Bangladesh’s Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam alleged that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina directly ordered enforced disappearances during her tenure, with her defense adviser, retired Major General Tarique Ahmed Siddique, carrying out the directives. The claim was made on Sunday, December 7, during a hearing at International Crimes Tribunal-1 concerning abductions and torture allegedly conducted at the Joint Interrogation Cell, known as ‘Aynaghar’. The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, began proceedings to frame charges against 13 accused. Three former military officers—Major General Sheikh Md Sarwar Hossain, Brigadier General Md Mahbubur Rahman Siddiqui, and Brigadier General Ahmed Tanvir Mazahar Siddiqui—were produced from military custody. Several others, including Tarique Siddique and former DGFI chiefs, remain fugitives. The tribunal has appointed state defense lawyers for absconding defendants and ordered public notices in national newspapers. The case marks a rare instance of high-level accountability proceedings for alleged human rights violations under a past government, potentially setting a precedent for future war crimes or political abuse inquiries.

A new report from the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) reveals that around 70% of Bangladesh’s population still relies on smoke-producing, traditional cooking fuels. The study warns that exposure to such fuels poses serious respiratory and cardiovascular health risks, particularly for women. Despite some progress, Bangladesh’s adoption rate of clean cooking fuels remains the lowest in South Asia and significantly below the average for lower-middle-income countries. Presented at a conference in Dhaka, the BIDS research highlights the growing role of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as a cleaner alternative. Since 2009, Bangladesh’s LPG market has expanded more than twenty-fivefold, largely driven by private investment and government restrictions on household natural gas connections. Researchers noted that LPG has transitioned from a niche to a mainstream fuel. The report urges policymakers to adopt integrated supply- and demand-side strategies to ensure sustainable LPG access. It emphasizes strengthening supply chains and targeting urban, female-headed, and remittance-receiving households to accelerate the shift toward clean cooking energy and meet the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

A Pabna administrative court has granted bail to Nishi Rahman, a housewife accused of killing eight puppies by drowning them in a pond in Ishwardi. The decision was made on Sunday, December 7, by Judge Tarikul Islam of Pabna Administrative Court-2 after a hearing. Prosecutor Mosfeka Jahan Kanika confirmed the bail, noting that the offense is bailable and that the court considered the accused’s gender in its decision. The next court appearance is scheduled for January 11. The case drew public attention after the puppies, belonging to a dog named Tom living near the Ishwardi Upazila Executive Officer’s residence, were found dead in a pond. Witnesses alleged that Rahman, wife of a local development officer, had tied the puppies in a sack and disposed of them at night. The local livestock officer filed the case, leading to Rahman’s arrest. Authorities have stated that the investigation will continue, and a charge sheet will be submitted after completion. Animal rights advocates have called for a fair investigation and stronger enforcement of animal cruelty laws in rural areas.

A tragic incident in Gazipur’s Tongi area has sparked public outrage after a family allegedly threw a stillborn baby girl from a fourth-floor apartment window early Sunday morning. Police recovered the infant’s body and sent it for autopsy at Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital. The baby’s mother, identified as 28-year-old Riva Akter, has been detained for questioning. According to police, Riva gave birth to a stillborn child at her home in Ward 54, Auchpara College Gate area, before the baby was allegedly thrown from the kitchen window. Locals alerted authorities after discovering the body near the building. Investigators suspect that family conflict may have influenced the decision not to bury the stillborn child properly. Tongi West Police Station Officer-in-Charge Harun-or-Rashid confirmed that legal proceedings are underway. The incident has raised concerns about social awareness, mental health support, and the handling of stillbirths within families in Bangladesh.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Amir, Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, expressed gratitude to supporters and urged the government to understand the people’s voice following a series of successful divisional rallies organized by the eight-party alliance. In a statement issued Sunday, he praised the organizers for their efficiency and unity despite limited preparation time, calling the gatherings a testament to organizational discipline and public engagement. Rezaul Karim highlighted the strong public turnout as evidence of widespread support for the alliance’s five-point demands, which include separating national elections from referendums and ensuring accountability for alleged authoritarian practices. He extended thanks to local leaders, journalists, and the administration for their cooperation during the events. Calling on the government to respect public opinion, Karim said the rallies demonstrated national unity on key electoral and governance issues. He urged authorities to respond positively to the people’s demands, warning that ignoring them could deepen political polarization ahead of future national decisions.

