BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is set to return to Bangladesh on Thursday, marking his first public appearance in years. According to BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, Rahman will visit his mother, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who is undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital. Following the hospital visit, he will deliver a short address at the 300 Feet area in Dhaka, where a limited-scale reception has been arranged.

At a press conference held at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office, Salahuddin Ahmed apologized to Dhaka residents for any inconvenience caused by the event. He emphasized that Rahman does not support programs that create public suffering. To minimize traffic disruption, the event will be held on the service lane of the 300 Feet road, and only Rahman will speak. Party leaders and activists have been instructed to use the Kanchan Bridge route for travel.

Rahman’s return is expected to energize BNP supporters ahead of upcoming political activities, while authorities prepare for crowd management and security measures in the capital.

A US federal court has upheld President Donald Trump’s executive order raising the H-1B visa application fee to $100,000, rejecting a lawsuit filed by attorneys general from 20 states. The challengers argued that the fee increase was excessive, unlawful, and harmful to both applicants and the US labor market. The 56-page ruling, issued by Judge Beryl Howell, affirms the administration’s authority to adjust visa fees when deemed necessary for economic or national security reasons.

Judge Howell acknowledged that the decision could negatively impact American businesses and universities that rely on skilled foreign workers. Critics of the H-1B program have long claimed it undermines opportunities for US workers, while supporters argue it helps attract top global talent essential for innovation and competitiveness.

The ruling marks a significant policy win for Trump’s immigration agenda, though it may face further appeals. Industry groups and academic institutions are expected to lobby for revisions, warning of potential talent shortages and economic repercussions.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has requested the Election Commission of Bangladesh (EC) to revise parts of the upcoming parliamentary election schedule while keeping the voting date unchanged. NCP’s chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary made the appeal during a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin in Dhaka on Wednesday.

Following the meeting, Patwary told reporters that expatriate Bangladeshis were facing difficulties registering to vote and called for an extension of the registration period. He also urged the EC to ensure equal treatment for all political parties and to strengthen security around party offices. Patwary further alleged that external interference, particularly from India, could attempt to disrupt the electoral process, emphasizing the need to safeguard the integrity of the vote.

The NCP also pressed the EC to intensify public awareness campaigns about the national referendum process. The party’s demands come amid heightened political activity and scrutiny over election fairness and administrative preparedness across Bangladesh.

Two party chairmen and one secretary general have formally joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) as the country prepares for its upcoming national election. NPP Chairman Fariduzzaman Farhad, NDM Chairman Bobby Hajjaj, and LDP Secretary General and former minister Redwan Ahmed joined BNP on Wednesday. They are expected to contest under BNP’s electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf.

In a related move, BNP announced it would leave seven parliamentary seats for allied and coalition partners. The party confirmed that it will not field candidates in these constituencies, instead supporting alliance nominees. The seats include Dhaka-12, Bogura-2, Patuakhali-3, Jhenaidah-4, Brahmanbaria-6, Pirojpur-1, and Jashore-5, with candidates from parties such as the Revolutionary Workers Party, Citizens’ Unity, and Gana Odhikar Parishad.

The inclusion of new leaders and strategic seat-sharing arrangements signal BNP’s effort to consolidate opposition forces against the ruling Awami League. Analysts view this as a tactical step to strengthen the party’s electoral base and broaden its coalition appeal ahead of the polls.

Bangladesh’s prosecution authority has formally filed charges against former Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman and ten other senior officers in connection with the killing of Imam Hasan Taim during the July uprising in Jatrabari. The charges were submitted to the registrar of the International Crimes Tribunal on Wednesday, confirmed Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam.

The accused include former Joint Commissioner Sudip Kumar Chakraborty, former DC of Wari Zone Iqbal Hossain, ADC Shakil Mohammad Shamim, and several other officers, including the then Officer-in-Charge of Jatrabari Police Station, Abul Hasan. Taim, son of a police sub-inspector, was reportedly shot dead on July 20 last year while out with a friend during the unrest.

The case has drawn significant public attention as it involves senior law enforcement officials accused of excessive use of force. Legal analysts say the tribunal’s proceedings could set a precedent for accountability in police operations during political crises. The next hearing date is expected to be announced soon.

