Police in Lakshmipur’s Chandraganj area have uncovered an illegal arms manufacturing operation hidden behind a local engineering workshop named Nuha Auto Traders and Lathe Engineering. Acting on a tip-off, the district Detective Branch (DB) conducted a raid on Monday afternoon, discovering locally made firearms and weapon-making equipment. Although no arrests were made during the operation, police identified the workshop’s owner as Nur Uddin, also known as Jiku, from Begumganj in Noakhali. DB Officer-in-Charge Shahadat Hossain Titu stated that the workshop had been under surveillance for some time based on intelligence reports. The recovered weapons and materials have been handed over to the local police station as part of legal procedures. Authorities are currently investigating how the illegal factory operated and who else might be involved, while efforts to apprehend the owner are ongoing.

Six teenagers were abducted at gunpoint by an armed gang from a tea stall in Baharchhara Union of Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, on Sunday evening. The incident occurred in Shilkhali village when 10–12 armed robbers descended from nearby hills and took the boys, aged between 13 and 17, into the forested hills. Two of the abducted teens managed to escape later. Local residents report that Baharchhara has become a hotspot for robberies, kidnappings, and ransom demands, leaving villagers in constant fear. Police, led by Baharchhara Investigation Center Inspector Durjoy Biswas, launched an overnight search operation with local assistance but had not yet rescued the remaining victims by nightfall. Local political and community leaders have expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation and urged authorities to restore safety in the area.

A Dhaka Special Judge Court has scheduled January 5 for the hearing on charge framing in a sedition case against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 285 others. The Special Judge Court-9, presided over by Judge Md Abdus Salam, fixed the new date after the defense requested more time during Monday’s session. The case stems from an online meeting held on December 19 last year under the banner of 'Joy Bangla Brigade,' where participants allegedly pledged to bring Sheikh Hasina back to power through civil conflict. Investigators claim the meeting contained elements of a conspiracy against the state. Following an investigation, the CID filed a charge sheet on August 14, naming 286 accused, including several former MPs and political figures. The court accepted the charge sheet and issued arrest warrants for all accused. The hearing will determine whether formal charges will proceed against the defendants.

Khulna is witnessing a concerning surge in HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths, according to data from the ART Center of Khulna Medical College Hospital. Between November 2024 and October 2025, 100 new HIV cases were detected among 1,279 blood samples, including eight children, while 23 people died of AIDS. The previous year saw 85 infections and 20 deaths. Health experts attribute the rise to cross-border movement with India’s West Bengal, unsafe sexual practices among transport workers and traders, and unregulated blood transfusions in some clinics. Among the newly infected, 56 are from the general population, 37 are homosexual men, and seven contracted the virus through blood. Officials emphasize the need for moral discipline, safe blood use, and public awareness to curb the spread. Currently, 887 patients are registered at the ART Center, with 550 receiving regular treatment. Authorities warn that without awareness and preventive measures, the trend may worsen.

RAB-12 arrested three members of a counterfeit money syndicate in Sherpur upazila of Bogura district on Saturday afternoon. Acting on a tip-off, the elite force raided a house in Mirzapur Paschim Khalifapara area and seized 157 fake Tk 1,000 notes, totaling Tk 157,000. The detainees were identified as Nayeb Ali (42) of Natore, Enamul Haque (29) of Singra, and Rafiqul Islam (42) of Tanore, Rajshahi. The suspects had contacted a local resident, Faruk Hossain, through Facebook under the pretext of buying stones, which led to their capture. RAB also recovered three small stones, four SIM cards, three smartphones, a button phone, and Tk 4,210 in cash. During initial interrogation, the arrestees admitted to distributing counterfeit currency across different areas to deceive people. They were handed over to Sherpur police, and a case was filed under the Special Powers Act before being presented in court.

The human rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has voiced serious concern over the repeated killing of unarmed Bangladeshi civilians by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) along the Bangladesh-India frontier. In a press statement issued on Sunday, ASK described the incidents as inhumane, unacceptable, and a violation of international human rights norms and bilateral commitments between the two nations. According to ASK’s data, at least 28 Bangladeshi nationals have been killed by BSF gunfire between January and November 2025. The organization called for impartial investigations into each incident and urged accountability for those responsible. ASK emphasized that both Bangladesh and India share equal responsibility for ensuring the safety of border residents and urged both governments to avoid the use of lethal weapons in border management. It also appealed to the Indian government and people to take visible steps to stop such killings in the interest of human rights, friendship, and regional stability.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has initiated an inquiry against its former chairman, Iqbal Mahmood, over allegations of corruption, money laundering, and abuse of power. This marks the first time in the ACC’s history that a former chairman is being formally investigated. According to ACC spokesperson Md. Akhtarul Islam, the decision was confirmed on December 1. Sources indicate that Mahmood’s brother, Sadiq Mahmood Bokul, was a close business associate of health sector contractor Motazzarul Islam Mithu, who is already under investigation for corruption. Allegations suggest that Mahmood used his influence to shield Mithu and Bokul from scrutiny. Additionally, Mahmood is accused of accepting two luxury apartments in Dhaka’s Gulshan area from Mithu. The ACC will also examine the sources of Bokul’s wealth. The inquiry reportedly stems from information obtained during Mithu’s interrogation following his arrest on September 11.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, has confirmed that the national election will be held in early February, dismissing speculation about possible delays. In a Facebook post on December 1, he stated that the country is moving toward a free, fair, participatory, and peaceful election. He noted that the Election Commission will soon announce the schedule and that extensive security measures, including deployment of armed forces, have been arranged. Alam criticized political analyst Zillur Rahman’s comments doubting the February timeline, calling them outdated. He also rejected the notion that excluding a party accused of crimes against humanity would make the election non-inclusive. According to him, most political parties have already declared candidates, and the overall security situation remains stable. He further claimed that international partners do not expect the Awami League to return to normal politics without accountability for past crimes.

