Azerbaijan has announced plans to open an embassy in Dhaka following Bangladesh’s upcoming national election, signaling a new phase in bilateral relations. The announcement came during a courtesy meeting between Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev’s daughters, Leyla and Arzu Aliyeva, and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the state guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka.

During the meeting, both sides discussed strengthening cooperation in culture, environment, and people-to-people connectivity. Professor Yunus recalled his previous visits to Baku and his meeting with President Aliyev at the COP29 summit, emphasizing the potential for deeper trade, energy, and economic collaboration. Leyla Aliyeva, Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, conveyed President Aliyev’s greetings and expressed interest in joint projects on wildlife conservation and environmental protection.

Non-resident Ambassador Elchin Huseynli confirmed that the embassy initiative followed a request from Professor Yunus last November. The move is expected to elevate Bangladesh-Azerbaijan relations, opening avenues for humanitarian, social, and environmental partnerships.

Azerbaijan has announced plans to open an embassy in Dhaka following Bangladesh’s upcoming national election, signaling a new phase in bilateral relations. The announcement came during a courtesy meeting between Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev’s daughters, Leyla and Arzu Aliyeva, and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the state guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka.

Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in trade, energy, culture, and environmental protection. Professor Yunus recalled his previous visits to Baku and his meeting with President Aliyev during the COP-29 conference. Leyla Aliyeva, Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, conveyed the Azerbaijani President’s greetings and expressed interest in joint humanitarian and environmental projects with Bangladeshi organizations.

Azerbaijan’s non-resident ambassador Elchin Huseynli confirmed that the embassy initiative followed a request from Professor Yunus last November. Officials said the new embassy would elevate bilateral engagement and facilitate people-to-people connections between the two nations.

Iranian authorities have arrested two organizers of a marathon held on Kish Island after images surfaced showing several female participants running without hijabs. The event, which took place on December 5, featured around 2,000 women and 3,000 men competing in separate categories. Photos of women in red T-shirts without head coverings quickly spread on social media, prompting conservative backlash and official intervention.

Prosecutors in Kish described the marathon as a violation of “public decency,” though they did not clarify what specific rules were broken. Government officials said the issue extended beyond hijab law violations, calling the event’s overall nature “unacceptable.” Progressive voices within Iranian society expressed support for the women, viewing their participation as a quiet act of defiance against restrictive gender policies.

The arrests highlight the enduring tension between Iran’s conservative establishment and reform-minded citizens over women’s rights and personal freedoms. The hijab debate remains central to Iran’s political and social discourse, with authorities oscillating between limited tolerance and harsh enforcement.

Eighteen migrants have died after a boat sank off the southern Greek island of Chrissi on Saturday, according to the Greek Coast Guard. The vessel went down about 40 kilometers from the shore, with only two survivors rescued and transferred to nearby Crete. A Turkish cargo ship first spotted the sinking boat and alerted Greek authorities shortly after the incident.

The Coast Guard reported that the boat was carrying 20 migrants attempting to reach Europe. The tragedy highlights the persistent dangers faced by migrants crossing the Mediterranean from Libya, Turkey, and Morocco toward Greece and Italy. Since 2015, more than a million undocumented migrants have sought refuge in Greece, many housed in overcrowded camps.

Authorities warn that worsening weather conditions and unseaworthy vessels continue to make these journeys perilous. The Greek government has called for stronger regional cooperation to curb human smuggling and prevent further loss of life in the Mediterranean migration routes.

Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shara has accused Israel of deliberately escalating regional tensions through military operations justified under the guise of security. Speaking at the Doha Forum, Al-Shara reiterated his government’s commitment to national unity, peace, women’s empowerment, and democratic reforms, including plans to hold parliamentary elections within five years of the constitutional declaration.

In an interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, Al-Shara claimed Israel is using the October 7 attacks as a pretext to expand military actions across the region, describing it as a state “fighting ghosts.” He urged Israel to return to pre-conflict positions and respect the 1974 disengagement agreement over the Golan Heights, warning that altering the long-standing accord could destabilize the region.

Al-Shara also addressed Syria’s internal reconciliation efforts, announcing amnesty measures and rejecting sectarian politics. He emphasized that Syria is governed by law and that women’s rights are protected, signaling a shift toward inclusive governance after years of conflict.

