Diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine-Russia conflict have intensified, with the United States playing a central mediating role. On November 23, U.S. and Ukrainian officials met in Geneva to reassess an initial peace plan, taking into account the positions of both Moscow and Kyiv. President Donald Trump later stated that the number of discussion points had been reduced to 22, with only a few remaining contentious. A follow-up meeting took place in Florida on November 30, focusing on potential ceasefire paths, long-term economic and security arrangements, election conditions in Ukraine, and territorial disputes. On December 2, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a five-hour meeting in the Kremlin with U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, discussing key proposals from four U.S. peace documents. Ukrainian ambassador to the U.S. Olga Stefanishyna confirmed that Ukraine’s delegation chief Rustem Umerov will meet Witkoff again in Washington on December 4 to continue negotiations.

Thousands of government employees gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka on Friday, December 5, demanding the immediate implementation of the ninth pay scale. The rally, organized by the Government Employees Demand Implementation Unity Council, was attended by representatives from various departments, including the Bangladesh Postal Department. Abu Nasir Khan, president of the Bangladesh Administrative Officers Implementation Unity Council, said that although salaries were supposed to be adjusted every five years, no pay increase has occurred since 2015 despite soaring living costs. He criticized the interim government’s delay, noting that the finance adviser’s statement that the next government would implement the pay scale had angered employees. Speakers, including Mahmudur Rahman Manna and Nurul Haque Nur, expressed solidarity with the workers’ demands. The participants urged the interim government to announce and enforce a fair and discrimination-free ninth pay scale before the national election schedule is declared.

Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, arrived at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on Friday after landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport earlier in the morning. She had departed from London on Thursday evening local time and reached Dhaka aboard Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-302. Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that the special air ambulance from Qatar, intended to transport BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to London for advanced medical treatment, could not arrive due to technical issues. As a result, Khaleda Zia’s planned departure has been delayed. He added that if her health condition permits and the medical board approves, she may leave for treatment abroad on Sunday, December 7.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to receive the inaugural FIFA Peace Award ahead of the 2026 World Cup draw ceremony in Washington’s Kennedy Center. According to multiple sources, Trump will deliver a brief speech during the two-hour event, which will also be attended by Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the award aims to honor those who promote unity and peace through football, especially in a time of global unrest. Although FIFA has not officially confirmed Trump’s name, insiders told The New York Times that he will be the recipient. The award will be presented annually, starting this year. Human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, have questioned FIFA’s selection process and transparency. The event will feature a performance by the Village People, known for their song popular at Trump rallies, reflecting the former president’s preferences.

A persistent cold wave has gripped Kurigram district for the past five days, severely disrupting daily life. The temperature dropped to 13.3°C on Friday, according to the Rajarhat Agricultural Weather Observatory. The biting cold and chilly winds have confined many residents, especially those living on the riverine islands (chars), to their homes. Day laborers, elderly people, women, and children are among the worst affected, as outdoor work has become nearly impossible. Many low-income families are struggling financially due to halted work opportunities. Residents report a lack of warm clothing, while cold-related illnesses such as fever and cough are spreading. Areas along the Brahmaputra River, including Ulipur, Chilmari, Roumari, and Char Rajibpur, are experiencing the harshest conditions. Authorities note that humidity levels remain high at 98%, with temperatures fluctuating between 12°C and 13°C over recent days.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has begun a large-scale military exercise in the Persian Gulf, showcasing advanced artificial intelligence–enhanced defense and attack systems. The drill, codenamed 'Martyr Mohammad Nazeri,' spans the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman, and includes deployment of modern air defense systems such as Nawab, Majid, and Misagh. These systems reportedly use AI to rapidly detect and strike aerial and naval targets with high precision. The exercise sends a dual message—peace and friendship to neighboring states, but a stern warning to the United States and other adversaries against any missteps. The IRGC emphasized its readiness to counter any threat, highlighting Iran’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities. The drill comes amid a long history of Iran-US naval confrontations in the region, with Iranian officials reiterating that hostility from the US and Israel has intensified since the Islamic Revolution. Tehran claims its recent military buildup is a direct response to perceived threats and past attacks on its nuclear and defense infrastructure.

The Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC) has officially opened the application process for the 50th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examination from December 4, 2025. According to the circular issued on November 27, a total of 2,150 positions will be filled, including 1,755 cadre and 395 non-cadre posts. Applicants aged between 21 and 32 years as of November 1, 2025, are eligible to apply. The online application must be submitted through the BPSC or Teletalk websites by December 31, 2025, with a fee of BDT 200, or BDT 50 for candidates from small ethnic groups, persons with disabilities, and third gender applicants. Candidates must provide academic details, NID or birth certificate, a recent photo, and signature in specified formats. The PSC has also outlined conditions for correction, eligibility for provisional candidates, and special arrangements for applicants with disabilities requiring scribes. No re-evaluation of preliminary test answer sheets will be allowed.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia’s planned medical transfer to London has been delayed due to the late arrival of a special air ambulance sent by the Emir of Qatar. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir informed the media on Friday, December 5, that the aircraft could not arrive in Dhaka as scheduled because of technical problems. He added that the air ambulance might reach on Saturday if all issues are resolved. Khaleda Zia will only travel if her health condition allows and the medical board approves the journey, possibly on Sunday, December 7. Earlier, it had been announced that she would depart for London on Friday morning, and the wife of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman had already traveled to Dhaka in preparation. Khaleda Zia remains in critical condition under intensive care at a hospital in Dhaka.

