Reports from Al Jazeera and BBC indicate that Israel has violated the Gaza ceasefire more than 600 times within 50 days since it was declared on October 10. Despite the truce, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have carried out extensive airstrikes, artillery attacks, and ground operations, destroying over 1,500 buildings and killing at least 357 Palestinians. The Gaza government’s media office reported that Israel conducted 164 shootings at civilians, crossed the ‘Yellow Line’ 25 times, and bombed residential areas 280 times. Additionally, 35 Palestinians were detained during this period. The ceasefire, agreed upon under a 20-point plan brokered by former U.S. President Donald Trump, was supposed to halt all military actions, including air and artillery strikes. However, humanitarian aid remains blocked, and destruction of homes and infrastructure continues across Gaza, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the ceasefire and the worsening humanitarian crisis.

BNP leader and lawyer Fazlur Rahman has submitted a written unconditional apology to the International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh in connection with a contempt of court case. The tribunal had earlier summoned him to appear in person on December 8 to explain his remarks made during a television talk show, where he questioned the legitimacy and impartiality of the tribunal’s formation and judges. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam confirmed the apology during a press briefing at the tribunal premises on December 3. The tribunal will hold a hearing on the matter on December 8. The contempt charge was filed on November 26 following Rahman’s comments, which were deemed derogatory toward the tribunal. This incident follows a similar case involving BNP leader Z I Khan Panna, who also sought unconditional apology for contempt allegations.

The Indian rupee has fallen to a historic low, crossing the 90 mark against the US dollar for the first time, reflecting mounting pressure on the country's currency amid global economic uncertainty. Analysts attribute the depreciation to a combination of factors including persistent foreign fund outflows, a strengthening US dollar, elevated crude oil prices, and concerns over India's widening trade deficit. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is closely monitoring the situation, though it has refrained from heavy intervention so far. A weaker rupee could make imports, especially energy and electronics, more expensive, potentially fueling inflationary pressures. However, exporters may benefit from improved competitiveness in global markets. Economists suggest that the rupee’s trajectory will depend on upcoming US Federal Reserve decisions, domestic inflation data, and capital flow trends. The government and RBI are expected to focus on maintaining macroeconomic stability while ensuring that currency volatility remains contained.

BNP Assistant International Affairs Secretary Rumin Farhana has alleged that a significant portion of Bangladesh’s administration is under the control of Jamaat-e-Islami. Speaking on a private television talk show, she claimed that Jamaat’s influence extends beyond the administration and police to universities, banks, and other institutions. Farhana sharply criticized Jamaat leader Shahjahan Chowdhury for his recent remarks, accusing him of displaying arrogance and suggesting undue control over legal and administrative processes. She argued that such statements reveal Jamaat’s attempts to exert dominance over state mechanisms. Farhana also commented on the current political atmosphere, saying that similar authoritarian tendencies seen over the past 15 years are now visible in some parties even before elections. She emphasized that fair elections require more than just the role of police or administration, highlighting the importance of government goodwill, political parties, candidates, and the Election Commission’s impartiality.

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers has introduced new proposals to require congressional approval before any potential military action by the Trump administration against Venezuela. Senators Tim Kaine, Chuck Schumer, Adam Schiff, and Rand Paul issued a joint statement warning that unauthorized military intervention would be a costly mistake risking American lives. The lawmakers plan to invoke the War Powers Resolution to ensure debate and voting in Congress before any use of US forces in or against Venezuela. In the House, Representatives Jim McGovern, Joaquin Castro, and Thomas Massie submitted a similar proposal. The move follows reports of at least 21 US-led strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific regions since September, allegedly targeting drug trafficking linked to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s government. Critics accuse Trump of bypassing constitutional requirements for congressional authorization of major military actions. Recent reports of possible violations of international law have prompted congressional committees to announce investigations into US operations in Venezuela.

Pakistan has dispatched 200 tons of humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka via sea after India denied permission to use its airspace. The aid is intended for victims of Cyclone Dithwar, which has caused a severe humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka, leaving at least 465 people dead and 366 missing. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared a state of emergency and appealed for international assistance. A farewell ceremony for the relief ship was held in Islamabad, attended by Pakistani officials and the Sri Lankan High Commissioner. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed condolences to the Sri Lankan president and reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the neighboring nation. Over 1.5 million people have been affected, and rescuers fear the death toll could rise as communication and power remain cut off in many areas. The cyclone, along with heavy monsoon rains, has also impacted parts of Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia, with total regional deaths exceeding 1,300. Experts attribute the intensifying storms to climate change.

The Bangladesh government has decided to ban the import of cloned, stolen, and refurbished mobile phones to curb illegal trade and protect the domestic device industry. The decision was made during a meeting involving the National Board of Revenue (NBR), the Ministry of Commerce, the Posts and Telecommunications Division, and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC). Migrant workers registered with the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) will be allowed to bring up to three phones tax-free, while others can bring two. The government also plans to significantly reduce import duties on legally imported smartphones, currently around 61%, to make them more affordable. Additionally, measures will be taken to align taxes on locally manufactured phones to prevent harm to foreign investments. The new National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system will take effect on December 16, ensuring only phones with valid IMEI numbers remain active. Authorities also warned citizens to use SIM cards registered in their own names to avoid cybercrime risks.

