The Dhaka District Administration has appointed new presidents for 215 private schools and colleges in the capital. According to an official order signed by Dhaka Deputy Commissioner Md. Rezaul Karim on December 1, the appointments were made following directives from the Secondary and Higher Education Division and the Bangladesh Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee issued in mid-November. Officials from various levels of the district administration have been assigned as presidents, with each individual responsible for overseeing between three and eight institutions. The move aims to ensure better administrative oversight and compliance with government policies in private educational institutions. The official order specifies that the Dhaka Deputy Commissioner or his designated representatives will serve as presidents of these institutions as per the approved list.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a sharp warning to European nations, declaring that Russia is ready for war if Europe chooses confrontation. Speaking at an investment forum in Moscow, Putin criticized Europe for abandoning peaceful solutions and obstructing US-led initiatives to end the Ukraine war. Despite the presence of US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Moscow to discuss a potential peace deal, Putin did not meet them as scheduled. His remarks are seen as a direct message to Europe ahead of possible US-Russia negotiations. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking in Dublin, said there is now a better opportunity to end the war and expressed hope for a clear message from Washington following any Putin-Witkoff meeting. Zelensky also reiterated his willingness to meet former US President Donald Trump, depending on the outcome of the Moscow talks.

In a rare move in Malaysian history, former Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad lodged a police complaint against current Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, accusing him of economic sabotage and undermining national sovereignty. The complaint, filed at the Putrajaya police headquarters, centers on the Malaysia–US Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) signed by Anwar and former US President Donald Trump on October 26. Mahathir claims the deal threatens Malaysia’s political and economic independence, increases foreign dependence, and weakens domestic policy-making power. He highlighted clauses that could compel Malaysia to comply with unilateral US sanctions and share cross-border data with Washington. Mahathir also cited 14 potential negative impacts, including risks to the halal industry, bumiputra empowerment, and rare earth exports. He demanded investigations into Anwar, the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry, and all officials involved. The agreement has sparked widespread criticism, with former Attorney General Tommy Thomas alleging Malaysia signed a US-drafted deal without negotiation. The controversy has intensified political debate over Malaysia’s sovereignty and trade policy direction.

The chiefs of Bangladesh’s Army, Navy, and Air Force visited former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on Tuesday night, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR). Khaleda Zia, who has long suffered from arthritis, diabetes, kidney, lung, and eye complications, has been under treatment since November 23 after a lung infection was detected. Following her release after the fall of the Awami League government in August last year, she spent over three months in London for advanced medical care before returning to Bangladesh in May. Her personal physician, Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain, expressed hope for her recovery but became emotional while speaking to reporters, urging the public not to spread rumors about her condition. A medical team from the UK is expected to arrive soon to assess whether she should be taken abroad for further treatment. The interim government has declared Khaleda Zia a ‘very important person’.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that he seeks a complete end to the war with Russia, not a temporary pause, and warned against any 'secret games' in peace negotiations. Speaking at a joint press conference with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin in Dublin, Zelensky emphasized that the current moment offers the best opportunity yet to end the conflict. His comments come as U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visit Russia for talks on ending the war, though Russian President Vladimir Putin has not yet met them. Putin, meanwhile, rejected European peace proposals as unacceptable and accused European leaders of obstructing U.S.-led peace efforts, warning that Russia is ready if Europe wants war. Zelensky said he awaits direct messages from the U.S. following Putin’s meeting and remains open to talks with Donald Trump, depending on Moscow’s discussions. He noted that territorial issues and frozen Russian assets remain key challenges.

Mohammad Ali Hossain, Senior District and Sessions Judge of Jashore, and Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman, Chief Metropolitan Magistrate of Dhaka, have been elected as the new president and general secretary of the Bangladesh Judicial Service Association. The election was held online on December 2 in a festive atmosphere, with live coverage from the Judicial Administration Training Institute. Out of 2,138 eligible judges across 64 districts, 1,890 cast their votes, marking an 88% turnout. Hossain received 1,003 votes while Rahman secured 1,238 votes. A total of 45 judges were elected to 16 executive positions. In his remarks, Rahman expressed gratitude to his colleagues and pledged to modernize the judiciary, implement full judicial allowances, advance the e-judiciary project, and improve judges’ working conditions and security. The new committee also aims to enhance training opportunities and ensure fair rights for all judges nationwide.

The High Court of Bangladesh has issued a rule asking why a policy should not be formulated to regulate house rent in Dhaka. The bench, led by Justice Shikdar Mahmudur Razi, directed the authorities of Dhaka North and South City Corporations and other concerned parties to respond within four weeks. The order came following a writ petition seeking the implementation of the House Rent Control Act of 1991, which mandates city authorities to periodically determine rent rates based on factors such as building quality, size, road connectivity, and available amenities. Advocate Parvez Hossain, representing the petitioner, argued that the law has not been effectively enforced despite being in place for decades. The court’s move aims to ensure fair rent determination and protect tenants from arbitrary rent hikes, aligning with practices followed in many global cities.

Two Bangladeshi men were allegedly beaten to death by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) and their bodies dumped in the Padma River near the Wahedpur border in Shibganj upazila of Chapainawabganj district early Sunday. Local representatives and multiple sources claimed that the incident occurred between international pillars 76 and 77 when a group of cattle traders crossed the border. Two of them, identified as Ibrahim Rinku (28) and Momin Mia (29), were reportedly caught and assaulted by personnel from India’s Nimita BSF camp before being thrown into the river. Other members of the group managed to escape. Although Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has not officially confirmed the incident, local officials and intelligence sources have acknowledged receiving reports. Families of the missing men have remained silent, allegedly fearing legal complications. BGB’s 53rd Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Kazi Mostafizur Rahman stated that they have contacted BSF authorities to verify the matter.

Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), originally established as East Pakistan Agricultural University, has played a pivotal role in the nation’s agricultural development and food security over the past 64 years. Located on 1,200 acres near Mymensingh, the university began with two faculties and now comprises six faculties, 43 departments, and six institutes. With 595 teachers and over 1,100 staff, BAU offers nine undergraduate and 50 postgraduate degrees. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A.K. Fazlul Hoque Bhuiyan highlighted the university’s contributions to transforming Bangladesh from feeding 75 million people at independence to achieving food self-sufficiency for 175 million today. BAU continues to lead in modern, climate-resilient, and technology-driven agriculture, with its graduates contributing to productivity and rural livelihoods both domestically and internationally. The institution remains a cornerstone for agricultural education, research, and innovation in Bangladesh.

The White House has confirmed that the US Navy has been authorized to conduct a second round of strikes on drug-carrying vessels linked to Venezuela. Admiral Frank Bradley approved the new operation following authorization from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. White House Press Secretary Carolyn Levitt stated that the actions were taken within legal boundaries and denied claims that the strikes were intended to kill. The first attack caused an explosion on one vessel, leaving two survivors. Bipartisan lawmakers in Congress have expressed concern and announced a review of the military operations. Levitt added that President Donald Trump and Hegseth consider drug-trafficking groups supported by Venezuela’s leadership as legitimate wartime targets under international law. The US has increased its military presence in the Caribbean, targeting suspected drug boats near Venezuela and Colombia since September, with over 80 reported deaths. The Trump administration maintains that the operations are part of anti-narcotics and self-defense efforts.

More than 130,000 expatriate Bangladeshis have registered to vote by postal ballot in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum, according to the Election Commission (EC). The registrations were completed through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ app, which allows overseas citizens to register using their local mobile numbers. As of Tuesday noon, 130,672 expatriates had registered—114,083 men and 16,589 women. The highest numbers came from the United States, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Singapore, and Canada. The EC has extended the registration deadline to December 25, from the earlier December 18, to accommodate more applicants. The app was launched on November 18 and registration is open in 148 countries. The EC also plans to introduce an in-country postal voting system for government officials, detainees, and those stationed outside their constituencies. Proper address submission is required to ensure ballot delivery abroad.

Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) and Annex Communications Limited have signed an agreement granting Annex exclusive rights to manage inside branding services for the Dhaka Metro Rail. The signing ceremony took place at DMTCL’s conference room on Monday, December 1, marking a new phase of collaboration between the two organizations. The agreement was signed by DMTCL’s Joint Secretary and Company Secretary (additional duty) Khandaker Ehteshamul Kabir and Annex Communications Director Sharif Sabbir. Senior officials from both sides, including DMTCL Managing Director Faruk Ahmed and Annex Chairman Mahmudur Rahman, attended the event. The partnership aims to enhance the metro’s passenger experience through innovative branding and advertising solutions, while also opening new commercial opportunities for both entities. The initiative reflects DMTCL’s broader strategy to integrate modern marketing approaches within public transport infrastructure.

Benin, once a major hub of the transatlantic slave trade, has introduced a new citizenship initiative called 'My Afro Origins' to reconnect descendants of enslaved Africans with their ancestral homeland. The program grants citizenship to people whose forebears were taken from Benin and surrounding regions as slaves, aiming to foster reconciliation and cultural revival. In July 2024, American singer Lauryn Hill and entrepreneur-filmmaker Tonya Lewis Lee received Beninese citizenship, while Lee and her husband, filmmaker Spike Lee, were appointed as ambassadors to the African-American community. The initiative seeks both symbolic healing and practical benefits, such as attracting talent, investment, and tourism. Experts note that while Benin’s past as part of the Dahomey Kingdom’s slave trade remains painful, the country is now using cultural diplomacy and heritage tourism to rebuild ties with the African diaspora. The government hopes this effort will promote unity, economic growth, and a shared sense of identity among Africans worldwide.

BNP Standing Committee member and personal physician of party chairperson Khaleda Zia, Professor Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, has urged the public and media not to believe or spread rumors regarding her health condition. Speaking to journalists outside Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on Tuesday afternoon, he confirmed that Khaleda Zia remains in a critical state but continues to receive treatment. Both local and international doctors, including a new specialist arriving from London, are involved in her care. Dr. Zahid, visibly emotional during the briefing, thanked journalists for their cooperation over the past six years and requested continued support. He also mentioned that BNP’s acting chairperson Tarique Rahman is regularly monitoring Khaleda Zia’s condition. Preparations are reportedly in place to transfer her abroad for advanced treatment once her condition improves. Dr. Zahid reiterated the call for patience, restraint, and prayers for the former prime minister’s recovery.

In Bogura’s Shibganj, Jahangir Alam, a district member and upazila coordinator of the Nationalist Citizen Party (NCP), has begun an indefinite hunger strike demanding the removal of syndicates controlling the agricultural sector. The protest started on Monday afternoon at the local Mugdha Square and continued into Tuesday. According to NCP’s joint coordinator Rafia Sultana, the strike aims to protest fertilizer dealer syndicates, fertilizer smuggling, artificial shortages, unfair government fertilizer allocations, and the appointment of unauthorized dealers from other upazilas. The movement also highlights issues such as potato spoilage in cold storage and calls for the liberation of farmers from exploitative practices. Several local NCP members and student leaders have expressed solidarity with Alam’s protest, and the party leadership has pledged organizational support for the ongoing hunger strike.