The United States has imposed new sanctions on six ships linked to Venezuela and three nephews of President Nicolás Maduro, according to the US Treasury Department. The move follows escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas after the US Navy deployed warships in the Caribbean and seized a Venezuelan oil tanker accused of carrying sanctioned crude. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the seized tanker would be taken to a US port, describing the cargo as illegally transported oil. The sanctions are part of a broader effort to tighten economic pressure on Maduro’s government, which has already faced restrictions on more than 30 oil vessels, Reuters reported. Venezuela’s government condemned the actions, accusing Washington of “theft” and “international piracy.” Caracas claims the US is attempting to seize control of its energy assets. Analysts warn that the new sanctions could further strain diplomatic relations and complicate oil trade routes in the Caribbean region.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has issued new directives to party leaders and activists following the announcement of the 13th National Parliament election schedule. In a Facebook post on Friday morning, he welcomed the Election Commission’s declaration and pledged the party’s readiness to cooperate in ensuring a fair and successful election process. Dr. Rahman specifically called on all party members to remove campaign materials within 48 hours, as required by the updated Representation of the People Order (RPO). His message comes amid preparations for the first parliamentary election under the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, which also coincides with a national referendum. The upcoming election marks a significant test for the interim administration and the Election Commission, both relatively inexperienced in conducting national polls. Political observers note that Jamaat’s cooperative tone may signal an attempt to re-engage in mainstream politics after years of restrictions and political upheaval.

Mexico’s Senate has approved a 50% import tariff on goods from India, expanding trade restrictions that previously targeted China and other Asian economies. The new measure, set to take effect on January 1, will apply to automobiles, auto parts, textiles, plastics, and steel from countries without free trade agreements with Mexico. The move follows similar U.S. actions and is seen as part of Mexico’s broader effort to strengthen domestic manufacturing. Analysts suggest the decision reflects President Claudia Sheinbaum’s attempt to maintain favorable relations with Washington, particularly as former U.S. President Donald Trump pressures Mexico to impose higher duties on steel and aluminum. Mexico remains the United States’ largest trading partner, and the tariff policy could serve as a strategic gesture to avoid renegotiation of the USMCA trade pact. Economists warn the tariffs could raise production costs and strain supply chains across Asia. India, South Korea, China, Thailand, and Indonesia are expected to be most affected, potentially prompting diplomatic and trade responses in early 2025.

Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) announced late Thursday that metro rail services in Dhaka will continue as scheduled, easing fears of a complete shutdown. The assurance came after regular officers and employees of DMTCL had declared an indefinite work stoppage starting Friday, raising concerns about major disruptions to passenger transport across the capital. In a verified Facebook post, DMTCL informed passengers that trains would operate according to the regular timetable and that all services would remain uninterrupted. The company’s statement followed a Wednesday notice from its staff union announcing a full-scale strike, reportedly over unresolved internal issues. The reversal of the strike decision has brought relief to thousands of daily commuters who rely on the metro for timely travel. The development highlights ongoing labor-management tensions within DMTCL, though details of the dispute remain unclear. Authorities are expected to continue discussions with employees to prevent future disruptions to Dhaka’s growing metro network.

The Bangladesh government has announced a series of directives surrounding the Savar National Memorial ahead of the country’s Victory Day celebrations on December 16, 2025. According to an official statement from the Department of Information on December 11, public entry to the memorial complex will remain closed from December 13 to 15 to ensure cleanliness and preparation for the national observance. On Victory Day morning, entry will remain restricted until 8:30 a.m. while VVIPs, VIPs, and invited guests lay floral tributes at the memorial. Authorities have also prohibited the display of posters, banners, and festoons along the Gabtoli–Savar route during the celebration period. The government urged citizens to respect the sanctity of the site by refraining from damaging the memorial’s flower gardens during tribute offerings. These measures aim to maintain order, security, and the solemn atmosphere of the nation’s most significant commemorative event.

