At least 23 Afghan Taliban soldiers were killed in cross-border attacks by Pakistani forces over the past two days, according to a report by Pakistan’s The News on Sunday, December 7. The clashes occurred near the Chaman border in Balochistan, where Pakistani troops reportedly responded to gunfire from Afghan forces who allegedly violated a ceasefire late Friday night in the Zaman sector. Sources cited by the report said the exchange began with small arms fire and escalated to heavy weaponry, including rockets and artillery, lasting around 45 minutes. Three Afghan border posts were reportedly destroyed. Pakistani sources claimed precision weapons were used to avoid civilian casualties, though Afghan troops later moved into populated areas, prompting further retaliatory fire. The incident underscores the fragile security situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan frontier, where tensions have grown since the Taliban’s return to power. Both sides have accused each other of ceasefire violations, raising concerns about potential escalation and civilian safety in border communities.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has urged party members and the public to stay alert against fake Facebook accounts operating under his name. In an official statement, he clarified that he has never opened a Facebook account and that any posts or comments attributed to him on such pages are entirely fabricated. Rizvi stated that unidentified groups have been spreading false statements through these accounts, misleading the public and tarnishing his reputation. He mentioned that he had previously filed a general diary with the police and informed the media about the issue. The BNP leader also requested the authorities and Facebook to take immediate action to close the fake accounts. He further appealed to his party colleagues and citizens not to be misled by any content shared from these fraudulent profiles, emphasizing the need for vigilance against misinformation on social media platforms.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Education has released a new ‘Private Educational Institutions (School and College) Manpower Structure and MPO Policy 2025’, introducing major changes for non-government schools and colleges. The policy, published Sunday by the Secondary and Higher Education Division, allows inclusion of honors and master’s level teachers under the Monthly Pay Order (MPO) scheme and revises institutional eligibility indicators. Each class must now have at least 55 students for MPO consideration. Deputy Secretary Syed A.Z. Morshed Ali said the policy updates BEd scale eligibility, permitting teachers with degrees from private institutions affiliated with the National University or University Grants Commission to receive the benefit. The policy also formally abolishes the senior lecturer post and consolidates earlier amendments. Clause 24 emphasizes professional ethics, prohibiting coaching business and notebook dependency among MPO teachers. Education stakeholders view the reforms as a step toward standardizing teacher qualifications and institutional accountability. Implementation is expected in 2025, with monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance and quality improvement across private education institutions.

Japan and Australia have announced a new 'Strategic Defense Coordination Framework' following a high-level meeting in Tokyo, aiming to deepen defense and security cooperation in response to China's growing military activities in the region. The initiative comes just a day after Japan accused Chinese fighter jets of targeting its aircraft with fire-control radar near Okinawa, prompting an official protest from Tokyo. Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and his Australian counterpart Richard Marles said the framework will institutionalize annual meetings among defense, military, and intelligence officials. Cooperation will extend across cyber defense, space, logistics, and supply-chain management. Both ministers emphasized a 'firm but restrained' approach to maintaining regional stability amid China's assertive posture. Relations between Japan and China have deteriorated sharply, particularly after remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Taiwan’s security implications. Analysts say the new Japan-Australia alignment signals a broader regional effort to counterbalance Beijing’s influence and ensure freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific.

The Trump administration’s newly released 33-page national security strategy has drawn contrasting global reactions, with Moscow praising it as aligned with Russia’s worldview while European leaders express deep concern. The document downplays Russia as a major threat to the United States, instead emphasizing curbing foreign influence, reducing immigration, and opposing EU censorship and regulatory controls. European Union officials have criticized the strategy’s tone, warning that it echoes Kremlin narratives and could weaken Washington’s stance on the Ukraine war. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul argued that issues like freedom of expression should not be part of a security doctrine, while Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reminded that “Europe is your closest ally, not a problem.” In Washington, Democratic lawmakers cautioned that the plan could destabilize US foreign policy. The strategy also calls for increased defense spending by Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Taiwan, and even contemplates military action in Venezuela, signaling a broader “America First” reorientation of US global engagement.

