Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington marks a critical juncture in the U.S.-Saudi relationship, as both nations seek to recalibrate their roles in a changing world. The meeting with former President Donald Trump is expected to yield progress on a formal defense cooperation agreement, as well as new initiatives in artificial intelligence, mining, rare earths, and civilian nuclear energy. Saudi Arabia’s rapid modernization under MBS, including social reforms and economic diversification, has transformed the kingdom into a more assertive middle power. While human rights concerns persist, Riyadh’s codification of legal reforms signals gradual progress. The U.S. views a stable, reforming Saudi Arabia as a key partner for regional stability and countering extremism. However, friction remains over oil prices, arms sales, and the pace of normalization with Israel. MBS insists that any deal with Israel must include tangible steps toward a Palestinian state. The visit underscores a shift from the traditional oil-for-security pact to a broader partnership based on mutual strategic and economic interests.

Bangladesh on Monday observed the 49th death anniversary of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, the revered leader known as the 'Majlum Jananeta' for his lifelong struggle for the rights of the oppressed. Various political, social, and cultural organizations, including the Maulana Bhashani Science and Technology University and Bhashani Foundation, organized commemorative programs in Santosh, Tangail, where he is buried. The BNP-led National Committee arranged a two-day program featuring discussions, prayers, and tributes, while the Revolutionary Workers Party hosted a seminar on Bhashani’s political relevance today. A week-long 'Bhashani Mela' is also underway with local products and cultural performances. Political leaders, including BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, paid homage, emphasizing Bhashani’s legacy in anti-imperialist and pro-democracy movements. The National Awami Party (NAP) leaders criticized the state’s neglect of Bhashani’s contributions and demanded official recognition of his anniversary, recalling his pioneering role in advocating autonomy and independence for East Bengal.

The German government has acknowledged that 714 neo-Nazis with active arrest warrants remain at large across the country. According to a report published Sunday, the disclosure came in response to a parliamentary inquiry by the opposition Left Party. Of these fugitives, 115 are believed to be abroad, including 20 in Poland and 13 in Austria. Around 39 of those abroad are wanted for violent crimes. Left-wing politicians and analysts have expressed alarm over the persistently high number of unexecuted warrants against right-wing extremists, urging immediate government action. Data from the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) show that right-wing extremist crimes in Germany reached their highest level in 2024 since records began in 2001, with 42,788 racist offenses reported last year—a nearly 50% increase from the previous year. The revelations have reignited debate over the government's effectiveness in combating extremism and ensuring national security.

A devastating fire broke out around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday night in Sylhet’s Pathantula area near Nawabi Mosque, destroying 13 vehicles including a police pickup, several microbuses, and motorcycles. The blaze originated at Dhaka Auto Engineering Works, a car repair, denting, and painting workshop, and spread to two nearby businesses. Eight fire service units worked for about one hour and twenty minutes to bring the fire under control by 3:20 a.m. No injuries or deaths were reported. Preliminary estimates suggest losses of around 30 million taka. Authorities are investigating whether the fire was accidental or deliberate. The Fire Service and Police are examining the presence of flammable materials inside the workshop to determine the cause of the incident.

A masked individual set fire to the ground floor of Grameen Bank’s Jashodal branch on Station Road in Kishoreganj late Sunday night, shouting a political slogan before fleeing. Locals quickly extinguished the blaze, preventing any damage, according to Kishoreganj Model Police Station. In a separate incident, members of a banned faction of the Awami League cut down a large lychee tree to block the Kishoreganj–Pakundia road in Sriramdi area, halting traffic. Witnesses said several people arrived on motorcycles, chanting slogans before obstructing the road. Meanwhile, in Dhaka, multiple explosions and arson attacks occurred at various locations, including near environmental activist Rizwana Hasan’s residence, the NCP office in Banglamotor, and on a bus in Badda. These incidents took place ahead of a verdict in a war crimes case, raising security concerns across the country.

Young people in Bangladesh have called on political parties to include strong commitments to road safety in their manifestos for the upcoming national elections. During an event marking the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, held at Shyamoli Field in Dhaka, participants organized a candlelight vigil and march to honor victims of road crashes. The youths emphasized that road accidents have reached epidemic proportions, disproportionately affecting young people, who are among the most vulnerable road users. They demanded the formulation and effective implementation of a comprehensive road safety law and an integrated management system to prevent further loss of life. The event, organized by Ahsania Mission Youth Forum for Health and Wellbeing, was attended by road crash survivors, their families, and health sector officials. Earlier in the day, a workshop on safe system approaches to road safety was held with participation from around fifty students.

