Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, has clarified his personal stance on the long-debated Phulbari coal mine issue following public discussion over his recent social media post. In a Facebook statement on December 7, Alam emphasized the importance of constructive criticism and democratic debate, distancing his personal views from any official government position. He reiterated his condemnation of the 2006 Phulbari killings, recalling his role as an AFP correspondent who first reported the incident internationally. Alam explained that his recent reflections stemmed from 16 months of experience within the interim government, noting Bangladesh’s energy security challenges and dependence on costly LNG imports after the Ukraine war. He argued that not developing major coal reserves such as Phulbari, Dighipara, and Jamalganj was a strategic mistake, though he acknowledged flaws in past agreements. While welcoming thoughtful criticism from academics and analysts, he reaffirmed that his comments were personal and not indicative of any government initiative to revive the project. His remarks have reignited debate over Bangladesh’s energy policy, balancing environmental concerns, economic realities, and the country’s development priorities.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has cautioned that certain groups are attempting to create divisions in Bangladesh under the guise of religion. Speaking at the inauguration of the party’s ‘Nation-Building Plan’ program at the Krishibid Institution auditorium on Sunday, he emphasized that while Bangladeshis are religious, they do not believe in dividing the state along religious lines. Fakhrul said the country now has an opportunity to restore democracy after 15 years, but obstacles and misinformation campaigns persist. He accused the ruling Awami League of destroying national institutions and called for their reconstruction. Fakhrul urged party members to remain alert against cyberwarfare and propaganda, asserting that only the BNP can lead the nation forward. He also highlighted the changing mindset of youth and the need to modernize the party’s vision to align with a new Bangladesh. Addressing Khaleda Zia’s health, he said her treatment is being closely supervised by Tarique Rahman and a team of national and international specialists. The remarks come as BNP seeks to reframe its political agenda ahead of potential national elections, focusing on unity, reform, and democratic revival.

More than 223,000 expatriate Bangladeshis have registered to vote in the upcoming 13th National Parliament election and referendum through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ mobile application, according to the Election Commission’s update on December 7. Among the registrants, 203,578 are men and 20,121 are women. Saudi Arabia leads with over 51,000 registered voters, followed by the United States, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The Election Commission (EC) has urged expatriates to provide accurate local addresses while registering, emphasizing that workplace or acquaintances’ addresses may be used if necessary. The registration deadline has been extended until midnight on December 25, allowing global access to the app. EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed confirmed that in-country postal voting will also be introduced for government officials, detainees, and those working away from home. The ‘Postal Vote BD’ app, launched on November 18, enables registration from 148 countries. The initiative marks Bangladesh’s first large-scale digital system for overseas postal voting, aiming to expand participation and transparency in the electoral process.

Bangladesh’s interim government has announced that individuals holding recognized Qawmi Madrasa degrees will now be eligible to serve as Nikah Registrars (Kazi). The decision was confirmed by Dr. Asif Nazrul, Adviser to the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, through a verified social media post on Sunday, December 7. Previously, only individuals with Alim-level certificates were permitted to apply for the registrar position. Dr. Nazrul stated that the law ministry has amended the relevant legal provisions to expand eligibility, allowing those with Dawra-e-Hadith certificates from recognized Qawmi boards to apply. The move aims to create broader inclusion for religious scholars within the country’s official marriage registration process. Legal experts and religious leaders have welcomed the change as a recognition of Qawmi education’s equivalence to mainstream Islamic studies. However, some observers note that the implementation process will require careful oversight to ensure uniform standards across different educational boards.

Three days of peace talks between Ukrainian and U.S. officials in Florida ended Saturday without tangible progress, underscoring the deep impasse in efforts to end the war. On the same day, Russia launched one of its largest recent air offensives against Ukrainian cities and key infrastructure, signaling continued escalation despite diplomatic overtures. According to Ukrainian authorities, Russia fired 653 drones and 51 missiles, striking 29 locations including energy facilities and transport hubs. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed at least eight injuries, while the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant temporarily lost power, prompting safety concerns from the International Atomic Energy Agency. President Volodymyr Zelensky said energy infrastructure was deliberately targeted, accusing Moscow of seeking to cripple civilian life. Moscow maintained that it only targeted military-industrial sites and their energy supply lines. With Russian forces advancing in eastern Donetsk—seizing over 500 square kilometers in November alone—Kyiv’s diplomatic options appear increasingly constrained. Observers warn that without a shift in Moscow’s stance, peace efforts will remain stalled.

