The Appellate Division of Bangladesh’s Supreme Court will issue its order on Thursday regarding a leave-to-appeal petition challenging the legality of the interim government formed after the August 5 uprising. A seven-member full bench headed by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed concluded the hearing on Wednesday, December 3. During the session, the Attorney General and other state lawyers argued that the petition was based on a misconception and that questioning the legitimacy of a government formed through a popular uprising was contradictory. The petitioner, senior lawyer Mohsin Rashid, had earlier filed the writ in December last year, claiming that the then Chief Justice and Appellate Division judges were unable to advise the President under Article 106 of the Constitution due to taking refuge in the cantonment, rendering the government formation unconstitutional. The High Court had previously dismissed the writ, but the petitioner sought permission to appeal that decision.

An elderly inmate from Dhaka Central Jail, identified as Abdul Matin, 75, died while undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) on Tuesday night. According to prison guard Mirza Harun, Matin’s health deteriorated suddenly, prompting authorities to rush him to the hospital around 11:30 p.m., where doctors declared him dead upon arrival. The specific charges or case for which he was imprisoned remain unknown. DMCH police camp in-charge Md Faruk confirmed the death, citing doctors’ statements. The body has been kept in the hospital morgue for autopsy, which will be conducted in the presence of an executive magistrate. Following official procedures by the prison authorities, the body will be handed over to the family. The incident adds to ongoing concerns about the health and medical care of inmates in Bangladesh’s prisons.

A violent incident occurred in Ranisankail upazila of Thakurgaon when an assistant agriculture officer was assaulted by an angry crowd amid severe disorder during fertilizer distribution. The chaos erupted at Umaradangi market as farmers protested against fertilizer shortages and alleged irregularities in allocation. Tensions escalated when several farmers attempted to take excessive fertilizer under one name, sparking outrage among others waiting in line. Assistant Agriculture Officer Akhtar Hossain was attacked after returning to the site with the Upazila Agriculture Officer, Saidul Islam. He sustained serious head injuries and was transferred from Ranisankail Hospital to Dinajpur Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment. Local authorities confirmed the incident and said legal action would follow after the victim’s recovery. The fertilizer dealer’s representatives could not be reached for comment. The incident reflects growing frustration among farmers struggling to secure fertilizer during the busy Rabi season for wheat, maize, and mustard cultivation.

Hasnat Abdullah, the chief organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP), shared an emotional Facebook post on Tuesday night following a daylong campaign in his constituency of Debidwar, Cumilla. After conducting rallies and door-to-door visits in Bhani and Sultanpur unions, he reflected on his late mother and the emotional distance created by her passing. In his post, Hasnat expressed deep nostalgia and regret for unfulfilled promises, such as building a home for his mother, while also finding solace in serving the people. He described his journey across the country as one filled with uncertainty but guided by purpose. Hasnat also reflected on the struggles of young political activists and expressed hope that they would remain close to their families and mothers. His message blended personal grief with political reflection, resonating with themes of loss, duty, and compassion.

According to a recent intelligence report submitted to Bangladesh’s top authorities, fugitive Awami League leaders, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, are allegedly coordinating from India to destabilize the country ahead of the upcoming national election. The report claims that these exiled figures are issuing instructions via voice calls and online platforms to incite violence, spread misinformation using artificial intelligence tools, and create communal unrest. It warns that armed groups and extremists in border districts may be mobilized to disrupt voting and intimidate minority voters. The report also highlights the risk of illegal weapons being used to provoke clashes during the election period. Security experts and political analysts have urged heightened vigilance by law enforcement agencies and the Election Commission to prevent potential violence and ensure a fair electoral process. Authorities have reportedly intensified surveillance and are planning stronger operations to recover illegal arms and maintain order during the election period.

A hearing on the formation of charges against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 16 others, including her security adviser Tarique Ahmed Siddique, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and Lt. Col. Sarwar Bin Kasem, is scheduled for today at International Crimes Tribunal-1. The case involves allegations of enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings during the Awami League’s 15-year rule. Ten army officers were brought from the Dhaka Cantonment sub-jail to the tribunal for the proceedings. State defense lawyers have been appointed for the absconding accused. The hearing follows a previous date set on November 23. In a related case, the tribunal is also recording the second day of testimony from the investigating officer in the Ashulia murder case, which involves the burning of six bodies and the killing of seven people. Nine arrested suspects, including former police officer Sheikh Afzalul, were produced before the court, with Afzalul testifying as a prosecution witness.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has announced plans to introduce QR codes on journalist identity cards to prevent the use of fake press credentials during the upcoming national elections. Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah stated that this measure aims to ensure transparency and security at polling centers. Speaking at a training workshop for journalists on Wednesday, he emphasized that the election will be of a different magnitude compared to previous ones, and that the media plays an irreplaceable role in maintaining electoral transparency. Sanaullah also mentioned that each voter is expected to take an average of 3 minutes and 52 seconds to cast their vote, and that increasing the number of polling centers is not feasible. Meanwhile, Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed of the EC Secretariat clarified that in the upcoming referendum, voters must respond with a clear 'yes' or 'no' to each of the four questions, without partial agreement or disagreement options.

After 16 years of anticipation, an independent commission has submitted a 400-page report on the 2009 Pilkhana massacre, unveiling previously undisclosed and sensitive information. The report implicates over 50 influential figures, including then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former MP Barrister Fazle Noor Taposh, and several senior Awami League leaders, military officers, and intelligence officials. It alleges political approval, administrative inaction, and intelligence failures contributed to the tragedy that killed 74 people, including 57 army officers. The report claims Sheikh Hasina gave a 'green signal' for the operation, while Taposh coordinated with mutineers. It also accuses several ministers and military leaders of obstructing rescue operations and concealing facts. The Home Affairs adviser stated the ministry is reviewing the report seriously and will act on its recommendations. The findings have sparked renewed debate over accountability and transparency in one of Bangladesh’s most tragic national security incidents.

