A US military strike on a suspected drug-trafficking vessel in the Caribbean Sea has left four people dead, reigniting debate over Washington’s expanding anti-narcotics operations in international waters. The attack, reportedly ordered under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s direction, targeted a boat allegedly controlled by a terrorist-linked group transporting illegal drugs along the eastern narco-trafficking route. The Trump administration has conducted similar operations for months, killing over 80 suspected traffickers. Following the latest incident, congressional committees have launched investigations amid allegations of extrajudicial killings. Human rights organizations condemned the strike after footage showed survivors being hit by missiles. The White House stated that the order came from official channels but denied any directive to kill all onboard. A Colombian fisherman’s family has filed a complaint, claiming he was mistakenly killed. Meanwhile, Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro accused the US of using military pressure to destabilize his government as American naval presence near Venezuelan waters increases.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast multiple cold waves across the country during the upcoming winter months from December to February. According to the seasonal outlook, two to three severe cold waves are expected, with temperatures possibly dropping as low as 4°C in some regions. Additionally, three to eight mild to moderate cold waves are likely, with temperatures ranging between 6°C and 10°C. The forecast also warns of moderate to dense fog, particularly in river basins and surrounding areas during late night and early morning hours, which could intensify the feeling of cold. The department further predicts that in late February, some areas may experience one or two days of hailstorms accompanied by thunderstorms. Authorities have advised citizens to prepare for the cold and take necessary precautions to minimize health and agricultural impacts.

The Oxford Union has invited several young Bangladeshi leaders, including Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Abu Sadiq Kayem, to participate as panel speakers at an international seminar titled 'Bangladesh’s July Revolution.' The event, jointly organized by the Oxford Union and the Oxford Bangla Society, is scheduled for the first week of January next year. Invitation letters signed by Oxford Union President Musa Hiraj were sent to Kayem and others, including National Citizens Party (NCP) South Region organizer Hasnat Abdullah, United Peoples Bangladesh convener Ali Ahsan Junaed, and DUCSU Assistant General Secretary Mohiuddin Khan. The letters cited their influential roles in Bangladesh’s 2024 quota reform movement and political transition. The invited participants will also engage with Oxford students and researchers on policy, politics, and contemporary issues during the visit.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has finalized its nominations for two highly discussed constituencies in Dhaka, ending weeks of speculation. Hamidur Rahman Hamid has been nominated for Dhaka-7, while Sheikh Robiul Alam Robi will contest from Dhaka-10. Both candidates are long-time grassroots leaders known for their active involvement and loyalty to the party. Following the announcement, BNP activists across Old Dhaka and other parts of the city celebrated with slogans, sweets, and gatherings. Local leaders expressed optimism about reclaiming the seats in the upcoming 13th national election, citing renewed enthusiasm among party workers. The decision comes after internal discussions and rumors that the BNP might leave these constituencies for alliance partners. The nominations are seen as a strategic move to strengthen the party’s urban presence and energize its base ahead of the polls.

The movement of government primary school teachers in Bangladesh has temporarily suspended its planned nationwide 'complete shutdown' program. According to a statement released Thursday night, the protesting teachers decided to halt the shutdown from Sunday until the completion of ongoing third-term (annual) examinations, citing moral and humanitarian considerations for their young students. The teachers’ associations—Demand Implementation Council and Unity Council—have been pressing for three key demands related to fair treatment and benefits for assistant teachers. The Directorate of Primary Education has recently transferred numerous protesting assistant teachers to other districts, citing administrative reasons. Leaders of the movement, who were also included in the transfer list, said further programs would be announced after discussions once the exams conclude.

Government primary school teachers in Bangladesh have decided to start annual examinations from Sunday, despite ongoing protests and recent transfer orders. The decision was confirmed late Thursday by Md. Mahbubur Rahman, a convener of the Primary Teachers’ Demand Implementation Council. He stated that although the teachers’ movement continues, they chose to proceed with exams to avoid harming students’ academic progress. Earlier in the day, teachers had requested the Directorate General and the Secretary to exempt exams from the protest’s scope. However, later they learned that several protesting teachers had been transferred. Rahman emphasized that while the work stoppage will continue, examinations will remain unaffected. He added that teachers are committed to ensuring students’ welfare, even as they continue to demand recognition of assistant teachers in the 10th grade. Parents in some areas reportedly pressured teachers to resume exams, though most agreed that a two-day delay would not significantly disrupt the academic year.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya called Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus on Thursday evening to express gratitude for Bangladesh’s assistance and solidarity following the recent devastating cyclone and floods in Sri Lanka. According to a press release from the Chief Adviser’s office, the conversation took place at 6:45 p.m. local time. Amarasuriya thanked Bangladesh for its empathy and support amid the disaster that caused hundreds of deaths and widespread damage across Sri Lanka. In response, Dr. Yunus conveyed deep condolences to the victims and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to stand by Sri Lanka, offering additional emergency aid and expert disaster-response teams if needed. He emphasized that Bangladesh is ready to provide whatever assistance is required. During the call, Yunus invited Amarasuriya to visit Bangladesh in the coming months and expressed interest in learning from Colombo’s political experiences. Senior officials from the Chief Adviser’s office and the Foreign Ministry were present during the discussion.

