The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially announced its squad for the upcoming Under-19 Asia Cup, naming Azizul Hakim Tamim as captain and Jawad Abrar as vice-captain. The tournament is scheduled to begin on December 12 and conclude with the final on December 21 in the United Arab Emirates. Pacer Al Fahad has been ruled out due to injury, while off-spinner Sheikh Parvez Jibon has been called up to replace Debashish Sarkar. The 15-member squad includes promising young talents such as Samiun Bashir Ratul, Rizwan Hossain, and Farid Hossain Faisal, with six additional players named as standbys. The Under-19 Asia Cup serves as a key preparatory event ahead of the ICC Under-19 World Cup. Bangladesh, a former champion in the competition, will look to test its new leadership combination and assess bench strength under UAE conditions, which are expected to challenge both spinners and pacers.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has cautioned that the notion of portraying one leader as good and all others as bad poses a serious threat to democracy. Speaking virtually from London at a BNP event in Dhaka’s Krishibid Institution, he urged party members to uphold pluralism and accountability, emphasizing that democracy is the only path to restoring normalcy in Bangladesh’s governance. Rahman criticized the current state of the nation, citing economic hardship, factory closures, poor healthcare, and insecurity as signs of systemic dysfunction. He reiterated that only a democratically elected government can ensure accountability and gradual improvement. Addressing BNP activists, he called for unity and grassroots engagement ahead of the next election, stressing that loyalty should be to the party and its symbol, not individual candidates. He also pledged to revive the canal excavation program initiated by late President Ziaur Rahman, linking it to agricultural productivity and flood control. The BNP plans to continue policy workshops through mid-December, focusing on education, health, agriculture, and employment.

Shahadat Hossain Selim, chairman of the Bangladesh Liberal Democratic Party (BLDP), has formally joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) after dissolving his own party. The announcement was made on Monday at BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s political office in Gulshan, where Selim presented flowers to BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury. During the event, it was confirmed that Selim will contest the upcoming election from the Lakshmipur-1 constituency under the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol. Amir Khosru stated that Selim’s nomination recognizes his contributions to political movements and his long-standing association with nationalist politics. He emphasized the need for unity under Tarique Rahman’s leadership to ensure BNP’s electoral success. Selim, who began his political career in the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, said he always remained emotionally connected to the BNP despite earlier separation. Declaring the dissolution of BLDP, he described his return as a homecoming after 25 years and pledged to strengthen the party ahead of the national polls.

The Ministry of Education’s Secondary and Higher Education Division in Bangladesh has issued the MPO Policy 2025, prohibiting teachers and staff of MPO-listed non-government schools and colleges from holding any financially profitable positions. The directive, released Sunday, states that teachers cannot engage in other jobs or professions such as journalism, law, or employment in private organizations while receiving MPO benefits. According to clause 11.17(a) of the policy, any teacher or employee found involved in multiple posts or profit-oriented roles may face cancellation of MPO benefits and disciplinary action. The policy defines ‘financially profitable positions’ as any role that provides salary, allowance, or honorarium from government or private institutions. It also outlines performance-based conditions for institutions to retain MPO eligibility, including minimum pass rates in public exams. The policy further clarifies promotion criteria, stating that assistant teachers with ten years of satisfactory service will be promoted to senior teacher positions. However, library and information science teachers will receive financial benefits of higher grades without promotion. The reforms aim to ensure full-time dedication and accountability within the education sector.

The Ministry of Education of Bangladesh has urged teachers and stakeholders to avoid speculation and maintain professionalism regarding the proposed Dhaka Central University, which aims to integrate Dhaka’s seven government colleges under a unified structure. In a statement issued on December 8, the ministry emphasized that no misinformation should disrupt students’ education or institutional harmony. Officials said the draft ‘Dhaka Central University Ordinance 2025’ is being finalized after receiving over 5,000 public and stakeholder comments since its publication in September. The ministry has held multiple consultation meetings with teachers, students, and civil society representatives, and expects to hold an inter-ministerial meeting by December 25, 2025, to finalize the draft. Interim administrative arrangements are in place to ensure continuity of academic activities. Classes for the 2024–25 academic year are scheduled to begin on January 1, 2026. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the distinct identity of the seven colleges, protecting staff positions, and ensuring women’s education opportunities remain unaffected.

