A helicopter conducting a medical evacuation mission crashed near Barafu Camp on Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, killing five people, the country's Civil Aviation Authority confirmed on Thursday. The victims included two foreign nationals, a local doctor, a tour guide, and the pilot. The crash occurred on Wednesday at an altitude between 4,670 and 4,700 meters, according to local media reports.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak at nearly 6,000 meters above sea level, attracts around 50,000 climbers annually. The Tanzanian Civil Aviation Authority stated that an investigation has been launched in accordance with international aviation safety protocols. Helicopter crashes in this region are rare; the last recorded incident occurred in November 2008, resulting in four deaths.

Authorities are now focusing on determining the cause of the crash, with weather conditions and mechanical failure among possible factors. The tragedy underscores the risks associated with high-altitude rescue operations in challenging terrain.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman delivered his first public speech in Dhaka after returning to Bangladesh following 17 years of exile. Speaking at a mass reception on the 300 Feet Road on December 25, he expressed gratitude to God and pledged to build a just and inclusive nation modeled on the fairness of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Rahman emphasized unity among all religious communities, calling on citizens to work together for peace and national progress.

His return marks a significant political moment for the BNP, which has faced leadership challenges during his absence. Party supporters gathered in large numbers to welcome him, viewing his comeback as a potential turning point ahead of future elections. Analysts note that Rahman’s message of justice and inclusivity aims to broaden BNP’s appeal beyond its traditional base.

Political observers expect his re-entry to reshape opposition dynamics and test the government’s response to renewed BNP activism in the coming months.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman delivered his first public speech in Dhaka after returning to Bangladesh following 17 years in exile. Addressing a massive crowd at a reception event on the 300 Feet Road area, Rahman urged citizens of all faiths—Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians—to work together to build a peaceful and inclusive nation. He expressed gratitude to the Almighty for his safe return to his homeland.

Rahman arrived at Sylhet Osmani International Airport early on December 25 from London and traveled to Dhaka amid large public gatherings along the route. His return marks a significant political moment for the BNP, which has been under pressure amid ongoing political challenges. Party leaders and supporters hailed his comeback as a potential revival of BNP’s national leadership.

Analysts suggest Rahman’s return could reshape Bangladesh’s political landscape ahead of future elections, though questions remain about his legal status and political strategy in the coming months.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman delivered his first public address in Bangladesh after 17 years, speaking at a grand reception event on Dhaka’s 300 Feet Road in Purbachal on December 25, 2025. Expressing gratitude to the Almighty, he said he had returned to his motherland through divine blessings. The rally marked his first direct engagement with supporters since his long exile abroad.

In his speech, Rahman compared the people’s recent political struggle to the 1971 Liberation War, asserting that citizens across all sectors—students, farmers, and workers—had united to defend the nation’s sovereignty in 2024. He emphasized the public’s desire to restore democracy and called for collective efforts to rebuild the country. Party leaders and supporters hailed his return as a symbolic revival of BNP’s leadership.

Analysts view Rahman’s comeback as a potential turning point for the opposition’s political strategy ahead of future national elections. His remarks suggest a renewed attempt to mobilize grassroots support and reposition BNP in Bangladesh’s evolving political landscape.

India has strongly condemned the destruction of a Hindu deity Vishnu statue by Thai forces in a disputed border area with Cambodia. The incident occurred on December 22, when Thai military personnel reportedly used an excavator to demolish the statue located about 100 meters inside Thai territory near the An Ses area. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said such acts hurt the sentiments of devotees worldwide and urged both nations to maintain peace and prevent further loss of life or property.

The statue, built in 2014, had been a symbol of shared cultural heritage between Buddhist and Hindu communities. Cambodia’s Preah Vihear provincial spokesperson Lim Chanpanha also denounced the act, calling it a violation of religious respect. The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, which reignited in July despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, has seen sporadic clashes in recent months.

