US President Donald Trump has initiated a process to classify certain branches of the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations and specially designated global terrorists. According to the White House, Trump has directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Besent to assess the eligibility of Brotherhood branches in countries such as Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan for such designation. The officials have 45 days to submit their findings and proceed with potential listings. The Trump administration alleges that these groups have supported or incited violence against Israel and US allies, and provided financial or material support to Hamas. The move aligns with longstanding demands from Republican and far-right circles in the US to label the Brotherhood a terrorist entity. Founded in Egypt in the 1920s, the Muslim Brotherhood has grown into a transnational Islamist movement with significant influence across the Arab world.

At the National Communication Association’s annual conference in Denver, Colorado, multiple international scholars presented research on Bangladesh’s July 2024 uprising, analyzing how Gen Z-led activism overcame state censorship and violence to drive political change. A special session titled “From Rights Movement to Regime Change,” chaired by Dr. Mohammad Ala Uddin of Saint Mary’s College, explored the cultural and communicative dynamics that sustained the movement. Studies highlighted how activists adapted to internet shutdowns through offline mobilization, used protest songs and graffiti as tools of emotional and symbolic resistance, and how foreign media framed the events. Researchers from the US, Bangladesh, China, and Pakistan contributed diverse perspectives, including analyses of leadership missteps and the movement’s lasting cultural memory. The uprising, they argued, has become a global reference point for understanding modern social movements. Revised papers from the panel will be published by Bloomsbury in an upcoming volume titled “Critical Media Perspectives on the 2024 Bangladesh Uprising.”

The Trump administration is set to implement the 'Gold Card' visa program by December 18, enabling foreign investors to obtain permanent US residency through a minimum investment of $1 million. The Department of Homeland Security and US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have prepared the draft application form, known as I-140G, which has received emergency approval from the White House. Corporate applicants must invest $2 million, while each application requires a non-refundable $15,000 fee. The program, initially delayed due to strict immigration policies, is now moving forward. Applicants will undergo verification to ensure investment funds come from legitimate sources. Once approved, they will complete consular processing and receive immigrant visas granting lawful permanent residency. Skilled professionals, such as scientists, artists, and entrepreneurs, may apply under EB-1, while those contributing to US national interests can apply under EB-2 (National Interest Waiver).

Thirteen faculty members from five departments of Rangamati Science and Technology University (RMSTU) have received a total of 3.175 million Bangladeshi taka in research grants under the 2025–2026 fiscal year’s revenue budget. The grants, distributed in the second phase, were awarded at a ceremony organized by the university’s Research and Innovation Management Cell (RIMC) at the Academic Building-1 conference room. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Atiar Rahman attended as the chief guest and emphasized the importance of research integrity, academic excellence, and institutional reputation. The funded projects cover diverse topics, including the development, harvesting, and marketing of fish resources in Kaptai Lake, aiming to contribute to national-level research and technological advancement. The event was conducted by Acting Director of RIMC Professor Dr. Abdullah Al Mamun, with the presence of deans, department heads, the acting registrar, and other faculty members.

A major rift has emerged within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Tangail’s Sakhipur upazila after six local leaders, including the upazila unit president Shahjahan Saju and general secretary Abdul Based Master, resigned from their posts. The resignations came in protest against alleged favoritism by BNP central vice chairman and Tangail-8 candidate Advocate Ahmed Azam Khan, whom they accused of rehabilitating individuals linked to rival political groups. The dispute escalated after Saju was relieved of his duties on September 16, prompting demands for his reinstatement. When that did not happen, several leaders followed him in quitting. The resignations, which spread on social media overnight, sparked widespread debate among BNP supporters. District BNP leaders, however, dismissed the move as part of a conspiracy ahead of the upcoming election and urged unity under the party’s electoral symbol. Ahmed Azam Khan claimed the resignations were part of a deeper plot against the BNP and expressed confidence in the party’s victory.

The United States has reduced its proposed Ukraine peace plan from 28 to 19 points following discussions in Geneva involving Ukrainian and European representatives. According to reports from TRT World and US media, the revised plan aims to end the ongoing war in Ukraine but remains unfinalized. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the talks as highly constructive, noting significant progress though some issues remain unresolved. Participants told the Financial Times that nine proposals were removed from the earlier draft, without specifying which ones. European officials had previously raised concerns over sanctions on Russia and the management of seized Russian assets, emphasizing these matters fall under EU jurisdiction. Finnish President Alexander Stubb called the reduction in points a step forward. The draft plan reportedly includes potential territorial concessions by Ukraine, limits on its military size, and a formal renunciation of NATO membership ambitions.

Bangladesh’s secondary school teachers have expressed growing frustration over the government’s delay in issuing a gazette to establish a separate Directorate of Secondary Education, despite the chief adviser’s approval two months ago. The Administrative Reform Commission had proposed dividing the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) into two separate entities — one for secondary and another for college education — to address inefficiency, staff shortages, and administrative complexity. Teachers argue that the current unified structure creates systemic discrimination, with college teachers receiving faster promotions and benefits. They demand the creation of a four-tier career ladder and an upgrade of the entry-level post to the 9th grade to attract qualified professionals. The Secondary Education Association has temporarily suspended its movement based on official assurances but warned of renewed protests if the gazette is not issued soon. Advocates claim that a separate directorate is essential to improve management, reduce inequality, and enhance the quality of secondary education across the country.

