The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has announced that government officials assigned to election duties and those stationed outside their home constituencies can register for postal voting through the 'Postal Vote BD' mobile app until December 25. The registration window applies to the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and any concurrent referendums, starting from the date of the election schedule announcement. According to an EC press release issued on December 6, eligible voters include election officials, government employees away from their registered voting areas, and individuals under lawful custody. The EC advised all eligible participants to visit its official website for detailed instructions. Data from the commission show that 198,840 expatriate Bangladeshis have already registered through the app, with the highest number coming from Saudi Arabia. The initiative marks a significant step toward expanding digital electoral services and ensuring broader participation. Officials expect the system to reduce logistical challenges and enhance transparency in absentee voting ahead of the national polls.

Bangladesh’s interim government adviser for Road Transport and Bridges, Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan, emphasized the importance of protecting dissent and pluralism during a ceremony honoring Bir Pratik Siraj Uddin Ahmed, known as Naval Siraj. Speaking at the inauguration of the newly named Naval Siraj Road in Madhabdi, Narsingdi, he said Siraj was killed for his differing views but remains a symbol of courage and freedom. Kabir stressed that Bangladesh must remain a country of diverse opinions and faiths, where no one faces insecurity or violence for their beliefs. The event, organized by the district administration and Roads and Highways Department, was attended by senior officials and freedom fighters. Kabir urged citizens to ensure a fair, participatory election, saying that honoring Naval Siraj’s memory means upholding democracy and rejecting electoral manipulation. Other speakers, including advisers and local leaders, praised Siraj’s role in the 1971 Liberation War and called for unity in preserving his ideals. The ceremony reflected the interim administration’s message of inclusivity and its call for peaceful democratic participation ahead of national elections.

Nestlé Bangladesh successfully organized the Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMO) Luminary Summit on June 20–21, bringing together local and international health researchers, pediatricians, and policymakers. The two-day scientific workshop focused on the latest findings in human milk oligosaccharides and their role in improving child health and nutrition. The event featured interactive group discussions, case studies, and expert exchanges aimed at translating scientific insights into practical applications. Dr. Randy Urtula, a renowned pediatrician from the Philippines, highlighted the importance of HMOs in strengthening immunity, supporting gut health, and promoting overall child development. Participants expressed renewed interest in applying HMO research to local health initiatives. The summit concluded with a collective call to enhance scientific collaboration and apply HMO-related research to improve public health outcomes in Bangladesh. Organizers emphasized that such knowledge-sharing platforms are vital for advancing education, innovation, and sustainable health improvement in the country.

A new desalination plant project has been launched in the remote Kalabogi embankment area of Sutarkhali Union, Dakop, Khulna, to address the long-standing drinking water crisis faced by marginalized residents of the Sundarbans. The initiative, led by the Ex Notre Damians Welfare Foundation, began on December 6 with a community event collecting data from women representatives of low-income families who will receive around 3,000 liters of potable water daily from the plant. The region’s rivers, ponds, and groundwater have become excessively saline and mineral-rich due to repeated floods and cyclones, rendering them undrinkable. Health experts note that women in coastal areas suffer severe reproductive and maternal health risks linked to high salinity, including hypertension, eclampsia, and maternal mortality. Foundation representatives Dr. Shakil Arif Chowdhury and Dr. Dalilur Rahman announced that land acquisition and construction are underway, with water supply expected to begin by January next year, marking a significant step toward improving coastal health and resilience.

The Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs has approved a special air ambulance flight, designating it as a ‘VVIP movement,’ to transport BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia from Dhaka to London for advanced medical treatment. The Evercare Hospital patient is scheduled to depart on December 10, with the air ambulance arriving in Dhaka a day earlier. Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport authorities have already granted landing clearance for the flight. Airport Executive Director Captain S M Ragib Samad confirmed that all security and operational arrangements are being made under VVIP protocols. The airport’s relevant units will activate upon final confirmation of the route and landing schedule. Khaleda Zia, a central figure in Bangladesh’s opposition politics, has been receiving treatment in Dhaka for several months amid repeated calls from her party for permission to seek care abroad. The government’s approval marks a significant development in the long-running political and humanitarian debate surrounding her medical treatment. Observers expect heightened security and political attention during the transfer process.

