A new study by the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) under India’s Ministry of Science and Technology has revealed that nano-plastics generated from single-use plastics such as PET bottles can severely disrupt key biological processes in the human body. Published in the journal *Nanoscale Advances*, the research led by Prashant Sharma and Sakshi Dagria shows that prolonged exposure to nano-plastics can impair beneficial gut bacteria, reduce their defense mechanisms, and increase antibiotic sensitivity. Laboratory tests demonstrated that these particles damage red blood cell membranes, cause oxidative stress, DNA damage, inflammation, and even trigger apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death linked to cancer. The findings highlight that nano-plastics—tiny synthetic particles measuring between 1 and 1000 nanometers—pose emerging health risks by interfering with gut health, blood stability, and cellular metabolism. Researchers warn that long-term exposure to such particles could lead to significant physiological and genetic harm, underscoring the urgent need for stricter plastic waste management and further biomedical research.

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.

As anticipation builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup group draw in Washington, Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul expressed his excitement and determination to defend the team’s title. Speaking to Argentine journalist Gaston Edul, De Paul revealed he recently discussed preparations with Lionel Messi, emphasizing that the World Cup draw marks the tournament’s true beginning. Reflecting on Argentina’s 2022 triumph under Messi’s leadership, De Paul said the team is ready to face the challenge of retaining the trophy, acknowledging the difficulty of the task. He highlighted Argentina’s strong qualifying performance and stressed unity as the key to success. De Paul, who recently joined Messi at Inter Miami, will also compete in the MLS final against Vancouver Whitecaps before turning full focus to the World Cup. Meanwhile, Messi’s participation in the 2026 tournament remains uncertain, though he expressed hope to play if conditions allow. Regardless, Messi remains central to Argentina’s World Cup plans.

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 Trump administration has informed U.S. lawmakers of its plan to close several foreign offices of Voice of America (VOA), including those in Pakistan, Germany, Thailand, and Botswana. According to a report by The New York Times, a notice dated November 25 was sent to Congress by Carrie Lake, head of VOA’s parent organization and a close ally of former President Donald Trump. The document outlines the closure of six foreign news bureaus and four marketing offices. Officials stated that while contractors may continue some broadcasting operations if necessary, the long-term goal is to significantly reduce VOA’s global footprint. The move is seen as part of the administration’s broader effort to limit the scope of U.S.-funded international media outlets. The decision has raised concerns about the future of American public diplomacy and the reach of independent journalism abroad.

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.

More than 60,000 African penguins have died from starvation along South Africa’s coast, according to a new study published in the journal Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology. The research found that between 2004 and 2012, over 95% of penguins at key breeding sites on Dassen Island and Robben Island vanished due to lack of food during molting periods. The decline is attributed to climate change and overfishing, which have drastically reduced sardine populations—the penguins’ main food source. Scientists from the University of Exeter’s Centre for Ecology and Conservation warn that similar declines are occurring elsewhere. Over the past 30 years, the African penguin population has dropped by about 80%, and the species was declared critically endangered in 2024, with fewer than 10,000 breeding pairs remaining. Changes in ocean temperature and salinity have disrupted sardine spawning, while fishing pressure continues to rise, worsening the crisis for these seabirds.

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.