At least 12 people were killed and three others abducted when armed men attacked a mining site in Atoso village, Plateau State, Nigeria, late Tuesday night. Local leaders told Reuters that the assailants, identified by residents as armed Fulani militia, opened fire on workers before fleeing the scene. Five more victims were hospitalized with gunshot wounds.

Police spokesperson Alfred Alabo confirmed that an investigation has been launched into the incident. The attack underscores the persistent insecurity in central Nigeria, where ethnic and religious tensions between farming communities and herders have repeatedly erupted into violence. Local youth leader Daliop Solomon Mwantiri of the Berom Youth Moulders Association condemned the assault and urged authorities to strengthen protection for rural communities.

Despite repeated government pledges to restore peace, Plateau State continues to experience deadly clashes. Analysts warn that without stronger law enforcement and reconciliation efforts, such attacks could further destabilize the region’s fragile security landscape.

Advocate Shaheenur Pasha, a long-time Islamist politician and current central Naib-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, has re-emerged as a key contender in Sunamganj-3 constituency ahead of the 13th national election. Once part of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, he later joined Trinamool BNP before contesting the controversial 2024 “dummy” election, losing his deposit. Now running under the rickshaw symbol, Pasha seeks nomination from the new eight-party Islamist alliance.

His repeated party switches and participation in the disputed election have drawn criticism within the alliance, which includes Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, and others. Rival candidates Advocate Yasin Khan of Jamaat and Sheikh Mushtaq Ahmed of Khelafat Majlis UK chapter argue that only a “clean image” candidate can ensure victory in the religiously influential constituency. Local leaders warn that nominating a controversial figure could fracture grassroots unity.

The alliance leadership faces mounting pressure to balance internal lobbying with public sentiment. Observers say the final choice in Sunamganj-3 will signal whether the coalition prioritizes strategic unity or electoral credibility.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared that his country delivered a lasting lesson to India during the brief May 2025 conflict, which followed escalating tensions in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking at an event in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sharif asserted that India’s government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi would never forget the defeat it suffered in the 87-hour war.

According to Sharif, Pakistan’s armed forces achieved victory in what he described as a ‘battle for truth,’ supported by national unity and prayers. Pakistani officials claim to have downed six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales, and several drones before a U.S.-brokered ceasefire on May 10 ended hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

Analysts note that Sharif’s remarks reflect Islamabad’s attempt to reinforce domestic confidence and regional deterrence. However, New Delhi has not publicly acknowledged such losses, and independent verification remains limited. The comments may further strain bilateral relations as both sides continue to rebuild diplomatic channels after the brief but intense confrontation.

Bangladesh’s banking sector is facing renewed pressure as government borrowing from banks has sharply increased midway through the 2025–26 fiscal year. According to the latest Bangladesh Bank data, the government borrowed a net Tk 45,239 crore between July and December 8, marking a 58.46% rise from the same period last year. Earlier in the fiscal year, the government had been repaying loans, but rising development spending, election-related costs, and higher subsidy and interest obligations have reversed that trend.

Sector analysts note that the initial months saw reduced borrowing due to strong revenue growth and foreign loan inflows. However, the recent acceleration in government borrowing has raised concerns about liquidity pressures in the banking system and potential crowding out of private credit. Commercial banks’ total government loan holdings rose to Tk 475,709 crore by December 8, while borrowing from the central bank reached Tk 120,435 crore.

Economists warn that continued reliance on domestic banks to finance budget deficits could limit credit availability to businesses and complicate inflation management. The government’s current borrowing pace, though below the annual target, may strain monetary stability if sustained.

A mild cold wave has persisted for more than a week in Tetulia, Panchagarh, marking the lowest temperatures in Bangladesh this winter. On Thursday, December 18, the Tetulia Weather Observatory recorded a minimum temperature of 9.5°C, with humidity at 72% and wind speeds between 8 and 10 km/h. Similar readings were observed in previous days, with temperatures hovering around 9°C each morning despite sunny conditions.

According to Jitendranath Roy, acting officer at the Tetulia Weather Observatory, the cold wave began on December 11 when the temperature dropped to 8.9°C, the season’s lowest so far. He noted that the mild cold spell is expected to continue for several more days. Local residents have reported increased morning chill and fog, while daytime temperatures have remained near 27°C.