A Dhaka court has ordered the imprisonment of Shawkat Mahmud, former president of the National Press Club and current secretary-general of Janata Party Bangladesh, in connection with a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Metropolitan Magistrate Jewel Rana issued the order on Monday after police sought a 10-day remand for Mahmud. The court set Thursday for the hearing on the remand petition. Mahmud was arrested on Sunday in the same case that led to the detention of Bangladeshi-American Enayet Karim Chowdhury, who is accused of involvement in a conspiracy to overthrow the government. Following his arrest, Detective Branch (DB) police produced Mahmud before the court, requesting remand for further interrogation. However, the hearing was postponed due to the absence of the case’s main documents. The case has drawn attention from political observers and media circles, as Mahmud is a well-known journalist and political figure. The outcome of Thursday’s hearing is expected to determine whether investigators will be allowed to question him in custody.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has strongly criticized Jamaat-e-Islami, accusing the Islamist party of exploiting religion as a political tool to incite division, hatred, and violence. In a press release issued Monday, NCP rejected Jamaat’s recent statement against its member secretary Akhtar Hossain, calling it baseless and an attempt to mislead public opinion. NCP’s media cell editor Mushfiq us Salehin circulated the statement to the press. The NCP cited a recent incident in Ishwardi, Pabna, where a Jamaat activist was allegedly involved in election-related violence, as confirmed by local intelligence police. The party argued that Jamaat’s denial of such facts reflects an effort to conceal the truth and evade responsibility. NCP urged Jamaat to embrace the post–August 5 political culture of peace and democratic values instead of reverting to old patterns of dominance and confrontation. The NCP emphasized that responsible behavior by all political parties is essential for national stability ahead of the upcoming general election, warning that continued provocation could endanger peace and public trust.

The Ministry of Education has announced that classes for the first batch of Dhaka Central University, formed with seven government colleges in Dhaka, will begin on January 1, 2025. The ministry confirmed that the draft ordinance establishing the new university is being refined through consultations and will be presented at an inter-ministerial meeting on December 25. An operational manual for interim administration and academic activities has already been approved. The announcement comes amid ongoing protests by teachers and students over the proposed ‘schooling’ structure of the university. Teachers from the general education cadre fear that the new structure could undermine their promotion rights and the autonomy of the colleges. Meanwhile, some students are demanding swift issuance of the ordinance to ensure legal clarity for their academic future. The ministry stated it has received over 5,000 opinions from stakeholders and is reviewing them for legal and practical alignment. It assured that academic continuity will not be disrupted during the transition, as classes proceed under existing college frameworks.

Bangladesh’s National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Md Abdur Rahman has warned that the country is already caught in a debt trap, stressing that acknowledging this reality is essential for moving forward. Speaking at a seminar in Dhaka’s NEC conference hall, he highlighted the sharp decline in the tax-to-GDP ratio—from over 10 percent a few years ago to around 7 percent now—and called for identifying the structural weaknesses behind this fall. The seminar, organized by the General Economics Division (GED) of the Planning Commission, also unveiled the ‘Bangladesh State of the Economy 2025’ and the ‘SDG Progress Report 2025’. Policy experts, including CPD’s Mustafizur Rahman and former World Bank economist Zahid Hossain, expressed concern that rising debt servicing costs are crowding out spending on vital sectors such as agriculture and education. Rahman noted that interest payments have now become one of the largest budgetary expenditures. Analysts warned that unless revenue mobilization improves, Bangladesh may face increasing pressure to borrow to repay existing loans, risking long-term fiscal sustainability and development priorities.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has finalized the registration of 81 domestic election observer organizations ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The announcement was made on December 8 by the EC’s public relations division, confirming that the registration process was completed in two phases following a review of applications and objections. Initially, 73 local organizations were shortlisted in September, after which the EC invited public objections until October 20. Following the resolution of claims, 66 organizations were approved in the first phase, with registration valid from November 6, 2024, to November 5, 2030. Another 15 organizations received approval in the second phase, valid from December 4, 2024, to December 3, 2030. The EC also noted that the registrations of 96 observer groups from the 12th parliamentary election were automatically canceled under the new Election Observation Policy 2025. Since the introduction of observer registration in 2008, the number of approved organizations has fluctuated, reflecting evolving oversight measures and transparency efforts in Bangladesh’s electoral process.

