The Bangladesh government has decided to ban the import of cloned, stolen, and refurbished mobile phones to curb illegal trade and protect the domestic device industry. The decision was made during a meeting involving the National Board of Revenue (NBR), the Ministry of Commerce, the Posts and Telecommunications Division, and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC). Migrant workers registered with the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) will be allowed to bring up to three phones tax-free, while others can bring two. The government also plans to significantly reduce import duties on legally imported smartphones, currently around 61%, to make them more affordable. Additionally, measures will be taken to align taxes on locally manufactured phones to prevent harm to foreign investments. The new National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system will take effect on December 16, ensuring only phones with valid IMEI numbers remain active. Authorities also warned citizens to use SIM cards registered in their own names to avoid cybercrime risks.

The United Nations has warned that the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire and could worsen as winter sets in. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the ongoing conflict continues to complicate relief efforts, with displacement rising in both Gaza and the occupied West Bank. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and its partners are increasing aid, particularly for children who have suffered greatly over the past two years. In preparation for winter, thousands of essential items such as shoes, clothes, blankets, and towels have been distributed, along with 160 tents and mental health support for thousands of children. The World Health Organization (WHO) has evacuated 18 patients and 54 companions for treatment abroad but says over 16,500 patients still need life-saving care outside Gaza. The UN has urged the opening of all border crossings and corridors to allow medical evacuations and ensure international medical teams can access Gaza freely.

Bangladesh’s Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin stated that the recent increase in edible oil prices by traders has no legal justification and was done without government approval. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Wednesday, he said the government learned about the price hike only half an hour before it was implemented. The adviser criticized the collective decision by companies to raise prices, calling it unacceptable. He noted that the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) recently purchased soybean and rice bran oil from these companies at prices about 20 taka lower than current market rates, questioning the rationale behind the hike. Bashiruddin assured that the government will discuss and determine appropriate actions, including possible legal measures if laws were violated. He emphasized that the government retains regulatory authority over traders and aims to maintain a stable supply chain, especially ahead of Ramadan. The adviser also mentioned that prices of sugar, lentils, and eggs have recently decreased, indicating positive market trends.

Twelve Israeli human rights organizations have jointly reported that 2025 has become the deadliest and most devastating year for Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank since 1967. The report claims Israel has intensified civilian killings, displacement, and blockades to unprecedented levels. Deaths in Gaza rose from about 36,000 in March 2024 to over 67,000 by October 2025, including more than 20,000 children and 10,000 women, with around 10,000 still missing under rubble. Over 1.7 lakh were injured, and 1.9 million people—nearly 90% of Gaza’s population—were displaced. At least 461 people, including 157 children, died from starvation. In the West Bank, settler violence and forced evictions surged, displacing nearly 3,000 people. Administrative detentions tripled, and 98 detainees reportedly died due to abuse and poor prison conditions. The organizations accused Israel of openly violating international law and erasing moral boundaries, warning that such actions undermine any claim of self-defense.

A major political controversy has erupted in Uttar Pradesh after police uncovered a sex racket operating from a flat linked to BJP leader Shalini Yadav in Varanasi. The apartment, registered under her husband Arun Yadav’s name, was raided Monday night in the Sigra area, leading to the detention of nine women and four men. Police stated that the operation was based on prior intelligence and that the flat had been used for illegal activities under the guise of a spa center. Locals claimed suspicious movements had been ongoing for months. Opposition parties have seized on the incident, accusing the Yogi Adityanath government of failing to maintain law and order and shielding wrongdoing under political influence. The BJP has distanced itself, calling it a personal matter, but the issue has caused discomfort within the party ahead of key political periods. Police are continuing their investigation and plan to question Shalini and Arun Yadav to determine their involvement.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has pledged to defend his country’s sovereignty and remain loyal to the people as tensions with the United States escalate over drug trafficking allegations. US President Donald Trump warned that Washington could launch a military operation against Venezuela at any time, following a series of attacks on suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific that left at least 83 people dead. Addressing members of the ruling PSUV party, Maduro reaffirmed his commitment to the legacy of former President Hugo Chávez and accused the US of attempting to overthrow him. Trump also threatened possible ground operations and advised that Venezuela should keep its airspace closed. The growing confrontation underscores the deepening diplomatic and military strain between Caracas and Washington, with both sides trading accusations of aggression and interference.

Students from the seven government colleges affiliated with Dhaka University have announced a new phase of protests demanding the issuance of an ordinance to establish the proposed Dhaka Central University. At a press conference held in front of Dhaka College on Wednesday, student leader Abdur Rahman declared that if the authorities fail to issue the ordinance by Saturday, students will begin a continuous sit-in in front of the Education Building from Sunday, December 7. Earlier in the day, students held demonstrations and blocked Mirpur Road for over two hours before announcing their next program. The government has already taken a policy decision to merge the seven colleges and form a new public university named Dhaka Central University, ending their affiliation with Dhaka University. Students argue that the delay in issuing the ordinance has created uncertainty and administrative complications, prompting them to continue their movement until the demand is met.