Real Madrid endured their first home defeat of the season at Santiago Bernabéu, losing 2–0 to Celta Vigo in a chaotic La Liga match marked by three red cards. Despite dominating the first half and missing several scoring chances, Madrid fell behind early in the second half when Williot Swedberg opened the scoring for Celta. The situation worsened as Fran García received a second yellow card in the 64th minute, followed by late dismissals for Álvaro Carreras and substitute Endrick, who was sent off for arguing with the referee. Coach Xabi Alonso also received a yellow card amid growing frustration. Swedberg sealed the win with a stoppage-time goal against a nine-man Madrid side. The loss was Real Madrid’s second in La Liga this season, widening the gap with leaders Barcelona to four points. With Villarreal close behind and a game in hand, Madrid face renewed pressure to stabilize their campaign before their next fixture.

Bangladesh’s Primary and Mass Education Adviser Professor Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar announced that promotions for around 32,000 assistant teachers remain suspended because of a pending court case. Speaking to reporters after inspecting several schools in Kutubdia, Cox’s Bazar, he said that although thousands of schools lack head teachers, the government cannot proceed with promotions until the legal dispute is resolved. He assured that efforts are underway to settle the matter, which could unlock multiple administrative bottlenecks within the primary education system. The adviser also highlighted acute teacher shortages in remote and island areas such as Kutubdia. He stated that new recruitment drives will be launched to address staffing gaps in these regions, ensuring that isolated schools receive adequate teaching personnel. Local education officials accompanied him during the visit, emphasizing the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and staffing in under-resourced schools. The resolution of the court case is expected to significantly impact teacher morale and school management nationwide, potentially reshaping the promotion process within Bangladesh’s primary education sector.

Bollywood filmmaker Vikram Bhatt has been arrested by Rajasthan Police on charges of financial fraud amounting to ₹30 crore. The arrest took place in Mumbai’s Bandra area at the residence of his sister-in-law, following a joint police operation. The case stems from a complaint filed by Dr. Ajay Murdia, a prominent IVF specialist and founder of Indira IVF, who accused Bhatt and his wife Shwetambari of misappropriating funds. According to the complaint lodged at Udaipur’s Bhupalpura police station, Dr. Murdia had invested around ₹30 crore in several of Bhatt’s film projects, including a proposed biopic on Murdia’s wife. The doctor alleges that Bhatt failed to deliver any of the promised work and did not return the invested money. Police had earlier issued a lookout notice against the couple and restricted their international travel. Authorities stated that Bhatt will be presented before a Bandra court for a transit remand to facilitate his transfer to Udaipur. The arrest has sparked widespread discussion in the Indian entertainment industry about financial accountability in film financing.

Students from Dhaka’s seven government colleges continued their sit-in late into Sunday night in front of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education on Abdul Gani Road. They are demanding immediate issuance of the ordinance for the proposed Dhaka Central University, which would transform their colleges into a unified university structure. The protest began around 1 p.m. with processions from each college converging at the Education Bhaban. Although the students lifted their blockade at the High Court intersection in the evening to ease public suffering, they maintained their presence outside the building. Representatives said the movement would continue until the ordinance is officially issued. The proposed ordinance, published on September 24 by the Education Ministry, suggests reorganizing the seven colleges into four interdisciplinary schools while retaining higher secondary programs. Teachers and education cadre officials have expressed concerns about losing autonomy and promotion rights, while some students support swift approval. The ministry has acknowledged ongoing revisions to the draft, noting the process will take time.

At least 35 people were injured in a series of violent clashes between rival factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) during campaign activities in Gazipur-1 constituency on Sunday evening. The incidents occurred in three separate areas—Rakhaliychala, Chandra Polli Bidyut, and Matikata Rail Crossing—where motorcycles were also set on fire. Injured supporters were admitted to local clinics and health complexes. According to witnesses and party sources, the violence broke out when supporters of BNP-nominated candidate and former mayor Mojibur Rahman were allegedly attacked by followers of Barrister Ishraq Ahmed Siddiqi, who was denied nomination. Mojibur Rahman accused Ishraq’s supporters of launching an unprovoked assault and burning 11 motorcycles. However, Ishraq’s local coordinator Nurul Islam Sikder denied the allegations, claiming Rahman’s men initiated the attack. The clashes have heightened tensions within the BNP ahead of the upcoming 13th national election, raising concerns about internal divisions and security risks during the campaign period.

