Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticized the US-backed peace plan for Ukraine, calling the proposal to cede occupied territories to Russia its 'main problem.' Following discussions on the peace framework, Zelensky argued that legitimizing Russia’s control over lands seized by force would set a dangerous global precedent. The draft plan reportedly suggests freezing front lines in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, effectively granting Moscow control over large areas. It also proposes that Kyiv hand over parts of the Donbas region still under Ukrainian control, a condition Zelensky described as deeply concerning. He warned that relinquishing Donbas could expose Ukraine to future Russian aggression. Earlier, both the United States and Ukraine described the 28-point peace plan talks in Geneva as 'highly productive,' though Kyiv’s leadership remains wary of any compromise that could undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna has expressed his belief that despite widespread criticism of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the public will ultimately vote for the party in the upcoming elections. Speaking at a discussion meeting held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka on Monday, Manna clarified that he is not campaigning for BNP nor affiliated with it. However, he stated that, in his view, people are likely to favor BNP when it comes to casting their votes. His remarks come amid uncertainty over who will assume responsibility for the country in the next five years, reflecting the broader political ambiguity and voter sentiment ahead of the national polls.

Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has sharply criticized the latest US proposal aimed at ending the country’s prolonged conflict, describing it as the 'worst document so far.' The US plan calls for a three-month humanitarian ceasefire followed by a nine-month political process. Al-Burhan objected to provisions that would dissolve the Sudanese armed forces and security institutions while allowing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to remain in their current positions. He accused Washington of trying to impose conditions on Sudan. Meanwhile, the RSF has expressed its willingness to accept the ceasefire. The war, which began in April 2023, has killed over 40,000 people and displaced more than 14 million, creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Al-Burhan said the army would only agree to a truce once RSF fighters withdraw from civilian areas and displaced people can safely return home. He reiterated that the military seeks peace but will not accept external pressure.

The National Sports Council (NSC) of Bangladesh has issued a directive prohibiting the use of national team players in any political or election campaigns. In a letter dated November 24, the NSC warned that players are national assets and symbols of unity, and their involvement in political activities could harm the neutrality and integrity of the sports sector. The council noted that some groups or individuals were attempting to use athletes for political purposes ahead of the upcoming elections, which violates sports ethics and could damage the sporting environment. The directive strictly forbids players from participating in campaign events, appearing on political platforms, or endorsing any candidate. The NSC emphasized that all athletes must maintain the country’s reputation through their sporting excellence and adhere to the council’s instructions to preserve a healthy, nonpartisan sports environment.

Authorities have announced the indefinite closure of the Madhyapara Stone Mine in Parbatipur, Dinajpur, following widespread fear among workers after a series of recent earthquakes in Bangladesh. The decision was made late Sunday night after workers expressed hesitation to enter underground shafts during the morning shift. The Belarusian contracting company and mine management jointly decided to halt operations and informed Petrobangla, which approved the suspension after a tripartite discussion. The mine’s Managing Director, D.M. Zobaid Hossain, confirmed that the closure was prompted by safety concerns and the psychological impact of recent tremors that caused fatalities elsewhere in the country. Workers have been granted leave until further notice while authorities assess safety conditions before resuming operations. The shutdown underscores the growing anxiety over seismic activity and its implications for industrial safety in Bangladesh’s northern region.

BNP-nominated candidate for the Chattogram-4 (Sitakunda) constituency, Kazi Mohammad Salauddin, has refuted claims that his party is reconsidering his nomination or planning to replace him with former joint secretary general Lion Aslam Chowdhury. In a statement responding to a report published by the daily Jugantor, Salauddin said no official decision or announcement regarding candidate changes has been made by the BNP Standing Committee. He urged party members and the public not to be misled by such reports. However, the reporter of the original article maintained that internal discussions and decisions had taken place within the party to nominate Aslam Chowdhury, citing confirmation from Chowdhury himself and senior BNP leaders. The reporter insisted that the news was based on credible sources and not politically motivated.

Residents of Bhola living in Barishal organized a human chain on Monday morning demanding the construction of the long-awaited Bhola-Barishal bridge to connect the island district with the mainland. The demonstration took place in front of Ashwini Kumar Hall, where participants highlighted the daily struggles caused by dependence on river transport. They argued that the lack of a bridge hampers emergency medical access and economic development. Speakers, including students from BM College, emphasized that Bhola possesses significant natural resources and that a portion of its wealth could fund the bridge without requiring government subsidies. Protesters urged the government to take immediate steps toward the project, noting that despite years of discussion, no visible progress has been made. They expressed determination to continue their movement until their demand for the bridge is fulfilled.

