A new study by Germany’s Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research estimates that more than 100,000 people have died in Gaza during over two years of Israeli military operations. The research, reported by German weekly *Die Zeit* and Anadolu Agency, suggests actual fatalities far exceed official figures from Gaza’s Health Ministry, which previously reported around 67,000 deaths. Using data from multiple sources—including ministry records, independent household surveys, and social media death notices—the researchers estimate between 99,997 and 125,915 deaths, with an average of 112,069. Co-lead researcher Irina Chen noted that the exact number will likely never be known, but the goal was to produce a realistic estimate. The study also found that 27% of the dead were children under 15 and 24% were women. Life expectancy in Gaza has dropped sharply, from 77 to 46 years for women and from 74 to 36 years for men, reflecting the devastating humanitarian impact of the prolonged conflict.

Iran’s northern Mazandaran province has been battling a massive wildfire for over a week in the ancient Hyrcanian forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Firefighters and local residents have managed to bring about 80 percent of the blaze under control, according to officials. The fire, reportedly caused by human activity rather than natural factors, has already burned around 1,500 acres, as confirmed by NASA satellite imagery. The Hyrcanian forest, stretching along the Caspian Sea’s southern coast, is one of the world’s oldest and most biodiverse forests, home to rare species like the Persian leopard. No casualties or damage to nearby settlements have been reported so far. The wildfire coincides with Iran’s worst drought in 60 years, which has forced authorities to ration water in Tehran and other regions. Additional fires have also been reported near Jolfa in southwestern Iran, raising concerns about worsening environmental conditions across the country.

National Citizen Party (NCP) chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari has called for the trial of those involved in the 1971 genocide, similar to the accountability sought for the 2024 massacre perpetrators. Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka’s Shahbagh, he announced that a new alliance will soon be formed to represent women, religious scholars, and the interests of Bangladesh. Without naming Jamaat-e-Islami, he accused a political group of trying to control the administration through intimidation. Patwari also criticized the Election Commission, alleging bias and lack of a level playing field ahead of the upcoming elections. NCP’s southern region organizer Hasnat Abdullah claimed that the Awami League and Jatiya Party are obstructing democratic progress. Meanwhile, senior joint secretary Dr. Tasnim Jara said the party has completed most of its candidate interviews, including those of expatriate aspirants, and will finalize the remaining ones soon.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has reinstated 65 of its leaders and activists by withdrawing previous expulsion and suspension orders, just three months before the upcoming national election. In a press release issued late Friday, the party announced that the disciplinary actions had been lifted following individual appeals and a central committee decision. The reinstated members include leaders from various districts such as Kushtia, Narsingdi, Sunamganj, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Cumilla, among others. The BNP stated that the decision was made to strengthen internal unity and organizational readiness ahead of the polls. Additionally, the suspension of Mojammel Hossain Mridha, the former general secretary of Majidbari Union BNP in Patuakhali, was also revoked. The move is seen as part of the party’s broader effort to consolidate its grassroots network and reconcile with previously penalized members before the national election.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman has stated that only an elected government has the legitimate authority to make long-term national decisions such as the country’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status and strategic decisions regarding Chittagong Port. In a detailed Facebook post, he argued that the current interim government lacks electoral mandate and therefore should not take decisions that could shape Bangladesh’s economic future for decades. Rahman emphasized that while Bangladesh has earned the qualification to graduate from LDC status, it may not yet be fully prepared for the transition, citing economic pressures on businesses, foreign exchange shortages, and export challenges. He also criticized the government for closing off public debate and weakening the country’s negotiating position internationally. Referring to past examples of countries that delayed their LDC graduation, he urged for strategic patience and democratic legitimacy in policymaking, asserting that only a government elected by the people should decide the nation’s future.

Online activist Asif Saikat and filmmaker Anonno Mamun have called for the strictest punishment for Baul singer Abul Sarkar, who was arrested on charges of making derogatory remarks about Islam and Allah during a musical performance in Ghior, Manikganj. Saikat stated that Sarkar’s comments constituted clear blasphemy and should be dealt with under existing laws, rejecting any call for his release. He also alleged that certain political groups used Sarkar to provoke religious sentiments. Mamun echoed similar sentiments, saying that artistic freedom cannot justify insulting religious beliefs. Following the October 4 incident, widespread criticism erupted on social media, and various Islamic organizations demanded Sarkar’s arrest. Police detained him in Madaripur and brought him to Manikganj, where he was sent to jail after appearing before a magistrate. The case, filed by a local imam, accuses Sarkar of distorting Quranic verses and misleading followers under the guise of spirituality. Authorities confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) A K M Shahidul Haque has alleged misconduct during his interrogation by the investigation agency of Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal. His lawyer, Sifat Mahmud, told Tribunal-1 on Monday that investigators asked Shahidul Haque about the promotion status of the current coordinator, which he described as inappropriate and unrelated to the inquiry. Prosecutor Md Mizanul Islam denied the allegation, saying that any complaint should be filed formally. The tribunal scheduled a hearing on the complaint for January 22, coinciding with the submission date for the investigation report in the same case. Shahidul Haque, along with former Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia and former DMP Deputy Commissioner Md Jasim Uddin Molla, is under arrest in connection with the 2016 Kalyanpur ‘Jahaz Bari’ operation, where nine youths were allegedly killed. The tribunal also set separate hearing dates for other war crimes cases involving former military and police officers.