Hamas has announced it will hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority once Israel ends its occupation of Gaza. Khalil al-Hayya, head of the group’s negotiation team, made the statement on Saturday, emphasizing that Hamas maintains arms solely due to ongoing occupation and aggression. He clarified that the weapons would be surrendered to a sovereign and independent Palestinian state. Al-Hayya added that Hamas accepts the deployment of a United Nations force to monitor the ceasefire and oversee border surveillance but rejects any international mission aimed solely at disarming Hamas. The announcement comes amid continuing Israeli attacks despite a ceasefire declared on October 10, which has resulted in civilian casualties and infrastructure damage across Gaza. Meanwhile, leaders of Muslim-majority nations have opposed unilateral plans to open the Rafah border for transferring Palestinians into Egypt, urging instead for both sides of the crossing to reopen under previous agreements. They also called for reconstruction efforts to take place within Palestinian territories, reaffirming support for Palestinian sovereignty.

Malaysian authorities have detained 843 undocumented migrants, including 79 Bangladeshis, during a large-scale enforcement operation in Selayang Baru, Selangor. The raid, coordinated by the Selangor State Security Council on December 6, involved multiple agencies including the Immigration Department, Royal Malaysia Police, and National Anti-Drug Agency. Officials inspected the documents of 1,116 individuals and arrested those found violating immigration laws. According to state officials, the detainees include nationals from Myanmar, Nepal, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and India, aged between 21 and 53. They face charges of lacking identification, overstaying, and using forged documents. Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the operation followed public complaints about illegal businesses and overcrowding by foreign nationals. He warned employers against hiring undocumented workers, emphasizing that violators will face legal action. Authorities confirmed that similar operations had been conducted earlier in Seri Muda and Selangor Wholesale Market areas. The crackdown will continue under Malaysia’s Immigration Act 1959/63, Passport Act 1966, and Anti-Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007.

Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani stated that any ceasefire agreement in Gaza will remain incomplete without addressing the situation in the West Bank. Speaking at the Doha Forum 2025, he emphasized that Qatar views regional stability as integral to its national security and prefers diplomacy, investment, and strategic partnerships over military influence. Al Thani highlighted Qatar’s role as a mediator in regional conflicts, maintaining open communication with all parties to ensure sustainable peace. He noted that since 2013, Qatar’s progress has stemmed from its engagement with diverse stakeholders. The prime minister also underscored the need to tackle the root causes of the Israel-Palestine conflict, including Palestinian national aspirations and reconstruction of Gaza. Qatar, along with Turkey, Egypt, and the United States, is currently guiding the next phase of the ceasefire process. The statement comes amid ongoing Israeli attacks that have killed over 70,000 people in Gaza since October 2023, despite the ceasefire agreement brokered in October 2024.

A strong earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale struck near Yakutat, Alaska, late Saturday night, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The quake’s epicenter was located about 230 miles northwest of Juneau and 155 miles west of Whitehorse, Yukon. Despite the intensity, no tsunami warning was issued, and there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage. The tremor was felt across parts of Alaska and western Canada, prompting several emergency calls in Whitehorse, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Seismologist Alison Bird from Canada’s Geological Survey noted that the affected area was mountainous and sparsely populated, reducing the likelihood of major structural damage. Residents reported items falling from shelves and walls shaking. The USGS confirmed that the quake originated about 10 kilometers below the surface and was followed by several smaller aftershocks. Authorities continue to monitor the region for potential secondary impacts, though early assessments suggest limited disruption.

At least seven people were killed and eleven others injured when a passenger bus collided with a truck on the Adana-Gaziantep highway in southern Turkey early Saturday, according to local authorities. The crash occurred about 90 kilometers west of Gaziantep, causing severe damage to the front of the bus. The governor’s office confirmed that all victims were passengers on the bus, and identification efforts are ongoing. State news agency Anadolu reported that the bus’s tire burst after hitting the truck. The truck driver survived the incident and has been detained for questioning. Police temporarily closed the highway to clear the wreckage and investigate the cause. Authorities have not yet released details on the cause of the collision, though early reports suggest driver error or mechanical failure may be factors. Road safety remains a major concern in Turkey, where fatal traffic accidents occur frequently despite ongoing government efforts to improve highway conditions.

