A persistent cold wave has gripped Kurigram district for the past five days, severely disrupting daily life. The temperature dropped to 13.3°C on Friday, according to the Rajarhat Agricultural Weather Observatory. The biting cold and chilly winds have confined many residents, especially those living on the riverine islands (chars), to their homes. Day laborers, elderly people, women, and children are among the worst affected, as outdoor work has become nearly impossible. Many low-income families are struggling financially due to halted work opportunities. Residents report a lack of warm clothing, while cold-related illnesses such as fever and cough are spreading. Areas along the Brahmaputra River, including Ulipur, Chilmari, Roumari, and Char Rajibpur, are experiencing the harshest conditions. Authorities note that humidity levels remain high at 98%, with temperatures fluctuating between 12°C and 13°C over recent days.

The Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC) has officially opened the application process for the 50th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examination from December 4, 2025. According to the circular issued on November 27, a total of 2,150 positions will be filled, including 1,755 cadre and 395 non-cadre posts. Applicants aged between 21 and 32 years as of November 1, 2025, are eligible to apply. The online application must be submitted through the BPSC or Teletalk websites by December 31, 2025, with a fee of BDT 200, or BDT 50 for candidates from small ethnic groups, persons with disabilities, and third gender applicants. Candidates must provide academic details, NID or birth certificate, a recent photo, and signature in specified formats. The PSC has also outlined conditions for correction, eligibility for provisional candidates, and special arrangements for applicants with disabilities requiring scribes. No re-evaluation of preliminary test answer sheets will be allowed.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia’s planned medical transfer to London has been delayed due to the late arrival of a special air ambulance sent by the Emir of Qatar. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir informed the media on Friday, December 5, that the aircraft could not arrive in Dhaka as scheduled because of technical problems. He added that the air ambulance might reach on Saturday if all issues are resolved. Khaleda Zia will only travel if her health condition allows and the medical board approves the journey, possibly on Sunday, December 7. Earlier, it had been announced that she would depart for London on Friday morning, and the wife of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman had already traveled to Dhaka in preparation. Khaleda Zia remains in critical condition under intensive care at a hospital in Dhaka.

Despite strict government warnings, edible oil prices in Bangladesh have surged again, with producers allegedly increasing prices without official approval. Bottled soybean oil is now selling at Tk 198 per liter, up Tk 9 from the previous rate. The Bangladesh Vegetable Oil Refiners and Vanaspati Manufacturers Association had twice sought permission from the Commerce Ministry to raise prices but received no response. Ignoring the ministry, producers raised prices and distributed oil with new labels, causing shortages in retail markets. Retailers claim they are being forced to sell at higher prices while facing potential fines. The Commerce Ministry later held an emergency meeting and proposed a Tk 5 increase instead of Tk 9, with a final decision expected Sunday. Consumer rights groups and government officials have warned of legal action against unauthorized price hikes and hoarding, emphasizing the need to stabilize essential commodity prices ahead of Ramadan.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast multiple cold waves and possible hailstorms across the country between December and February. The long-range three-month outlook predicts three to eight mild to moderate cold spells, with two to three potentially becoming severe as temperatures drop to between 4°C and 6°C. Despite the cold, overall rainfall is expected to remain normal, and daytime and nighttime temperatures may stay slightly above average. Dense fog is likely to form over river basins and other areas from late night to morning, occasionally lasting until noon. The forecast also warns of one or two days of hailstorms and thunderstorms in late February. The lowest temperature has already dropped to 12°C, signaling the onset of winter across the country.

Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Mexico, Mushfiqur Fazal Ansari, emphasized the pivotal role of students in democratic transformation and global leadership during an interactive session at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Addressing international relations students, he reflected on Bangladesh’s recent political changes, describing the August uprising as a defining moment led by youth demanding democracy and accountability. Ansari underscored that human rights and dignity must remain central to leadership. He also outlined Bangladesh’s foreign policy priorities—peace, multilateralism, climate justice, and workers’ rights—while identifying Mexico as an emerging partner in trade, culture, and academic exchange. The session included presentations on Bangladesh’s development achievements, digital transformation, and climate resilience. Students engaged in discussions on Bangladesh’s role in UN peacekeeping, climate diplomacy, and international issues like Palestine and Rohingya crises. The event concluded with a Q&A session and a reception featuring cultural exchanges and gifts symbolizing Bangladesh’s heritage.

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education in Bangladesh has transferred more than 500 assistant teachers from government primary schools to different districts citing administrative reasons. Among the transferred are 42 teachers, including five key leaders of the ongoing teachers’ movement demanding implementation of a three-point charter. The official order, issued on Thursday night, stated that the transfers were approved following a directive from the Directorate of Primary Education. The affected teachers have been reassigned to neighboring districts, effectively removing them from their home districts. Leaders of the movement, including Khairun Nahar Lipi and Shamsuddin Masud, confirmed the transfers and alleged that the move targets those leading the protests. Since November 27, assistant teachers across 65,000 government primary schools have been on work stoppage to press for their demands, which include pay scale adjustments and improved service benefits.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced its candidates for the two parliamentary constituencies in Sunamganj that were previously on hold. On Thursday afternoon, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir revealed the names as part of the party’s broader declaration for 36 out of 63 pending seats. Former MP Nasir Uddin Chowdhury has been nominated for Sunamganj-2 (Dirai-Shalla), while Advocate Nurul Islam Nurul, former district BNP general secretary and current convening committee member, has been nominated for Sunamganj-4 (Sadar and Bishwambharpur). Following the announcement, supporters of both candidates celebrated enthusiastically, visiting their homes with flowers and sweets and posting congratulatory messages on social media. Nurul Islam Nurul expressed gratitude to party leadership, calling his nomination a fulfillment of grassroots expectations, and prayed for the recovery of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