Three days of peace talks between Ukrainian and U.S. officials in Florida ended Saturday without tangible progress, underscoring the deep impasse in efforts to end the war. On the same day, Russia launched one of its largest recent air offensives against Ukrainian cities and key infrastructure, signaling continued escalation despite diplomatic overtures.

According to Ukrainian authorities, Russia fired 653 drones and 51 missiles, striking 29 locations including energy facilities and transport hubs. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed at least eight injuries, while the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant temporarily lost power, prompting safety concerns from the International Atomic Energy Agency. President Volodymyr Zelensky said energy infrastructure was deliberately targeted, accusing Moscow of seeking to cripple civilian life.

Moscow maintained that it only targeted military-industrial sites and their energy supply lines. With Russian forces advancing in eastern Donetsk—seizing over 500 square kilometers in November alone—Kyiv’s diplomatic options appear increasingly constrained. Observers warn that without a shift in Moscow’s stance, peace efforts will remain stalled.

Hamas has announced it will hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority once Israel ends its occupation of Gaza. Khalil al-Hayya, head of the group’s negotiation team, made the statement on Saturday, emphasizing that Hamas maintains arms solely due to ongoing occupation and aggression. He clarified that the weapons would be surrendered to a sovereign and independent Palestinian state.

Al-Hayya added that Hamas accepts the deployment of a United Nations force to monitor the ceasefire and oversee border surveillance but rejects any international mission aimed solely at disarming Hamas. The announcement comes amid continuing Israeli attacks despite a ceasefire declared on October 10, which has resulted in civilian casualties and infrastructure damage across Gaza.

Meanwhile, leaders of Muslim-majority nations have opposed unilateral plans to open the Rafah border for transferring Palestinians into Egypt, urging instead for both sides of the crossing to reopen under previous agreements. They also called for reconstruction efforts to take place within Palestinian territories, reaffirming support for Palestinian sovereignty.

Malaysian authorities have detained 843 undocumented migrants, including 79 Bangladeshis, during a large-scale enforcement operation in Selayang Baru, Selangor. The raid, coordinated by the Selangor State Security Council on December 6, involved multiple agencies including the Immigration Department, Royal Malaysia Police, and National Anti-Drug Agency. Officials inspected the documents of 1,116 individuals and arrested those found violating immigration laws.

According to state officials, the detainees include nationals from Myanmar, Nepal, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and India, aged between 21 and 53. They face charges of lacking identification, overstaying, and using forged documents. Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the operation followed public complaints about illegal businesses and overcrowding by foreign nationals. He warned employers against hiring undocumented workers, emphasizing that violators will face legal action.

Authorities confirmed that similar operations had been conducted earlier in Seri Muda and Selangor Wholesale Market areas. The crackdown will continue under Malaysia’s Immigration Act 1959/63, Passport Act 1966, and Anti-Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007.

Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani stated that any ceasefire agreement in Gaza will remain incomplete without addressing the situation in the West Bank. Speaking at the Doha Forum 2025, he emphasized that Qatar views regional stability as integral to its national security and prefers diplomacy, investment, and strategic partnerships over military influence.

Al Thani highlighted Qatar’s role as a mediator in regional conflicts, maintaining open communication with all parties to ensure sustainable peace. He noted that since 2013, Qatar’s progress has stemmed from its engagement with diverse stakeholders. The prime minister also underscored the need to tackle the root causes of the Israel-Palestine conflict, including Palestinian national aspirations and reconstruction of Gaza.

Qatar, along with Turkey, Egypt, and the United States, is currently guiding the next phase of the ceasefire process. The statement comes amid ongoing Israeli attacks that have killed over 70,000 people in Gaza since October 2023, despite the ceasefire agreement brokered in October 2024.

At least seven people were killed and eleven others injured when a passenger bus collided with a truck on the Adana-Gaziantep highway in southern Turkey early Saturday, according to local authorities. The crash occurred about 90 kilometers west of Gaziantep, causing severe damage to the front of the bus.

The governor’s office confirmed that all victims were passengers on the bus, and identification efforts are ongoing. State news agency Anadolu reported that the bus’s tire burst after hitting the truck. The truck driver survived the incident and has been detained for questioning. Police temporarily closed the highway to clear the wreckage and investigate the cause.