A seven-year-old boy and his mother were arrested in Chattogram on kidnapping charges, sending shockwaves through the local court and police departments. The arrest followed a complaint filed by a woman whose four-year-old son went missing from Chattogram Medical College Hospital in April. Police detained the child and his mother from the city’s Soloshahar area and presented them before court, which ordered the mother to jail and the child to a juvenile development center in Tongi. Legal experts and rights activists quickly pointed out that under Bangladesh’s Children Act, no child under nine can be treated as an accused. Following this revelation, the prosecution sought bail for the child, which the court granted on Sunday. Chattogram Metropolitan Police officials said they are reviewing the incident and will take corrective measures if procedural errors are confirmed. The case has reignited debate over the handling of minors in the justice system, highlighting gaps in police training and child protection protocols. Authorities are now under pressure to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents.

Brazil claimed their first-ever FIFA Women's Futsal World Cup title after defeating Portugal 3–0 in the final held at the PhilSports Arena in Manila, Philippines, on Sunday, December 7. The victory marked a historic moment for the Seleção women, who remained unbeaten throughout the tournament. Emily Marcondes opened the scoring in the 10th minute, followed by Amanda Lisa de Oliveira’s strike in the 23rd minute, and Débora Vanin sealed the win with a third goal in the 38th minute. Marcondes also won the Golden Boot with seven goals. Portugal’s Ana Catarina was named Best Goalkeeper, while Brazil received the Fair Play Award. Spain finished third after defeating Argentina in the playoff. The 16-nation tournament was the first official FIFA Women's Futsal World Cup, signaling a major milestone for women’s futsal globally. Brazil’s triumph adds to their impressive record, which already includes multiple continental and invitational titles, reinforcing their dominance in the sport.

A local leader of the Weavers’ League, Amzad Hossain, 35, died on Sunday afternoon after being crushed by a collapsing wall during the demolition of an old building in Tekghonapara, Rajakhali Union, Pekua upazila of Cox’s Bazar. The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. while Amzad and several other workers were dismantling a brick structure at a landlord’s property. According to witnesses, a section of the wall suddenly collapsed, trapping Amzad beneath the debris. Fellow workers and residents rescued him and rushed him to Pekua Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. Amzad, son of the late Shofiul Alam, was a construction worker and an active member of the Rajakhali Union Weavers’ League. He leaves behind two children. Local union council member Golam Rahman confirmed the incident, while Weavers’ League secretary Junaid expressed grief, calling it a tragic loss for the organization. Authorities are expected to review safety practices at local demolition sites following the fatal accident.

The Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) has transferred the Officers-in-Charge (OCs) of all 12 police stations under its jurisdiction through a lottery system, as part of preparations for the upcoming national parliamentary election. The order, signed by RMP Commissioner Dr. Md. Zillur Rahman on Sunday, December 7, takes immediate effect. The reshuffle affects key police stations including Boalia Model, Motihar, Rajpara, and others. According to RMP spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Gaziur Rahman, the decision aims to strengthen law and order, ensure neutrality, and enhance operational efficiency during the election period. The use of a lottery system for assigning new OCs was intended to maintain transparency and minimize allegations of favoritism or political influence in police postings. The reshuffle is part of a broader nationwide effort to ensure impartial policing ahead of the polls. Observers note that such administrative changes are common before major elections in Bangladesh, as authorities seek to reinforce public trust and prevent local-level bias in law enforcement.

In Chandpur’s Baburhat area, a seventy-year-old woman named Momtaz Begum moved many by donating her lifelong savings to Sheikh Farid Ahmed Manik, the BNP candidate for Chandpur-3 constituency. During a courtyard meeting in support of the opposition candidate, she handed over bundles of ten- and twenty-taka notes, requesting that the money be used for election expenses. Witnesses described the moment as deeply emotional, with many attendees visibly touched by her gesture. Momtaz Begum said she had saved the money over many years and hoped it would help improve her community. Sheikh Farid expressed gratitude, calling the act a symbol of people’s trust and love, and pledged to remain committed to public service. Local residents and party supporters praised the woman’s sacrifice as a reflection of grassroots faith in leadership. The story quickly spread across social media, sparking widespread discussion about citizen engagement and the emotional connection between voters and political candidates in Bangladesh’s upcoming national elections.