In Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts, tribal individuals who have converted to Islam report facing severe persecution, including social boycotts, economic exclusion, and threats from armed groups. The 2021 killing of Mohammad Omar Faruk Tripura, a convert and preacher, highlighted the dangers faced by new Muslims in remote areas like Roangchhari, Bandarban. His murder remains unsolved, and many families now conceal their faith for safety.

Human rights advocates and local activists describe a pattern of intimidation, extortion, and denial of basic rights for converts, particularly among the Tripura, Marma, and Mro communities. Converts are often accused of betraying indigenous identity and are barred from communal resources and markets. Legal experts call these acts violations of constitutional and human rights protections, while local armed groups such as JSS and UPDF are accused of enforcing anti-conversion campaigns.

Observers warn that the issue reflects a deeper intersection of religion, ethnicity, and politics in the Hill Tracts, leaving converts isolated from both state protection and their original communities.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that global coal demand, which reached a record high in 2025 at 8.85 billion tonnes, is projected to decline gradually by 2030. The shift is attributed to the rapid expansion of renewable energy, nuclear power, and natural gas-based electricity generation. Despite a 0.5% increase in 2025, the IEA forecasts a steady reduction in coal consumption toward the end of the decade.

IEA Energy Markets and Security Director Keisuke Sadamori noted that the world’s reliance on coal remains strong but is beginning to weaken as clean energy alternatives gain ground. India saw a rare drop in coal use due to increased hydropower output and reduced electricity demand, while U.S. coal consumption rose following a presidential order to support domestic mining. China, the largest coal consumer, maintained stable demand but is expected to see a moderate decline by 2030.

Analysts warn that faster electricity demand growth or slower renewable integration in China could delay the global coal decline, potentially complicating climate targets.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow will achieve its objectives in Ukraine through either diplomatic or military means, reiterating plans to establish and expand a 'security buffer zone' along contested regions. Speaking on Wednesday, Putin said the goals of the 'special military operation' would be fulfilled and that Russia preferred diplomacy to address the root causes of the conflict. However, he warned that if Ukraine and its Western backers refuse genuine talks, Russia will proceed militarily.

Putin claimed that Russia continues to advance on all fronts, even as U.S. President Donald Trump presses for a rapid peace agreement. Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov acknowledged Ukraine’s attempts to retake the northeastern city of Kupiansk but said they were unsuccessful, while Kyiv asserted control over 90% of the city. Putin also accused European leaders of spreading fear about war with Russia, insisting Moscow does not seek conflict but is prepared if Europe chooses confrontation.

The remarks come as the war reaches a critical juncture, with territorial control contested and diplomatic efforts intensifying.

Israel has approved a record-breaking natural gas export agreement with Egypt valued at approximately $34.67 billion. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the deal, involving the Leviathan gas field and partners including U.S. energy giant Chevron, as the largest in Israel’s history and a historic milestone. The agreement will see Israel supply gas to Egypt over several years, expanding the countries’ energy cooperation.

The announcement comes as Israel continues its military operations in Gaza, where thousands of civilians have been killed or injured, according to the United Nations and human rights groups. Observers note the stark contrast between Israel’s expanding regional economic partnerships and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestinian territories. Critics argue that while Israel promotes regional stability through energy diplomacy, its actions in Gaza undermine that goal.

Egypt’s declining gas production since 2022 has increased its reliance on Israeli imports, reshaping the regional energy landscape. Analysts suggest the deal could strengthen Israel’s role as a key energy supplier in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The United States Senate has passed the $901 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2026 by a 77–20 vote, following earlier approval by the House of Representatives. The bill, now awaiting President Donald Trump’s signature, outlines defense spending priorities and policy frameworks for the coming year. It includes provisions to maintain congressional oversight over military operations and restrict troop reductions in Europe and South Korea without prior consultation.

The legislation allocates $800 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, $1 billion for Taiwan’s defense cooperation, and $600 million for Israel’s missile defense programs, including Iron Dome. It also repeals outdated authorizations for the 1991 Gulf War and 2003 Iraq War to limit future unilateral military actions. Additionally, the bill cuts $1.6 billion from Pentagon climate programs and eliminates the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiative to save $40 million.

Analysts view the bill as a reflection of Washington’s intent to balance global commitments with domestic oversight amid rising tensions with China and Russia.

