Severe tropical cyclones, heavy rainfall, floods, and landslides have killed more than 900 people across Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka over the past week to ten days. Indonesia’s Sumatra Island was hardest hit by Cyclone Seniyar, with at least 435 deaths and more than 400 people missing. Sri Lanka, battered by Cyclone Ditwah, reported 334 deaths and extensive damage to over 25,000 homes, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency. In southern Thailand, 162 people died and 3.5 million were affected, though floodwaters have begun to recede. Malaysia reported two deaths and the evacuation of 34,000 people from coastal areas. Rescue operations continue across all four nations, with military helicopters delivering aid to isolated regions. Communication and transport networks remain severely disrupted in many affected areas, while reports of looting have emerged in some Indonesian towns due to delayed relief supplies.

Popular Bangladeshi actress Rukaiya Jahan Chomok has expressed her prayers for the speedy recovery of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who remains in critical condition at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. In a social media post on November 30, Chomok called Khaleda an uncompromising leader and wished her strength and peace. Her message came as BNP leaders confirmed that Khaleda Zia’s health has not improved, with serious infections in her lungs and heart. Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi stated that the medical board overseeing her treatment has not yet recommended sending her abroad. Meanwhile, Chomok recently appeared as a model in singer Luipa’s new music video, which has gained popularity online for her performance and appearance.

Turkey and Iran have pledged to strengthen cooperation in trade, energy, and regional security following a meeting in Tehran between Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi. Fidan emphasized that trade and energy remain top priorities but noted the need for broader collaboration in other sectors. Both sides agreed to enhance border security, increase the number of border gates, and advance supply and transport projects. The ministers also discussed joint efforts to combat illegal migration, expressing a shared commitment to address the issue collectively. On regional security, Fidan stated that both nations view Israel as the greatest threat to Middle East stability and urged the international community to act against Israeli aggression and occupation. The meeting underscored a mutual desire to deepen bilateral relations amid growing regional tensions.

At least seven people were killed and more than five injured in a shooting at a bar in Tula, a city in Mexico’s Hidalgo state. According to reports, armed assailants arrived in two pickup trucks and opened fire indiscriminately inside the bar without warning. Four victims died at the scene, while three others succumbed to injuries in hospitals in Tula and Tepeji. The attackers fled immediately after the assault, and no arrests have been made so far. Local and federal security forces have launched an operation to locate the perpetrators. Authorities noted that Tula has long been known for criminal groups involved in fuel theft. The attack may be linked to escalating tensions among rival gangs following the recent arrest of a cartel leader in the region.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that party chairperson Khaleda Zia is receiving medical treatment under the supervision of both local and foreign doctors. Speaking to reporters at the BNP chairperson’s office in Gulshan, Fakhrul said that doctors are making every effort to ensure her recovery. Khaleda Zia has been admitted to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka since last Sunday after being diagnosed with a lung infection, which has made her condition critical. She is currently under intensive care in the Critical Care Unit (CCU). A medical board led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, comprising specialists from Bangladesh, the United States’ Johns Hopkins University, and the UK’s London Clinic, is overseeing her treatment. Tarique Rahman, BNP’s acting chairman, is coordinating with the medical board and doctors abroad from London. Party leaders and supporters continue to pray for her recovery.

Bangladeshi film actor and Film Artistes’ Association general secretary Monowar Hossain Dipjol has called on the public to pray for the recovery of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who remains in critical condition at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. In a social media post, Dipjol urged everyone to pray sincerely for her health and strength. Netizens echoed his sentiments, expressing their hopes for the country’s first female prime minister’s recovery. Khaleda Zia, suffering from multiple chronic illnesses including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney complications, was admitted to the hospital on November 23 after experiencing breathing difficulties. She is currently under the care of a medical board comprising local and foreign specialists. BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi stated that her condition has not improved and that no decision has been made regarding treatment abroad without the board’s recommendation.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that Bangladesh has achieved a conducive environment for holding free and fair elections following a period of political upheaval and public uprising. Speaking at BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s political office in Gulshan, Dhaka, Fakhrul credited the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus for forming several reform commissions and signing reform charters. He mentioned that the interim administration has announced elections for February 2026, and preparations are underway. Fakhrul expressed optimism that citizens will use this opportunity to elect a representative parliament and establish a democratic government. He also highlighted BNP’s governance experience, asserting that the party could build a democratic and prosperous economy if given the mandate. Regarding Khaleda Zia’s health, Fakhrul said she remains seriously ill and under hospital care, with local and foreign doctors involved in her treatment, and requested prayers for her recovery.

Former Bangladesh cricket captain Tamim Iqbal has called on the public and political groups not to view BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s illness through a political lens. Khaleda Zia remains in critical condition at Evercare Hospital’s Coronary Care Unit in Dhaka. Tamim visited her on Sunday night to express his concern and gratitude, recalling that her family had checked on him during his own illness. Speaking to the media afterward, he emphasized the need for compassion and humanity rather than political interpretation. A day earlier, Tamim had posted on Facebook wishing Khaleda Zia a speedy recovery and praising her resilience in facing life’s challenges. His comments come amid heightened political sensitivity surrounding the health of the opposition leader, who has long been a central figure in Bangladesh’s politics.