Meteorologists suggest that such prolonged mild cold waves are typical for northern Bangladesh during December, though they can affect agriculture and daily life. Authorities have advised residents to take precautions against cold-related illnesses, especially among children and the elderly.

Cambodia is preparing to declare a unilateral ceasefire following 11 days of intense border clashes with Thailand that have left at least 52 people dead. The conflict, which began on December 7, has seen artillery, drone, and rocket exchanges along the disputed frontier, displacing more than 800,000 civilians from both sides. Cambodia’s Defense Ministry accused Thai forces of continuing bombardments, while Thailand insisted that Phnom Penh, as the alleged aggressor, must initiate a credible ceasefire.

Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Marati Nalita Andamo stated that any truce must meet specific conditions and include cooperation on landmine clearance. Cambodia has not officially responded to Thailand’s demand. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump said both nations had agreed to halt fighting, though shelling reportedly continued. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul denied any external pressure to end hostilities.

The proposed ceasefire could mark a turning point in one of Southeast Asia’s most serious border escalations in recent years. Regional observers warn that without mutual trust and international mediation, renewed violence remains a significant risk.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard has detained 53 fishermen and seized around 5,500 kilograms of marine fish in two separate operations off the Cox’s Bazar coast. Officials also confiscated three artisanal trawling boats and 30 fishing nets, with the total value of the seized items estimated at over BDT 6.5 crore. The operations were conducted in the Khathkhali River estuary of Banshkhali and near Saint Martin’s Island.

According to Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haq, the first raid took place late Tuesday night based on intelligence reports, leading to the arrest of 16 fishermen and seizure of one illegal trawler. The second operation, conducted early Wednesday, resulted in the detention of 37 more fishermen and two additional trawlers. Authorities said legal proceedings against the detainees are underway.

Officials emphasized that such drives are part of ongoing efforts to protect marine resources and curb illegal fishing in Bangladesh’s coastal waters, with further operations planned in the coming months.

An arson attack struck the Grameen Bank branch office in Shorshodi Bazar, Feni Sadar upazila, early Thursday morning. According to local sources, unidentified miscreants set fire to the building’s stairwell area around 3:40 a.m., damaging three motorcycles and two benches before the blaze was brought under control. Bank officials and employees, who were sleeping on the upper floor, managed to contain the fire with the help of local residents and firefighters.

Branch manager Ashok Kumar Debnath confirmed that the fire was limited to the stairwell and did not spread to the main office. He stated that the bank would take further steps as directed by higher authorities. Feni Model Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Muhammad Fouzol Azim said a written complaint had been received and an investigation was underway to identify those responsible.

Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the attack. The incident has raised security concerns for financial institutions operating in semi-urban areas of Bangladesh.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) captured their sixth title of 2025 after defeating Brazil’s Flamengo 2–1 in a tense penalty shootout during the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final in Qatar. The match ended 1–1 in regulation, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia giving PSG the lead in the 38th minute and Jorginho equalizing from the penalty spot for Flamengo in the 62nd. Goalkeeper Matvei Safonov emerged as the hero, saving crucial penalties to secure victory for Luis Enrique’s side.

The French champions dominated possession with 60% control and maintained attacking pressure throughout the match at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium. Safonov’s composure under pressure capped a remarkable year for PSG, who have already lifted the French Super Cup, Coupe de France, Ligue 1, UEFA Champions League, and UEFA Super Cup.

This latest triumph underscores PSG’s growing global dominance under Enrique. With six major trophies in a single calendar year, the club has set a new benchmark in European football and strengthened its position ahead of the 2026 season.

The United States Southern Command confirmed that four suspected drug traffickers were killed during a military operation targeting a narcotics-laden vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The strike, carried out by US forces, was directed at a ship allegedly linked to a designated terrorist organization. The operation resulted in no American military casualties, according to an official statement released via social media platform X.

The Southern Command emphasized that the mission was part of ongoing efforts to curb transnational drug trafficking networks operating across the Pacific. While details about the vessel’s origin and destination remain undisclosed, officials described the action as a necessary step to disrupt criminal groups financing terrorism through narcotics trade. The announcement follows a series of maritime interdictions conducted by US forces in the region.

Analysts note that the strike underscores Washington’s intensified focus on maritime security and counter-narcotics operations in the Pacific corridor. Further investigations are expected to determine the affiliations of the deceased traffickers and the broader network behind the shipment.

