A high school headteacher in Ishwardi, Pabna, has drawn criticism after a video surfaced showing him chanting 'Joy Bangla'—a slogan historically linked to the ruling Awami League—while urging votes for the opposition BNP’s electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf. The incident occurred during a prayer gathering on Friday night for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s recovery, where the teacher, Sirajul Islam, spoke as a guest. Local residents and social media users reacted sharply after the video went viral, questioning the teacher’s political neutrality and professional ethics. Sirajul Islam, head of Laxmikunda Girls’ High School, later apologized, saying he mistakenly uttered the slogan and denied any political affiliation. The event’s organizers also claimed it was not an official BNP program. However, the Ishwardi Upazila Executive Officer stated that government employees are prohibited from participating in political activities. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between Bangladesh’s major political parties and raises concerns about political involvement by public servants ahead of the next election cycle.

Gana Odhikar Parishad President and former DUCSU VP Nurul Haque Nur announced that his party will contest all 300 parliamentary constituencies independently in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national election. Speaking at a public rally in Brahmanbaria’s Nabinagar on December 6, Nur said the party aims to build a corruption-free and just Bangladesh. He also introduced local leader Nazrul Islam (Nazu) as the official candidate for Brahmanbaria-5 under the party’s ‘Truck’ symbol. Nur emphasized that the party is nominating candidates with strong public images across the country. Addressing the election timeline, he said that if former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s health affects the schedule, the Election Commission will decide accordingly. However, he expressed confidence that the polls would be held in February, adding that the party is prepared to field candidates even if the election is delayed until April. Party General Secretary Rashed Khan also spoke at the event, reaffirming the party’s readiness for a nationwide contest and its commitment to political reform.

West Indies’ former all-rounder Andre Russell has etched his name into cricket history by becoming the first player to achieve the combined milestones of 5,000 runs, 500 wickets, and 500 sixes in T20 cricket. The record was sealed on Friday, December 5, when Russell, playing for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the ILT20, claimed his 500th wicket against Desert Vipers. This achievement came in his 576th T20 match, where his career tally now stands at 9,496 runs, 500 wickets, and 772 sixes. While several players have individually crossed these milestones, Russell remains the only cricketer to have reached all three. According to available data, 126 players have scored over 5,000 runs, six have taken 500 or more wickets, and ten have hit at least 500 sixes. Russell, who retired from international cricket in July, recently announced his decision to step away from the IPL as a player and will serve as an assistant coach for Kolkata Knight Riders in the upcoming season.

Former State Minister for Home Affairs and BNP candidate for Netrakona-4, Lutfozzaman Babar, called on citizens to take action against drug users and gamblers, saying they should be caught and punished before being handed over to authorities. Speaking at campaign rallies in Madan upazila on December 6, Babar emphasized that no one, including party members, would be exempt from this directive. During his speech, Babar also highlighted the need to expand income sources, especially for women, and to promote self-reliance through skill-based work. He described development as a continuous process and pledged to address unemployment and improve living standards. Babar further praised BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, portraying her as a symbol of integrity and national interest. Local BNP leaders and activists attended the events, which marked part of Babar’s campaign for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. His remarks have drawn attention for their tough stance on social issues and emphasis on grassroots empowerment.

A daylong free medical camp organized by the Munnu Welfare Foundation in Manikganj provided healthcare and medicine to 2,000 underprivileged residents. The event took place on Saturday, December 6, at the Ghosta Government Primary School grounds in Putail under Sadar upazila. Patients received medical consultations, diagnostic services, and essential medicines at no cost. The camp was inaugurated by Afroza Khanam Rita, adviser to the BNP chairperson and chairperson of Munnu Group of Industries. She stated that many residents of Manikganj cannot access hospitals due to distance or financial hardship, prompting the foundation to bring quality healthcare directly to their communities. Senior officials from Munnu Medical College and Hospital, including Principal Professor Dr. Abdul Karim and Director Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. Zulfiqar Ahmed Amin, were present at the event. Organizers said similar initiatives would continue to ensure rural populations receive timely medical attention and preventive care, reducing the burden on urban hospitals.

