Bangladesh’s Directorate of Inspection and Audit (DIA) has identified 1,172 teachers and staff in private educational institutions who obtained jobs using fake certificates. The agency has recommended recovering Tk 253 crore, which includes salaries, allowances, and funds linked to fraudulent recruitment, embezzlement, and tax irregularities. The DIA is preparing to send a list of the offenders to the Ministry of Education, urging disciplinary action. Among the identified individuals, 400 certificates were found to be entirely fake, while around 300 were deemed invalid. The Rajshahi division recorded the highest number of fake certificate holders with 779 cases, followed by Khulna with 179, the Madrasa Education Directorate with 120, Dhaka with 70, and Chattogram with 24. Initially, a list of 400 teachers will be forwarded to the ministry for punitive measures. The findings highlight widespread credential fraud within the country’s private education sector.

National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Md Nahid Islam has urged the Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh to announce the schedule for the 13th National Parliamentary Election at a time that considers the current political situation and allows all parties adequate preparation. During a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin in Dhaka, Nahid welcomed the recent amendment to the Representation of the People Order (RPO) and condemned attempts to overturn it through political pressure or court intervention. He emphasized that each party should contest under its own electoral symbol and criticized efforts by a major party to impose a single symbol system. Nahid also expressed concern about the influence of money and power in elections, urging the EC to strictly monitor candidate affidavits and campaign spending. Additionally, he warned that politically motivated transfers of deputy commissioners and superintendents of police could affect fairness, and called for accurate public communication regarding any referendum issues.

A faction of the Bangladesh Secretariat Officers and Employees Coordinated Council has warned of launching a tough program from January 10 if the government fails to issue a gazette notification on the ninth national pay scale by December. In a memorandum sent to the Finance Advisor on December 3, the group expressed frustration over delays in finalizing the recommendations of the National Pay Commission 2025, formed by the interim government. The organization demanded restructuring the existing 20 pay grades into 10 steps with a 1:4 ratio to eliminate long-standing salary disparities. It also called for the introduction of a Secretariat allowance and ration allowance. The memorandum highlighted that rising commodity prices and living costs have severely affected lower-grade employees, leading to growing resentment. The group urged the Finance Ministry to intervene directly to resolve the issue and meet their legitimate expectations promptly.

The president of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), AHM Shafiquzzaman, has called on the government to take strict measures against traders who increased edible oil prices without approval from the Ministry of Commerce. Following a meeting at the Secretariat on Wednesday, he stated that under the Essential Commodities Act, the ministry determines prices for certain goods based on a specific formula. Shafiquzzaman emphasized that any price hike without ministry consent violates consumer rights and is unjustified. He expressed hope that the government would enforce the tough actions promised by the commerce adviser. He further noted that under the Competition Act and the Consumer Rights Protection Act, hoarding or price manipulation is punishable, urging the government to strengthen market oversight to ensure fair pricing of daily essentials.

The International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh has rejected a petition seeking virtual court appearances for ten arrested army officers accused in a war crimes case involving allegations of abduction and torture by the Rapid Action Battalion’s TFI cell during the Awami League government. The order was issued on December 3 by Tribunal-1, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder. Defense counsel Dr. Tabarak Hossain argued that the officers faced media trials and could face professional consequences even if acquitted, but the tribunal ruled that the law does not permit virtual appearances and directed the accused to attend in person. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam opposed the plea, citing the absence of legal provisions for such appearances. The case names 17 accused, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, with ten army officers currently in custody. The tribunal scheduled December 14 for hearing the discharge petitions of the accused.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has approved a chargesheet against Dr. Prashanta Kumar Roy, former secretary of the Rural Development and Cooperatives Division and ex-project director of the 'Ektee Bari Ektee Khamar' project. According to ACC spokesperson Md. Akhtarul Islam, Roy is accused of concealing assets worth over Tk 12 million and providing false information in his wealth statement. Investigations revealed that he possessed immovable and movable properties worth Tk 7.7 million beyond known income sources. Additionally, Roy allegedly deposited Tk 180 million in 12 bank accounts under his and his daughters’ names, later withdrawing or transferring the funds. Based on these findings, the ACC approved the submission of a chargesheet under relevant sections of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act and the Money Laundering Prevention Act. The case underscores ongoing efforts to address corruption within public service ranks in Bangladesh.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has indicated that Seoul may issue an apology to North Korea following court findings that former President Yoon Suk-yeol deliberately provoked tensions to maintain his political power. Speaking at a press conference in Seoul on December 3, Lee said he believes an apology is appropriate but expressed concern that such a move could be politically exploited or labeled as pro-North. Yoon is accused of ordering drones carrying propaganda leaflets into North Korean airspace to incite conflict. His administration’s actions, including a controversial martial law declaration, triggered mass protests and a constitutional crisis. The Supreme Court later ruled the martial law unconstitutional, leading to Yoon’s impeachment and removal from office. He is currently in prison awaiting trial on multiple charges, including insurrection. Lee’s remarks come amid renewed debate over accountability for past provocations and the future of inter-Korean relations.