Malaysia’s Immigration Department detained 46 Bangladeshi nationals during a four-hour raid at a factory on Wednesday, following public complaints about undocumented workers. The detainees, aged between 18 and 43, were arrested for immigration-related offenses, including expired visas and lack of valid travel documents. Authorities transferred them to the Lenggeng Immigration Depot for further legal processing.

The operation is part of Malaysia’s ongoing crackdown on undocumented foreign labor. In November, the Immigration Department conducted a large-scale operation in Cameron Highlands, detaining 468 foreign nationals, including 174 Bangladeshis, after inspecting nearly 1,900 individuals’ documents. Officials cited expired passes, missing papers, and suspected forged temporary work permits as common violations.

The latest arrests highlight Malaysia’s intensified enforcement of immigration laws amid growing concerns over illegal labor in industrial and agricultural sectors. Rights groups have urged authorities to ensure humane treatment and due process for detained migrant workers.

Bangladesh’s prosecution authority has formally submitted charges against Obaidul Quader, the banned Awami League’s general secretary and former bridges minister, along with six others, for alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July Revolution. Prosecutor Gazi M.H. Tamim confirmed the filing on Thursday, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing post-revolution accountability process.

The accused include senior political figures and leaders of affiliated organizations: Awami League joint general secretary A.F.M. Bahauddin Nasim, former state minister for information and broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat, Jubo League president Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, general secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, and the banned Chhatra League’s president Saddam Hossain and general secretary Wali Asif Enan. The tribunal is expected to review the charges and decide on issuing arrest warrants soon.

Legal analysts say the case could reshape Bangladesh’s political landscape, testing the judiciary’s independence amid heightened tensions following the July Revolution. The proceedings may also influence future reconciliation efforts and the banned party’s potential rehabilitation.

Imran Khan’s sons, Qasim and Suleman Khan, announced plans to visit Pakistan in January to meet their father, the jailed former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder. In an interview with Sky News, the London-based brothers expressed grave concern over Khan’s health and alleged that he is being held in a ‘death cell’ under inhumane conditions, facing psychological torture and isolation.

Their remarks echo earlier allegations by Khan’s sister Uzma Khanum, who was recently allowed to visit him in Adiala Jail. The family claims that authorities have denied regular contact and that Khan’s confinement violates international standards. A UN special envoy has also warned that his treatment could amount to degrading or inhuman conditions.

The Pakistani government has rejected these accusations. Prime Minister’s spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi stated that Khan is not in solitary confinement and is allowed weekly family visits. The controversy adds to ongoing political tensions as Khan remains imprisoned on multiple corruption and terrorism-related charges since his ouster in 2022.

A newly constructed bridge in Shahjadapur Union of Brahmanbaria’s Sarail upazila has developed major cracks before its official inauguration, alarming residents who fear a potential collapse. The bridge, built at a cost of about 32.3 million taka under the 2023–24 fiscal year, was expected to transform local connectivity for nearly 20,000 people across several villages.

Locals accuse the contractor and engineering department of using substandard materials and neglecting proper supervision. Witnesses claim that less cement was used and concrete curing was skipped, leading to structural weakness. Contractor Lokman Enterprise denies wrongdoing, citing a temporary halt in work due to soil shortage. The upazila engineer, however, said the cracks are being examined but are unlikely to cause major structural failure.

Residents are demanding an impartial investigation and legal action against those responsible, fearing that decades of anticipation for improved transport infrastructure could end in disappointment. Authorities have yet to announce any formal inquiry or remedial plan.

Police in Dhaka recovered the hanging body of Jannat Ara Rumi, a 30-year-old leader of the National Citizen Party (NCP), from the fifth floor of a women’s hostel on Jigatola Old Kitchen Market Road in Hazaribagh on Thursday morning. Rumi served as the joint coordinator of the Dhanmondi Thana coordination committee under NCP’s Dhaka South unit.

Authorities identified her as the daughter of Zakir Hossain and Nurjahan Begum from Nazipur in Patnitala, Naogaon district. Law enforcement officials have initiated an investigation to determine whether the death was a suicide or if foul play was involved. Hostel residents reportedly alerted police after discovering her body.

The incident has drawn attention within local political circles, as Rumi was an active organizer in Dhaka’s grassroots political network. Police stated that an autopsy will be conducted to confirm the cause of death, while NCP representatives expressed shock and called for a transparent inquiry.