Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and visiting Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay held a bilateral meeting in Dhaka on November 22, focusing on expanding cooperation in trade, energy, education, tourism, internet connectivity, and health services. The two sides signed two memorandums of understanding—one on health services and another on international internet bandwidth trade. Bhutan will import bandwidth from Bangladesh, while Bangladesh invited Bhutanese citizens to access medical education and services at a new hospital and medical college in Nilphamari. Both leaders discussed initiating formal talks on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with Bhutan aiming to become the first country to sign such a deal with Bangladesh. They also explored hydropower imports from Bhutan and a potential trilateral electricity trade involving India. The meeting emphasized shared history, regional connectivity, and a joint vision for sustainable development. Professor Yunus praised Bhutan’s carbon-negative achievements, while Tobgay lauded Bangladesh’s leadership during its transitional period.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appealed to G20 nations to help stop the ongoing violence and killings in Sudan. Speaking at a press conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, Guterres emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access. He urged external actors to halt the supply of weapons and fighters to Sudan and called on the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to engage in dialogue. Guterres also highlighted conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo between the government and M23 rebels, stressing the need for lasting solutions that respect sovereignty and regional integrity. Additionally, he warned of rising insecurity in West Africa’s Sahel region, where armed groups exploit weak governance. Referring to crises from Haiti to Yemen and Myanmar, Guterres underscored the importance of pursuing peace under international law.

The BBC’s internal turmoil intensified as board member Sumit Banerjee resigned, citing governance issues following the recent 'Panorama' controversy. His departure comes after Director-General Tim Davie and Head of News Deborah Turness stepped down earlier in November. Banerjee stated in his resignation letter that he had not been consulted about the decisions involving Davie and Turness. The dispute stems from a 'Panorama' episode that allegedly manipulated footage from a 2021 speech by former U.S. President Donald Trump, sparking widespread criticism and internal dissent. The BBC confirmed Banerjee’s resignation, noting his term as a non-executive director was due to end in December. The board, responsible for overseeing the broadcaster’s strategy and ensuring its public service mission, is now under scrutiny for its handling of the crisis. Banerjee, who joined the board in 2022, is a technology consultant and investor. The BBC said the search for his replacement is already underway.

Turkey is taking a diplomatic initiative to ease escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban government by sending a high-level delegation to Islamabad next week. Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Irfan Neziroglu confirmed the visit, which will include key ministers and intelligence officials, such as Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar. The mission aims to promote dialogue and prevent Afghan territory from being used for terrorist attacks against Pakistan. The move follows earlier Istanbul meetings between Pakistan and Afghanistan that ended without agreement due to Kabul’s reluctance to act against militant groups. Tensions have surged since October 12, when Taliban and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters attacked Pakistani forces, prompting retaliatory strikes that killed over 200 militants. Despite temporary ceasefire talks in Doha and Istanbul, progress remains limited. Turkey’s mediation seeks to restore trust and ensure regional stability through peaceful means.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is facing a major diplomatic dilemma after former US President Donald Trump proposed a 28-point plan to end the Ukraine war. The plan reportedly demands that Ukraine cede the entire Donbas region to Russia, reduce its military size, abandon NATO membership ambitions, and grant Russian language official status. In return, Ukraine would receive Western security guarantees. Zelensky warned in a national address that Ukraine must now choose between accepting Washington’s '28 tough conditions' or risking a breakdown in relations with its key ally, the United States. Reuters reported that Trump’s administration has threatened to cut off intelligence and military support if Kyiv rejects the proposal. Zelensky confirmed receiving a new peace offer from Washington but withheld details, saying consultations with US and European partners are ongoing. He emphasized that Ukraine will propose alternatives that protect national interests without appearing unwilling to pursue peace.

Kuwait has called on the international community to bring Israel’s nuclear facilities under international inspection, emphasizing the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in ensuring the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Speaking at an IAEA Board of Governors meeting in Vienna, Kuwait’s permanent representative to Austria and ambassador to international organizations, Talal Al-Fassam, said Kuwait supports the Arab Group’s position and urged Israel to comply with international obligations. He noted that while all Middle Eastern countries are committed to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and IAEA safeguards, Israel continues to reject such oversight and has not cooperated with efforts to create a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the region. Al-Fassam also cited Israel’s failure to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 487, which calls for placing its nuclear facilities under international safeguards. He urged the global community to pressure Israel to accept full IAEA supervision.

The United States has reiterated that it will not participate in the upcoming G20 summit in South Africa, citing policy differences and strained diplomatic relations. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Washington will not join any formal discussions at the event, contradicting South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s earlier claim that the US had changed its stance. The US Embassy in Pretoria stated that South Africa’s G20 priorities conflict with American policies, preventing agreement on joint documents. Although the US will send its ambassador to a ceremonial handover, it will not engage in policy talks. The Trump administration’s decision marks a broader retreat from global forums, including the ongoing COP-30 climate summit in Brazil. Tensions between Washington and Pretoria have escalated following Trump’s remarks about white farmers in South Africa and subsequent trade tariffs. Despite the boycott, American corporate interests remain active, with major US companies attending the B20 business summit in Johannesburg.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the discovery of a massive Hamas tunnel in war-torn Gaza, stretching approximately seven kilometers long and 25 feet deep. According to the IDF’s statement on social media platform X, the tunnel runs beneath the densely populated Rafah area, passing under UNRWA facilities, schools, hospitals, and mosques. The structure reportedly contains around 80 secret chambers used by Hamas commanders for storing weapons, planning attacks, and living quarters. Israeli media reported that the remains of Lt. Hadar Goldin, an IDF officer killed in 2014, were found inside the tunnel earlier this month. The IDF also claimed to have arrested a Hamas member suspected of involvement in Goldin’s death. The discovery is described as one of Gaza’s largest and most complex underground networks, believed to have served as a command post for senior Hamas leaders, including Mohammed Sinwar and the late Mohammed Shabana.

