The United States has reduced its proposed Ukraine peace plan from 28 to 19 points following discussions in Geneva involving Ukrainian and European representatives. According to reports from TRT World and US media, the revised plan aims to end the ongoing war in Ukraine but remains unfinalized. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the talks as highly constructive, noting significant progress though some issues remain unresolved. Participants told the Financial Times that nine proposals were removed from the earlier draft, without specifying which ones. European officials had previously raised concerns over sanctions on Russia and the management of seized Russian assets, emphasizing these matters fall under EU jurisdiction. Finnish President Alexander Stubb called the reduction in points a step forward. The draft plan reportedly includes potential territorial concessions by Ukraine, limits on its military size, and a formal renunciation of NATO membership ambitions.

Bangladesh’s secondary school teachers have expressed growing frustration over the government’s delay in issuing a gazette to establish a separate Directorate of Secondary Education, despite the chief adviser’s approval two months ago. The Administrative Reform Commission had proposed dividing the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) into two separate entities — one for secondary and another for college education — to address inefficiency, staff shortages, and administrative complexity. Teachers argue that the current unified structure creates systemic discrimination, with college teachers receiving faster promotions and benefits. They demand the creation of a four-tier career ladder and an upgrade of the entry-level post to the 9th grade to attract qualified professionals. The Secondary Education Association has temporarily suspended its movement based on official assurances but warned of renewed protests if the gazette is not issued soon. Advocates claim that a separate directorate is essential to improve management, reduce inequality, and enhance the quality of secondary education across the country.

In Brahmanbaria’s Chinair village, unidentified miscreants defaced the memorial of Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mughdho, a martyr of the July uprising, by smearing ink on his portrait early Monday morning. The monument, located on the grounds of Chinair Anjuman Ara School and College, was originally dedicated to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman but later replaced with Mughdho’s image after the uprising. Locals discovered the vandalism at dawn, prompting anger and condemnation in the area. Police from Brahmanbaria Sadar Model Police Station visited the site and have launched an investigation to identify those responsible. Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Azharul Islam confirmed that legal action will be taken once the culprits are found. The incident has stirred emotional reactions among residents, who view the act as a sign of disrespect toward the memory of the slain activist.

A Bangladeshi student named Shahriar was found dead, hanging from a ceiling fan in a rented apartment in Greater Noida’s Beta-2 area, part of India’s National Capital Region. The discovery was made after the landlord, unable to contact him for over a day, entered the room and alerted police. Shahriar had been living with a woman named Rupa, a resident of Bihar, who claimed to be his wife. The couple had rented the room for 8,000 rupees on November 17. Police reported that Rupa was last seen leaving the residence on November 21. No suicide note was recovered from the scene, and the body has been sent for post-mortem examination. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of death, with officials stating that further details will be known after the autopsy report is released.

Residents of Rupganj upazila in Narayanganj are increasingly distressed by a surge in robberies, thefts, and muggings across the area. Incidents include armed robberies at homes, attacks on jewelry stores, and highway muggings, with several videos circulating on social media. Locals allege that despite repeated complaints, police responses have been inadequate, allowing criminals to return to their activities soon after arrest. Many homeowners struggle to find tenants due to safety concerns, while industrial workers report frequent assaults and thefts on their way to work. Police officials, however, claim they are actively investigating the incidents and responding promptly to reports, citing vehicle shortages as a challenge. The deteriorating law and order situation has forced residents to move in groups for safety, reflecting a growing sense of insecurity in this industrial hub.

A businessman named Anwar Hossain was stabbed to death in Ramganj upazila of Lakshmipur district on Tuesday morning after refusing to pay an extortion demand of Tk 200,000. The incident occurred at Anwar’s tea stall in Saharpara village under Volakot Union. According to locals, Md. Yusuf Hossain, a known local extortionist and activist of the Jubo Dal, had been demanding money from Anwar for some time. When Anwar again refused to pay, an argument broke out, during which Yusuf allegedly stabbed him multiple times in the chest and back before fleeing. Anwar was rushed to Ramganj Government Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Police have recovered the body and sent it for autopsy at Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital. The Ramganj police station officer-in-charge confirmed that preparations are underway to file a case over the murder.

Amnesty International has accused Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of committing war crimes in the Darfur town of el-Fasher, citing testimonies from survivors who described executions, rapes, and other atrocities. The report was released shortly after the RSF announced a three-month humanitarian truce, purportedly in response to international mediation led by U.S. President Donald Trump. Sudan has been engulfed in conflict since April 2023, when fighting erupted between the RSF, led by Mohamed Daglo, and the national army under General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. Amnesty’s findings detail widespread violence against civilians, which the group says could amount to war crimes under international law. The United Nations has described el-Fasher as a “crime scene,” urging accountability. Mediation efforts by the U.S.-backed Quad group, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE, have so far failed, with Burhan rejecting the latest truce proposal, accusing the UAE of bias—an allegation the UAE denies.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has officially withdrawn the expulsion order against Abdullah Al Mamun, a former member of the Jamalganj Upazila BNP in Sunamganj. The decision was communicated through a letter signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday. Mamun had previously been expelled for alleged activities violating party discipline. After a detailed review of his appeal and considering his commitment to adhere to the party’s principles and discipline in the future, the BNP decided to reinstate him. The letter also stated that Mamun is now permitted to resume participation in regular party activities. Copies of the decision were sent to the Sylhet divisional organizational team and the Sunamganj district BNP leadership. Expressing gratitude, Mamun thanked Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and other party leaders, pledging to work in line with the party’s ideology and discipline going forward.

