The United States has launched a large-scale military operation in Syria targeting Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) positions. President Donald Trump announced the strikes on his Truth Social platform, describing them as a retaliatory response to the killing of two American soldiers and an interpreter in Palmyra last week. The campaign involves airstrikes, helicopter assaults, and artillery fire across central Syria. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), more than 70 targets were hit using over 100 precision-guided munitions, with aircraft from Jordan participating in the mission. CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper stated that the US will continue its relentless fight against terrorists threatening American forces and allies. Syria’s foreign ministry reaffirmed its commitment to combating ISIS and invited international partners to support the effort. Analysts suggest the renewed offensive signals Washington’s intent to reassert its counterterrorism presence in the region. The cooperation of Syria’s new government could mark a shift in regional dynamics, though risks of escalation remain high as ISIS cells persist in desert areas.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman returned to Dhaka early from his London trip to pay respects to the late Osman Hadi. Upon arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Saturday morning, he went directly to the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, where Hadi’s body was kept. Senior party leaders, including Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar and central executive member Md. Mobarak Hossain, accompanied him. At the hospital, Dr. Rahman met Hadi’s two elder brothers, offering condolences and prayers for the departed soul. The party chief led a collective prayer seeking divine acceptance of Hadi’s martyrdom. Later in the day, Jamaat leaders planned to attend Hadi’s funeral prayer at the South Plaza of the National Parliament complex at 2 p.m. The information was shared through a Facebook post by Secretary General Porwar. The visit underscores Jamaat’s continued emphasis on honoring deceased members and maintaining unity among its leadership during politically sensitive times.

In Dinajpur’s Chirirbandar upazila, around 10,000 residents of Satnala and Akodihi unions continue to rely on a 250-foot bamboo bridge over the Ichamati River for daily travel. The makeshift structure, built and repaired repeatedly by locals, remains the only link between markets, schools, and villages. Despite repeated pledges from political leaders before every election, no permanent bridge has been constructed in the 54 years since independence. Local farmers, students, and traders say the bamboo bridge poses severe safety risks, especially during the monsoon when rising water and debris often damage it. Residents like schoolteacher Rezaul Islam and farmer Mokbul Hossain expressed frustration at the unfulfilled promises, noting increased transport costs and long detours. Union Parishad Chairman Enamul Haque Shah acknowledged the hardship and said he is in contact with authorities to expedite a permanent bridge project. The continued neglect highlights rural infrastructure disparities and voter disillusionment. Locals hope that renewed attention from authorities will finally bring lasting relief to the community.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia will not engage in any new wars after Ukraine if Western nations respect Moscow’s interests. Speaking during a televised interview on Friday, Putin dismissed allegations that Russia intends to attack European countries, calling such claims baseless. He emphasized that mutual respect between Russia and the West could prevent further military conflicts. Earlier this month, Putin reiterated that Russia has no plans to go to war with Europe, but warned that his country remains ready if provoked. He also conditioned peace on NATO refraining from what he described as deceptive eastern expansion. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials reported that a Russian missile strike in the southern Odesa region killed seven people and injured fifteen others, underscoring the ongoing toll of the conflict that began in February 2022. Analysts suggest Putin’s remarks aim to project a defensive posture while maintaining pressure on NATO and Western governments. The statement comes amid continued international scrutiny of Russia’s military actions and diplomatic isolation.

The Surma and Kushiyara rivers flowing through Jakiganj in Sylhet are facing an alarming navigability crisis, with water levels dropping drastically during the dry season. Once vibrant waterways supporting transport and fisheries, the rivers have now turned into nearly dry beds, disrupting navigation and local water use. Residents report that once-thriving aquatic life and river-based livelihoods are disappearing as the rivers lose their natural flow. Experts attribute the deterioration to upstream water flow disruptions, excessive siltation, unplanned encroachments, and the impacts of climate change. The resulting water scarcity has intensified pressure on groundwater, threatening long-term water security and agricultural productivity. Fish breeding has declined sharply, endangering local biodiversity and the income of fishing communities. Pollution has worsened as reduced water volume concentrates industrial and urban waste. Officials from the Water Development Board say dredging and integrated river management plans are being prepared to restore flow and navigability. Environmentalists warn that without urgent, coordinated action, the Surma–Kushiyara system could face irreversible ecological and socio-economic damage.

