Bangladesh secured a morale-boosting 1-0 victory over India in an Asian Cup qualifying match held at the National Stadium in Dhaka. Sheikh Md Morsalin scored the decisive goal in the 11th minute, assisted by Rakib Hossain. Although both Bangladesh and India were already eliminated from contention for the main round, the home side celebrated the win enthusiastically, with players including Rakib, Morsalin, Jamal, and Hamza joining in post-match celebrations. After five matches, Bangladesh accumulated five points, while India managed only two. In the same group, Singapore qualified for the Asian Cup main stage after defeating Hong Kong 2-1, taking their tally to eight points. Bangladesh will play their final qualifying match against Singapore on March 31 next year.

After a 22-day suspension, the Barapukuria coal-based thermal power plant in Parbatipur, Dinajpur, resumed electricity production on Tuesday afternoon by restarting its first unit. The plant, which has a total capacity of 525 megawatts across three units, is currently generating only 50 megawatts per day. Operations had been halted due to mechanical failures that rendered all three units inactive, cutting off power supply to the national grid. The second unit, with a capacity of 125 megawatts, has been permanently out of service since 2020, while the third 275-megawatt unit remains offline. Authorities expect that full restoration of operations may take until January, as discussions with Chinese technical experts continue to resolve the mechanical issues. The partial resumption offers some relief amid ongoing power shortages in the region.

China has canceled nearly 500,000 flights to Japan following escalating diplomatic tensions over Japan’s stance on Taiwan. The move comes after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that Japan could become militarily involved if China attempted to invade Taiwan, prompting a strong reaction from Beijing. In response, China suspended visa processing, halted cultural exchange programs, and issued travel warnings for its citizens and students. At least seven Chinese airlines, including three state-owned carriers, are allowing passengers to cancel Japan-bound bookings free of charge. Sichuan Airlines has suspended all Chengdu–Sapporo flights until March, while Spring Airlines has canceled multiple routes. The cancellations have negatively impacted Japan’s retail and travel sectors, with share prices dropping. Analysts describe this as the largest flight cancellation since the early COVID-19 period, though they note limited impact on China’s domestic aviation market. Japan has advised its citizens in China to remain cautious and avoid crowded areas amid the diplomatic strain.

Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) has advanced its undergraduate admission test for the 2025–26 academic session by one day. Originally scheduled for January 23, the exam will now take place on January 22, according to a decision made by the university’s admission steering committee on November 18. The university’s public relations office stated that the change was made due to unavoidable circumstances. All other aspects of the examination, including test centers and candidate eligibility, remain unchanged. For the first time, the test will be conducted simultaneously at RUET and BUET using a unified multiple-choice question (MCQ) format. Around 19,000 candidates are expected to compete for approximately 1,200 available seats at RUET.

A fire that broke out on Tuesday evening in the Kuratoli area near Kuril, on Dhaka’s Kuril World Road, has been brought under control. The blaze reportedly started around 7 p.m. and affected a rickshaw garage and nearby residential houses. Four units of the Fire Service and Civil Defence rushed to the scene and managed to control the fire within about an hour. According to fire officials, the fire has been completely extinguished, and no casualties have been reported. Local residents claimed that the fire originated from a stove at a local pitha (rice cake) shop. Approximately 150 rickshaws in the garage were reportedly burned in the incident. The extent of property damage is yet to be determined as authorities continue to assess the situation.

A report by U.S.-based research group Oil Change International has revealed that 25 countries supplied Israel with crude and refined petroleum products during its two-year assault on Gaza. The report, released at the UN climate conference in Brazil, shows that between November 2023 and October 2025, Israel received 21.2 million metric tons of fuel in 323 shipments. Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan provided about 70% of the crude oil, while Russia, Greece, and the United States were the main suppliers of refined petroleum. Turkey and Russia also sent millions of tons of crude oil, and the U.S. supplied 360,000 tons of JP8 jet fuel used for military aircraft. The report argues that the same fossil fuel system driving the climate crisis is also fueling international conflicts and atrocities. Activists and analysts warn that continued fuel exports to Israel may implicate states in violations of international law related to genocide and war crimes.

An increasing number of U.S. citizens are viewing Saudi Arabia as their ‘second home,’ drawn by the kingdom’s expanding job market, modern infrastructure, and welcoming culture. As part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s economy is diversifying into technology, health, construction, education, and tourism, creating high-paying opportunities that attract American professionals. Many Americans living in Riyadh and Jeddah say the local hospitality and cultural inclusiveness help them integrate quickly. The recent granting of Saudi citizenship to Red Sea Global CEO John Pagano symbolizes this growing bond. Analysts note that deepening U.S.-Saudi cooperation in energy, security, and trade has strengthened people-to-people connections, with more Americans choosing to live and work in the kingdom. The country’s social reforms, including greater openness and women’s participation, have further enhanced its appeal among expatriates.

A banned rally under the banners of Chhatra League and Jubo League took place in front of police officers in Sirajdikhan, Munshiganj, on Tuesday morning, causing widespread debate and concern among locals. The procession, led by local Jubo League leader Zahidul Islam Litu, marched through Imamganj Bazar despite the organizations being officially banned. A police patrol car was seen following the rally, raising questions about law enforcement’s role. Following the incident, three police personnel—Sub-Inspector Kamruzzaman Sikder and constables Shafiqul and Badsha Mia—were closed for negligence of duty. Police later detained three individuals allegedly involved in the rally. The local police chief stated that the rally occurred suddenly and that officers did not have time to intervene. The incident has sparked discussions about political activities under banned banners and the accountability of law enforcement in maintaining order.

