Cambodia has accused Thailand of launching airstrikes on its territory just hours after a regional ASEAN meeting in Malaysia. Phnom Penh’s defense ministry stated that Thai F-16 fighter jets bombed several areas in Siem Reap and Preah Vihear provinces on Monday, despite both countries agreeing earlier in the week to hold ceasefire talks aimed at ending deadly border clashes.

The Cambodian statement described the strikes as a violation of the spirit of regional diplomacy, coming immediately after ASEAN discussions on border stability. Thailand has not yet issued an official response to the allegations. The two nations have long disputed sections of their shared border, with tensions periodically flaring into violence.

Regional observers warn that the latest incident could undermine ASEAN’s efforts to mediate peace and may further destabilize the border region. Diplomatic sources suggest emergency consultations could follow if the situation escalates further.

Russia has sharply escalated its attacks on Ukraine’s southern Odesa region, targeting key port and maritime infrastructure. The latest strikes have caused widespread power outages affecting over 120,000 residents and damaged a civilian vessel, according to local officials. Fires broke out at a major port, destroying containers of flour and cooking oil, while earlier missile attacks killed at least eight people and injured dozens.

Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Kuleba said Moscow is conducting “systematic” strikes on Odesa, warning that the war’s focal point may shift toward the region. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia aims to sever Ukraine’s maritime logistics, following threats from President Vladimir Putin to restrict Kyiv’s access to the Black Sea in response to drone attacks on Russia’s “shadow fleet.”

Odesa’s strategic importance has grown as other southern ports remain under Russian control. Zelensky announced plans to appoint a new air force commander after dismissing Dmytro Karpenko, signaling a potential shift in Ukraine’s defensive strategy in the region.

Malaysia has called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to take all necessary measures to de-escalate the ongoing border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. The appeal was made during a special meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers held in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, following renewed clashes earlier this month in disputed frontier areas.

According to official reports, the fighting has displaced more than 500,000 people across both countries, with at least 22 killed in Thailand and 19 in Cambodia. Both Bangkok and Phnom Penh have accused each other of provoking violence and targeting civilians, while heavy weaponry, including tanks, drones, and artillery, has reportedly been used.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan emphasized that the conflict poses not only a regional but also a global security concern, urging ASEAN to safeguard peace and stability. He stressed that the goal should extend beyond reducing tensions to building trust and maintaining dialogue between the two sides despite ongoing disputes.

Russia has declared its full support and solidarity with Venezuela as tensions escalate with the United States over naval operations in the Caribbean Sea. Moscow’s announcement came ahead of a key UN Security Council meeting set to discuss the growing crisis between Washington and Caracas. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Venezuelan counterpart Yván Gil condemned recent U.S. actions, calling them a threat to international maritime security and regional stability.

The statement follows a series of U.S. naval operations targeting vessels allegedly linked to drug trafficking, which have resulted in numerous deaths. On December 16, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a blockade on Venezuelan oil tankers under sanctions, accusing President Nicolás Maduro’s government of using oil revenues to fund criminal activities. Caracas denounced the move as “international piracy,” while Russia and China backed Venezuela’s call for a UN discussion on sovereignty and non-interference.

Analysts warn that the standoff could further strain global energy markets. Maduro has cautioned that U.S. sanctions may disrupt international oil supply chains, adding another layer of uncertainty to global energy stability.

US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has stated that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro 'needs to go,' reinforcing Washington’s stance for leadership change in Caracas. In an interview with Fox News, Noem linked the recent seizure of Venezuela-bound oil tankers to a broader message against Maduro’s alleged illicit activities. Her remarks come as the US intensifies sanctions and maritime enforcement targeting Venezuela’s oil trade.

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump ordered a blockade on sanctioned oil vessels connected to Venezuela. The US has already seized two ships and is pursuing another. Washington has accused Maduro of leading the 'Cartel of the Suns,' labeling it a narco-terrorist organization, and offered a $50 million reward for information leading to his arrest. Meanwhile, US naval forces have increased their presence in the Caribbean, conducting operations that have destroyed several vessels and caused over a hundred deaths.