Analysts warn that the destruction could further strain regional relations and complicate ongoing peace efforts. Diplomatic observers expect renewed international mediation to prevent escalation along the sensitive frontier.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally supervised the test launch of a new long-range surface-to-air missile from the country’s eastern coast, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The missile reportedly destroyed an aerial target about 200 kilometers away, marking a step in Pyongyang’s development of high-altitude defense technology.

KCNA added that Kim also inspected a nuclear-powered submarine under construction, weighing around 8,700 tons and designed to launch surface-to-air missiles. The project is part of North Korea’s broader naval modernization program, one of five key defense priorities announced by the ruling party. Kim emphasized that global instability makes nuclear and naval modernization “inevitable,” criticizing U.S.–South Korea cooperation on nuclear submarines as a threat to regional security.

The developments come as Russia’s President Vladimir Putin sent a New Year message to Kim, highlighting 2025 as a potentially significant year for Moscow–Pyongyang relations, signaling deepening strategic ties amid global geopolitical shifts.

The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to detain around 80,000 undocumented migrants in large warehouse facilities across the United States, according to a draft plan obtained by The Washington Post. The initiative, led by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), includes the establishment of at least 22 detention warehouses nationwide, marking one of the largest expansions of migrant detention infrastructure in U.S. history.

The plan outlines the conversion of industrial warehouses in key states such as Texas, Virginia, Louisiana, Arizona, Georgia, and Missouri into holding centers. Seven major facilities would each accommodate between 5,000 and 10,000 detainees, while 15 smaller centers would hold 500 to 1,500 people each. The move follows a record-high detention rate, with more than 70,000 migrants currently in custody.

Critics have raised concerns over human rights and logistical feasibility, while supporters argue it strengthens border enforcement. The proposal signals a continuation of President Trump’s hardline immigration stance during his second term, with further deportation operations expected in the coming months.

Bangladesh’s interim government has described the anticipated return of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman as a potential turning point in the country’s political landscape. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters on Thursday that Rahman’s arrival would help fill an existing political vacuum and contribute positively to the national atmosphere. He made the remarks while exchanging Christmas greetings with the Christian community at Tejgaon’s Holy Rosary Church in Dhaka.

Alam emphasized that Bangladesh is currently in a phase of democratic transition, with a major election approaching. He noted that Rahman, as the leader of one of the country’s largest political parties, could play a crucial role in shaping the next phase of political dialogue. The statement has drawn attention from political observers, who see Rahman’s return as a test of both the interim administration’s inclusivity and the opposition’s readiness for electoral engagement.

Analysts suggest that Rahman’s re-entry could influence voter sentiment and party mobilization, though challenges remain regarding legal and political reconciliation before the polls.

The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) of Bangladesh has issued a strict warning to all teachers, students, and staff under its jurisdiction regarding the use of Facebook and other social media platforms. In an urgent circular dated December 24, the Ministry of Education emphasized that any violation of existing social media policies or the newly enacted Cyber Security Ordinance 2025 will be treated as a serious offense.

According to officials, the directive aims to maintain discipline in digital spaces and safeguard national security. The notice referenced the 2019 revised guidelines for social media use in government institutions and reiterated the government’s ‘zero tolerance’ stance toward cybercrime. It explicitly prohibits provocative posts, rumor-spreading, or any activity that could harm institutional reputation.

Heads of educational institutions have been tasked with ensuring compliance, while authorities confirmed that teachers’ and students’ online activities will be regularly monitored. Violators may face departmental and legal action, with no leniency in the enforcement of the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has sharply criticized India’s opposition parties, accusing them of practicing selective outrage and appeasement politics. Speaking at a public event, Adityanath alleged that opposition leaders protest Israeli actions in Gaza but remain silent when minorities, particularly Hindus or Dalits, face violence in neighboring countries such as Bangladesh or Pakistan. He urged opposition leaders to introduce a condemnation motion in the state assembly regarding a recent killing of a Dalit youth in Bangladesh.

