China has announced a $100 million aid package to assist the Palestinian Authority in rebuilding Gaza and addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The announcement was made by Chinese President Xi Jinping during a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in Beijing. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed gratitude to Xi in a letter, highlighting China’s continued support for Palestinian rights and its role in opposing Israeli occupation in Gaza and the West Bank. According to Chinese state media Xinhua, Xi emphasized China’s commitment to working closely with France to achieve a fair and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue. The move underscores Beijing’s growing diplomatic engagement in Middle Eastern affairs and its efforts to strengthen strategic ties with both Arab nations and European partners amid shifting global dynamics.

Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, stated that the government has not failed in its ongoing operation to recover heavy weapons ahead of the national election. Speaking at a volunteer recognition event at the Fire Service training ground in Purbachal on Friday, he emphasized that the campaign is progressing effectively. Addressing the proposed Police Commission Ordinance, he said the law aims to enhance public service delivery, and any objections from law enforcement agencies can be formally submitted. When asked about the BDR mutiny investigation report, he avoided commenting. The adviser also announced that 55,000 volunteers will be trained to assist in disaster management and support the Fire Service. The government is considering additional benefits for these volunteers. During the event, 22 Fire Service members were honored for their outstanding contributions to their duties.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has nominated its Vice Chairman Advocate Zainul Abedin as the candidate for the Barishal-3 (Babuganj-Muladi) constituency in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. The announcement was made by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan on Thursday, December 4, during the second phase of candidate declarations. This decision ends weeks of speculation regarding the party’s nominee for the seat, which had remained vacant in earlier announcements. Following his nomination, Abedin pledged to transform the underdeveloped Babuganj-Muladi area into a modern industrial zone, emphasizing infrastructure development and employment opportunities for youth. Local BNP leaders and activists expressed enthusiasm, describing the nomination as a morale booster for the organization. Abedin is expected to face competition from Jamaat-e-Islami’s candidate Principal Zahir Uddin Mohammad Babor and Amar Bangladesh Party’s Secretary General Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is set to meet former U.S. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during her visit to Washington, according to Reuters. The meetings will take place on the sidelines of the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw ceremony, which Sheinbaum is attending. The discussions are expected to touch on trade tensions following the U.S. decision to impose additional tariffs on Mexico and Canada, as well as the upcoming review of the USMCA trade agreement involving the three nations. The brief meetings come amid heightened regional economic and political sensitivities, with Washington pushing for stricter trade terms. Analysts suggest that Sheinbaum’s engagements could help ease diplomatic strains and reaffirm trilateral cooperation ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the three North American countries.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain stated that India has not yet given a positive response regarding the repatriation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently convicted by the country’s highest court. Speaking to journalists at Rangpur Circuit House on Friday morning, Hossain clarified that there is no information about Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh and mentioned that Khaleda Zia’s departure for London might be delayed by a day due to technical issues with the aircraft. He emphasized that such diplomatic matters take time and that Bangladesh is waiting to see India’s official reaction, though Indian authorities are reportedly reviewing the issue. Addressing the abduction of Bangladeshi fishermen by the Arakan Army, Hossain explained that direct bilateral talks with the group are not possible since it is not a recognized state actor, but measures have been taken to prevent such incidents in the future.

Major General Roman Gofman has been appointed as the next head of Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The announcement was made in an official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office on Thursday, December 4. Gofman will assume office in June next year, succeeding the current Mossad chief, David Barnea. Before this appointment, Gofman served as Netanyahu’s military secretary, a role that positioned him close to the country’s top leadership. Mossad is widely regarded as one of the world’s most powerful and influential intelligence agencies, ranking just behind the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in global intelligence assessments. Gofman’s appointment comes at a time of heightened regional tensions and evolving security challenges for Israel, making his leadership crucial for the agency’s strategic direction and operations in the coming years.

Iran has strongly condemned US-imposed unilateral sanctions, labeling them as 'illegal, inhumane, and crimes against humanity.' In a statement on social media platform X, the Iranian Foreign Ministry marked the newly established International Day Against Unilateral Coercive Measures, observed on December 4 under a UN General Assembly resolution. Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani emphasized that sanctions imposed without UN Security Council approval violate fundamental human rights, including access to health, education, and development. He accused the United States of deliberately targeting civilians and hindering Iran’s socio-economic progress. The sanctions, reinstated after the US withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018, have severely restricted Iran’s ability to import essential medicines and medical supplies. Despite Washington’s claims that humanitarian goods are exempt, Iranian officials report thousands of deaths and suffering due to shortages. Tehran reiterated that such measures breach international law and urged global action for their removal. Earlier, an Iranian court ordered the US to pay $6.785 billion in damages to patients affected by sanction-related medicine shortages.

Diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine-Russia conflict have intensified, with the United States playing a central mediating role. On November 23, U.S. and Ukrainian officials met in Geneva to reassess an initial peace plan, taking into account the positions of both Moscow and Kyiv. President Donald Trump later stated that the number of discussion points had been reduced to 22, with only a few remaining contentious. A follow-up meeting took place in Florida on November 30, focusing on potential ceasefire paths, long-term economic and security arrangements, election conditions in Ukraine, and territorial disputes. On December 2, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a five-hour meeting in the Kremlin with U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, discussing key proposals from four U.S. peace documents. Ukrainian ambassador to the U.S. Olga Stefanishyna confirmed that Ukraine’s delegation chief Rustem Umerov will meet Witkoff again in Washington on December 4 to continue negotiations.

