U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced concerns over Netflix’s proposed $72 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, which would bring major franchises like *Harry Potter* and *Game of Thrones* under one streaming platform. Speaking in Washington, Trump warned that the combined market share of the two media giants could create competition issues and indicated that he might personally be involved in the approval process. The deal, announced on December 5, is pending review by the Justice Department’s competition division. Former FTC Chair Bill Kovacic told the BBC that Trump’s remarks suggest the merger could face unusual presidential oversight, shifting what is typically a technical antitrust review into a politically sensitive process. The Writers Guild of America’s East and West branches have urged regulators to block the merger, citing risks to jobs, wages, and creative diversity. If approved, the merger is expected to close in the second half of 2026 following Warner Bros.’ planned corporate restructuring, potentially reshaping the global entertainment landscape.

The Bangladesh Ministry of Education has issued new guidelines clarifying when and how religious teachers can be appointed in private secondary schools under the updated MPO (Monthly Pay Order) policy. According to the directive, a school may appoint one religious teacher for each faith represented by at least 30 students. The policy was published on Sunday, December 7, by the Secondary and Higher Education Division. The new rules, outlined in clause 11(21) of the MPO policy, aim to ensure proportional representation of religious instruction based on student demographics. Additionally, clause 11.19 stipulates that candidates for teaching and staff positions in private schools and colleges must not have more than one third division, class, GPA, or equivalent grade throughout their academic career. Education officials say the move seeks to standardize recruitment and maintain quality across private institutions. The policy is expected to reduce ambiguity in teacher appointments and promote fairness in religious education across Bangladesh’s diverse school system.

Nigerian security forces have rescued 100 students abducted last month from St. Mary’s Catholic Boarding School in Papiri village, Niger State. The joint military-police operation freed the hostages on December 7, according to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). The attack, carried out on November 21 by armed assailants, initially saw 227 students and 12 teachers taken hostage. Authorities launched an immediate rescue mission that lasted 15 days, resulting in the safe recovery of 100 students. However, 127 students and teachers remain missing, and their whereabouts are still unknown. CAN’s Niger branch leader, Daniel Atori, said the organization has received no updates from the government and continues to pray for the safe return of those still held. The incident underscores Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, particularly in the country’s northern and central regions, where armed groups influenced by al-Qaeda and Islamic State have intensified attacks on Christian institutions. Similar mass abductions have occurred in Kaduna and other states, highlighting the persistent threat to education and religious communities.

Bangladesh Weather Observation Team (BWOT) has forecast the season’s first mild cold wave, named ‘Parash,’ expected to affect parts of the country between December 14 and 20. The cold wave is likely to bring minimum temperatures down to 8–10°C in regions including Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Sylhet divisions. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the lowest temperature recorded so far this season was 10.5°C in Tetulia, Panchagarh. Other areas such as Srimangal, Comilla, Naogaon, and Rajshahi have also reported temperatures between 11°C and 13°C. Meteorologists note that a cold wave is officially recognized when temperatures drop to 10°C or below. Forecasts suggest that one or two cold waves may occur this month, ranging from mild to moderate intensity. Authorities advise residents, particularly in northern districts, to prepare for cooler nights and potential health impacts associated with the seasonal temperature drop.

Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed confidence that the upcoming national election in Bangladesh will not be postponed. Following a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other commissioners on Monday, the party’s Secretary General, Mia Golam Porwar, stated that Jamaat does not foresee any risk of delay in the electoral schedule. During the meeting, the six-member Jamaat delegation urged the Election Commission (EC) to install CCTV cameras at polling centers to ensure transparency and public confidence in the voting process. Porwar suggested that the EC could seek assistance from donor agencies to fund the initiative. The meeting followed similar consultations held earlier with representatives from the BNP, NCP, and the Bangladesh Administration Association. Jamaat leaders also met with a European Union delegation, where party chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman emphasized that Jamaat’s politics serve the people rather than any individual or group, and that while the party works with religious values, it does not exploit religion for political gain.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has instructed Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar to prepare for recording the Chief Election Commissioner’s (CEC) address to the nation on December 10, when the schedule for the 13th National Parliamentary Election will be announced. The EC’s Public Relations Department confirmed the directive on December 8, noting that the CEC, A M M Nasir Uddin, will deliver a pre-recorded speech outlining the election timetable. According to EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, the CEC and other commissioners will meet the President on the same day before the address is recorded. Officials indicated that the election schedule could be formally declared by December 11, with voting likely to occur between February 8 and 12. The EC emphasized its commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and neutral election process. Unlike the previous election, when the CEC delivered the announcement live, this year’s address will be pre-recorded. The CEC is expected to urge citizens to participate in the election and call on candidates to uphold fairness throughout the process.

