Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer, ATM Azharul Islam, stated that if his party secures a majority in the upcoming national election, it would govern the country based on Islamic principles. Speaking on Sunday, December 7, in Kishoreganj, Nilphamari, during a relief distribution event for 90 families affected by a recent cyclone, he said the current laws and constitution are man-made and not fully aligned with Islam. The event was organized by the Kishoreganj Upazila unit of Jamaat-e-Islami and chaired by local party leader Abdur Rashid Shah. Several regional and district-level Jamaat leaders, including Muhammad Abdur Rashid, Maulana Abdus Sattar, Dr. Khairul Anam, Maulana Antajul Islam, and Hafiz Abdul Muntakim, were also present. Azharul Islam’s remarks come at a time when Jamaat is seeking to reassert its political relevance ahead of national polls. His statement underscores the party’s long-standing ideological stance on establishing governance rooted in Islamic law, a position that has historically drawn both support and criticism within Bangladesh’s political landscape.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir has publicly clarified that it has not yet decided to nominate any of its members for the upcoming national election, countering media speculation about Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Sadiq Kayem contesting from Dhaka-8 under the scale symbol. The clarification came from Shibir’s Central Publicity Secretary Azizur Rahman Azad, who posted on his verified Facebook account on Saturday night. Azad stated that several journalists and supporters had inquired about the rumor, prompting the organization to reiterate that no official decision had been made. He added that any future decision regarding participation in the election would be formally announced by the central leadership. The statement followed reports citing Jamaat-e-Islami sources suggesting that the party might replace its current candidate, Advocate Dr. Helal Uddin, with Sadiq Kayem in Dhaka-8. The clarification underscores internal deliberations within Jamaat and its affiliated student wing as the national election approaches, reflecting broader uncertainty over candidate selection in key constituencies.

Bangladesh’s Planning Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud has cautioned that democracy by itself cannot guarantee economic development unless politics becomes genuinely welfare-oriented. Speaking at the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) annual research conference in Dhaka, he argued that when politics turns into a pursuit of privileges rather than public service, it attracts youth seeking livelihood opportunities rather than civic engagement. He also warned that vested business interests can form powerful circles that obstruct welfare-driven policymaking. Dr. Mahmud emphasized that the country’s education system is producing unemployed graduates, and that behavioral norms and values must be studied to understand development barriers. He noted that limited reforms cannot solve deep-rooted issues such as collusion between bureaucracy and business or tax evasion, calling for broader structural reforms. The adviser stressed that effective democracy should aim to build an equitable, poverty-free society, but lamented that Bangladesh still struggles to establish even a functional democratic system. BIDS Director General Prof. A.K.M. Enamul Haque added that the two-day conference would present around fifty research papers addressing unemployment, poverty, and health sector challenges.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has launched an inquiry into former president Abdul Hamid over allegations of embezzlement and illegal wealth accumulation. The probe centers on claims that Tk 240 million in state funds were misused under the guise of beautification and development works in the Nikunja-1 area of Dhaka. ACC Director General (Prevention) Md Akhter Hossain confirmed the investigation on Sunday, emphasizing that the commission does not consider personal identity but focuses on the factual basis of complaints. Reports indicate that Hamid, who completed his presidential term in April 2023, resides with his family in a three-story duplex house on Lake Drive Road, Nikunja-1. Allegations include the construction of decorative decks, hanging bridges, and modern lamp posts that allegedly caused significant financial loss to the state. The investigation marks a rare scrutiny of a former head of state by the ACC and could test the institution’s impartiality and political independence in handling high-profile corruption cases.

Students from several government colleges in Dhaka blocked the Shahbagh intersection on Sunday to protest the proposed schooling model in the draft Dhaka Central University Ordinance. The demonstration began around 11:30 a.m., halting traffic at one of the capital’s busiest junctions. After about 45 minutes, the students withdrew their blockade, and traffic flow returned to normal by 12:30 p.m. Protesters argued that if the ordinance is enacted, it could jeopardize higher secondary education at the seven affiliated government colleges and undermine their longstanding academic traditions. Students from Dhaka College, Government Bangla College, Kabi Nazrul Government College, Shaheed Suhrawardy Government College, and Begum Badrunnesa Government Women’s College joined the protest march. The brief but disruptive demonstration highlights growing student concern over education governance and institutional restructuring. Authorities have yet to issue an official response, but further dialogue between the education ministry and student representatives is expected in the coming days.