A fire erupted in a six-storey residential building located at 36/A Zahuri Mohalla in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur area on Monday afternoon, around 4:45 PM. According to Fire Service duty officer Shihab Sarkar, two firefighting units were deployed to bring the blaze under control. The cause of the fire and the extent of damage have not yet been determined. Authorities have not reported any casualties so far. Emergency services are continuing their efforts to contain the fire and assess the situation. Further details are expected as the operation progresses and officials investigate the incident.

Bangladesh’s Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul has stated that there are no legal restrictions preventing BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman from returning to the country. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Monday, Nazrul clarified that he is unaware of any legal obstacles to Rahman’s return and assured full cooperation if any such issues are identified. He also emphasized that the government would ensure Rahman’s safety upon his arrival. Nazrul added that the decision on the appropriate time for his return rests solely with Tarique Rahman himself. When asked why Rahman has not yet returned, the adviser declined to comment, calling such questions distasteful and referring to the matter as a personal issue involving Rahman and his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

BNP’s Assistant International Affairs Secretary Rumin Farhana has expressed skepticism about the likelihood of national elections taking place in Bangladesh anytime soon. Speaking on a private television talk show, she described acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman as a major obstacle for those who oppose an elected government and political stability. Farhana argued that Rahman’s political participation is crucial for the survival of Bangladesh’s progressive and democratic middle ground. She emphasized that his return to the country is not merely a personal matter but one deeply tied to the nation’s political direction and citizens’ fate. Questioning the government’s commitment to democratic transition, she noted the shifting election schedule and the lack of political enthusiasm usually seen before polls. Citing analysts, she said the chances of a February election are slim, adding that the current political atmosphere remains tense and uncertain.

Kazi Mohiuddin, the member secretary of the Sitakunda Upazila unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has been expelled from all party positions following allegations of embezzling party funds and abusing his authority. The decision was made by a majority of the Upazila BNP convening committee members, with two-thirds signing the resolution, which has been sent to the central committee for confirmation. An emergency meeting held on November 22 at the party office in Faujdarhat formally adopted a no-confidence motion against Mohiuddin. He was accused of threatening grassroots activists, violating party discipline, making unilateral organizational decisions, and turning the party structure into a family-run entity. Local leaders also alleged that he dissolved the Bashbaria Union BNP committee without consultation and misused development funds. Copies of the expulsion documents have been forwarded to BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other senior leaders for official record.

A newly submitted report by the National Independent Investigation Commission on the 2009 BDR mutiny alleges that India threatened to attack Bangladesh if the army intervened during the uprising. The report, handed to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, claims the massacre was premeditated and politically coordinated, implicating members of the then-ruling Awami League, including former MP Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh. It also questions the role of then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Army Chief General Moeen U Ahmed, citing testimony that India warned against military action. The commission, led by retired Major General A L M Fazlur Rahman, stated that the mutiny stemmed from long-standing grievances within the BDR and external influence from a neighboring country. The 2009 Pilkhana tragedy left 57 army officers dead, including BDR Director General Major General Shakil Ahmed. The report aims to uncover the masterminds behind the atrocity and bring clarity to one of Bangladesh’s darkest national tragedies.

Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, and British MP Tulip Siddiq were convicted in a corruption case involving fraudulent plot allocations in Dhaka’s Purbachal New Town project. The Dhaka Special Judge Court-4 sentenced Hasina to five years, Rehana to seven years, and Siddiq to two years in prison, along with fines. Judge Robiul Alam clarified that Hasina was not eligible for state defense because the maximum punishment under Penal Code Section 409 is life imprisonment, not death, and state defense is only provided in cases where a death sentence is possible. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) alleged that Siddiq used her political influence in the UK to secure plots for her family members. Following the fall of the Awami League government, multiple corruption cases were filed against Hasina and her relatives. Siddiq resigned from her UK ministerial post earlier this year amid growing controversy over the allegations.

Bipin Jyoti Chakma, the chief coordinator of the Rangamati district coordination committee of the National Citizen Party (NCP), announced his resignation from the party through a Facebook post on Sunday night, November 30. In his post, he cited prolonged mental stress along with personal and family reasons for his decision to withdraw from all party activities effective immediately. He also mentioned that he would soon send his formal resignation letter to the party’s central leadership. Earlier, on November 14, Ujjal Chakma, the joint coordinator of the same district committee, had resigned for similar personal and family reasons. The Rangamati district committee, comprising 24 members, was formed only six months ago under a directive signed by NCP’s chief organizer for the southern region, Hasnat Abdullah, and member secretary Akhtar Hossain. The recent resignations indicate emerging internal divisions within the newly formed committee.