Popular Kolkata-based singer Nachiketa Chakraborty was hospitalized on Saturday evening after developing heart-related complications, prompting the cancellation of his scheduled concert in Asansol on Sunday, December 7. According to hospital sources, the veteran musician is currently in stable condition under medical supervision.

This is not the first time the artist has faced health setbacks affecting his performances. In February 2023, Nachiketa had to cancel another show due to cervical spondylitis, a condition that worsens during winter and with continuous stage activity. Family members and close associates have confirmed that his health had been deteriorating over the past few days before the latest hospitalization.

Fans and fellow musicians have expressed concern and sent wishes for his speedy recovery. Organizers have not yet announced a rescheduled date for the canceled concert, while doctors continue to monitor his condition closely.

At least 35 people were injured on Sunday evening when two rival factions of Bangladesh’s opposition BNP clashed in Kaliakair, Gazipur. The violence erupted between supporters of Mujibur Rahman, the BNP candidate for Gazipur-1 constituency, and followers of Barrister Ishraq Ahmed Siddiqui, a local BNP leader denied nomination. The confrontation included attacks, counterattacks, and arson, with several motorcycles set on fire.

Both groups blamed each other for initiating the violence. Mujibur Rahman’s supporters alleged that Ishraq’s men ambushed them during campaign activities and torched 15–20 motorcycles. Conversely, Ishraq’s faction claimed that Mujibur’s supporters vandalized their offices and shops, injuring several activists with sharp weapons. Local BNP leaders from multiple wards were among the injured, many of whom were hospitalized.

The incident underscores growing internal tensions within the BNP ahead of the national elections. Party insiders fear that such factional violence could weaken the opposition’s campaign momentum in key constituencies like Gazipur-1. Police and local authorities have yet to confirm any arrests or security reinforcements in the area.

Leaders and activists of the AB Party in Feni staged a protest march on Sunday night condemning the alleged harassment of the party’s central general secretary, Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, during a foundation stone-laying ceremony for a bridge in Mirganj, Barishal. The demonstration took place on Trunk Road under the leadership of district convener Master Ahsan Ullah and member secretary Assistant Professor Fazlul Haque.

During a brief rally following the march, Shah Alam Badal, the party’s Chattogram divisional joint organizing secretary, described Fuad as one of the key figures of the 2024 political movement. He claimed that certain groups were attempting to obstruct Fuad’s ongoing development initiatives in Barishal, including infrastructure projects such as the bridge over the Arial Khan River.

Local leaders including Nazrul Islam Kamrul, Shahadat Saju, Habib Miazi, and Kazi Jahangir Alam Liton attended the protest. The party has demanded an investigation into the incident and called for accountability for those involved.

In Bogura, wholesale and retail onion prices fell sharply on Sunday, dropping by Tk 30–35 per kilogram within a single day. Traders reported heavy losses as they rushed to sell stocks following news that letters of credit (LCs) had been opened for importing Indian onions. The sudden price fall brought relief to consumers but financial strain to local sellers.

According to market data from Rajabazar and Fatehali markets, new onions that sold for Tk 100–110 per kg on Saturday dropped to Tk 65–70 on Sunday, while old onions fell from Tk 115–120 to Tk 70–80. Traders said the market had been unstable due to limited supply and a long halt in Indian imports. The LC announcement triggered expectations of increased supply, prompting panic selling.

Local trade leaders expect prices to stabilize soon, possibly reaching Tk 50 per kg. However, they warned that the timing of import approvals, just before new domestic onions enter the market, could cause significant losses for Bangladeshi traders.

The Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party has condemned an alleged attack on its General Secretary Asaduzzaman Fuad in Barishal’s Mirganj area, reportedly carried out by activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju described the incident as a blatant display of fascist mentality and demanded immediate arrest and trial of those responsible. The attack occurred after Fuad publicly commented that local individuals had demanded extortion money from a bridge contractor in Babuganj upazila.

Following the incident, the AB Party held a protest rally in Dhaka, marching from the Dhaka Reporters Unity to Paltan intersection. Monju accused BNP-linked groups of orchestrating the assault to suppress dissenting political voices. He said such violence undermines democratic practice and could further destabilize the political climate. The AB Party leadership reaffirmed their commitment to continue their movement for democracy and citizens’ rights despite intimidation.

Monju urged BNP to abandon what he termed fascist politics, warning that the public will no longer tolerate violence and extortion in national politics.

