At least eight women were killed on Wednesday in a drone strike near Kadugli, the capital of Sudan’s South Kordofan state, as they attempted to flee the besieged city. Eyewitnesses told AFP that the attack occurred in Kurkal, about 15 kilometers north of Kadugli, an area under army control but surrounded for 18 months by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The city has become a new flashpoint in Sudan’s prolonged civil war. Following the RSF’s capture of the army’s last base in Darfur in October, the group shifted its focus to resource-rich Kordofan, a strategic link between army-held Khartoum and RSF-controlled western regions. Communications in the area remain cut off, and the UN recently declared famine in Kadugli. According to the World Food Programme, the humanitarian situation is “extremely dire,” with residents scavenging for food in forests and facing grave risks while trying to escape. The latest attack underscores the intensifying conflict and the growing civilian toll, as aid agencies warn that access and security conditions continue to deteriorate across Sudan’s war zones.

Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha, remains in extremely critical condition at Singapore General Hospital after sustaining a gunshot wound to the head. His brother Omar bin Hadi was allowed a brief visit on Thursday morning. Doctors report that Hadi suffered a massive heart attack and a spreading infection, further worsening his condition overnight. Dhaka Medical College neurosurgeon Dr. Abdul Ahad confirmed the deterioration, describing Hadi’s state as 'extremely critical.' The Chief Adviser’s Office issued a statement echoing that assessment and announced that a senior Foreign Ministry official has been dispatched to Singapore to coordinate with Hadi’s family, hospital authorities, and Singaporean officials. The government’s advisory council also held an unscheduled discussion on Hadi’s condition and the ongoing investigation into the attempted murder. Authorities are reviewing security measures and progress in identifying those responsible for the attack. Further updates are expected following consultations between Dhaka and Singapore medical teams.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami have finalized their candidates for seven parliamentary constituencies in North Chattogram ahead of the 13th national election. Following the political collapse of the Awami League after the 2024 July uprising and the flight of its top leaders, the region’s political landscape has shifted sharply. BNP has nominated new faces in five constituencies, while all Jamaat candidates are newcomers, signaling a generational and strategic reset. Historically a BNP stronghold, North Chattogram now sees Jamaat gaining organizational strength through early campaigning and consistent grassroots presence. In contrast, BNP faces internal divisions and delayed candidate announcements, leading to factional disputes and even threats of rebel candidacies. Analysts note that the direction of former Awami League voters could decisively shape outcomes. Local observers describe competitive races in Mirsharai, Fatikchhari, Sandwip, Sitakunda, Hathazari, Raozan, and Rangunia, where Islamist alliances and Hefazat-linked networks may also influence results. The evolving dynamics suggest a fragmented opposition contest, with Jamaat’s disciplined mobilization challenging BNP’s traditional dominance in the region.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur has directed that all depositors of five recently merged banks must receive their funds by the end of December 2025. The instruction came during the first board meeting of the newly formed Sammilit Islami Bank, which combines the five institutions under a single resolution framework. Mansur emphasized completing all procedural and technical preparations to ensure timely repayment and avoid disruptions. The meeting, chaired by Dr. Mohammad Ayub Mia, included senior government secretaries and Bangladesh Bank officials. The governor also ordered rapid integration of IT systems and the creation of a unified human resources policy to harmonize ranks, grades, and promotion structures across the merged banks. Customers will be allowed to withdraw funds using previously issued checks. The Sammilit Islami Bank is scheduled for formal inauguration in January 2026, but depositors are expected to receive their money beforehand. The board pledged to prioritize depositor protection and maintain transparency under Bangladesh Bank’s supervision.

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov has claimed that nearly 500,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed since the beginning of 2025. Speaking at a Defense Ministry meeting attended by President Vladimir Putin, Belousov asserted that Ukraine’s military capability has fallen by about one-third compared to last year. He added that the scale of losses has made it difficult for Kyiv to reorganize its forces. Belousov further stated that Ukraine has lost more than 103,000 pieces of military equipment this year, including 5,500 tanks and armored vehicles supplied by Western allies. He argued that the heavy casualties have discouraged civilians from joining the army, complicating Ukraine’s mobilization efforts. The remarks come amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict that began in 2022 after tensions over Crimea and Ukraine’s NATO aspirations. Western sources have not independently verified the Russian figures, and analysts caution that both sides often release conflicting casualty data for strategic reasons.

