A mobile court in Bhangura upazila of Pabna sentenced a 28-year-old man named Mizan to three months of imprisonment and fined him Tk 10,000 for producing and marketing fake milk made from caustic soda, jelly, and soybean oil. The operation, led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Mizanur Rahman, took place in the Sahanagar area of Ashtamanisha Union following a tip-off. During the raid, authorities seized 10 liters of soybean oil, a blender machine, and fake milk. Mizan, son of Golam Mostafa from Menda Paschim Para, was caught red-handed while making the adulterated milk. The court acted under Section 52 of the Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009. The confiscated soybean oil and blender were donated to a local orphanage, while the fake milk was destroyed. Officials from the livestock department and local police assisted in the operation, which aimed to curb food adulteration in the region.

Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) in Noakhali has arrested one suspect in the murder of a day laborer, allegedly beaten to death at the home of former union chairman and Awami League leader A.K.M. Siraj Ullah. The arrested man, Md. Lutfur Rahman alias Latu, 59, was reportedly the caretaker of Siraj’s house and confessed to his involvement during court proceedings. The victim, 26-year-old Md. Alauddin, was accused of theft and brutally assaulted with iron rods and sticks on May 1, 2024. He later died on May 6 while undergoing treatment at Chittagong Medical College Hospital. Initially, political influence allegedly prevented the victim’s family from filing a case, but his mother later lodged a murder complaint in June. PBI exhumed the body for autopsy 36 days after burial. The main accused, Siraj Ullah, remains at large as investigators continue efforts to apprehend him and other suspects.

A business establishment owned by Jubo Dal leader Ahbab Hossain in Osmaninagar, Sylhet, was reportedly attacked, vandalized, and looted by rival groups on November 28. According to a police complaint filed by the shop manager, Md. Ahar Mia, around 10–12 individuals armed with local weapons stormed the Khadimpur Drug House at Khadimpur New Market, assaulted him, and looted Tk 25,000 in cash. The attackers also damaged goods inside the pharmacy and vandalized a personal autorickshaw, causing an estimated loss of Tk 20,000. The incident allegedly stemmed from a prior dispute between the parties. Local traders expressed outrage, saying such organized violence threatens market security and stability. Osmaninagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Monayem Mia confirmed that an investigation is underway and necessary legal action will be taken. The Jubo Dal leader urged swift justice to ensure safety for business owners and residents.

The Islami Oikya Jote organized a special prayer session at the southern courtyard of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque on Wednesday after Asr prayers, seeking the recovery of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The prayer was led by Maulana Mohammad Ilias Athari, the party’s joint secretary general and spokesperson. During the prayer, Athari emphasized Khaleda Zia’s importance in safeguarding Bangladesh’s democracy, sovereignty, and independence, and in resisting foreign dominance. He expressed hope that she would regain her health and once again lead the nation during its critical times. Several leaders from Islami Chhatra Samaj and Islami Oikya Jote’s Dhaka Metropolitan unit, including Hafiz Belal Hossain, H.M. Borkatullah, Nurul Azam Hawlader, and others, attended the event. The gathering reflected continued political and religious solidarity with the ailing opposition leader, who remains a symbolic figure in Bangladesh’s democratic movement.

Bangladesh’s Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has warned that the unnecessary use of antibiotics in low-cost poultry production is disproportionately harming poor communities. Speaking as chief guest at a British High Commission event in Dhaka titled 'Fleming Fund Legacy in Bangladesh: Tackling AMR through One Health Approach', she emphasized that preventive measures and food safety are the most effective ways to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Akhter called for strict enforcement of zero-tolerance policies against antibiotic misuse and adherence to WTO standards to ensure safe food in imports and exports. She also stressed that achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) requires not only food production but also proper regulation of antibiotic and pesticide use in agriculture and livestock. The UK’s Fleming Fund has been supporting Bangladesh since 2020 in strengthening AMR surveillance through the One Health approach. Officials from the British High Commission, FAO, and various government departments attended the event.

On December 3, the Bangladesh Autism and Disability Institute (BADI) organized a human chain in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka, demanding rehabilitation for those injured in the July uprising. The event was held to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities and was chaired by Dr. Zahidul Bari, with Md. Aminul Islam Bulbul conducting. Advocate Dr. Helan Uddin, Supreme Court lawyer and Dhaka-8 constituency candidate, attended as chief guest. In his speech, Dr. Uddin emphasized that neglecting persons with disabilities is a grave injustice and that social progress requires their inclusion. He stated that those injured during the July movement were not disabled beforehand but became so due to state and political violence. He urged the interim government to ensure sustainable rehabilitation for the July fighters and all persons with disabilities, stressing that it is a moral duty of the state to honor their sacrifices and ensure their well-being.

A special prayer and kirtan were held on Wednesday evening at the Sri Sri Joy Kali Bigraha Temple in Chatmohar, Pabna, seeking the speedy recovery and good health of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The event was organized by the Chatmohar municipal branch of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad. Devotees participated in an hour-long kirtan followed by a special prayer led by Sri Shibananda Shil. During the ceremony, participants prayed for Khaleda Zia’s quick recovery from illness. Among those present were the president of the municipal Puja Udjapan Parishad, Shambhunath Kundu, and general secretary Tarun Kumar Pal, along with other local leaders and devotees. The gathering reflected a gesture of interfaith goodwill and compassion for the ailing political leader.

