Pakistan’s security forces have killed 23 militants allegedly linked to India during two separate operations in the Kurram district, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The militants, identified as members of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) faction known as 'Kharijis', were targeted as part of the ongoing counterterrorism initiative 'Azm-e-Istehkam'. The first operation resulted in 12 militant deaths, while a subsequent intelligence-based raid killed 11 more. ISPR claimed that both groups were involved in India-sponsored terrorist activities. Security forces continue combing operations in the region to eliminate remaining militants. The military emphasized its commitment to eradicating all forms of terrorism, especially those backed by foreign entities. These actions are part of the National Action Plan approved by the Federal Apex Committee, aimed at ensuring national security and regional stability through intensified intelligence-driven operations.

A Tejas fighter jet, developed under India’s indigenous defense program, crashed during the Dubai Airshow, sparking renewed scrutiny over the safety and cost-effectiveness of the project. The aircraft, jointly developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Aeronautical Development Agency, is a flagship of the 'Make in India' initiative. India had earlier signed a $6.5 billion deal in 2021 for 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets, with each priced around $43 million. However, a new 2025 order for 97 additional jets is valued at $7.8 billion, raising the per-unit cost to nearly $80 million due to inflation, technical upgrades, and higher production costs. HAL has been aggressively marketing the Tejas for export, estimating a potential price of $43 million per unit internationally. Analysts warn that the Dubai crash could dampen foreign interest and force India to address both safety and financial concerns as it pursues defense modernization and export ambitions.

A 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck Bangladesh on Friday morning, shaking Dhaka and surrounding districts for several seconds. The epicenter was located in Madhabdi upazila of Narsingdi district, near the capital. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the quake resulted from reverse faulting deep within the Indian tectonic plate. Experts from Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and Bangladeshi researchers explained that Bangladesh lies at the junction of three major tectonic plates — Indian, Eurasian, and Burmese — making it highly earthquake-prone. BUET professor Mehedi Ahmed Ansari noted that at least five fault lines exist in the country, with the Noakhali–Sylhet line likely responsible for this event. The quake caused structural damage to several buildings and led to at least 10 deaths and over 550 injuries nationwide. As of Friday night, more than 450 injured people were treated in government hospitals, with 167 admitted and 16 in critical condition referred elsewhere.

Pakistan has described the death sentence handed to former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as an internal matter of Bangladesh. During a weekly press briefing on November 21, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andarabi stated that the people of Bangladesh are capable of resolving their issues through democratic and constitutional means. The comment came after an international crimes tribunal sentenced Hasina to death for allegedly ordering lethal force against student-led protests during the July uprising that toppled her government. The verdict, seen as politically significant ahead of Bangladesh’s national elections scheduled for early February, has drawn attention from neighboring countries. Bangladesh has urged India to extradite Hasina, who fled there after being ousted, citing an existing extradition treaty. However, New Delhi has not agreed, emphasizing its commitment to peace, democracy, and stability in Bangladesh. Pakistan’s cautious stance reflects its intent to avoid involvement in Bangladesh’s internal judicial and political developments.

BNP central sports secretary and Dhaka North convenor Aminul Haque has assured that no extortion will be allowed from rickshaw and autorickshaw drivers in Dhaka. Speaking at a meeting with drivers in Pallabi, he said that for the past 17 years, a syndicate had been collecting illegal fees from them. Haque promised that under a future BNP government, all such syndicates would be dismantled. He also warned that any party member found involved in extortion would face legal action. Additionally, he urged autorickshaw drivers to follow traffic laws, emphasizing that adherence to rules could prevent accidents and reduce traffic congestion. His remarks come as part of his campaign as the BNP candidate for the Dhaka-16 constituency, pledging reforms to protect low-income transport workers from exploitation.

Authorities in Bogura, Bangladesh, have fined a spice mill owner BDT 300,000 for producing adulterated turmeric and chili powder using fabric dye, cattle feed, and rice bran. The mobile court, led by Executive Magistrate Rashidul Islam, conducted the raid at Al-Amin Spice Mill in Rajabazar on Thursday evening. Officials from the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority confirmed that the seized products contained harmful substances posing health risks. During the operation, 75 kilograms of rice bran, 150 kilograms of adulterated chili powder, and 150 kilograms of adulterated turmeric were confiscated and destroyed. The mill owner admitted to the offense and was penalized under Section 33 of the Food Safety Act 2013. Food safety officials stated that such drives will continue to protect public health and ensure the availability of safe food products in the market.

US President Donald Trump met with New York City’s newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani, at the White House on Friday, marking their first face-to-face encounter after months of political hostility. Despite previous clashes—where Trump had threatened Mamdani with deportation and labeled him a ‘communist,’ while Mamdani accused Trump of acting like a dictator—the meeting ended on a conciliatory note. Trump told reporters that he would be happy to see Mamdani succeed and promised federal support for his initiatives. He also noted that many of Mamdani’s ideas align with his own. Mamdani, who will assume office on January 1, expressed eagerness to work with the president to make New York more affordable and livable. Both leaders emphasized cooperation on urban development, public services, and improving residents’ quality of life, signaling a surprising thaw in their previously strained relationship.

Ukraine is under mounting pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to accept a proposed peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing war with Russia. According to Reuters, Trump has given Kyiv a one-week deadline to agree to the plan, warning that failure to comply could result in the suspension of U.S. intelligence sharing and weapons supplies. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged the difficult position his country faces, saying Ukraine must choose between preserving its dignity and independence or risking the loss of vital American support. Trump told reporters that the war must end before winter and that Zelensky has limited options. In a national address, Zelensky vowed to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty and honor, emphasizing that the country would not compromise its core values even under external pressure.