Real Madrid advanced to the Copa del Rey Round of 16 after a hard-fought 3–2 victory over third-division side Talavera, powered by a brace from Kylian Mbappé. Manager Xabi Alonso rotated his squad heavily, resting key players such as Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, and Aurélien Tchouaméni, while goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois remained unavailable. Despite the changes, Real managed to edge past their spirited opponents. Talavera fought back impressively after falling behind, leveling the score at 2–2 through goals from Nahuel Arroyo Majora and Gonzalo Di Renzo. However, Mbappé’s decisive second goal sealed the win for Los Blancos, with an own goal from Talavera contributing to Real’s tally. The match highlighted Real Madrid’s depth but also exposed defensive vulnerabilities against lower-tier opposition. The result ensures Real Madrid’s progression in the domestic cup, while Alonso’s rotation strategy will be closely watched as the team balances multiple competitions. Mbappé’s form continues to be a key factor as Real targets silverware across all fronts this season.

The United States has announced a temporary deployment of Air Force personnel to Ecuador’s Manta air base to support joint anti-narcotics operations with the Ecuadorian military. The move comes as Washington intensifies efforts to curb drug trafficking across Latin America, a region increasingly destabilized by cartel violence. The deployment revives a U.S. presence at Manta, which was used until 2009, despite Ecuadorian voters recently rejecting a proposal to lift the ban on foreign military bases. According to the U.S. Embassy in Quito, the mission is a short-term collaboration aimed at strengthening Ecuador’s intelligence and operational capacity against drug networks. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa welcomed the initiative, saying it would help “identify and destroy trafficking routes” and restore national security. Noboa, seen as a close ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump, faces mounting pressure to address escalating cartel violence. Ecuador, once one of South America’s safest nations, has become a major transit hub for cocaine from Colombia and Peru. Analysts warn that the U.S. deployment could draw political scrutiny amid rising U.S.-Venezuela tensions and domestic opposition to foreign military involvement.

Saudi Arabia has announced the cancellation of work permit (Iqama) fees for expatriate workers employed in licensed industrial establishments. The decision, approved under the chairmanship of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, follows recommendations from the Council of Economic and Development Affairs (CEDA). Officials said the move aims to strengthen the industrial sector and support sustainable economic diversification under Vision 2030. Industry and Mineral Resources Minister Bandar Al-Khorayef stated that waiving the fees will reduce operational costs for factories, attract quality investments, and encourage expansion and higher production. He added that the policy will enhance Saudi industries’ global competitiveness and reduce the kingdom’s reliance on oil revenues. The initiative is also expected to accelerate the adoption of automation, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing technologies. The decision comes as Saudi Arabia remains a major source of remittances for countries such as Pakistan, which received $753 million in November 2025. Analysts view the policy as a strategic step toward a more diversified, technology-driven industrial economy.

Several Bangladeshi expatriates have been detained in Saudi Arabia for organizing political gatherings related to Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national election without official permission. The Embassy of Bangladesh in Riyadh confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Wednesday night, urging all expatriates to refrain from political activities in the kingdom. According to the embassy, the detainees allegedly rented halls, restaurants, and private residences to hold meetings under the banners of unauthorized organizations. Saudi authorities acted after reports of group campaigning and the spread of misleading or criminal content on social media. The embassy reminded Bangladeshis to strictly follow Saudi laws and avoid any form of political assembly or online misinformation. The incident highlights the sensitivity of political activities among expatriate communities in Saudi Arabia, where public gatherings and foreign political campaigns are tightly regulated. The embassy’s advisory aims to prevent further detentions and maintain compliance with local regulations ahead of Bangladesh’s election season.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has filed a lawsuit against the Nobel Committee, challenging its decision to award the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado. The legal complaint demands that the Nobel Foundation halt the disbursement of the prize money, reportedly exceeding one million dollars. Assange argues that Machado’s public support for former U.S. President Donald Trump’s military stance and sanctions against Venezuela contradicts the fundamental principles of the Peace Prize. In his submission, Assange cited Alfred Nobel’s will, which stipulates that the Peace Prize should honor individuals who promote fraternity among nations and work toward disarmament and peace conferences. He contends that Machado’s endorsement of coercive measures undermines these ideals. The lawsuit has sparked debate among human rights advocates and political observers about the interpretation of Nobel’s legacy. The Nobel Foundation has yet to issue an official response. Legal experts note that while challenges to Nobel decisions are rare, this case could test the boundaries of the committee’s discretion and the moral criteria underpinning the award.

