BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman expressed gratitude to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus upon arriving at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Thursday. Rahman, who returned with his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman, spoke to Dr. Yunus over the phone, inquiring about his health and thanking him for the government’s security measures. A video posted on Rahman’s verified Facebook page showed him acknowledging the arrangements made for his safety and comfort, stating that he and his family were thankful for the support extended by the interim government. His remarks come amid heightened political attention surrounding his return to Bangladesh after a long absence. The exchange between Rahman and Yunus is being viewed as a gesture of goodwill between the BNP leadership and the interim administration. Political observers suggest the communication may signal a cautious attempt to maintain stability and cooperation during the transitional period.

Security measures have been significantly increased around Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital ahead of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s visit to see his mother, party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel have been deployed in the surrounding area, and BNP activists who had gathered near the hospital were dispersed by law enforcement to ensure public order and safety. Rahman returned to Bangladesh earlier on Thursday after 17 years in self-exile, arriving at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight. His return marks a major political moment for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which has been largely led from abroad in recent years. Party supporters had gathered in large numbers to welcome him, waving national flags and chanting slogans. Authorities have maintained a heightened state of alert around the hospital and key city points, citing crowd control and security concerns. Political analysts suggest Rahman’s return could reshape BNP’s internal dynamics and influence the country’s political landscape ahead of future elections.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman received a grand public reception in Dhaka’s 300 Feet area on Thursday as thousands of party leaders and supporters gathered to greet him. His motorcade advanced slowly through dense crowds waving national flags, marking his long-awaited return to the country. Security forces, including the army, Border Guard Bangladesh, police, RAB, and the Special Security Force, maintained tight protection along the route. Rahman waved to supporters from his vehicle, acknowledging their greetings amid an atmosphere of celebration. The event drew large numbers of BNP activists from across the capital, reflecting renewed enthusiasm within the party’s ranks. Officials reported that the area took on a festive mood, with banners, chants, and national colors dominating the scene. The return of Tarique Rahman, a key opposition figure, is expected to influence Bangladesh’s political landscape ahead of future elections. Analysts suggest his reappearance could energize BNP’s organizational activities and reshape opposition strategies in the coming months.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman spoke by phone with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus shortly after arriving at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Thursday. The conversation took place soon after his arrival, marking his first direct contact with the interim government leadership since returning to the country. Rahman, accompanied by his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman, was greeted by senior BNP leaders including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Goyeshwar Chandra Roy, and others. Before boarding his vehicle, Rahman symbolically removed his shoes, touched the ground, and took a handful of soil, a gesture interpreted by supporters as an emotional reconnection with his homeland. The return of Rahman and his immediate communication with Dr. Yunus are seen as politically significant amid Bangladesh’s evolving transitional governance. Analysts suggest the interaction could signal BNP’s readiness to engage with the caretaker administration on upcoming political processes.

A new survey by Russia’s state-owned polling agency VTsIOM reveals that most Russians believe the war in Ukraine will conclude in 2026. The optimism stems from Russia’s recent battlefield advances and intensified diplomatic efforts between Moscow and Kyiv to reach a ceasefire agreement. The poll, conducted among 1,600 respondents, found that 55% expect the conflict to end next year, while 70% foresee 2026 as a more successful year for Russia overall. VTsIOM’s deputy head, Mikhail Mamonov, noted that the positive outlook is linked to President Vladimir Putin’s recent remarks suggesting the “special military operation” could soon align with national interests and approach resolution. Despite ongoing economic and social challenges, the survey indicates a shift in public sentiment toward cautious optimism about the future. Analysts suggest the findings reflect a combination of war fatigue and growing expectations for stability. However, observers warn that the path to peace remains uncertain, dependent on both battlefield dynamics and diplomatic negotiations in the coming months.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Amir, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, publicly welcomed BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and his family upon their return to Bangladesh after 17 years abroad. The message, posted on Dr. Rahman’s verified Facebook page on Thursday, simply read, “Mr. Tarique Rahman, welcome home with your family.” Tarique Rahman landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 11:40 a.m. under tight security and later proceeded toward his residence in the 300 Feet area. Thousands of BNP supporters and activists gathered at the airport and along the route, waving flags and banners to greet their leader. The return marks the end of Tarique Rahman’s long exile following his conviction in several corruption cases and political turmoil in the mid-2000s. Political analysts note that Jamaat’s public gesture could signal renewed alignment or cooperation between the two opposition parties. Observers say Tarique Rahman’s return may reshape Bangladesh’s opposition landscape ahead of future elections, though legal and political challenges remain significant.