The Islamic Arabic University (IAU) has commenced the four-year Fazil Honors examinations across Bangladesh from Saturday, December 6. The exams cover first to fourth-year students in subjects including Al-Quran and Islamic Studies, Al-Hadith and Islamic Studies, Dawah and Islamic Studies, Arabic Language and Literature, Islamic History and Culture, and Al-Fiqh and Islamic Studies. Around 12,500 students are participating at 92 examination centers nationwide. Exam Controller Mohammad Ali stated that strict measures will be taken against any form of malpractice during the examinations. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Shamsul Alam reported that the exams are proceeding in an orderly and peaceful manner. He emphasized the university’s monitoring efforts to ensure fairness and urged cooperation from students, teachers, and guardians to maintain a cheating-free environment. The successful conduct of these exams is seen as crucial for maintaining academic integrity within the country’s madrasa education system, reflecting the university’s commitment to transparency and discipline in higher Islamic studies.

Interim government adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan has described former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia as an uncompromising and widely respected leader in Bangladesh’s democratic struggle. In a Facebook post on December 5, Mahmud highlighted her courage from the anti-Ershad movement to her opposition to Sheikh Hasina’s rule, calling her wisdom and leadership a national asset. He also requested prayers for her recovery, referring to her as a guardian of the country’s democratic tradition. Khaleda Zia, 80, has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka for nearly two weeks due to multiple chronic illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes, and liver complications. BNP sources said an air ambulance scheduled to bring her abroad for treatment was delayed due to technical issues, though another aircraft may arrive from Qatar. Her daughter-in-law, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, has arrived in Dhaka to be by her side. A 12-member medical board, with experts from China and the UK, continues to oversee her care.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s planned transfer abroad for advanced medical treatment has been delayed due to her current health condition, according to her personal physician and party standing committee member Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain. He stated that while an air ambulance remains on standby, the medical board has advised against immediate travel, emphasizing that her physical stability will determine the timing of her transfer. Dr. Zahid added that Khaleda Zia’s family, including her son Tarique Rahman and daughter-in-law Zubaida Rahman, are closely coordinating with the medical team. He urged the public not to spread misinformation on social media, assuring that both the interim government and the Qatari authorities are providing full cooperation for her potential overseas treatment. Khaleda Zia has been under treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka for 13 days due to stomach complications. A recent endoscopy revealed minor bleeding, which was later controlled. The medical board, comprising local and foreign specialists, continues to monitor her condition and will decide on her travel when deemed safe.

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) President ASM Abdur Rob has called for the immediate withdrawal of the recently issued 'Police Commission Ordinance 2025' by Bangladesh’s interim government. In a statement released on December 6, Rob argued that the ordinance undermines the long-standing public demand for an independent and accountable police force grounded in democracy, human dignity, and the rule of law. He criticized the ordinance as a politically motivated move that contradicts the reform pledges made after the July uprising, claiming it renews a system of repression that uses the police to protect power rather than citizens’ rights. Rob outlined five key demands: replacing the colonial-era Police Act of 1861, redefining police as guardians of constitutional rights, prioritizing human dignity in training, shifting from command-control to service-accountability, and ensuring a fully independent, politically neutral police commission with authority over recruitment, discipline, and citizen complaints. Rob urged the government to repeal the ordinance and implement a humane, democratic, and constitutionally guided police reform framework.

The Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) has announced a major reshuffle involving officers-in-charge (OCs) across all 16 police stations in the city ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary elections. According to an official order signed by CMP Commissioner Hasib Aziz on December 6, the transfers were conducted internally among existing OCs through a lottery-based process. Under the new arrangement, several key postings have been exchanged, including Abdul Karim from Kotwali to Panchlaish, Aftab Uddin from Bakalia to Kotwali, and Abdur Rahim from Sadarghat to Bandar. Other notable changes include Shahinur Alam moving from Khulshi to Karnaphuli and Babul Azad from Double Mooring to Chawkbazar. The reshuffle also affects stations such as Bayezid, Chandgaon, Halishahar, and Patenga. Police officials said the move aims to ensure neutrality, operational readiness, and effective law enforcement during the election period. One OC, Shafiqul Islam of Chawkbazar, has been reassigned to the Counter Terrorism and Intelligence Unit (CTSB). The EPZ police station is expected to receive a new OC soon, pending appointment.

