Yemen’s internationally recognized government has requested military assistance from the Saudi-led coalition to protect civilians and restore peace in the country. The request was made following an emergency meeting of the National Defense Council. According to Al Arabiya, Rashad al-Alimi, president of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), made the appeal on Friday, stating that such support is necessary to safeguard ordinary citizens and stabilize the nation.

Since 2015, Iran-backed Houthi rebels have controlled the capital Sanaa and roughly half of Yemen, while the PLC governed the remaining areas recognized internationally as Yemen’s legitimate government. However, in early December, the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) seized control of most of these territories. Saudi Arabia urged the STC to withdraw, but the group instead strengthened its positions.

Tensions escalated after Saudi forces launched airstrikes in Hadramaut, Yemen’s largest southern province, which along with Al-Mahra province, remains under STC control. Saudi Arabia warned that continued STC dominance could deepen divisions and allow Houthi forces to exploit the situation. The Yemeni president has called on the STC to relinquish control of both provinces.

The Bangladesh Navy will conduct a missile firing exercise in the Bay of Bengal between Cox’s Bazar and Hatiya on Monday and Tuesday. The Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) announced the exercise in a statement issued on Saturday, urging all types of vessels to avoid the designated area during the operation for safety reasons.

According to the ISPR, the restriction applies to all maritime traffic, including fishing boats and trawlers, to ensure the safety of lives and property during the missile firing. The advisory emphasized that no vessels should remain or move within the specified zone while the exercise is underway.

The notice serves as a precautionary measure to prevent accidents and maintain operational security during the naval exercise in the Bay of Bengal.

Inqilab Mancha activists returned to Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka around noon on Saturday after briefly moving to Katabon to make way for BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman. Following Rahman’s departure from the Dhaka University area after visiting Sharif Osman Hadi’s grave, the protesters resumed their sit-in at Shahbagh, chanting slogans demanding justice for Hadi’s killing.

According to the report, Inqilab Mancha had been occupying Shahbagh since Friday afternoon, continuing their protest through the night until early Saturday. The group’s member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber earlier declared that they would not leave Shahbagh until government advisers appeared before them. He also stated that the protest would continue until those involved in planning, executing, or aiding the escape of Hadi’s killers to India were arrested.

Hadi, the group’s spokesperson and a potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8, was shot in the head on December 12 in Purana Paltan. He later died on December 18 in Singapore after being transferred there for treatment. Investigators reportedly identified a banned Chhatra League leader as the shooter, who has since fled to India.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman completed his voter registration at the Election Commission building on Saturday afternoon to participate in the upcoming national election. He arrived at the commission around 1 p.m. and completed the process in 16 minutes at the Election Training Institute’s Room 104. According to the Director General of the National Identity Registration Wing, S M Humayun Kabir, Rahman will receive his national identity card within 7 to 24 hours after providing his fingerprints.

The registration marks the end of a 17-year gap during which Rahman could not register as a voter due to living abroad. The Election Commission had finalized the voter list on October 31, but Rahman and his daughter Jaima Rahman were added after the election schedule was announced. The commission will now publish a revised supplementary list for Dhaka-17 constituency. His registration removes all barriers to his candidacy in the 13th parliamentary election, for which nomination submission closes on December 29.

The national election and referendum were announced on December 11, with voting scheduled for February 12. Rahman has already collected nomination papers from Bogura.

The African Union has rejected Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent state. In a statement issued on Friday, the AU reaffirmed its commitment to Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmud Ali Yusuf declared that any initiative to recognize Somaliland as a separate entity was unacceptable, emphasizing that Somaliland remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

The statement warned that any attempt to undermine Somalia’s unity or territorial integrity would violate the AU’s core principles and could have far-reaching consequences for peace and stability across the continent. It also described Israel’s recognition as a dangerous precedent. The AU expressed full support for Somalia’s efforts to strengthen state institutions, consolidate peace, and promote inclusive governance.

Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state on Friday. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has awaited international recognition for decades. The issue has been a top priority since Abdi Rahman Mohamed Abdullahi assumed the presidency last year.