More than 10,000 people gathered at the Hazrat Khan Jahan Ali shrine field in Bagerhat on Wednesday to pray for the speedy recovery of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The event, organized by former Bagerhat Sadar MP M.A.H. Selim, included Quran recitations, Milad, and special prayers. Participants included Selim’s family members, former district Jubo Dal president Fakir Tarikul Islam, former BNP leader and Red Crescent unit secretary Sheikh Mahabubur Rahman Tutul, madrasa students, and numerous party activists. The large turnout reflected continued public concern for Khaleda Zia’s health, as she remains under medical care. The gathering was peaceful and marked by collective prayers for her well-being.

Begum Rokeya University (BRU) has become tense after the suspension of its central student union and hall council elections. The Islamist student group Islami Chhatra Shibir, under the banner of general students, held a press conference demanding that the election be held on December 24 as previously announced. They accused the university administration and election commission of deliberate delays and lack of sincerity. The election process had begun after the schedule was announced on November 18, but following the resignation of two chief election commissioners and alleged pressure from anti-election groups, the commission postponed the vote indefinitely citing voter list inconsistencies. Shibir threatened mass protests if the election is not held on the declared date, while another faction led by the Chhatra Dal is demanding a delay. The campus is now divided between opposing groups, raising fears of unrest and uncertainty about whether a fair election can take place.

The prosecution of Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has received an investigation report implicating Sajib Wazed Joy, son of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, along with former Law Minister Anisul Huq, former Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman, and former State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak. The report concerns alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising. Prosecutor Gazi Monowar Hossain Tamim confirmed the development in a message to journalists on Wednesday, December 3. According to standard procedure, the tribunal’s investigation agency submits its findings to the Chief Prosecutor’s Office, which then reviews the report before filing formal charges with the tribunal. The submission marks a significant step in the ongoing legal process surrounding the political upheaval that led to Sheikh Hasina’s removal from power.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has reinstated the membership of eight doctors whose affiliations with the Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB) and related party bodies were previously revoked for alleged breaches of party discipline. According to a statement signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday, December 3, the earlier decision to suspend the doctors—Dr. Khairul Islam, Dr. Rafiqul Kabir Labu, Dr. Md. Faruk Hossain, Dr. Mahbub Arefin Rezanur Ranjhu, Dr. M A Kamal, Dr. Syed Imtiaz Uddin Sajid, Dr. Shawon Bin Rahman, and Dr. Rakib Uz Zaman—has been withdrawn. The announcement restores their eligibility to hold positions within DAB, the BNP, and its affiliated organizations. The eight doctors had been relieved of their posts on July 29. DAB, founded in 1993, serves as the professional body for physicians aligned with the BNP.

Bangladesh’s Department of Mass Communication has produced 34 songs in various regional languages to raise public awareness about the upcoming national parliamentary election and referendum, which will be held on the same day for the first time in the country’s history. The initiative aims to make voting procedures easier to understand and to encourage voter participation, especially in rural areas. Demonstrations on how to cast 'yes' or 'no' votes will also be organized in village markets. Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farzana emphasized the need for innovative and people-centered communication strategies to boost turnout. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs will work jointly on the campaign, while the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) will coordinate fact-checking efforts to counter misinformation. The songs will be performed locally to ensure regional engagement and inclusivity.

Israel has announced plans to reopen the Rafah border crossing to allow Palestinians in Gaza to leave the enclave, claiming coordination with Egypt and oversight by the European Union. The Israeli military office COGAT said the move reflects support for the ongoing seven-week ceasefire with Hamas and would follow procedures used during the January truce. However, Egypt has firmly denied any such coordination, calling Israel’s statement unilateral and baseless. Cairo stated that any reopening must be mutual and based on U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan. The Rafah crossing, a key humanitarian route, has remained largely closed since May 2024 when Israel took control of the area. According to the World Health Organization, around 16,500 critically ill or injured Palestinians are waiting to leave Gaza for treatment, though only 235 have been able to do so since the ceasefire began. If reopened, the crossing would reportedly be managed by Palestinian Authority officials alongside the EU Border Assistance Mission.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has withdrawn the expulsion orders of 24 of its leaders who were previously removed from all party positions for alleged anti-organizational activities. According to a statement issued on Wednesday, December 3, by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, the decision came after the expelled leaders submitted appeals seeking reinstatement. The reinstated members include former leaders from various districts such as Satkhira, Brahmanbaria, Pabna, Jamalpur, Natore, Pirojpur, Bandarban, Chattogram, Kurigram, Khulna, Rangpur, and Sirajganj. The party stated that the decision was made following a review of their appeals and in accordance with the party’s internal policy. This move is seen as part of BNP’s broader effort to strengthen organizational unity and bring back experienced members ahead of future political activities.

Pakistan has announced plans to privatize its state-owned Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) amid mounting debt and IMF loan conditions. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that an auction for the airline’s sale will be held on December 23 and broadcast live across national media. The government intends to sell between 51% and 100% of PIA’s shares to reform loss-making state enterprises and meet the terms of a $7 billion IMF bailout. Four consortiums—Lucky Cement, Arif Habib Corporation, Fauji Fertilizer, and Air Blue—have been shortlisted to participate in the bidding. Sharif emphasized transparency and merit in the privatization process, expressing hope that PIA will regain its former prestige and operational efficiency. The move marks Pakistan’s largest privatization effort in nearly two decades. A previous sale attempt failed after a $36 million offer fell far below the $305 million reserve price. The government aims to complete the process swiftly to stabilize the aviation sector and reduce fiscal pressure.