In Brahmanbaria’s Chinair village, unidentified miscreants defaced the memorial of Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mughdho, a martyr of the July uprising, by smearing ink on his portrait early Monday morning. The monument, located on the grounds of Chinair Anjuman Ara School and College, was originally dedicated to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman but later replaced with Mughdho’s image after the uprising. Locals discovered the vandalism at dawn, prompting anger and condemnation in the area. Police from Brahmanbaria Sadar Model Police Station visited the site and have launched an investigation to identify those responsible. Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Azharul Islam confirmed that legal action will be taken once the culprits are found. The incident has stirred emotional reactions among residents, who view the act as a sign of disrespect toward the memory of the slain activist.

A Bangladeshi student named Shahriar was found dead, hanging from a ceiling fan in a rented apartment in Greater Noida’s Beta-2 area, part of India’s National Capital Region. The discovery was made after the landlord, unable to contact him for over a day, entered the room and alerted police. Shahriar had been living with a woman named Rupa, a resident of Bihar, who claimed to be his wife. The couple had rented the room for 8,000 rupees on November 17. Police reported that Rupa was last seen leaving the residence on November 21. No suicide note was recovered from the scene, and the body has been sent for post-mortem examination. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of death, with officials stating that further details will be known after the autopsy report is released.

Residents of Rupganj upazila in Narayanganj are increasingly distressed by a surge in robberies, thefts, and muggings across the area. Incidents include armed robberies at homes, attacks on jewelry stores, and highway muggings, with several videos circulating on social media. Locals allege that despite repeated complaints, police responses have been inadequate, allowing criminals to return to their activities soon after arrest. Many homeowners struggle to find tenants due to safety concerns, while industrial workers report frequent assaults and thefts on their way to work. Police officials, however, claim they are actively investigating the incidents and responding promptly to reports, citing vehicle shortages as a challenge. The deteriorating law and order situation has forced residents to move in groups for safety, reflecting a growing sense of insecurity in this industrial hub.

A businessman named Anwar Hossain was stabbed to death in Ramganj upazila of Lakshmipur district on Tuesday morning after refusing to pay an extortion demand of Tk 200,000. The incident occurred at Anwar’s tea stall in Saharpara village under Volakot Union. According to locals, Md. Yusuf Hossain, a known local extortionist and activist of the Jubo Dal, had been demanding money from Anwar for some time. When Anwar again refused to pay, an argument broke out, during which Yusuf allegedly stabbed him multiple times in the chest and back before fleeing. Anwar was rushed to Ramganj Government Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Police have recovered the body and sent it for autopsy at Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital. The Ramganj police station officer-in-charge confirmed that preparations are underway to file a case over the murder.

Amnesty International has accused Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of committing war crimes in the Darfur town of el-Fasher, citing testimonies from survivors who described executions, rapes, and other atrocities. The report was released shortly after the RSF announced a three-month humanitarian truce, purportedly in response to international mediation led by U.S. President Donald Trump. Sudan has been engulfed in conflict since April 2023, when fighting erupted between the RSF, led by Mohamed Daglo, and the national army under General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. Amnesty’s findings detail widespread violence against civilians, which the group says could amount to war crimes under international law. The United Nations has described el-Fasher as a “crime scene,” urging accountability. Mediation efforts by the U.S.-backed Quad group, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE, have so far failed, with Burhan rejecting the latest truce proposal, accusing the UAE of bias—an allegation the UAE denies.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has officially withdrawn the expulsion order against Abdullah Al Mamun, a former member of the Jamalganj Upazila BNP in Sunamganj. The decision was communicated through a letter signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday. Mamun had previously been expelled for alleged activities violating party discipline. After a detailed review of his appeal and considering his commitment to adhere to the party’s principles and discipline in the future, the BNP decided to reinstate him. The letter also stated that Mamun is now permitted to resume participation in regular party activities. Copies of the decision were sent to the Sylhet divisional organizational team and the Sunamganj district BNP leadership. Expressing gratitude, Mamun thanked Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and other party leaders, pledging to work in line with the party’s ideology and discipline going forward.

At least nine Afghan civilians, including eight children and one woman, were killed in Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan’s southeastern Khost province, according to the Taliban government. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that the attacks occurred at midnight and also targeted Kunar and Paktika provinces, killing four more civilians. Mujahid accused Pakistan of bombing civilian homes, causing casualties and property destruction. Pakistan has not officially commented on the civilian deaths. However, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said its forces conducted operations against members of the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), whom it described as ‘Khawarij militants,’ killing 22 of them. The ISPR emphasized that Pakistan’s counterterrorism operations would continue against foreign-backed militants. The incident underscores escalating cross-border tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, with both sides trading accusations over harboring militants.

Bitcoin mining is quietly resurging in China, four years after Beijing imposed a sweeping ban on all cryptocurrency-related activities in 2021. Despite the prohibition, miners are taking advantage of cheap electricity and expanding data center demand in energy-rich provinces such as Xinjiang. Before the ban, China was the world’s largest Bitcoin mining hub, but its share dropped to zero after the crackdown. According to Hashrate Index, China has now regained around 14% of global mining activity, ranking third worldwide. The resurgence has also boosted sales for local mining rig manufacturers like Canaan Inc. Industry insiders say miners are exploiting surplus electricity that cannot be exported, making mining profitable again. The Chinese government has not commented on the renewed activity, and analysts note that the revival coincided with Bitcoin’s price surge in October, driven by U.S. policy shifts and weakening confidence in the dollar. However, global risk aversion has since caused Bitcoin’s value to fall by about one-third from its peak.