Adityanath further accused opposition parties of supporting illegal immigration, claiming they defend Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingya refugees for electoral gains. He alleged that some have even helped illegal migrants obtain voter identification cards. His remarks, reported by NDTV, come amid heightened political rhetoric over religious and regional issues in India.

The comments are expected to intensify political polarization ahead of upcoming elections, as opposition parties may respond to the accusations while maintaining focus on domestic governance and communal harmony.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has clarified that its acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, selected December 25 for his return to Bangladesh to minimize public inconvenience and prioritize citizens’ welfare. BNP Media Cell convener and reception committee member Professor Mowdud Hossain Alamgir Pavel stated at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport that the date was chosen because it coincides with a public holiday and an extended weekend, reducing traffic congestion and disruption to daily life.

Pavel explained that most educational institutions have completed exams by this time of year, and many people are on vacation, making it easier to manage large gatherings. To ensure smooth movement, BNP volunteers set up help desks at Mahakhali, Abdullahpur, and near the airport to assist travelers and ambulances. He emphasized that Rahman wanted a peaceful, citizen-friendly event that would not disturb normal life.

Tarique Rahman, who had been living in London since 2008 following his release on bail, is returning after the High Court annulled his previous convictions in 2024, clearing legal barriers to his homecoming.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman expressed gratitude to the people of Bangladesh after returning to Dhaka on Thursday. His flight landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:40 a.m., accompanied by his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman, daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman, and their pet cat. Supporters lined the streets to welcome him as his motorcade made its way slowly toward a reception venue in Bashundhara.

Following the reception, Tarique Rahman was scheduled to visit his mother, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, who is receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital. Security was tightened around the hospital area, with Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel deployed to maintain order. Party activists who had gathered near the hospital were asked to clear the area for safety reasons. Rahman’s return marks a significant moment for the BNP leadership amid ongoing political developments and public anticipation over his next steps.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman expressed gratitude to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus upon arriving at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Thursday. Rahman, who returned with his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman, spoke to Dr. Yunus over the phone, inquiring about his health and thanking him for the government’s security measures.

A video posted on Rahman’s verified Facebook page showed him acknowledging the arrangements made for his safety and comfort, stating that he and his family were thankful for the support extended by the interim government. His remarks come amid heightened political attention surrounding his return to Bangladesh after a long absence.

The exchange between Rahman and Yunus is being viewed as a gesture of goodwill between the BNP leadership and the interim administration. Political observers suggest the communication may signal a cautious attempt to maintain stability and cooperation during the transitional period.

Security measures have been significantly increased around Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital ahead of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s visit to see his mother, party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel have been deployed in the surrounding area, and BNP activists who had gathered near the hospital were dispersed by law enforcement to ensure public order and safety.

Rahman returned to Bangladesh earlier on Thursday after 17 years in self-exile, arriving at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight. His return marks a major political moment for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which has been largely led from abroad in recent years. Party supporters had gathered in large numbers to welcome him, waving national flags and chanting slogans.

Authorities have maintained a heightened state of alert around the hospital and key city points, citing crowd control and security concerns. Political analysts suggest Rahman’s return could reshape BNP’s internal dynamics and influence the country’s political landscape ahead of future elections.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman received a grand public reception in Dhaka’s 300 Feet area on Thursday as thousands of party leaders and supporters gathered to greet him. His motorcade advanced slowly through dense crowds waving national flags, marking his long-awaited return to the country. Security forces, including the army, Border Guard Bangladesh, police, RAB, and the Special Security Force, maintained tight protection along the route.

Rahman waved to supporters from his vehicle, acknowledging their greetings amid an atmosphere of celebration. The event drew large numbers of BNP activists from across the capital, reflecting renewed enthusiasm within the party’s ranks. Officials reported that the area took on a festive mood, with banners, chants, and national colors dominating the scene.

The return of Tarique Rahman, a key opposition figure, is expected to influence Bangladesh’s political landscape ahead of future elections. Analysts suggest his reappearance could energize BNP’s organizational activities and reshape opposition strategies in the coming months.