Hezbollah has called on the Lebanese government to reject Israel’s demand for the group’s disarmament, warning that compliance could undermine national sovereignty. In a statement reported by TRT World, Hezbollah emphasized that ending Israeli occupation in Lebanese territory remains its top priority, despite an existing ceasefire agreement. The group accused Israel of maintaining partial military presence in five southern border outposts, violating the terms of the January withdrawal plan. Hezbollah asserted its right to resist continued occupation, describing it as a legitimate defense of Lebanon’s sovereignty. The statement comes as Israel reportedly conditions halting its attacks on Hezbollah’s disarmament by the end of the year. Analysts say the exchange underscores fragile post-ceasefire dynamics and the risk of renewed hostilities along the Lebanon-Israel border. Diplomatic observers warn that failure to fully implement withdrawal commitments could escalate tensions in the region, complicating international mediation efforts.

Jagannath University has announced that its undergraduate ‘A’ and ‘C’ unit admission tests will be held on December 26 and 27, 2025. The ‘A’ unit, covering Science and Life & Earth Sciences faculties, will test 72,474 applicants competing for 860 seats, while the ‘C’ unit, under the Commerce faculty, will see 20,537 candidates vying for 520 seats. Each one-hour exam will run from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. The ‘A’ unit test will take place at 12 centers, including three outside Dhaka—Comilla University, Khulna University, and Rajshahi University—while the rest will be in Dhaka. The ‘C’ unit exam will be held at Jagannath University and three other Dhaka centers. Each test carries 100 marks, with 72 from multiple-choice questions and 18 based on SSC and HSC results. Faculty deans confirmed that all preparations are complete, emphasizing the inclusion of regional centers to ease travel for candidates. Upcoming tests for other faculties are scheduled in January 2026, continuing the university’s phased admission process.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with a Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya in Ankara to review the latest developments in Gaza and discuss the second phase of the Gaza peace plan, according to the Turkish Foreign Ministry. Fidan reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to defending Palestinian rights and briefed the delegation on Ankara’s ongoing humanitarian and housing assistance for war-torn Gaza. During the meeting, Hamas representatives claimed they had fulfilled the ceasefire conditions but accused Israel of continuing attacks on Gaza to block progress toward the peace plan’s next stage. They also highlighted severe shortages of essential goods, medicine, shelter materials, and fuel, saying current humanitarian aid remains insufficient. Both sides condemned Israeli strikes and settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank as unacceptable. The meeting underscores Turkey’s continued diplomatic engagement in the Gaza conflict, seeking to position itself as a mediator while maintaining strong support for Palestinian causes amid ongoing regional tensions.