Pakistan’s federal authorities have imposed foreign travel bans on 132 senior leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, citing their alleged involvement in the violent protests and vandalism that erupted on May 9, 2023. The decision, confirmed on Saturday, adds the names of several prominent figures to the Exit Control List (ECL), effectively preventing them from leaving the country. Among those restricted are PTI founder Imran Khan, senior leaders Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Omar Ayub, Fawad Chaudhry, and Shibli Faraz. Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Shehryar Afridi, Usman Dar, and female leaders Shireen Mazari, Zartaj Gul, Musarrat Cheema, and Kanwal Shauzab are also included. Officials said the Punjab Home Department had recommended the inclusion of 132 names. The move reflects the government’s intensified scrutiny of PTI members accused of inciting political instability. Analysts suggest the bans could further strain relations between the ruling coalition and PTI supporters, potentially complicating efforts toward political reconciliation ahead of future elections.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, has clarified his personal stance on the long-debated Phulbari coal mine issue following public discussion over his recent social media post. In a Facebook statement on December 7, Alam emphasized the importance of constructive criticism and democratic debate, distancing his personal views from any official government position. He reiterated his condemnation of the 2006 Phulbari killings, recalling his role as an AFP correspondent who first reported the incident internationally. Alam explained that his recent reflections stemmed from 16 months of experience within the interim government, noting Bangladesh’s energy security challenges and dependence on costly LNG imports after the Ukraine war. He argued that not developing major coal reserves such as Phulbari, Dighipara, and Jamalganj was a strategic mistake, though he acknowledged flaws in past agreements. While welcoming thoughtful criticism from academics and analysts, he reaffirmed that his comments were personal and not indicative of any government initiative to revive the project. His remarks have reignited debate over Bangladesh’s energy policy, balancing environmental concerns, economic realities, and the country’s development priorities.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has cautioned that certain groups are attempting to create divisions in Bangladesh under the guise of religion. Speaking at the inauguration of the party’s ‘Nation-Building Plan’ program at the Krishibid Institution auditorium on Sunday, he emphasized that while Bangladeshis are religious, they do not believe in dividing the state along religious lines. Fakhrul said the country now has an opportunity to restore democracy after 15 years, but obstacles and misinformation campaigns persist. He accused the ruling Awami League of destroying national institutions and called for their reconstruction. Fakhrul urged party members to remain alert against cyberwarfare and propaganda, asserting that only the BNP can lead the nation forward. He also highlighted the changing mindset of youth and the need to modernize the party’s vision to align with a new Bangladesh. Addressing Khaleda Zia’s health, he said her treatment is being closely supervised by Tarique Rahman and a team of national and international specialists. The remarks come as BNP seeks to reframe its political agenda ahead of potential national elections, focusing on unity, reform, and democratic revival.

More than 223,000 expatriate Bangladeshis have registered to vote in the upcoming 13th National Parliament election and referendum through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ mobile application, according to the Election Commission’s update on December 7. Among the registrants, 203,578 are men and 20,121 are women. Saudi Arabia leads with over 51,000 registered voters, followed by the United States, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The Election Commission (EC) has urged expatriates to provide accurate local addresses while registering, emphasizing that workplace or acquaintances’ addresses may be used if necessary. The registration deadline has been extended until midnight on December 25, allowing global access to the app. EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed confirmed that in-country postal voting will also be introduced for government officials, detainees, and those working away from home. The ‘Postal Vote BD’ app, launched on November 18, enables registration from 148 countries. The initiative marks Bangladesh’s first large-scale digital system for overseas postal voting, aiming to expand participation and transparency in the electoral process.

Bangladesh’s interim government has announced that individuals holding recognized Qawmi Madrasa degrees will now be eligible to serve as Nikah Registrars (Kazi). The decision was confirmed by Dr. Asif Nazrul, Adviser to the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, through a verified social media post on Sunday, December 7. Previously, only individuals with Alim-level certificates were permitted to apply for the registrar position. Dr. Nazrul stated that the law ministry has amended the relevant legal provisions to expand eligibility, allowing those with Dawra-e-Hadith certificates from recognized Qawmi boards to apply. The move aims to create broader inclusion for religious scholars within the country’s official marriage registration process. Legal experts and religious leaders have welcomed the change as a recognition of Qawmi education’s equivalence to mainstream Islamic studies. However, some observers note that the implementation process will require careful oversight to ensure uniform standards across different educational boards.

