Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is set to meet former U.S. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during her visit to Washington, according to Reuters. The meetings will take place on the sidelines of the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw ceremony, which Sheinbaum is attending. The discussions are expected to touch on trade tensions following the U.S. decision to impose additional tariffs on Mexico and Canada, as well as the upcoming review of the USMCA trade agreement involving the three nations. The brief meetings come amid heightened regional economic and political sensitivities, with Washington pushing for stricter trade terms. Analysts suggest that Sheinbaum’s engagements could help ease diplomatic strains and reaffirm trilateral cooperation ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the three North American countries.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain stated that India has not yet given a positive response regarding the repatriation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently convicted by the country’s highest court. Speaking to journalists at Rangpur Circuit House on Friday morning, Hossain clarified that there is no information about Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh and mentioned that Khaleda Zia’s departure for London might be delayed by a day due to technical issues with the aircraft. He emphasized that such diplomatic matters take time and that Bangladesh is waiting to see India’s official reaction, though Indian authorities are reportedly reviewing the issue. Addressing the abduction of Bangladeshi fishermen by the Arakan Army, Hossain explained that direct bilateral talks with the group are not possible since it is not a recognized state actor, but measures have been taken to prevent such incidents in the future.

Major General Roman Gofman has been appointed as the next head of Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The announcement was made in an official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office on Thursday, December 4. Gofman will assume office in June next year, succeeding the current Mossad chief, David Barnea. Before this appointment, Gofman served as Netanyahu’s military secretary, a role that positioned him close to the country’s top leadership. Mossad is widely regarded as one of the world’s most powerful and influential intelligence agencies, ranking just behind the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in global intelligence assessments. Gofman’s appointment comes at a time of heightened regional tensions and evolving security challenges for Israel, making his leadership crucial for the agency’s strategic direction and operations in the coming years.

Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, arrived at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on Friday after landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport earlier in the morning. She had departed from London on Thursday evening local time and reached Dhaka aboard Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-302. Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that the special air ambulance from Qatar, intended to transport BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to London for advanced medical treatment, could not arrive due to technical issues. As a result, Khaleda Zia’s planned departure has been delayed. He added that if her health condition permits and the medical board approves, she may leave for treatment abroad on Sunday, December 7.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia’s planned medical transfer to London has been delayed due to the late arrival of a special air ambulance sent by the Emir of Qatar. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir informed the media on Friday, December 5, that the aircraft could not arrive in Dhaka as scheduled because of technical problems. He added that the air ambulance might reach on Saturday if all issues are resolved. Khaleda Zia will only travel if her health condition allows and the medical board approves the journey, possibly on Sunday, December 7. Earlier, it had been announced that she would depart for London on Friday morning, and the wife of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman had already traveled to Dhaka in preparation. Khaleda Zia remains in critical condition under intensive care at a hospital in Dhaka.

Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Mexico, Mushfiqur Fazal Ansari, emphasized the pivotal role of students in democratic transformation and global leadership during an interactive session at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Addressing international relations students, he reflected on Bangladesh’s recent political changes, describing the August uprising as a defining moment led by youth demanding democracy and accountability. Ansari underscored that human rights and dignity must remain central to leadership. He also outlined Bangladesh’s foreign policy priorities—peace, multilateralism, climate justice, and workers’ rights—while identifying Mexico as an emerging partner in trade, culture, and academic exchange. The session included presentations on Bangladesh’s development achievements, digital transformation, and climate resilience. Students engaged in discussions on Bangladesh’s role in UN peacekeeping, climate diplomacy, and international issues like Palestine and Rohingya crises. The event concluded with a Q&A session and a reception featuring cultural exchanges and gifts symbolizing Bangladesh’s heritage.

The New York Times has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, challenging new restrictions on media access. The suit, filed in a federal court in Washington, D.C., argues that the Pentagon’s new policy—requiring journalists to sign a 21-page agreement pledging not to collect unauthorized information—is unconstitutional and violates press freedom. The policy, implemented in October, also restricts journalists’ access to certain areas without official escorts. Several major U.S. outlets, including The Guardian, The Washington Post, CNN, Reuters, AP, and NPR, have refused to sign the agreement. The Times is seeking a court order to halt enforcement of the policy, asserting that it undermines transparency and the public’s right to know. The publication emphasized its long-standing commitment to defending press freedom through legal means.

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education in Bangladesh has transferred more than 500 assistant teachers from government primary schools to different districts citing administrative reasons. Among the transferred are 42 teachers, including five key leaders of the ongoing teachers’ movement demanding implementation of a three-point charter. The official order, issued on Thursday night, stated that the transfers were approved following a directive from the Directorate of Primary Education. The affected teachers have been reassigned to neighboring districts, effectively removing them from their home districts. Leaders of the movement, including Khairun Nahar Lipi and Shamsuddin Masud, confirmed the transfers and alleged that the move targets those leading the protests. Since November 27, assistant teachers across 65,000 government primary schools have been on work stoppage to press for their demands, which include pay scale adjustments and improved service benefits.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced its candidates for the two parliamentary constituencies in Sunamganj that were previously on hold. On Thursday afternoon, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir revealed the names as part of the party’s broader declaration for 36 out of 63 pending seats. Former MP Nasir Uddin Chowdhury has been nominated for Sunamganj-2 (Dirai-Shalla), while Advocate Nurul Islam Nurul, former district BNP general secretary and current convening committee member, has been nominated for Sunamganj-4 (Sadar and Bishwambharpur). Following the announcement, supporters of both candidates celebrated enthusiastically, visiting their homes with flowers and sweets and posting congratulatory messages on social media. Nurul Islam Nurul expressed gratitude to party leadership, calling his nomination a fulfillment of grassroots expectations, and prayed for the recovery of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