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has announced the establishment of the country’s first hyperscale cloud region, marking a major step toward positioning Turkey as a regional digital hub. The announcement came during the 2025 awards ceremony of the Scientific and Technological Research Council and the Academy of Sciences in Ankara. A strategic memorandum of understanding has been signed to support the initiative, with operations expected to begin between 2028 and 2029.

The project, developed under a partnership between Ankara-based telecom company Turkcell and Google Cloud, will feature multiple data centers offering extensive computing, storage, and networking capabilities. Erdoğan emphasized that the initiative will connect Europe, Asia, and the Middle East through a digital bridge, strengthening Turkey’s role in data-driven innovation. He also highlighted the importance of aligning scientific and technological progress with national identity and praised researchers across diverse disciplines for their contributions.

Analysts view the hyperscale cloud region as a key component of Turkey’s digital transformation strategy, potentially boosting data sovereignty, cybersecurity, and AI development. The project could also attract international investment and enhance regional connectivity once operational.

Saudi Arabia’s Coast Guard rescued two Bangladeshi sailors from the Red Sea near the Al Lith administrative area in the Makkah region after their vessel broke apart, leaving them stranded. According to Gulf News, rescue teams reached the site promptly, provided necessary assistance, and ensured the sailors’ safety before bringing them ashore.

In an official statement, the Saudi Border Guard urged all seafarers to strictly follow maritime safety guidelines and verify the seaworthiness of their vessels before departure. Authorities also reminded residents to report emergencies by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, and the Eastern Province, or 994 in other regions of the country.

The incident highlights ongoing efforts by Saudi maritime authorities to enhance coastal safety and emergency response capacity, particularly in busy Red Sea routes used by international and regional shipping traffic.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) announced on December 24, 2025, that it has allocated seven additional parliamentary constituencies to its alliance partners as part of its seat-sharing strategy for the upcoming national election. The party confirmed it will not field candidates in these constituencies, instead supporting nominees from allied groups including the Revolutionary Workers Party, Nagorik Oikya, Gono Odhikar Parishad, and Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar faction).

The newly allocated seats include Dhaka-12, Bogura-2, Patuakhali-3, Jhenaidah-4, Brahmanbaria-6, Pirojpur-1, and Jashore-5. Earlier in the week, BNP had already granted four constituencies to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam. Party officials stated that the move aims to strengthen opposition unity and maximize electoral coordination against the ruling Awami League.

Political analysts view the decision as a strategic effort to consolidate the broader opposition bloc under the BNP-led alliance. The final list of candidates and seat arrangements is expected to be announced soon as election preparations intensify across Bangladesh.

As Christmas approaches, reports from several Indian states indicate a rise in attacks against Christians by Hindu nationalist groups. Incidents have been recorded in Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Delhi, and Chhattisgarh, where churches were vandalized and believers were harassed. In Jabalpur, a ruling BJP district vice-president was filmed assaulting a visually impaired woman at a church event, sparking outrage. The party defended her actions, alleging forced conversions, but church officials denied the claim, calling the event a charity gathering.

In Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district, violence erupted over a Christian burial, leading to arson, property damage, and injuries to police officers. The United Christian Forum reported at least 23 attacks linked to funeral disputes in 2025, most in Chhattisgarh. Rights groups warn that such incidents reflect growing intolerance and inadequate law enforcement response.

As global Christians prepare for Christmas, India’s Christian community faces heightened fear and insecurity, with calls for stronger protection and accountability from authorities.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has alleged large-scale corruption worth Tk 2,926 crore in six government and private solar power projects implemented under the Awami League government. The findings, released at a press conference in Dhaka, indicate irregularities in land acquisition and inflated project cost estimates, particularly within the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB).

According to TIB, while BPDB’s standard cost for generating one megawatt of solar power is around Tk 8 crore, the six projects studied were estimated at an average of Tk 13.08 crore per megawatt—over 1.5 times higher. The report also found that five of the projects involved Tk 249 crore in irregularities related to land purchase and acquisition.

TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said the findings highlight systemic weaknesses in project oversight and accountability. The organization urged the government to conduct independent audits and ensure transparency in future renewable energy initiatives to restore public trust and safeguard public funds.

Venezuela’s parliament has passed a new law imposing severe penalties, including up to 20 years in prison, for individuals or organizations that support or finance the U.S. naval blockade against the country. The legislation, approved on Tuesday, follows the recent seizure of Venezuela-linked oil tankers by the United States, which Caracas has condemned as a violation of international law and an act akin to piracy.

