The National Citizen Party (NCP) has officially received its registration certificate from the Election Commission of Bangladesh, with the symbol 'Shapla Koli' (water lily bud) allocated to the party. NCP Convener Nahid Islam accepted the certificate following a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner in Dhaka. Nahid praised the recent amendments to the Representation of the People Order (RPO) and condemned efforts to overturn them through legal or political pressure. He expressed gratitude to the Election Commission for finalizing the registration after a long process and confirmed that NCP will contest the upcoming national elections under its new symbol. The party urged the Commission to maintain its stance on allowing each party to contest under its own symbol and called for strict monitoring of campaign financing and candidate affidavits to prevent misuse of money and influence. NCP also raised concerns about political interference in administrative transfers and emphasized the need for accurate dissemination of referendum information.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir’s central secretary general, Nurul Islam Saddam, emphasized that students must become smart citizens to help build a 'Smart Bangladesh'. Speaking as the chief guest at a reception and career guideline event at Bogura Government Azizul Haque College, he said that students and citizens want campuses free from terrorism and corruption. Saddam claimed that students have chosen Shibir in student union elections, including at Dhaka University, to achieve this goal. The event, titled 'Nabinboron-25 and Career Guideline', was presided over by district Shibir president Abdullah Al Mamun and conducted by secretary Sakib Hasan Tamim. Other speakers included IFSU secretary general and Bogura-4 parliamentary candidate Dr. Mostafa Faisal Parvez, central planning and development secretary Riazul Islam, and several local leaders. The program was attended by former student leaders and local representatives from Bogura.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur announced that global digital payment platform PayPal is preparing to begin operations in Bangladesh soon. Speaking at the ‘Agro Award 2025’ event in Dhaka, he said the move will significantly benefit freelancers and small entrepreneurs by enabling smoother international transactions and faster payment transfers. Mansur noted that the lack of international payment gateways currently hampers outsourcing and freelance earnings, often causing delays or non-payment. PayPal’s entry is expected to solve these issues and facilitate cross-border trade. He also emphasized reducing cash transactions to curb corruption, revealing that cash management costs the country around Tk 20,000 crore annually. Additionally, he urged banks to increase agricultural lending from 2% to 10% of total loans and improve SME loan distribution. Highlighting Bangladesh’s agricultural progress, he said food grain production has tripled since independence, reaching nearly 40 million tons.

The Bangladesh government has introduced a new policy to curb illegal mobile phone imports and smuggling. Expatriates registered with the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) can now bring up to three mobile phones tax-free when returning home, including their personal device and two new handsets. Those without BMET cards may bring one additional phone by paying applicable taxes. The policy also mandates registration of used phones in the National Equipment Identity Registrar (NEIR) for expatriates staying over 60 days. The government plans to reduce high import duties—currently around 61%—to encourage legal imports and lower market prices. Additionally, VAT and taxes on locally manufactured phones will be rationalized to support domestic production and foreign investment. Authorities are tightening surveillance at airports and land ports to prevent refurbished or cloned phones from entering the country. The Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology confirmed that no active handset will be deactivated before December 16 as NEIR becomes operational.

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has urged strict enforcement of a zero-tolerance policy against the misuse and overuse of antibiotics to curb antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Bangladesh. Speaking at an event titled ‘Fleming Fund Legacy in Bangladesh: Tackling AMR through One Health Approach,’ organized by the British High Commission in Dhaka, she emphasized the importance of ensuring food safety in line with WTO guidelines. Akhter highlighted that achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2, which aims to end hunger, requires not only food production but also responsible use of antibiotics and pesticides in agriculture and livestock sectors. She noted that poor communities suffer most from the misuse of antibiotics in cheap poultry production. The adviser praised the UK government’s Fleming Fund for strengthening AMR surveillance and raising awareness among farmers, veterinarians, and field officers. She called for integrated efforts across human health, fisheries, livestock, and agriculture sectors under the One Health framework to ensure safe food and responsible antimicrobial use.

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas has accused the ruling Awami League of being an 'uncivilized' party and claimed that it aligns ideologically with those who collaborated with Pakistan during Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, such as the Razakars and Al-Badr. Speaking at the inauguration of a medical camp in Dhaka’s Siddheshwari area, Abbas alleged that some political groups are exploiting religion to intimidate voters ahead of the upcoming elections. He criticized statements suggesting that not voting for certain parties could lead to religious consequences or even physical threats. Abbas further stated that those who once betrayed the nation are now seeking votes again, questioning their right to do so. Urging citizens to remain vigilant, he warned against supporting parties that distort religion and betray the spirit of the Liberation War.

A devastating fire broke out in Munshiganj’s Gazaria upazila on Wednesday morning after an LPG gas cylinder exploded in a house near a primary school in Baghaikandi village under Imampur Union. The explosion triggered a rapid spread of flames, completely destroying two tin-roofed houses and all household furniture. Although no casualties were reported, the affected families lost nearly all their possessions, estimating damages between Tk 12 and 14 lakh. Firefighters from the Gazaria Fire Service arrived promptly and managed to bring the blaze under control after about one and a half hours. Station Officer Firoz Mia said a gas leak might have caused the explosion, but the exact reason will be confirmed after investigation. Preliminary estimates suggest total losses of around Tk 15 lakh, while some property worth Tk 20 lakh was salvaged.