Bangladesh Bank has approved the launch of the Combined Islamic Bank PLC, formed through the merger of five struggling Islamic banks—First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, EXIM Bank, and Union Bank. The new institution began operations on December 2, with its official inauguration scheduled for Thursday by Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur. Depositors will be able to withdraw up to Tk 2 lakh starting Sunday, while a roadmap is being prepared for larger withdrawals. The bank’s paid-up capital has been set at Tk 35,000 crore, with the government contributing Tk 20,000 crore and depositors’ shares covering the remaining Tk 15,000 crore. The authorized capital stands at Tk 40,000 crore. Officials expect the merger to stabilize the Islamic banking sector and restore depositor confidence after months of financial uncertainty.

Government secondary school teachers in Bangladesh have temporarily suspended their ongoing strike, which began on December 1, after two days of halted annual exams across more than 700 schools. The Bangladesh Government Secondary Teachers’ Association (BASMASIS) announced the decision late Tuesday, citing concern for students’ academic progress and mental well-being. Teachers will resume annual examinations from Wednesday, December 3. The strike was originally called to press four key demands: inclusion of assistant teachers in the BCS (General Education) cadre, prompt recruitment and promotion in vacant positions, implementation of pending time-scale and selection-grade benefits per Supreme Court rulings, and restoration of pre-2015 salary increments. The association urged authorities to take effective steps to address these demands swiftly to prevent future disruptions in education. Teachers expressed gratitude to colleagues who participated in the strike and affirmed their commitment to ensuring smooth examinations while continuing dialogue on their demands.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has released the final schedule for the 12th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), set to begin on December 26 and conclude with the final on January 23. The T20 franchise tournament will feature 34 matches across three venues—Sylhet, Chattogram, and Dhaka. The opening match will see Sylhet Titans face Rajshahi Warriors in Sylhet. After the Sylhet leg, the tournament will move to Chattogram before concluding in Dhaka. The eliminator and first qualifier are scheduled for January 19, the second qualifier for January 21, and the final for January 23, all at Mirpur Stadium, with a reserve day allocated for the final stage. Six teams will compete this season: Dhaka Capitals, Sylhet Titans, Chattogram Royals, Rangpur Riders, Rajshahi Warriors, and Noakhali Express.

Bangladesh’s Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akhter emphasized the need for responsible harvesting, technological innovation, science-based policymaking, and effective governance to ensure sustainable marine development. Speaking at the second day of the international conference ‘Marine Fisheries and Blue Innovations: Safeguarding Ocean Harmony’ in Chattogram, she said that identifying the blue economy as a national priority has created opportunities for a sustainable ocean future through coordination among science, policy, and community development. Farida highlighted alarming declines in small pelagic fish stocks—down 78.6% in seven years—and the rise of jellyfish due to reduced predator fish, signaling ecological imbalance in the Bay of Bengal. She also warned that the hilsa fish, a national and global heritage species, faces serious threats. Farida called for regional and global cooperation to combat climate change and illegal fishing, and urged that research findings by Bangladeshi scientists be prioritized in policymaking for ecosystem protection and climate-resilient fisheries management.

Bangladesh Bank is set to introduce a newly designed Tk 500 banknote on December 4, themed on the country's historic and archaeological architecture. The note, bearing the signature of Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur, will first be issued from the central bank’s Motijheel office before being distributed nationwide. The 152mm × 65mm note features the Central Shaheed Minar on the front and the Supreme Court of Bangladesh on the back. The design incorporates a blooming national water lily motif and predominantly green tones for a modern and secure look. It includes ten advanced security features, such as color-shifting ink, a red security thread that changes color under light, tactile marks for the visually impaired, and UV-visible elements. The Royal Bengal Tiger watermark and electrotype ‘500’ enhance authenticity. Bangladesh Bank confirmed that all existing notes and coins will remain valid, while collectors can obtain sample notes from the Money Museum in Mirpur.

Bangladesh Police Headquarters announced that charge sheets have been submitted in 106 cases related to the July anti-discrimination student uprising. Among these, 31 are murder cases and 75 fall under other legal categories. The murder cases span districts including Pabna, Sirajganj, Bogura, Dhaka, Narayanganj, Cumilla, Chandpur, Feni, Kurigram, and Sherpur, as well as several metropolitan police jurisdictions such as Rajshahi, Chattogram, and Dhaka. The remaining 75 cases involve incidents in multiple districts and are being handled by various police units including PBI, CID, and metropolitan police divisions. Senior police officials are supervising the investigations to ensure proper legal procedures. Additionally, under Section 173(a) of the Criminal Procedure Code, interim investigation reports have been submitted in 437 cases recommending exemption for 2,830 individuals. Police authorities reaffirmed their commitment to completing investigations and bringing offenders to justice.

The High Court of Bangladesh has issued a rule asking why provisions for stricter punishment have not been enacted for cases involving offenses against religious sentiments. The bench of Justice Fahmida Kader and Justice Asif Hasan issued the rule on Tuesday, directing the law secretary and other relevant authorities to respond within four weeks. The rule follows a writ petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Golam Kibria, who sought a directive to introduce the death penalty as the maximum punishment for such offenses. Currently, the Bangladesh Penal Code and the new Cyber Security Act prescribe a maximum sentence of two years for hurting religious sentiments. The petitioner argued that the existing punishment is inadequate and fails to deter offenders. The writ names the law secretary and cabinet secretary among the respondents, seeking legislative action to impose harsher penalties to prevent future violations.