The Trump administration’s newly released 33-page national security strategy has drawn contrasting global reactions, with Moscow praising it as aligned with Russia’s worldview while European leaders express deep concern. The document downplays Russia as a major threat to the United States, instead emphasizing curbing foreign influence, reducing immigration, and opposing EU censorship and regulatory controls.

European Union officials have criticized the strategy’s tone, warning that it echoes Kremlin narratives and could weaken Washington’s stance on the Ukraine war. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul argued that issues like freedom of expression should not be part of a security doctrine, while Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reminded that “Europe is your closest ally, not a problem.”

In Washington, Democratic lawmakers cautioned that the plan could destabilize US foreign policy. The strategy also calls for increased defense spending by Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Taiwan, and even contemplates military action in Venezuela, signaling a broader “America First” reorientation of US global engagement.

Real Madrid endured their first home defeat of the season at Santiago Bernabéu, losing 2–0 to Celta Vigo in a chaotic La Liga match marked by three red cards. Despite dominating the first half and missing several scoring chances, Madrid fell behind early in the second half when Williot Swedberg opened the scoring for Celta.

The situation worsened as Fran García received a second yellow card in the 64th minute, followed by late dismissals for Álvaro Carreras and substitute Endrick, who was sent off for arguing with the referee. Coach Xabi Alonso also received a yellow card amid growing frustration. Swedberg sealed the win with a stoppage-time goal against a nine-man Madrid side.

The loss was Real Madrid’s second in La Liga this season, widening the gap with leaders Barcelona to four points. With Villarreal close behind and a game in hand, Madrid face renewed pressure to stabilize their campaign before their next fixture.

Bangladesh’s Primary and Mass Education Adviser Professor Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar announced that promotions for around 32,000 assistant teachers remain suspended because of a pending court case. Speaking to reporters after inspecting several schools in Kutubdia, Cox’s Bazar, he said that although thousands of schools lack head teachers, the government cannot proceed with promotions until the legal dispute is resolved. He assured that efforts are underway to settle the matter, which could unlock multiple administrative bottlenecks within the primary education system.

The adviser also highlighted acute teacher shortages in remote and island areas such as Kutubdia. He stated that new recruitment drives will be launched to address staffing gaps in these regions, ensuring that isolated schools receive adequate teaching personnel. Local education officials accompanied him during the visit, emphasizing the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and staffing in under-resourced schools.

The resolution of the court case is expected to significantly impact teacher morale and school management nationwide, potentially reshaping the promotion process within Bangladesh’s primary education sector.

Bollywood filmmaker Vikram Bhatt has been arrested by Rajasthan Police on charges of financial fraud amounting to ₹30 crore. The arrest took place in Mumbai’s Bandra area at the residence of his sister-in-law, following a joint police operation. The case stems from a complaint filed by Dr. Ajay Murdia, a prominent IVF specialist and founder of Indira IVF, who accused Bhatt and his wife Shwetambari of misappropriating funds.

According to the complaint lodged at Udaipur’s Bhupalpura police station, Dr. Murdia had invested around ₹30 crore in several of Bhatt’s film projects, including a proposed biopic on Murdia’s wife. The doctor alleges that Bhatt failed to deliver any of the promised work and did not return the invested money. Police had earlier issued a lookout notice against the couple and restricted their international travel.

Authorities stated that Bhatt will be presented before a Bandra court for a transit remand to facilitate his transfer to Udaipur. The arrest has sparked widespread discussion in the Indian entertainment industry about financial accountability in film financing.

Students from Dhaka’s seven government colleges continued their sit-in late into Sunday night in front of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education on Abdul Gani Road. They are demanding immediate issuance of the ordinance for the proposed Dhaka Central University, which would transform their colleges into a unified university structure.

The protest began around 1 p.m. with processions from each college converging at the Education Bhaban. Although the students lifted their blockade at the High Court intersection in the evening to ease public suffering, they maintained their presence outside the building. Representatives said the movement would continue until the ordinance is officially issued.

The proposed ordinance, published on September 24 by the Education Ministry, suggests reorganizing the seven colleges into four interdisciplinary schools while retaining higher secondary programs. Teachers and education cadre officials have expressed concerns about losing autonomy and promotion rights, while some students support swift approval. The ministry has acknowledged ongoing revisions to the draft, noting the process will take time.