The Italian Embassy in Dhaka has released an urgent notice outlining the procedure for Bangladeshi citizens applying for Italian work visas. According to the announcement issued on Monday, December 8, applicants holding a 2025-issued or reconfirmed work nulla osta must register through a specific VFS Global web portal. They are required to upload a copy of the employer-provided nulla osta, after which the embassy will verify its validity and assign an appointment within a few days. The embassy further clarified that applicants with nulla osta documents issued in 2023 or 2024 must wait until the Italian immigration office completes its review. Once the review is finalized, VFS Global will contact them directly for further processing. The embassy emphasized that following the official registration process is essential to avoid misinformation or delays. This directive aims to streamline the visa application process amid growing demand from Bangladeshi workers seeking employment in Italy. The embassy’s structured approach is expected to reduce confusion and ensure timely scheduling for eligible applicants.

A German-based operator has canceled the air ambulance flight that was scheduled to transport former Bangladeshi Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia from Dhaka to London for medical treatment. The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) confirmed that the operator, FAI Aviation Group, formally withdrew its landing slot request through its local agent despite having prior approval for arrival on Tuesday morning. According to CAAB officials, the air ambulance, a Bombardier Challenger 604 jet, had been arranged with support from the Qatari government. It was expected to land in Dhaka at 8 a.m. and depart for London at 9 p.m. with Khaleda Zia on board. However, the operator later submitted a formal request to cancel the slot, which CAAB has forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Neither the operator nor the BNP has provided an official explanation for the cancellation, leaving uncertainty over Khaleda Zia’s next medical transfer plan and her current treatment arrangements in Bangladesh.

A new political alliance named the National Democratic Front (NDF) was officially launched in Dhaka under the leadership of former Jatiya Party heavyweights Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud and Anwar Hossain Manju. The announcement came during a press conference at the Jana Party Center in Gulshan, where leaders introduced a coalition of 20 parties, including the Jatiya Party (Manju), Jatiya Party (Anisul), Bangladesh National Party, Trinamool BNP, and several smaller groups. NDF leaders said the alliance aims to uphold democratic continuity and protect citizens’ rights. They criticized the government’s approach to the upcoming election, calling for a truly participatory process. ABM Ruhul Amin Hawlader, a Jatiya Party faction leader, stressed that reforms cannot exclude the Jatiya Party and urged all parties to be given equal opportunity. Mahmud argued that the interim government’s stance on ensuring fair competition remains unclear and self-serving. The coalition’s formation follows a November 30 consultation meeting where 16 parties initially joined, later expanding to 20. The NDF’s emergence signals renewed efforts to reshape Bangladesh’s opposition landscape before the next national polls.

The Dhaka Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education has released the 2025 Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) scholarship list. The announcement, made on Sunday, December 7, details that 456 students have received merit scholarships and 3,032 have been granted general scholarships. The list is now available on the board’s official website. Earlier, the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education issued an official order on November 26 outlining the distribution of merit and general scholarships across nine education boards based on the 2025 HSC results. According to the directive, a total of 1,125 students nationwide will receive merit scholarships, while 9,375 will receive general scholarships. Recipients of merit scholarships will receive a monthly stipend of BDT 825 and an annual grant of BDT 1,800, while general scholarship holders will get BDT 375 per month and a yearly grant of BDT 750. The initiative aims to encourage academic excellence and support students’ continued education.

