Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s planned medical trip to London has been delayed by a day. The special air ambulance, arranged by the Emir of Qatar to transport her, could not arrive in Dhaka on schedule. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir confirmed on Friday, December 5, that the aircraft is now expected to reach Dhaka on Saturday. Consequently, Khaleda Zia’s departure for London has been rescheduled for Sunday, December 7, subject to her health condition and the medical board’s approval. Earlier, it was announced that she might leave for London on Friday morning, and BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s wife had already arrived in Dhaka to accompany her. Khaleda’s personal physician, Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, stated that the decision to transfer her to a designated hospital in London via Qatar’s royal air ambulance was based on the medical board’s unanimous recommendation and her current health status.

Special prayers were held across Bangladesh on Friday for the recovery of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who is currently undergoing treatment in the CCU of Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Following Jumma prayers, BNP leaders, activists, and citizens gathered in mosques nationwide to pray for her health, while the party also urged prayers at temples, churches, and pagodas. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir attended a prayer session in Naya Paltan and stated that an air ambulance from Qatar was expected to arrive to take Khaleda Zia to London for advanced treatment. However, the transfer has been delayed due to technical issues with the aircraft. The party said that if her condition permits and doctors approve, she may be flown to London on Sunday. Mirza Fakhrul also appealed to the nation to pray for the former prime minister, describing her as a lifelong fighter for democracy.

A new political coalition named the 'Alliance for Humanity' comprising 15 political parties has been launched in Bangladesh ahead of the next national elections. The announcement came at a press conference held at the VIP Lounge of Shishu Kalyan in Dhaka’s Topkhana Road, where Kazi Sabbir, chairman of the National Congress Bangladesh (NCB), read the declaration. The alliance appointed Kazi Sabbir as convener and Newton Adhikari, chairman of Sabas Bangladesh Party, as member secretary. Chaired by Advocate Md. Jahangir Hossain of the Democratic Party Bangladesh, the event emphasized the coalition’s commitment to democratic values, communal harmony, and freedom of religious practices. The alliance pledged to promote healthy politics and uphold the spirit of the Liberation War. Leaders stated they would participate in the upcoming elections if a fair and neutral environment is ensured, though they expressed skepticism about the current Election Commission’s credibility.

Environmental, Forest and Climate Change, and Water Resources Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan has warned that many river-based infrastructure projects are inflicting irreversible environmental damage by ignoring rivers as living systems. Speaking virtually at a sub-regional workshop on ‘Water and Climate Resilience in the Hindu Kush Himalaya’ held in Kathmandu, she highlighted that despite having policies and institutions, implementation gaps remain a major obstacle in South Asia. Rizwana emphasized the need for fair water sharing, river rights, and disaster risk management among Himalayan countries. She noted that 90% of Bangladesh’s rivers originate upstream, making the nation highly vulnerable to transboundary impacts such as floods, droughts, and salinity. Citing Bangladesh’s accession to the UN Water Convention, she called for stronger cooperation in data sharing and early warning systems. Rizwana also praised Nepal’s river restoration efforts and stressed that rivers are living entities whose rights must be protected through accountability and regional trust-based hydropower collaboration.

Jahangirnagar University has officially renamed several of its residential halls, including one now dedicated to Felani Khatun, a Bangladeshi girl killed by Indian border guards in 2011. The decision was confirmed by Registrar B.M. Azizur Rahman Mukul on Friday, following a syndicate meeting that approved new names for four halls previously named after members of the Sheikh family.

According to the new resolution, Sheikh Russell Hall has been renamed Nabab Salimullah Hall, Sheikh Hasina Hall is now July 24 Jagoroni Hall, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall becomes Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Huq Hall, and Bangamata Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall is renamed Shaheed Felani Khatun Hall. The move follows months of student protests demanding the removal of political family names from university facilities.

The renaming has drawn attention across academic and social circles, seen as a symbolic gesture toward inclusivity and historical recognition. University officials indicated that the changes aim to reflect national diversity and honor figures representing broader social struggles.

Jahangirnagar University has officially decided to rename four of its residential halls that were previously named after members of the Sheikh family. The decision was confirmed by Acting Registrar A.B.M. Azizur Rahman on Friday, following a syndicate meeting held on Thursday. According to the new naming decision, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall has been renamed Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Huq Hall, Sheikh Russel Hall is now Nawab Salimullah Hall, Sheikh Hasina Hall has been renamed July Twenty-Four Jagoroni Hall, and Bangamata Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall is now Shaheed Felani Khatun Hall. The university administration stated that the new names will come into official effect once the syndicate’s approval process is completed. The move marks a significant change in the university’s hall naming policy and has drawn attention within the academic community.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has rejected the so-called 'Minus Four' theory as baseless propaganda spread by a vested group. Speaking to reporters after inaugurating an inter-college football tournament in Magura, he said Begum Khaleda Zia is a national leader who now stands above party politics. Alam clarified that no one has been deliberately excluded from politics, adding that those who have been 'minus-ed' did so through their own violent actions. On the upcoming national election, he said all parties except those legally banned will be allowed to participate, noting that the Jatiya Party has not been banned but has historically supported autocracy. Addressing the issue of convicted war criminals, he urged for the execution of death sentences against Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, following due legal process. He vowed to bring all perpetrators of killings back to Bangladesh for justice within the remaining 70 days before the election.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has filed a case against Oishi Khan, daughter of Shahjahan Khan, a key ally of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, for allegedly acquiring wealth beyond known sources of income and failing to submit her asset declaration within the stipulated time. According to ACC Director General Md Akhter Hossain, the case was lodged by Assistant Director S.M. Rashedul Hasan. Investigations revealed Oishi Khan possessed assets worth about Tk 17.02 million and family expenditures of Tk 1.15 million, against a legal income of only Tk 1.05 million, leaving Tk 17.11 million unexplained. The ACC also suspects she may hold additional undisclosed assets. Despite being granted an extension beyond the initial 21 working days, she did not file her asset statement. The ACC stated that her actions constitute punishable offenses under Sections 26(2) and 27(1) of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004.