The United Nations has warned that the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire and could worsen as winter sets in. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the ongoing conflict continues to complicate relief efforts, with displacement rising in both Gaza and the occupied West Bank. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and its partners are increasing aid, particularly for children who have suffered greatly over the past two years. In preparation for winter, thousands of essential items such as shoes, clothes, blankets, and towels have been distributed, along with 160 tents and mental health support for thousands of children. The World Health Organization (WHO) has evacuated 18 patients and 54 companions for treatment abroad but says over 16,500 patients still need life-saving care outside Gaza. The UN has urged the opening of all border crossings and corridors to allow medical evacuations and ensure international medical teams can access Gaza freely.

Bangladesh’s Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin stated that the recent increase in edible oil prices by traders has no legal justification and was done without government approval. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Wednesday, he said the government learned about the price hike only half an hour before it was implemented. The adviser criticized the collective decision by companies to raise prices, calling it unacceptable. He noted that the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) recently purchased soybean and rice bran oil from these companies at prices about 20 taka lower than current market rates, questioning the rationale behind the hike. Bashiruddin assured that the government will discuss and determine appropriate actions, including possible legal measures if laws were violated. He emphasized that the government retains regulatory authority over traders and aims to maintain a stable supply chain, especially ahead of Ramadan. The adviser also mentioned that prices of sugar, lentils, and eggs have recently decreased, indicating positive market trends.

Twelve Israeli human rights organizations have jointly reported that 2025 has become the deadliest and most devastating year for Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank since 1967. The report claims Israel has intensified civilian killings, displacement, and blockades to unprecedented levels. Deaths in Gaza rose from about 36,000 in March 2024 to over 67,000 by October 2025, including more than 20,000 children and 10,000 women, with around 10,000 still missing under rubble. Over 1.7 lakh were injured, and 1.9 million people—nearly 90% of Gaza’s population—were displaced. At least 461 people, including 157 children, died from starvation. In the West Bank, settler violence and forced evictions surged, displacing nearly 3,000 people. Administrative detentions tripled, and 98 detainees reportedly died due to abuse and poor prison conditions. The organizations accused Israel of openly violating international law and erasing moral boundaries, warning that such actions undermine any claim of self-defense.

A major political controversy has erupted in Uttar Pradesh after police uncovered a sex racket operating from a flat linked to BJP leader Shalini Yadav in Varanasi. The apartment, registered under her husband Arun Yadav’s name, was raided Monday night in the Sigra area, leading to the detention of nine women and four men. Police stated that the operation was based on prior intelligence and that the flat had been used for illegal activities under the guise of a spa center. Locals claimed suspicious movements had been ongoing for months. Opposition parties have seized on the incident, accusing the Yogi Adityanath government of failing to maintain law and order and shielding wrongdoing under political influence. The BJP has distanced itself, calling it a personal matter, but the issue has caused discomfort within the party ahead of key political periods. Police are continuing their investigation and plan to question Shalini and Arun Yadav to determine their involvement.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has pledged to defend his country’s sovereignty and remain loyal to the people as tensions with the United States escalate over drug trafficking allegations. US President Donald Trump warned that Washington could launch a military operation against Venezuela at any time, following a series of attacks on suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific that left at least 83 people dead. Addressing members of the ruling PSUV party, Maduro reaffirmed his commitment to the legacy of former President Hugo Chávez and accused the US of attempting to overthrow him. Trump also threatened possible ground operations and advised that Venezuela should keep its airspace closed. The growing confrontation underscores the deepening diplomatic and military strain between Caracas and Washington, with both sides trading accusations of aggression and interference.

Students from the seven government colleges affiliated with Dhaka University have announced a new phase of protests demanding the issuance of an ordinance to establish the proposed Dhaka Central University. At a press conference held in front of Dhaka College on Wednesday, student leader Abdur Rahman declared that if the authorities fail to issue the ordinance by Saturday, students will begin a continuous sit-in in front of the Education Building from Sunday, December 7. Earlier in the day, students held demonstrations and blocked Mirpur Road for over two hours before announcing their next program. The government has already taken a policy decision to merge the seven colleges and form a new public university named Dhaka Central University, ending their affiliation with Dhaka University. Students argue that the delay in issuing the ordinance has created uncertainty and administrative complications, prompting them to continue their movement until the demand is met.

The Mexican Parliament has expressed eagerness to work with Bangladesh’s newly elected government, according to the Bangladesh Embassy in Mexico. The announcement was made during a ceremony on December 2, where the Mexico-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group was officially formed. Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Mexico, Mushfiqur Fazal Ansaree, attended the event and was invited to observe a parliamentary session. The Congress President, Kenia López Rabadán, formally introduced the friendship group, emphasizing bilateral cooperation. Ambassador Ansaree highlighted Bangladesh’s democratic progress, referencing the upcoming national election led by Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus and recalling the 2024 democratic uprising. Mexican lawmakers praised Bangladesh’s economic growth and textile industry, pledging to strengthen political, trade, and environmental collaboration. The event also marked 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Ambassadors from Jordan and Ivory Coast attended as guests, and the ceremony concluded with official signings and gift exchanges.

A new analysis by travel insurance company Compare the Market has identified Bangkok as the world's most dangerous city for tourists in terms of pickpocketing, scams, and theft. The study reviewed traveler reviews from over 75 major tourist destinations to rank cities based on reported incidents and perceived risks. Bangkok scored 83.45, topping the list, followed by Paris (68.81) and Prague (52.16). Shanghai ranked fourth due to its high rate of scams rather than thefts, while Agra, Rome, Pattaya, Phuket, Shenzhen, and Mumbai completed the top ten. The report highlights that both Asia and Europe dominate the risk rankings, with 24 Asian and 27 European cities appearing on the list. Analysts emphasize that while these cities remain popular for their culture and attractions, tourists should remain vigilant against petty crimes and fraudulent schemes to ensure safe travel experiences.