Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has pledged to defend his country’s sovereignty and remain loyal to the people as tensions with the United States escalate over drug trafficking allegations. US President Donald Trump warned that Washington could launch a military operation against Venezuela at any time, following a series of attacks on suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific that left at least 83 people dead. Addressing members of the ruling PSUV party, Maduro reaffirmed his commitment to the legacy of former President Hugo Chávez and accused the US of attempting to overthrow him. Trump also threatened possible ground operations and advised that Venezuela should keep its airspace closed. The growing confrontation underscores the deepening diplomatic and military strain between Caracas and Washington, with both sides trading accusations of aggression and interference.

Students from the seven government colleges affiliated with Dhaka University have announced a new phase of protests demanding the issuance of an ordinance to establish the proposed Dhaka Central University. At a press conference held in front of Dhaka College on Wednesday, student leader Abdur Rahman declared that if the authorities fail to issue the ordinance by Saturday, students will begin a continuous sit-in in front of the Education Building from Sunday, December 7. Earlier in the day, students held demonstrations and blocked Mirpur Road for over two hours before announcing their next program. The government has already taken a policy decision to merge the seven colleges and form a new public university named Dhaka Central University, ending their affiliation with Dhaka University. Students argue that the delay in issuing the ordinance has created uncertainty and administrative complications, prompting them to continue their movement until the demand is met.

The Mexican Parliament has expressed eagerness to work with Bangladesh’s newly elected government, according to the Bangladesh Embassy in Mexico. The announcement was made during a ceremony on December 2, where the Mexico-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group was officially formed. Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Mexico, Mushfiqur Fazal Ansaree, attended the event and was invited to observe a parliamentary session. The Congress President, Kenia López Rabadán, formally introduced the friendship group, emphasizing bilateral cooperation. Ambassador Ansaree highlighted Bangladesh’s democratic progress, referencing the upcoming national election led by Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus and recalling the 2024 democratic uprising. Mexican lawmakers praised Bangladesh’s economic growth and textile industry, pledging to strengthen political, trade, and environmental collaboration. The event also marked 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Ambassadors from Jordan and Ivory Coast attended as guests, and the ceremony concluded with official signings and gift exchanges.

A new analysis by travel insurance company Compare the Market has identified Bangkok as the world's most dangerous city for tourists in terms of pickpocketing, scams, and theft. The study reviewed traveler reviews from over 75 major tourist destinations to rank cities based on reported incidents and perceived risks. Bangkok scored 83.45, topping the list, followed by Paris (68.81) and Prague (52.16). Shanghai ranked fourth due to its high rate of scams rather than thefts, while Agra, Rome, Pattaya, Phuket, Shenzhen, and Mumbai completed the top ten. The report highlights that both Asia and Europe dominate the risk rankings, with 24 Asian and 27 European cities appearing on the list. Analysts emphasize that while these cities remain popular for their culture and attractions, tourists should remain vigilant against petty crimes and fraudulent schemes to ensure safe travel experiences.

Members of the Kuril Tiles and Sanitary Market Owners and Employees Association organized a human chain at Kuril World Road in Dhaka, demanding the construction of a bridge connecting Bhola and Barishal. The demonstration, held on Wednesday afternoon near Jamuna Future Park, urged the interim government to take immediate steps toward building the bridge to reduce travel difficulties between the two districts. Speakers argued that despite Bhola supplying gas nationwide, the district remains isolated from the mainland, which contradicts the vision of an equitable Bangladesh. They emphasized that the proposed Bhola-Barishal bridge would enhance communication, industrialization, and tourism in the region. In addition to the bridge, protesters also called for establishing a medical college, a public university, gas-based industries, and sustainable embankments and marine drive roads to prevent river erosion in Bhola.

The Bangladesh Army and Air Force will conduct test landings and takeoffs of helicopters near Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on December 4 between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., following Special Security Force (SSF) security protocols. The government has urged the public to avoid spreading misinformation or rumors regarding the activity. The announcement was made by the Senior Assistant Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Fayez Ahmed, citing an official statement. The move comes amid heightened security surrounding BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital since November 23 and was moved to the Coronary Care Unit on November 27 due to deteriorating health. A medical board led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, along with a team of Chinese doctors and British specialist Dr. Richard Bell, is overseeing her treatment. The interim government recently declared Khaleda Zia a Very Very Important Person (VVIP), prompting the SSF to assume her security responsibilities.

A powerful explosion near a police patrol vehicle in Dera Ismail Khan district of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province killed three police officers, including Assistant Sub-Inspector Gul Alam, on December 3. The blast severely damaged the vehicle and prompted a swift response from security forces, who cordoned off the area and began collecting evidence. Authorities suspect the attack is linked to militant activity. Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the assault, describing it as an act of extremism, and expressed condolences to the victims’ families. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also denounced the attack, calling the slain officers national heroes and vowing that their sacrifice would not be forgotten. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continue the fight against terrorism. The incident followed similar attacks in Lakki Marwat and Bannu districts a day earlier, which left two more police officers dead. Security operations are ongoing to locate the perpetrators.