India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Kumar Verma, reiterated that India considers Bangladesh as a close and integral friend during the Maitri Diwas 2025 celebration held at the Old India House in Gulshan on Saturday evening. The event, organized by the Indian High Commission, marked the enduring partnership between the two neighboring nations. Verma emphasized that the India-Bangladesh relationship is one of the most unique in the world, rooted in shared history, culture, and sacrifices. He recalled India’s support during Bangladesh’s Liberation War and affirmed that India will continue to stand by Bangladesh in its journey toward prosperity. The envoy highlighted that friendship with Bangladesh remains a top priority for India’s foreign policy. The event was attended by freedom fighters, diplomats, politicians, military officials, journalists, and cultural figures from both countries. It concluded with cultural performances by Indian and Bangladeshi groups, including patriotic songs and a stage play titled “Nishshobdo 71.”

Dr. Moin Uddin Ahmad, father of missing Sylhet Chhatra Dal leader Ifthekhar Ahmad Dinar, passed away on Saturday morning at a private hospital in Sylhet. Dinar, a former joint general secretary of the Sylhet district Chhatra Dal, disappeared along with fellow leader Juned Ahmad on April 3, 2012, during the tenure of the Awami League government, and has not been seen since. Throughout his life, Dr. Ahmad held on to the hope of seeing his son again, but that reunion never came. He was also the father of Tahsin Sharmin Tamanna, acting president of the Sylhet district Mohila Dal, and a former director of the Directorate General of Health Services. Local BNP leaders, including former Sylhet mayor Ariful Haque Chowdhury and advocate Emran Ahmad Chowdhury, expressed deep sorrow and condolences over his death. The case of Dinar’s disappearance remains unresolved, symbolizing the lingering pain of enforced disappearances in Bangladesh and the enduring grief of affected families.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Workers’ Party, an affiliate of the BNP, has approved a 43-member convening committee for its Dhaka North metropolitan unit. Md. Nizam Uddin has been appointed as convener, while Syed Ziaul Haque will serve as member secretary. The announcement was made on Friday by the party’s central president, Md. Salahuddin Khan, and general secretary, Md. Altaf Hossain Sardar. According to the central leadership, the new committee has been tasked with forming unit-level committees across all police stations in Dhaka North within the next three months. Afterward, a full-fledged metropolitan committee will be established. The committee includes Zahidul Islam as senior joint convener, with A.R. Ashiq Chowdhury, Md. Monzil Hossain, Syed Ekram Uddin Monju, and others serving as joint conveners. Party insiders view this restructuring as part of a broader organizational effort to strengthen BNP-aligned professional groups in the capital ahead of potential political mobilizations. The move is expected to enhance coordination and grassroots engagement within the party’s worker wing.

Bangladesh’s Islamist political party Jamaat-e-Islami has nominated Krishna Nandi, president of the Dumuria Hindu Committee, as its candidate for the Khulna-1 constituency (Dacope-Batiaghata) — the first time a Hindu has represented the party in this seat. The announcement, made by Jamaat chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman at an eight-party rally in Khulna, has triggered widespread discussion and criticism on social media. Controversy deepened after photos surfaced allegedly showing Nandi with an Indian Hindu nationalist leader, prompting speculation about his political and cross-border links. Investigative journalist Julkar Nain Sayer confirmed the photos’ authenticity but found no evidence of AI manipulation. Nandi denied knowing the person in the images, claiming they were AI-generated and part of a smear campaign. Local Awami League supporters accused him of opportunism, citing his past ties with former minister Narayan Chandra Chanda. Khulna-1, a Hindu-majority constituency long dominated by the Awami League, now faces an unusual electoral dynamic. Jamaat’s decision to replace its veteran candidate Maulana Abu Yusuf with Nandi has unsettled party loyalists and raised questions about strategy, minority outreach, and voter response ahead of the next national election.

Bangladesh’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) will begin exhuming the remains of 114 unidentified martyrs from the July uprising on Sunday at the Rayerbazar graveyard in Dhaka. The operation aims to collect DNA samples to establish their identities, following a court order issued in August. CID officials confirmed that after forensic examination and DNA collection, the bodies will be reburied with proper procedures. CID’s media superintendent Jasim Uddin Khan said the process will start early Sunday morning, with CID chief Mohammad Shibgat Ullah briefing the press beforehand. Forensic experts, including anthropologist and consultant Luis Fondibraider, will assist in the identification process. The burial site has been specially prepared with marble and tiles by the city corporation to preserve its sanctity. The exhumation marks a significant step toward honoring the memory of those who died during the July movement. Authorities hope the DNA analysis will bring closure to families still searching for missing relatives and strengthen the historical record of the uprising.