A drug dealer named Riad stabbed Assistant Sub-Inspector (ATSI) Babor Ali of the Banani Police Outpost in Bogura on Sunday evening while being detained. The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. in Rahman Nagar Jiladarpara area, when police attempted to arrest Riad for selling Tapentadol tablets, a controlled narcotic substance. The injured officer was taken to Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital for treatment.

According to Inspector Farhad Hossain, in-charge of the Banani outpost, the attack happened during a planned operation following local complaints about drug sales. Riad and another suspect named Jihad managed to flee the scene after the stabbing. Police have since launched a search operation to apprehend the suspects, and a case is being prepared at the Sadar Police Station.

Authorities have intensified patrols in the area, emphasizing a zero-tolerance stance against narcotics-related crimes. The incident highlights the growing risks faced by law enforcement officers during anti-drug operations in urban neighborhoods.

Authorities in Monirampur, Jashore, exhumed the body of 65-year-old Majid Dafadar nearly two and a half months after his burial, following a court order linked to a murder case filed against his son, local union council member Sohrab Dafadar. The exhumation took place on Sunday morning in the presence of an executive magistrate and an assistant commissioner (land) for post-mortem examination.

According to police and family sources, a long-standing land dispute between father and son allegedly led to the fatal incident. Sohrab reportedly pressured his father to transfer property in his name, and when he refused, the son allegedly assaulted and confined him, leading to his death on September 15. The body was buried hastily the next morning, raising suspicion among relatives and neighbors.

Following a complaint by Majid’s son-in-law, Sattar Molya, a murder case was registered on November 11. Police have since arrested Sohrab, who remains in judicial custody as investigators await the autopsy report to determine the cause of death.

Bangladesh Under-17 cricket team clinched a convincing 78-run win against Sri Lanka in Chattogram, driven by a superb century from opener Adrit Ghosh. Batting first, Bangladesh posted 271 for six in their allotted 50 overs, with Ghosh remaining unbeaten on 103 off 138 balls. Supporting contributions came from Naeem (32), Akash (39), and Saurav (32), while Sri Lankan bowler Himaru claimed two wickets.

In reply, Sri Lanka’s youth side struggled to build momentum and managed only 193 for seven in 50 overs. Fernando top-scored with an unbeaten 78, helping reduce the margin of defeat. Bangladesh’s bowlers shared the wickets evenly, with Akash Roy, Akash, Mahinuzzaman Mahabir, Faiyaz Arib, Jarif Siam, Mohammad Iftekhar, and Rakibul Hossain each taking one wicket.

The victory gives Bangladesh a 1–0 lead in the three-match youth series. The second match is scheduled for December 9, followed by the final on December 12, both in Chattogram.

Foreign Affairs Adviser of the interim government, Touhid Hossain, returned to his childhood school, Magura High School in Kishoreganj, Nilphamari, after nearly 60 years. On Sunday afternoon, he attended a gathering at the school grounds, engaging in discussions with teachers, students, and local residents.

The meeting, chaired by Headmaster Abdul Quddus, was also attended by the district commissioner Mohammad Nayiruzzaman, police superintendent Sheikh Rashedul Islam, and Hossain’s former classmate Mahiuddin Azad. Participants raised demands for nationalization of the school, construction of a new academic building, and renovation of the playground. In response, the adviser assured them of his support and expressed his emotional connection to the institution.

Touhid Hossain reminisced about his student days at the school, recalling memories tied to his father’s government service that brought him to the area. His visit was seen as a gesture of respect toward his educational roots and a reaffirmation of the government’s attention to rural education development.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has revoked the expulsion orders of two senior leaders from Thakurgaon’s Baliadangi upazila—Advocate Md. Syed Alam and Dr. T.M. Mahbubur Rahman. The decision, announced on Sunday through a statement signed by Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, restores their party membership and all organizational positions. Supporters celebrated the announcement with processions and distribution of sweets.

The two leaders had been expelled earlier for alleged involvement in organizational misconduct following violent clashes during the upazila BNP conference in July. Their reinstatement follows appeals and internal reviews by the party’s central leadership. Observers view the move as an attempt to restore discipline and re-engage experienced figures in local politics.

Party insiders believe the decision could ease longstanding factional tensions within the Baliadangi BNP and strengthen its grassroots structure ahead of future political activities. The development also reflects the central leadership’s pragmatic approach to consolidating unity amid internal challenges.