International legal experts have questioned the legitimacy of these operations, suggesting possible violations of international law. Analysts view the actions as part of a broader effort to pressure Maduro’s government rather than solely targeting narcotics trafficking.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has begun transferring all seized assets belonging to former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed to the Chief Adviser’s Relief Fund. The announcement came during a press briefing at ACC headquarters in Dhaka, where Director General (Prevention) Md. Akhter Hossain confirmed that the process of handing over confiscated items from Ahmed’s Gulshan apartments is ongoing.

According to the ACC, the court authorized the transfer after considering security and logistical challenges associated with holding a public auction in a residential complex. The seized goods include perishable items, clothing, utensils, and household materials. A three-member committee is overseeing the transfer, while necessary samples are being preserved for legal documentation.

The decision follows earlier plans for a public auction, later revised due to safety concerns and potential spoilage of goods. The court has instructed the appointed receiver and ACC’s asset management unit to complete the handover and submit a report. Benazir Ahmed reportedly fled Bangladesh before the July uprising and is currently residing in Spain with his family.

A Dhaka court has imposed a travel ban on Asaduzzaman, the alleged foster son of Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, along with his wife Israt Jahan and associate Akhtaruzzaman. The order was issued on December 22 by Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun during a vacation session, following a petition from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

According to ACC spokesperson Tanzir Ahmed, the agency sought the restriction to prevent the accused from leaving the country while an investigation is underway. The ACC alleges that Asaduzzaman and his associates used political influence to engage in smuggling, illegal money transfers, customs evasion, and other corrupt practices, accumulating illicit wealth and laundering funds abroad. Reliable sources reportedly indicated that the trio might attempt to flee Bangladesh.

The court’s decision underscores growing scrutiny of politically connected individuals amid intensified anti-corruption drives. The ACC’s investigation is ongoing, and further legal actions may follow depending on the findings of the inquiry.

The National Institute of Kidney Diseases and Urology (NIKDU) in Dhaka hosted a ceremony unveiling its Teachers’ Association journal and constitution, alongside honoring newly promoted and recently graduated physicians. The event, held at the Sher-e-Bangla Nagar auditorium, featured speeches from senior faculty and administrators emphasizing dedication and teamwork to elevate NIKDU’s service quality.

Speakers highlighted the institute’s growing capacity, noting that six operating theaters are now active daily and 44 kidney transplants have been successfully completed, including five in the past month. Approximately 1,500 outpatients receive regular treatment each day. Director Prof. Dr. Syed Alfa Sani urged all staff to work with integrity, while Association President Dr. Moshior Arefin Rubel expressed hope that NIKDU will soon become a “center of excellence.”

The event also paid tribute to national heroes and deceased colleagues, reflecting the institution’s commitment to professional and ethical values. Participants stressed that sustained collaboration and leadership will be key to achieving international recognition.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Sadiq Kayem has declined a government proposal to assign him an armed guard for personal protection. The offer was part of a broader initiative to provide security to student leaders, politicians, and journalists following recent political unrest. In a Facebook post on Monday, Kayem said he could not accept special protection when ordinary citizens remained unsafe.

Kayem argued that selective security measures contradict the principles of justice and equality. He criticized law enforcement for failing to ensure public safety and alleged that fascist influences within state institutions were undermining justice. His statement follows the government’s move to enhance security for prominent figures after the so-called July Revolution.

Observers note that Kayem’s refusal underscores growing public frustration over unequal security provisions and the perceived lack of institutional reform. The government has not yet responded to his remarks, but the debate highlights ongoing tensions between political leadership and youth movements over fairness and accountability in post-crisis Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has reiterated that the national election will be held on February 12 as scheduled. Speaking with US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor, Yunus said citizens are eager to exercise their voting rights, which had been suppressed under previous authoritarian rule. The half-hour conversation covered bilateral trade, tariff issues, democratic transition, and the killing of young political activist Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi.

During the call, Envoy Gor, who also serves as the US Ambassador to India, congratulated Yunus for leading recent trade negotiations that reduced reciprocal tariffs on Bangladeshi goods to 20 percent. He also mentioned the large funeral gathering for Hadi. Yunus accused supporters of the ousted regime of spending heavily to disrupt the election and inciting violence from abroad, but assured that the interim government is fully prepared to maintain order.

Yunus emphasized that with only 50 days remaining, the administration is focused on ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful election that will mark a milestone in Bangladesh’s democratic journey.