Authorities have not yet released details on the cause of the collision, though early reports suggest driver error or mechanical failure may be factors. Road safety remains a major concern in Turkey, where fatal traffic accidents occur frequently despite ongoing government efforts to improve highway conditions.

At least 23 people were killed after a devastating fire broke out at a popular nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, around midnight on Saturday. The blaze, which reportedly started due to a gas cylinder explosion, engulfed the venue known as 'Birch by Romeo Lane'. Among the victims were several tourists, and officials confirmed that three people died from burns while others succumbed to smoke inhalation.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the tragedy early Sunday, calling it a painful day for the state. He visited the site and ordered a detailed investigation, promising strict legal action against those found responsible. Police Director General Alok Kumar said all bodies had been recovered and the fire was brought under control.

The incident has raised concerns over fire safety compliance at entertainment venues in tourist-heavy regions like Goa. Authorities are expected to review safety regulations and inspection protocols in the coming days to prevent similar disasters.

A devastating fire at a restaurant in Huancané, a town in Peru’s Andean Puno region near the Bolivian border, killed ten university students and injured three others. The victims, aged between 17 and 23, were attending a birthday celebration when the blaze broke out on Thursday afternoon, according to police reports released Friday.

Authorities said the students were trapped on the second floor of the Kalma Tripa restaurant, a structure made of wood and brick. Local residents attempted to extinguish the flames using fire extinguishers and water before firefighters arrived from Juliaca, nearly an hour later. Huancané’s mayor, Valerio Tapia, told state news agency Andina that the town of 20,000 residents has no fire service of its own.

Preliminary investigations suggest a gas cylinder explosion may have triggered the fire. Experts note that such incidents are frequent in Peru’s remote regions, where safety regulations on fuel storage are often poorly enforced. The tragedy has renewed calls for improved fire safety infrastructure in rural Andean towns.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has assured India of a steady and uninterrupted energy supply, disregarding U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff pressures. Speaking alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, Putin criticized Washington’s stance, questioning the logic of restricting India’s energy imports from Russia while the U.S. itself continues to purchase Russian nuclear fuel.

Putin highlighted the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant as a flagship project of Russia-India cooperation, noting that two of its six reactor units are already connected to the power grid. He expressed optimism that the plant, once fully operational, would significantly bolster India’s energy capacity and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.

The assurance comes amid heightened U.S.-India trade tensions, with Trump imposing 50% tariffs on most Indian goods and accusing New Delhi of indirectly funding the Ukraine war through Russian oil purchases—an allegation India firmly denies. Putin concluded his two-day visit to India on Friday, emphasizing long-term energy collaboration between Moscow and New Delhi.

The world’s tallest hotel, ‘Ciel Dubai,’ has officially opened in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, marking a new milestone in global luxury hospitality. Standing 377 meters tall with 82 floors, the skyscraper hotel was developed by The First Group and will be operated by InterContinental Hotels Group under its Vignette Collection brand. The property features 1,004 rooms and suites, offering panoramic views of Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah and Marina districts.

Room rates start at 1,310 dirhams (around $357) per night, while premium suites cost up to 2,400 dirhams. The hotel’s design emphasizes natural light and open spaces, with a rooftop observation deck providing 360-degree city views. Industry analysts note that the launch reinforces Dubai’s position as a global tourism and architectural hub.

Ciel Dubai’s debut comes amid a surge in high-end hospitality projects across the region, reflecting strong post-pandemic tourism recovery and continued investor confidence in the UAE’s luxury travel sector.

India announced it will soon introduce a 30-day free e-tourist visa and group tourist visa for Russian citizens, Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed after a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen cultural and people-to-people connections between the two countries.

Modi emphasized that the new visa policy reflects the importance of direct engagement between citizens in deepening bilateral relations. He also noted the recent opening of two new Indian consulates in Russia, which are expected to facilitate easier communication and promote cooperation in trade, education, science, and culture. The move follows growing efforts by both nations to expand collaboration beyond defense and energy sectors.

Analysts view the free visa scheme as a strategic gesture to attract Russian tourists amid global travel realignments. It may also enhance India’s soft power and economic ties with Russia, especially as both countries seek to diversify partnerships in a shifting geopolitical landscape.