A major political controversy has erupted in Panchagarh after the National Citizen Party (NCP) included several leaders from the Jatiya Party in its newly approved district committee. The committee, approved by NCP member secretary Akhtar Hossain and northern region chief organizer Sarjis Alam, lists Hafizabad Union Parishad chairman Md. Ismail Hossain as a joint coordinator, despite his active involvement with the Jatiya Party and previous election under its symbol. Two other joint coordinators, Abdul Latif and Matiar Rahman, also have known ties to the Jatiya Party. The inclusion has sparked widespread debate on social media, with Jatiya Party’s Panchagarh district general secretary Md. Abu Salek questioning the ethics of NCP’s actions, especially given its previous criticism of the Jatiya Party. Attempts to reach Ismail Hossain for comment were unsuccessful, while NCP representatives claimed they were unaware of the appointees’ prior political affiliations.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast multiple cold waves across the country during the upcoming winter months from December to February. According to the seasonal outlook, two to three severe cold waves are expected, with temperatures possibly dropping as low as 4°C in some regions. Additionally, three to eight mild to moderate cold waves are likely, with temperatures ranging between 6°C and 10°C. The forecast also warns of moderate to dense fog, particularly in river basins and surrounding areas during late night and early morning hours, which could intensify the feeling of cold. The department further predicts that in late February, some areas may experience one or two days of hailstorms accompanied by thunderstorms. Authorities have advised citizens to prepare for the cold and take necessary precautions to minimize health and agricultural impacts.

The Oxford Union has invited several young Bangladeshi leaders, including Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Abu Sadiq Kayem, to participate as panel speakers at an international seminar titled 'Bangladesh’s July Revolution.' The event, jointly organized by the Oxford Union and the Oxford Bangla Society, is scheduled for the first week of January next year. Invitation letters signed by Oxford Union President Musa Hiraj were sent to Kayem and others, including National Citizens Party (NCP) South Region organizer Hasnat Abdullah, United Peoples Bangladesh convener Ali Ahsan Junaed, and DUCSU Assistant General Secretary Mohiuddin Khan. The letters cited their influential roles in Bangladesh’s 2024 quota reform movement and political transition. The invited participants will also engage with Oxford students and researchers on policy, politics, and contemporary issues during the visit.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has finalized its nominations for two highly discussed constituencies in Dhaka, ending weeks of speculation. Hamidur Rahman Hamid has been nominated for Dhaka-7, while Sheikh Robiul Alam Robi will contest from Dhaka-10. Both candidates are long-time grassroots leaders known for their active involvement and loyalty to the party. Following the announcement, BNP activists across Old Dhaka and other parts of the city celebrated with slogans, sweets, and gatherings. Local leaders expressed optimism about reclaiming the seats in the upcoming 13th national election, citing renewed enthusiasm among party workers. The decision comes after internal discussions and rumors that the BNP might leave these constituencies for alliance partners. The nominations are seen as a strategic move to strengthen the party’s urban presence and energize its base ahead of the polls.

The movement of government primary school teachers in Bangladesh has temporarily suspended its planned nationwide 'complete shutdown' program. According to a statement released Thursday night, the protesting teachers decided to halt the shutdown from Sunday until the completion of ongoing third-term (annual) examinations, citing moral and humanitarian considerations for their young students. The teachers’ associations—Demand Implementation Council and Unity Council—have been pressing for three key demands related to fair treatment and benefits for assistant teachers. The Directorate of Primary Education has recently transferred numerous protesting assistant teachers to other districts, citing administrative reasons. Leaders of the movement, who were also included in the transfer list, said further programs would be announced after discussions once the exams conclude.

Government primary school teachers in Bangladesh have decided to start annual examinations from Sunday, despite ongoing protests and recent transfer orders. The decision was confirmed late Thursday by Md. Mahbubur Rahman, a convener of the Primary Teachers’ Demand Implementation Council. He stated that although the teachers’ movement continues, they chose to proceed with exams to avoid harming students’ academic progress. Earlier in the day, teachers had requested the Directorate General and the Secretary to exempt exams from the protest’s scope. However, later they learned that several protesting teachers had been transferred. Rahman emphasized that while the work stoppage will continue, examinations will remain unaffected. He added that teachers are committed to ensuring students’ welfare, even as they continue to demand recognition of assistant teachers in the 10th grade. Parents in some areas reportedly pressured teachers to resume exams, though most agreed that a two-day delay would not significantly disrupt the academic year.

BNP Standing Committee member and Cox’s Bazar-1 constituency candidate Salahuddin Ahmed publicly welcomed expelled BNP leader and former three-term Pekua Upazila chairman Shafayet Aziz Raju back onto the party stage during an election rally in Mognama Sonali Bazar. Salahuddin announced the withdrawal of Raju’s expulsion order, urging party members to unite and work for the BNP’s electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf. Raju had been expelled earlier for defying the party’s decision to boycott the 2024 upazila elections under the Awami League government and contesting independently, which led to his election as chairman. Expressing loyalty, Raju said he always considered himself a follower of Salahuddin and remained dedicated to the BNP despite his expulsion. His reinstatement is seen as part of Salahuddin’s effort to consolidate local support ahead of the national polls.