A major political controversy has erupted in Panchagarh after the National Citizen Party (NCP) included several leaders from the Jatiya Party in its newly approved district committee. The committee, approved by NCP member secretary Akhtar Hossain and northern region chief organizer Sarjis Alam, lists Hafizabad Union Parishad chairman Md. Ismail Hossain as a joint coordinator, despite his active involvement with the Jatiya Party and previous election under its symbol. Two other joint coordinators, Abdul Latif and Matiar Rahman, also have known ties to the Jatiya Party. The inclusion has sparked widespread debate on social media, with Jatiya Party’s Panchagarh district general secretary Md. Abu Salek questioning the ethics of NCP’s actions, especially given its previous criticism of the Jatiya Party. Attempts to reach Ismail Hossain for comment were unsuccessful, while NCP representatives claimed they were unaware of the appointees’ prior political affiliations.

The Oxford Union has invited several young Bangladeshi leaders, including Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Abu Sadiq Kayem, to participate as panel speakers at an international seminar titled 'Bangladesh’s July Revolution.' The event, jointly organized by the Oxford Union and the Oxford Bangla Society, is scheduled for the first week of January next year. Invitation letters signed by Oxford Union President Musa Hiraj were sent to Kayem and others, including National Citizens Party (NCP) South Region organizer Hasnat Abdullah, United Peoples Bangladesh convener Ali Ahsan Junaed, and DUCSU Assistant General Secretary Mohiuddin Khan. The letters cited their influential roles in Bangladesh’s 2024 quota reform movement and political transition. The invited participants will also engage with Oxford students and researchers on policy, politics, and contemporary issues during the visit.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has finalized its nominations for two highly discussed constituencies in Dhaka, ending weeks of speculation. Hamidur Rahman Hamid has been nominated for Dhaka-7, while Sheikh Robiul Alam Robi will contest from Dhaka-10. Both candidates are long-time grassroots leaders known for their active involvement and loyalty to the party. Following the announcement, BNP activists across Old Dhaka and other parts of the city celebrated with slogans, sweets, and gatherings. Local leaders expressed optimism about reclaiming the seats in the upcoming 13th national election, citing renewed enthusiasm among party workers. The decision comes after internal discussions and rumors that the BNP might leave these constituencies for alliance partners. The nominations are seen as a strategic move to strengthen the party’s urban presence and energize its base ahead of the polls.

The movement of government primary school teachers in Bangladesh has temporarily suspended its planned nationwide 'complete shutdown' program. According to a statement released Thursday night, the protesting teachers decided to halt the shutdown from Sunday until the completion of ongoing third-term (annual) examinations, citing moral and humanitarian considerations for their young students. The teachers’ associations—Demand Implementation Council and Unity Council—have been pressing for three key demands related to fair treatment and benefits for assistant teachers. The Directorate of Primary Education has recently transferred numerous protesting assistant teachers to other districts, citing administrative reasons. Leaders of the movement, who were also included in the transfer list, said further programs would be announced after discussions once the exams conclude.

BNP Standing Committee member and Cox’s Bazar-1 constituency candidate Salahuddin Ahmed publicly welcomed expelled BNP leader and former three-term Pekua Upazila chairman Shafayet Aziz Raju back onto the party stage during an election rally in Mognama Sonali Bazar. Salahuddin announced the withdrawal of Raju’s expulsion order, urging party members to unite and work for the BNP’s electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf. Raju had been expelled earlier for defying the party’s decision to boycott the 2024 upazila elections under the Awami League government and contesting independently, which led to his election as chairman. Expressing loyalty, Raju said he always considered himself a follower of Salahuddin and remained dedicated to the BNP despite his expulsion. His reinstatement is seen as part of Salahuddin’s effort to consolidate local support ahead of the national polls.

Malaysia will officially begin registering refugees and asylum seekers under a new biometric-based system starting January 1, 2026. Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Shamsul Anuar Nasarah announced in parliament that the initiative, developed under National Security Council Directive No. 23, aims to create the country’s first comprehensive government database on refugees. The Immigration Department will oversee the registration process, while the system is being developed with technical support from MIMOS Berhad. The database will assist in planning social welfare, employment, and education programs, as well as strengthening national security. Refugees will receive a Refugee Registration Document (DPP), granting them legal access to residence, work, education, and healthcare in Peninsular Malaysia. Although Malaysia is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention or the 1967 Protocol, the government expects around 200,000 refugees to be included in the database. Coordination among ministries and NGOs is ongoing to ensure transparency and effective implementation.