Bangladeshi activist Tahreema Jannat Survi, known online as the 'July Warrior,' was arrested early Thursday in Tongi by a joint security force. Authorities said she had posted a series of derogatory and inflammatory comments on social media targeting the government, several senior advisers, and the army chief. Following the operation at her home in the Morkun Purbo Para area, she was handed over to Tongi East Police Station. Police confirmed that Survi had an outstanding arrest warrant from a separate extortion case filed in Kaliakoir, Gazipur. Law enforcement sources stated that her online activities were under surveillance due to concerns they could threaten public order and national stability. The arrest followed weeks of monitoring after her posts sparked public outrage online. Officials said Survi has been transferred to Kaliakoir police custody for further legal proceedings. The case underscores growing scrutiny of online speech in Bangladesh and the increasing involvement of joint forces in cyber-related investigations.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered to hold talks with the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in an effort to ease the country’s ongoing political tensions. Chairing a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad, Sharif said the government is ready for dialogue if PTI shows sincerity, emphasizing that discussions should focus on legitimate national issues and political harmony is vital for Pakistan’s progress. The proposal follows a statement from a PTI faction, Tehreek Tahafuz Aain-e-Pakistan (TTAP), which said the ‘door to dialogue remains open.’ However, no concrete steps have been taken by either side to initiate formal talks. The situation remains uncertain as PTI founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan continues to serve a 17-year prison sentence in the Toshakhana-2 corruption case alongside his wife, Bushra Bibi. Multiple other cases, including attempted murder and forgery, are also pending against him. Observers note that the government’s ban on visits to Khan until February 8 has deepened mistrust, while his party and family express concern over restricted access. Political analysts warn that without confidence-building measures, dialogue efforts may falter ahead of the next hearing on January 27.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi approaches the midpoint of his third term in 2026, discussions are intensifying over who might lead India after him. Modi, who has held power since 2014, remains highly popular with a 71% approval rating according to Morning Consult. Yet, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) faces declining parliamentary dominance and growing opposition, raising questions about succession and continuity. Analysts suggest potential successors could emerge from within the BJP, such as Home Minister Amit Shah or Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Alternatively, regional allies like Andhra Pradesh’s N. Chandrababu Naidu or his son Nara Lokesh could gain prominence, especially amid large-scale investment projects. The opposition Congress Party, led by Rahul Gandhi or his sister Priyanka Gandhi, also remains a possible challenger. Experts warn that any post-Modi leader may struggle to match his popularity or political control. A less popular administration could resort to populist spending to maintain support, potentially straining fiscal stability and increasing corruption risks in India’s governance landscape.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has sharply criticized Israel for obstructing humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza, accusing it of using fabricated excuses to maintain the blockade. Speaking at a Justice and Development (AK) Party meeting in Ankara, Erdogan denounced what he called Israel’s failure to uphold the ceasefire agreement that took effect on October 11, saying the humanitarian situation in Gaza has not improved. Erdogan emphasized Turkey’s continued support for Palestinians, pledging to increase aid and maintain diplomatic pressure. He reiterated that while Turkey supports peace, it will not tolerate injustice or oppression. His remarks come amid growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where aid agencies report severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel. Analysts view Erdogan’s statement as part of Turkey’s broader effort to position itself as a leading voice for Palestinian rights in the Muslim world. The comments may further strain Ankara’s already tense relations with Israel, while reinforcing Turkey’s regional diplomatic stance on the Gaza conflict.

Fourteen countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Canada, and Denmark, have jointly condemned Israel’s decision to authorize 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank. In a joint statement, the nations described the move as illegal under international law and warned that it endangers the fragile Gaza ceasefire and prospects for long-term regional stability. The statement, endorsed by Belgium, Germany, Italy, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and the United Kingdom, urged Israel to reverse the decision. The countries reaffirmed their opposition to any annexation or expansion of settlements and reiterated support for the Palestinian right to self-determination. Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich confirmed the approval, stating the plan aims to prevent the creation of a future Palestinian state. Diplomatic observers warn that the move could further strain Israel’s relations with Western allies and complicate ongoing mediation efforts to sustain the Gaza truce. The development underscores renewed tensions surrounding the two-state solution and international law compliance.

Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, declared that any attempt to undermine national unity, security, or stability will not be tolerated. Speaking at the 273rd Corps Commanders Conference in Rawalpindi, he emphasized the armed forces’ determination to counter terrorism and reject links between militancy, crime, and political interests, according to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement. Munir commended the military’s professionalism and sacrifices in recent intelligence-based counterterrorism operations across the country. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and reiterated Islamabad’s principled stance on the Palestinian issue, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and unhindered humanitarian access. The conference underscored the army’s commitment to national stability amid ongoing regional tensions. Analysts view Munir’s remarks as a signal of the military’s intent to maintain internal cohesion and assert its role in Pakistan’s evolving security and political landscape.