to promote a new political culture based on democracy and economic justice, distancing itself from traditional parties that have lost public trust. The party aims to present itself as a fresh alternative in Bangladesh’s political landscape.

Special prayers were held across Bangladesh on Friday seeking the speedy recovery of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. From Rajbari to Bagerhat, and from Noakhali to Mymensingh, mosques hosted prayer gatherings following the Jumu’ah prayers, joined by BNP leaders, activists, and local worshippers. In several districts, including Panchagarh, Pirojpur, and Kushtia, local BNP units and affiliated organizations arranged Qur’an recitations and milad ceremonies.

Party leaders such as Barrister Ragib Rauf Chowdhury, Engineer M.A. Matin Khan, and Dr. Mohammad Jalal Uddin attended regional events, emphasizing unity and collective supplication for Zia’s health. The BNP’s central and district committees coordinated the observances, which also drew participation from journalists and civic representatives in some areas.

The widespread prayer initiative reflects the party’s concern over Khaleda Zia’s ongoing health condition and aims to demonstrate solidarity among supporters nationwide. BNP officials indicated that similar religious gatherings may continue until her condition improves, underscoring the symbolic and emotional significance of the events for the party’s grassroots base.

Two small shop owners in Munshiganj’s Tongibari upazila have reported receiving unusually high electricity bills despite minimal power consumption. One tea stall owner, who operates with only a single light and fan, was billed 55,550 taka for the month, while another small food shop owner received a bill of 24,216 taka. Both claim their usual monthly bills range between 200–800 taka.

The incidents occurred in Litukhan Bazar of Dighirpar Union, sparking concern among local traders. The affected owners said they contacted the local Palli Bidyut office, which advised them to visit in person. Tongibari Palli Bidyut zonal officer Abdus Salam acknowledged that the issue might stem from a meter reading or billing system error and assured that an on-site inspection would be conducted to resolve the problem.

The cases have drawn attention to potential flaws in rural electricity billing systems, raising questions about transparency and accountability in utility management across Bangladesh’s countryside.

The Chattogram Divisional Public Library, located on KC Dey Road, has remained closed for seven years since renovation work began in January 2018. Despite multiple government assurances, the Tk 281 crore modernization project has stalled, leaving over 111,000 books and valuable furniture at risk of decay. The contractor, RP Enterprise, abandoned the project before completion, halting progress even though officials claim 92–95% of the work is done.

Writers, students, and cultural activists have voiced frustration, saying the prolonged closure has eroded reading habits and deprived young people of access to knowledge. Many fear the city’s cultural identity is fading as youth turn to digital distractions. Library officials report that only a small administrative office operates temporarily on the fifth floor, while the main reading halls remain unusable.

Authorities have requested an extension from the national planning body to resume construction. Residents urge the government to reopen the historic library within the year, warning that further delay could permanently damage Chattogram’s intellectual and cultural landscape.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed announced that the party would create employment for 15 million unemployed people within one year if it returns to power. Speaking during a campaign event in his Cox’s Bazar-1 constituency, he said the pledge reflects BNP’s commitment to restoring the rule of law and ensuring equal rights for all citizens regardless of religion or background.

Ahmed accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government of depriving citizens of their voting rights for 17 years through what he described as state conspiracies. He emphasized that under BNP leadership, democratic and human rights would be reinstated, and the unfinished work of late President Ziaur Rahman would be completed under acting chairman Tarique Rahman.

The statement comes as BNP intensifies its campaign ahead of the upcoming 13th national election. Analysts note that the job creation promise aims to appeal to Bangladesh’s large youth population facing unemployment challenges.

The Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) has rejected a report published by the online news outlet *Amar Desh*, which claimed that Ansar members were deployed to guard a statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. In a statement issued Friday evening, the paramilitary force described the report as entirely false and clarified that no Ansar personnel had been assigned to the site.

According to the official statement, neither district nor local Ansar authorities were aware of any such deployment, and no official order had been issued. The Ansar further explained that two night guards currently stationed at the location were appointed by the municipal authority and were not members of the Ansar VDP, nor did they wear its uniform. The clarification followed *Amar Desh*’s earlier claim that two Ansar members were specifically posted to protect the statue.

The dispute underscores ongoing tensions over misinformation in local media and the sensitivity surrounding symbols of national leadership. The Ansar’s denial aims to prevent reputational damage and ensure public trust in official communication channels.

Members of the Hindu community in Dohar upazila organized a special prayer and blessing ceremony on Friday evening for the recovery of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The event took place at the Joypara Golabari Harisabha Temple, with Dhaka District BNP President Khandaker Abu Ashfaq attending as chief guest. The gathering was presided over by Advocate Ranjit Saha and conducted by Bikash Sarkar, senior joint convener of the Dohar Volunteer Team.

Several BNP and allied organization leaders, including Masud Parvez, Abul Hashem Bepari, and representatives from the Puja Celebration Council and Hindu Mahajot, were present. Meanwhile, a separate prayer event was held in Nawabganj after Friday prayers, organized by Dhaka North Chhatra Dal President Salahuddin Ahmed, where local BNP leaders also prayed for Khaleda Zia’s health.

These parallel events reflect cross-community concern for the former prime minister’s health and signal continued grassroots mobilization within the BNP network amid her prolonged illness and limited public appearances.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expelled Ahmad Tayebur Rahman Hiron, convenor of the Gauripur Upazila unit in Mymensingh, citing violations of party discipline and involvement in organizational conflicts. In a press release signed by Mymensingh North District BNP convenor A.K.M. Enayet Ullah Kalam and joint convenor Motahar Hossain Talukder, the party announced that senior joint convenor Md. Habibul Islam Khan Shahid will serve as acting convenor.

According to party sources, the expulsion followed internal unrest after the BNP’s executive committee nominated engineer M. Iqbal Hossain as the preliminary candidate for the Mymensingh-3 (Gauripur) constituency. Supporters of Hiron reportedly protested the nomination decision, demanding a change, which intensified factional tensions within the local unit.

The leadership reshuffle underscores growing internal challenges for the BNP ahead of potential national political movements. Party insiders suggest that maintaining unity at the grassroots level will be crucial as the BNP prepares for upcoming electoral and organizational activities.