At least 35 people were injured in a series of violent clashes between rival factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) during campaign activities in Gazipur-1 constituency on Sunday evening. The incidents occurred in three separate areas—Rakhaliychala, Chandra Polli Bidyut, and Matikata Rail Crossing—where motorcycles were also set on fire. Injured supporters were admitted to local clinics and health complexes.

According to witnesses and party sources, the violence broke out when supporters of BNP-nominated candidate and former mayor Mojibur Rahman were allegedly attacked by followers of Barrister Ishraq Ahmed Siddiqi, who was denied nomination. Mojibur Rahman accused Ishraq’s supporters of launching an unprovoked assault and burning 11 motorcycles. However, Ishraq’s local coordinator Nurul Islam Sikder denied the allegations, claiming Rahman’s men initiated the attack.

The clashes have heightened tensions within the BNP ahead of the upcoming 13th national election, raising concerns about internal divisions and security risks during the campaign period.

A seven-year-old boy and his mother were arrested in Chattogram on kidnapping charges, sending shockwaves through the local court and police departments. The arrest followed a complaint filed by a woman whose four-year-old son went missing from Chattogram Medical College Hospital in April. Police detained the child and his mother from the city’s Soloshahar area and presented them before court, which ordered the mother to jail and the child to a juvenile development center in Tongi.

Legal experts and rights activists quickly pointed out that under Bangladesh’s Children Act, no child under nine can be treated as an accused. Following this revelation, the prosecution sought bail for the child, which the court granted on Sunday. Chattogram Metropolitan Police officials said they are reviewing the incident and will take corrective measures if procedural errors are confirmed.

The case has reignited debate over the handling of minors in the justice system, highlighting gaps in police training and child protection protocols. Authorities are now under pressure to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents.

Brazil claimed their first-ever FIFA Women's Futsal World Cup title after defeating Portugal 3–0 in the final held at the PhilSports Arena in Manila, Philippines, on Sunday, December 7. The victory marked a historic moment for the Seleção women, who remained unbeaten throughout the tournament.

Emily Marcondes opened the scoring in the 10th minute, followed by Amanda Lisa de Oliveira’s strike in the 23rd minute, and Débora Vanin sealed the win with a third goal in the 38th minute. Marcondes also won the Golden Boot with seven goals. Portugal’s Ana Catarina was named Best Goalkeeper, while Brazil received the Fair Play Award. Spain finished third after defeating Argentina in the playoff.

The 16-nation tournament was the first official FIFA Women's Futsal World Cup, signaling a major milestone for women’s futsal globally. Brazil’s triumph adds to their impressive record, which already includes multiple continental and invitational titles, reinforcing their dominance in the sport.

A local leader of the Weavers’ League, Amzad Hossain, 35, died on Sunday afternoon after being crushed by a collapsing wall during the demolition of an old building in Tekghonapara, Rajakhali Union, Pekua upazila of Cox’s Bazar. The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. while Amzad and several other workers were dismantling a brick structure at a landlord’s property.

According to witnesses, a section of the wall suddenly collapsed, trapping Amzad beneath the debris. Fellow workers and residents rescued him and rushed him to Pekua Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. Amzad, son of the late Shofiul Alam, was a construction worker and an active member of the Rajakhali Union Weavers’ League. He leaves behind two children.

Local union council member Golam Rahman confirmed the incident, while Weavers’ League secretary Junaid expressed grief, calling it a tragic loss for the organization. Authorities are expected to review safety practices at local demolition sites following the fatal accident.

The Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) has transferred the Officers-in-Charge (OCs) of all 12 police stations under its jurisdiction through a lottery system, as part of preparations for the upcoming national parliamentary election. The order, signed by RMP Commissioner Dr. Md. Zillur Rahman on Sunday, December 7, takes immediate effect. The reshuffle affects key police stations including Boalia Model, Motihar, Rajpara, and others.

According to RMP spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Gaziur Rahman, the decision aims to strengthen law and order, ensure neutrality, and enhance operational efficiency during the election period. The use of a lottery system for assigning new OCs was intended to maintain transparency and minimize allegations of favoritism or political influence in police postings.

The reshuffle is part of a broader nationwide effort to ensure impartial policing ahead of the polls. Observers note that such administrative changes are common before major elections in Bangladesh, as authorities seek to reinforce public trust and prevent local-level bias in law enforcement.