Bangladesh’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and four election commissioners traveled to Jamuna on Monday to meet Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The meeting comes as the Election Commission (EC) finalizes preparations for announcing the schedule of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and a national referendum later this week. Earlier in the day, the EC held a key meeting at its Agargaon headquarters to finalize the election timetable. Commissioner Abul Fazl Md. Sanaullah confirmed that the official schedule will be declared within the week. The EC decided that two magistrates will be assigned to each upazila from the day of announcement to ensure compliance with the electoral code of conduct. The commission also extended voting hours by one hour, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The EC further ruled that no new government projects may be approved after the schedule is announced, and only legally permitted individuals may contest the election. Printing of ballots for expatriate voters will begin on December 8, with government and semi-government officials serving as polling staff.

A hearing has begun at Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-1 on the formation of charges against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her security adviser Tarique Ahmed Siddique, and 11 others in a case involving allegations of enforced disappearance and torture. The prosecution initiated the session on Sunday, December 7, marking a significant step in the long-running legal proceedings. Among the 13 accused are three former directors of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI)—Major General Sheikh Md. Sarwar Hossain, Brigadier General Md. Mahbubur Rahman Siddiqui, and Brigadier General Ahmed Tanvir Mazahar Siddiqui—who are currently in military custody and were produced before the tribunal. The list of defendants also includes five former DGFI director generals, reflecting the case’s deep ties to Bangladesh’s security establishment. In a separate case at Tribunal-2, testimony continued against former minister and JASAD president Hasanul Haq Inu over alleged crimes against humanity during the Kushtia uprising, with witnesses including a freedom fighter and an investigation officer. Both Inu and Salman F Rahman appeared before the court in connection with the July killings case.

Dr. Zubaida Rahman, daughter-in-law of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, visited the former prime minister at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on Sunday morning after spending the night at her parental home in Dhanmondi. According to BNP’s media cell, Rahman arrived at the hospital around 11:30 a.m., maintaining close communication with the medical team overseeing Khaleda Zia’s treatment. Khaleda Zia has been under intensive care at Evercare Hospital since November 23 due to critical health complications. A specialist medical board led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder is supervising her treatment, with Dr. Zubaida Rahman serving as one of the board members. BNP leaders have stated that a royal air ambulance from Qatar remains on standby to transport Khaleda abroad once doctors approve her travel. The repeated hospital visits by Rahman underscore the family’s close involvement in the treatment process, while the BNP leadership continues to monitor the situation closely. The party has not yet confirmed when or whether the medical board will permit Khaleda Zia’s overseas transfer.

Hong Kong held its Legislative Council election on Sunday, December 7, under the shadow of deep public grief and anger following the city’s deadliest fire in nearly eight decades. The Tai Po blaze at Wang Fuk Court claimed at least 159 lives, prompting widespread mourning and criticism of government oversight. Authorities tightened surveillance and deployed heavy police presence to maintain order during voting. Public frustration over the government’s handling of the tragedy led many residents to boycott the election, accusing officials of negligence and mismanagement. The administration launched multiple investigations into corruption and safety violations while urging calm. Chief Executive John Lee framed voter participation as a show of solidarity with victims and confidence in reform. With only 20 of 90 seats directly elected and all candidates vetted for “patriotism,” analysts view the poll as another test of Beijing’s control over the territory. Declining voter turnout and arrests of critics underscore persistent distrust and shrinking political space in post-reform Hong Kong.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly protested comments made by National Citizen Party (NCP) member-secretary Akhtar Hossain, who alleged that parties like BNP and Jamaat are competing in 'armed demonstrations.' In a press statement issued on Sunday, Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair dismissed the remarks as 'false, fabricated, and politically motivated.' Zubair emphasized that Jamaat is a responsible, peace-loving, and disciplined political party committed to the rule of law and democratic values. He argued that the party’s history and conduct do not support any claims of involvement in violent or unlawful activities. Calling Hossain’s statement 'regrettable and baseless,' he urged the NCP leader to withdraw his comments and act responsibly. The statement further appealed to the media, political community, and citizens not to be misled by misinformation or political propaganda. The exchange highlights ongoing political friction in Bangladesh as parties navigate a tense post-uprising environment.

