A powerful earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale struck China's northwestern Xinjiang region on Thursday, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC). The quake occurred at 3:44 p.m. local time near Akqi County, close to the Kyrgyzstan-Xinjiang border, with its epicenter located about 10 kilometers underground. State media outlet Xinhua reported that as of 4:34 p.m. local time, there were no reports of casualties or building collapses. Local authorities confirmed that transportation, electricity, and telecommunications systems across Akqi County remained fully operational. The CENC recorded the epicenter at 41.13 degrees north latitude and 78.40 degrees east longitude. While the tremor was strong, initial assessments suggest minimal impact on infrastructure or residents in the affected area.

The weekly meeting of the Advisory Council of Bangladesh’s interim government was held on Thursday, December 4, at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon, Dhaka. The session was presided over by Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of the interim administration. According to Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, the meeting discussed ongoing administrative matters and reviewed recent government activities. Although specific agenda items were not disclosed, such meetings are part of the council’s regular schedule to evaluate policy implementation and coordinate between ministries. The gathering reflects the interim government’s continued efforts to maintain governance and ensure smooth administrative operations during the transitional period.

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia will be taken to London for advanced medical treatment by Friday morning, according to her personal physician and BNP Standing Committee member Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain. Speaking to reporters outside Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on Thursday, Dr. Zahid confirmed that arrangements have been finalized, and a hospital in London has already been selected for her care. Khaleda Zia has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital for the past 12 days, including eight days in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU), due to multiple health complications such as arthritis, diabetes, kidney, lung, and eye problems. Her condition remains critical but stable, and she is responding to medical attention. A medical board has been overseeing her treatment, including mechanical ventilation and dialysis. Interim government chief adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus visited her at the hospital on Wednesday night.

At least 12 activists from various leftist organizations were injured when police baton-charged participants of a 'Jamuna siege' program in Dhaka on Thursday. The demonstration was organized to protest a state agreement with foreign companies regarding the management of national ports. The injured, including senior leaders from the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Bangladesh Students’ Union, and other left-wing groups, were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment. CPB leader Iqbal Hossain said police attacked when protesters began marching toward the Chief Adviser’s residence. However, Ramna Division Deputy Commissioner Masud Alam stated that gatherings near the residence were prohibited and police only attempted to stop the marchers, denying that a baton charge occurred. All injured activists were later released after receiving medical attention. The incident highlights growing tensions between leftist groups and authorities over foreign involvement in strategic national assets.

At a discussion organized by Ganatantra Mancha at the National Press Club, Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna emphasized that there is no alternative to holding national elections in Bangladesh. He warned that any attempt by the interim government to manipulate the process and remain in power would not succeed. Manna noted that the Nationalist Citizens’ Platform (NCP) has called for announcing the election schedule without delay, rejecting any proposal to postpone the polls. He also commented on the regional political context, mentioning India’s neutral stance on recent developments. Manna expressed concern about the complex political situation, questioning whether the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) would be able to participate effectively if instability continues. He urged political actors to focus on public sentiment toward the election rather than seat-sharing disputes. Other leaders, including Zonayed Saki and Saiful Haque, were also present at the event.

French President Emmanuel Macron met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday, December 4, during his official visit to China. The meeting included a state reception for Macron and France’s First Lady, hosted by Xi. This marks Macron’s fourth visit to China during his presidency. In addition to meeting Xi, Macron is scheduled to hold talks with the Chinese Premier. Analysts suggest that trade relations between France and China will be a key topic of discussion. Macron is also expected to urge Beijing to use its influence on Moscow to help end the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The visit underscores France’s efforts to balance economic cooperation with China while addressing global geopolitical challenges, particularly the conflict in Eastern Europe.

A Bangladeshi youth named Sabuj Islam, aged 30, was shot dead by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) near the Patgram border in Lalmonirhat district late on Wednesday night. According to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and local sources, the incident occurred when a group of 8–10 cattle traders attempted to cross the border near pillar 864 in the Jagatber union area. BSF personnel from the 169 Cooch Behar Raningagar Battalion’s Chenakata camp opened fire, killing Sabuj instantly. His body was taken inside Indian territory and handed over to local police. Following the incident, BGB’s 61 Battalion officials called for a flag meeting with BSF, during which Bangladesh lodged a strong protest and demanded the return of the body. BSF stated that the body would be returned after an autopsy. A higher-level flag meeting between battalion commanders of both sides is expected to follow to address the cross-border shooting.

Dr. Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, is arriving in Dhaka from London amid preparations to take BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia abroad for advanced medical treatment. Sources confirm that Zubaida will be accompanied by her daughter, Zaima Rahman. Khaleda Zia, who has been in critical condition at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka for the past 12 days, remains under intensive care with multiple organ complications involving her heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs. A medical board continues to monitor her condition closely, though doctors report no significant improvement. Plans are underway to transfer her to London via an air ambulance sent from Qatar, possibly on Friday, with a 14-member medical team accompanying her. Interim government chief adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus visited Khaleda at the hospital on Wednesday night, where he was received by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Khaleda’s personal physician Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain.