Four Pakistani soldiers were killed in a terrorist attack on a security forces camp in North Waziristan’s Boa area, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed on Friday. Militants identified as members of the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred to locally as 'Fitna al-Khariji,' launched the assault using an explosives-laden vehicle after failing to breach the camp’s outer defenses. The explosion caused the collapse of the camp’s wall, damaging a nearby mosque and civilian infrastructure. Fifteen civilians, including women and children, were seriously injured. The ISPR named the fallen soldiers and stated that the attackers were allegedly supported from across the Afghan border. Pakistan urged the Taliban-led Afghan government to prevent its territory from being used by anti-Pakistan militants. The incident underscores ongoing cross-border security tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, as Islamabad continues to face escalating militant violence in its northwestern tribal regions. Analysts warn that failure to curb such attacks could further strain bilateral relations and destabilize the border areas.

Bangladesh has been gripped by grief and anger following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha and a prominent figure in the July Revolution. Hadi, who was shot in Dhaka on December 12, succumbed to his injuries at Singapore General Hospital on Thursday night. His body was flown to Dhaka on Friday evening, with a state funeral scheduled at the South Plaza of the National Parliament before burial beside poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s grave at Dhaka University. The government declared a day of national mourning, lowering flags at all public institutions and missions abroad. Thousands took to the streets across major cities, including Dhaka, Chattogram, and Rajshahi, chanting anti-government and anti-Indian slogans. Some protests turned violent, with attacks on political offices and media houses. Interim authorities urged citizens to resist extremist violence and maintain calm during the country’s ongoing democratic transition. Analysts warn that Hadi’s assassination could further inflame political tensions ahead of the upcoming national elections, testing the interim government’s ability to preserve order and public trust.

The death of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho and parliamentary candidate for Dhaka-8, has plunged Nalchity’s Khasmahal area into mourning. Hadi, who was injured by gunfire during his election campaign, died Thursday night in Singapore while undergoing treatment. Since the news broke, residents, political leaders, and activists have gathered at his ancestral home to pay respects and demand justice. Local leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami, BNP, and other parties have called for Hadi’s killers to be arrested within 24 hours and for him to be declared a national hero. Demonstrations and road blockades erupted across Barishal and Jhalokathi, with protesters burning tires and chanting slogans against political violence. Family members said they would accept any state decision regarding his burial but urged that Hadi’s legacy be preserved. Hadi, born in 1993 in Nalchity, was a university teacher and a key organizer of the anti-discrimination student movement. His death has sparked renewed debate over political violence and the safety of electoral candidates in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh authorities enforced an extensive security operation across Dhaka on Friday as the body of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi arrived from Singapore. Police, RAB, BGB, Ansar, APBn, and army units jointly established a four-tier security ring around Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and key city points. Additional checkpoints, armored vehicles, and surveillance drones were deployed to prevent any unrest as thousands of mourners gathered across the capital. Officials from Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) confirmed that intelligence and plainclothes teams were monitoring public gatherings and social media to detect misinformation or provocation. The DMP spokesperson said there was no specific threat but emphasized the need for heightened vigilance to ensure public safety. The body was taken to the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases under restricted access and BGB protection. Authorities stated the security plan aimed to maintain peace during public mourning and prevent any group from exploiting the situation. The enhanced measures are expected to remain in place through the upcoming election period.

Nazmul Hasan Nahid, the central organizer of the National Youth Power, the youth wing of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has resigned following a show-cause notice issued against him. On Friday night, Nahid announced on Facebook that he was voluntarily withdrawing from all political activities of the NCP, citing a lack of respect within the organization. His resignation came hours after receiving the notice that questioned his conduct and coordination in forming the Debidwar upazila committee. The show-cause notice, signed by Joint Member Secretary (Office) Asadur Rahman on December 19, accused Nahid of poor coordination, unprofessional behavior, and actions that allegedly disrupted party discipline and tarnished its image. He was instructed to submit a written explanation within 24 hours to the party’s convenor and member secretary. Party officials have not yet commented on his resignation, and attempts to reach Nahid for clarification were unsuccessful. The incident highlights ongoing internal tensions within the NCP’s youth wing, raising questions about leadership accountability and organizational discipline ahead of upcoming local political activities.

