Recent analysis by Dr. Saurabh Shetty, a Harvard-trained physician, suggests that regular consumption of onion and garlic may help reduce cancer risk and strengthen the immune system. Both belong to the allium family and contain organosulfur compounds such as allicin, diallyl sulfide, and diallyl disulfide, which may inhibit tumor growth and support liver detoxification. Dr. Shetty emphasizes that allowing crushed or chopped garlic to rest for at least 10 minutes before cooking activates allicin, enhancing its health benefits. These foods also nourish beneficial gut bacteria, improve intestinal health, and provide antioxidants that protect cells from damage. The American Institute for Cancer Research has listed garlic as a ‘food that fights cancer,’ while the British Journal of Cancer reports that onions and garlic may lower the risk of prostate, stomach, colon, esophageal, and breast cancers.

Three senior leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) visited BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on Saturday morning to check on her health condition. The delegation, comprising Dr. Tasnim Jara, Nasiruddin Patwari, and Hasnat Abdullah, spoke with doctors about Khaleda Zia’s ongoing treatment. The former prime minister has been under intensive care since Thursday after being admitted to the hospital on November 23 due to a deterioration in her health. Several BNP leaders have also been visiting her regularly to monitor her condition. Legal adviser Asif Nazrul and special assistant Monir Haidar visited the hospital earlier following instructions from the party’s chief adviser. Khaleda Zia, who has long been suffering from multiple health complications, remains under close medical supervision.

The Israeli military has claimed responsibility for killing nine Palestinian fighters inside a tunnel in Rafah, southern Gaza, according to a statement released on Friday. The army further alleged that over 30 militants attempting to flee from underground structures in eastern Rafah have been killed so far. Hamas has not yet commented on the Israeli claims. Israeli media recently reported that around 200 Hamas fighters remain trapped in a tunnel in Rafah, though Tel Aviv has not responded to mediation efforts by Hamas and international intermediaries to allow their safe evacuation. Rafah remains under Israeli military control. The incident comes amid a fragile ceasefire deal brokered by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, which includes prisoner exchanges and plans for Gaza’s reconstruction under a new administrative framework excluding Hamas. Since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, Israeli operations in Gaza have reportedly killed around 70,000 people, mostly women and children, and injured more than 170,000 others.

A Chilean national, Mario Bustamante Leiva, 50, has admitted to stealing a Gucci purse belonging to US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem at a Washington, D.C. restaurant. The stolen bag contained Noem’s ID, passport, badge, and $3,000 in cash. Leiva, who has prior convictions for theft in both Chile and the United Kingdom, also confessed to stealing from two other women in April—one from Spain and another from Massachusetts. According to his plea agreement, Leiva pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud and one count of first-degree theft. He has been in custody since his arrest in April and is scheduled for sentencing in March. Upon completion of his sentence, he will be subject to deportation from the United States. Authorities said Leiva used Noem’s stolen credit card at a Georgetown restaurant before being apprehended. His criminal record includes multiple theft convictions dating back to 1995.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh organized a mock voting exercise in Dhaka on Saturday to prepare for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and the national referendum, both scheduled to be held on the same day. The mock voting took place at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Government High School from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., allowing 510 registered male and female voters to participate. EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed stated that the exercise aimed to enhance efficiency and ensure smooth management of the actual election process. The simulation replicated real election conditions, including polling officers, agents, and voters, though the ballot papers contained no party names, candidates, or symbols. Separate polling booths were arranged for men and women, and law enforcement personnel were deployed for security. Participants described the experience as useful but noted that more publicity about the referendum was needed to raise awareness among voters.

Dr. Tasnim Jara, senior joint member secretary of the Nationalist Citizens’ Platform (NCP), has expressed deep concern over the critical health condition of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. In a Facebook post on Saturday, Dr. Jara urged everyone, regardless of political affiliation or ideology, to pray for Khaleda Zia’s recovery. She recalled meeting the BNP leader a week earlier, when Khaleda Zia advised her to stay in the country and work for its people—a message Dr. Jara described as profoundly meaningful given Zia’s lifelong dedication to Bangladesh. Highlighting Khaleda Zia’s endurance through years of suffering, humiliation, and political adversity, Dr. Jara praised her unwavering commitment to her beliefs and the nation. She concluded her message with prayers for divine mercy, healing, and peace for the ailing former leader.

Hezbollah’s deputy leader Naim Qassem has vowed to avenge the killing of the group’s top military commander, Haitham Ali Tabatabai, who died in an Israeli airstrike near Beirut on November 23. In a televised speech on November 27, Qassem described the attack as a 'clear act of aggression and a brutal crime,' asserting Hezbollah’s right to respond at a time of its choosing. He did not specify whether a new war with Israel was imminent but urged Lebanon to rely on its army and citizens for defense. Qassem also expressed hope that the upcoming visit of Pope Leo to Lebanon would help promote peace and curb Israeli aggression. He claimed Hezbollah has abided by the ceasefire agreement effective since November 2024, while accusing Israel of continued attacks. In response, Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee criticized Lebanon’s army for failing to curb Hezbollah’s weapons buildup in the south.