The Bangladesh Secretariat Officers and Employees United Council has submitted a memorandum to the Finance Adviser, urging immediate implementation of the Ninth National Pay Commission report. The memorandum, delivered on December 3, outlines three key demands: implementation of the 9th pay scale, introduction of a Secretariat allowance, and provision of a ration allowance. The council warned that if the government fails to issue a circular in December and publish a gazette by January 1, 2026, they will announce strict protest programs on January 10. The organization expressed concern over delays in finalizing the pay commission’s recommendations, citing rising living costs and growing frustration among lower-grade public employees. They emphasized that the current 20-grade pay structure should be revised to a 10-grade system with a 1:4 salary ratio to reduce disparities. The memorandum reflects mounting pressure on the interim government to address public servants’ long-standing demands amid economic challenges.

NCP chief organizer Hasnat Abdullah told supporters in Cumilla’s Debidwar upazila that they are free to vote for anyone they choose but asked them to keep him in their prayers. Speaking during campaign visits across Sultanpur Union on December 3, Hasnat emphasized that his goal is not extortion or personal gain but to earn a place in people’s hearts. He described himself as a middle-class man and the son of a mason, saying he came to serve the people rather than seek votes. Hasnat also spoke about his vision for change following the 2024 mass uprising, noting that the movement has created an opportunity for transformation across all sectors of the country. He urged citizens to use their votes to realize that change. His remarks and public interactions have drawn positive responses locally and on social media, with local NCP leaders accompanying him during the events.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 of Bangladesh has appointed lawyer Ameer Hossain as the state-appointed counsel to represent former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in two cases related to enforced disappearances and alleged crimes against humanity during the Awami League government. The appointment was made by a two-member bench led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumdar, with Justice Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury as the other member. Previously, senior Supreme Court lawyer Z I Khan Panna had been appointed to the same position on November 23 but later withdrew, citing Hasina’s lack of confidence in the tribunal. The tribunal expressed strong dissatisfaction over Panna’s absence and social media statement, prompting him to appear and offer an unconditional apology. Following his apology, the tribunal relieved him of his duties and appointed Ameer Hossain as the new state counsel. Hossain had earlier served as a state-appointed lawyer in another case against Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan.

BNP leader and lawyer Fazlur Rahman has submitted a written unconditional apology to the International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh in connection with a contempt of court case. The tribunal had earlier summoned him to appear in person on December 8 to explain his remarks made during a television talk show, where he questioned the legitimacy and impartiality of the tribunal’s formation and judges. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam confirmed the apology during a press briefing at the tribunal premises on December 3. The tribunal will hold a hearing on the matter on December 8. The contempt charge was filed on November 26 following Rahman’s comments, which were deemed derogatory toward the tribunal. This incident follows a similar case involving BNP leader Z I Khan Panna, who also sought unconditional apology for contempt allegations.

BNP Assistant International Affairs Secretary Rumin Farhana has alleged that a significant portion of Bangladesh’s administration is under the control of Jamaat-e-Islami. Speaking on a private television talk show, she claimed that Jamaat’s influence extends beyond the administration and police to universities, banks, and other institutions. Farhana sharply criticized Jamaat leader Shahjahan Chowdhury for his recent remarks, accusing him of displaying arrogance and suggesting undue control over legal and administrative processes. She argued that such statements reveal Jamaat’s attempts to exert dominance over state mechanisms. Farhana also commented on the current political atmosphere, saying that similar authoritarian tendencies seen over the past 15 years are now visible in some parties even before elections. She emphasized that fair elections require more than just the role of police or administration, highlighting the importance of government goodwill, political parties, candidates, and the Election Commission’s impartiality.

The Bangladesh government has decided to ban the import of cloned, stolen, and refurbished mobile phones to curb illegal trade and protect the domestic device industry. The decision was made during a meeting involving the National Board of Revenue (NBR), the Ministry of Commerce, the Posts and Telecommunications Division, and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC). Migrant workers registered with the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) will be allowed to bring up to three phones tax-free, while others can bring two. The government also plans to significantly reduce import duties on legally imported smartphones, currently around 61%, to make them more affordable. Additionally, measures will be taken to align taxes on locally manufactured phones to prevent harm to foreign investments. The new National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system will take effect on December 16, ensuring only phones with valid IMEI numbers remain active. Authorities also warned citizens to use SIM cards registered in their own names to avoid cybercrime risks.

Bangladesh’s Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin stated that the recent increase in edible oil prices by traders has no legal justification and was done without government approval. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Wednesday, he said the government learned about the price hike only half an hour before it was implemented. The adviser criticized the collective decision by companies to raise prices, calling it unacceptable. He noted that the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) recently purchased soybean and rice bran oil from these companies at prices about 20 taka lower than current market rates, questioning the rationale behind the hike. Bashiruddin assured that the government will discuss and determine appropriate actions, including possible legal measures if laws were violated. He emphasized that the government retains regulatory authority over traders and aims to maintain a stable supply chain, especially ahead of Ramadan. The adviser also mentioned that prices of sugar, lentils, and eggs have recently decreased, indicating positive market trends.

Students from the seven government colleges affiliated with Dhaka University have announced a new phase of protests demanding the issuance of an ordinance to establish the proposed Dhaka Central University. At a press conference held in front of Dhaka College on Wednesday, student leader Abdur Rahman declared that if the authorities fail to issue the ordinance by Saturday, students will begin a continuous sit-in in front of the Education Building from Sunday, December 7. Earlier in the day, students held demonstrations and blocked Mirpur Road for over two hours before announcing their next program. The government has already taken a policy decision to merge the seven colleges and form a new public university named Dhaka Central University, ending their affiliation with Dhaka University. Students argue that the delay in issuing the ordinance has created uncertainty and administrative complications, prompting them to continue their movement until the demand is met.