Presenting the bill, lawmaker Giuseppe Alessandrello said the measure is necessary to protect Venezuela’s economy and prevent further deterioration in citizens’ living conditions. The Maduro government has accused Washington of escalating military activity in Latin America and targeting Venezuelan assets under the pretext of anti-narcotics operations.

At a UN Security Council meeting, Venezuela’s representative Samuel Moncada denounced what he described as U.S. aggression, asserting that Venezuela poses no threat and that the real danger lies in U.S. policy. Analysts say the law could deepen diplomatic tensions and further isolate Caracas amid ongoing sanctions and economic hardship.

Belgium has formally joined South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), becoming the latest nation to intervene in the high-profile proceedings. The ICJ confirmed that Belgium submitted its declaration on December 23 under Article 63 of the Court’s Statute, which allows states with an interest in treaty interpretation to participate. Several countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Ireland, Mexico, Spain, and Turkey, have already joined the case.

The ICJ has invited both South Africa and Israel to submit written observations regarding Belgium’s intervention in accordance with Article 83 of the Court’s rules. South Africa initially filed the case on December 29, 2023, accusing Israel of violating its obligations under the Genocide Convention through actions in Gaza. The Court has since issued multiple provisional measures ordering Israel to prevent acts of genocide and ensure humanitarian access.

Legal analysts note that Belgium’s participation adds diplomatic weight to the case and reflects growing international scrutiny of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The ICJ’s next hearings are expected to focus on compliance with its earlier orders.

With the announcement of the 13th parliamentary election schedule, political activity has surged across Pirojpur district, where the main contest is expected between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. The ruling Awami League’s absence from the race has reshaped local dynamics, particularly in Pirojpur-1, where Hindu voters make up nearly one-fourth of the electorate. Both parties are actively seeking their support through rallies and door-to-door campaigns.

Jamaat has finalized candidates for all three constituencies, including Masud Sayeedi and Shamim Sayeedi, sons of former MP Delwar Hossain Sayeedi. BNP has confirmed two candidates but is yet to finalize its nominee for Pirojpur-1, where speculation surrounds several contenders. Local civic groups express cautious optimism about a fair election under an interim government, though doubts remain about the Election Commission’s neutrality.

Analysts note that young and first-time voters are showing renewed enthusiasm after years of limited participation. The outcome in Pirojpur could signal broader trends in opposition-led contests across Bangladesh if voting proceeds freely.

China and Russia have jointly condemned the United States for imposing a naval blockade on Venezuela, calling it an act of aggression and intimidation. The criticism came during an emergency session of the UN Security Council on Tuesday, where both countries accused Washington of violating international law by detaining oil tankers authorized to enter or leave Venezuelan waters.

Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya described the blockade as a form of 'real aggression' and an illegal use of force aimed at pressuring Caracas politically and economically. He argued that the U.S. only respects the sovereignty of nations aligned with its interests. China echoed Moscow’s stance, accusing Washington of using coercion to destabilize Latin America.

The U.S. Navy reportedly intercepted at least two vessels departing Venezuelan ports, prompting Caracas to denounce the action as 'international piracy.' Analysts warn that the escalating tensions could further polarize the Security Council and complicate regional stability in Latin America.

Syria’s foreign and defense ministers met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday to discuss strengthening bilateral military cooperation, according to Syria’s state news agency SANA. The talks focused on expanding strategic collaboration in the defense industry, modernizing military equipment, and enhancing technical and research partnerships aimed at boosting Syria’s defense capabilities.

This visit marks the first high-level engagement between the new Syrian leadership and Moscow since former president Bashar al-Assad, a long-time Russian ally, was ousted last December. Despite Assad’s exile in Russia, the Kremlin appears keen to maintain influence in Syria, particularly regarding access to its key Mediterranean bases at Hmeimim and Tartus. Discussions also covered economic and trade cooperation, including reconstruction projects and investment promotion.

Analysts view the renewed dialogue as part of Russia’s broader strategy to preserve its strategic foothold in the Middle East amid shifting alliances. The outcomes of these talks could shape Syria’s post-war defense posture and Moscow’s long-term regional presence.