U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Venezuela will use its oil sales revenue exclusively to purchase goods produced in the United States. According to Washington sources cited by AFP, the arrangement follows the removal of Nicolás Maduro from power and is based on a new oil agreement. The profits from Venezuela’s oil exports will be directed toward buying American products. Trump shared the information on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating that he had been informed about the new oil deal ensuring that Venezuela’s earnings would be spent solely on U.S.-made goods. He specified that the purchases would include agricultural products, machinery, medical equipment, and energy-sector machinery. The report did not provide further details about the terms of the agreement or how it will be implemented, but it highlights a shift in Venezuela’s trade alignment following political changes in the country.

Iran has warned that it may launch preemptive attacks if there are clear signs of enemy aggression. The warning came from Iran’s newly formed Defense Council in a statement broadcast by state media. The council said that crossing Iran’s ‘red lines’ of security, independence, and territorial integrity would not be tolerated. It added that any hostile acts against Iran would be met with a firm response, for which the instigators would bear full responsibility. The statement further declared that any violation of national interests, interference in internal affairs, or attempts to destabilize Iran would be answered decisively. The council emphasized that Iran would no longer limit itself to retaliating after being attacked but would take proactive measures to safeguard its security. Although the statement did not name any specific country, it comes amid heightened tensions involving the United States and Israel. The Defense Council was established last June following a 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel under the directive of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

President Donald Trump has signed a memorandum directing the United States to withdraw from 66 international organizations. The White House announced on Wednesday that the decision was made because these organizations no longer serve U.S. national interests. According to a statement shared on social media platform X, the order covers 31 United Nations–affiliated bodies and 35 other international institutions, though no specific names were disclosed. The White House explained that continued U.S. involvement in these organizations is no longer aligned with the country’s strategic and economic priorities. The announcement marks another step in Trump’s ongoing effort, during his second term, to reduce U.S. participation in global institutions. Observers note that these moves have sparked renewed debate about America’s role in international affairs, as the administration continues to reassess its global commitments.

A 37-year-old woman named Reni Nicole Good was shot dead by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Minneapolis. The incident occurred during a large-scale immigration crackdown led by the Trump administration. Officials claimed Good attempted to ram ICE agents with her vehicle, prompting an agent to fire in self-defense. Video footage showed a red SUV attempting to move as officers approached before three gunshots were heard. The Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the officer acted defensively, while President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson supported the agent’s actions. Local and state Democratic leaders, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, rejected the federal explanation, calling the shooting reckless and demanding ICE agents leave the city. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez described the act as an “outright killing,” and former Vice President Kamala Harris accused the administration of “gaslighting.” Protests erupted across Minneapolis and other cities, with demonstrators calling for accountability and the removal of ICE. The FBI has launched an investigation into the shooting, while Noem confirmed ICE operations in Minneapolis will continue despite acknowledging the death was preventable.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 has begun hearings on the formation of formal charges against retired Major General Ziaul Ahsan, accused of crimes against humanity involving the abduction and killing of over a hundred people. The hearing took place on Thursday before a three-member tribunal headed by Chairman Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, with Justice Shafiul Alam Mahmud and retired judge Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury as members. Defense lawyer Naznin Nahar argued for the accused’s discharge, while Chief Prosecutor Tazul Islam earlier presented specific charges on December 4. According to the prosecution, Ahsan and his team allegedly executed detainees in multiple operations between 2011 and subsequent years, including incidents in Gazipur, Barguna’s Patharghata area, and the Sundarbans. The charges describe killings conducted under code names such as “Gestapo” and “Golf,” and operations titled “Nishankhali,” “Mora Bhola,” and “Kotka,” which allegedly resulted in at least 100 deaths. Ahsan was produced before the tribunal on December 23 and later sent to jail pending trial. The tribunal has set the current date for the defense to present its arguments following the prosecution’s request to begin formal trial proceedings.