Malaysia’s Employees Provident Fund (EPF) has reported that 1.3 million foreign workers have registered under its savings scheme since it became effective on October 1 this year. The registrations were facilitated through 60,000 employers, marking what officials describe as a positive start toward ensuring social protection for migrant laborers. Despite the progress, the EPF noted that some employers still fail to make mandatory contributions, hindering full compliance. To strengthen enforcement and worker protection, the EPF signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) with the Immigration Department during a ceremony in Putrajaya. The agreement enables secure data sharing between the two agencies, including information on temporary employment visas and other valid work permits. EPF CEO Sazaliza Zainuddin said the partnership will enhance identity verification, speed up registration, and ensure transparency in contribution enforcement. Full implementation of mandatory contributions is scheduled to begin on October 1, 2025, supported by an integrated data system to streamline verification and compliance processes.

Abdul Kader Siddiqui, president of the Krishak Sramik Janata League, has stated that his party will join Bangladesh’s upcoming national election only if all political parties are allowed to participate. Speaking at the Tangail District Freedom Day event on December 11, Siddiqui warned that if the election becomes a limited contest involving only the BNP and NCP, voter turnout could collapse as citizens would lose interest in a one-sided race. Siddiqui reaffirmed his lifelong allegiance to the ideals of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, emphasizing unity and democratic inclusivity. He criticized past political decisions that empowered extremist groups and urged current leaders to restore an environment where citizens can freely choose their representatives. Former minister Abdul Latif Siddiqui echoed similar concerns, saying that without a fair electoral atmosphere, public enthusiasm for voting will decline. Observers note that these remarks highlight growing skepticism about the credibility of Bangladesh’s electoral process. Calls for inclusive participation and political tolerance are likely to intensify ahead of the next general election.

Bangladesh’s Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin on Thursday announced that the country’s 13th national parliamentary election will be held on February 12, alongside a national referendum. The announcement, made in a televised address, marks the formal start of the election process for all 300 constituencies. Shortly after the schedule was declared, Reuters published an interview with President Mohammed Shahabuddin, in which he expressed his intention to step down following the February election. Shahabuddin, who became Bangladesh’s 22nd president in April 2023 during the Awami League government, said he wishes to leave office but will continue to serve until a new government is formed, as required by the constitution. Shahabuddin’s statement comes amid a transitional political period following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. His potential resignation could open the way for a new political alignment once the election concludes, signaling a possible shift in Bangladesh’s post-crisis governance landscape.

Bangladesh’s Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) has announced that admissions for students selected through the digital lottery for government and private secondary schools will begin on December 17 and continue until December 21. If seats remain vacant, the first waiting list will be used from December 22 to 24, and the second from December 27 to 30. All admission activities must be completed by December 30. The DSHE circular instructs schools to carefully verify each student’s documents, including original birth certificates and parents’ national ID cards. Institutions must strictly follow quota policies and reject any student found to have provided false information. School heads will face disciplinary action for any irregularities in the admission process. According to the published results, 305,499 students were selected in the first list, including 107,521 for government schools. In private schools, 197,978 students were selected, leaving 874,273 seats vacant, highlighting a significant gap between applications and available admissions.

Two advisers to Bangladesh’s interim government, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan and Mahfuz Alam, have submitted their resignations to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. However, the resignations will not take immediate effect, as the official election and referendum schedules for the 13th National Parliament have yet to be announced. Environment and Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan explained that one of the resigning advisers intends to contest in the upcoming election and therefore cannot remain in a non-political government. He will complete pending official duties before the schedule is declared. The other adviser’s future political plans remain unclear. Hasan added that the interim government has introduced several legal and democratic reforms during its tenure, and their success will depend on future political practice and the results of the upcoming referendum. The Chief Adviser will decide who will take over the vacated ministerial responsibilities once the resignations become effective after the election schedule is announced.