India has created an unusual world record by losing 20 consecutive tosses in men’s international cricket, a statistical rarity estimated to occur only once in 1,048,576 instances. The streak began during the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia in Ahmedabad and has continued through bilateral and multi-nation tournaments. The latest loss came in Raipur, where South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bowl. This surpasses the previous record held by the Netherlands, who lost 11 consecutive tosses between March 2011 and August 2013. Indian captain KL Rahul humorously remarked that the toss has become the most stressful part of his job, admitting that even practice hasn’t helped. Despite the light-hearted tone, the record underscores a remarkable streak of bad luck for the Indian team, statistically almost impossible to replicate.

In Netrokona’s Mohanganj municipality, the headmaster of Mailora Government Primary School, Md. Shahjada Osmani, is conducting annual exams for 450 students single-handedly due to an ongoing strike by assistant teachers. On December 3, the school was found operating without any assistant teachers, leaving Osmani to manage all five classes with help from former students, parents, and an office assistant. The assistant teachers are on strike demanding the implementation of a three-point charter of demands. Parents expressed frustration, saying that conducting exams with only one teacher compromises exam quality and puts students’ futures at risk. Osmani stated that he respects the teachers’ movement but must follow higher authorities’ instructions to hold exams to prevent academic disruption. The assistant teachers’ local leader said the crisis would end once the government meets their demands.

Senior Supreme Court lawyer Z I Khan Panna has offered an unconditional apology to Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal after failing to appear for a scheduled hearing. Panna had been appointed as state defense counsel for fugitive Sheikh Hasina in two separate cases involving allegations of enforced disappearance, torture, and murder during the Awami League government’s tenure. However, he later publicly stated that Hasina had no confidence in the tribunal and declared it unethical to represent her. His absence at the December 3 hearing prompted the tribunal to summon him. Appearing in a wheelchair, Panna cited illness and reiterated his unwillingness to continue as defense counsel. The tribunal accepted his apology, released him from his duties, and appointed lawyer Md Amir Hossain as the new state defense counsel. The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, expressed hope for Panna’s cooperation in future proceedings.

A newborn baby girl was discovered in a bloodied state inside the bathroom of Babu Chowdhury General Hospital, a private clinic in Madaripur town, on Tuesday afternoon. The infant, believed to be about a day old, was rescued by a cleaning staff member and immediately taken to the 250-bed Madaripur District Hospital for urgent medical care. Hospital authorities reported that the baby's condition, initially critical, is now improving. Police have launched an investigation to identify the parents, collecting CCTV footage and increasing intelligence operations. They also confirmed that legal measures will be taken through the Department of Social Services. The incident has raised concern among locals and authorities about the circumstances leading to the abandonment of the newborn.

A two-year-old girl named Faiza was killed after being hit by a government vehicle used by Ahmed Mofachcher, the Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Homna Upazila in Cumilla. The incident occurred around 10 a.m. on Wednesday, December 3, at the Homna Upazila Parishad premises. According to local sources, the driver, Towabur Hossain, was driving at high speed inside the compound to pick up the assistant commissioner when the accident happened. The child, originally from Tarbhon village in Barishal’s Wazirpur upazila, was rushed to Homna Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared her dead. The assistant commissioner stated that he was not in the vehicle at the time and went to the hospital immediately after hearing the news. The driver fled the scene and remains at large, while police are investigating the incident.

A shocking incident in Ishwardi, Pabna, where eight newborn puppies were drowned in a pond inside a sack, has sparked nationwide outrage in Bangladesh. The act, allegedly committed by a government official’s wife and her son, drew widespread condemnation after a video of the grieving mother dog went viral on social media. Authorities have canceled the official’s housing allocation and initiated an investigation. The case has reignited debate over the country’s weak animal protection laws. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2019, killing or torturing animals, including stray dogs and cats, is punishable by up to two years in prison and fines, but enforcement remains limited. Legal experts note that only authorized livestock officials can file complaints, making it nearly impossible for citizens to pursue justice. As a result, many cases are filed under the Penal Code’s Section 429, which is difficult to apply to stray animals due to valuation issues. Animal rights groups are demanding stronger legal mechanisms and accountability.

BNP Joint Secretary General and Narsingdi district BNP president Khairul Kabir Khokon stated that former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s health condition remains critical and she cannot yet be declared out of danger. Speaking at a prayer gathering organized by the Chinishpur Union BNP on Wednesday, Khokon said Khaleda Zia is currently under close observation in the CCU. He alleged that attempts were made to harm her through slow poisoning due to jealousy over her immense popularity. Khokon added that the entire nation stands with the Zia family and prays for her recovery. He expressed hope that Khaleda Zia will live to see her son assume state leadership and witness the establishment of a government elected directly by the people. The event concluded with prayers for her speedy recovery, attended by several senior BNP leaders from Narsingdi district.

An army sergeant named Mamunur Rashid, aged 40, was killed in a road accident in Natore’s Baraigram upazila on Tuesday evening. The incident occurred around 7:30 pm at Bahimali Farm area on the Bonpara-Lalpur road when a drum truck collided with the autorickshaw he was traveling in. Mamunur Rashid, son of Abdul Majid Mondal from Bormoina village in Lalpur upazila, was serving at the Chattogram Cantonment. He was returning to his workplace after leave and was en route to Bonpara when the accident took place. Locals rescued him and took him to the hospital, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival. Police confirmed that military officials would handle the legal procedures related to the death of the army member. The tragic incident highlights ongoing road safety concerns in the region.