The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has transferred 13 deputy commissioners (DCs) from various divisions, including Lalbagh, Motijheel, and Gulshan, as part of a major administrative reshuffle. The order, signed by DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali on Thursday, December 4, states that the transfers will remain effective until further notice and are to be implemented immediately. In a separate order issued the same day, the DMP also reassigned officers-in-charge (OCs) of 50 police stations across the capital. The reshuffle aims to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen law enforcement management within the city. Such large-scale transfers are part of routine administrative measures often taken to ensure transparency, accountability, and improved policing performance in Dhaka’s metropolitan area.

Bangladesh Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam Sarkar has confirmed that the schedule for the 13th National Parliamentary Election and a national referendum will be announced any day after December 7. The election and referendum are planned for the second week of February 2026, before Ramadan. The Election Commission (EC) claims to be fully prepared for both events, having already conducted mock voting to test the dual-ballot system. To accommodate the extended voting process, the EC is considering increasing voting hours and the number of booths. Law enforcement, mobile courts, judicial magistrates, and electoral inquiry teams will be deployed to ensure order, with body-worn cameras introduced for the first time. The commissioner emphasized that violators of the electoral code of conduct will face strict legal action. He also noted that the interim government is cooperating fully with the EC to ensure a free, fair, and credible election that could set a new benchmark in Bangladesh’s democratic history.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced its second phase of candidates for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, naming nominees for 36 constituencies across the country. The announcement was made by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan on Thursday afternoon. Among the newly declared candidates, four are from Dhaka constituencies: Hamidur Rahman for Dhaka-7, Habibur Rashid for Dhaka-9, Sheikh Robiul Alam for Dhaka-10, and S M Jahangir Hossain for Dhaka-18. Earlier, BNP had revealed candidates for 13 other Dhaka seats, including senior leaders such as Mirza Abbas, Goyeshwar Chandra Roy, and Amanullah Aman. The party said that candidates for Dhaka-13, Dhaka-17, and Dhaka-20 will be announced later. The BNP’s phased nomination process reflects its strategic preparation for the national election amid a competitive political environment.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has transferred officers-in-charge (OCs) of 50 police stations as part of a major reshuffle ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming national parliamentary elections. The order, signed by DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali on Thursday, December 4, mandates immediate implementation of the changes. This move follows a recent nationwide lottery-based reassignment of OCs to 527 police stations, though no metropolitan stations were included in that earlier process. The latest DMP order specifically targets the capital’s police leadership, signaling administrative adjustments likely aimed at ensuring neutrality and efficiency in law enforcement during the election period. The reshuffle is part of broader preparations by law enforcement agencies to maintain order and transparency throughout the electoral process.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced its second batch of candidates for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, naming nominees for 36 constituencies across the country. The announcement was made by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir during a press conference at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan on Thursday, December 4. The list includes candidates from districts such as Thakurgaon, Dinajpur, Naogaon, Natore, Sirajganj, Jessore, Narail, Khulna, Patuakhali, Barishal, Tangail, Mymensingh, Kishoreganj, Manikganj, Munshiganj, Dhaka, Gazipur, Rajbari, Faridpur, Madaripur, Sunamganj, Sylhet, Habiganj, Comilla, Chattogram, and Cox’s Bazar. Earlier, on November 3, the BNP had announced 237 candidates in the first phase. With this second list, the party has now nominated candidates for a total of 273 out of 300 parliamentary seats, as it continues preparations for the national polls.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) is preparing to grant registration to two new political parties ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. One of these is 'Amjanatar Dal', led by member secretary Tarek Rahman, who staged a 134-hour hunger strike in November after his party was initially denied registration. The other party, 'Janatar Dal', is chaired by Brigadier General (Retd.) Md Shamim Kamal. EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed confirmed that a reinvestigation found both parties met the necessary conditions, including verified offices at district and upazila levels. The EC will issue a public notice on December 9 to allow objections before finalizing registration. Tarek Rahman said his party will receive the butterfly symbol and that all requirements have been fulfilled. The decision follows earlier provisional approvals for three other parties in November, marking an expansion of Bangladesh’s political landscape ahead of the national polls.

A powerful earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale struck China's northwestern Xinjiang region on Thursday, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC). The quake occurred at 3:44 p.m. local time near Akqi County, close to the Kyrgyzstan-Xinjiang border, with its epicenter located about 10 kilometers underground. State media outlet Xinhua reported that as of 4:34 p.m. local time, there were no reports of casualties or building collapses. Local authorities confirmed that transportation, electricity, and telecommunications systems across Akqi County remained fully operational. The CENC recorded the epicenter at 41.13 degrees north latitude and 78.40 degrees east longitude. While the tremor was strong, initial assessments suggest minimal impact on infrastructure or residents in the affected area.

