The medical board overseeing the treatment of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has decided to postpone her transfer abroad for advanced medical care. Doctors concluded that her current physical condition does not permit the stress of a long-haul flight, emphasizing that her safety and stability must come first. The decision was announced at a press briefing outside Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital by her personal physician and BNP Standing Committee member Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain. The board, which includes specialists from the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and Bangladesh, continues to monitor her condition closely. Dr. Zobaida Rahman, Zia’s daughter-in-law, recently arrived in Dhaka to coordinate treatment, while acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman remains in contact from London. Doctors urged the public not to spread misinformation about her health on social media. Khaleda Zia, 79, suffers from multiple chronic ailments, including arthritis, diabetes, and organ complications. Her transfer abroad will proceed only when the board deems her fit for air travel, with all preparations reportedly in place.

Inter Miami captured their first-ever Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup title on Saturday, defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps 3–1 at Chase Stadium. Although Lionel Messi did not score in the final, his creative influence shaped all three goals, securing a landmark victory for the Florida-based club. The win capped a remarkable turnaround season that also saw Miami claim the Leagues Cup and the Supporters’ Shield. Messi’s early midfield brilliance set up the opening own goal by Vancouver’s Edier Ocampo, while his second-half interceptions and assists to Rodrigo De Paul and Tadeo Allende sealed the result. The match also marked the final professional appearances of Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, both former Barcelona legends who concluded their illustrious careers with this MLS title. The victory cements Inter Miami’s rapid rise since Messi’s arrival and underscores his transformative impact on American soccer. The club now looks ahead to defending multiple titles next season and expanding its global fan base.

A late-night gas leak explosion in Kanchpur Patatta village of Sonargaon, Narayanganj, left four members of the same family severely burned early Friday. The incident occurred around 3 a.m. when accumulated gas inside their home ignited, causing a sudden blast. The victims—Jarina Begum (65), Alauddin (35), Sathiya Akter (14), and Saima (4)—were rushed to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka around 4 a.m. According to relatives, the family used piped gas for cooking, and a leak overnight allowed gas to fill the room. When a spark occurred, the explosion followed. Dr. Shawon Bin Rahman, a resident physician at the burn institute, said Alauddin sustained 40% burns and was admitted to the ICU, while the others suffered burns ranging from 12% to 30%. Police from Sonargaon station have been informed about the incident. Authorities are investigating the cause of the leak, while safety experts again urged regular maintenance of household gas connections to prevent similar accidents.

Dhaka South Chhatra Dal has expelled Nesar Uddin Rabbi, member secretary of Lalbagh Thana Chhatra Dal, and Adnan Ahmed Imon, president of Ward No. 24 Chhatra Dal, citing verified violations of organizational discipline. The decision was finalized after internal review procedures in accordance with the organization’s policies. The expulsion order was jointly signed by Dhaka South Chhatra Dal President Shamim Mahmud and General Secretary Abdur Rahim Bhuiyan, and officially announced through a press release on Saturday, December 6. The statement confirmed that the disciplinary action would take immediate effect. The press release was distributed to the media by Amzad Hossain Mamun, the organization’s assistant office secretary. The move underscores the organization’s emphasis on maintaining internal discipline amid broader efforts to strengthen its local units. No further details were provided about the specific nature of the disciplinary breaches or potential replacements for the expelled leaders.

A new study published in the journal *Pediatrics* has found that children who begin using smartphones before the age of 12 face significantly higher risks of depression, obesity, and sleep disturbances. The research, part of the U.S.-based Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, tracked more than 10,000 participants aged 9 to 16 over several years. Findings show that early smartphone users were 30% more likely to experience depression, 40% more likely to develop obesity, and 60% more likely to suffer from poor sleep compared to peers without phones. Researchers noted that while smartphones can aid communication and safety, excessive use at a young age may disrupt mental, physical, and social development. The study suggests that prolonged screen exposure reduces physical activity, alters eating habits, and interferes with melatonin production, worsening sleep quality. Experts recommend delaying smartphone introduction until after age 12 to support healthier cognitive and emotional growth. The findings add to growing global concern about digital exposure among children and may influence future parental guidelines and education policies.

