More than 193,000 expatriate Bangladeshis have registered to vote in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ mobile application, according to the Election Commission (EC). As of Saturday morning, the EC’s website reported 193,874 registered expatriate voters, including 174,909 men and 18,965 women. Saudi Arabia and the United States lead in registrations, with 38,269 and 19,271 voters respectively. The EC urged expatriates to provide accurate and complete addresses during registration to ensure delivery of postal ballots. Registrants can correct address errors through the app’s edit menu until December 6. The registration deadline has been extended to December 25, allowing global participation from any location. EC officials also announced that an in-country postal voting system will be introduced for government employees, detainees, and voters stationed outside their constituencies. The ‘Postal Vote BD’ app, launched on November 18, marks Bangladesh’s first large-scale digital initiative to include overseas citizens in national voting, signaling a significant step toward inclusive electoral participation.

A new assessment by Bangladeshi experts has raised grave concerns about Dhaka’s earthquake preparedness, warning that a 6.9-magnitude quake along the Madhupur fault could cause nearly 40% of the capital’s buildings—over 850,000 structures—to collapse. Fatalities could reach up to half a million, with hundreds of thousands more seriously injured. Despite these risks, implementation of earthquake-resilient land use planning and structural safety audits has been stalled for over a year. The World Bank–funded Urban Resilience Project, worth around Tk 5.68 billion, remains inactive due to bureaucratic disputes and institutional inertia. Experts from BUET and RAJUK have urged immediate integration of seismic-resilient land use plans into Dhaka’s master plan and the activation of modern testing equipment already procured. RAJUK officials say a new trust is being formed to oversee building fitness audits and ensure compliance with seismic codes. Analysts warn that further delays could make Dhaka’s dense urban landscape increasingly perilous. The government has pledged to approve necessary legislation soon, but experts stress that only sustained enforcement and public compliance can avert a catastrophic outcome.

India announced it will soon introduce a 30-day free e-tourist visa and group tourist visa for Russian citizens, Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed after a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen cultural and people-to-people connections between the two countries. Modi emphasized that the new visa policy reflects the importance of direct engagement between citizens in deepening bilateral relations. He also noted the recent opening of two new Indian consulates in Russia, which are expected to facilitate easier communication and promote cooperation in trade, education, science, and culture. The move follows growing efforts by both nations to expand collaboration beyond defense and energy sectors. Analysts view the free visa scheme as a strategic gesture to attract Russian tourists amid global travel realignments. It may also enhance India’s soft power and economic ties with Russia, especially as both countries seek to diversify partnerships in a shifting geopolitical landscape.

Tasnim Jara, senior joint member secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP), announced on social media that she will contest the upcoming Dhaka-9 parliamentary seat nomination while strictly adhering to the legal campaign spending limit of 2.5 million taka. In her post, she criticized the widespread practice of candidates underreporting expenses to the Election Commission and starting their political journey with dishonesty. Jara declared that she would publicly disclose all campaign income and expenditures, promising to maintain complete transparency. She urged citizens and volunteers to contribute time and skills instead of money, forming a grassroots team to support her campaign. Her initiative aims to demonstrate that elections can be conducted honestly, without reliance on wealth or muscle power. Political observers note that Jara’s stance could spark broader discussions on electoral integrity and campaign finance reform in Bangladesh, where high spending and opaque funding are long-standing concerns.

Bangladesh’s industrial and public works adviser Adilur Rahman Khan announced that sugar imports have been temporarily suspended until the unsold stock from domestic mills is cleared. Speaking after inspecting the Natore Sugar Mill and Uttara Gonobhaban on December 6, he said Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) has already begun selling locally produced sugar to stabilize the market. Adilur emphasized that state-owned sugar mills, many dating back to the British era, cannot operate sustainably on subsidies alone. He called for both local and foreign investment to modernize production and expand capacity. Discussions with potential investors are ongoing, and he expressed optimism about positive developments soon. He also mentioned plans to diversify into related production activities to improve profitability. The adviser further noted that Uttara Gonobhaban has been renovated after years of neglect and could host cabinet meetings under the current government, following historical precedent. Local officials, including the Natore deputy commissioner and police superintendent, attended the visit.