BNP Standing Committee member and Cox’s Bazar-1 constituency candidate Salahuddin Ahmed publicly welcomed expelled BNP leader and former three-term Pekua Upazila chairman Shafayet Aziz Raju back onto the party stage during an election rally in Mognama Sonali Bazar. Salahuddin announced the withdrawal of Raju’s expulsion order, urging party members to unite and work for the BNP’s electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf. Raju had been expelled earlier for defying the party’s decision to boycott the 2024 upazila elections under the Awami League government and contesting independently, which led to his election as chairman. Expressing loyalty, Raju said he always considered himself a follower of Salahuddin and remained dedicated to the BNP despite his expulsion. His reinstatement is seen as part of Salahuddin’s effort to consolidate local support ahead of the national polls.

Malaysia will officially begin registering refugees and asylum seekers under a new biometric-based system starting January 1, 2026. Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Shamsul Anuar Nasarah announced in parliament that the initiative, developed under National Security Council Directive No. 23, aims to create the country’s first comprehensive government database on refugees. The Immigration Department will oversee the registration process, while the system is being developed with technical support from MIMOS Berhad. The database will assist in planning social welfare, employment, and education programs, as well as strengthening national security. Refugees will receive a Refugee Registration Document (DPP), granting them legal access to residence, work, education, and healthcare in Peninsular Malaysia. Although Malaysia is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention or the 1967 Protocol, the government expects around 200,000 refugees to be included in the database. Coordination among ministries and NGOs is ongoing to ensure transparency and effective implementation.

BNP National Standing Committee member and Cox’s Bazar-1 candidate Salahuddin Ahmed has described the upcoming national parliamentary election as a 'historic and powerful' event that will restore democracy in Bangladesh. Speaking at a series of campaign rallies in Pekua and surrounding areas, he said the election would symbolize victory over years of authoritarian rule and the re-establishment of citizens’ constitutional and democratic rights. Ahmed emphasized that the people of Bangladesh had sacrificed their blood for democracy and that the fall of what he called 'fascist rule' paved the way for a free and fair election. He also highlighted BNP’s 31-point reform agenda introduced in 2023, aimed at ensuring economic freedom and prosperity. During his campaign, Ahmed visited graves of former leaders, met fire-affected families, and provided financial aid. Thousands of supporters attended his rallies, reflecting strong local enthusiasm for his candidacy.

A case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act in Pakundia, Kishoreganj, has drawn public attention after it included a prisoner and an expatriate among the accused. The case, lodged by local Jubo Dal leader Khurshid Alam, accuses 39 Awami League activists and 50–60 unidentified individuals of blocking the Kishoreganj–Pakundia highway by felling trees. Among the accused, Abu Hanifa has been in Kishoreganj District Jail since July 31, raising questions about how he could have participated in the alleged blockade on November 14. Another accused, Union Parishad chairman Nuruzzaman, has been abroad since October 23. The plaintiff admitted that some names might have been mistakenly added due to confusion during the nighttime incident. Police officials said the case is under investigation and assured that only the actual perpetrators would face legal action, while innocent individuals would not be wrongfully charged or arrested.

The Ministry of Education in Bangladesh has introduced new eligibility conditions for appointing principals, vice principals, head teachers, and assistant head teachers in private educational institutions. Under the revised MPO policy, candidates with a third division at any stage of their academic career will be deemed ineligible. The updated policy has received final approval from the ministry and is awaiting publication as an official gazette, likely within a week. Additionally, the ministry has finalized the decision to recruit institutional heads through the Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA). The amended regulations stipulate that recruitment will involve examinations, though the distribution of marks between written and oral tests will be determined by the NTRCA board. While a 100-mark evaluation was proposed by the policy revision committee, the final policy leaves this decision to NTRCA’s discretion. The move aims to ensure merit-based and standardized recruitment in private education management.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is being taken to London for advanced medical treatment following a decision by her medical board. An air ambulance has been prepared for her transfer, expected late Thursday night or early Friday morning. According to a statement signed by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, a total of 14 individuals will accompany her on the trip. Among them are six doctors—Dr. Abu Jafar Md. Zahid Hossain, Dr. Fakhruddin Mohammad Siddiqi, Dr. Shahabuddin Talukder, Dr. Nuruddin Ahmed, Dr. Jafar Iqbal, and Dr. Mohammad Al Mamun. Family member Sayeda Shamila Rahman, several BNP officials, and two members of the Special Security Force will also join the delegation. Domestic aides Fatema Begum and Rupa Shikdar are part of the entourage as well. The trip marks a significant step in Khaleda Zia’s ongoing health management efforts abroad.

The process to take BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to London for medical treatment has begun, though her departure has been delayed due to technical issues with the Qatari Emir’s air ambulance. Initially expected to arrive in Dhaka on Thursday night, the aircraft may now land around midnight or early Friday morning. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir confirmed the delay, noting that Khaleda’s flight to London could be pushed past 10 a.m. Friday. Khaleda will be accompanied by 14 people, including doctors and family members. Her daughter-in-law, Zubaida Rahman, is flying from London to Dhaka Thursday night and will accompany Khaleda back to London. Khaleda previously traveled to London in January for treatment on the same air ambulance and returned to Bangladesh in May after recovery.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in India for a two-day official visit, marking his first trip to the country since the start of the Ukraine war. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally welcomed him at Delhi’s Palam Air Base, where the two leaders exchanged hugs and greetings before departing together. The visit includes a private dinner hosted by Modi, reciprocating Putin’s similar gesture during Modi’s Moscow trip last year. On Friday, Putin is scheduled to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, attend an official reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, and hold high-level bilateral talks at Hyderabad House. He will also inaugurate a new Russian state television channel operating from India and attend a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. Discussions are expected to focus on defense, energy, and trade cooperation between the two nations. Putin is set to depart India on Friday night.