FIFA has announced a record-breaking $50 million prize for the champion of the 2026 World Cup, nearly doubling the reward compared to previous tournaments. The decision, approved at a FIFA Council meeting in Doha, marks a significant increase from the $42 million awarded to the 2022 Qatar winner and $38 million in 2018 Russia.

The total prize pool for the 2026 tournament, to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will reach $655 million—about 50% higher than in Qatar. The runner-up will receive $33 million, while the third and fourth-placed teams will earn $29 million and $27 million respectively. Each of the 48 participating nations will also receive $1.5 million for preparation expenses.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the expanded rewards as a financial milestone for global football, emphasizing that part of the revenue will be reinvested in football development worldwide. The move underscores FIFA’s effort to enhance competitiveness and financial sustainability across the sport.

Cricket fans are set for a busy viewing day on December 18, 2025, as multiple international tournaments air live across major sports networks. The highlight is the third Ashes Test between Australia and England, with the second day’s play starting at 5:30 a.m. on Star Sports. Simultaneously, New Zealand face West Indies in the second Test from 4:00 a.m. on Sony Sports. Later in the day, the Big Bash League features Melbourne Stars against Hobart Hurricanes, followed by ILT20 action between Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Gulf Giants.

Football enthusiasts will also have late-night action as Napoli take on AC Milan in the Supercoppa Italiana, streamed via Bet365 and Fancode. The day’s lineup underscores the global reach of cricket and football, with broadcasters catering to diverse time zones and audiences. Sports analysts note that December’s packed calendar reflects the growing overlap of domestic and international leagues, offering fans continuous live coverage across continents.

Bangladesh’s Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has emphasized that the effective implementation of the ‘One Health’ approach requires coordinated commitment from the Ministries of Health and Family Welfare, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Fisheries and Livestock. Speaking at a seminar in Dhaka, she said the initiative must move beyond rhetoric to practical collaboration under a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation framework.

Environmental Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan highlighted that environmental protection and biodiversity must remain central to development planning, warning that ecological destruction ultimately harms society. She identified bureaucratic delays and weak inter-ministerial coordination as major obstacles to the One Health initiative. Health Ministry representative Dr. Sayedur Rahman stressed that human health should remain at the core of the program, as food contamination, antibiotic misuse, and environmental degradation directly affect people’s wellbeing.

The proposed One Health project will operate under a joint Development Project Proposal (DPP) with three project directors from the respective ministries. Officials expressed optimism that Bangladesh could set a regional example by integrating human, animal, and environmental health into a unified national strategy.

Students at Dhaka University held a late-night ‘Azadi’ rally on December 17, protesting what they described as interference by India’s High Commissioner in Bangladesh’s domestic politics. Organized under the banner of ‘Anti-Hegemony Students,’ the march began at Madhur Canteen and concluded with a brief gathering at the Raju Memorial sculpture, where participants chanted slogans rejecting foreign influence.

During the rally, Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) cultural secretary Mosaddeq Ali Ibn Mohammad cited an investigative report alleging that Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma had engaged with Bangladeshi authorities during the July uprising to shape state repression strategies. He called Verma’s actions a violation of diplomatic norms and urged the government to declare him persona non grata.

The protestors demanded stronger protection of national sovereignty and urged the Foreign Ministry to take diplomatic steps regarding former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s return from India. The demonstration highlights growing student sensitivity toward perceived external involvement in Bangladesh’s political processes.

Bangladesh Bank has reported that the country's foreign exchange reserves increased to $32.48 billion as of December 17, 2025. The figure, however, stands at $27.82 billion when calculated under the International Monetary Fund’s BPM6 (Balance of Payments Manual 6) methodology. The announcement was made by Arif Hossain Khan, Executive Director and spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank.

The reserves had been $32.12 billion a week earlier, or $27.45 billion under the IMF standard. The difference between the two accounting methods reflects the exclusion of certain funds, such as export development and other non-liquid assets, under the BPM6 framework. The rise in reserves follows recent remittance inflows and moderate import payments, helping stabilize the country’s external balance.

Economists note that while the increase is positive, Bangladesh continues to face pressure from global commodity prices and a strong U.S. dollar. The central bank is expected to continue cautious management of reserves to maintain import coverage and meet IMF program conditions in the coming months.

