As winter returns to South Asia, markets fill with fresh water chestnuts, a seasonal fruit celebrated for its crisp texture and remarkable nutritional value. Rich in potassium, manganese, copper, vitamin B6, and antioxidants, water chestnuts support heart health, brain function, and immunity—especially vital during the cold season. The fruit’s complex carbohydrates provide sustained energy without spiking blood sugar, making it ideal for students, athletes, and professionals. High fiber content aids digestion and prevents constipation, while its hydrating nature helps maintain electrolyte balance. Low in calories and high in fiber, it also supports weight management. Antioxidants and vitamin E contribute to healthier skin and hair, and its low glycemic index makes it safe for diabetics when consumed in moderation. Whether eaten raw, boiled, or as flour, water chestnuts remain a versatile, gluten-free, and nutrient-dense food choice for winter wellness.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has begun discussions with seven political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP), as part of its ongoing dialogue process ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The meeting started at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the EC headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka. Parties participating in the morning session include Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh Minority Janata Party (BMJP), Insaniyat Biplob, NCP, Ganosamhati Andolon, and National Democratic Movement (NDM). Another session is scheduled from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., where the EC will meet with BNP, Bangladesh National Party (BJP), Gano Adhikar Parishad (GOP), Nagorik Oikya, Bangladesh Republican Party (BRP), and the Socialist Party of Bangladesh (Marxist). The EC’s Assistant Director of Public Relations, Md. Asadul Haque, confirmed the meeting earlier this week. The dialogues are part of the commission’s effort to ensure inclusive participation and transparency in the electoral process.

Testimony is scheduled today against former Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman and seven others in a case over the killing of six people during the July-August 1975 uprising in Dhaka’s Chankharpul area. The chief investigating officer, Md Monirul Islam, is set to testify before International Crimes Tribunal-1, marking the final witness session in the case, where 26 witnesses have already testified. Separately, the International Crimes Tribunal-2 will continue hearing testimony for the 18th day in another crimes against humanity case involving the burning of six bodies and the killing of seven people in Ashulia, with former MP Saiful Islam and 15 others accused. The prosecution stated that SI Sheikh Abzalul Haque, who turned state witness, will testify soon. Of the 16 accused in the Ashulia case, eight are currently in custody and were presented before the tribunal this morning.

Hundreds of buyers across Bangladesh have reportedly fallen victim to online fraud schemes involving fake advertisements for Katimon mangoes from Chapainawabganj. Despite the mango season being over, several social media pages have been offering 'juicy and delicious' mangoes year-round, luring customers to pay in advance. One such page, 'BD Official Mango House,' allegedly deceived a buyer from Charghat, Rajshahi, who lost 11,000 taka after being tricked by scammers posing as couriers. Investigations revealed that the page had no physical office in Chapainawabganj as claimed and that the perpetrators were operating from Narail. Victims and local residents have demanded swift action against these fraudulent online businesses. Police have urged consumers to verify sellers before placing online orders and warned against making advance payments until goods are received.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had no knowledge of the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Speaking at the White House while welcoming the crown prince, Trump dismissed suggestions of his involvement, calling Khashoggi a 'controversial figure' and saying there was no need to embarrass their guest. His remarks contradict a 2021 U.S. intelligence report released under President Joe Biden’s administration, which concluded that the crown prince approved a plan to capture or kill Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. The crown prince has consistently denied the allegations, describing the killing as 'painful' and asserting that Saudi Arabia conducted a proper investigation. This visit marks his first trip to the United States since the murder, which had strained U.S.-Saudi relations and led to sanctions against several Saudi officials, though not against the crown prince himself.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has stated that Riyadh is open to normalizing relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords, but only if a clear plan for establishing a Palestinian state is in place. Speaking during a meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the Oval Office, the Crown Prince emphasized the need for a two-state solution roadmap before Saudi Arabia can join the accords. He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s longstanding position that peace in the region requires recognition of Palestinian statehood. The Crown Prince added that Riyadh seeks peace for both Israelis and Palestinians and aims to create conditions for their peaceful coexistence. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to oppose the two-state solution and leads a coalition that favors annexing parts of the occupied West Bank. The Saudi stance underscores the kingdom’s insistence on linking normalization with progress toward Palestinian sovereignty.

The UN Security Council has approved a U.S.-proposed resolution to deploy an International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza, aimed at restoring peace in the conflict-torn region. The proposal, introduced by President Donald Trump, passed with 13 votes in favor, while Russia and China abstained. Russia’s UN envoy, Vasily Nebenzya, criticized the plan as reflecting a ‘colonial-era mentality’ and warned that it could become a pretext for U.S. intervention under the guise of peacekeeping. He expressed concern over the lack of transparency and the exclusion of Palestinian voices in the decision-making process. The ISF, potentially including forces from the U.S., Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt, is expected to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction and security. Moscow cautioned that the force might act autonomously, disregarding the Palestinian Authority’s position. Meanwhile, Hamas rejected the plan as an imposed ‘international guardianship system,’ vowing not to disarm. Human rights groups also warned that the proposal undermines Palestinian rights and accountability for war crimes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced plans to revive diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the ongoing war with Russia. Speaking at a press conference in Madrid alongside Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Zelensky emphasized the importance of unwavering international support amid the conflict. He revealed that he will speak with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to discuss ways to achieve a 'just peace' in Ukraine. Zelensky expressed optimism that the upcoming talks could be productive and also mentioned receiving certain signals from the United States, though he declined to elaborate. The renewed diplomatic push comes as Ukraine continues to seek broader international backing and explore potential avenues for peace while facing persistent Russian aggression. The initiative underscores Kyiv’s ongoing efforts to balance military resistance with diplomatic engagement in pursuit of a sustainable resolution to the war.

