Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has announced plans to introduce QR codes on journalist identity cards to prevent the use of fake press credentials during the upcoming national elections. Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah stated that this measure aims to ensure transparency and security at polling centers. Speaking at a training workshop for journalists on Wednesday, he emphasized that the election will be of a different magnitude compared to previous ones, and that the media plays an irreplaceable role in maintaining electoral transparency. Sanaullah also mentioned that each voter is expected to take an average of 3 minutes and 52 seconds to cast their vote, and that increasing the number of polling centers is not feasible. Meanwhile, Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed of the EC Secretariat clarified that in the upcoming referendum, voters must respond with a clear 'yes' or 'no' to each of the four questions, without partial agreement or disagreement options.

US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States may launch a military operation in Venezuela at any time, targeting drug trafficking networks and their infrastructure. Speaking at a cabinet meeting on December 2, Trump claimed that large quantities of fentanyl produced in Venezuela are smuggled into the US, causing nearly 200,000 American deaths last year. He stated that the upcoming campaign would include ground operations, complementing previous naval missions in the Caribbean. Over recent months, the US has increased its military presence in the region, deploying warships and troops. Several naval attacks on alleged drug-carrying vessels have already taken place, sparking criticism after leaked videos showed fatal assaults on survivors. Despite the controversy, Trump reaffirmed his stance, vowing to eliminate those involved in drug trafficking. The US has long accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of facilitating drug smuggling, allegations Maduro has consistently denied.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the French journalists' union have filed a lawsuit in France accusing Israel of obstructing press freedom in Palestinian territories. The complaint, lodged with the Paris anti-terror prosecutor’s office, alleges that Israel has restricted international journalists’ access to Gaza and the occupied West Bank since the war began in October 2023. The unions cited numerous testimonies from French journalists whose identities remain confidential for safety reasons. The case also highlights growing insecurity for reporters, noting that over 210 journalists have been killed in Gaza since the conflict’s onset. IFJ Secretary-General Anthony Bellanger said the move aims to pressure Israel to allow international media access to Gaza. This marks the first time such an international legal action has been taken over restrictions on press freedom in the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Russia and the United States have failed to reach any agreement to end the war in Ukraine following a lengthy meeting in Moscow between Russian President Vladimir Putin, US special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former President Donald Trump. Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov described the five-hour discussion as constructive but said no concrete solution had been achieved, though several US proposals were discussed. Putin earlier accused European nations of withdrawing from peace efforts and claimed they were obstructing Washington’s role. He warned that if Europe seeks war, Russia is ready to respond. Reports suggest that a draft peace deal would require Ukraine to cede the Donbas region, including Donetsk and Luhansk, to Russia—something Kyiv refuses to accept. Putin reiterated that Russia would seize the territory by force if Ukraine does not agree to territorial concessions.

After 16 years of anticipation, an independent commission has submitted a 400-page report on the 2009 Pilkhana massacre, unveiling previously undisclosed and sensitive information. The report implicates over 50 influential figures, including then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former MP Barrister Fazle Noor Taposh, and several senior Awami League leaders, military officers, and intelligence officials. It alleges political approval, administrative inaction, and intelligence failures contributed to the tragedy that killed 74 people, including 57 army officers. The report claims Sheikh Hasina gave a 'green signal' for the operation, while Taposh coordinated with mutineers. It also accuses several ministers and military leaders of obstructing rescue operations and concealing facts. The Home Affairs adviser stated the ministry is reviewing the report seriously and will act on its recommendations. The findings have sparked renewed debate over accountability and transparency in one of Bangladesh’s most tragic national security incidents.

Israeli forces launched renewed attacks on Gaza despite an ongoing U.S.-brokered ceasefire, killing at least five Palestinians, including a journalist and a child, and injuring 15 others. Medical sources reported that shelling in Gaza City’s Al-Tuffah area killed two people, while another was shot dead in Zaytoun. In Khan Younis, photojournalist Mahmoud Wadi was killed in a drone strike in an area not designated under Israeli control. Witnesses said Israeli tanks and drones continued to bombard several areas, including Beit Lahia, destroying multiple buildings. Gaza’s Health Ministry stated that since the ceasefire began on October 10, at least 356 Palestinians have been killed and over 900 injured. Since October 2023, more than 70,000 Palestinians have died in Israeli attacks, most of them women and children. Gaza’s Government Media Office said Wadi’s death raised the number of journalists killed to 257, accusing Israel of deliberately targeting Palestinian reporters.

The U.S. Department of Defense has publicly supported Admiral Mitch Bradley, who ordered a strike on a suspected 'narco-terrorist' vessel in the Caribbean Sea on September 2. Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson confirmed that the White House approved the operation, emphasizing that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fully endorsed Bradley’s decision. A Washington Post report had alleged that Hegseth personally ordered a second strike after the first failed to eliminate all targets, but the White House clarified that Bradley acted on his own authorization. Wilson stated that 21 such operations have been conducted in the Western Hemisphere, resulting in 82 deaths, all deemed lawful and necessary for U.S. national security. Hegseth reiterated that the campaign against drug traffickers at sea would continue, asserting that field commanders were making tough but justified decisions. The Pentagon dismissed the Washington Post report as false, noting that The New York Times had already refuted it.

Bangladesh Bank has approved the launch of the Combined Islamic Bank PLC, formed through the merger of five struggling Islamic banks—First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, EXIM Bank, and Union Bank. The new institution began operations on December 2, with its official inauguration scheduled for Thursday by Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur. Depositors will be able to withdraw up to Tk 2 lakh starting Sunday, while a roadmap is being prepared for larger withdrawals. The bank’s paid-up capital has been set at Tk 35,000 crore, with the government contributing Tk 20,000 crore and depositors’ shares covering the remaining Tk 15,000 crore. The authorized capital stands at Tk 40,000 crore. Officials expect the merger to stabilize the Islamic banking sector and restore depositor confidence after months of financial uncertainty.