The United States has urged European allies to assume primary responsibility for NATO’s conventional defense by 2027, according to multiple diplomatic sources. During a recent meeting in Washington, Pentagon officials delivered what participants described as a firm message, warning that failure to meet the target could lead to reduced U.S. participation in certain NATO coordination structures. European diplomats reportedly viewed the timeline as unrealistic, citing limited progress since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Officials said the Pentagon has not clarified how it will measure Europe’s progress, and uncertainty remains over whether the 2027 deadline reflects the Trump administration’s formal policy or internal Pentagon sentiment. European nations argue that replacing U.S. intelligence and surveillance capabilities within three years is impractical, given production backlogs and long delivery times for military equipment. NATO’s spokesperson acknowledged ongoing European efforts to strengthen defense but confirmed no official alliance deadline. The debate underscores Washington’s long-standing pressure on Europe to increase defense spending, a theme revived in the 2024 U.S. election context. Analysts warn that diverging expectations could strain transatlantic unity, especially as NATO faces persistent security challenges from Russia and global instability.

Pakistan’s military announced that nine suspected India-backed militants were killed in separate counterterrorism operations in the Tank and Lakki Marwat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on December 6 that the raids were launched following intelligence reports about militant presence in the area. According to the ISPR, seven militants were killed during an operation in Tank, while two others died in Lakki Marwat. Security forces also recovered weapons and ammunition from the sites. The military described the slain individuals as being involved in multiple attacks against security personnel, law enforcement agencies, and civilians. Authorities said a “sanitization operation” is ongoing to eliminate any remaining India-supported militants in the region. The incident underscores Pakistan’s continued struggle with cross-border militancy and its efforts to maintain stability in its northwestern border areas.

Canada has officially removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, marking a significant diplomatic shift. The announcement came on Friday, December 5, with Global Affairs Canada stating that Syria’s interim government is working toward national stability and reconstruction. The decision follows similar moves by the United States and the United Kingdom, signaling a coordinated Western reassessment of Syria’s political trajectory. Foreign Minister Anita Anand said Canada welcomes Syria’s steps toward a peaceful political transition and reaffirmed support for the Syrian people’s pursuit of an inclusive and prosperous future. The ministry emphasized that Syria has been cooperating with global partners to maintain regional stability and combat terrorism. Syria was first designated as a terrorism-supporting state in 2012 under President Bashar al-Assad’s rule. The policy reversal coincides with a recent visit by representatives of all 15 UN Security Council member states to Syria, suggesting renewed international engagement with Damascus and potential openings for broader diplomatic normalization.

BNP Standing Committee member and former state minister Salahuddin Ahmed has accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of never believing in Bangladesh’s independence and attempting to establish one-party rule through BAKSAL. Speaking at a women’s rally in Chakaria’s Islamnagar on December 6, he claimed that the people’s uprising had removed her from power and alleged that she served the interests of a neighboring country. The event was part of Ahmed’s campaign activities in Cox’s Bazar-1 constituency ahead of the upcoming national election. During his speech, Ahmed asserted that the forthcoming election would be fair and internationally recognized, emphasizing that citizens are now more aware of their voting rights. He urged voters to support the BNP’s symbol, the paddy sheaf, and prayed for the recovery of party chairperson Khaleda Zia. Ahmed pledged that if BNP returns to power, it will restore democracy, rebuild the economy, and ensure justice and civil liberties. Thousands of supporters, including local BNP leaders, reportedly attended the rally. Political analysts note that Ahmed’s remarks reflect BNP’s intensified campaign rhetoric as the election approaches, highlighting deep political polarization in Bangladesh.

Russia’s special envoy Rodion Miroshnik stated that more than 41,000 civilians have been killed or injured in Ukrainian attacks since the conflict began in 2014. According to his remarks to the state news agency RIA Novosti, over 13,000 civilians, including 237 children, have died, and about 28,000 have been wounded. The casualties reportedly occurred across Russian territory and the Donbas region, where shelling has persisted for years. The statement comes amid renewed diplomatic efforts to explore a potential settlement to the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Multiple US sources confirmed that discussions between American and Ukrainian delegations are underway in Miami, focusing on former US President Donald Trump’s 28-point draft peace plan. Ukrainian National Security Adviser Rustem Umerov and Chief of Staff General Andrii Hnatov are leading Kyiv’s team, while the US side includes special envoy Steven Witkoff and Trump’s adviser Jared Kushner. The talks are expected to continue through the weekend, with territorial and border issues reportedly still under consideration as part of a possible framework for de-escalation.

Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov has vowed a retaliatory response after a Ukrainian drone strike targeted a high-rise building in Grozny, the capital of Chechnya. The incident, which occurred on November 5, caused damage to the building’s facade but resulted in no casualties. Kadyrov announced that Chechen forces would launch counterstrikes on Ukrainian military installations within the next week. In a Telegram post cited by Russian news agency TASS, Kadyrov condemned the attack as a cowardly act, calling it militarily meaningless. He emphasized that Chechen forces would not target civilians but would instead focus on what he described as the “neo-Nazi” military and terrorist infrastructure of Ukraine. The statement underscores Chechnya’s continued alignment with Moscow’s military campaign against Kyiv. The threat of retaliation adds a new dimension to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, highlighting the involvement of regional actors like Chechnya. Analysts warn that such escalations could further complicate peace efforts and expand the scope of hostilities beyond the main frontlines.

Sri Lanka’s government has announced a large-scale recovery plan to rebuild infrastructure and homes destroyed by Cyclone Dithwa, which left at least 607 people dead and 214 missing. The disaster, compounded by ongoing flood and landslide risks, has affected around two million people—nearly 10 percent of the country’s population. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared the situation a national disaster and pledged continued government efforts to assist affected communities. According to the Finance Ministry, families who lost their homes will receive up to 10 million rupees (about USD 33,000) to purchase land and rebuild. Compensation of 1 million rupees will be provided to families of the deceased and those left permanently disabled. The Disaster Management Centre reported that over 71,000 houses were damaged and 5,000 completely destroyed, with 150,000 people still in shelters. The cyclone struck as Sri Lanka was recovering from its 2022 economic crisis, intensifying fiscal pressures. Authorities have warned of further rainfall and landslide risks in coming days, urging displaced residents not to return home prematurely.

An air ambulance from Qatar is on standby to transport BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to London for advanced medical treatment once her medical board grants approval. BNP adviser Enamul Haque Chowdhury confirmed that the Royal authorities in Qatar have arranged the aircraft, which is reportedly sourced from Germany. He added that the party is maintaining constant communication with Qatari officials regarding the arrangements. Khaleda Zia remains under intensive observation at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where she has been receiving treatment since November 23. Doctors say she has not yet regained the physical stability required for air travel, delaying her transfer. The medical board, led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder and including Dr. Zubaida Rahman, has been meeting daily to review her condition and test results. BNP sources indicate that once the board issues a ‘green signal,’ the air ambulance will immediately depart for Dhaka to carry her to London. The situation continues to be closely monitored by both medical and political stakeholders.

Football fans around the world are anticipating a potential clash between Brazil and Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking what could be their first World Cup encounter in 36 years. The two South American giants last met in the tournament in 1990, when Argentina edged out Brazil in the Round of 16. The possibility of a new showdown depends heavily on how both teams perform in the group stage of the expanded 2026 edition. If both Brazil and Argentina top their respective groups, they would only meet in the semifinals or later. Even if both finish as runners-up, a semifinal meeting would remain the earliest possible stage. However, if one team qualifies as a third-placed side, the knockout bracket could create an earlier encounter, though the exact stage would depend on final group standings and FIFA’s knockout schedule. The official knockout pathway is expected to be clarified once FIFA finalizes the 2026 World Cup bracket, fueling excitement among fans and analysts awaiting a possible renewal of one of football’s fiercest rivalries.

National Citizen Party (NCP) South Region chief organizer Hasnat Abdullah has declared that he will contest the upcoming election in Devidwar independently, without forming any alliance. Speaking at a courtyard meeting in Rajamehar Union on Friday night, he said he would continue working for the people even if he received only ten votes, emphasizing his commitment to the constituency over electoral success. Hasnat addressed speculation that he would not secure more than 500 votes without joining a coalition, asserting that he is personally engaging with voters across Devidwar. He noted that many local elders have urged him to consider alliances, but he remains determined to stand alone. According to him, educated youths and students from various universities have already joined the NCP and are actively supporting his campaign. He added that young people and women are increasingly aligning with his party’s symbol, the Shapla (water lily), and expressed confidence that his campaign would rely on grassroots volunteers rather than financial resources or formal agents.