French President Emmanuel Macron announced that 26 European allies have formally pledged to send troops to Ukraine—by land, sea, or air—once a ceasefire agreement takes hold.

Speaking after a “Coalition of the Willing” summit of 35 nations, Macron said U.S. support is expected soon, possibly in the form of air defense aid, as suggested by Donald Trump. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged for “maximum protection of Ukraine’s skies.”

Meanwhile, the EU declared it will end all Russian oil and gas imports by 2027, as Moscow warned that Western troop deployments in Ukraine would be unacceptable.

The Johor Immigration Department in Malaysia conducted a large-scale operation on Wednesday, detaining a total of 94 undocumented immigrants, including 34 Bangladeshis.

Director Datuk Mohammad confirmed that officials from the Enforcement Division Action Unit and EKPAS participated in the raid. Among those arrested were 38 Bangladeshi men, 15 Indonesian men, 12 Myanmar men, six Pakistani men, four Indian men, two Vietnamese men, one Nepali man, one Thai man, 10 Myanmar women, and five Indonesian women, aged between 18 and 61.

The detainees have been sent to the Setia Tropicana Immigration Depot for further investigation. Employers have been sternly warned against providing shelter or employment to illegal immigrants.

A 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Afghanistan again on Thursday, the third tremor to shake the region since Sunday.

According to local authorities, the epicenter was in Shiba district, near the Pakistan border, at a depth of 10 kilometers. Initial reports indicate damage in Bar Kashkot area.

Earlier quakes in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces left hundreds of villages destroyed, displacing hundreds of thousands, and injuring over 3,600 people. Rescue workers confirmed that Thursday’s quake raised the death toll to 2,205, with at least 3,640 injured.

The UN and aid agencies have warned that emergency supplies of food, medicine, and shelter are rapidly running out, raising fears of a worsening humanitarian crisis.

Following the Chief Adviser’s directive, Bangladesh is dispatching emergency relief to Afghanistan after a devastating earthquake struck the country’s eastern region on September 1.

The aid package—set to be flown today (Friday) on a Bangladesh Air Force special aircraft—includes dry food, baby food, blankets, winter clothing, tents, drinking water, and essential medicines.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, more than 2,200 people have been killed, over 3,000 severely injured, and at least 8,000 homes completely destroyed in the quake. Describing the disaster as a major humanitarian crisis, officials said the relief underscores Bangladesh’s commitment to standing by Afghanistan in this critical hour.

The Asian Pacific Human Rights Organization (APHR) has called on ASEAN to take urgent action regarding the humanitarian crisis in Rohingya refugee camps.

In a statement in Dhaka, APHR thanked Bangladesh for sheltering Rohingyas and warned that the crisis threatens regional stability. The organization urged ASEAN to establish a dedicated humanitarian fund, as reduced international aid has heightened food insecurity among the refugees.

Indonesia is in turmoil as mass protests spiral into a nationwide uprising following a controversial decision to increase MPs’ allowances.

For over a week, demonstrations have erupted across the country—women in pink uniforms marched with brooms, protesters torched regional parliament buildings, and violent clashes with police left casualties.

The spark came on August 25 in Jakarta but escalated after a 21-year-old motorcyclist was killed on August 28, run over by a police vehicle during clashes.

Despite apologies from President Prabowo Subianto and the police chief, unrest continues. Protesters say MPs already earn over 100 million rupiah ($6,150) per month—30 times the national average—while ordinary citizens struggle with rising costs. Experts warn the uprising could reshape Indonesia’s political system.

In a rare show of unity, North Korea’s Kim Jong-un, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and China’s Xi Jinping appeared together at a grand military parade in Beijing on Wednesday.

The leaders walked side by side on the red carpet, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. This was Kim’s second overseas trip in six years, and the first time he joined both Xi and Putin at the same event. His daughter, Kim Ju-ae, was also present.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Myanmar’s military chief Min Aung Hlaing attended as well.

In his speech, Xi said humanity faces a choice between “peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, shared prosperity or mutual destruction.” He stressed that “China cannot be stopped” and called for eradicating the roots of war.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump reacted online, writing: “Best wishes to President Xi and the great people of China. Please also extend my warm regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un when you conspire against the United States.”

The U.S. military has destroyed a drug-laden vessel operated by Venezuela’s notorious Tren de Aragua gang, killing 11 people, former President Donald Trump confirmed.

