A fact-checking investigation has uncovered more than 100 fake Facebook pages operating under the names of Barrister Zaima Rahman and Dr. Zubaida Rahman, daughter and wife of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman. The discovery followed heightened online activity after former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s critical illness and hospitalization in Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital. Despite claims of authenticity, BNP’s senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi confirmed on June 5, 2025, that neither Zaima nor Zubaida Rahman has any official Facebook account. The fake pages, some with hundreds of thousands of followers, have been spreading political content and misinformation in favor of the BNP. Page transparency data shows all are managed from Bangladesh, while both women reside in London. Many users have mistakenly engaged with these pages, believing them to be genuine. BNP sources indicated that an official social media account for Zaima Rahman may be launched in the future.

A political debate has intensified in Bangladesh after Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain stated that BNP’s acting chairman Tareque Rahman could be issued a travel pass within a day if he wishes to return home. The comment sparked speculation that Rahman currently lacks a valid Bangladeshi passport. The Election Commission confirmed that Rahman is not yet registered as a voter, though he could become one upon returning. BNP leaders, including Salahuddin Ahmed, downplayed the issue, saying there would be no obstacle regarding a passport or travel pass. Legal adviser Asif Nazrul also clarified that there are no legal restrictions preventing Rahman’s return. The discussion follows Rahman’s recent social media post suggesting that his decision to return is not entirely under his control. Rahman, who has lived in London since 2008 after being released from prison, was expected to return before the upcoming national elections but uncertainty now surrounds his plans.

Security has been strengthened at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is receiving medical treatment. Police set up barricades at the hospital’s main gate early Monday night, restricting public access and allowing only authorized personnel to enter. Hospital authorities stated that the measures aim to ensure smooth movement for patients and their families, prevent crowding, and enhance the safety of Khaleda Zia. The government recently declared her a 'Very Important Person' (VIP), prompting additional security arrangements. The 80-year-old politician has been suffering from multiple health complications, including liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, and issues related to her kidneys, lungs, heart, and eyes. She was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 after developing infections in her heart and lungs, and a team of local and foreign doctors continues to oversee her treatment.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to return to Bangladesh soon, according to the party’s Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed. Speaking to journalists after a committee meeting on Monday, Ahmed said the meeting discussed several issues including the health of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, current political developments, and preparations for upcoming elections. He added that Dr. AZM Zahid would brief the media about Khaleda Zia’s health condition. Earlier, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain stated that there are no legal obstacles preventing Tarique Rahman from returning to the country and that a travel pass could be issued within a day if necessary. Tarique Rahman, who has been living in exile in the United Kingdom for years, remains a central figure in BNP’s leadership and political strategy.

Bangladesh’s November Economic Update and Outlook report by the General Economics Division (GED) highlights a mixed economic scenario. While bank deposits have shown robust growth, private sector credit expansion remains sluggish. The report notes that overall inflation has fallen to single digits, largely due to declining food prices and improved supply conditions. Food inflation dropped from 12.66% to 7.08%, while non-food inflation slightly rose to 9.13%, reflecting ongoing pressure in housing, transport, and healthcare costs. The report also indicates that rice prices, which surged earlier in 2025, have begun to decline as new Aman harvests entered the market and government procurement boosted domestic reserves. Despite steady economic growth, the National Board of Revenue continues to fall short of its collection targets. Export performance remains volatile, though moderate recovery is expected in the coming months.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to return to Bangladesh soon, according to the party’s Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed. Following a regular committee meeting on Monday, December 1, Salahuddin informed reporters that discussions covered various political issues, including preparations for upcoming elections and the health condition of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. He mentioned that Dr. AZM Zahid would brief the media regarding Khaleda Zia’s health. Earlier, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain stated that there are no legal obstacles preventing Tarique Rahman’s return and that a travel pass could be issued within a day if required. Tarique Rahman has been living abroad for several years, and his potential return is being closely watched amid Bangladesh’s evolving political landscape.

The five-day Jor Ijtema organized by Tabligh Jamaat Bangladesh Shura-e-Nizam concluded on the banks of the Turag River in Tongi with a mass prayer on Tuesday morning. Around 250,000 devotees participated in the concluding prayer, which was led by Maulana Ahmed Batla from Pakistan. According to Habibullah Raihan, the media coordinator of Tabligh Jamaat Bangladesh Shura-e-Nizam, 732 foreign guests from 27 countries attended the event. During the gathering, six devotees passed away. Following the final prayer, several groups of devotees set out for religious outreach activities in preparation for the Khuruj Jor scheduled for January 2–4, 2026. The remaining participants returned to their localities to continue organizational work. Authorities have indicated that the next World Ijtema in Tongi will be held after the upcoming national elections.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam announced that his party will participate in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election as the 'guardian of reforms'. Speaking at a reception in Dhaka for 24 activists recently released from detention in the UAE, Nahid described the election as a turning point for the nation. He urged the government to ensure rehabilitation and employment for the freed expatriates, whom he called 'July warriors'. Nahid emphasized the importance of enabling postal voting for expatriates and accused some political forces of obstructing post-July reform efforts. He warned against campaigns opposing the 'July Charter' and criticized divisive politics based on liberation war and religion. Framing the election as a vote for state reconstruction, Nahid said the NCP would remain uncompromising on core political principles and committed to economic justice, youth employment, democracy, and inclusive governance. He concluded that the NCP is fully prepared to fulfill people's aspirations and ensure the victory of reform.