A devastating fire at a restaurant in Huancané, a town in Peru’s Andean Puno region near the Bolivian border, killed ten university students and injured three others. The victims, aged between 17 and 23, were attending a birthday celebration when the blaze broke out on Thursday afternoon, according to police reports released Friday. Authorities said the students were trapped on the second floor of the Kalma Tripa restaurant, a structure made of wood and brick. Local residents attempted to extinguish the flames using fire extinguishers and water before firefighters arrived from Juliaca, nearly an hour later. Huancané’s mayor, Valerio Tapia, told state news agency Andina that the town of 20,000 residents has no fire service of its own. Preliminary investigations suggest a gas cylinder explosion may have triggered the fire. Experts note that such incidents are frequent in Peru’s remote regions, where safety regulations on fuel storage are often poorly enforced. The tragedy has renewed calls for improved fire safety infrastructure in rural Andean towns.

Bangladesh’s law enforcement agencies are heightening security measures ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election as 1,340 looted firearms remain untraced from the July 2024 unrest. Out of 5,763 weapons stolen during that period, police have yet to recover a significant portion, raising concerns about potential election violence and criminal misuse. The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has ordered intensified recovery operations, including cash rewards of up to BDT 500,000 for information leading to retrieval. Police officials fear that the missing weapons could fuel black money influence and underworld activity, destabilizing both the election and national security. Intelligence briefings have identified high-risk districts such as Chattogram, Dhaka, and Khulna, where additional forces will be deployed. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and cyber units are also monitoring social media for misinformation and foreign propaganda. Authorities plan a nationwide crackdown in late December to recover lost arms and prevent pre-poll violence. Candidates requesting extra protection will receive special security to ensure voter confidence and election integrity.

The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has conducted a cleanup operation in the Mohakhali area to remove illegal banners and festoons. The drive took place on Saturday, December 6, covering key locations such as Bir Uttam AK Khandakar Road, Tajuddin Ahmed Road, Mohakhali Railgate, Setu Bhaban, Amtala Mor, and the Public Health gate area. DNCC officials said the operation was part of their regular efforts to maintain city cleanliness and remove unauthorized advertising materials. According to DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz, the corporation removed a total of 247,000 illegal banners, festoons, and posters during November alone. The DNCC recently issued a public notice instructing individuals and organizations to remove unauthorized advertisements within seven days or face fines and legal action. The notice also highlighted the growing problem of unapproved banners, LED signs, and billboards across the city. The ongoing campaign reflects DNCC’s broader initiative to enforce urban regulations and improve the visual environment of Dhaka. Authorities have urged residents and businesses to cooperate in maintaining public spaces free from illegal advertisements.

Barcelona secured a spectacular 5–3 win over Real Betis on Saturday night in a high-scoring La Liga encounter. Despite Betis leading early through an Antony strike in the sixth minute, Barcelona responded with dominance, led by Ferran Torres, who completed his hat-trick within the first half. Rooney Bardghji and Lamine Yamal added further goals to seal the victory for Hansi Flick’s side. Real Betis showed resilience in the second half, pressing hard and managing two late goals through Diego Llorente and Cucho Hernández, but the deficit proved too large to overcome. Barcelona’s attacking efficiency and Torres’s finishing were the highlights of the match. With this result, Barcelona remain at the top of the La Liga standings with 40 points from 16 matches, four points ahead of archrivals Real Madrid, who have a game in hand. The win reinforces Barcelona’s strong title ambitions under Flick’s management as the season approaches its midpoint.

At least 11 people, including a three-year-old child, were killed when gunmen opened fire inside a hostel in Pretoria, South Africa, early Saturday morning. Police reported that 25 people were shot, with 14 hospitalized and 12 others injured. The attack occurred in the Soshanguve area, about 18 kilometers from central Pretoria, at a hostel known for illegal alcohol sales. Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said three armed men entered the hostel’s unlicensed drinking area around 4:30 a.m. and began shooting indiscriminately at a group of men. Victims also included a 12-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl. Authorities have yet to determine a motive, and no arrests have been made as investigations continue. South Africa has one of the world’s highest murder rates, and officials warn that illegal liquor outlets often become flashpoints for deadly violence. The incident has renewed calls for stricter enforcement against unlicensed taverns and better policing in high-risk communities.