At least 23 people were killed after a devastating fire broke out at a popular nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, around midnight on Saturday. The blaze, which reportedly started due to a gas cylinder explosion, engulfed the venue known as 'Birch by Romeo Lane'. Among the victims were several tourists, and officials confirmed that three people died from burns while others succumbed to smoke inhalation. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the tragedy early Sunday, calling it a painful day for the state. He visited the site and ordered a detailed investigation, promising strict legal action against those found responsible. Police Director General Alok Kumar said all bodies had been recovered and the fire was brought under control. The incident has raised concerns over fire safety compliance at entertainment venues in tourist-heavy regions like Goa. Authorities are expected to review safety regulations and inspection protocols in the coming days to prevent similar disasters.

The medical board overseeing the treatment of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has decided to postpone her transfer abroad for advanced medical care. Doctors concluded that her current physical condition does not permit the stress of a long-haul flight, emphasizing that her safety and stability must come first. The decision was announced at a press briefing outside Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital by her personal physician and BNP Standing Committee member Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain. The board, which includes specialists from the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and Bangladesh, continues to monitor her condition closely. Dr. Zobaida Rahman, Zia’s daughter-in-law, recently arrived in Dhaka to coordinate treatment, while acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman remains in contact from London. Doctors urged the public not to spread misinformation about her health on social media. Khaleda Zia, 79, suffers from multiple chronic ailments, including arthritis, diabetes, and organ complications. Her transfer abroad will proceed only when the board deems her fit for air travel, with all preparations reportedly in place.

Inter Miami captured their first-ever Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup title on Saturday, defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps 3–1 at Chase Stadium. Although Lionel Messi did not score in the final, his creative influence shaped all three goals, securing a landmark victory for the Florida-based club. The win capped a remarkable turnaround season that also saw Miami claim the Leagues Cup and the Supporters’ Shield. Messi’s early midfield brilliance set up the opening own goal by Vancouver’s Edier Ocampo, while his second-half interceptions and assists to Rodrigo De Paul and Tadeo Allende sealed the result. The match also marked the final professional appearances of Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, both former Barcelona legends who concluded their illustrious careers with this MLS title. The victory cements Inter Miami’s rapid rise since Messi’s arrival and underscores his transformative impact on American soccer. The club now looks ahead to defending multiple titles next season and expanding its global fan base.

A late-night gas leak explosion in Kanchpur Patatta village of Sonargaon, Narayanganj, left four members of the same family severely burned early Friday. The incident occurred around 3 a.m. when accumulated gas inside their home ignited, causing a sudden blast. The victims—Jarina Begum (65), Alauddin (35), Sathiya Akter (14), and Saima (4)—were rushed to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka around 4 a.m. According to relatives, the family used piped gas for cooking, and a leak overnight allowed gas to fill the room. When a spark occurred, the explosion followed. Dr. Shawon Bin Rahman, a resident physician at the burn institute, said Alauddin sustained 40% burns and was admitted to the ICU, while the others suffered burns ranging from 12% to 30%. Police from Sonargaon station have been informed about the incident. Authorities are investigating the cause of the leak, while safety experts again urged regular maintenance of household gas connections to prevent similar accidents.

Dhaka South Chhatra Dal has expelled Nesar Uddin Rabbi, member secretary of Lalbagh Thana Chhatra Dal, and Adnan Ahmed Imon, president of Ward No. 24 Chhatra Dal, citing verified violations of organizational discipline. The decision was finalized after internal review procedures in accordance with the organization’s policies. The expulsion order was jointly signed by Dhaka South Chhatra Dal President Shamim Mahmud and General Secretary Abdur Rahim Bhuiyan, and officially announced through a press release on Saturday, December 6. The statement confirmed that the disciplinary action would take immediate effect. The press release was distributed to the media by Amzad Hossain Mamun, the organization’s assistant office secretary. The move underscores the organization’s emphasis on maintaining internal discipline amid broader efforts to strengthen its local units. No further details were provided about the specific nature of the disciplinary breaches or potential replacements for the expelled leaders.