Former Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) member Nazrul Islam returned home to Rajshahi’s Bagha upazila after serving 17 years in prison following the 2009 BDR mutiny case. Released from Natore jail on Monday evening, Nazrul was greeted by emotional family members and villagers. However, his joy was overshadowed by grief as he learned that his elder son, Nahid Islam, had died three years earlier from a heart attack. Nazrul expressed deep sorrow over losing his son and frustration over what he described as wrongful imprisonment. He urged the government to release others he believes were falsely accused in the same case. Nazrul had left behind two children when he was imprisoned; his daughter Shapla is now married. Villagers gathered to welcome him home, their tears reflecting both relief and the pain of lost years.

A massive fire broke out on Tuesday evening in Dhaka’s Karail slum, affecting areas including Bou Bazar, Cumilla Patti, Barishal Patti, and Block 'K'. Nineteen units of the Fire Service are working to control the blaze, joined by local residents. However, efforts have been hampered by damaged hoses and a shortage of water in the northeastern part of the area. Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury, Director of Fire Service Operations and Maintenance, stated that the teams are focusing on controlling the northeastern section to bring the fire under control soon. Initially, eleven units were deployed, with eight more joining later. Many residents whose homes were destroyed have taken shelter at the Khamarbari field nearby. No casualties have been reported so far, and the cause of the fire remains unknown. Authorities are hopeful that the situation will improve shortly as firefighting continues.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused Israel of committing massacres against Palestinians, particularly women and children, due to insufficient international pressure. Speaking in Ankara on November 25 during an event marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Erdogan said that over 20,000 children have been killed in Gaza and that two-thirds of the victims are women and children. He criticized the global community for failing to respond adequately to Israel’s actions and for ignoring the suffering of Palestinian women. Erdogan emphasized that the international community’s failure to act has prolonged the conflict and deepened the humanitarian crisis. He also linked the plight of women in Gaza to broader issues of gender inequality and exploitation under capitalist systems, calling for stronger global solidarity to protect women’s dignity and lives.

Bangladesh’s agricultural land is shrinking rapidly due to urbanization, industrialization, and unplanned development, according to interim government Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter. Speaking at a national workshop on agricultural land protection and land use in Dhaka, she warned that chemical-based farming is degrading soil fertility and harming overall production. Akhter also highlighted that excessive pesticide and herbicide use is damaging not only farmland but also fisheries and livestock sectors. She noted that while aquaculture has increased fish production, pollution, landfilling, and uncontrolled tourism are destroying natural breeding grounds, endangering native fish diversity. Experts at the workshop said agriculture still contributes 11% to the GDP and remains the main livelihood for rural people, but the country is losing about 80,000 hectares of farmland annually. They urged effective implementation of proposed land protection laws to safeguard agricultural resources. The event was organized by the Bangladesh Agroecology Platform with participation from multiple ministries and stakeholders.

A case has been filed against Rezaul Hasan Bhuiyan, also known as Suman, president of the BNP’s Maska Union unit in Kendua, Netrakona, for allegedly cutting down 31 government-owned mahogany trees without authorization. The complaint was lodged by Abdul Jalil, assistant land officer of Maska Union, naming Bhuiyan and four unidentified individuals. The trees, valued at around 800,000 taka, were reportedly felled on November 18 along a rural road being upgraded under a 55.8 million taka LGED project. Locals claimed the trees were cut using the name of the Upazila administration, and some logs were seized after residents intervened. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) stated that the contractor had no right to cut the trees and that a three-member inquiry committee has been formed to investigate. Police confirmed the case and said efforts are underway to arrest the accused, who claimed earlier that the trees were removed at his own expense to expedite road construction.

In Pakistan, a 27-year-old woman named Kiran has been reunited with her parents after being missing for 17 years. She disappeared from her home in Islamabad at the age of 10 while going out to buy ice cream. Authorities from the Punjab Safe City project confirmed her identity using data that matched her personal details. Kiran had been living under the care of the Edhi Foundation in Karachi since being taken there by the late Bilquis Edhi. During her stay, she received both religious and general education. The Edhi Foundation said that several attempts had been made over the years to locate her family, but only recent technological assistance led to success. The emotional reunion in Karachi drew widespread attention and praise for the Edhi Foundation’s dedication. Kiran described meeting her parents again as the most important day of her life, while her father expressed deep gratitude to the foundation for caring for his daughter for nearly two decades.

Ukraine has indicated its willingness to accept a 28-point peace proposal reportedly initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump, as diplomatic efforts intensify to end the ongoing war with Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to travel to the United States this week to meet Trump and finalize the framework of the agreement. Ukraine’s National Security Chief Rustem Umerov said both sides have reached a common understanding on the main terms during earlier discussions in Geneva. Meanwhile, Russia confirmed it has received the draft plan and is open to negotiations. The United States also confirmed upcoming talks with Russian representatives in Abu Dhabi. Despite ongoing airstrikes that killed several people in both Ukraine and Russia, Kyiv remains optimistic about a diplomatic breakthrough. European leaders, however, have criticized the initial draft as being overly favorable to Moscow, while Ukraine has welcomed recent revisions that strengthen its defense and NATO prospects.

