The African Union has rejected Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent state. In a statement issued on Friday, the AU reaffirmed its commitment to Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmud Ali Yusuf declared that any initiative to recognize Somaliland as a separate entity was unacceptable, emphasizing that Somaliland remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia. The statement warned that any attempt to undermine Somalia’s unity or territorial integrity would violate the AU’s core principles and could have far-reaching consequences for peace and stability across the continent. It also described Israel’s recognition as a dangerous precedent. The AU expressed full support for Somalia’s efforts to strengthen state institutions, consolidate peace, and promote inclusive governance. Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state on Friday. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has awaited international recognition for decades. The issue has been a top priority since Abdi Rahman Mohamed Abdullahi assumed the presidency last year.

Israel has become the first country to officially recognize Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, as an independent state. The announcement was followed by reactions from the United States and Turkey. U.S. President Donald Trump said he does not intend to follow Israel’s decision, adding that the matter will be reviewed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he would inform Trump about Somaliland’s interest in joining the Abraham Accords during their scheduled meeting on Monday. Turkey strongly condemned Israel’s move, calling it illegal. Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keçeli said on social media that the recognition represents another example of what he described as the Netanyahu government’s unlawful actions aimed at creating instability both regionally and globally. Keçeli added that the decision constitutes open interference in Somalia’s internal affairs and emphasized that any decisions about the future of Somalia and Somaliland should reflect the will of the Somali people. The development has introduced new diplomatic tensions involving Israel, Turkey, and the United States, while raising questions about the future of regional stability in the Horn of Africa.

Emirates Airlines has launched a new pocket prayer mat for passengers to use during flights, aiming to make in-flight prayers more convenient. The airline announced on December 27, 2025, that the mats will be available across its entire fleet. Passengers can request one directly from cabin crew while on board. The new version of the mat is described as thicker, more comfortable, and easier to carry than previous designs. According to Emirates, the initiative is particularly useful for long-haul flights, where prayer times often coincide with travel hours. The airline said the mats are designed to provide comfort and practicality for passengers who wish to perform prayers mid-flight. A company spokesperson confirmed that the service will be available to all passengers, regardless of travel class—First, Business, or Economy. The airline expects the new feature to enhance passenger comfort and address a common challenge faced by travelers seeking to maintain their prayer routines while flying.

Israel has officially recognized Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, becoming the first country to do so. The announcement was made on Friday, accompanied by the signing of an agreement to establish diplomatic relations between the two sides. Somaliland’s leader, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, expressed gratitude to Israel for the recognition, calling it a historic moment. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but had waited decades for international recognition. Since Abdullahi took office as president last year, securing recognition had been a top priority for his administration. Following Israel’s announcement, Somalia’s government held an emergency meeting, and several other countries condemned Israel’s decision. A statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the move aligns with the spirit of the Abraham Accords, referencing agreements signed during former U.S. President Donald Trump’s first term. Somaliland’s president described the recognition as the beginning of a strategic partnership and reaffirmed his country’s readiness to join the Abraham Accords to normalize relations with Israel.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman will receive his National Identity (NID) card within a maximum of 24 hours and a minimum of 7–8 hours after providing his fingerprint, according to SM Humayun Kabir, Director General of the National Identity Registration Division. He made the announcement at a press conference at the Election Commission (EC) office on Saturday morning, confirming that the EC has completed all necessary preparations, including the room where Rahman will provide his biometric data. Tarique Rahman is set to be included in the voter list and collect his NID today. His daughter, Zaima Rahman, will also apply for an NID. He has already submitted his online application and will visit the EC office in Agargaon by noon to complete the remaining process. Reliable sources from the EC and BNP confirmed that his voter registration will be under Ward 19 of Dhaka-17 constituency, using a Gulshan address. The EC’s readiness indicates that Rahman’s NID issuance process will be completed swiftly once biometric verification is done.

