Bangladesh’s President has issued the 'Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Remedy Ordinance, 2025', introducing the death penalty and life imprisonment for those found guilty of enforced disappearances. The ordinance, gazetted by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division on December 1, establishes special tribunals at district and divisional levels to handle such cases. It classifies enforced disappearance as a non-bailable and non-compoundable offense. Government officials or law enforcement members who detain, abduct, or conceal a person’s whereabouts, resulting in deprivation of legal protection, will face severe penalties. If the victim dies or remains missing for over five years, the offender may face the death penalty or life imprisonment. The ordinance also prescribes punishment for destroying evidence or maintaining secret detention centers. Senior officers or commanders who order, permit, or fail to prevent such acts will be held equally accountable. Trials may proceed in absentia if the accused is a fugitive, and detainee information may be withheld temporarily for state security reasons.

A man in Tamil Nadu, India, allegedly murdered his wife and posted a selfie with her body on social media. The incident occurred on Sunday in Coimbatore, where the victim, identified as Sri Priya, worked at a private firm. Her husband, Balamurugam from Tirunelveli, reportedly attacked her at a women’s hostel after suspecting her of having an extramarital affair. According to police, he hid a machete in his clothes, confronted his wife, and during a heated argument, fatally assaulted her. Following the killing, he took a selfie with the body and shared it on WhatsApp, accusing her of betrayal. The gruesome act caused panic among hostel residents. Balamurugam did not flee the scene and was arrested by police shortly afterward. The murder weapon was recovered, and authorities are continuing their investigation into the motive and circumstances surrounding the crime.

At least 12 people have died and 25 others were injured after two boats sank in the Iparía River port in Peru’s central Ucayali region following a landslide. Local authorities reported that around 40 to 50 people remain missing. The incident occurred in the Amazon jungle area when a sudden landslide caused the anchored boats to submerge. Rescue teams, including the navy, are continuing search operations while families of the missing have gathered at the site. Captain Jonathan Novoa confirmed that nine bodies have been recovered so far. Images broadcast by local media showed luggage and goods floating in the river as distressed residents ran along the riverbank. Officials are working to determine the exact number of passengers on board and to identify the victims. The cause of the landslide is under investigation, and emergency services remain on high alert in the affected region.

Education Adviser Professor Dr. C.R. Abrar issued a stern warning to secondary school teachers who have suspended student examinations as part of their ongoing protests. In an interview with the national news agency BSS on December 1, he stated that such actions violate government service regulations and that those responsible will face disciplinary measures. Dr. Abrar criticized the teachers’ demand for promotion to the ninth grade, calling it unjustified since their employment terms placed them in the tenth grade. He emphasized that the ninth grade is reserved for BCS administration cadre officers and that any change would require inter-ministerial coordination. The adviser condemned the teachers for using students as leverage in their movement, labeling it unethical and harmful to students and parents. He reiterated the government’s firm stance that examinations must continue without interruption and instructed all teachers to resume exams immediately or face punishment under civil service rules.

At least three people were killed and ten others injured in a collision between a passenger bus and a stationary truck on the Arial Khan Bridge in Shibchar, Madaripur, on Tuesday morning. The accident occurred around 9:30 a.m. when a Dhaka-bound bus of Welcome Paribahan hit a truck that had broken down earlier on the Dhaka-Bhanga Expressway. The front portion of the bus was severely damaged, leading to multiple casualties. Police and fire service personnel quickly arrived at the scene to conduct rescue operations, sending the injured to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities have since removed both vehicles from the road, and traffic movement has returned to normal. Efforts are underway to identify the deceased victims, according to Shibchar Highway Police Station Officer-in-Charge Jahurul Islam.

BNP Standing Committee member Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain has urged the public not to believe rumors regarding the health condition of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, he stated that Khaleda Zia is receiving treatment as per the recommendations of her medical board and that any decision about taking her abroad for further treatment will depend solely on the board’s advice. Dr. Zahid confirmed that foreign specialists are also scheduled to examine her condition. He emphasized that all necessary preparations are in place, but no steps can be taken beyond the board’s guidance. He also acknowledged that the government is cooperating in her treatment and requested prayers from the people for her recovery, expressing hope that she will improve soon.