A new political and electoral alliance is being formed in Bangladesh, comprising the National Citizen Party (NCP), Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, and the Bangladesh State Reform Movement. The coalition will be officially launched on Sunday, December 7, at the Dhaka Reporters Unity in Segunbagicha. The alliance aims to promote political reform and uphold the spirit of the July uprising, according to organizers. Discussions initially involved four parties, including the Gano Adhikar Parishad, but the final coalition excludes that group. NCP’s chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari confirmed that the alliance will operate under NCP’s leadership. AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Bhuiyan Monju and State Reform Movement Joint General Secretary Didarul Bhuiyan also confirmed their participation. Political analysts view the move as an attempt to consolidate smaller reformist parties ahead of the next general election. The alliance’s success will depend on its ability to present a unified platform and attract broader public support in a competitive political environment.

Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shara has accused Israel of deliberately escalating regional tensions through military operations justified under the guise of security. Speaking at the Doha Forum, Al-Shara reiterated his government’s commitment to national unity, peace, women’s empowerment, and democratic reforms, including plans to hold parliamentary elections within five years of the constitutional declaration. In an interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, Al-Shara claimed Israel is using the October 7 attacks as a pretext to expand military actions across the region, describing it as a state “fighting ghosts.” He urged Israel to return to pre-conflict positions and respect the 1974 disengagement agreement over the Golan Heights, warning that altering the long-standing accord could destabilize the region. Al-Shara also addressed Syria’s internal reconciliation efforts, announcing amnesty measures and rejecting sectarian politics. He emphasized that Syria is governed by law and that women’s rights are protected, signaling a shift toward inclusive governance after years of conflict.

Bhojpuri singer Neha Singh Rathore is facing possible arrest after the Allahabad High Court on Friday, December 6, rejected her anticipatory bail plea. The court’s decision came amid multiple legal cases filed against her across Uttar Pradesh following her remarks questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s responsibility for the Pahalgam attack earlier this year. Rathore had publicly criticized the government, alleging that national politics has become dominated by religious and nationalist divisions while issues like education and healthcare are being neglected. Her comments went viral, prompting strong backlash from pro-government groups who accused her of defamation and incitement. In response, Rathore defended her statements, asserting her constitutional right to question the government’s handling of public safety and denying that her remarks were inflammatory. Legal experts note that the case highlights growing tensions between artistic expression and political sensitivity in India. If arrested, Rathore could face prolonged legal proceedings, while the case may further fuel debate over freedom of speech and dissent in the country.

Bangladesh’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has begun exhuming 114 bodies from Dhaka’s Rayerbazar graveyard to identify victims of the July popular uprising. The operation, launched Sunday morning, aims to conduct autopsies and collect DNA samples before reburial with full religious respect, CID chief Additional IGP Md. Shibgat Ullah confirmed. The initiative follows a Dhaka court order responding to petitions from families of unidentified martyrs. Argentine forensic expert Luis Fondebrider, invited through the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), is leading the forensic process. CID officials said at least 10 families have already applied for identification, though the actual number of victims may exceed 114. Authorities emphasized that the process adheres to international forensic standards. Once DNA profiles are matched, families may reclaim remains if desired. The CID plans to release hotline numbers for relatives seeking information. The exhumation marks a major step toward documenting the human cost of the 2024 July uprising and ensuring accountability through scientific verification.

A new political alliance comprising three Bangladeshi parties, including the National Citizen Party (NCP), is set to be formally announced this Sunday afternoon at the Dhaka Reporters Unity in Segunbagicha. The coalition marks another attempt to reshape the country’s opposition landscape ahead of future elections. Discussions had been ongoing among four parties — NCP, AB Party, Bangladesh State Reform Movement, and Gana Adhikar Parishad — to form a joint electoral front. However, the Gana Adhikar Parishad ultimately decided not to join. The alliance, according to party representatives, aims to uphold the ‘July Uprising Pledge’ and promote a new political and electoral framework in Bangladesh. Political analysts view the move as part of a broader trend of smaller parties seeking relevance amid shifting power dynamics. The alliance’s effectiveness will depend on its ability to coordinate agendas and attract voter attention in an already crowded political field.