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.

The Mexican Parliament has expressed eagerness to work with Bangladesh’s newly elected government, according to the Bangladesh Embassy in Mexico. The announcement was made during a ceremony on December 2, where the Mexico-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group was officially formed. Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Mexico, Mushfiqur Fazal Ansaree, attended the event and was invited to observe a parliamentary session. The Congress President, Kenia López Rabadán, formally introduced the friendship group, emphasizing bilateral cooperation. Ambassador Ansaree highlighted Bangladesh’s democratic progress, referencing the upcoming national election led by Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus and recalling the 2024 democratic uprising. Mexican lawmakers praised Bangladesh’s economic growth and textile industry, pledging to strengthen political, trade, and environmental collaboration. The event also marked 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Ambassadors from Jordan and Ivory Coast attended as guests, and the ceremony concluded with official signings and gift exchanges.

Members of the Kuril Tiles and Sanitary Market Owners and Employees Association organized a human chain at Kuril World Road in Dhaka, demanding the construction of a bridge connecting Bhola and Barishal. The demonstration, held on Wednesday afternoon near Jamuna Future Park, urged the interim government to take immediate steps toward building the bridge to reduce travel difficulties between the two districts. Speakers argued that despite Bhola supplying gas nationwide, the district remains isolated from the mainland, which contradicts the vision of an equitable Bangladesh. They emphasized that the proposed Bhola-Barishal bridge would enhance communication, industrialization, and tourism in the region. In addition to the bridge, protesters also called for establishing a medical college, a public university, gas-based industries, and sustainable embankments and marine drive roads to prevent river erosion in Bhola.

The Bangladesh Army and Air Force will conduct test landings and takeoffs of helicopters near Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on December 4 between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., following Special Security Force (SSF) security protocols. The government has urged the public to avoid spreading misinformation or rumors regarding the activity. The announcement was made by the Senior Assistant Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Fayez Ahmed, citing an official statement. The move comes amid heightened security surrounding BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital since November 23 and was moved to the Coronary Care Unit on November 27 due to deteriorating health. A medical board led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, along with a team of Chinese doctors and British specialist Dr. Richard Bell, is overseeing her treatment. The interim government recently declared Khaleda Zia a Very Very Important Person (VVIP), prompting the SSF to assume her security responsibilities.

In Netrokona’s Mohanganj municipality, the headmaster of Mailora Government Primary School, Md. Shahjada Osmani, is conducting annual exams for 450 students single-handedly due to an ongoing strike by assistant teachers. On December 3, the school was found operating without any assistant teachers, leaving Osmani to manage all five classes with help from former students, parents, and an office assistant. The assistant teachers are on strike demanding the implementation of a three-point charter of demands. Parents expressed frustration, saying that conducting exams with only one teacher compromises exam quality and puts students’ futures at risk. Osmani stated that he respects the teachers’ movement but must follow higher authorities’ instructions to hold exams to prevent academic disruption. The assistant teachers’ local leader said the crisis would end once the government meets their demands.

Senior Supreme Court lawyer Z I Khan Panna has offered an unconditional apology to Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal after failing to appear for a scheduled hearing. Panna had been appointed as state defense counsel for fugitive Sheikh Hasina in two separate cases involving allegations of enforced disappearance, torture, and murder during the Awami League government’s tenure. However, he later publicly stated that Hasina had no confidence in the tribunal and declared it unethical to represent her. His absence at the December 3 hearing prompted the tribunal to summon him. Appearing in a wheelchair, Panna cited illness and reiterated his unwillingness to continue as defense counsel. The tribunal accepted his apology, released him from his duties, and appointed lawyer Md Amir Hossain as the new state defense counsel. The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, expressed hope for Panna’s cooperation in future proceedings.