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, convicted of crimes against humanity linked to the July uprising and sentenced to five years in prison, has been transferred to Gazipur’s special jail. Following his conviction, Mamun will lose his Division-1 prison privileges and be downgraded to Division-2 status, as per prison regulations. The Inspector General of Prisons, Brigadier General Syed Motaher Hossain, confirmed that once a prisoner is sentenced, Division-1 privileges are automatically revoked. Mamun may apply to retain certain privileges, but government approval is required. If denied, he will be treated as a regular inmate and must wear the standard prison uniform. Sources indicate that over 150 cases are pending against Mamun in various courts and police stations. A 1982 BCS police cadre officer, Mamun served as Bangladesh’s 29th IGP and previously led the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) before his arrest on September 4, 2024.

Farmers in Saltha upazila of Faridpur district have achieved remarkable success in their first attempt at cultivating jute seeds, marking a significant step toward self-sufficiency in seed production. On 10 acres of land, 93 farmers cultivated local jute seed varieties such as JRO-524 and Sabujsona under the guidance of the Department of Jute. The initiative aims to reduce dependence on imported seeds, most of which currently come from India. Farmers reported earning nearly five times their production costs, with some, like Moktar Molya, earning over 20,000 taka from selling jute leaves alone. Officials noted that favorable weather conditions could further boost yields. Farmers expressed optimism that with additional government incentives for fertilizers and pesticides, they could meet local demand and even export surplus seeds. Faridpur, already the top jute-producing district in Bangladesh, may now emerge as a key source of quality jute seeds if the program expands successfully.

Zakaria Pintoo, the first captain of the Swadhin Bangla Football Team and a pioneering figure in Bangladesh’s sporting history, appears to have been largely forgotten just one year after his passing on November 18 last year. Despite his immense contributions to football and national pride, no significant tributes or commemorations were observed on his first death anniversary. Pintoo, who captained the team that symbolized Bangladesh’s independence struggle in 1971, had an illustrious career with clubs like Mohammedan SC and even represented Pakistan before independence. He later served as a senior official in the Bangladesh Football Federation and the National Sports Council. Honored with the Independence Award and National Sports Award, Pintoo’s legacy remains unmatched. However, his family expressed deep disappointment that neither football officials nor players remembered him, reflecting a broader neglect of the nation’s sports heroes.

Heavy rainfall has triggered widespread flooding and landslides across central Vietnam, leaving at least six people dead and thousands stranded. In Khanh Hoa Province, a major landslide on National Highway 27C at Khanh Le Pass buried a sleeper bus carrying 32 passengers, killing six and blocking the key route between Nha Trang and Da Lat. Several other landslide points have emerged, halting traffic as rescue teams work to clear debris. In Quang Ngai Province, torrential rains measuring up to 235 mm caused a bridge collapse over the Nuoc Bao Stream, cutting off access between two hamlets in Son Ha Commune and isolating more than 1,200 residents. Authorities have erected barricades to prevent entry into dangerous zones, while locals constructed a temporary bamboo bridge for essential movement. In Tay Nha Trang Ward, floodwaters rose over a meter, submerging homes and forcing residents like Minh Tri to evacuate their belongings and pets. Officials continue to monitor conditions as water levels show no sign of receding.

U.S. President Donald Trump has officially designated Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington. The announcement followed the signing of a strategic defense agreement aimed at strengthening long-term military cooperation between the two nations. According to the White House, the two sides also signed accords on civilian nuclear energy and defense collaboration, including a joint declaration that will establish a legal framework for multi-billion-dollar partnerships over the coming decades. The agreements are said to comply with nuclear non-proliferation standards. Trump also approved an arms deal involving F-35 fighter jets, reaffirming earlier commitments. Saudi media described the move as a significant step toward enhancing regional peace, security, and prosperity. The meeting marked the first time in over seven years that the Saudi crown prince was hosted in Washington.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has announced plans to increase Saudi Arabia’s investment in the United States from $600 billion to nearly $1 trillion. The announcement came during a joint appearance with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington. The Crown Prince said the expanded investment would cover multiple sectors, including technology and artificial intelligence, and would create significant new business opportunities between the two nations. President Trump expressed surprise and appreciation for the scale of the investment, calling it a sign of strong Saudi-U.S. relations. Saudi Ambassador to the U.S., Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, described the meeting as a landmark moment for bilateral relations, noting that several major agreements had been signed, though details were not disclosed.

At least 13 people were killed in an Israeli drone strike on the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp near the southern Lebanese city of Sidon, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. The attack targeted a vehicle parked near a mosque on November 18. Israel claimed the strike was aimed at Hamas operatives allegedly running a training center inside the camp. However, Hamas denied having any such facility, calling the assault a brutal aggression against innocent Palestinians and a violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty. Lebanese authorities reported that at least four others were injured, with emergency services transporting victims to nearby hospitals. The strike came hours after Israel reportedly attacked two vehicles in another area of southern Lebanon, killing two people. The incident underscores escalating cross-border hostilities as Israel continues operations against militant groups in the region.