Jamaat-e-Islami has nominated Krishna Nandi, a Hindu community leader, as its candidate for the Khulna-1 (Dacope–Batiaghata) constituency, marking the first time the Islamist party has fielded a Hindu candidate in the area. Nandi, who joined Jamaat in 2005, currently serves as president of the party’s Hindu committee in Dumuria Upazila and also heads the local Sanatan Committee. He stated that his decision to join Jamaat two decades ago stemmed from his belief in the party’s commitment to honesty, justice, and corruption-free politics. The nomination was announced by Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman at an eight-party divisional rally in Khulna and later finalized in a local meeting. Nandi claimed he remained loyal to the party even during difficult times and faced pressure under previous governments due to his political affiliation in an Awami League-dominated area. He also confirmed that the previous nominee, Maulana Abu Yusuf, is now supporting his campaign.

Bangladesh Bank has introduced a new initiative aimed at increasing remittance inflows and controlling the overall cost of sending remittances from abroad. Under this directive, all commercial banks are required to submit detailed daily data on remittance transactions, including fees, exchange rates, taxes, and other related costs, to the central bank by noon of the following day. The central bank has provided two specific reporting templates for this purpose, effective from January 1. The move follows global trends observed by the World Bank, which has reported rising remittance transfer costs in several countries, including Bangladesh. By collecting and analyzing this data, Bangladesh Bank intends to identify ways to reduce these costs and ensure fair exchange rate practices among foreign exchange houses. Currently, domestic banks are prohibited from charging fees for crediting remittance funds to recipients’ accounts, a measure that has already helped lower costs slightly. The new system aims to further enhance transparency and affordability in remittance transfers.

Government employees in Bangladesh have announced a mass rally demanding the immediate publication of the Ninth Pay Commission gazette before the upcoming national election. The Bangladesh Secretariat Officers and Employees United Council submitted a memorandum to the Finance Adviser, warning of strict action from January 10 if the gazette is not issued by December. Leaders of the Ministerial Service Association expressed solidarity, noting that employees have worked under the same pay scale for nearly a decade despite rising living costs. They criticized the delay in implementing the new pay structure, which is supposed to be revised every five years. The organizations also proposed restructuring the existing 20-grade system into 10 steps with a 1:4 pay ratio to reduce disparities. Additional demands include the introduction of Secretariat allowance and ration benefits. The delay in finalizing the pay commission’s recommendations has reportedly caused frustration and resentment among lower-income government staff.

An eight-party Islamist alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is preparing for a major divisional rally in Sylhet on December 6, aiming to demonstrate mass support ahead of the upcoming national elections. The coalition, which includes Jamaat, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, and several Khelafat-based parties, has outlined five key demands, including a referendum on the July National Charter Implementation Order and ensuring a level playing field in the elections. The rally will be held at the historic Government Alia Madrasa field from noon to 4 p.m., with organizers expecting hundreds of thousands of participants from across Sylhet and nearby districts. Senior leaders from all eight parties are scheduled to attend. The alliance’s liaison committee has coordinated with Sylhet Metropolitan Police and the City Corporation for security, traffic, and logistical support. Organizers claim all preparations are complete and expect the event to become one of Sylhet’s largest political gatherings in recent years.

An eight-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a divisional rally in Chattogram’s Laldighi Maidan on Friday, which leaders expect to draw a massive crowd. The announcement was made at a press conference at the Chattogram Press Club, attended by senior leaders including Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Muhammad Shahjahan. Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman and other central leaders are scheduled to address the gathering. The rally’s key demands include holding a referendum before the national election to implement the July Charter, introducing a proportional representation system in parliament, ensuring a level playing field for all parties, and prosecuting alleged atrocities and corruption by the Awami League. The alliance also called for banning the activities of the Jatiya Party and the 14-party coalition for their alleged complicity. Shahjahan stated that the rally reflects the people’s aspirations for reform and that any election without a referendum would fail to represent the public mandate.

The Rajshahi district administration has stopped the demolition of a historic mansion in the Sipai Para area, once owned by the Dighapatia royal family. The house, believed to be around 120 years old, belonged to Sandeep Kumar Roy, son of Raja Hemendra Narayan Roy. Demolition began after the Boalia Land Office auctioned the abandoned property for Tk 152,000, but following media reports and public criticism, authorities intervened. Heritage Rajshahi president Mahbub Siddiqui emphasized the building’s architectural and historical significance, urging preservation of its rare Nagalingam tree. The mansion, previously leased to language movement veteran and entrepreneur Monowara Rahman, had served as a women’s cottage industry training center employing thousands. After her death in 2009, the property became neglected. Officials have now sealed the site and suspended all activities pending further review to assess its heritage value before any future decision.

In a historic move, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has nominated Krishna Nandi, a Hindu community leader, as its candidate for the Khulna-1 (Dacope–Batiaghata) constituency, marking the party’s first-ever nomination of a non-Muslim candidate. The announcement was made by Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman during an eight-party divisional rally in Khulna. Nandi, who joined Jamaat in 2005, currently serves as president of the party’s Hindu committee in Dumuria Upazila and also leads the local Sanatan Committee. He replaces Maulana Abu Yusuf, who has pledged to campaign for him. Nandi described Jamaat as a principled, corruption-free organization and said he chose the party for its commitment to justice and integrity. Political observers view this nomination as a strategic and symbolic step by Jamaat to broaden its appeal among minority communities in a region traditionally dominated by the Awami League.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has issued a stern warning to government primary school assistant teachers who are continuing work abstention and exam boycotts. The ministry directed all teachers to withdraw their protests and resume duties immediately, stating that failure to comply would result in disciplinary and legal action under civil service and criminal laws. Several teachers’ associations have been on strike since December 1, demanding pay grade upgrades and full departmental promotion to head teacher positions. The ministry said it has already forwarded proposals to the Finance and Public Administration ministries and discussed the matter with the upcoming National Pay Commission 2025. Despite these steps, some groups have obstructed annual exams and allegedly harassed teachers willing to conduct them. The ministry emphasized that such actions endanger students’ education and violate service conduct rules, urging teachers to complete the third-term exams properly.