The weekly meeting of the Advisory Council of Bangladesh’s interim government was held on Thursday, December 4, at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon, Dhaka. The session was presided over by Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of the interim administration. According to Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, the meeting discussed ongoing administrative matters and reviewed recent government activities. Although specific agenda items were not disclosed, such meetings are part of the council’s regular schedule to evaluate policy implementation and coordinate between ministries. The gathering reflects the interim government’s continued efforts to maintain governance and ensure smooth administrative operations during the transitional period.

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia will be taken to London for advanced medical treatment by Friday morning, according to her personal physician and BNP Standing Committee member Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain. Speaking to reporters outside Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on Thursday, Dr. Zahid confirmed that arrangements have been finalized, and a hospital in London has already been selected for her care. Khaleda Zia has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital for the past 12 days, including eight days in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU), due to multiple health complications such as arthritis, diabetes, kidney, lung, and eye problems. Her condition remains critical but stable, and she is responding to medical attention. A medical board has been overseeing her treatment, including mechanical ventilation and dialysis. Interim government chief adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus visited her at the hospital on Wednesday night.

At least 12 activists from various leftist organizations were injured when police baton-charged participants of a 'Jamuna siege' program in Dhaka on Thursday. The demonstration was organized to protest a state agreement with foreign companies regarding the management of national ports. The injured, including senior leaders from the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Bangladesh Students’ Union, and other left-wing groups, were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment. CPB leader Iqbal Hossain said police attacked when protesters began marching toward the Chief Adviser’s residence. However, Ramna Division Deputy Commissioner Masud Alam stated that gatherings near the residence were prohibited and police only attempted to stop the marchers, denying that a baton charge occurred. All injured activists were later released after receiving medical attention. The incident highlights growing tensions between leftist groups and authorities over foreign involvement in strategic national assets.

At a discussion organized by Ganatantra Mancha at the National Press Club, Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna emphasized that there is no alternative to holding national elections in Bangladesh. He warned that any attempt by the interim government to manipulate the process and remain in power would not succeed. Manna noted that the Nationalist Citizens’ Platform (NCP) has called for announcing the election schedule without delay, rejecting any proposal to postpone the polls. He also commented on the regional political context, mentioning India’s neutral stance on recent developments. Manna expressed concern about the complex political situation, questioning whether the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) would be able to participate effectively if instability continues. He urged political actors to focus on public sentiment toward the election rather than seat-sharing disputes. Other leaders, including Zonayed Saki and Saiful Haque, were also present at the event.

French President Emmanuel Macron met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday, December 4, during his official visit to China. The meeting included a state reception for Macron and France’s First Lady, hosted by Xi. This marks Macron’s fourth visit to China during his presidency. In addition to meeting Xi, Macron is scheduled to hold talks with the Chinese Premier. Analysts suggest that trade relations between France and China will be a key topic of discussion. Macron is also expected to urge Beijing to use its influence on Moscow to help end the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The visit underscores France’s efforts to balance economic cooperation with China while addressing global geopolitical challenges, particularly the conflict in Eastern Europe.

A Bangladeshi youth named Sabuj Islam, aged 30, was shot dead by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) near the Patgram border in Lalmonirhat district late on Wednesday night. According to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and local sources, the incident occurred when a group of 8–10 cattle traders attempted to cross the border near pillar 864 in the Jagatber union area. BSF personnel from the 169 Cooch Behar Raningagar Battalion’s Chenakata camp opened fire, killing Sabuj instantly. His body was taken inside Indian territory and handed over to local police. Following the incident, BGB’s 61 Battalion officials called for a flag meeting with BSF, during which Bangladesh lodged a strong protest and demanded the return of the body. BSF stated that the body would be returned after an autopsy. A higher-level flag meeting between battalion commanders of both sides is expected to follow to address the cross-border shooting.

Dr. Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, is arriving in Dhaka from London amid preparations to take BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia abroad for advanced medical treatment. Sources confirm that Zubaida will be accompanied by her daughter, Zaima Rahman. Khaleda Zia, who has been in critical condition at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka for the past 12 days, remains under intensive care with multiple organ complications involving her heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs. A medical board continues to monitor her condition closely, though doctors report no significant improvement. Plans are underway to transfer her to London via an air ambulance sent from Qatar, possibly on Friday, with a 14-member medical team accompanying her. Interim government chief adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus visited Khaleda at the hospital on Wednesday night, where he was received by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Khaleda’s personal physician Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain.

Pakistan has reopened the Torkham and Chaman border crossings with Afghanistan after nearly two months of closure, allowing United Nations aid trucks to pass through. Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andarabi confirmed the decision, stating that it was made in consultation with the Ministry of Commerce. However, trade between the two countries remains suspended. The reopening follows heightened tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, which escalated after a drone strike in Kabul on October 9 that the Taliban-led Afghan government blamed on Pakistan. The closure had disrupted cross-border trade and caused shortages of food and medicine in Afghanistan. Despite a ceasefire brokered by Qatar on October 19, relations between the two neighbors remain strained, with Pakistan accusing the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) of using Afghan territory as a safe haven, a claim Kabul denies.