Bangladesh’s prosecution is set to appeal for the death penalty against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the July killings case, where she was earlier sentenced to life imprisonment for crimes against humanity. Prosecutor Gazi M.H. Tamim confirmed that the appeal would be filed on Monday before the Appellate Division, seeking to enhance the existing sentence. The move follows the prosecution’s earlier announcement on November 27 that it intended to pursue a harsher sentence. The case, tied to the July killings incident, has drawn intense political and legal attention, given Hasina’s long tenure and subsequent removal from power. Officials stated that a detailed briefing would be held following the submission of the appeal. Legal analysts note that the appeal could further polarize the political landscape, as supporters and opponents of the former leader remain deeply divided. The Appellate Division’s decision will be closely watched both domestically and internationally for its legal and political ramifications.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged to introduce tougher gun laws following a deadly shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach that killed 16 people and injured 40 others. Albanese announced that he will present a proposal to the national cabinet to strengthen firearm regulations and licensing procedures. The proposed reforms include limiting the number of licensed guns an individual can own, introducing periodic license reviews, and tightening overall control and oversight. Albanese emphasized that firearm licenses should not be permanent, citing the risk of individuals becoming radicalized over time. Australia already has some of the world’s strictest gun laws, introduced nearly three decades ago after a mass shooting in Port Arthur. The Bondi attack has reignited national debate over gun safety and public security. Lawmakers and advocacy groups are urging swift action to prevent future tragedies. The government’s proposal is expected to be discussed in detail at the upcoming cabinet meeting, with potential legislative changes to follow.

At least sixteen people, including one of the attackers, were killed and forty others injured in a mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday. The attack occurred during a Hanukkah celebration attended by around two thousand people. New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed that a 50-year-old father died at the scene while his 24-year-old son remains in critical condition. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the assault as a terrorist and antisemitic act that struck at the heart of the nation. He announced plans to tighten Australia’s gun laws to prevent similar tragedies. The attack has drawn international condemnation, with U.S. President Donald Trump expressing condolences and vowing that those responsible would face justice. Authorities are continuing investigations into the motive and possible accomplices. The incident has reignited debate over public safety and the rise of hate-motivated violence in Australia, prompting calls for stronger community protection measures.

A recent opinion piece by engineer Jalal Uddin Omar has urged that leaders of Bangladesh’s Jatiya Party face trial for their alleged complicity in what he describes as the Awami League’s ‘fascist’ governance. The article argues that the Jatiya Party repeatedly supported or partnered with the Awami League in key elections from 1996 through 2024, helping sustain its political dominance despite opposition boycotts and allegations of electoral manipulation. Omar’s commentary recounts how the Jatiya Party alternated between being part of the ruling coalition and serving as the official opposition, while maintaining close ties with the government. He cites Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s February 2024 parliamentary statement that over eight thousand cases were filed against BNP-Jamaat members, with millions implicated. The author contends that such repression was enabled by the Jatiya Party’s cooperation. Following the government’s May 2024 suspension of Awami League activities and registration pending trials for alleged crimes, Omar insists that Jatiya Party leaders should also be barred from politics and held accountable for aiding what he calls a repressive regime.

Pakistan’s security forces killed 13 militants in two separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province between December 12 and 13, according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The operations took place in Mohmand and Bannu districts, targeting members of the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred to by the military as ‘Fitna al-Kharij’. Seven militants were killed in Mohmand and six in Bannu after intense firefights. The ISPR claimed the militants had received backing from India, an allegation that could further strain bilateral relations. Pakistan’s security agencies have intensified counterterrorism efforts following a surge in militant attacks across the northwest. Last month, 22 militants were killed in a similar operation in Bannu. The Global Terrorism Index 2025 ranked Pakistan second worldwide for terrorism impact, with a 45% rise in deaths from attacks compared to the previous year. Analysts warn that despite frequent operations, militant networks remain resilient in border regions, posing ongoing security and diplomatic challenges for Islamabad.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin has called for collective cooperation from all stakeholders to ensure a free, fair, and credible national election in Bangladesh. Speaking at a youth voter event in Gulshan, Dhaka, on Monday, he emphasized that the Election Commission alone cannot guarantee transparency and fairness without active participation from citizens, political parties, and law enforcement agencies. The CEC highlighted the importance of youth engagement, describing young voters as symbols of courage and creativity essential for building the nation. He assured that the Election Commission is committed to ensuring every voter’s right to cast their ballot freely. Addressing recent concerns over political violence, Nasir Uddin termed the attack on Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Osman Hadi as an isolated incident and reaffirmed that law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to maintain order. He urged citizens to remain confident and avoid unnecessary anxiety, reiterating that the upcoming polls will be transparent, peaceful, and inclusive, with youth participation at its core.