Three days of peace talks between Ukrainian and U.S. officials in Florida ended Saturday without tangible progress, underscoring the deep impasse in efforts to end the war. On the same day, Russia launched one of its largest recent air offensives against Ukrainian cities and key infrastructure, signaling continued escalation despite diplomatic overtures. According to Ukrainian authorities, Russia fired 653 drones and 51 missiles, striking 29 locations including energy facilities and transport hubs. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed at least eight injuries, while the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant temporarily lost power, prompting safety concerns from the International Atomic Energy Agency. President Volodymyr Zelensky said energy infrastructure was deliberately targeted, accusing Moscow of seeking to cripple civilian life. Moscow maintained that it only targeted military-industrial sites and their energy supply lines. With Russian forces advancing in eastern Donetsk—seizing over 500 square kilometers in November alone—Kyiv’s diplomatic options appear increasingly constrained. Observers warn that without a shift in Moscow’s stance, peace efforts will remain stalled.

Hamas has announced it will hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority once Israel ends its occupation of Gaza. Khalil al-Hayya, head of the group’s negotiation team, made the statement on Saturday, emphasizing that Hamas maintains arms solely due to ongoing occupation and aggression. He clarified that the weapons would be surrendered to a sovereign and independent Palestinian state. Al-Hayya added that Hamas accepts the deployment of a United Nations force to monitor the ceasefire and oversee border surveillance but rejects any international mission aimed solely at disarming Hamas. The announcement comes amid continuing Israeli attacks despite a ceasefire declared on October 10, which has resulted in civilian casualties and infrastructure damage across Gaza. Meanwhile, leaders of Muslim-majority nations have opposed unilateral plans to open the Rafah border for transferring Palestinians into Egypt, urging instead for both sides of the crossing to reopen under previous agreements. They also called for reconstruction efforts to take place within Palestinian territories, reaffirming support for Palestinian sovereignty.

Malaysian authorities have detained 843 undocumented migrants, including 79 Bangladeshis, during a large-scale enforcement operation in Selayang Baru, Selangor. The raid, coordinated by the Selangor State Security Council on December 6, involved multiple agencies including the Immigration Department, Royal Malaysia Police, and National Anti-Drug Agency. Officials inspected the documents of 1,116 individuals and arrested those found violating immigration laws. According to state officials, the detainees include nationals from Myanmar, Nepal, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and India, aged between 21 and 53. They face charges of lacking identification, overstaying, and using forged documents. Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the operation followed public complaints about illegal businesses and overcrowding by foreign nationals. He warned employers against hiring undocumented workers, emphasizing that violators will face legal action. Authorities confirmed that similar operations had been conducted earlier in Seri Muda and Selangor Wholesale Market areas. The crackdown will continue under Malaysia’s Immigration Act 1959/63, Passport Act 1966, and Anti-Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007.

Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani stated that any ceasefire agreement in Gaza will remain incomplete without addressing the situation in the West Bank. Speaking at the Doha Forum 2025, he emphasized that Qatar views regional stability as integral to its national security and prefers diplomacy, investment, and strategic partnerships over military influence. Al Thani highlighted Qatar’s role as a mediator in regional conflicts, maintaining open communication with all parties to ensure sustainable peace. He noted that since 2013, Qatar’s progress has stemmed from its engagement with diverse stakeholders. The prime minister also underscored the need to tackle the root causes of the Israel-Palestine conflict, including Palestinian national aspirations and reconstruction of Gaza. Qatar, along with Turkey, Egypt, and the United States, is currently guiding the next phase of the ceasefire process. The statement comes amid ongoing Israeli attacks that have killed over 70,000 people in Gaza since October 2023, despite the ceasefire agreement brokered in October 2024.

A strong earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale struck near Yakutat, Alaska, late Saturday night, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The quake’s epicenter was located about 230 miles northwest of Juneau and 155 miles west of Whitehorse, Yukon. Despite the intensity, no tsunami warning was issued, and there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage. The tremor was felt across parts of Alaska and western Canada, prompting several emergency calls in Whitehorse, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Seismologist Alison Bird from Canada’s Geological Survey noted that the affected area was mountainous and sparsely populated, reducing the likelihood of major structural damage. Residents reported items falling from shelves and walls shaking. The USGS confirmed that the quake originated about 10 kilometers below the surface and was followed by several smaller aftershocks. Authorities continue to monitor the region for potential secondary impacts, though early assessments suggest limited disruption.