Following reports of several buildings tilting and cracking during a recent earthquake in Dhaka, the Capital Development Authority (RAJUK) has begun on-site inspections to assess structural safety. Acting on the directive of RAJUK Chairman Engineer Md. Riazul Islam, officials from the development control wing visited multiple affected sites, including the Alatunnessa School and College building in Badda, which had already been declared risky and was sealed immediately after further damage. In Gulshan, cracks were found in a 10-storey building’s column, prompting the removal of water from its rooftop swimming pool. RAJUK teams also inspected buildings in Tikatuli, Wari Mugda WASA Road, Kafrul, Agargaon, and the Rajarbagh Central Police Hospital area. The authority instructed that detailed engineering assessments (DEA) be completed and reports submitted within 15 days. On Monday morning, the RAJUK chairman and officials are scheduled to visit several damaged sites for further evaluation.

Students of Dhaka College staged a road blockade on Friday night demanding renovation of a dormitory building deemed vulnerable to earthquakes. The protest began around 10:30 p.m. when students blocked the Mirpur–New Market road, disrupting traffic for nearly an hour. Police confirmed that the blockade caused severe congestion in the area. The students said that the Akhtaruzzaman Elias Hall had shown signs of structural weakness during the morning’s earthquake, heightening their safety concerns. They have long urged authorities to rebuild or repair the hall, but no action has been taken. Around 11:30 p.m., Dhaka College Principal A.K.M. Elias arrived at the scene and requested the students to clear the road. Following his appeal, the students withdrew their blockade, and traffic movement returned to normal, according to New Market police officials.

The Dhaka District Administration has announced emergency financial assistance of up to Tk 15,000 for individuals injured during the recent earthquake in Dhaka. The aid will cover those who were hurt either due to panic or accidents triggered by the tremor. According to District Commissioner Md Rezaul Karim, recipients must have a medical recommendation to qualify. Injured persons or their attendants can contact the district control room at +8801700716678 to apply for assistance. The administration urged hospitals and families to spread the message to ensure timely support. The earthquake, which struck at 10:38 a.m. on Friday with a magnitude of 5.7 centered in Narsingdi’s Madhabdi area, caused widespread panic. As of Friday night, the Directorate General of Health Services reported 10 deaths and 606 injuries nationwide, with 167 hospitalized and 16 in critical condition. Officials believe the total number of injured could exceed 1,000, considering unreported cases from private hospitals.

A 5.7 magnitude earthquake centered near Narsingdi’s Ghorashal jolted Bangladesh at 10:38 a.m. on Friday, triggering widespread panic across Dhaka and other regions. Although the tremor lasted only a few seconds, many people were injured while rushing out of buildings in fear. The National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (Pangu Hospital) saw a surge of patients throughout the day, treating over 100 people with fractures and joint dislocations, with at least 18 requiring admission. Additional doctors, nurses, and ward masters were deployed to manage the influx. Dhaka Medical College Hospital also treated at least 18 injured individuals, including children and students. Health authorities activated emergency medical teams and urged citizens to remain calm and follow safety protocols during earthquakes. Most injuries resulted from falls, stampedes, or collapsing furniture as people hurried to evacuate buildings.

A 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck Dhaka and several parts of Bangladesh on Friday morning, causing intense shaking that lasted about 15 seconds. The tremor led to visible structural damage, with reports of cracked walls, tilted buildings, and partial collapses of older structures. Hospitals saw a surge in patients as injuries and fatalities were reported. The quake sparked widespread panic, with many residents rushing outdoors and sharing their terrifying experiences on Facebook and other social media platforms. Posts described buildings swaying violently, people praying for safety, and families fearing for their lives. Although no significant aftershocks followed, anxiety remains high among residents worried about further tremors. The incident has left a deep psychological impact on Dhaka’s population, with many still struggling to regain a sense of normalcy after the frightening event.

Police have arrested four young men in connection with an arson and crude bomb explosion at the main gate of Dhaka University Daksu leader Umma Uswatun Rafia’s residence. The suspects, identified as Masud Rana (45), Arif (30), Bipul (21), and Rajon (19), were detained on Friday night. According to Kotwali Model Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Shibirul Islam, the arrests followed an analysis of CCTV footage from the house. The attack occurred around 3 a.m. on Wednesday when unidentified miscreants set fire and detonated a crude bomb before fleeing. No injuries or major damage were reported, as residents quickly extinguished the flames. Following the incident, Rafia’s elder brother, Khondaker Zulkarnaine Rad, filed a case under the Explosives Act against unidentified persons at Kotwali Model Police Station on Thursday. Police are currently interrogating the detainees to determine their motives and possible links to the attack.

A Tk 93 crore modern chemical warehouse complex built on six acres in Tongi’s Kathaldia area of Gazipur remains largely unused as chemical traders show little interest in renting the facilities. The project, initiated after the 2019 Chawkbazar fire to relocate hazardous chemical storage from Dhaka’s residential areas, was completed in December 2023 under the Bangladesh Steel and Engineering Corporation (BSEC). Despite modern safety features, including fire suppression systems and office spaces, only two traders have applied for rental since advertisements were published in October. Business owners cite high rent rates—Tk 26 per square foot—and the site’s distance from the main industrial zone as major deterrents. Officials argue that the higher cost reflects advanced safety measures and reduced fire risk. The government hopes the project will eventually help move chemical storage out of densely populated areas to prevent future disasters.