Tensions are reportedly rising between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and top advisers to U.S. President Donald Trump. According to a report by Axios, Trump’s senior aides believe Netanyahu is deliberately undermining the Gaza peace process. The report states that frustration among Trump’s inner circle has grown as they suspect Netanyahu is taking active steps to delay the peace agreement and weaken the ceasefire. The report names Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, peace envoy Steve Witkoff, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles as among those disappointed with Netanyahu. A White House official indicated that Netanyahu has largely lost the support of Trump’s core team, though Trump himself continues to back him and wants the agreement to move forward quickly. Under Trump’s peace plan, the first phase of the ceasefire took effect on October 10, but Israel has reportedly failed to comply. Israeli forces have continued attacks in Gaza, with 412 people killed and 1,118 injured since the ceasefire began, according to TRT World.

Eight flights scheduled to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka were diverted to alternative airports on Saturday due to dense fog. According to an official notice, three flights landed at Chattogram Airport, four at Kolkata Airport, and one at Bangkok Airport. The diversions were made for safety reasons as visibility at Dhaka airport dropped significantly. The notice stated that all flight operations will resume normally once weather conditions improve. Airlines have arranged food and hotel accommodations for passengers affected by the delays. The airport authority emphasized that the diversions were precautionary measures to ensure passenger safety amid the foggy conditions. Normal flight operations are expected to restart as soon as the weather clears, though no specific timeline was provided in the notice.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman visited the grave of martyr Osman Hadi on Saturday at around 11:30 a.m. He also paid respects at the nearby grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam and participated in prayers with senior BNP leaders. The visit took place before Rahman departed for the Election Commission to register as a voter at 11:40 a.m. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, and Joint Secretary General Habibun Nabi Khan Sohel were present during the visit. Rahman also spoke with Hadi’s brother, Abu Bakar Siddique. Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan, along with other university officials and DUCSU Vice President Sadik Kayem, welcomed Rahman at the site. The visit highlighted Rahman’s engagement with party leaders and university officials ahead of his voter registration process.

More than 100 passengers were rescued after a passenger launch became stranded on a shoal in the middle of the Padma River due to dense fog on Friday night. The vessel, named ‘ML Mizanur,’ had departed from Daulatdia launch terminal in Rajbari’s Goalanda upazila for Paturia in Manikganj around 7:45 p.m. when it lost direction near the Kolbagan area opposite Daulatdia ferry terminal No. 7. Responding to a 999 call, a team from the Daulatdia River Police began a rescue operation using a trawler despite poor visibility. According to police sources, the rescue team, led by SI Mehedi Hasan Apurbo and ASI Ashok Dutta, reached the stranded launch around midnight with the help of artificial lighting. Passengers were safely transferred to trawlers and brought to the Daulatdia bus stand area. Officer-in-Charge Trinath Saha confirmed that no injuries or damage occurred during the incident. Authorities temporarily suspended all ferry and water transport operations on the Padma River due to the heavy fog. The Daulatdia River Police continued public announcements and maintained round-the-clock safety measures in the area.

A severe winter storm named Devin caused major travel disruptions across the United States on Friday, leading to the cancellation of 1,802 flights and delays to more than 22,000 others, according to Reuters. The storm struck during the Christmas holiday season, heavily affecting the northeastern region. The worst disruptions occurred at John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty, and LaGuardia airports, where more than half of all cancellations and delays were reported. JetBlue canceled 225 flights, Delta 212, Republic Airways 157, American Airlines 146, and United Airlines 97. Airline representatives said ticket change fees were waived for affected passengers. JetBlue reported canceling about 350 flights over two days, mostly in the northeastern United States. The storm also impacted Boston, Chicago, and Toronto in Canada. Authorities declared states of emergency in parts of New Jersey and New York as the National Weather Service forecast four to five inches of snow from New Jersey through southern Connecticut. By Friday evening, snowfall reached seven inches in New York’s Pawling and Wolcott and 6.5 inches in Waterbury, Connecticut, with snow, rain, and ice expected to continue into early Saturday.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that concerns over the upcoming election have subsided, though conspiracies remain active. He made the remarks on Saturday while speaking to journalists before visiting the grave of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi near Dhaka University. Fakhrul said Tarique Rahman demonstrated political wisdom by deciding to visit Hadi’s grave and would also pay respects at the tomb of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Responding to questions, Fakhrul noted that while conspiracies cannot be fully predicted, Tarique Rahman’s return to the country has largely dispelled election-related plots. He added that Rahman’s arrival has simplified the political equation and revived nationalist ideology within the party. According to him, nationalism remains the most suitable philosophy for the people’s liberation. Fakhrul further expressed optimism that Tarique Rahman’s leadership and new political plans would open a new direction for national politics and that he would achieve significant political success in the forthcoming election.