Israel has become the first country to officially recognize Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, as an independent state. The announcement was followed by reactions from the United States and Turkey. U.S. President Donald Trump said he does not intend to follow Israel’s decision, adding that the matter will be reviewed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he would inform Trump about Somaliland’s interest in joining the Abraham Accords during their scheduled meeting on Monday.

Turkey strongly condemned Israel’s move, calling it illegal. Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keçeli said on social media that the recognition represents another example of what he described as the Netanyahu government’s unlawful actions aimed at creating instability both regionally and globally. Keçeli added that the decision constitutes open interference in Somalia’s internal affairs and emphasized that any decisions about the future of Somalia and Somaliland should reflect the will of the Somali people.

The development has introduced new diplomatic tensions involving Israel, Turkey, and the United States, while raising questions about the future of regional stability in the Horn of Africa.

Emirates Airlines has launched a new pocket prayer mat for passengers to use during flights, aiming to make in-flight prayers more convenient. The airline announced on December 27, 2025, that the mats will be available across its entire fleet. Passengers can request one directly from cabin crew while on board. The new version of the mat is described as thicker, more comfortable, and easier to carry than previous designs.

According to Emirates, the initiative is particularly useful for long-haul flights, where prayer times often coincide with travel hours. The airline said the mats are designed to provide comfort and practicality for passengers who wish to perform prayers mid-flight. A company spokesperson confirmed that the service will be available to all passengers, regardless of travel class—First, Business, or Economy.

The airline expects the new feature to enhance passenger comfort and address a common challenge faced by travelers seeking to maintain their prayer routines while flying.

Israel has officially recognized Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, becoming the first country to do so. The announcement was made on Friday, accompanied by the signing of an agreement to establish diplomatic relations between the two sides. Somaliland’s leader, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, expressed gratitude to Israel for the recognition, calling it a historic moment.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but had waited decades for international recognition. Since Abdullahi took office as president last year, securing recognition had been a top priority for his administration. Following Israel’s announcement, Somalia’s government held an emergency meeting, and several other countries condemned Israel’s decision.

A statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the move aligns with the spirit of the Abraham Accords, referencing agreements signed during former U.S. President Donald Trump’s first term. Somaliland’s president described the recognition as the beginning of a strategic partnership and reaffirmed his country’s readiness to join the Abraham Accords to normalize relations with Israel.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman will receive his National Identity (NID) card within a maximum of 24 hours and a minimum of 7–8 hours after providing his fingerprint, according to SM Humayun Kabir, Director General of the National Identity Registration Division. He made the announcement at a press conference at the Election Commission (EC) office on Saturday morning, confirming that the EC has completed all necessary preparations, including the room where Rahman will provide his biometric data.

Tarique Rahman is set to be included in the voter list and collect his NID today. His daughter, Zaima Rahman, will also apply for an NID. He has already submitted his online application and will visit the EC office in Agargaon by noon to complete the remaining process. Reliable sources from the EC and BNP confirmed that his voter registration will be under Ward 19 of Dhaka-17 constituency, using a Gulshan address.

The EC’s readiness indicates that Rahman’s NID issuance process will be completed swiftly once biometric verification is done.

Tensions are reportedly rising between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and top advisers to U.S. President Donald Trump. According to a report by Axios, Trump’s senior aides believe Netanyahu is deliberately undermining the Gaza peace process. The report states that frustration among Trump’s inner circle has grown as they suspect Netanyahu is taking active steps to delay the peace agreement and weaken the ceasefire.

The report names Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, peace envoy Steve Witkoff, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles as among those disappointed with Netanyahu. A White House official indicated that Netanyahu has largely lost the support of Trump’s core team, though Trump himself continues to back him and wants the agreement to move forward quickly.

Under Trump’s peace plan, the first phase of the ceasefire took effect on October 10, but Israel has reportedly failed to comply. Israeli forces have continued attacks in Gaza, with 412 people killed and 1,118 injured since the ceasefire began, according to TRT World.