A case has been filed in Brahmanbaria against five individuals, including National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Mohammad Ataullah, for allegedly assaulting a pregnant female party member, Bipasha Akter. The complaint, lodged on December 2 in the Senior Judicial Magistrate (Speedy Trial) Court, accuses the defendants of physically assaulting, humiliating, and snatching a gold chain from Bipasha, who is two and a half months pregnant. The alleged attack occurred on November 29 at the NCP district office following internal disputes over a photo taken with a central leader. The court has directed the Sadar Model Police Station to investigate the incident. The accused have denied the allegations, claiming they were fabricated to tarnish their reputations. Police officials stated that the case will be thoroughly investigated to uncover the truth behind the incident.

Legal adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul emphasized that young people have consistently been at the forefront of movements for justice and democracy in Bangladesh. Speaking at an event held at BRAC University in Dhaka on Friday, December 5, he recalled the courageous role of university students during the historic July uprising, noting that youth leadership in such causes is a long-standing tradition. Dr. Nazrul highlighted that the gathering of students demonstrated their ability not only to defend rights but also to advocate for justice in courts and on the global stage. He mentioned that 52 universities participated in this year’s Jessup Bangladesh competition, now the world’s third-largest qualifying round, reflecting the nation’s passion for international law and debate. He added that Jessup is more than a competition—it fosters research, writing, advocacy, and teamwork skills. Dr. Nazrul expressed hope that the workshop would further sharpen students’ abilities and strengthen their commitment to justice and the rule of law.

Four people, including three members of the same family, were killed and four others injured in a head-on collision between a passenger bus and a battery-run easybike in Bhanga upazila of Faridpur on Friday afternoon. The accident occurred around 12:15 pm when a New Modern Paribahan bus from Kuakata to Jhenaidah collided with an easybike heading toward Purbo Sadardi at the Kaidubi rail crossing. The deceased were identified as Nurunnahar Begum (55), her daughter Rimu Begum (35), and grandson Raihan (3), all from Purbo Sadardi village, and an unidentified elderly man aged about 65. Local residents, highway police, and fire service personnel rushed to the scene, rescuing the injured and sending them first to Bhanga Hospital and later to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Police have seized the bus and are working to identify the fourth victim. Legal procedures are underway, and the bodies will be handed over to the families after formalities.

Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, stated that the government has not failed in its ongoing operation to recover heavy weapons ahead of the national election. Speaking at a volunteer recognition event at the Fire Service training ground in Purbachal on Friday, he emphasized that the campaign is progressing effectively. Addressing the proposed Police Commission Ordinance, he said the law aims to enhance public service delivery, and any objections from law enforcement agencies can be formally submitted. When asked about the BDR mutiny investigation report, he avoided commenting. The adviser also announced that 55,000 volunteers will be trained to assist in disaster management and support the Fire Service. The government is considering additional benefits for these volunteers. During the event, 22 Fire Service members were honored for their outstanding contributions to their duties.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has nominated its Vice Chairman Advocate Zainul Abedin as the candidate for the Barishal-3 (Babuganj-Muladi) constituency in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. The announcement was made by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan on Thursday, December 4, during the second phase of candidate declarations. This decision ends weeks of speculation regarding the party’s nominee for the seat, which had remained vacant in earlier announcements. Following his nomination, Abedin pledged to transform the underdeveloped Babuganj-Muladi area into a modern industrial zone, emphasizing infrastructure development and employment opportunities for youth. Local BNP leaders and activists expressed enthusiasm, describing the nomination as a morale booster for the organization. Abedin is expected to face competition from Jamaat-e-Islami’s candidate Principal Zahir Uddin Mohammad Babor and Amar Bangladesh Party’s Secretary General Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain stated that India has not yet given a positive response regarding the repatriation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently convicted by the country’s highest court. Speaking to journalists at Rangpur Circuit House on Friday morning, Hossain clarified that there is no information about Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh and mentioned that Khaleda Zia’s departure for London might be delayed by a day due to technical issues with the aircraft. He emphasized that such diplomatic matters take time and that Bangladesh is waiting to see India’s official reaction, though Indian authorities are reportedly reviewing the issue. Addressing the abduction of Bangladeshi fishermen by the Arakan Army, Hossain explained that direct bilateral talks with the group are not possible since it is not a recognized state actor, but measures have been taken to prevent such incidents in the future.

Thousands of government employees gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka on Friday, December 5, demanding the immediate implementation of the ninth pay scale. The rally, organized by the Government Employees Demand Implementation Unity Council, was attended by representatives from various departments, including the Bangladesh Postal Department. Abu Nasir Khan, president of the Bangladesh Administrative Officers Implementation Unity Council, said that although salaries were supposed to be adjusted every five years, no pay increase has occurred since 2015 despite soaring living costs. He criticized the interim government’s delay, noting that the finance adviser’s statement that the next government would implement the pay scale had angered employees. Speakers, including Mahmudur Rahman Manna and Nurul Haque Nur, expressed solidarity with the workers’ demands. The participants urged the interim government to announce and enforce a fair and discrimination-free ninth pay scale before the national election schedule is declared.