The Bangladesh Police Service Association has strongly condemned recent comments made by a former Member of Parliament who suggested that police officers should act under the direction of political leaders. The controversial remarks, delivered during a political rally and later circulated widely on social media, called for police to follow politicians’ orders in filing cases and making arrests. In a statement signed by the association’s General Secretary and Dhaka District Superintendent of Police Md. Anisuzzaman, the association described the comments as highly inappropriate and contrary to democratic principles. The statement emphasized that the police operate under the constitution and statutory law, maintaining neutrality since the August 5 student uprising. It reaffirmed the force’s commitment to impartiality ahead of the February 2026 national elections, rejecting any attempt to politicize law enforcement. The association urged political figures to refrain from making statements that undermine the integrity and independence of the police.

At a discussion titled 'Education Reform Ideas for Building a Democratic State' held at the National Press Club in Dhaka, Ganosamhati Andolon proposed that the government should take full responsibility for education up to the 12th grade. Party chief coordinator Zonayed Saki emphasized that education reform must align with a productive economic plan ensuring equality and fair resource distribution. He argued for a distinct salary scale and improved status for teachers across all levels, from primary to university. The event, part of the party’s manifesto preparation initiative, also featured education experts and activists who highlighted the need to depoliticize education and ensure universal access to quality learning. Professor Mahbub Ullah stressed that national development depends on mass education, while other speakers criticized the commercialization of education. The discussion aimed to gather expert and public input for Ganosamhati Andolon’s upcoming election manifesto.

Dhaka University (DU) has formed a Central Coordination Committee and four sub-committees to inspect and evaluate the structural safety of its residential halls and academic buildings following a recent earthquake. The central committee, headed by DU Treasurer Professor Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, was established after an emergency meeting chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan. The sub-committees, comprising experts from BUET’s Civil Engineering Department, will conduct technical inspections and assessments of the buildings. Their findings will be made public, and detailed reports will be preserved by the university’s engineering office and respective halls. If any building is deemed unsafe, students will be relocated to safer facilities. The committees include university officials, hall provosts, engineers, and representatives from the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU). The initiative aims to ensure the structural integrity and safety of the university’s infrastructure in the aftermath of the earthquake.

Two members of the UK House of Lords, former Army Chief Lord Richard Dannatt and businessman Lord David Evans, have been suspended for breaching parliamentary conduct rules. The Lords Standards Commissioner found that both peers offered to use parliamentary access and contacts for personal or business benefit. Lord Dannatt was recommended for a four-month suspension after being found to have approached ministers regarding companies in which he held financial interests. Lord Evans faces a five-month suspension for sponsoring events linked to his son’s company and offering introductions to MPs, with tickets sold above cost. The investigation followed undercover reporting by The Guardian, which prompted separate inquiries. Both peers accepted the findings and did not appeal. The suspensions will take effect once approved by the House of Lords. The case highlights ongoing scrutiny over lobbying and ethical standards in the UK’s upper chamber.

Engineer Ishraq Hossain, a prominent leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has been appointed as the convener of the newly formed central convening committee of the Bangladesh Nationalist Liberation War Generation. Advocate K. M. Kamruzzaman Nannu has been named member secretary, and Dr. K. M. I. Monti will serve as senior joint convener. The committee comprises a total of 101 members. The announcement was made through an official statement signed by Bir Muktijoddha Ishtiaq Aziz Ulfat, president of the BNP-affiliated Nationalist Freedom Fighters’ Council. According to the statement, the formation of the committee was approved by BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman. The new committee aims to strengthen the organization’s activities among the younger generation inspired by the spirit of the Liberation War.

U.S. and Ukrainian officials are meeting in Geneva to finalize the framework of President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Trump expressed cautious optimism on social media, suggesting that 'something good may be happening.' However, Moscow remains skeptical, fearing that the revised plan may not favor Russia. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia has not received any official information about the Geneva talks and has no scheduled meetings with U.S. officials this week, though Moscow remains open to dialogue. Earlier, President Vladimir Putin had described Trump’s 28-point draft plan as potentially acceptable to Russia, but the Kremlin is now concerned that changes made during the Geneva discussions could undermine its interests. Russian media outlets have echoed these concerns, warning that Western and Ukrainian negotiators might reshape the plan into something unacceptable for Moscow.

A heated controversy erupted in the Australian Senate after One Nation Party Senator Pauline Hanson entered the chamber wearing a burqa. Hanson took the step after being denied permission to propose a bill banning the burqa in public spaces. Her appearance sparked strong reactions from fellow senators, with many calling her act offensive and racist. Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi described it as 'blatantly racist,' while independent Muslim Senator Fatima Payman called it 'shameful.' Both government and opposition leaders, including Labor’s Penny Wong and Liberal’s Anne Ruston, condemned Hanson’s behavior, saying it undermined the dignity of the Senate. The session was temporarily suspended after Hanson refused to remove the garment. Hanson later stated on social media that her action was a protest against the Senate’s rejection of her proposed bill. Known for her anti-immigration stance, Hanson had staged a similar act in 2017, reigniting debate over religious attire and cultural tolerance in Australia.

A case has been filed in Manikganj following an attack on followers of jailed Baul artist Abul Sarkar, who was imprisoned for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Allah and Islam. The complaint, lodged by the father of injured Baul artist Zohirul Islam, names 200 unidentified individuals. The incident occurred during a human chain organized by Baul artists demanding Sarkar’s release, which clashed with a rally by a group called Touhidi Janata demanding his execution. Several people from both sides were injured in the ensuing violence. Police confirmed that a separate general diary was also filed regarding the incident and that an investigation is underway to identify and arrest those involved. Abul Sarkar, president of the Bangladesh Baul Association, was arrested on November 20 after allegedly making offensive comments during a performance in Ghior, Manikganj. His bail plea was rejected twice by the court, and he remains in custody.