A mass signature campaign demanding the construction of the Bhola-Barishal Bridge has drawn strong public support across various professions, including students, teachers, journalists, and lawyers. Organized by United Peoples Bangladesh, the campaign began at Bangla School Mor in Bhola district, where over 500 people signed on the first day. The organizers plan to collect more than 5,000 signatures before submitting the petition to the Chief Adviser. Supporters argue that the bridge, originally scheduled for completion by 2025, remains unbuilt, intensifying the movement into a widespread public demand. Activists claim that the bridge would establish an economic zone in the Bhola-Barishal region, attract industries, and facilitate the transport of goods nationwide. Alongside the local campaign, a parallel group in Dhaka held a sit-in, while candlelight vigils were planned at Shaheed Minars across the country to press for the demand.

Folk singer Abul Sarkar has been arrested after widespread outrage over alleged blasphemous remarks about Islam and Allah during a musical event in Ghior, Manikganj. The controversy deepened when videos resurfaced showing Sarkar performing songs praising Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Awami League cultural programs following the party’s disputed January 2024 election. The performances, reportedly held in Tangail, featured ruling party leaders including MP Khan Ahmed Shuvo. Public anger intensified on social media, with religious groups demanding Sarkar’s immediate trial and punishment. Police detained him in Madaripur during a special operation, and he is now in custody. Meanwhile, another folk singer, Hasina Sarkar, sparked further debate by alleging that female Baul artists face sexual exploitation and are pressured into compromising situations to secure performance opportunities, though she did not name any individuals involved.

A major fire broke out at Dhaka’s Korail slum on Tuesday evening, causing widespread panic among residents. The blaze, which started around 5:19 p.m., quickly spread through the densely populated area, fueled by tin houses and limited access routes. Firefighters faced significant challenges in controlling the flames due to an acute water shortage and heavy traffic delays. According to Fire Service duty officer Rashed Bin Khalid, 16 units have been deployed to the site, with additional water tankers dispatched to address the scarcity. Law enforcement agencies have cordoned off the area, restricting entry to prevent accidents and maintain order. Residents were seen frantically removing valuables from their homes as the fire spread. The cause of the fire and the extent of damage are yet to be determined, while authorities continue efforts to bring the situation under control.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially released the full schedule and group details for the 10th edition of the T20 World Cup, set to take place in India and Sri Lanka during February and March. Bangladesh has been placed in Group C alongside two-time champions England and West Indies, as well as associate members Nepal and Italy. The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals. The tournament will open on February 7 with a match between Pakistan and the Netherlands, while Bangladesh will face the West Indies on the same day in Kolkata. Bangladesh’s subsequent matches are scheduled against Italy on February 9, England on February 14, and Nepal on February 17. Other groups include India, Pakistan, and the United States in Group A; Australia and Sri Lanka in Group B; and South Africa and New Zealand in Group D.

Global crude oil prices have declined despite continued sanctions on Russia, as markets anticipate that global supply will surpass demand in 2026. On Tuesday, Brent crude dropped by 27 cents to $63.10 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell by 23 cents to $58.61. Analysts attribute the decline to forecasts from institutions like Deutsche Bank, which predict a surplus of at least two million barrels per day in 2026, with little chance of shortages in 2027. Meanwhile, Indian refiners such as Reliance have reduced imports of Russian oil due to new sanctions, prompting Russia to increase sales to China. However, optimism remains as expectations of a potential U.S. interest rate cut in December could stimulate economic activity and boost oil demand. The market currently faces a tug-of-war between fears of oversupply and hopes of renewed demand growth.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Jamshed Alam on Tuesday accepted an interim report recommending the release of Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin from the murder case of Md Sohan Shah, an executive mechanical engineer at Virgo Garments, who was shot during the July 2024 uprising and later died in hospital. The report, submitted by RAB-3 Sub-Inspector Md Mostafizur Rahman under Section 173(a) of the Criminal Procedure Code, stated that no evidence linked Bashiruddin to the incident. The case was originally filed on September 19, 2024, by Sohan’s mother, Sufia Begum, naming 57 accused, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Bashiruddin had been listed as the 49th accused. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Prosecution Division confirmed the court’s acceptance of the report and Bashiruddin’s exemption from the charges.

A massive fire broke out at Dhaka’s Korail slum on Tuesday evening, and firefighters are still struggling to bring it under control. According to Fire Service duty officer Rashed Bin Khalid, 13 units are currently working at the scene, with three more on the way. The fire was first reported around 5:22 p.m., and the first units reached the site at 6:05 p.m. Heavy traffic has delayed additional units from reaching the area. As of 7:30 p.m., the blaze remains uncontrolled, and the cause of the fire has not yet been determined. No casualties have been reported so far. The densely populated Korail slum, one of the largest in Dhaka, is known for its tightly packed homes, making firefighting operations extremely difficult. Authorities are continuing efforts to contain the flames and prevent further spread.

Russia has expressed its gratitude to Turkey for its continued mediation role in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict resolution process. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday that Moscow highly values Ankara’s efforts to facilitate dialogue between the warring sides. His remarks followed a phone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, during which both leaders discussed the nearly three-and-a-half-year-long war along with various regional and international issues. Erdoğan reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to pursuing a fair and lasting peace, emphasizing Ankara’s readiness to contribute diplomatically and facilitate direct negotiations. Since the start of the war, Turkey has positioned itself as a key diplomatic hub for talks between Russia and Ukraine. Istanbul has hosted several rounds of peace discussions this year, leading to significant outcomes such as prisoner exchanges and the exchange of draft peace documents, underscoring Turkey’s active role in promoting dialogue and stability in the region.