Islami Chhatra Shibir’s central president, Zahidul Islam, announced that the era of violent and stone-throwing politics in Bangladesh is over. Speaking at a rally in Uzirpur Union, Comilla, on Sunday evening, he said the country has undergone a major transformation following the July–August mass uprising and the fall of what he termed a fascist regime. According to him, a new generation of students has rejected destructive political practices and embraced a culture of respect and constructive engagement.

Islam criticized certain political groups and individuals for continuing divisive and violent tactics, claiming they have taken up the same oppressive actions once associated with the previous government. He emphasized that Bangladesh’s future politics must be based on tolerance, integrity, and non-violence. The event was part of an election campaign supporting Jamaat-e-Islami leader Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher’s candidacy, attended by several local party leaders.

Observers note that such statements reflect Jamaat’s attempt to reposition itself within a changing political landscape, emphasizing reform and peaceful activism.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has issued show-cause notices to five leaders of its affiliated anti-discrimination student movement in Rajshahi, citing their role in recent organizational unrest. The notices, signed by NCP’s central office secretary Shahadat Hossain on December 7, accused the leaders of creating instability and tarnishing the party’s image. They were instructed to explain their actions within 24 hours and to refrain from all organizational activities until further notice.

The dispute began after the announcement of the Rajshahi district convening committee on November 29, which appointed Saiful Islam as convener. Some student leaders protested, labeling him as politically biased and demanding his removal. The conflict escalated when one leader declared a senior organizer “unwelcome” on social media, later retracting the statement. Party insiders say the disciplinary action aims to restore control amid growing factionalism.

Observers note that the incident highlights deep divisions within the NCP’s regional branches and may affect its organizational cohesion ahead of upcoming political activities.

A Dhaka court has ordered police detectives to investigate a blasphemy case filed against senior lawyer and Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for Sunamganj-2, Advocate Mohammad Shishir Monir. The case stems from his recent remarks comparing Islamic fasting (Roza) and Hindu worship (Puja) as two sides of the same coin. The Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Jashita Islam, accepted the plaintiff’s statement and directed the Detective Branch to proceed with the inquiry.

Following the case, Monir responded on Facebook, acknowledging the lawsuit and suggesting it was politically motivated. He stated that the complainant and witnesses were members of a particular political party and emphasized that everyone has the right to seek legal recourse. Monir reiterated his faith in the rule of law and said appropriate legal action would be taken at the proper time.

The case highlights growing political and religious sensitivities ahead of the national elections, as candidates face scrutiny over religious commentary and its potential political implications.

Malaysia has announced a target to attract 300,000 tourists from Bangladesh by 2026, according to Malaysian High Commissioner to Dhaka, Mohammad Suhaimi Osman. Speaking at a gala dinner during the Malaysia Tourism Fair in Dhaka, he emphasized Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening tourism, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connections between the two nations.

The High Commissioner highlighted that bilateral relations have expanded over the decades across trade, investment, education, and tourism. He noted that recent high-level visits, including those by the Malaysian Prime Minister to Dhaka and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser to Kuala Lumpur, have reaffirmed both countries’ dedication to deeper cooperation. Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur International Airport, one of the world’s most connected hubs, further supports this goal by facilitating travel and commerce.

Officials believe the “Visit Malaysia Year 2026” campaign and events like “Festival Malaysia” will showcase the nation’s multicultural heritage and strengthen mutual understanding. The initiative is expected to enhance Malaysia’s position as a key regional tourism and investment center in Southeast Asia.

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has agreed to reform the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system following days of protests by mobile phone traders. After receiving assurances from BTRC Chairman Major General Md Emdad Ul Bari, the Mobile Business Community Bangladesh (MBCB) announced the suspension of their blockade until December 9.

According to BTRC sources, a joint meeting will be held to resolve NEIR-related issues, involving the Finance Adviser, NBR Chairman, Commerce Secretary, and representatives from mobile manufacturers and traders. MBCB leaders said the reforms should simplify import procedures and ensure all imported phones are listed without restriction. They also demanded reduced import duties and warned of renewed protests if tax issues remain unresolved.

The NEIR system, set to take effect on December 16, aims to curb the use of unregistered or stolen phones. The temporary suspension of protests signals a possible compromise, though traders have indicated they will resume action if their concerns are not addressed in the upcoming meeting.