Police in Jessore arrested a man named Liton Gazi, 40, during a late-night raid on Saturday, seizing five foreign-made pistols, ten magazines, 50 rounds of ammunition, and 4.5 kilograms of cannabis. The operation was conducted by a team led by Sub-Inspector Kamal Hossain of the Detective Branch (DB) based on secret information. The weapons and drugs were found hidden inside a box bed at Gazi’s residence in Madhugram under Nowapara Union. According to DB Officer-in-Charge Manjurul Haque Bhuiyan, the suspect admitted to being involved in arms and drug trafficking and confessed to previously sending weapon consignments to Cox’s Bazar. Police are currently interrogating him to identify his accomplices and trace the broader network behind the illegal arms trade.

Habiganj Deputy Commissioner (DC) Abu Hasnat Mohammad Arifin has pledged to ensure a peaceful and fair upcoming national election, emphasizing that no one will be allowed to disrupt the process. Speaking at a meeting with local journalists on Sunday, he stated that citizens have been deprived of voting for 17 years, including himself, and this time the administration is determined to guarantee that every eligible voter can cast their ballot. He alleged that associates of a fugitive autocrat are conspiring to hinder the election but assured that authorities will act decisively to prevent any obstruction. During the meeting, journalists raised issues such as traffic congestion, illegal occupation of the old Khowai River, environmental pollution in the Alipur industrial area, tree theft in forest zones, illegal silica sand extraction, and drug abuse. The DC promised necessary administrative measures to address these problems and sought media cooperation to ensure a free and fair election.

Bangladesh police are conducting an extensive search for Jamaat-e-Islami activist Tushar Mondal, who went into hiding after a video showing him firing a gun during a violent clash between BNP and Jamaat supporters in Ishwardi went viral. The incident, which left at least 50 people injured, has sparked nationwide outrage and led to two separate cases filed by both parties, naming over 70 individuals and hundreds of unidentified suspects. Police have already arrested five people, including Tushar’s brother, as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities confirmed that Tushar has a negative reputation locally and a history of minor criminal activities. While Jamaat leaders deny his affiliation, BNP insists he is a Jamaat worker linked to a local MP candidate. Law enforcement officials stated they are determined to arrest all involved and restore order following the politically charged violence.

A Bangladeshi woman named Ruma Akter, originally from Narsingdi, has returned from Kuwait to Nandail in Mymensingh, claiming to be the wife of Nur Nabi, son of a former union parishad member. Ruma, who worked as a nurse in Kuwait, divorced her first husband and married Nur Nabi after developing a relationship abroad. Upon her return to Bangladesh, she went to her new husband’s home in South Khairati village, but his family refused to accept her as their daughter-in-law since Nur Nabi is currently in Kuwait. After being driven away, Ruma sought help from the local union member and police, eventually taking shelter at her husband’s house again. Local authorities are investigating the matter, and police have asked both parties to appear at the station for further discussion.

Newly appointed Superintendent of Police (SP) Syed Rafiqul Islam in Jessore has pledged to ensure that the police force will no longer be used as a political tool or instrument of oppression, as he claimed had happened under the previous government before August 5. Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, he emphasized that the police will now prioritize public safety, law and order, and building a peaceful society. He urged journalists to cooperate by sharing information about crimes and irregularities across the district, promising strict legal action against offenders. Acknowledging the challenges faced by police personnel, he requested understanding from the public regarding occasional harsh behavior during field duties. Rafiqul Islam vowed to make Jessore free from terrorism, drugs, juvenile gangs, and traffic congestion, stressing the need for collective effort from all social sectors to make the district a safe and livable place.

At a campaign rally in Jessore-2 constituency, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer ATM Azharul Islam warned that anyone attempting to attack the party would not return unscathed. Speaking as the chief guest, he said Jamaat supporters would defend themselves if provoked, emphasizing that the party itself would not initiate violence. Azhar claimed a growing wave of support for Jamaat across the country and accused opponents of trying to intimidate them. He also praised the party’s candidate Dr. Mosleh Uddin Farid for leaving a successful professional life to serve the people. Other speakers, including central and regional Jamaat leaders, criticized the ruling Awami League and called for an Islamic governance model. Dr. Farid promised initiatives such as fair wages for women and a corruption-free administration if elected. The rally, held at Shahadat Pilot Secondary School field in Chowgacha, was attended by several party leaders and supporters.

The Bangladesh government has announced a Tk 2 per liter increase in the prices of all types of fuel, effective from December 1. The Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources issued a notification on November 30, stating that the adjustment aligns with the revised automatic pricing formula, which sets fuel prices monthly based on global market fluctuations. Under the new rates, diesel will cost Tk 104 per liter, octane Tk 124, petrol Tk 120, and kerosene Tk 116. The ministry said the revision aims to ensure a stable and affordable fuel supply for consumers while maintaining consistency with international price trends. This marks the latest adjustment under the government’s automated pricing system, introduced to make domestic fuel pricing more responsive to global market changes and reduce subsidy pressures on the national budget.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has announced a 114-member district committee for Rajshahi, aiming to strengthen its organizational presence ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national election. The committee was approved on November 29, signed by NCP member secretary Akhtar Hossain and chief organizer (North) Sarjis Alam. Saiful Islam has been appointed as the convener, while Advocate A.K.M. Mizanur Rahman will serve as senior joint convener and Roniur Rahman as member secretary. The committee will remain active for six months. Additionally, 9 joint conveners and 14 joint member secretaries have been named, along with several organizational secretaries. Earlier, on October 31, the party had announced its Rajshahi metropolitan committee led by Mobashwer Ali and Atikur Rahman. Party sources indicate that the new committees are part of a broader strategy to prepare for the upcoming election, with candidate nominations for six Rajshahi constituencies expected within a week.