In Chandpur’s Baburhat area, a seventy-year-old woman named Momtaz Begum moved many by donating her lifelong savings to Sheikh Farid Ahmed Manik, the BNP candidate for Chandpur-3 constituency. During a courtyard meeting in support of the opposition candidate, she handed over bundles of ten- and twenty-taka notes, requesting that the money be used for election expenses. Witnesses described the moment as deeply emotional, with many attendees visibly touched by her gesture.

Momtaz Begum said she had saved the money over many years and hoped it would help improve her community. Sheikh Farid expressed gratitude, calling the act a symbol of people’s trust and love, and pledged to remain committed to public service. Local residents and party supporters praised the woman’s sacrifice as a reflection of grassroots faith in leadership.

The story quickly spread across social media, sparking widespread discussion about citizen engagement and the emotional connection between voters and political candidates in Bangladesh’s upcoming national elections.

Dhaka Power Distribution Company (DPDC) has suspended Executive Engineer Amit Adhikari and Assistant Engineer Abdur Rahman Sohag following the death of a worker during transformer maintenance in Siddhirganj, Narayanganj. The suspension came after a preliminary investigation found negligence linked to the incident, which also left two others injured. The decision was confirmed on Sunday evening by supervising engineer Mohammad Sher Ali.

According to DPDC sources, both engineers have been withdrawn from the Siddhirganj office and attached to the company’s headquarters. Ahsanuzzaman, Executive Engineer of the Demra office, has been given additional charge of Siddhirganj. Local residents had earlier accused the Siddhirganj office of widespread irregularities and bribery under Adhikari’s leadership.

The fatal accident occurred on November 26 near a cinema hall in Adamjee when a power line was unexpectedly activated during transformer maintenance. DPDC has formed three investigation committees, but no official report has yet been released, raising concerns about workplace safety and accountability in public utilities.

The number of bank accounts in Bangladesh holding deposits of at least one crore taka has continued to rise, surpassing 128,000 as of September 2025, according to Bangladesh Bank’s latest data. This marks an increase of 734 such accounts over the previous quarter, even as the total amount of deposits in these accounts fell by over 59,000 crore taka during the same period.

Banking analysts attribute this trend to widening income inequality. While rising prices have forced lower- and middle-income families to draw down savings, wealthier individuals and large businesses have continued to accumulate assets. Central bank officials clarified that not all crore-level accounts belong to individuals; many are held by corporations and government entities, and a single entity may maintain multiple accounts.

The data also show that the total number of bank accounts in the country reached 174.6 million by September, up by 5.6 million in three months. Economists warn that the growing concentration of wealth in fewer hands could deepen economic disparities if inflationary pressures persist.

A local fisheries wing leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) was killed in Jhenaidah Sadar upazila on Sunday following a violent altercation with his younger brother. The victim, Sohel Rana, 35, president of the Ganna Union unit of the Jatiyatabadi Matsyajibi Dal, was attacked with a kitchen knife by his brother Jewel, 30, during a family dispute at their home in Betai Mathpara village. Sohel succumbed to his injuries while being taken to Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital.

Police said the attack stemmed from a long-standing family conflict that escalated into a fatal confrontation. Hospital doctors confirmed that Sohel died from excessive bleeding. His body has been sent for autopsy. Law enforcement officials have launched a manhunt to arrest the suspect, who fled the scene after the incident.

The killing has shocked the local community and political circles. Authorities are investigating whether the dispute had any political dimension or was purely domestic in nature.

Gazipur Metropolitan Police and RAB-1 have solved the murder of Siddiqur Rahman, a 56-year-old storekeeper, who was stabbed to death during a mugging attempt in Tongi East on December 6. The main suspect, 30-year-old Imran, was arrested from the Mazhar slum, a known drug hotspot, the following day.

According to RAB-1 Commander Lt. Col. Ashiqur Rahman, Imran attacked Siddiqur when the victim resisted a robbery attempt on a flyover near the Bandhan Community Center. CCTV footage and forensic evidence, including a blood-stained knife and shoes left at the scene, led investigators to identify and locate the suspect. Imran reportedly fled to the slum immediately after the attack.

Authorities said Imran is now in RAB custody and legal proceedings are underway. The case highlights the growing collaboration between RAB and local police in tackling violent street crimes in Gazipur, where mugging-related incidents have raised public concern.