Despite strict government warnings, edible oil prices in Bangladesh have surged again, with producers allegedly increasing prices without official approval. Bottled soybean oil is now selling at Tk 198 per liter, up Tk 9 from the previous rate. The Bangladesh Vegetable Oil Refiners and Vanaspati Manufacturers Association had twice sought permission from the Commerce Ministry to raise prices but received no response. Ignoring the ministry, producers raised prices and distributed oil with new labels, causing shortages in retail markets. Retailers claim they are being forced to sell at higher prices while facing potential fines. The Commerce Ministry later held an emergency meeting and proposed a Tk 5 increase instead of Tk 9, with a final decision expected Sunday. Consumer rights groups and government officials have warned of legal action against unauthorized price hikes and hoarding, emphasizing the need to stabilize essential commodity prices ahead of Ramadan.

India’s largest airline, IndiGo, has cancelled more than 550 flights in a single day, marking the worst air travel disruption in two decades. The airline attributed the cancellations to a combination of crew shortages, planning errors linked to new flight duty time limitation (FDTL) regulations, and technical issues. The new policy, effective since November 1, aims to reduce pilot fatigue and enhance safety but has increased the demand for pilots, especially for night operations. IndiGo’s on-time performance dropped sharply to 19.7 percent on Wednesday, down from 35 percent the previous day. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have held meetings with IndiGo executives to address the crisis. Major airports including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, and Goa were affected. IndiGo operates around 2,300 flights daily and is planning further cancellations over the next few days as it works to restore normal operations.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast multiple cold waves and possible hailstorms across the country between December and February. The long-range three-month outlook predicts three to eight mild to moderate cold spells, with two to three potentially becoming severe as temperatures drop to between 4°C and 6°C. Despite the cold, overall rainfall is expected to remain normal, and daytime and nighttime temperatures may stay slightly above average. Dense fog is likely to form over river basins and other areas from late night to morning, occasionally lasting until noon. The forecast also warns of one or two days of hailstorms and thunderstorms in late February. The lowest temperature has already dropped to 12°C, signaling the onset of winter across the country.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a Russian-language translation of the Bhagavad Gita to Russian President Vladimir Putin during the latter’s visit to New Delhi on Thursday. This marks Putin’s first trip to India since the start of the Ukraine war. Modi shared the gesture on social media, describing the Gita as a source of inspiration for millions worldwide. Upon arrival at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, Putin received a red-carpet welcome and was warmly embraced by Modi. The two leaders later shared a private dinner, reciprocating Putin’s earlier hospitality during Modi’s 2023 Moscow visit. On Friday, they are scheduled to hold formal talks, followed by an official reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan and a luncheon at Hyderabad House. Putin will also pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat and inaugurate a new Russian state television channel operated from India before attending a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. He is expected to depart India on Friday night.

Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Mexico, Mushfiqur Fazal Ansari, emphasized the pivotal role of students in democratic transformation and global leadership during an interactive session at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Addressing international relations students, he reflected on Bangladesh’s recent political changes, describing the August uprising as a defining moment led by youth demanding democracy and accountability. Ansari underscored that human rights and dignity must remain central to leadership. He also outlined Bangladesh’s foreign policy priorities—peace, multilateralism, climate justice, and workers’ rights—while identifying Mexico as an emerging partner in trade, culture, and academic exchange. The session included presentations on Bangladesh’s development achievements, digital transformation, and climate resilience. Students engaged in discussions on Bangladesh’s role in UN peacekeeping, climate diplomacy, and international issues like Palestine and Rohingya crises. The event concluded with a Q&A session and a reception featuring cultural exchanges and gifts symbolizing Bangladesh’s heritage.

The New York Times has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, challenging new restrictions on media access. The suit, filed in a federal court in Washington, D.C., argues that the Pentagon’s new policy—requiring journalists to sign a 21-page agreement pledging not to collect unauthorized information—is unconstitutional and violates press freedom. The policy, implemented in October, also restricts journalists’ access to certain areas without official escorts. Several major U.S. outlets, including The Guardian, The Washington Post, CNN, Reuters, AP, and NPR, have refused to sign the agreement. The Times is seeking a court order to halt enforcement of the policy, asserting that it undermines transparency and the public’s right to know. The publication emphasized its long-standing commitment to defending press freedom through legal means.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Moscow will not compromise over Ukraine’s Donbas region, vowing to use force if necessary to secure full control. In an interview with India Today on December 4, Putin said that either Russian forces will liberate the remaining areas or Ukrainian troops must withdraw. Currently, Russia controls about 85 percent of Donbas. The warning comes as U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration continues mediation efforts, with Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff meeting both Russian and Ukrainian representatives. The United States recently proposed a 28-point peace plan, including a clause suggesting that remaining Ukrainian-held parts of Donbas be ceded to Russia—a proposal strongly opposed by Kyiv and European nations. Putin acknowledged that Russia agrees with some U.S. proposals but rejects others, without specifying which. The statement underscores Moscow’s hardened stance following recent battlefield gains and complicates international efforts to end the ongoing war.