Rashed Khan, General Secretary of the Gana Adhikar Parishad, has expressed his wishes for the recovery and long life of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. In a Facebook post on Friday night, Khan prayed for her health, attributing her current physical condition to what he described as the 'inhumane and cruel behavior' of the previous 'fascist government.' He emphasized that Khaleda Zia remains essential for the future of Bangladesh, describing her as uncompromising in her fight for democracy, a model of political struggle, and a symbol of resistance against what he termed Indian dominance. Khan concluded by stating that Khaleda Zia’s longevity is crucial for the country’s democratic aspirations and national interests.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman has urged people to continue praying for the recovery of former Prime Minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, who remains in critical condition under intensive care at a hospital. In a Facebook post on Saturday, Rahman expressed gratitude to citizens of all political affiliations for their ongoing prayers and to the medical teams in Bangladesh and abroad for their dedicated service. He also acknowledged the support and goodwill expressed by several friendly nations offering assistance for Khaleda Zia’s treatment. Rahman conveyed his family’s deep appreciation for the public’s concern and love, reiterating his personal longing to be with his mother during this difficult time. He noted that his return to Bangladesh depends on political realities but expressed hope that the situation would soon allow his long-awaited homecoming.

Iran’s Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Major General Seyyed Abdolrahim Mousavi, declared that the country’s navy is fully prepared to counter any form of aggression or threat. Speaking on the occasion of Iran’s Navy Day, Mousavi emphasized the strategic capabilities and self-reliance of the Iranian Navy, highlighting its reliance on indigenous strength and a spirit of resistance. He stated that the navy has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to deliver a strong and deterrent response to any hostile action. Mousavi also credited the sustained maritime security in the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and Iran’s territorial waters to close coordination between the navy and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval units. He described this cooperation as a strategic and intelligent model of deterrence that ensures regional stability and readiness against potential threats.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Sadiq Kayem has expressed his wishes for the speedy recovery of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, who is currently in critical condition under intensive care at a hospital. In a Facebook post on Saturday, Kayem prayed for her full recovery and long life, describing Khaleda Zia as a visionary leader whose guidance remains vital for protecting Bangladesh from hegemonic influences. His message comes as Khaleda Zia’s health continues to deteriorate, drawing concern and prayers from political leaders and supporters across the country. The BNP leader, who has long been a central figure in Bangladesh’s political landscape, has been receiving treatment for multiple health complications. Kayem’s statement reflects continued sympathy and respect for her leadership role, transcending political boundaries and emphasizing national unity and compassion during her illness.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s adviser Rana Sanaullah has claimed that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan intends to lead his political movement from prison. Speaking on Samaa TV’s program 'Mere Sawaal with Absar Alam', Sanaullah said Imran has consistently called for long marches and unrest, criticizing him for refusing dialogue both during and after his premiership. He added that prison authorities have confirmed Imran Khan’s health is stable. However, PTI sources allege that Khan is being subjected to harsh treatment and kept in near-total isolation at Adiala Jail, with limited or no contact with his family and lawyers. The controversy arises as the government focuses on privatizing Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to address the country’s economic crisis. The contrasting statements highlight the deepening political and human rights tensions surrounding Imran Khan’s imprisonment and Pakistan’s ongoing political instability.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said that his decision to return to Bangladesh is not entirely under his personal control, despite growing calls for his return as his mother, BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, remains critically ill in intensive care. In a Facebook post on Saturday morning, Rahman expressed gratitude to citizens and international well-wishers for their prayers and support for Khaleda Zia’s recovery. He mentioned that both local and foreign medical teams are providing dedicated care, and several friendly nations have offered assistance for advanced treatment. Rahman added that while he deeply wishes to be with his mother during this critical time, political realities limit his ability to make an independent decision about returning home. He expressed hope that once circumstances permit, his long wait to return to Bangladesh will finally end.

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to extend the existing mobile phone ban from secondary schools to high schools starting next academic year. Speaking in Mirecourt, Vosges, Macron emphasized that schools should remain spaces for learning and communication, not digital distraction. Education Minister Édouard Geffray is currently reviewing the proposal. Macron also highlighted growing concerns about loneliness and mental health among young people, linking them to excessive phone use. Additionally, he addressed national security issues, warning against foreign interference and misinformation campaigns targeting France. Macron urged the nation to remain vigilant amid global instability and called for strengthening France’s military and technological capabilities. The move reflects the government’s broader effort to promote student well-being and safeguard national resilience.

Bangladesh will take on Ireland in the second T20 match of the three-match series on Saturday, aiming to level the series after losing the opener by 39 runs. The match, scheduled for 6 PM local time, will be played on a batting-friendly pitch, raising expectations for a high-scoring contest. While the Irish team opted for optional practice on Friday, the Bangladeshi players took a full rest day following their defeat. Reports suggest that Bangladesh may make at least two changes to their playing XI, possibly replacing one batter and one bowler. Ireland currently lead the series 1–0, and a win today would secure them the series, while Bangladesh must win to stay alive in the contest.