The High Court of Bangladesh has dismissed a writ petition that sought to suspend all activities related to the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The bench, comprising Justice Shikdar Mahmudur Razi and Justice Riaz Uddin, ruled that the petition was not properly presented and noted that the nation is already election-focused, making such a request untimely. The petition was filed on December 3 by Advocate Yarul Islam, Secretary General of the registered political party Bangladesh Congress. It challenged the legality of appointing election officials from the executive branch and requested the formation of an independent Electoral Service Commission. Following the court’s observation, the petitioner withdrew the case, citing national interest. Legal experts say the ruling clears procedural uncertainty ahead of the polls. The Election Commission continues its preparations, including coordination with deputy commissioners and returning officers. The decision reinforces judicial reluctance to interfere with the electoral timeline unless clear constitutional violations are proven.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated a shift in Washington’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine issue, suggesting that Europe should take primary responsibility for managing the conflict. In a newly released national security strategy document, Trump warned European nations that they risk losing their ‘Western identity’ if they fail to correct course. His comments follow continued criticism of Europe’s immigration and clean energy policies. Former U.S. ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland told BBC Radio 4 that Trump views the Ukraine crisis as a European problem, with the U.S. serving only a supportive role. Sondland added that Trump wants to avoid repeating decades of direct U.S. engagement with Russia, which often left Washington bearing the burden of confrontation. Trump also expressed disappointment that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has not yet reviewed a U.S.-drafted peace proposal. Analysts say Trump’s stance could reshape transatlantic security cooperation, potentially weakening NATO’s unified approach to Russia. European leaders are expected to discuss the evolving U.S. position during Zelensky’s ongoing diplomatic tour of London, Paris, and Berlin.

U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced concerns over Netflix’s proposed $72 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, which would bring major franchises like *Harry Potter* and *Game of Thrones* under one streaming platform. Speaking in Washington, Trump warned that the combined market share of the two media giants could create competition issues and indicated that he might personally be involved in the approval process. The deal, announced on December 5, is pending review by the Justice Department’s competition division. Former FTC Chair Bill Kovacic told the BBC that Trump’s remarks suggest the merger could face unusual presidential oversight, shifting what is typically a technical antitrust review into a politically sensitive process. The Writers Guild of America’s East and West branches have urged regulators to block the merger, citing risks to jobs, wages, and creative diversity. If approved, the merger is expected to close in the second half of 2026 following Warner Bros.’ planned corporate restructuring, potentially reshaping the global entertainment landscape.

The Bangladesh Ministry of Education has issued new guidelines clarifying when and how religious teachers can be appointed in private secondary schools under the updated MPO (Monthly Pay Order) policy. According to the directive, a school may appoint one religious teacher for each faith represented by at least 30 students. The policy was published on Sunday, December 7, by the Secondary and Higher Education Division. The new rules, outlined in clause 11(21) of the MPO policy, aim to ensure proportional representation of religious instruction based on student demographics. Additionally, clause 11.19 stipulates that candidates for teaching and staff positions in private schools and colleges must not have more than one third division, class, GPA, or equivalent grade throughout their academic career. Education officials say the move seeks to standardize recruitment and maintain quality across private institutions. The policy is expected to reduce ambiguity in teacher appointments and promote fairness in religious education across Bangladesh’s diverse school system.

Nigerian security forces have rescued 100 students abducted last month from St. Mary’s Catholic Boarding School in Papiri village, Niger State. The joint military-police operation freed the hostages on December 7, according to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). The attack, carried out on November 21 by armed assailants, initially saw 227 students and 12 teachers taken hostage. Authorities launched an immediate rescue mission that lasted 15 days, resulting in the safe recovery of 100 students. However, 127 students and teachers remain missing, and their whereabouts are still unknown. CAN’s Niger branch leader, Daniel Atori, said the organization has received no updates from the government and continues to pray for the safe return of those still held. The incident underscores Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, particularly in the country’s northern and central regions, where armed groups influenced by al-Qaeda and Islamic State have intensified attacks on Christian institutions. Similar mass abductions have occurred in Kaduna and other states, highlighting the persistent threat to education and religious communities.