The National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam University (JKKNIU) in Trishal, Mymensingh, has expelled or suspended 16 individuals, including teachers, officials, and students, for their alleged involvement in obstructing the July–August student movement, attacking protesters, and creating instability on campus. The decision was made during the university’s 90th syndicate meeting on November 27 after reviewing the investigation and disciplinary committee reports. Two teachers and one official were temporarily suspended, while 13 students, including the president and general secretary of the Bangladesh Chhatra League unit, were permanently expelled, with some losing their academic certificates. The syndicate stated that the punishments were imposed for direct or indirect participation in actions that disrupted the movement. University authorities said the measures aim to maintain campus stability and ensure student safety, warning that no leniency will be shown toward future acts of violence or unrest.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating health of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. In a post on social media platform X on Monday night, Modi conveyed his prayers and best wishes for her speedy recovery. He acknowledged Khaleda Zia’s long service to the people of Bangladesh and assured that India stands ready to extend any possible assistance for her treatment. Khaleda Zia, a former prime minister of Bangladesh, has been suffering from multiple health complications, including liver, kidney, and heart problems. She has been receiving treatment for the past four days in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Modi’s message comes amid growing concern in Bangladesh over her condition, drawing attention to the humanitarian aspect of bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries.

A mild earthquake was felt in Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram city, and the surrounding hilly areas just before 1 a.m. on Monday. Residents in Cox’s Bazar, Ukhiya, and Chakaria reported light tremors lasting a few seconds, prompting some to rush outdoors in fear. No casualties or property damage have been reported so far. According to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the quake measured 4.9 in magnitude, with its epicenter located in Natchuang, Sagaing region of Myanmar. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed similar data. This marks the eighth earthquake felt in Bangladesh since November 21, when a 5.2-magnitude quake struck Narsingdi and was felt across the country. Experts note that the recent series of mild tremors may indicate ongoing regional tectonic activity, though no major threat has been identified yet.

The Election Commission of Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur has suspended the central student union (BRUCSU) and hall council elections, citing serious errors and inconsistencies in the voter list provided by the registrar’s office. At a press conference on Monday, the commission alleged that the registrar’s office supplied incomplete and inaccurate data, hindering the fairness and transparency of the election process. Election Commissioner Dr. Mohsina Ahsan suggested that the errors might have been intentional and urged the university administration to investigate. The commission announced that all electoral activities, including nomination distribution, would remain halted until the discrepancies are resolved. Another commissioner, Md. Masud Rana, emphasized that the registrar’s office must urgently correct and verify the list to resume the election. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Md. Shawkat Ali described the incident as unfortunate, promising to issue a show-cause notice to the registrar’s office and urging both sides to resolve the matter promptly.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh has announced that the use of the Customs Bond Management System (CBMS) will become mandatory from January 1 to modernize and digitize the country’s bond management process. According to an official circular, all bonded warehouse license holders must use CBMS for issuing Utilization Permissions (UP) related to duty-free raw material imports. No services will be provided through manual or alternative methods after the deadline. The automated CBMS software, launched earlier with 24 modules, is currently being used on a limited scale in three customs bond commissionerates. NBR stated that the system has been upgraded based on user feedback to make it more user-friendly. The mandatory use of CBMS is expected to enhance service speed, transparency, and accountability, while reducing costs, time, and disputes. The NBR reaffirmed its commitment to continuing digitalization efforts to achieve full automation and transparency in revenue management.

The Bangladesh government has officially declared Begum Khaleda Zia, chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and former three-time prime minister, as a 'Very Important Person' (VIP). The announcement was made through a gazette notification issued on Monday, December 1, under the directive of the President. Mohammad Abdul Wadud Chowdhury, Director General (Administration) of the Chief Adviser’s Office, signed the order. The declaration was made under Section 2(a) of the Special Security Force Act, 2021, and took immediate effect. Khaleda Zia, who has been suffering from multiple age-related health complications, is currently receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. The move formally recognizes her as a state-designated VIP, ensuring enhanced security and protocol measures during her treatment and public engagements.

The concluding prayer (Akheri Munajat) of the five-day Jor Ijtema at Tongi, Gazipur, will be held on Tuesday morning between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m. on the banks of the Turag River. The prayer will be led by Maulana Ahmad Batla from Pakistan. After the Munajat, participating devotees will disperse across the country and abroad for religious preaching activities, returning again during the World Ijtema. Monday marked the fourth day of the gathering, featuring sermons, prayers, and religious discussions led by scholars from India and Bangladesh. However, the event has also seen the deaths of six devotees, including Azizur Rahman from Chapainawabganj, who reportedly died of a stroke near the ablution area on Monday afternoon. The information was confirmed by Habibullah Raihan, media coordinator of the Shura Committee. The Jor Ijtema serves as a preparatory congregation ahead of the annual World Ijtema.