Around 150 Hindu extremists under the banner of the Vishva Hindu Parishad staged a violent protest outside the Bangladesh mission in Mumbai on Wednesday, tearing the Bangladeshi national flag and chanting anti-Bangladesh slogans. Local security forces intervened and dispersed the protesters before any damage occurred to the mission. Diplomatic sources confirmed that all mission staff remained safe. The report stated that Hindu extremists in India have repeatedly attacked Bangladeshi missions, citing false allegations of persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh. Previous incidents included attacks on several missions, the burning of a visa center, and threats against Bangladesh’s High Commissioner in Delhi. The article alleged that these activities have direct support from the Indian government. In response to security concerns, Bangladesh’s mission in Kolkata has suspended issuing tourist visas to Indian nationals. Similar restrictions were already in place in Delhi and Agartala. However, business and work visas remain available after multi-level verification. Diplomatic sources linked the decision to ongoing instability following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government and the upcoming February 12 general election in Bangladesh.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin stated that the upcoming election will not be manipulated as in the past, and the Election Commission will ensure a level playing field. He made the remarks on Thursday morning while visiting the appeal submission center at the Election Commission building in Agargaon, Dhaka. Nasir Uddin emphasized that the commission, as the appellate authority, will guarantee justice in hearing appeals against the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers. The CEC said the commission believes in fairness and will act accordingly, ensuring justice under the law and regulations. He noted that unlike previous years, the nomination submission process was peaceful this time, with no reports of violence or bomb attacks. He added that aggrieved candidates have the opportunity to seek redress through appeals. According to Election Commission officials, 131 appeals were filed on Wednesday, bringing the total to 295 over three days. Appeals came from various regions including Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Chattogram, Cumilla, Mymensingh, Barishal, and Faridpur. The CEC observed that the commission has become a focal point of public interest, as people from distant areas are coming to file appeals.

Heavy fighting between the Syrian army and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has forced thousands of civilians to flee Aleppo. Authorities reported on Wednesday night that more than 45,000 people have been displaced since the clashes began on Tuesday. Most of the displaced are moving toward the Afrin valley in the northwest. Many residents are leaving on foot through humanitarian corridors established by the Syrian army, though it remains uncertain when they might return. Residents described desperate conditions as they fled the violence. Ahmed, a resident of Aleppo, said they escaped the fighting without knowing where to go. Another displaced person, 41-year-old Ammar Razi, said he and his family were forced to leave the country with their six children, uncertain if they would ever return. Officials confirmed that nine people have been killed since the fighting began. In response, schools, universities, and government offices in Aleppo were closed on Wednesday, and flights at Aleppo airport were suspended until Thursday evening.

Australia concluded the Ashes series with a dominant performance, defeating England by five wickets in the fifth and final Test in Sydney. The hosts chased down a 160-run target after bowling England out for 342 on the fifth day. Earlier, England had scored 384 in their first innings, while Australia took a strong lead with 542 runs. Travis Head’s first-innings century and steady partnerships guided Australia to a comfortable win, ending the series 4-1. England’s second innings featured a resilient 154-run knock from Jacob Bethell, with Harry Brook and Ben Duckett contributing 42 runs each. However, their efforts were not enough to prevent another defeat. For Australia, openers Travis Head and Jake Weatherald gave a brisk start, followed by useful contributions from Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, and Cameron Green. Travis Head was named Player of the Match for his 163-run innings off 166 balls, while Mitchell Starc earned the Player of the Series title after taking 46 wickets and scoring 202 runs across five matches.

Protests in Iran over rising living costs entered their 11th day on Wednesday, spreading across much of the country. Demonstrations were reported in multiple provinces, including violent clashes in Lordegan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, where armed protesters opened fire, killing two security officers and injuring at least 30 others. President Masoud Pezeshkian called for patience and instructed security forces not to suppress peaceful demonstrators. According to Iran’s Fars News Agency, around 300 shopkeepers in Lordegan closed their stores and gathered near Khardunpara and Shironi Bridge, chanting slogans before tensions escalated. Protesters reportedly threw stones at security personnel and vandalized government buildings, including the governor’s office. Separate incidents occurred in Bojnord, where a shop was set on fire, and in Tehran’s Shemiran district and Aligudarz, where large crowds chanted anti-government slogans. AFP reported that protests have spread to 25 of Iran’s 31 provinces. The Norway-based group Iran Human Rights claimed that at least 27 protesters have been killed since the movement began on December 28 with a shopkeepers’ strike in Tehran.

Ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, the Election Commission (EC) has fixed the maximum campaign spending limit for candidates at 10 taka per voter. Due to large variations in voter numbers across constituencies, the permissible spending differs sharply. For example, candidates in Gazipur-2 can legally spend over 8 million taka, while those in Jhalakathi-1 are limited to 2.5 million taka. EC data show that the country currently has about 127.7 million voters, with Gazipur-2 having the highest and Jhalakathi-1 the lowest voter counts. Experts have questioned whether the spending limits are realistic or enforced in practice. Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SUJAN) said that although limits exist on paper, they have little reflection in reality, as money dominates elections. Former election commissioner Brigadier General (Retd.) M Sakhawat Hossain noted that the EC lacks a strong mechanism to verify candidates’ expense declarations, allowing many to exceed limits without consequence. The EC Secretariat explained that voter disparities stem from urban migration and administrative boundaries. Under the Representation of the People Order, violating spending limits can lead to up to seven years in prison. A total of 2,582 candidates from 51 of 59 registered parties are contesting this election.

In Sylhet-2 constituency, covering Osmaninagar and Bishwanath, residents are expressing deep concern over the absence of visible law enforcement operations to recover illegal weapons ahead of the upcoming national election. While security forces across the country are conducting intensified drives against illegal arms and terrorism, no such activity has been observed in this sensitive area, leading to widespread anxiety among locals. Local sources report that a large number of illegal and modern weapons entered the region during the previous government’s rule under the pretext of suppressing opposition groups. Despite a change in government, no effective recovery efforts have been made by joint forces or local police. Several violent incidents involving firearms have occurred in Osmaninagar’s Umarpur Union, yet no arrests or weapon recoveries have followed. Residents claim political cadres still possess many firearms, and the flow of weapons has increased. Home Ministry adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated that recovering illegal arms is a top government priority, but locals say this commitment is not reflected in Sylhet-2. Police officials assured that they remain on alert and will act based on intelligence reports to maintain order.

In southern Chattogram’s Banshkhali and nearby Anwara, Pekua, and Rajakhali, around 38,000 salt farmers have begun production across 69,000 acres of land. However, dense fog has disrupted salt crystallization, while many farmers express frustration over low market prices. Despite adopting modern polyethylene-based methods that can increase output by up to two and a half times, unfavorable weather and poor pricing have left producers struggling. According to the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC), all salt fields in the region are using the polyethylene technique this year, which could lead to production exceeding targets by about 200,000 tons. Farmers report that fog and humidity cause salt to dissolve overnight, while they must still pay land rent regardless of yield. Local officials note that Banshkhali’s salt is known for its brightness and taste, with retail prices ranging from Tk 1 to Tk 15 per kilogram and wholesale prices between Tk 200 and Tk 250 per maund. Farmers allege that due to limited government support, mill owners and financiers buy salt cheaply and sell it at higher prices. Some producers have taken loans to cover the high costs of polyethylene-based production, while local leaders urge the government to ensure fair pricing and restrict salt imports.

At least two Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike on Wednesday in Gaza, according to local health authorities. The Israeli military said the strike was carried out in response to an earlier attack on its soldiers and was aimed at a senior Hamas fighter. Doctors reported that several others were injured when the strike hit a house in Gaza City, but the identities of the deceased were not immediately confirmed. Hamas did not issue any immediate comment on the incident. The Israeli army stated that Hamas fighters had opened fire on its troops earlier in the day, prompting the retaliatory airstrike. The military claimed the targeted Hamas member had led attacks against Israeli forces, though no Israeli casualties were reported. On the same day, a pro-Israel Palestinian militia in Rafah, southern Gaza, claimed responsibility for killing two Hamas members. The events reflect continuing hostilities in Gaza, with both Israeli forces and local militias reporting deadly exchanges.

Barcelona delivered a dominant performance in the Spanish Super Cup semifinal, defeating Athletic Bilbao 5-0 at King Abdullah Sports City in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday night. The Spanish champions scored four goals within just 16 minutes, with Raphinha netting twice and Ferran Torres, Fermin Lopez, and Runi Bardghji each adding one. Barcelona controlled 80 percent of possession, taking 14 shots with nine on target, while Bilbao managed nine shots, four of which were on target. The match saw Ferran Torres open the scoring in the 21st minute, followed by goals from Lopez, Raphinha, and Bardghji before halftime. Raphinha added his second goal in the second half, sealing the emphatic victory. Despite several more chances, no further goals were scored. With this win, Barcelona, who have already won nine consecutive La Liga matches, moved closer to their first trophy of the season. Their opponent in the Spanish Super Cup final will be decided on Thursday when Real Madrid face Atletico Madrid in the second semifinal.