The High Court of Bangladesh has suspended the government primary school scholarship examination process for one month after a writ petition questioned its legality. The bench, comprising Justice Fahmida Kader and Justice Asif Hasan, issued the order following a preliminary hearing on December 14, 2025. The Directorate of Primary Education had earlier announced the exam schedule on November 11, with tests set to begin on December 21.

The writ was filed by Md. Faruk Hossain, director of Keraniganj Public Laboratory School, along with two parents, arguing that the exam violated a previous High Court ruling from November 3. Petitioners’ lawyer Niaz Morshed alleged that the government changed the exam’s name to exclude private school students, effectively breaching the earlier judgment. Ministry sources confirmed that the exams will remain suspended while the writ is under judicial review.

The suspension affects thousands of government primary students who were preparing for subject-wise tests in Bangla, English, Mathematics, and Science. The court’s decision is expected to prompt a review of the exam’s structure and inclusivity before any rescheduling.

French forward Ousmane Dembélé has been named the 2025 FIFA Best Men’s Player, capping a remarkable season with Paris Saint-Germain. Dembélé’s leadership in PSG’s attack guided the club to its first-ever UEFA Champions League title, a domestic treble, and a FIFA Club World Cup final appearance. His consistent performances placed him ahead of finalists Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal.

Accepting the award, the 28-year-old expressed gratitude to his teammates, family, and PSG staff, calling the honor a reward for collective hard work. Dembélé also thanked club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and sporting director Luis Campos, pledging to return to the FIFA stage next year. The recognition follows his earlier Ballon d’Or win, marking a double triumph in 2025.

In the women’s category, Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí claimed her third consecutive FIFA Best Women’s Player award, while England coach Sarina Wiegman and PSG’s Luis Enrique were named the best women’s and men’s coaches respectively.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a new initiative titled 'People’s Manifesto' aimed at drafting a citizen-driven, accountable, and realistic election manifesto for the next national polls. Party Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar said the program will run from December 18 to 24, collecting public opinions through a dedicated website and mobile app. Citizens can submit written, audio, or video suggestions on national and local issues.

Porwar explained that the initiative is built on three pillars: direct citizen participation, data-driven online analysis of collected opinions, and a digital 'Promise Tracker' to monitor future implementation of manifesto commitments. The party plans to create both a national and constituency-level manifesto based on measurable and time-bound criteria.

He expressed hope that this participatory model will set a new precedent for transparency and accountability in Bangladesh’s political culture. The digital platform (www.janatarishtehar.org) will serve as the main hub for public engagement and information sharing throughout the process.

Bangladesh’s legal adviser Asif Nazrul has alleged that influential lawyers, many of whom are senior figures in major political parties, played a decisive role in securing bail for Faisal Karim Masud, accused of attempting to murder Osman Hadi. In a Facebook post on Wednesday night, Nazrul stated that such influence made bail in serious cases, including Masud’s earlier arms case, unusually easy to obtain.

Nazrul emphasized that the High Court operates independently of the Ministry of Law, but questioned whether judicial discretion was being properly exercised in certain bail decisions. He cited previous instances where hundreds of bail orders were issued within hours, prompting public concern. Nazrul also warned against what he termed a “bail trade,” urging lawyers to uphold judicial integrity.

The comments have reignited debate over the transparency of Bangladesh’s bail system and the role of political influence in judicial outcomes. Legal observers expect the issue to draw further scrutiny from the judiciary and civil society in the coming weeks.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus announced that the interim government has undertaken continuous reforms to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), resolving a long-standing issue at the Korean Export Processing Zone in Chattogram. He expressed optimism that this move would encourage major South Korean companies to expand their investments in Bangladesh.

During a farewell meeting with South Korean Ambassador Park Young-sik at the state guesthouse Jamuna, both sides discussed deepening bilateral relations. Topics included boosting Korean investment, advancing the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), and expanding cultural and human resource cooperation. Ambassador Park conveyed condolences over the deaths of six Bangladeshi peacekeepers in Sudan and wished success for Bangladesh’s democratic transition and upcoming February 12 elections.

Park noted that Samsung plans to expand operations in Bangladesh, including mobile phone production. The next CEPA negotiation round is scheduled for February, which could grant Bangladeshi apparel duty-free access to the Korean market, currently dominated by Vietnam and Indonesia.