A newborn baby girl was discovered in a bloodied state inside the bathroom of Babu Chowdhury General Hospital, a private clinic in Madaripur town, on Tuesday afternoon. The infant, believed to be about a day old, was rescued by a cleaning staff member and immediately taken to the 250-bed Madaripur District Hospital for urgent medical care. Hospital authorities reported that the baby's condition, initially critical, is now improving. Police have launched an investigation to identify the parents, collecting CCTV footage and increasing intelligence operations. They also confirmed that legal measures will be taken through the Department of Social Services. The incident has raised concern among locals and authorities about the circumstances leading to the abandonment of the newborn.

A two-year-old girl named Faiza was killed after being hit by a government vehicle used by Ahmed Mofachcher, the Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Homna Upazila in Cumilla. The incident occurred around 10 a.m. on Wednesday, December 3, at the Homna Upazila Parishad premises. According to local sources, the driver, Towabur Hossain, was driving at high speed inside the compound to pick up the assistant commissioner when the accident happened. The child, originally from Tarbhon village in Barishal’s Wazirpur upazila, was rushed to Homna Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared her dead. The assistant commissioner stated that he was not in the vehicle at the time and went to the hospital immediately after hearing the news. The driver fled the scene and remains at large, while police are investigating the incident.

A shocking incident in Ishwardi, Pabna, where eight newborn puppies were drowned in a pond inside a sack, has sparked nationwide outrage in Bangladesh. The act, allegedly committed by a government official’s wife and her son, drew widespread condemnation after a video of the grieving mother dog went viral on social media. Authorities have canceled the official’s housing allocation and initiated an investigation. The case has reignited debate over the country’s weak animal protection laws. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2019, killing or torturing animals, including stray dogs and cats, is punishable by up to two years in prison and fines, but enforcement remains limited. Legal experts note that only authorized livestock officials can file complaints, making it nearly impossible for citizens to pursue justice. As a result, many cases are filed under the Penal Code’s Section 429, which is difficult to apply to stray animals due to valuation issues. Animal rights groups are demanding stronger legal mechanisms and accountability.

BNP Joint Secretary General and Narsingdi district BNP president Khairul Kabir Khokon stated that former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s health condition remains critical and she cannot yet be declared out of danger. Speaking at a prayer gathering organized by the Chinishpur Union BNP on Wednesday, Khokon said Khaleda Zia is currently under close observation in the CCU. He alleged that attempts were made to harm her through slow poisoning due to jealousy over her immense popularity. Khokon added that the entire nation stands with the Zia family and prays for her recovery. He expressed hope that Khaleda Zia will live to see her son assume state leadership and witness the establishment of a government elected directly by the people. The event concluded with prayers for her speedy recovery, attended by several senior BNP leaders from Narsingdi district.

An army sergeant named Mamunur Rashid, aged 40, was killed in a road accident in Natore’s Baraigram upazila on Tuesday evening. The incident occurred around 7:30 pm at Bahimali Farm area on the Bonpara-Lalpur road when a drum truck collided with the autorickshaw he was traveling in. Mamunur Rashid, son of Abdul Majid Mondal from Bormoina village in Lalpur upazila, was serving at the Chattogram Cantonment. He was returning to his workplace after leave and was en route to Bonpara when the accident took place. Locals rescued him and took him to the hospital, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival. Police confirmed that military officials would handle the legal procedures related to the death of the army member. The tragic incident highlights ongoing road safety concerns in the region.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus expressed optimism that Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, scheduled for February, will be peaceful and celebratory, marking a moment of pride for the nation. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the National Defence Course and Armed Forces War Course 2025 at Mirpur Cantonment on Wednesday, he praised the dedication of course participants and emphasized the importance of their acquired knowledge for national development and strategic policymaking. Dr. Yunus commended the armed forces for their contributions to national security and disaster response. He also highlighted the National Defence College’s role as a center of excellence in security and development studies, preparing capable leaders to tackle evolving global and national challenges. Additionally, he sought prayers from citizens for the recovery of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.