Australian police have confirmed that the two gunmen involved in Sunday’s shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach were a father and son. New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the 50-year-old father was killed at the scene, while his 24-year-old son remains hospitalized with serious injuries. Authorities have ruled out the involvement of additional suspects. Police recovered six registered firearms from the family’s suburban properties in Bonnyrigg and Campsie, and forensic testing is underway to determine whether they were used in the attack. The shooting occurred during a Hanukkah celebration attended by about 2,000 people, sparking widespread shock across Australia. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the incident as a “terrorist, antisemitic act of evil” that struck at the nation’s core values. Intelligence officials have declined to comment on whether the attackers were previously known to security agencies. The investigation continues as the country grapples with concerns over rising hate-motivated violence.

Inquilab Mancha has announced an all-party resistance rally in response to the recent attack on Osman Hadi. The gathering is scheduled for Monday at 3 p.m. at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, aiming to unite anti-fascist political groups under a common platform. The announcement was made Sunday night in front of Evercare Hospital by Abdullah Al Jaber, the member secretary of Inquilab Mancha. Jaber stated that several opposition parties, including the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and NCP, are expected to join the rally. However, he clarified that no India-aligned groups were invited. The organizers said the rally would serve as a protest against what they described as Indian aggression and ruling party violence. They called on all “patriotic” political forces to participate in the movement. The event comes amid heightened political tension and growing criticism of attacks on opposition figures. Observers say the rally could signal renewed coordination among anti-government groups ahead of potential nationwide protests.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has revealed that nearly 900,000 Indian citizens have renounced their citizenship over the past five years. Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh presented the data in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on December 14, noting that the government maintains detailed annual records of such cases. The figures indicate that citizenship renunciations have risen steadily since the pandemic slowdown. According to the ministry’s data, more than 2 million Indians have given up their citizenship in the past 14 years, with a notable surge in recent years. The trend reflects a growing inclination among Indians to acquire foreign citizenship, often for better economic or educational opportunities abroad. In 2020, the number dropped to 85,256 due to COVID-19 restrictions, but rebounded sharply in subsequent years, reaching over 200,000 annually. Analysts suggest that the continued rise may reflect both global mobility trends and domestic economic factors. The government has not indicated any policy changes in response, but the data may prompt renewed debate on migration and talent retention.

At least 17 people were killed and 20 others injured when a school bus carrying students and adults fell into an 80-meter-deep ravine in northern Colombia’s Antioquia region. The bus was returning from a graduation trip to the Caribbean town of Tolú and was en route to Medellín when the accident occurred early Sunday morning near El Chispero, on the Remedios–Zaragoza road. Antioquia Governor Andrés Julián confirmed the tragedy on social media, describing it as a devastating loss for the community during the holiday season. The victims included students from Liceo Antioqueño High School and the driver, Jonathan Taborda Cocacolo, who worked for the tourism company Preculture. Local authorities said the injured, aged between 16 and 27, were taken to hospitals in Segovia and Remedios. Officials stated that the trip was privately organized by students, not a school-sponsored event. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the crash, while local leaders and the tourism network have expressed condolences to the victims’ families and the affected community.