Two female students at Kolkata’s Jadavpur University have alleged that they were harassed for wearing hijabs during an English examination. According to the report, the head of the English department, Shashwati Haldar, ordered one student to remove her hijab in a crowded classroom after another student was found with a headphone. Despite the student’s denial, she was taken to another room and searched, but no prohibited items were found. A second hijab-wearing student faced similar treatment and was subjected to uncomfortable questions. Both students said the incident caused them to lose 15–20 minutes of exam time. Following the incident, fellow students staged a protest during the university convocation, holding posters reading “My Body My Choice” and “Say No to Islamophobia.” They also submitted a complaint to the vice-chancellor, condemning the selective search of only hijab-wearing students while others with hoodies and coats were not checked. The report described the event as part of a growing trend of Islamophobia in West Bengal, comparing it to incidents in other Indian states. The article also referenced a recent case in Bihar where a minister publicly removed a woman’s hijab, highlighting broader concerns about minority treatment in India.

China’s Foreign Ministry announced sanctions on 20 US defense companies and 10 executives on Friday, following the Trump administration’s approval of a record arms sale to Taiwan. The sanctions include freezing assets held in China and banning Chinese entities and individuals from conducting business with the targeted firms and persons. Earlier this month, the Trump administration approved eight new arms packages for Taiwan worth more than 11 billion dollars. Beijing condemned the move, calling Taiwan a core interest and the first red line in China-US relations that should not be crossed. The ministry stated that any provocative actions crossing this line would face a strong response from China. Beijing urged Washington to adhere to the One-China policy and the three joint communiqués, halt arms sales to Taiwan, and avoid undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

China announced sanctions on 20 US defense companies and 10 executives following the Trump administration’s approval of a record arms sale to Taiwan. The Chinese Foreign Ministry made the announcement on Friday, citing the sale of eight new weapons packages worth over 11 billion dollars. The sanctions include freezing assets of the targeted firms and individuals in China and prohibiting domestic entities from conducting business with them. Beijing condemned Washington’s decision, reiterating that the Taiwan issue lies at the core of China’s national interests and marks the first red line in China-US relations. The ministry emphasized that crossing this line would not be tolerated and warned of strong countermeasures against any provocative actions related to Taiwan. China also urged the United States to adhere to the One-China policy and the three joint communiqués, halt arms sales to Taiwan, and avoid undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to become a registered voter today, Saturday, at the Election Commission (EC) office in Agargaon, Dhaka. According to EC and BNP sources, he is expected to visit the EC between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. The voter registration form was completed on Friday using his Gulshan address. EC Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Ma’sud confirmed there is no legal barrier to his registration, noting that the EC can enroll any eligible citizen at any time. Sources from both the EC and BNP said Rahman may register using the address of his Gulshan residence ‘Firoza,’ though his birthplace Bogura is also under consideration. The final decision will be made before his photograph is taken. EC officials clarified that registering after the election schedule announcement is not unprecedented, citing previous cases including Sheikh Rehana in 2001 and Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar. Rahman returned to Bangladesh last Thursday after 17 years abroad. The 13th national election schedule was announced on December 11, with voting set for February 12 next year. To contest in the election, being a registered voter is mandatory.