Recent developments suggest that the United States is discreetly facilitating closer engagement between Pakistan and Israel as part of a broader Middle East realignment. According to journalist Imran Khurshid’s analysis in Asia Times, Washington is nudging Islamabad toward recognizing Israel, aligning with its strategy to expand the Abraham Accords 2.0. In late 2025, several symbolic meetings between Pakistani officials and Israeli-linked figures, including a public encounter in London and a reported private meeting in New York, reflected this emerging dynamic. Despite Pakistan’s domestic sensitivities, the absence of official denials hints at ongoing backchannel diplomacy. The October Sharm el-Sheikh conference further underscored US influence in coordinating Muslim-majority nations toward a pro-Washington stance amid the Gaza conflict. Meanwhile, global public opinion has turned sharply against Israel’s actions in Gaza, with several European countries moving toward recognizing Palestine. The evolving scenario highlights a complex interplay of strategic, political, and humanitarian considerations shaping regional diplomacy.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that food supplies to Gaza remain insufficient to meet the population’s needs, even though deliveries have increased since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect on October 10. WFP spokesperson Martin Penner said that while conditions have improved compared to wartime, sustainable support is still needed to rebuild families’ health, nutrition, and livelihoods. Heavy winter rains have worsened the situation, damaging stored food and supplies in many households, according to senior spokesperson Abeer Etefa. Despite sending around 40,000 tons of food aid, WFP managed to reach only about 530,000 of the 1.6 million people in need earlier this month due to logistical challenges. The agency emphasized that millions still require urgent food assistance, with some areas facing famine-like conditions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the United States’ proposed peace plan could serve as a foundation for ending the war in Ukraine. Speaking at a meeting with his security cabinet, Putin said Moscow has received the 28-point proposal and is willing to show flexibility, but remains ready to continue fighting if Kyiv rejects it. He criticized Ukraine and its European allies for being under the illusion that Russia can be strategically defeated on the battlefield. The plan, described by Putin as an updated version of discussions held with US President Donald Trump before their planned Alaska summit in August, has reportedly been accepted by Moscow. Meanwhile, Trump has given Ukraine until Thursday to accept the US peace proposal, insisting that Kyiv must agree to it. The development highlights renewed diplomatic maneuvering amid ongoing hostilities and differing expectations between Moscow, Kyiv, and Western capitals.

At the Dubai Airshow 2025, an Indian Tejas fighter jet crashed on Friday, while Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder emerged as a major attraction, earning global praise and renewed export interest. Pakistan announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with a friendly nation for the sale of JF-17 aircraft, though details of the deal remain undisclosed. Officials confirmed that several other countries have shown strong interest in purchasing the aircraft, reflecting growing confidence in Pakistan’s aerospace industry. The JF-17 Block-3 variant, featuring advanced avionics, enhanced radar, and electronic warfare systems, was showcased prominently. Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu held high-level meetings with UAE defense leaders to discuss training, aerospace cooperation, and joint operations. The UAE military leadership commended Pakistan’s professionalism and innovation, agreeing to strengthen long-term strategic collaboration. The JF-17, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, continues to bolster Pakistan’s defense export potential and international reputation.

A Tejas fighter jet, developed under India’s indigenous defense program, crashed during the Dubai Airshow, sparking renewed scrutiny over the safety and cost-effectiveness of the project. The aircraft, jointly developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Aeronautical Development Agency, is a flagship of the 'Make in India' initiative. India had earlier signed a $6.5 billion deal in 2021 for 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets, with each priced around $43 million. However, a new 2025 order for 97 additional jets is valued at $7.8 billion, raising the per-unit cost to nearly $80 million due to inflation, technical upgrades, and higher production costs. HAL has been aggressively marketing the Tejas for export, estimating a potential price of $43 million per unit internationally. Analysts warn that the Dubai crash could dampen foreign interest and force India to address both safety and financial concerns as it pursues defense modernization and export ambitions.

Ukraine is under mounting pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to accept a proposed peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing war with Russia. According to Reuters, Trump has given Kyiv a one-week deadline to agree to the plan, warning that failure to comply could result in the suspension of U.S. intelligence sharing and weapons supplies. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged the difficult position his country faces, saying Ukraine must choose between preserving its dignity and independence or risking the loss of vital American support. Trump told reporters that the war must end before winter and that Zelensky has limited options. In a national address, Zelensky vowed to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty and honor, emphasizing that the country would not compromise its core values even under external pressure.

The United Nations and the United States have expressed deep condolences and solidarity with the victims of a 5.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Dhaka and surrounding districts on Friday morning. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the quake occurred at 10:38 a.m., with its epicenter in Madhabdi, Narsingdi, about 13 kilometers east of the Agargaon weather office in Dhaka. The U.S. Geological Survey later reported the epicenter to be 14 kilometers west-southwest of Narsingdi at a depth of 10 kilometers. The tremor resulted in at least six deaths and numerous injuries. The UN office in Bangladesh stated that it is closely monitoring the situation, while the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka issued a separate message offering sympathy to those affected. Emergency services and local authorities are assessing the extent of the damage and providing assistance to the injured and displaced residents.