New Zealand’s top order dominated the second day of the Mount Maunganui Test against West Indies, with opener Devon Conway converting his overnight century into a commanding double hundred. Conway’s 227 off 367 balls, featuring 31 boundaries, anchored the innings as New Zealand declared at 575 for eight. Tom Latham added 137, while Rachin Ravindra remained unbeaten on 72, ensuring the hosts built a formidable first-innings total. West Indies’ bowlers struggled to contain the Kiwi batsmen, with Jayden Seales, Anderson Phillip, and Justin Greaves each taking two wickets. In response, the Caribbean side made a strong start, reaching 110 without loss at stumps. Brandon King (55*) and John Campbell (45*) held firm, though their team still trails by 465 runs. The match remains tilted heavily in New Zealand’s favor, with the visitors needing a massive effort to avoid a follow-on. The third day’s play will be crucial as West Indies aim to build partnerships and reduce the deficit on a batting-friendly Bay Oval pitch.

Police in Ramganj, Lakshmipur, have arrested Mohammad Abul Khayer Bhuiyan, president of the Lamchar Union Awami League, a local branch of the ruling party. The arrest took place on Friday evening, December 19, 2025, at his residence in Lamchar village as part of a police operation named 'Devil Hunt'. Authorities confirmed that the organization’s activities had been previously banned in the area. Officer-in-Charge Md. Firoz Uddin Chowdhury of Ramganj Police Station confirmed the arrest, stating that Bhuiyan faces multiple cases, including two earlier ones filed at the same station. He added that legal procedures are underway and the accused will be presented before court on Saturday. The arrest is part of a broader crackdown on banned or irregular political activities in the district. Local observers note that the operation reflects growing law enforcement efforts to maintain political order ahead of upcoming local administrative reviews.

Bangladesh’s national political leaders have expressed deep sorrow over the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho and a potential parliamentary candidate for Dhaka-8. In a joint statement issued Friday, leaders from multiple alliances including Ganatantra Moncho, Democratic Reform Alliance, and Liberal Democratic Party described Hadi as a fearless and patriotic leader who fought for a humane and democratic Bangladesh until his final days. The statement also condemned recent attacks on media outlets such as Prothom Alo, The Daily Star, and cultural group Chhayanaut, calling them part of a wider conspiracy against democratic values. Leaders demanded immediate arrest of Hadi’s killers, investigation into the murder, and prosecution of those responsible. They further criticized the interim government for failing to manage the crisis effectively, alleging that inconsistent official statements had worsened the situation. In addition, the leaders denounced the killing of a Hindu man in Mymensingh, urging swift legal action. They emphasized that Hadi’s vision of social harmony and democratic transformation must continue beyond his death.

India has reiterated that it will not interfere in Bangladesh’s internal political affairs, even as it closely monitors the country’s evolving situation. The statement came from the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, which emphasized that both nations’ senior officials recognize the fluid and developing nature of Bangladesh’s current political climate. The High Commission’s spokesperson noted that post-uprising periods in any country often bring unforeseen and tragic consequences, citing the recent killing of young political leader Sharif Osman Hadi as an example. The statement underscored India’s commitment to non-interference, asserting that New Delhi remains attentive but refrains from engaging in Bangladesh’s domestic political processes. Meanwhile, some protest groups in Bangladesh have accused India of sheltering members of the previous government, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who faces a death sentence. These allegations have added tension to bilateral perceptions, though India has not publicly responded to the claims.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has alleged that the recent wave of violent attacks, including the killing of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Osman Sharif, is part of a conspiracy to destabilize the country and derail the upcoming national election. Following an emergency meeting at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir condemned the killing and urged the government to immediately arrest and prosecute those responsible. Alamgir also denounced subsequent attacks on newspaper offices, journalists, and cultural institutions, describing them as deliberate attempts to push the country into chaos. He accused a 'well-known group' of trying to reintroduce fascism under the government’s watch, while criticizing authorities for failing to maintain order. The BNP called for unity among all democratic and anti-anarchy forces to resist such conspiracies. Political analysts note that the incident and BNP’s strong rhetoric could heighten political tensions ahead of the election. The government has yet to issue a detailed response, though pressure is mounting domestically and internationally for accountability and stability.