Government secondary school teachers in Bangladesh have temporarily suspended their ongoing strike, which began on December 1, after two days of halted annual exams across more than 700 schools. The Bangladesh Government Secondary Teachers’ Association (BASMASIS) announced the decision late Tuesday, citing concern for students’ academic progress and mental well-being. Teachers will resume annual examinations from Wednesday, December 3. The strike was originally called to press four key demands: inclusion of assistant teachers in the BCS (General Education) cadre, prompt recruitment and promotion in vacant positions, implementation of pending time-scale and selection-grade benefits per Supreme Court rulings, and restoration of pre-2015 salary increments. The association urged authorities to take effective steps to address these demands swiftly to prevent future disruptions in education. Teachers expressed gratitude to colleagues who participated in the strike and affirmed their commitment to ensuring smooth examinations while continuing dialogue on their demands.

The United Nations is grappling with a severe financial crisis after four major member states—United States, China, Russia, and Mexico—failed to pay their dues, leaving the organization short of $1.59 trillion. To manage the shortfall, UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced a 15.1% reduction in the 2026 budget to $3.24 billion and an 18.8% cut in staff positions, eliminating 2,681 posts. Despite the austerity, funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and African development initiatives will remain unchanged. The UN also plans to reduce spending on special political missions by 21.6% and cancel two office leases in New York by 2027 to save $24.5 million annually from 2029. Guterres emphasized that the liquidity crisis has already left 18% of positions vacant, warning that continued non-payment by member states threatens the UN’s operational capacity.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has released the final schedule for the 12th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), set to begin on December 26 and conclude with the final on January 23. The T20 franchise tournament will feature 34 matches across three venues—Sylhet, Chattogram, and Dhaka. The opening match will see Sylhet Titans face Rajshahi Warriors in Sylhet. After the Sylhet leg, the tournament will move to Chattogram before concluding in Dhaka. The eliminator and first qualifier are scheduled for January 19, the second qualifier for January 21, and the final for January 23, all at Mirpur Stadium, with a reserve day allocated for the final stage. Six teams will compete this season: Dhaka Capitals, Sylhet Titans, Chattogram Royals, Rangpur Riders, Rajshahi Warriors, and Noakhali Express.

Bangladesh’s Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akhter emphasized the need for responsible harvesting, technological innovation, science-based policymaking, and effective governance to ensure sustainable marine development. Speaking at the second day of the international conference ‘Marine Fisheries and Blue Innovations: Safeguarding Ocean Harmony’ in Chattogram, she said that identifying the blue economy as a national priority has created opportunities for a sustainable ocean future through coordination among science, policy, and community development. Farida highlighted alarming declines in small pelagic fish stocks—down 78.6% in seven years—and the rise of jellyfish due to reduced predator fish, signaling ecological imbalance in the Bay of Bengal. She also warned that the hilsa fish, a national and global heritage species, faces serious threats. Farida called for regional and global cooperation to combat climate change and illegal fishing, and urged that research findings by Bangladeshi scientists be prioritized in policymaking for ecosystem protection and climate-resilient fisheries management.

Bangladesh Bank is set to introduce a newly designed Tk 500 banknote on December 4, themed on the country's historic and archaeological architecture. The note, bearing the signature of Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur, will first be issued from the central bank’s Motijheel office before being distributed nationwide. The 152mm × 65mm note features the Central Shaheed Minar on the front and the Supreme Court of Bangladesh on the back. The design incorporates a blooming national water lily motif and predominantly green tones for a modern and secure look. It includes ten advanced security features, such as color-shifting ink, a red security thread that changes color under light, tactile marks for the visually impaired, and UV-visible elements. The Royal Bengal Tiger watermark and electrotype ‘500’ enhance authenticity. Bangladesh Bank confirmed that all existing notes and coins will remain valid, while collectors can obtain sample notes from the Money Museum in Mirpur.

Bangladesh Police Headquarters announced that charge sheets have been submitted in 106 cases related to the July anti-discrimination student uprising. Among these, 31 are murder cases and 75 fall under other legal categories. The murder cases span districts including Pabna, Sirajganj, Bogura, Dhaka, Narayanganj, Cumilla, Chandpur, Feni, Kurigram, and Sherpur, as well as several metropolitan police jurisdictions such as Rajshahi, Chattogram, and Dhaka. The remaining 75 cases involve incidents in multiple districts and are being handled by various police units including PBI, CID, and metropolitan police divisions. Senior police officials are supervising the investigations to ensure proper legal procedures. Additionally, under Section 173(a) of the Criminal Procedure Code, interim investigation reports have been submitted in 437 cases recommending exemption for 2,830 individuals. Police authorities reaffirmed their commitment to completing investigations and bringing offenders to justice.

The High Court of Bangladesh has issued a rule asking why provisions for stricter punishment have not been enacted for cases involving offenses against religious sentiments. The bench of Justice Fahmida Kader and Justice Asif Hasan issued the rule on Tuesday, directing the law secretary and other relevant authorities to respond within four weeks. The rule follows a writ petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Golam Kibria, who sought a directive to introduce the death penalty as the maximum punishment for such offenses. Currently, the Bangladesh Penal Code and the new Cyber Security Act prescribe a maximum sentence of two years for hurting religious sentiments. The petitioner argued that the existing punishment is inadequate and fails to deter offenders. The writ names the law secretary and cabinet secretary among the respondents, seeking legislative action to impose harsher penalties to prevent future violations.