Train operations on the Dhaka–Mymensingh route returned to normal two hours after a mechanical failure halted services near Sripur in Gazipur on Saturday evening. The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. when the engine of the Dhaka-bound Balaka Commuter train broke down near Satkhamaoir area, disrupting rail communication between Dhaka and Mymensingh until the engine was recovered at 6:40 p.m. According to Sripur Railway Station Master Md. Shamim, several trains experienced schedule disruptions during the outage, but departures gradually resumed after the faulty engine was removed. Witnesses reported that the train’s engine emitted a loud noise shortly after leaving Kawraid Station, followed by oil leakage that alarmed passengers, prompting many to disembark quickly. Railway and police officials arrived at the scene to assess the situation. Authorities have confirmed that normal operations have resumed, though minor delays persisted into the evening. The incident highlights ongoing maintenance challenges in Bangladesh’s rail network and the need for improved engine reliability and emergency response mechanisms.

The government of Bangladesh has announced that it will permit limited onion imports starting Sunday, December 7, in an effort to curb the recent surge in domestic prices. According to a statement from the Ministry of Agriculture issued Saturday night, 50 import permits will be granted daily, each allowing the import of up to 30 tons of onions. Only importers who previously applied for export permissions since August 1 will be eligible to reapply, and each importer may submit only one application. The ministry stated that the measure will continue until further notice to maintain a stable market. Onion prices have risen sharply in recent weeks, with consumers reporting an increase of 20–30 taka per kilogram within just a few days. The current retail price ranges between 140 and 150 taka per kilogram. Officials expect the controlled import initiative to ease supply pressure and bring prices down, though traders warn that logistical delays could slow the impact on retail markets.

The Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) has re-elected Md. Shahidul Islam as president and Khurshid Alam as general secretary for the next full term. The decision was unanimously approved by members during the union’s biennial general meeting held on Saturday, December 6, at the National Press Club in Dhaka. The newly endorsed leadership will continue to guide the organization through its upcoming term with a full executive committee. The meeting also confirmed other key office bearers, including Rafique Muhammad, Khandaker Hasnat Karim, and Rashedul Haque as vice presidents, Didarul Alam Didar as joint secretary, and Khandaker Alamgir Hossain as treasurer. Senior journalists and leaders from the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and National Press Club attended the event, offering congratulations and emphasizing the importance of strong, ethical journalism. Observers noted that the DUJ’s renewed leadership aims to strengthen professional unity and advocate for press freedom amid evolving challenges facing Bangladesh’s media sector.

A section of Rajshahi University’s 60th, 61st, and 62nd batches of former students have declared a boycott of the university’s 12th convocation, citing dissatisfaction with the selection of guests and the event’s timing. The announcement came at a press conference held on December 6, where alumni alleged that their opinions were ignored in the decision-making process. University authorities, however, stated that there is no scope to revise the decision. The convocation, rescheduled for December 17 after two postponements, will feature Education Adviser C.R. Abrar as president and Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud as a guest. Alumni representatives said they had requested reconsideration of the guest list and reopening of registration but received no response. They also demanded transparency regarding the use of convocation fees and related funds. University officials confirmed that preparations are nearly complete and reaffirmed that the event will proceed as planned. The dispute underscores growing tensions between alumni and administration over inclusivity and transparency in major university events.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman declared that the era of seizing power through administrative coups is over, calling instead for political unity among Islamist groups. Speaking at a divisional rally of an eight-party Islamist alliance in Sylhet on Saturday, he criticized those who had previously destabilized the country in the name of elections, saying the public had grown weary of their actions and would reject them. Rahman urged other Islamic parties to return to their ideological roots, warning against involvement in extortion and disorder. He described the current political environment as one where ‘fascist shadows’ still linger despite the departure of previous autocrats. Other speakers, including leaders from Islami Andolon Bangladesh and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, emphasized the upcoming national election as a referendum on implementing the July Charter and ensuring a level playing field. The rally, attended by leaders from eight Islamist and nationalist parties, highlighted growing coordination among right-leaning religious groups seeking influence in the next general election.