A new poll by Neapolitan News Service and RMG Research reveals that 67% of registered U.S. voters believe legal immigration benefits the country, while most view illegal immigration negatively. Conducted between November 12 and 13 among 1,000 registered voters, the survey shows a decline in support compared to August, when 74% favored legal immigration. Seventeen percent of respondents said both legal and illegal immigration are harmful, while 10% believe all immigration is beneficial. Support for legal immigration is strongest in regions facing labor shortages, with 64% of voters emphasizing the need for legal pathways for doctors and nurses to live and work in the U.S., down from 71% in August. The findings come amid ongoing debates over immigration policy, which became more restrictive during the first year of the Trump administration.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus convened an emergency meeting with experts and officials in Dhaka on November 24 to discuss earthquake preparedness, coordination, and rapid response mechanisms. The meeting followed a series of four tremors that struck Dhaka and surrounding areas between November 21 and 22, the strongest measuring 5.7 magnitude. The quakes caused panic, structural damage, and led to the deaths of 10 people, including a child, while over 600 others were injured. Narsingdi reported the highest fatalities with five deaths, followed by four in Dhaka and one in Narayanganj. Experts warned that these tremors could signal a larger impending earthquake, urging authorities to strengthen disaster readiness and public awareness. The Chief Adviser emphasized the need for immediate coordination among relevant agencies to minimize risks and ensure effective emergency response.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of Bangladesh has published the draft master plan for St. Martin’s Island on its official website, inviting public and institutional feedback by December 20. The plan aims to regulate uncontrolled tourism, ensure environmental protection, and promote sustainable management of the ecologically vulnerable island. Additionally, the ministry has also sought opinions on the draft guidelines for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) concerning plastic waste management 2025, with submissions due by December 20, 2025. Authorities expect that collective input from ministries, agencies, stakeholders, and the public will help finalize effective and realistic strategies to safeguard the island’s coastal ecosystem and address the country’s growing plastic waste challenges.

A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of income tax documents belonging to Lutful Tahmina Khan, wife of former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who was sentenced to death for crimes against humanity. The order was issued by Metropolitan Sessions Judge Md Sabbir Foyez following a petition from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). According to the ACC, Tahmina allegedly amassed illegal assets worth about Tk 15.46 crore and conducted suspicious transactions totaling Tk 43.77 crore through ten bank accounts under her name and partially owned companies. Investigators suspect the funds were laundered in violation of the Money Laundering Prevention Act of 2012. The court stated that seizing her tax returns and related financial records is essential for a fair and thorough investigation into the allegations of corruption and money laundering.

The Bangladesh Army conducted a late-night operation in the Sorabaria area of Kaliganj upazila, Jhenaidah district, recovering a pistol marked 'Made in India,' three rounds of ammunition, and two locally made sharp weapons. The items were found abandoned in the yard of a suspect named Masud Hossain, who fled the scene during the raid. According to police, Masud is a fugitive facing more than ten criminal cases, including charges of murder and illegal arms possession. Officer-in-Charge Shafiqul Islam of Kaliganj Police Station confirmed that no arrests were made during the operation. Authorities are continuing efforts to locate and apprehend the suspect. The discovery of a foreign-made firearm has raised concerns about cross-border arms smuggling and illegal weapon circulation in the region.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia has requested prayers from the people of Bangladesh for her recovery while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. According to her personal physician and BNP Standing Committee member Professor Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, Khaleda Zia was admitted to the hospital on Sunday night and is currently under close observation by a medical board. Her health condition is being carefully monitored, and doctors are providing necessary medical support. The BNP leader, who has been suffering from various health complications in recent years, expressed gratitude for the nation’s concern and urged everyone to pray for her well-being. Party sources said that her treatment will continue under the supervision of her medical team, and further updates will be provided as needed.

Following a series of recent earthquakes in Dhaka, the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) has identified around 300 buildings as vulnerable to seismic risks. RAJUK Chairman Riazul Islam announced the findings during a seminar on earthquake preparedness held at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh. He emphasized that without coordinated efforts among government agencies, managing post-earthquake situations would be extremely difficult. Islam urged all stakeholders, including city corporations and the fire service, to work together to reduce risks. He also clarified that RAJUK approves building plans only when they comply with regulations and does not engage in any financial irregularities. The chairman further noted that property owners are responsible for ensuring their buildings meet safety standards, and violations should result in penalties for them, not RAJUK. He criticized the lack of coordination among RAJUK, city corporations, and the fire service, which he said has led to disorder in urban management.

Bangladesh faces a major diplomatic hurdle in executing the death sentence handed to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by the International Crimes Tribunal, which convicted her in absentia for crimes against humanity linked to the 2024 student-led protests. After being ousted amid mass unrest, Hasina fled to India in August 2024, where she remains under protection. Dhaka has formally requested her extradition, but New Delhi’s reluctance—citing political motivations and legal exceptions in the bilateral extradition treaty—has created a tense standoff. Indian diplomats suggest that Hasina’s pending legal appeals and India’s political considerations make extradition unlikely. The verdict and India’s position have intensified political uncertainty ahead of Bangladesh’s February elections, now overseen by an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. With the Awami League banned and opposition parties regrouping, analysts warn that the crisis marks either the end of an authoritarian era or the beginning of a volatile new chapter in Bangladeshi politics.