An assassination attempt on Sharif Osman Hadi, convener of the Inquilab Mancha and a prominent youth leader of Bangladesh’s July uprising, has intensified political tensions in Dhaka. Hadi, known for his anti-fascist activism and cultural mobilization, was targeted in what observers describe as a politically motivated attack aimed at silencing dissenting voices and intimidating election candidates. The incident occurred shortly after the election schedule was announced, raising fears of renewed violence and instability. Investigative outlet The Descent identified the attackers as members of the banned student wing linked to the former ruling Awami League. Reports suggest the assailants fled to India within 24 hours, fueling allegations of cross-border complicity. Critics accuse pro-Delhi networks of seeking to destabilize Bangladesh’s fragile post-Hasina transition and derail upcoming elections. Political parties have condemned the attack and discussed joint protests, though divisions remain over how to confront alleged external interference. Analysts warn that failure to restore law enforcement credibility and political unity could embolden extremist elements. The attack underscores the volatile intersection of domestic power struggles and regional geopolitics shaping Bangladesh’s democratic trajectory.

A tweet by retired Indian Army officer Colonel (Retd.) Ajay K. Rayna has triggered widespread criticism and concern across social media in both India and Bangladesh. In his post, Rayna allegedly suggested that Bangladeshi political figure Hasnat Abdullah could be the next 'target' after Osman Hadi, a spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha who was recently attacked. The tweet also contained violent language, which many interpreted as an explicit threat. Following the post, Bangladeshi media personalities and commentators condemned the statement, calling it a direct incitement to violence against political actors in Bangladesh. Some analysts questioned whether the message was linked to the recent assault on Hadi. Despite the uproar, Rayna has not issued a formal clarification. In a brief media comment, he dismissed the controversy, saying people were being overly sensitive about social media posts and advised Bangladesh not to overreact to Indian security matters. Observers warn that such rhetoric could strain diplomatic relations and fuel online hostility between the two neighboring countries if not addressed promptly.

Bangladesh’s interim government has firmly dismissed India’s recent comments on its upcoming national elections, saying Dhaka will not accept any ‘advice’ from New Delhi. Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain stated that Bangladesh knows best how to conduct its own polls and criticized India for remaining silent during the previous 15 years of flawed elections. His remarks followed a series of diplomatic summons between the two neighbors, triggered by mutual concerns over security and political interference. India summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner in New Delhi to express concern over what it described as a deteriorating security situation and threats to its missions in Dhaka. Earlier, Bangladesh had summoned the Indian envoy to protest alleged incitement by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who remains in India after being sentenced to death for war crimes. The closure of Indian visa centers in Dhaka and accusations of harboring extremists have further strained ties. Observers note that the escalating rhetoric could complicate regional cooperation and election monitoring efforts. Both sides, however, have reiterated their commitment to maintaining diplomatic communication despite the current friction.

A violent altercation broke out in Mexico’s Congress during a heated session when lawmakers from the opposition National Action Party (PAN) and the ruling Morena party clashed over a proposed law. Video footage circulating on social media showed several female legislators shoving, pulling hair, and striking one another near the podium after PAN members refused to vacate it. The confrontation escalated despite attempts by some members to restore order. According to reports, the dispute began when PAN lawmakers occupied the podium in protest against the proposed legislation, prompting Morena members to forcibly remove them. Both parties later condemned the violence while blaming each other for the incident. PAN spokesperson Andrés Atayde claimed his party had been demonstrating peacefully, while Morena’s Paulo García accused the opposition of avoiding debate and resorting to aggression. The incident has sparked public criticism and renewed debate about decorum and accountability in Mexico’s legislature. Analysts warn that repeated displays of hostility could further erode public trust in political institutions ahead of upcoming national elections.

Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police (DB) have revealed possible links between Faisal Karim Masud, the prime suspect in the shooting of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, and multiple professional shooters as well as underworld networks. Investigators recovered a motorcycle, helmet, and fake license plate used in the attack from a residential area in Agargaon, tracing the vehicle through eight ownership transfers before it was allegedly purchased using a fake identity. Authorities said Faisal’s parents were detained in Keraniganj but denied knowledge of his whereabouts, though they admitted he had contact with former home minister and banned Awami League leader Nanak. The DB continues efforts to arrest Faisal and his associate Alamgir, while a court granted three-day remand for a suspect accused of aiding Faisal’s escape. The attack, which occurred on December 11 following the announcement of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election schedule, is being investigated as part of a broader plot to destabilize the country and intimidate candidates ahead of the polls.