Japan confirmed that Chinese and Russian strategic bombers conducted a joint long-range patrol around its airspace on Tuesday, prompting Tokyo to scramble fighter jets for monitoring. The Japanese Defense Ministry reported that two Russian Tu-95 nuclear-capable bombers flew from the Sea of Japan toward the East China Sea, joining two Chinese H-6 bombers before proceeding into the Pacific Ocean. Later, four Chinese J-16 fighters joined the formation near Okinawa and Miyako islands. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi described the operation as a clear show of force against Japan and a serious concern for national security. Russia’s Defense Ministry said the joint flight lasted eight hours, while South Korea also detected several Russian and Chinese aircraft entering its air defense identification zone. The patrol follows an incident where Chinese carrier-based jets allegedly targeted Japanese aircraft with radar. The coordinated patrol underscores deepening China-Russia military cooperation amid regional tensions over Taiwan and maritime boundaries. Analysts warn that such maneuvers could heighten the risk of miscalculation in the Indo-Pacific.

A Russian military cargo aircraft crashed near Moscow on Tuesday, killing all seven people on board, including the pilot. The incident occurred in the Ivanovo region, about 200 kilometers from the capital, according to Russia’s Defense Ministry. The aircraft, identified as an AN-22 military transport plane, went down shortly after takeoff during a test flight following engine repairs. The Defense Ministry stated that the plane crashed in an uninhabited area, preventing further casualties or damage on the ground. Preliminary reports suggest the aircraft experienced technical difficulties before the crash. A special commission has been formed to investigate the cause of the accident, and recovery operations are underway at the crash site. The AN-22 model, one of the largest turboprop transport aircraft in the Russian military fleet, has been in service for decades. The incident raises renewed concerns about the aging condition of Russia’s military transport fleet and the safety of its maintenance procedures.

Bangladesh today commemorates the 54th martyrdom anniversary of Bir Sreshtho Mohammad Ruhul Amin, one of the seven greatest heroes of the 1971 Liberation War. On December 10, 1971, Amin was killed in a fierce naval battle against Pakistani forces near the Rupsha River in Khulna. Born in 1934 in Noakhali, he joined the Navy after working briefly in journalism and rose to the rank of Junior Commissioned Officer through merit and dedication. During the Liberation War, Ruhul Amin played a crucial role in forming the nascent Bangladesh Navy. He helped convert Indian-donated tugboats into gunboats named ‘Padma’ and ‘Palash’, serving as the chief engineer of the latter. Despite orders to abandon ship during an air attack at Hiron Point, Amin continued fighting until his vessel was destroyed. Captured and tortured by collaborators, he was martyred, and his body was never recovered. His sacrifice remains a symbol of courage and patriotism. Each year, the nation pays tribute to his memory through military honors and public remembrance ceremonies.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged that Indian citizens are being forcibly pushed into Bangladesh by the Border Security Force (BSF). Speaking at a meeting with local officials in Cooch Behar on Monday, Banerjee criticized what she described as 'excessive actions' along the India-Bangladesh border and urged state police to remain active and conduct more checkpoint operations. Banerjee accused border authorities of harassing residents in the border district, emphasizing that linguistic identity should not be used to question citizenship. She stated that speaking Bengali does not make someone Bangladeshi, drawing parallels with Urdu and Punjabi speakers across India and neighboring countries. Her remarks come amid ongoing tensions between the state government and the BSF over jurisdiction and alleged overreach. The comments are expected to heighten political friction between the Trinamool Congress and the central government. Analysts suggest the issue could influence border policy debates and community relations in sensitive frontier areas.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqul Rahman announced that his party would form a national government under three specific conditions if it comes to power. Speaking at an election campaign event in Mirpur’s Kafrul area on December 9, he said Jamaat aims to include all political forces in governance rather than exclude any group. He emphasized that the party’s vision centers on establishing a balanced social order and reducing economic inequality. Rahman criticized the current state of corruption and political malpractice, claiming that extortion and tender manipulation have eroded public trust. He argued that the lack of a fair electoral system has contributed to rising crime and instability, urging for a fully transparent election to ensure genuine representation. He also reiterated Jamaat’s stance on implementing laws aligned with Islamic principles, calling on other parties to make their positions clear. Analysts view his remarks as an attempt to reposition Jamaat as a reform-oriented party ahead of upcoming national elections, though skepticism remains about its broader political acceptance.