Eight flights scheduled to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka were diverted to alternative airports on Saturday due to dense fog. According to an official notice, three flights landed at Chattogram Airport, four at Kolkata Airport, and one at Bangkok Airport. The diversions were made for safety reasons as visibility at Dhaka airport dropped significantly.

The notice stated that all flight operations will resume normally once weather conditions improve. Airlines have arranged food and hotel accommodations for passengers affected by the delays. The airport authority emphasized that the diversions were precautionary measures to ensure passenger safety amid the foggy conditions.

Normal flight operations are expected to restart as soon as the weather clears, though no specific timeline was provided in the notice.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman visited the grave of martyr Osman Hadi on Saturday at around 11:30 a.m. He also paid respects at the nearby grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam and participated in prayers with senior BNP leaders. The visit took place before Rahman departed for the Election Commission to register as a voter at 11:40 a.m.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, and Joint Secretary General Habibun Nabi Khan Sohel were present during the visit. Rahman also spoke with Hadi’s brother, Abu Bakar Siddique. Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan, along with other university officials and DUCSU Vice President Sadik Kayem, welcomed Rahman at the site.

The visit highlighted Rahman’s engagement with party leaders and university officials ahead of his voter registration process.

More than 100 passengers were rescued after a passenger launch became stranded on a shoal in the middle of the Padma River due to dense fog on Friday night. The vessel, named ‘ML Mizanur,’ had departed from Daulatdia launch terminal in Rajbari’s Goalanda upazila for Paturia in Manikganj around 7:45 p.m. when it lost direction near the Kolbagan area opposite Daulatdia ferry terminal No. 7. Responding to a 999 call, a team from the Daulatdia River Police began a rescue operation using a trawler despite poor visibility.

According to police sources, the rescue team, led by SI Mehedi Hasan Apurbo and ASI Ashok Dutta, reached the stranded launch around midnight with the help of artificial lighting. Passengers were safely transferred to trawlers and brought to the Daulatdia bus stand area. Officer-in-Charge Trinath Saha confirmed that no injuries or damage occurred during the incident.

Authorities temporarily suspended all ferry and water transport operations on the Padma River due to the heavy fog. The Daulatdia River Police continued public announcements and maintained round-the-clock safety measures in the area.

A severe winter storm named Devin caused major travel disruptions across the United States on Friday, leading to the cancellation of 1,802 flights and delays to more than 22,000 others, according to Reuters. The storm struck during the Christmas holiday season, heavily affecting the northeastern region. The worst disruptions occurred at John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty, and LaGuardia airports, where more than half of all cancellations and delays were reported. JetBlue canceled 225 flights, Delta 212, Republic Airways 157, American Airlines 146, and United Airlines 97.

Airline representatives said ticket change fees were waived for affected passengers. JetBlue reported canceling about 350 flights over two days, mostly in the northeastern United States. The storm also impacted Boston, Chicago, and Toronto in Canada. Authorities declared states of emergency in parts of New Jersey and New York as the National Weather Service forecast four to five inches of snow from New Jersey through southern Connecticut.

By Friday evening, snowfall reached seven inches in New York’s Pawling and Wolcott and 6.5 inches in Waterbury, Connecticut, with snow, rain, and ice expected to continue into early Saturday.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that concerns over the upcoming election have subsided, though conspiracies remain active. He made the remarks on Saturday while speaking to journalists before visiting the grave of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi near Dhaka University. Fakhrul said Tarique Rahman demonstrated political wisdom by deciding to visit Hadi’s grave and would also pay respects at the tomb of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.

Responding to questions, Fakhrul noted that while conspiracies cannot be fully predicted, Tarique Rahman’s return to the country has largely dispelled election-related plots. He added that Rahman’s arrival has simplified the political equation and revived nationalist ideology within the party. According to him, nationalism remains the most suitable philosophy for the people’s liberation.

Fakhrul further expressed optimism that Tarique Rahman’s leadership and new political plans would open a new direction for national politics and that he would achieve significant political success in the forthcoming election.