The Mexican Parliament has expressed eagerness to work with Bangladesh’s newly elected government, according to the Bangladesh Embassy in Mexico. The announcement was made during a ceremony on December 2, where the Mexico-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group was officially formed. Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Mexico, Mushfiqur Fazal Ansaree, attended the event and was invited to observe a parliamentary session. The Congress President, Kenia López Rabadán, formally introduced the friendship group, emphasizing bilateral cooperation. Ambassador Ansaree highlighted Bangladesh’s democratic progress, referencing the upcoming national election led by Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus and recalling the 2024 democratic uprising. Mexican lawmakers praised Bangladesh’s economic growth and textile industry, pledging to strengthen political, trade, and environmental collaboration. The event also marked 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Ambassadors from Jordan and Ivory Coast attended as guests, and the ceremony concluded with official signings and gift exchanges.

A new analysis by travel insurance company Compare the Market has identified Bangkok as the world's most dangerous city for tourists in terms of pickpocketing, scams, and theft. The study reviewed traveler reviews from over 75 major tourist destinations to rank cities based on reported incidents and perceived risks. Bangkok scored 83.45, topping the list, followed by Paris (68.81) and Prague (52.16). Shanghai ranked fourth due to its high rate of scams rather than thefts, while Agra, Rome, Pattaya, Phuket, Shenzhen, and Mumbai completed the top ten. The report highlights that both Asia and Europe dominate the risk rankings, with 24 Asian and 27 European cities appearing on the list. Analysts emphasize that while these cities remain popular for their culture and attractions, tourists should remain vigilant against petty crimes and fraudulent schemes to ensure safe travel experiences.

Members of the Kuril Tiles and Sanitary Market Owners and Employees Association organized a human chain at Kuril World Road in Dhaka, demanding the construction of a bridge connecting Bhola and Barishal. The demonstration, held on Wednesday afternoon near Jamuna Future Park, urged the interim government to take immediate steps toward building the bridge to reduce travel difficulties between the two districts. Speakers argued that despite Bhola supplying gas nationwide, the district remains isolated from the mainland, which contradicts the vision of an equitable Bangladesh. They emphasized that the proposed Bhola-Barishal bridge would enhance communication, industrialization, and tourism in the region. In addition to the bridge, protesters also called for establishing a medical college, a public university, gas-based industries, and sustainable embankments and marine drive roads to prevent river erosion in Bhola.

The Bangladesh Army and Air Force will conduct test landings and takeoffs of helicopters near Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on December 4 between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., following Special Security Force (SSF) security protocols. The government has urged the public to avoid spreading misinformation or rumors regarding the activity. The announcement was made by the Senior Assistant Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Fayez Ahmed, citing an official statement. The move comes amid heightened security surrounding BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital since November 23 and was moved to the Coronary Care Unit on November 27 due to deteriorating health. A medical board led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, along with a team of Chinese doctors and British specialist Dr. Richard Bell, is overseeing her treatment. The interim government recently declared Khaleda Zia a Very Very Important Person (VVIP), prompting the SSF to assume her security responsibilities.

A powerful explosion near a police patrol vehicle in Dera Ismail Khan district of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province killed three police officers, including Assistant Sub-Inspector Gul Alam, on December 3. The blast severely damaged the vehicle and prompted a swift response from security forces, who cordoned off the area and began collecting evidence. Authorities suspect the attack is linked to militant activity. Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the assault, describing it as an act of extremism, and expressed condolences to the victims’ families. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also denounced the attack, calling the slain officers national heroes and vowing that their sacrifice would not be forgotten. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continue the fight against terrorism. The incident followed similar attacks in Lakki Marwat and Bannu districts a day earlier, which left two more police officers dead. Security operations are ongoing to locate the perpetrators.

India has created an unusual world record by losing 20 consecutive tosses in men’s international cricket, a statistical rarity estimated to occur only once in 1,048,576 instances. The streak began during the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia in Ahmedabad and has continued through bilateral and multi-nation tournaments. The latest loss came in Raipur, where South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bowl. This surpasses the previous record held by the Netherlands, who lost 11 consecutive tosses between March 2011 and August 2013. Indian captain KL Rahul humorously remarked that the toss has become the most stressful part of his job, admitting that even practice hasn’t helped. Despite the light-hearted tone, the record underscores a remarkable streak of bad luck for the Indian team, statistically almost impossible to replicate.

In Netrokona’s Mohanganj municipality, the headmaster of Mailora Government Primary School, Md. Shahjada Osmani, is conducting annual exams for 450 students single-handedly due to an ongoing strike by assistant teachers. On December 3, the school was found operating without any assistant teachers, leaving Osmani to manage all five classes with help from former students, parents, and an office assistant. The assistant teachers are on strike demanding the implementation of a three-point charter of demands. Parents expressed frustration, saying that conducting exams with only one teacher compromises exam quality and puts students’ futures at risk. Osmani stated that he respects the teachers’ movement but must follow higher authorities’ instructions to hold exams to prevent academic disruption. The assistant teachers’ local leader said the crisis would end once the government meets their demands.

Senior Supreme Court lawyer Z I Khan Panna has offered an unconditional apology to Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal after failing to appear for a scheduled hearing. Panna had been appointed as state defense counsel for fugitive Sheikh Hasina in two separate cases involving allegations of enforced disappearance, torture, and murder during the Awami League government’s tenure. However, he later publicly stated that Hasina had no confidence in the tribunal and declared it unethical to represent her. His absence at the December 3 hearing prompted the tribunal to summon him. Appearing in a wheelchair, Panna cited illness and reiterated his unwillingness to continue as defense counsel. The tribunal accepted his apology, released him from his duties, and appointed lawyer Md Amir Hossain as the new state defense counsel. The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, expressed hope for Panna’s cooperation in future proceedings.