At least nine Afghan civilians, including eight children and one woman, were killed in Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan’s southeastern Khost province, according to the Taliban government. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that the attacks occurred at midnight and also targeted Kunar and Paktika provinces, killing four more civilians. Mujahid accused Pakistan of bombing civilian homes, causing casualties and property destruction. Pakistan has not officially commented on the civilian deaths. However, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said its forces conducted operations against members of the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), whom it described as ‘Khawarij militants,’ killing 22 of them. The ISPR emphasized that Pakistan’s counterterrorism operations would continue against foreign-backed militants. The incident underscores escalating cross-border tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, with both sides trading accusations over harboring militants.

Bitcoin mining is quietly resurging in China, four years after Beijing imposed a sweeping ban on all cryptocurrency-related activities in 2021. Despite the prohibition, miners are taking advantage of cheap electricity and expanding data center demand in energy-rich provinces such as Xinjiang. Before the ban, China was the world’s largest Bitcoin mining hub, but its share dropped to zero after the crackdown. According to Hashrate Index, China has now regained around 14% of global mining activity, ranking third worldwide. The resurgence has also boosted sales for local mining rig manufacturers like Canaan Inc. Industry insiders say miners are exploiting surplus electricity that cannot be exported, making mining profitable again. The Chinese government has not commented on the renewed activity, and analysts note that the revival coincided with Bitcoin’s price surge in October, driven by U.S. policy shifts and weakening confidence in the dollar. However, global risk aversion has since caused Bitcoin’s value to fall by about one-third from its peak.

Dhaka Metro Rail has introduced an online recharge system for its MRT and Rapid Pass cards, enabling passengers to top up their travel cards anytime and from anywhere. The service was inaugurated at Agargaon station by Sheikh Moinuddin, special assistant to the chief adviser at the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges. The system, implemented by the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA), aims to reduce long queues and passenger inconvenience at stations. Commuters can register at www.rapidpass.com.bd or through the app, and recharge using any digital payment method. The recharge remains pending until the card is tapped at an Automatic Vending Machine (AVM). Users can recharge between BDT 100 and 5,000, view transaction history, and request refunds within seven days before tapping, subject to a 5% service charge. Officials described the initiative as a step toward a more modern, transparent, and efficient public transport system in Bangladesh’s capital.

Farmers in Haimchar upazila of Chandpur district are celebrating a bumper Aman rice harvest this season, thanks to favorable weather and effective guidance from the Department of Agricultural Extension. The cultivation target was set at 1,754 hectares but exceeded expectations with 1,760 hectares under cultivation. Agricultural officials credit the success to the use of improved rice varieties such as BR-22, BR-23, and BRRI Dhan 48–49, along with reduced pest attacks. Farmers report yields nearly double those of last year and express satisfaction despite concerns about fair market prices. Many are now urging the government to reduce fertilizer prices to sustain profitability. Harvesting and threshing activities are currently in full swing across the upazila, with farmers hopeful for just returns on their record yields.

A tragic incident in Bogura’s Shahjahanpur upazila shocked locals when police discovered the bodies of a mother and her two young children on Tuesday morning. The mother, identified as Sadia Akter, 25, was found hanging from the ceiling of her home in Khalisakandi village, while her three-year-old daughter Saifa and one-year-old son Saif were found dead with their throats slit. Police suspect that Sadia may have killed her children before taking her own life, possibly due to marital conflict. Shahjahanpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Shafiqul Islam Palash confirmed that the bodies were recovered and sent to Bogura Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital for autopsy. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine whether the deaths resulted from a murder-suicide or other circumstances. The incident has left the local community in deep shock and mourning.

A total of 134 leaders and activists of the (now suspended) Barguna district Awami League, including former MPs Advocate Dhirendra Debnath Shambhu, Golam Sarwar Tuku, and Shawkat Hasanur Rahman Rimon, have been sued under the Special Powers Act. The case was filed on November 22 by BNP leader Badal at Barguna Sadar Police Station, citing incidents from 2013, 2016, and 2020. According to the complaint, Badal was allegedly abducted, tortured, and falsely implicated as a militant by Awami League leaders led by district general secretary Md Jahangir Kabir. He claimed his business was attacked and property destroyed. Police confirmed the case registration and assigned SI Sohel Rana to investigate. The accused include former mayors and 17 lawyers. Awami League leader Advocate Abdur Rahman Jewel denied knowledge of the case. This follows five earlier cases filed by BNP activists against Awami League leaders in Barguna.

The High Court of Bangladesh has set December 4 as the date to deliver its verdict on the legality of an agreement between the Chattogram Port Authority and a foreign company regarding the operation of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT). The bench of Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Fatema Anwar made the announcement after concluding hearings on the rule issued earlier. The case originated from a writ petition filed by Mirza Walid Hossain, president of the Bangladesh Young Economists Forum, challenging the validity of the deal signed on July 30. During the hearing, the court had verbally instructed the government to suspend all activities related to the contract. The NCT, built in 2007 with an investment of about Tk 2,712 crore, handles a major portion of the country’s import and export containers, making the outcome of this ruling significant for Bangladesh’s port operations and trade management.