Pakistan has reopened the Torkham and Chaman border crossings with Afghanistan after nearly two months of closure, allowing United Nations aid trucks to pass through. Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andarabi confirmed the decision, stating that it was made in consultation with the Ministry of Commerce. However, trade between the two countries remains suspended. The reopening follows heightened tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, which escalated after a drone strike in Kabul on October 9 that the Taliban-led Afghan government blamed on Pakistan. The closure had disrupted cross-border trade and caused shortages of food and medicine in Afghanistan. Despite a ceasefire brokered by Qatar on October 19, relations between the two neighbors remain strained, with Pakistan accusing the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) of using Afghan territory as a safe haven, a claim Kabul denies.

Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has said that the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election will mark the birth of a 'new Bangladesh'. Speaking at a meeting with all district Superintendents of Police (SPs) at his office on Thursday, Yunus emphasized that the election is not a routine event but a historic responsibility following the recent mass uprising. He urged the SPs to ensure a fair, peaceful, and credible election, describing their role as that of 'midwives' assisting in the birth of a new nation. Yunus highlighted that this election would set the 'building code' for a just and resilient society, serving as a model for future generations. He also mentioned that international observers would evaluate the election as a benchmark of democratic progress. Expressing regret over the random selection process for SP postings, he said it was designed to prevent bias and ensure neutrality. Yunus concluded by invoking the sacrifice of Shahriar Khan Anas, urging officials to uphold his ideals through their service.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has confirmed that he held a 'sincere' phone conversation with former US President Donald Trump about ten days ago. Speaking on state television, Maduro said the discussion focused on resolving ongoing tensions between Washington and Caracas. Analysts view the conversation as a potential diplomatic opening to ease escalating tensions in the Caribbean region. Trump also acknowledged the call but refrained from providing further details, and the White House has not released any official statement. The dialogue comes amid a series of US military operations targeting suspected drug-carrying vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, which have resulted in around 83 deaths. These actions are widely seen as part of Washington’s pressure campaign against Maduro’s government. The confirmation of direct communication between the two leaders marks a rare moment of engagement following years of strained relations between the United States and Venezuela.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia may be flown to London for advanced medical treatment as her health remains in a critical state. According to party sources, an air ambulance from Qatar is expected to transport her on Friday, accompanied by 14 people including doctors. Khaleda Zia has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka for 12 days, spending eight of those in the Coronary Care Unit under close observation. Her condition is described as unchanged but responsive to doctors’ calls. Medical teams, including foreign specialists from the UK and China, are monitoring her heart, liver, kidney, and lung complications. Interim government chief adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus visited her at the hospital on Wednesday night. Across Bangladesh, BNP leaders and supporters held prayers and gatherings for her recovery, reflecting widespread concern over the health of the 79-year-old opposition leader.

At least 15 people, including three police officers and 12 Maoist insurgents, were killed in a violent clash between security forces and Maoist rebels in Chhattisgarh, India, on December 3. The encounter occurred during a joint operation based on intelligence reports about the presence of the banned CPI (Maoist) group’s armed wing, the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA), in a forested area between Dantewada and Bijapur. Security units from the state police, the District Reserve Guard (DRG), the Special Task Force (STF), and the CRPF’s elite COBRA commandos participated in the operation. Authorities recovered rifles, ammunition, and explosives from the site. Despite Maoist leaders’ earlier declaration to suspend armed rebellion, security operations have intensified, with the Indian government pledging to eliminate the insurgency by March next year. So far this year, 275 people have died in similar clashes in Chhattisgarh, including several top Maoist leaders.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines is preparing to operate three weekly flights between Dhaka and Karachi, according to Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Iqbal Hussain Khan. Speaking at the Foreign Services Academy in Islamabad, he confirmed that the national carrier will soon begin direct operations on the route. He also clarified that the flights will use Indian airspace, similar to how Indian aircraft use Bangladesh’s airspace. Due to India’s ongoing airspace restrictions on Pakistan, Pakistani airlines are unlikely to start flights to Dhaka soon. The High Commissioner emphasized that direct air connectivity could significantly enhance bilateral trade, which remains limited due to logistical barriers. He noted that in the past, direct trade links existed via rail, and improved connectivity could benefit farmers and expand profitable commerce. Khan further stressed that weak regional connectivity hinders South Asia’s progress and that regional cooperation is essential for sustainable development.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has issued an arrest warrant against Sajib Wazed Joy, son of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, over allegations of aiding genocide by shutting down the internet during the July coup. The order was given on Thursday, December 4, by Tribunal-1 chaired by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder. Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim represented the prosecution, requesting the warrant against the fugitive accused, which the court approved. The prosecution also submitted formal charges against Joy and Palak, accusing them of facilitating mass killings through digital communication restrictions. The next hearing has been scheduled for December 10. The case marks a significant development in the tribunal’s ongoing investigations into alleged crimes committed during the political upheaval earlier this year.