In Peru’s Ucayali region, members of the Kakataibo Indigenous Guard are patrolling deep Amazon forests to protect their ancestral lands from illegal coca cultivation, which fuels cocaine production and threatens their environment and lives. Armed with traditional weapons and a few old firearms, they cross rivers and dense jungles to locate hidden coca fields. Similarly, in northern Peru, the Wampis Indigenous people have formed a volunteer patrol group called Charip in 2024 to stop illegal gold mining and deforestation. Despite limited government support, Charip has achieved early success by detaining corrupt police officers and destroying illegal dredging machines. However, the group now faces manpower shortages as members receive no pay and risk their lives to defend their territory. Peru, the world’s second-largest cocaine producer, has seen coca cultivation nearly double since 2013, driving deforestation, corruption, and violence that have claimed the lives of at least 20 Indigenous leaders.

The Government of Bangladesh has approved the purchase of 220,000 metric tons of fertilizer from China, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and Kafco at a total cost of approximately Tk 1,579 crore. The procurement includes 70,000 tons of urea, 120,000 tons of DAP, and 30,000 tons of TSP fertilizer. Additionally, the government will construct 34 buffer warehouses across the country at a cost of Tk 55.25 crore to improve fertilizer storage and distribution. The decisions were approved at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase chaired by Economic Adviser Dr. Salahuddin Ahmed. The imports will be made for the 2025–26 fiscal year, with specific agreements including 40,000 tons of urea from Saudi Arabia’s SABIC Agro Nutrients Company and 30,000 tons from Bangladesh-based Kafco. The move aims to ensure adequate fertilizer supply for the upcoming agricultural seasons.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal–1 on Monday sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death for crimes against humanity, including killings during the July mass uprising. Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, a prosecution witness in the same case, received a five-year prison term. Prosecutor Gazi Monowar Hossain Tamim told reporters that the convicts have 30 days from the verdict date to file appeals under Section 21(3) of the tribunal law. If no appeal is filed within this period, the verdict will be executed upon arrest. He clarified that the tribunal law does not allow for delay condonation, unlike general criminal law. Appeals must be resolved within 60 days once filed. The prosecutor added that the convicts can only collect certified copies of the verdict and related documents to submit with their appeals to the Appellate Division, where they may also seek bail. Families of July uprising victims plan to appeal for harsher punishment for Mamun.

A major fire broke out on Tuesday night at Kuratoli Bazar in the Kuril-Bashundhara area of Dhaka, engulfing a rickshaw garage and several tin-shed houses. The Fire Service received the alert at 7:38 p.m. and dispatched four units to the scene, with the first team arriving at 7:58 p.m. to begin firefighting operations. Duty officer Khaleda Yasmin from the Fire Service control room confirmed the incident to the media, stating that efforts were ongoing to bring the blaze under control. As of the latest reports, no casualties or details of property damage have been confirmed. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire while ensuring nearby residents’ safety. The incident caused panic among locals, but prompt response from fire crews helped prevent the flames from spreading further.

The Left Democratic Alliance (LDA) has issued a statement responding to the death sentence of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a case related to crimes against humanity during the July uprising. Following a meeting of its central executive committee in Dhaka, the alliance said the verdict proves that no one is above the law. It called for ensuring that the judicial process remains beyond national and international controversy and that all stages, including appeal and review, are conducted transparently. The LDA also criticized the lenient punishment of the former police chief, who was made a state witness, despite evidence implicating law enforcement in the killings. The alliance urged the prosecution to appeal for stricter punishment, warning that impunity could embolden future abuses by security forces. The statement reiterated the demand for fair trials for all July–August killings to ensure justice for victims and accountability for all perpetrators.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising that led to her ouster. Prosecutor Gazi Monowar Hossain Tamim confirmed that certified copies of the verdict will soon be sent to relevant government offices, including the Dhaka District Magistrate, for enforcement. The tribunal also directed that absconding convicts may obtain certified copies if they surrender or are arrested within 30 days. Meanwhile, the government has begun preparing an application through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Interpol for a new notice based on a conviction warrant, replacing the previous arrest warrant. Hasina fled to India on August 5 last year amid a mass uprising and remains there. Authorities aim to secure her return to Bangladesh to implement the tribunal’s verdict.

Netherlands Vice Minister for International Cooperation Pascal Grotenhuis met Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka on Tuesday to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation in agriculture, trade, investment, technology, and youth development. The meeting also covered the formation of a social business fund for young and women entrepreneurs. Yunus reaffirmed his government’s commitment to holding a free, fair, and participatory election in early February, noting that the Awami League remains barred from contesting due to its suspended registration. He described the upcoming polls as a historic moment for new voters who were previously unable to vote. Grotenhuis praised Bangladesh’s progress in election preparations despite limited time and welcomed recent labor law reforms, saying they would attract more European investment. He also announced plans for a memorandum of understanding on public-private partnerships between the Netherlands and Bangladesh, aiming to elevate bilateral relations from development cooperation to equal political and economic partnership.