The Bangladesh interim government has reassigned responsibilities across three ministries following the resignation of two student advisers. A Cabinet Division notification issued on Thursday evening confirmed the reshuffle. Adilur Rahman Khan, previously overseeing the Industries and Housing ministries, will now also manage the Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Ministry. Syeda Rizwana Hasan has been appointed adviser to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, while Asif Nazrul will take charge of the Youth and Sports Ministry in addition to his existing portfolios. The resignations of student representatives Mahfuz Alam and Asif Mahmud Sajib, accepted by the President on Wednesday, prompted the changes. Both had been appointed as part of the interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, formed in August last year after the July mass uprising. The council currently includes 20 advisers, most handling multiple ministries. Political observers note that the reshuffle aims to maintain administrative stability ahead of the expected election schedule announcement, as the interim government continues to balance technocratic and activist representation.

A tragic incident in Rajshahi’s Tanore upazila ended late Thursday night when rescuers recovered the body of Sajid, a young boy who had fallen into a deep tube well. Fire Service and Civil Defence teams conducted a 33-hour-long rescue operation before reaching the child, who was trapped about 50 feet below ground. Despite being swiftly transported to the Tanore Upazila Health Complex, doctors declared him dead upon arrival. Lieutenant Colonel Tajul Islam Chowdhury, Director of Operations at the Fire Service, confirmed the child’s death and detailed the extensive rescue efforts. The operation involved specialized equipment and continuous coordination among local authorities and emergency teams. Residents had gathered at the site throughout the ordeal, hoping for a positive outcome. The incident has sparked renewed concern over safety measures surrounding deep tube wells in rural Bangladesh. Authorities are expected to review existing regulations and consider preventive steps to avert similar tragedies in the future.

A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of 1,936.5 acres of land owned by businessman Mohammad Saiful Alam, chairman of S. Alam Group, and his family members. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) sought the order to prevent the transfer or disposal of assets during an ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering and illegal loan activities. The court valued the seized properties at approximately BDT 16,940 crore. According to the ACC’s petition, Alam and his associates allegedly obtained loans from various banks under false pretenses and diverted the funds to acquire assets in Bangladesh and abroad. The agency argued that immediate asset freezing was necessary to ensure potential recovery of misappropriated funds. ACC Deputy Director Tansin Munabil Haque filed the petition, and the commission’s spokesperson confirmed the court’s decision. This order follows earlier actions against S. Alam Group, including the freezing of shares in 105 companies and an Interpol red notice request against Alam and senior executives. The case underscores growing scrutiny of large conglomerates and financial transparency in Bangladesh’s corporate sector.

A Pakistani military court has sentenced former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General Faiz Hameed to 14 years in prison after finding him guilty on four charges, including political interference and misuse of authority. The army confirmed that Hameed, detained since August 2023, was convicted following a full legal process under the Field General Court Martial. This marks the first time in Pakistan’s history that a former ISI chief has been tried and sentenced by a military court. According to the army’s statement, Hameed was charged with violating the Official Secrets Act, harming state interests, and abusing official resources. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar alleged that Hameed overstepped his authority and acted as an adviser to Imran Khan’s party, contributing to political unrest. The verdict comes amid ongoing investigations into his alleged role in the May 2023 attacks on military installations by Khan’s supporters. Neither Hameed’s family nor his lawyers have commented, and Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has yet to respond. Analysts say the ruling underscores the military’s enduring dominance in Pakistan’s political landscape.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Abu Sadiq Kayem has called for the trial of former Vice-Chancellor ASM Maksud Kamal and other university officials who were in charge during the July uprising. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, December 11, at the premises of the International Crimes Tribunal, Kayem alleged that those responsible for the violence against students would face justice in an independent Bangladesh. Kayem, along with DUCSU Literary and Cultural Affairs Secretary Mosaddeq Ali Ibn Mohammad and Transport Secretary Asif Abdullah, gave statements to the tribunal’s investigation agency earlier in the day. He claimed that evidence had been submitted showing that Maksud Kamal brought outsiders onto campus to attack students, and accused some interim government figures and teacher groups of trying to protect him. The DUCSU VP further alleged that the attacks on students were brutal and comparable to wartime atrocities. He said the testimonies were part of efforts to hold accountable those involved in killings and repression during the July movement, including individuals linked to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s administration.