Bangladesh’s Detective Branch (DB) police have arrested Nur Uddin, a mechanic accused of manufacturing illegal firearms under the guise of operating an engineering workshop in Chandraganj, Lakshmipur. The arrest took place on December 9 in a remote area of Rangamati district, following a week-long manhunt after he fled during an earlier police raid. Authorities said Nur Uddin’s workshop, 'Noha Auto Traders and Engineering,' was used to produce locally made weapons. During a December 1 raid, police recovered one homemade firearm and a large quantity of weapon-making equipment. Later, on December 7, officers discovered five single-barrel guns and one LG firearm hidden near a graveyard in Begumganj, allegedly produced in the same workshop. Police officials confirmed that legal proceedings have begun under the Arms Act. The arrest highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to curb the spread of illegal weapons manufacturing in rural Bangladesh, a growing concern for local security agencies.

A 24-year-old factory worker named Mohammad Hossain was fatally stabbed in Dhaka’s Lalbagh area on Tuesday afternoon following a dispute linked to a previous altercation. The attack occurred around 3:30 p.m. in Shahidnagar Lane No. 2, where Hossain was ambushed by a local youth named Abir. He was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. According to witnesses, the conflict began the previous night when Abir demanded an iron pipe from Hossain’s friend Nirab. After Nirab refused, Abir slapped him, prompting Hossain to intervene and strike back. Although the issue was reportedly settled by local residents, Abir allegedly retaliated the next day with a knife attack. Police confirmed multiple stab wounds to Hossain’s chest and abdomen. Lalbagh police have launched an investigation to determine whether the killing stemmed from personal enmity or provocation. Officers stated that all individuals involved will be brought under legal scrutiny as the inquiry continues.

Four people were killed in three separate road accidents in Chapainawabganj district on Tuesday, according to local police. The incidents occurred in Shibganj, Bholahat, and Gomostapur upazilas at different times of the day. In Shibganj’s Satrajitpur area, 93-year-old Bosed Ali died after being hit by a locally made vehicle while crossing the road. Later, in Bholahat’s Islampur area, eight-year-old schoolboy Hasan Ali was struck and killed by a trolley while returning home from school. In the afternoon, two motorcyclists, Ashik Ali (25) and Abdullah (30), died on the spot after a truck collision in Rahonpur Tentultala area of Gomostapur upazila. Police from the three upazilas confirmed that the bodies were recovered and legal procedures are underway. The series of accidents has raised concerns about road safety and the lack of enforcement of traffic regulations in rural areas of Bangladesh, where unregistered vehicles and poor road conditions often contribute to fatalities.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali has urged city residents to verify the identity of domestic workers before hiring them. In a statement issued on Tuesday night, the DMP emphasized that employers should collect a copy of the worker’s national ID card, a recent passport-sized photograph, and the names and addresses of at least two identifiers to ensure proper verification. The commissioner also requested citizens to cooperate with police by accurately filling out tenant registration forms and providing necessary personal details. The advisory follows a recent double murder in Mohammadpur allegedly committed by a domestic worker, as well as recurring incidents of theft and disappearance involving household staff. Authorities believe that increased public awareness and adherence to verification procedures could significantly reduce such crimes. The DMP plans to strengthen community policing and data collection to improve urban safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Bangladesh recorded a strong inflow of remittances in the first eight days of December, reaching USD 1.008 billion, according to Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan. The daily average stood at USD 126 million, marking a significant rise from USD 831 million during the same period last year. On December 8 alone, expatriates sent USD 131 million, reflecting continued momentum in foreign income inflows. Between July and December 8 of the current fiscal year, total remittances reached USD 14.046 billion, up 18.4% year-on-year. November saw the highest monthly inflow of the fiscal year at USD 2.889 billion, followed by strong figures in October and September. The previous fiscal year (2024–25) closed with a record USD 30.32 billion in remittances, the highest in Bangladesh’s history. Economists attribute the growth to improved banking channels, policy incentives, and seasonal demand ahead of year-end festivities. Sustained remittance growth is expected to support foreign reserves and stabilize the exchange rate amid global economic uncertainty.