A massive stingray weighing around 600 kilograms was caught in a fishing net off the Teknaf coast in Cox’s Bazar on Friday, drawing large crowds of locals and tourists. The rare marine creature, belonging to the stingray family and locally known as ‘Shapla Pata Maach,’ was hauled ashore with the help of several people after fishermen struggled to lift it onto their trawler. According to local fisheries officials, the stingray is a fully protected species under the Bangladesh Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, which prohibits its capture, sale, or transport. Despite this, the fish was reportedly sold for 50,000 taka to a local trader. Authorities from the Cox’s Bazar South Forest Division have launched an inquiry to determine who purchased and handled the protected animal. Officials warned that violating wildlife protection laws can lead to up to one year in prison or a fine of 100,000 taka. Conservationists have urged stronger enforcement to prevent similar incidents as deep-sea species increasingly appear in shallow waters due to changing ocean conditions.

A high school headteacher in Ishwardi, Pabna, has drawn criticism after a video surfaced showing him chanting 'Joy Bangla'—a slogan historically linked to the ruling Awami League—while urging votes for the opposition BNP’s electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf. The incident occurred during a prayer gathering on Friday night for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s recovery, where the teacher, Sirajul Islam, spoke as a guest. Local residents and social media users reacted sharply after the video went viral, questioning the teacher’s political neutrality and professional ethics. Sirajul Islam, head of Laxmikunda Girls’ High School, later apologized, saying he mistakenly uttered the slogan and denied any political affiliation. The event’s organizers also claimed it was not an official BNP program. However, the Ishwardi Upazila Executive Officer stated that government employees are prohibited from participating in political activities. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between Bangladesh’s major political parties and raises concerns about political involvement by public servants ahead of the next election cycle.

Gana Odhikar Parishad President and former DUCSU VP Nurul Haque Nur announced that his party will contest all 300 parliamentary constituencies independently in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national election. Speaking at a public rally in Brahmanbaria’s Nabinagar on December 6, Nur said the party aims to build a corruption-free and just Bangladesh. He also introduced local leader Nazrul Islam (Nazu) as the official candidate for Brahmanbaria-5 under the party’s ‘Truck’ symbol. Nur emphasized that the party is nominating candidates with strong public images across the country. Addressing the election timeline, he said that if former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s health affects the schedule, the Election Commission will decide accordingly. However, he expressed confidence that the polls would be held in February, adding that the party is prepared to field candidates even if the election is delayed until April. Party General Secretary Rashed Khan also spoke at the event, reaffirming the party’s readiness for a nationwide contest and its commitment to political reform.

West Indies’ former all-rounder Andre Russell has etched his name into cricket history by becoming the first player to achieve the combined milestones of 5,000 runs, 500 wickets, and 500 sixes in T20 cricket. The record was sealed on Friday, December 5, when Russell, playing for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the ILT20, claimed his 500th wicket against Desert Vipers. This achievement came in his 576th T20 match, where his career tally now stands at 9,496 runs, 500 wickets, and 772 sixes. While several players have individually crossed these milestones, Russell remains the only cricketer to have reached all three. According to available data, 126 players have scored over 5,000 runs, six have taken 500 or more wickets, and ten have hit at least 500 sixes. Russell, who retired from international cricket in July, recently announced his decision to step away from the IPL as a player and will serve as an assistant coach for Kolkata Knight Riders in the upcoming season.

Former State Minister for Home Affairs and BNP candidate for Netrakona-4, Lutfozzaman Babar, called on citizens to take action against drug users and gamblers, saying they should be caught and punished before being handed over to authorities. Speaking at campaign rallies in Madan upazila on December 6, Babar emphasized that no one, including party members, would be exempt from this directive. During his speech, Babar also highlighted the need to expand income sources, especially for women, and to promote self-reliance through skill-based work. He described development as a continuous process and pledged to address unemployment and improve living standards. Babar further praised BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, portraying her as a symbol of integrity and national interest. Local BNP leaders and activists attended the events, which marked part of Babar’s campaign for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. His remarks have drawn attention for their tough stance on social issues and emphasis on grassroots empowerment.