BNP Standing Committee member Selima Rahman announced that a new political movement under Tarique Rahman’s leadership will begin on February 12, aimed at realizing the spirit of the 1971 Liberation War and the aspirations of past mass uprisings. Speaking at a Victory Day discussion in Haluaghat, Mymensingh, she said the initiative seeks to restore people’s voting rights and democracy, asserting that the nation belongs to its citizens, not any single group.

Rahman accused the current government of depriving citizens of electoral rights and undermining state institutions through authoritarian rule. She emphasized that free and fair elections are the only path to establishing a truly democratic government. BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince echoed her remarks, calling for renewed commitment to sovereignty and democracy. The event also featured local BNP leaders and a pre-Christmas gathering with the Christian community.

The announcement signals BNP’s intent to intensify its political activities ahead of the coming months, positioning Tarique Rahman as the central figure in its campaign for democratic reform.

The Gono Odhikar Parishad, led by Nurul Haque Nur, has announced it will not enter into a seat-sharing agreement with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. Instead, the party will contest all 300 constituencies under its own symbol, signaling a fully independent electoral strategy. The decision was confirmed on December 22 by senior council member and media coordinator Abu Hanif following a meeting of the party’s executive committee and nomination aspirants.

Party leaders stated that Gono Odhikar Parishad aims to establish itself as an alternative political force in Bangladesh, emphasizing its refusal to compromise with what it termed “Awami fascism.” The party will distribute nomination forms until December 25, with candidates expected to submit their papers on December 28 and 29.

Political analysts view the move as a bold but risky step for a relatively new party seeking national recognition. The decision could reshape opposition dynamics in the upcoming election, especially amid ongoing debates over electoral alliances and legitimacy.

Inqilab Mancha organized a protest rally in Sylhet demanding the immediate trial of those involved in the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a political activist known for his role in anti-Indian dominance movements. The demonstration began at Chowhatta and drew participation from leaders and activists of various political groups. Protesters raised three key demands, including completion of the trial within 30 working days through a special tribunal, inclusion of international investigative agencies such as the FBI or Scotland Yard, and the arrest of alleged infiltrators within civil and military intelligence.

Speakers at the rally criticized government advisers for failing to ensure justice and called for their resignation. They described Hadi’s killing as a national tragedy and warned of tougher programs if impartial justice was not ensured. The protest reflects growing frustration among grassroots activists over delays in politically sensitive investigations.

Observers note that the demand for international involvement in the probe underscores a deep mistrust in domestic mechanisms. Authorities have yet to issue an official response to the protesters’ allegations or demands.

Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team has received a major financial reward following their emphatic 191-run victory over India in the Youth Asia Cup final. The win marked a significant achievement for Pakistan, whose senior team has struggled to defeat India in recent years. The young squad’s dominant performance brought renewed pride to the nation’s cricketing community.

Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed announced that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had declared a reward of 10 million Pakistani rupees (approximately 4.3 million Bangladeshi taka) for each player. During a meeting with the team, Sharif praised the players and coaching staff for their dedication and outstanding performance, expressing hope that these young cricketers would continue to bring glory to Pakistan.

The victory and subsequent recognition are seen as a morale boost for Pakistan’s cricket system, highlighting the potential of its youth development programs. Analysts suggest the success could strengthen the country’s future talent pipeline and rekindle optimism among fans ahead of upcoming international tournaments.

Police in Narayanganj’s Fatullah area arrested alleged gang leader Bazlur Rahman Ripon, known locally as Haji Ripon, along with his son Imtiaz Ahmed Rafi during a special drive named ‘Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2’. The arrests took place on Monday afternoon in the Jamtala Dhopapatti area, confirmed Fatullah Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Abdul Mannan. Authorities said Ripon faces multiple cases, including one related to a murder during an anti-discrimination student movement, as well as several narcotics charges.

According to police, Haji Ripon is known as an armed associate of Azmeri Osman, nephew of influential local politician Shamim Osman. Both Ripon and his son had reportedly been in hiding for an extended period while continuing involvement in criminal activities. After their detention, police began legal procedures to present them before court.

The operation is part of a broader law enforcement campaign targeting long-time fugitives and organized crime figures in Narayanganj. Officials indicated that further arrests may follow as investigations continue into the network’s activities.