Thousands of government employees gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka on Friday, December 5, demanding the immediate implementation of the ninth pay scale. The rally, organized by the Government Employees Demand Implementation Unity Council, was attended by representatives from various departments, including the Bangladesh Postal Department. Abu Nasir Khan, president of the Bangladesh Administrative Officers Implementation Unity Council, said that although salaries were supposed to be adjusted every five years, no pay increase has occurred since 2015 despite soaring living costs. He criticized the interim government’s delay, noting that the finance adviser’s statement that the next government would implement the pay scale had angered employees. Speakers, including Mahmudur Rahman Manna and Nurul Haque Nur, expressed solidarity with the workers’ demands. The participants urged the interim government to announce and enforce a fair and discrimination-free ninth pay scale before the national election schedule is declared.

Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, arrived at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on Friday after landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport earlier in the morning. She had departed from London on Thursday evening local time and reached Dhaka aboard Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-302. Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that the special air ambulance from Qatar, intended to transport BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to London for advanced medical treatment, could not arrive due to technical issues. As a result, Khaleda Zia’s planned departure has been delayed. He added that if her health condition permits and the medical board approves, she may leave for treatment abroad on Sunday, December 7.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to receive the inaugural FIFA Peace Award ahead of the 2026 World Cup draw ceremony in Washington’s Kennedy Center. According to multiple sources, Trump will deliver a brief speech during the two-hour event, which will also be attended by Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the award aims to honor those who promote unity and peace through football, especially in a time of global unrest. Although FIFA has not officially confirmed Trump’s name, insiders told The New York Times that he will be the recipient. The award will be presented annually, starting this year. Human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, have questioned FIFA’s selection process and transparency. The event will feature a performance by the Village People, known for their song popular at Trump rallies, reflecting the former president’s preferences.

A persistent cold wave has gripped Kurigram district for the past five days, severely disrupting daily life. The temperature dropped to 13.3°C on Friday, according to the Rajarhat Agricultural Weather Observatory. The biting cold and chilly winds have confined many residents, especially those living on the riverine islands (chars), to their homes. Day laborers, elderly people, women, and children are among the worst affected, as outdoor work has become nearly impossible. Many low-income families are struggling financially due to halted work opportunities. Residents report a lack of warm clothing, while cold-related illnesses such as fever and cough are spreading. Areas along the Brahmaputra River, including Ulipur, Chilmari, Roumari, and Char Rajibpur, are experiencing the harshest conditions. Authorities note that humidity levels remain high at 98%, with temperatures fluctuating between 12°C and 13°C over recent days.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has begun a large-scale military exercise in the Persian Gulf, showcasing advanced artificial intelligence–enhanced defense and attack systems. The drill, codenamed 'Martyr Mohammad Nazeri,' spans the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman, and includes deployment of modern air defense systems such as Nawab, Majid, and Misagh. These systems reportedly use AI to rapidly detect and strike aerial and naval targets with high precision. The exercise sends a dual message—peace and friendship to neighboring states, but a stern warning to the United States and other adversaries against any missteps. The IRGC emphasized its readiness to counter any threat, highlighting Iran’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities. The drill comes amid a long history of Iran-US naval confrontations in the region, with Iranian officials reiterating that hostility from the US and Israel has intensified since the Islamic Revolution. Tehran claims its recent military buildup is a direct response to perceived threats and past attacks on its nuclear and defense infrastructure.

The Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC) has officially opened the application process for the 50th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examination from December 4, 2025. According to the circular issued on November 27, a total of 2,150 positions will be filled, including 1,755 cadre and 395 non-cadre posts. Applicants aged between 21 and 32 years as of November 1, 2025, are eligible to apply. The online application must be submitted through the BPSC or Teletalk websites by December 31, 2025, with a fee of BDT 200, or BDT 50 for candidates from small ethnic groups, persons with disabilities, and third gender applicants. Candidates must provide academic details, NID or birth certificate, a recent photo, and signature in specified formats. The PSC has also outlined conditions for correction, eligibility for provisional candidates, and special arrangements for applicants with disabilities requiring scribes. No re-evaluation of preliminary test answer sheets will be allowed.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia’s planned medical transfer to London has been delayed due to the late arrival of a special air ambulance sent by the Emir of Qatar. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir informed the media on Friday, December 5, that the aircraft could not arrive in Dhaka as scheduled because of technical problems. He added that the air ambulance might reach on Saturday if all issues are resolved. Khaleda Zia will only travel if her health condition allows and the medical board approves the journey, possibly on Sunday, December 7. Earlier, it had been announced that she would depart for London on Friday morning, and the wife of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman had already traveled to Dhaka in preparation. Khaleda Zia remains in critical condition under intensive care at a hospital in Dhaka.