“We just destroyed a drug boat carrying large quantities of narcotics. Many more are coming from Venezuela,” Trump said, sharing drone footage showing the high-speed vessel exploding in flames.

Typically, such boats are intercepted and crews arrested, but this time the U.S. military opted to sink the vessel outright—a move likely to escalate tensions with Venezuela.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has brushed off viral rumors about his death, calling them “fake news” and a reflection of declining media credibility.

“Millions of people were apparently discussing my so-called death. Really? I hadn’t even seen it,” Trump remarked when asked by a journalist. He noted that after holding several press conferences last week, he skipped two days—prompting speculation about his health.

“President Biden could disappear for months, and no one would say a word. Yet with me, they immediately invent stories,” Trump said with a laugh. “I’ve been active with interviews, events, and posts on Truth Social. Clearly, I’m alive and well.”

Malaysian authorities have detained 770 undocumented migrants—including 377 Bangladeshis—in a special immigration raid in Kuala Lumpur.

Immigration Department official Basri Othman said the raid, code-named “Ops Belanja,” was carried out following local complaints. Migrants were detained for overstaying visas, lacking valid documents, and misusing permits.

The operation, launched Tuesday evening with 106 enforcement officers, checked 2,445 people, including 1,600 foreigners. Some migrants attempted to hide in shops or escape to rooftops but were eventually caught as the area was cordoned off.

The detainees were taken to the Putrajaya Immigration Office for screening before being moved to detention centers. Legal proceedings under immigration laws are ongoing.

A delegation from ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR), comprising current and former lawmakers from ASEAN nations, visited Rohingya camps in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, on Tuesday.

The eight-member team, led by Santiago, held meetings with camp officials, the Rohingya Consultative Council, and community leaders.

Rohingya Council President Syedullah said discussions focused on the release of detained Rohingya in Malaysia and elsewhere, safe repatriation, and boosting international cooperation.

The delegation later toured the Rohingya Cultural Memory Centre at Camp 18 and met with women and youth representatives.

The United States has stationed eight warships and 1,200 missiles in the Caribbean, officially citing anti-narcotics operations. However, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro claims Washington is preparing to overthrow his government through military intervention.
Maduro has reinforced troops along Venezuela’s coasts and borders while urging civilians to join paramilitary groups. The U.S. has accused Maduro of running drug operations and authorized military action against narcotics trafficking. Reports suggest more ships and up to 4,000 sailors and Marines could join the deployment in coming days. Though no ground invasion has been announced, Washington has offered a $50 million reward for Maduro’s capture on drug trafficking allegations.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, during his visit to Greenland, declared that the territory “is not for sale.” His remarks came as the U.S. has repeatedly suggested Greenland should be incorporated as American territory.
Barrot stressed: “In the face of growing global instability, Russia’s war in Ukraine, and competition for influence in the Arctic, France is sending a clear message: Greenland is not for sale, and Greenland is not for seizure.”
France will be the first EU country to open a consulate in Greenland in early 2026 and will also establish a partnership dialogue committee. Barrot added, “Greenland is a European territory. No nation builds its glory by subjugating neighbors. Greenland and Denmark are not alone—France and Europe stand with them today and tomorrow.”

A delegation from the South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR) met with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus today. The delegation included Rashmi Goswami, Sarup Ijaz, Dikshe Ilangasinghe, Anushaya Kallure, and Saeed Ahmed.

During the meeting, Chief Adviser Yunus highlighted the government’s focus on youth participation in governance since taking office. “We have ensured youth representation in the Reform Commission, policy-making, and state administration. Those who once felt hopeless are now leading the nation in the post-uprising era. As the older generation, it is our duty to guide and support them,” he said.

Rashmi Goswami remarked, “This is not just a transformative moment for Bangladesh, but for the entire South Asian region. We have spoken with members of civil society here, and expectations from this government—especially among the youth—are very high. Meeting those expectations will be a major challenge.”

The SAHR delegation praised the interim government’s reform initiatives and its commitment to upholding human rights.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport authorities (KEPS) have barred 104 foreign nationals, including some Bangladeshis, from entering Malaysia due to failure to meet the requirements of the 1959/63 Immigration Act.

A KEPS statement noted that most travelers arrived from Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, though the exact number of Bangladeshis was not specified. Many were denied entry for failing to demonstrate valid return tickets, provide proof of accommodation, or clarify their purpose of visit. Some were also flagged due to suspicious explanations.

Additionally, KEPS reported that 288 travelers previously denied entry remain at KLIA, and repatriation processes are ongoing.