A theft incident at a grocery store in Chilora Bazar, Chandina upazila of Cumilla, escalated into a violent political clash between activists of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The conflict erupted after a 15-year-old boy was accused of stealing donation money kept for a mosque. Following his public humiliation, BNP activists allegedly attacked LDP members, vandalizing shops and homes, and injuring at least 50 people. LDP youth leader Fakhrul Islam was critically injured after being hacked and later transferred to Dhaka for treatment. Police and army units were deployed to control the situation after clashes continued for nearly two hours. Both parties traded blame, with LDP leaders accusing BNP of orchestrating the violence over local political rivalry, while BNP denied involvement and claimed their members were also attacked. Authorities have promised legal action following investigation.

Bangladesh has officially separated its judiciary from the executive branch through the issuance of the Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance, 2025. The ordinance was promulgated on Sunday, November 30, under the direction of the President and issued by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. Earlier, on November 20, the interim government’s advisory council had given final approval to the draft ordinance establishing a separate secretariat for the Supreme Court. The initiative, led by the Chief Justice, aims to ensure full institutional independence of the judiciary in line with Article 109 of the Constitution, which mandates the High Court Division’s supervision and control over subordinate courts and tribunals. The ordinance fulfills a long-standing goal to create an independent administrative structure for the judiciary, marking a significant milestone in Bangladesh’s judicial reform and governance framework.

Leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Barishal held a prayer gathering on Sunday seeking the recovery of party chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The event took place at the BNP office adjacent to Ashwini Kumar Town Hall in Barishal city, organized by the Barishal South District BNP. Senior BNP figures, including Chairperson’s Adviser and Barishal Sadar candidate Mojibur Rahman Sarwar, Central Organizing Secretary Bilkis Jahan Shirin, Executive Committee Member Ebaidul Haque Chan, Metropolitan BNP Convener Moniruzzaman Khan Faruk, and others attended the gathering. Participants prayed for Khaleda Zia’s good health and swift recovery. The event saw the presence of leaders and activists from both the district and metropolitan BNP units, reflecting continued concern within the party over the health condition of its long-time leader.

Former state minister for Liberation War Affairs and BNP executive committee member Professor Md. Rezaul Karim alleged that former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s illness was not natural but the result of a deliberate attempt by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government to poison her. Speaking at a prayer gathering in Sonargaon, Narayanganj, Karim claimed that the government kept Khaleda in jail under false charges and made her ill. He urged party members to remain united under Ziaur Rahman’s ideals and warned against extortion or misconduct in the name of BNP. The event, organized by local BNP leaders and attended by party activists, included prayers for Khaleda Zia’s recovery. Karim emphasized that Khaleda had shown forgiveness after her release and called on supporters to strengthen the party during this challenging period.

A special prayer session was held at Dhaka University (DU) on Sunday, November 30, seeking the speedy recovery of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, who is currently suffering from serious illness. The prayer took place after the Zuhr prayer at the Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building Mosque, organized by the DU administration. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Treasurer Professor Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, and other senior faculty and staff attended the event. In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor expressed deep concern over Khaleda Zia’s health and acknowledged her contributions to the nation beyond political lines. He emphasized the Islamic value of praying for the sick and thanked participants for their presence. The event concluded with prayers for national peace, prosperity, and the well-being of all ailing individuals.

December 1 marks the beginning of Victory Month in Bangladesh, commemorating the nation’s triumph in the 1971 Liberation War that led to the creation of an independent and sovereign Bangladesh on December 16. The nine-month war, which cost the lives of three million people and saw immense sacrifices from countless others, remains the most significant event in the country’s history. On December 1, 1971, Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi urged Pakistan’s President Yahya Khan to withdraw troops from Bangladesh to restore peace in the subcontinent. Reports from that time, including one from The New York Times, highlighted the intensifying guerrilla attacks and brutal retaliations by Pakistani forces. Despite the violence, the Bengali freedom fighters advanced toward victory, culminating in Pakistan’s surrender at the Racecourse Ground. The month of December continues to symbolize the nation’s pride, resilience, and the ultimate realization of its long-cherished dream of independence.

The Dhaka South unit of Jubo Dal, the youth wing of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), organized a special prayer session seeking the speedy recovery of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The event took place on Sunday, November 30, at the Jinda Bahar Jame Mosque near Nayabazar Bridge in the capital. Senior leaders of Kotwali Thana Jubo Dal, including joint convener Nure Alam Siddiqui Sohag, former joint secretary Ahmed Hossain Sobhan, and several ward-level leaders, attended the gathering. Participants offered prayers for Khaleda Zia’s health, long life, and the well-being of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, acting chairman Tarique Rahman, and the Zia family. Speakers described Khaleda Zia as a symbol of Bangladesh’s democratic movement and a guiding figure for nationalist and Islamic values. They expressed hope that her recovery would strengthen the country’s ongoing political struggle and inspire the nation during this critical period.