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s continued stay in India is entirely her personal decision. Speaking at the HT Leadership Summit in New Delhi on December 6, Jaishankar emphasized that the circumstances under which Hasina arrived in India have influenced her current situation and will likely shape her future choices. Responding to a question on whether Hasina could remain in India as long as she wished, Jaishankar noted that such matters depend on the evolving realities surrounding her presence. He reiterated that the ultimate decision rests with Hasina herself, underscoring India’s position of non-interference in her personal choices. The remarks come amid ongoing speculation about Hasina’s political future and her possible next steps following her departure from Bangladesh. Observers view Jaishankar’s comments as a signal of India’s cautious diplomatic stance, balancing humanitarian considerations with regional political sensitivities.

Bangladesh’s mobile phone traders have announced a blockade of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, starting Sunday morning. The protest follows earlier demonstrations demanding reforms to the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR), the abolition of alleged syndicates, and the reopening of unrestricted mobile phone imports. Traders argue that the NEIR system, set to take effect on December 16, will severely harm small businesses and raise handset prices due to increased taxes and limited supply. They claim that only a select group of importers will benefit from the new regulation. The BTRC and government officials, however, assert that NEIR is essential for national security and to prevent the use of unregistered or stolen phones. The standoff highlights growing tension between regulators and small traders in Bangladesh’s telecom sector. If unresolved, the dispute could disrupt mobile phone distribution and raise consumer prices ahead of the NEIR rollout.

Archaeologists in Iran have discovered a prehistoric village estimated to be around 7,000 years old beneath the historic Belad Shapur area of Dehdasht city. The excavation, led by researcher Zabihollah Masoudinia, revealed settlement layers dating back to the 5th and 6th millennia BCE, marking the first formal archaeological exploration in the region. The find includes pottery fragments and cultural artifacts that suggest continuous habitation from the Neolithic to the Islamic periods. Masoudinia noted that the discovery could redefine Dehdasht’s historical significance. Beneath medieval and Islamic-era structures, researchers uncovered evidence of early human technology, including heated stone fragments used for warming liquids. The team also found remnants of an ancient qanat water system in the city’s northern area, indicating advanced water management practices. Experts believe the discovery will prompt further excavations and research into Iran’s early urban development. A small research center has been established at the site to study the deeper layers and preserve the artifacts for future analysis.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Sadiq Kayem declared that politics in Bangladesh should no longer be directed from abroad, specifically citing London, Delhi, and Rawalpindi. Speaking at a youth festival and election rally organized by the local Jamaat-e-Islami chapter in Pirganj, Thakurgaon, he emphasized that young people must take a leading role in ensuring safe and fair elections, referencing the July Movement as an example of youth activism. Kayem criticized what he described as 16 years of authoritarian rule that, in his view, destroyed Bangladesh’s education, economic, and cultural systems. He urged voters to choose representatives of “Insaaf,” a platform he said stands for justice and integrity. He also accused India of long-term oppression in the region and called for local development, including reopening the Thakurgaon airport and improving education and healthcare services. Other speakers, including Jamaat leaders, echoed anti-corruption sentiments and pledged to select candidates free from extortion and terrorism, signaling a broader push for reform-minded local leadership.

A formal petition has been submitted to Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser seeking the dismissal of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md. Baharul Alam after his name appeared in the National Independent Investigation Commission’s report on the 2009 Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) massacre. The petition, sent by Supreme Court lawyer and National Lawyers Council chairman S.M. Zulfiqar Ali Junu, argues that the IGP’s continued service undermines public confidence and judicial transparency. The 2009 BDR mutiny, one of the deadliest episodes in Bangladesh’s history, claimed the lives of 57 army officers and many others. The commission’s recent report has reignited debate over accountability and justice. The petition emphasizes that a top law enforcement official’s alleged involvement or negligence in such a national tragedy could obstruct impartial investigation and erode trust in state institutions. Legal experts and civil society observers are urging the interim government to act on the commission’s recommendations to uphold rule of law and restore public confidence in the justice system.