Political tensions in Bangladesh have intensified ahead of the upcoming national election, with reports alleging that exiled figures linked to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and foreign intelligence agencies are attempting to disrupt the electoral process. The recent shooting of political activist Sharif Osman Hadi has heightened fears of escalating violence and instability, as authorities struggle to maintain order despite the army’s nationwide deployment since September 2024. Analysts and security officials suggest that remnants of the previous regime and external actors may be seeking to provoke unrest to delegitimize the government led by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Critics argue that the administration has failed to remove key officials allegedly loyal to the former ruling party, undermining confidence in the promise of a free and fair election. Public concern is growing over the government’s apparent inaction against conspirators and the persistence of politically motivated violence. Observers warn that without decisive measures to ensure security and transparency, the election could face severe credibility challenges, potentially threatening Bangladesh’s fragile political stability and international standing.

José Antonio Kast, a far-right politician, has been elected as Chile’s 38th president after securing 58 percent of the vote in a runoff election. His leftist rival, Communist Party member Jeanette Jara, conceded defeat and congratulated Kast, acknowledging the democratic outcome. Supporters celebrated in central Santiago with flags and car horns as Kast delivered a victory speech emphasizing national unity over partisan triumph. Kast campaigned on promises to expel undocumented migrants, tighten border security, combat violent crime, and revive Chile’s sluggish economy. His victory marks another shift toward conservative politics in Latin America, following recent right-wing wins in Argentina, Bolivia, Honduras, El Salvador, and Ecuador. Chile, once one of the region’s most stable economies, has faced social unrest, pandemic-related challenges, and rising organized crime. Analysts suggest Kast’s presidency could redefine Chile’s political trajectory, testing his ability to balance tough security measures with economic recovery and social cohesion. His administration is expected to take office amid high public expectations and regional scrutiny.

At least 21 people have been killed and 32 injured after sudden flash floods struck Morocco’s Atlantic coastal province of Safi following an hour of intense rainfall. Authorities confirmed the casualties on Sunday, noting that most of the injured have since been discharged from hospitals. The downpour inundated more than 70 homes and shops in Safi’s old city, swept away vehicles, and damaged several roads, disrupting transport routes across the port area. Local residents described the event as devastating, with one calling it “a black day.” The Moroccan weather service has forecast further heavy rainfall across the country through Tuesday, marking a dramatic shift after seven years of severe drought. Emergency teams continue rescue and recovery operations amid fears of additional flooding. The incident highlights Morocco’s growing vulnerability to extreme weather events linked to climate variability. Authorities are expected to review urban drainage systems and disaster preparedness as rainfall patterns become increasingly unpredictable.

Bangladesh Bank’s latest report reveals a deepening crisis in the country’s banking sector, with 17 out of 61 banks now holding between 50% and 99% of their total loans as non-performing. As of September, the overall default loan ratio across the sector surged to 36%, up from 17% a year earlier, with total defaults reaching Tk 6.44 trillion. State-owned banks such as Janata, Rupali, and BASIC show default ratios above 50%, while several private banks—including Union, First Security Islami, and Global Islami—exceed 90%. Banking officials attribute the surge to years of politically influenced lending and loan concealment under the previous government. Following a change in administration, previously hidden bad loans were reclassified, exposing the true scale of the problem. Analysts warn that the rapid deterioration threatens liquidity, investor confidence, and overall economic stability. The government has begun merging several distressed banks to protect depositors and prevent systemic collapse. Economists urge urgent structural reforms, stronger regulatory oversight, and accountability measures to restore trust in Bangladesh’s financial system.

Bangladesh’s former army chief, General (Retd.) Moeen U Ahmed, told the National Independent Inquiry Commission that India had prepared for possible military intervention during the 2009 BDR mutiny if the Bangladeshi armed forces acted outside government orders. He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, feeling insecure and uncertain of army support, had sought India’s security assistance. Indian paratroopers were reportedly on standby to secure key sites in Dhaka, including the Prime Minister’s residence. The revelations, supported by research from Avinash Paliwal of SOAS, appear in his 2024 Oxford University Press book *India’s Near East: A New History*. Former foreign secretary Touhid Hossain confirmed that Moeen was instructed not to use force, as Indian troops could have entered Dhaka within an hour. The commission’s report, submitted on November 30, 2024, details these communications and India’s readiness. Analysts suggest the episode underscores the fragility of Bangladesh’s civil-military relations at the time and India’s strategic vigilance in the region. The findings may influence future discussions on regional security cooperation and crisis management.