National Citizen Party (NCP) member secretary Akhtar Hossain stated that Bangladesh’s 2026 national election was never intended to be a mere transfer of power but a platform for structural reform. Speaking at the National Youth Power Representative Conference in Dhaka’s Shahbagh, he said the election has been turned into a political showdown rather than a movement for change. Hossain emphasized that the NCP’s long-standing goal was to move beyond what he described as a ‘fascist framework’ and to establish a new political structure for Bangladesh. He criticized major parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, for sidelining reform discussions and focusing solely on strategies for regaining or seizing power. He further argued that both ruling and opposition groups are misleading the public with half-truths about governance experience and promises of change. Hossain urged citizens to recognize these patterns and to prioritize genuine reform in the upcoming election cycle.

Advocate Md. Shahjahan Mia, Jamaat-e-Islami’s nominated candidate for the Chandpur-3 constituency, intensified his election campaign ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. On December 9, he conducted day-long outreach across multiple villages and markets in Chandra Union, engaging directly with voters through rallies, yard meetings, and door-to-door visits. During his campaign, Mia emphasized his vision for a just and responsible governance system, free from corruption and injustice. He pledged to strengthen state initiatives for women’s dignity, safety, and empowerment, and to ensure free education for meritorious students from underprivileged families. He also promised increased government incentives for farmers, improved access to quality seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural machinery. Local Jamaat leaders and supporters joined the campaign, reporting growing enthusiasm among residents. Mia stated that if elected, he aims to build a modern and prosperous Chandpur, prioritizing citizens’ rights and social justice.

Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan has announced an urgent press conference amid growing speculation that he may contest in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. The announcement comes as the Election Commission prepares to meet the President to finalize the election schedule. Mahmud, a key figure in the July student uprising that led to the fall of the Awami League government, currently serves as adviser to the Local Government and Youth and Sports ministries. Public relations officials confirmed that the briefing will address current political issues, though no indication has been given regarding Mahmud’s resignation or candidacy. Previously, Mahmud stated his intention to run as an independent candidate from a Dhaka constituency, having transferred his voter registration from Comilla-3 to Dhaka. Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam has clarified that advisers cannot contest while holding office. The press conference is expected to clarify Mahmud’s political stance and potential resignation timeline, as the newly formed National Citizens Party prepares to release its candidate list on Wednesday.

The Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) in Bangladesh has cancelled several days of the upcoming winter vacation for government primary school teachers to ensure completion of annual examinations. The directive, signed by Deputy Secretary Rowshan Ara Polly on December 9, instructs schools to hold postponed exams between December 11 and 15, excluding Friday and Saturday. Teachers will be required to supervise and conduct the tests during what was originally scheduled as holiday time. According to the DPE, the decision follows disruptions caused by recent teacher protests, which prevented many schools from holding exams on December 1–4. The ministry emphasized that rescheduling is essential to maintain academic continuity and ensure fair evaluation for students. The annual holiday list had earlier designated December 11 as the start of the winter break. The move has drawn mixed reactions from educators, with some expressing frustration over the shortened break, while officials argue it is necessary to uphold the academic calendar. Further instructions on exam management and reporting are expected later this week.

The Ministry of Education in Bangladesh has introduced a new policy prohibiting teachers and employees under the Monthly Payment Order (MPO) scheme from holding multiple jobs or engaging in other profit-making professions, including journalism and law. Violation of this rule may result in the cancellation of MPO benefits. The 61-page policy also allows for the transfer of MPO-listed teachers to other institutions if vacancies exist and permits the appointment of BCS General Education Cadre officers as heads of MPO institutions on deputation. The new framework outlines staffing structures, recruitment conditions, and benefit adjustments for private schools and colleges. Teachers have expressed mixed reactions—some welcome the reforms for improving discipline and transparency, while others fear certain provisions could create inequality. Over 600,000 teachers and staff currently receive MPO benefits, including basic salary and allowances. Recently, the government also decided to raise the house rent allowance for MPO-listed teachers to 15% of their basic pay, implemented in two phases between 2025 and 2026, following sustained teacher protests.