Medical technologists and pharmacists at Dhaka National Medical Institute Hospital observed a two-hour work stoppage on Tuesday, demanding implementation of the 10th grade pay scale. The strike took place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., during which the protesters gathered in front of the hospital’s outpatient department to voice their grievances. They alleged that despite working under hazardous conditions during crises such as COVID-19 and dengue outbreaks, they have been denied fair pay and promotion parity with other diploma-holding officers who were upgraded to second-class status. The protesters warned of tougher nationwide movements if their demands are not met soon, announcing plans for a half-day strike on November 3 and a full-day strike on November 4. Leaders of the technologists’ association criticized the interim government for ignoring their repeated appeals and vowed to continue their peaceful protests until the 10th grade implementation is realized.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed deep gratitude to the people of Bangladesh and well-wishers worldwide for their prayers and support for party chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who remains under treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Rahman described the collective support of the nation as the source of his family’s strength and inspiration. He acknowledged the concern shown by foreign leaders, diplomats, and friends, as well as the affection and prayers of Bangladeshi citizens. Khaleda Zia’s condition is reported to be stable but shows little improvement, according to doctors who continue to monitor her closely. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other senior leaders visited the hospital late Monday night to discuss her latest condition with the medical team. Rahman called for unity, compassion, and solidarity during this difficult time.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani Baghaei has accused the United States of being the greatest threat to international security due to its coercive behavior and global interventions. During a weekly press briefing, Baghaei highlighted recent diplomatic engagements with delegations from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea in Tehran. He also condemned Israel, calling it the main source of instability in the region, and cited repeated ceasefire violations in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza that have resulted in civilian casualties. Baghaei further criticized Washington’s interference in Latin American and African nations, including Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa. He described U.S. actions such as airspace restrictions as unprecedented and contrary to international aviation norms. The spokesperson accused the United States of complicity in Israeli crimes through its unconditional support and urged the UN Security Council to treat these actions as violations of international peace and security.

A fact-checking investigation has uncovered more than 100 fake Facebook pages operating under the names of Barrister Zaima Rahman and Dr. Zubaida Rahman, daughter and wife of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman. The discovery followed heightened online activity after former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s critical illness and hospitalization in Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital. Despite claims of authenticity, BNP’s senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi confirmed on June 5, 2025, that neither Zaima nor Zubaida Rahman has any official Facebook account. The fake pages, some with hundreds of thousands of followers, have been spreading political content and misinformation in favor of the BNP. Page transparency data shows all are managed from Bangladesh, while both women reside in London. Many users have mistakenly engaged with these pages, believing them to be genuine. BNP sources indicated that an official social media account for Zaima Rahman may be launched in the future.

A political debate has intensified in Bangladesh after Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain stated that BNP’s acting chairman Tareque Rahman could be issued a travel pass within a day if he wishes to return home. The comment sparked speculation that Rahman currently lacks a valid Bangladeshi passport. The Election Commission confirmed that Rahman is not yet registered as a voter, though he could become one upon returning. BNP leaders, including Salahuddin Ahmed, downplayed the issue, saying there would be no obstacle regarding a passport or travel pass. Legal adviser Asif Nazrul also clarified that there are no legal restrictions preventing Rahman’s return. The discussion follows Rahman’s recent social media post suggesting that his decision to return is not entirely under his control. Rahman, who has lived in London since 2008 after being released from prison, was expected to return before the upcoming national elections but uncertainty now surrounds his plans.

Security has been strengthened at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is receiving medical treatment. Police set up barricades at the hospital’s main gate early Monday night, restricting public access and allowing only authorized personnel to enter. Hospital authorities stated that the measures aim to ensure smooth movement for patients and their families, prevent crowding, and enhance the safety of Khaleda Zia. The government recently declared her a 'Very Important Person' (VIP), prompting additional security arrangements. The 80-year-old politician has been suffering from multiple health complications, including liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, and issues related to her kidneys, lungs, heart, and eyes. She was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 after developing infections in her heart and lungs, and a team of local and foreign doctors continues to oversee her treatment.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to return to Bangladesh soon, according to the party’s Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed. Speaking to journalists after a committee meeting on Monday, Ahmed said the meeting discussed several issues including the health of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, current political developments, and preparations for upcoming elections. He added that Dr. AZM Zahid would brief the media about Khaleda Zia’s health condition. Earlier, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain stated that there are no legal obstacles preventing Tarique Rahman from returning to the country and that a travel pass could be issued within a day if necessary. Tarique Rahman, who has been living in exile in the United Kingdom for years, remains a central figure in BNP’s leadership and political strategy.

Bangladesh’s November Economic Update and Outlook report by the General Economics Division (GED) highlights a mixed economic scenario. While bank deposits have shown robust growth, private sector credit expansion remains sluggish. The report notes that overall inflation has fallen to single digits, largely due to declining food prices and improved supply conditions. Food inflation dropped from 12.66% to 7.08%, while non-food inflation slightly rose to 9.13%, reflecting ongoing pressure in housing, transport, and healthcare costs. The report also indicates that rice prices, which surged earlier in 2025, have begun to decline as new Aman harvests entered the market and government procurement boosted domestic reserves. Despite steady economic growth, the National Board of Revenue continues to fall short of its collection targets. Export performance remains volatile, though moderate recovery is expected in the coming months.

Pakistan is witnessing heightened tension following rumors about the death of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The government and Adiala Jail authorities have not provided any information on his whereabouts, and his family members reportedly have not been allowed to meet him for an extended period. In response, Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), called for protests in Rawalpindi demanding proof of his safety and whereabouts. To prevent demonstrations, the local administration has imposed Section 144, banning all public gatherings from December 1 to 3. Rawalpindi’s Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema stated that the decision was made to maintain public safety, peace, and stability amid growing unrest and speculation surrounding Khan’s condition.