Students of Dhaka College blocked the Science Lab intersection in Dhaka on Monday, protesting the proposed and ongoing implementation of the 'Dhaka Central University' model. The demonstration, which began around 11:15 a.m., halted traffic on Mirpur Road and surrounding areas including Elephant Road, Nilkhet, New Market, and Dhanmondi. Commuters faced severe disruptions as buses, private cars, and rickshaws were stuck for hours, forcing many to walk to their destinations. Protesters argued that merging seven government colleges into a new central university would undermine their long-standing identity, heritage, and educational environment. They also criticized the government for making the decision without consulting students. The government had earlier announced its plan to establish 'Dhaka Central University' as an independent public university, ending the colleges’ affiliation with Dhaka University. The sudden blockade caused widespread public suffering and highlighted growing discontent among students over the restructuring of higher education institutions in the capital.

A new medical board has been formed to oversee the treatment of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and to decide whether she should be taken abroad for advanced medical care. The decision was announced by BNP Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo after visiting her at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Mintoo said Khaleda Zia’s condition has slightly improved, and all future medical decisions will follow the board’s recommendations. Khaleda Zia was admitted to the hospital on November 23 with respiratory complications caused by a lung infection that later developed into pneumonia. She also suffers from kidney, liver, arthritis, and diabetes issues, making her treatment complex. According to doctors, she is receiving oxygen support to maintain normal breathing and has shown limited movement and speech. Her family and party members continue to discuss the possibility of sending her abroad for better treatment.

The issue of allowing private companies direct listing on Bangladesh’s stock market has resurfaced amid discussions on the draft Initial Public Offering (IPO) Regulations 2025. Market stakeholders, including the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the DSE Brokers Association (DBA), argue that enabling direct listing for large private and multinational firms would increase quality share supply and restore investor confidence. DBA President Saiful Islam proposed a hybrid model allowing company directors to sell part of their shares directly through IPOs to attract more firms to the market. Currently, the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) bans direct listing for private companies, though government firms may do so. BSEC officials clarified that direct listing falls under listing regulations, not IPO rules. Critics recall past controversies, such as the 2009 Summit Group listings that led to market manipulation allegations. Despite concerns, experts stress that new quality listings are vital to overcome the ongoing liquidity and confidence crisis in the capital market, where no new company has been listed for over a year.

Unidentified miscreants set fire to the July Memorial located at Sewta Manra intersection in Manikganj early Sunday night. According to police sources, a private car stopped near the memorial around 3 a.m., and two individuals poured petrol on two tires placed in front of the structure before setting them ablaze and fleeing the scene. The fire caused partial damage, leaving parts of the monument blackened. Police arrived shortly after the incident and began analyzing CCTV footage, which confirmed the act. The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement’s former district secretary Nahid Monir condemned the attack, alleging involvement of political groups and demanding swift justice. Additional Superintendent of Police Md. Salauddin stated that efforts are underway to identify and arrest those responsible. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack and have pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice promptly.

The ASEAN Technology Cooperation Summit, held in Kuala Lumpur’s Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, set new participation records with over 2,000 onsite delegates, 50,000 online viewers, and representatives from 13 countries. The three-day event, inaugurated by Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof, underscored technology, human capital, and regional unity as key drivers of future transformation. Malaysia reaffirmed its commitment to boost research funding and attract global innovators. The summit launched several initiatives, including the Cooperation and Development Summit 2025 and multiple MoUs between regional innovation bodies. Discussions covered emerging technologies, AI governance, sustainable supply chains, and cross-border R&D. Industry leaders emphasized ASEAN’s growing interdependence with the APEC region and Malaysia’s strategic role in digital trade and green industry. The event reinforced Malaysia’s position as a hub for ASEAN innovation diplomacy and regional science collaboration, paving the way for long-term partnerships and policy frameworks.

Reza Kibria, son of former finance minister Shah A M S Kibria, has officially joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The announcement was made at BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s political office in Gulshan, where he was welcomed by the party’s Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Reza Kibria expressed pride in joining the BNP, while Mirza Fakhrul said the party was honored to have him and believed he would contribute to building Bangladesh in line with BNP’s 31-point agenda. Reza Kibria previously contested the 2018 general election as a candidate of the BNP-led Jatiya Oikya Front under the BNP’s electoral symbol. Before joining BNP, he had been involved with several political groups, including Gano Forum, where he served as general secretary, and later co-founded Gana Adhikar Parishad with Nurul Haque Nur. Internal divisions in these parties eventually led him to form his own group, Amjanatar Dal, before his latest political move to BNP.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has appealed to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) for support against what he described as 'growing and illegal threats' from the United States and former President Donald Trump. In a letter sent to OPEC members, Maduro accused Washington of attempting to seize Venezuela’s vast oil resources, the largest in the world. Citing the letter published by state broadcaster Telesur, Maduro urged OPEC and OPEC+ members to act to prevent further aggression, warning that the situation poses a serious threat to global energy market stability. Despite holding an estimated 303 billion barrels of oil reserves, Venezuela exported only $4.05 billion worth of crude in 2023, largely due to US sanctions imposed during Trump’s first term. Venezuela, a founding member of OPEC since 1960, has historically worked with other major producers such as Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia to manage oil supply and influence global prices.