Mahmudur Rahman Manna, president of Nagorik Oikya and former Daksu vice president, has cautioned that any delay in announcing Bangladesh’s election schedule will deepen public uncertainty. Speaking at the inauguration of his party’s district office in Kurigram on Sunday, he noted that the Election Commission had initially hinted at declaring the schedule earlier in the month but has since deferred the announcement. Manna reiterated his party’s stance that the election should be held before Ramadan to maintain public confidence. He praised Begum Khaleda Zia’s contributions to democratic movements, expressing concern over her health and emphasizing the importance of her participation in the electoral process. Manna also said that Nagorik Oikya maintains communication with the BNP and other opposition groups but has yet to form any formal electoral alliance. Senior party leaders, including Shahidullah Kaiser and Major (Retd.) Abdus Salam, were present at the event. Observers note that Manna’s remarks reflect growing anxiety among smaller political groups about election timing and opposition unity ahead of the national polls.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that his party does not use religion for political gain, criticizing those who invoke religious symbols only during elections. Speaking to reporters after meeting ambassadors from eight European Union countries in Dhaka, he emphasized that Jamaat avoids mixing religion with politics or business. Dr. Rahman warned that any delay in the upcoming February national election could push Bangladesh into a deep crisis, stressing that Jamaat wants the polls to proceed on time. He pledged that if the party came to power, it would build an inclusive government, ensure rule of law, and restore economic stability. He urged political actors to reject corruption and guarantee equal justice for all citizens. Addressing concerns about BNP leader Khaleda Zia’s health, Rahman said political continuity should not depend on individual well-being. He also noted that holding two votes on the same day could raise logistical concerns, suggesting separate dates for elections and referendums.

Russia has claimed control over two additional strategically important settlements in Ukraine’s Kharkiv and Donetsk regions, even as US-mediated peace talks continue. According to a report by Anadolu Agency on Sunday, the Russian Defense Ministry stated that its forces used guided bombs, drones, and Kinzhal missiles to destroy Ukrainian communication lines, military infrastructure, and fuel depots. The ministry also asserted that Ukrainian troops were encircled in the Dimitrov area of Donetsk. Ukraine, however, has denied losing new territory, saying its defense lines remain intact. Kyiv’s eastern command reported launching a major counterattack on Russian positions in Pokrovsk, forcing Russian troops to retreat from Myrnohrad. Ukrainian officials also claimed that Russian forces were trapped near a dam in Kharkiv. The conflicting reports highlight the ongoing intensity of the war despite diplomatic efforts. Analysts warn that Russia’s latest territorial claims could complicate peace negotiations and further strain relations between Moscow and Western allies supporting Kyiv.

Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, stated that preparations for the upcoming national election are progressing well. Speaking after a meeting of the law and order advisory committee on December 8, he said all security forces are undergoing training expected to conclude by January. Measures are being taken to ensure a peaceful, fair, and festive election, including the use of body cameras by law enforcement and uninterrupted electricity at polling centers. Chowdhury acknowledged that crimes and killings may not completely stop before the election, emphasizing that there is no 'magic switch' to eliminate all incidents instantly. Addressing political participation, he noted that all parties are active, though some prefer to remain indoors due to internal issues. He also mentioned strict instructions to identify and arrest those involved in the recent murder of a freedom fighter and his wife in Rangpur. The adviser’s remarks reflect the government’s intent to project readiness and transparency ahead of a crucial national vote.

Former Dhaka University Chhatra Shibir president and current Howard University assistant professor Dr. Mirza Galib has criticized the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for adopting what he described as the Awami League’s failed strategy against Jamaat-e-Islami. In a Facebook post on December 8, Galib said BNP is treating this ineffective approach as its primary political weapon instead of focusing on building a healthy two-party democratic system. He emphasized that national interest should rise above party interest, citing examples of post-war European unity and the United States’ federal resilience after its civil war. Galib warned that both BNP and Jamaat are drifting toward an unhealthy rivalry, fueled not only by emotional supporters but also by senior leaders. He noted that BNP leaders are now attacking Jamaat using rhetoric similar to that of the Awami League. Galib urged both parties to prioritize creating a stable political environment to harness Bangladesh’s demographic dividend. He called on BNP and Jamaat leaders to focus on the country’s long-term future rather than short-term electoral gains.