As Saudi Arabia undergoes rapid transformation under Vision 2030, many Americans living in the kingdom are beginning to see it not just as a workplace but as a 'second home'. American expatriates interviewed by Arab News praised Saudi Arabia’s hospitality, safety, economic opportunities, and quality of life. John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global, who recently received Saudi citizenship, described it as both a personal honor and a milestone in the nation’s transformative journey. Maria Cometti, co-founder of DQ Living magazine and a Riyadh resident, highlighted the positive atmosphere and family-friendly environment under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s leadership. Saudi Arabia is also expanding its global connectivity, with Delta Air Lines announcing a new direct Atlanta–Riyadh route. The kingdom aims to attract 150 million visitors by 2030, surpassing its initial tourism goals. The combination of security, hospitality, and opportunity has made Saudi Arabia feel like a true home for many Americans.

More than 11,000 students admitted under the proposed Dhaka Central University are facing severe uncertainty as the institution’s legal framework and structural setup remain incomplete nine months after its announcement. The government had decided to form the university by separating seven government colleges from Dhaka University, but the official ordinance has yet to be issued. Frustrated students staged demonstrations on Sunday, blocking administrative offices and demanding the start of classes and completion of admission formalities. Many complained of administrative confusion and lack of institutional identity. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education has called a meeting with 26 stakeholders, including vice-chancellors, education experts, and journalists, to review the draft ordinance. Officials say the delay stems from disagreements over the university’s model and concerns about women’s education. Academics have criticized the decision to admit students before finalizing the university’s structure, urging the government to ensure their academic recognition immediately.

Former State Minister for Home Affairs Sohel Taj has alleged that the ongoing incidents of fire terror and cocktail explosions in Bangladesh are being orchestrated by a single mastermind. In a Facebook post made late Sunday night, he referred to two books by freedom fighter Matiur Rahman Rentu, suggesting that they reveal much about the current situation. Taj accused certain political actors of committing atrocities, corruption, and money laundering, claiming they are now creating chaos to derail the upcoming elections and destroy the country's democratic future. He expressed surprise that some within the Awami League still support these individuals, implying they were beneficiaries of past misdeeds. Sohel Taj, who served as a state minister in 2009 before resigning in 2012, has remained outside active politics since then.

The Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has been denied permission by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to call for a second round of tenders for the MRT Line-1 and MRT Line-5 (North) projects, despite contractors quoting significantly higher prices than estimated. The approved cost for MRT Line-1 was Tk 52,561 crore, but bids could raise it to nearly Tk 97,000 crore. Similarly, MRT Line-5’s cost may double from its approved Tk 41,238 crore. Under the loan agreement with JICA, DMTCL cannot renegotiate prices with contractors. Infrastructure experts blame weak loan terms negotiated during the previous Awami League government for the cost escalation, arguing that JICA’s restrictions contradict international practices. DMTCL officials admit the bids are excessively high but say they are exploring alternative financing and local material use to curb costs. The Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges has indicated that discussions with JICA are ongoing to find a solution to the rising expenses.

A new Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS 2025) by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) and UNICEF reveals that cesarean (C-section) deliveries in Bangladesh have surged by 32.7% over the past decade, reaching 51.8% in 2025 compared to 19.1% in 2012–13. The rate is higher in urban areas (56%) than in rural regions (50%), and wealthier women are more likely to undergo C-sections than poorer ones. Experts warn that unnecessary C-sections are driven by private hospitals’ financial incentives, fear of labor pain, and lack of proper medical guidance. UNICEF’s country director Rana Flowers called the trend “abnormal,” noting that 75% of women now deliver in hospitals, many through costly surgical procedures that push families into poverty. Public health experts urge stronger government oversight, ethical medical practices, and awareness campaigns to promote normal deliveries and reduce health risks for mothers and newborns.

Khulna Power Company Limited (KPCL) has signed an asset purchase agreement with Dubai-based Subson Energy FZCO to sell its 40-megawatt power plant located in Noapara, Jashore. According to the Dhaka Stock Exchange, the deal includes provisions for KPCL to either sell the plant or export its generated electricity. This follows a previous agreement with Turkey’s Aksa Enerji Üretim A.S. for the sale of KPCL’s 115MW KPC Unit-2 in Khalishpur, Khulna. KPCL’s financial performance has improved notably, with earnings per share (EPS) rising to Tk 0.25 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025–26, compared to Tk 0.04 a year earlier. The company’s net asset value per share (NAVPS) stood at Tk 19.27 as of September 30, 2025. KPCL attributed the profit growth to higher income and increased contributions from its subsidiaries. For the 2024–25 fiscal year, KPCL declared a 5% cash dividend for general investors, following a 10% payout in the previous two years.

The recently concluded Bihar state assembly elections, held in two phases on November 6 and 11, resulted in a decisive victory for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which secured 202 of the 243 seats. The opposition Mahagathbandhan (MGB) alliance, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), managed to win only 35 seats. Notably, only 10 Muslim candidates were elected to the assembly, marking the lowest Muslim representation since 1990. Despite Muslims constituting about 17.7% of Bihar’s population, both major alliances fielded fewer Muslim candidates compared to the 2020 election. The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), led by Asaduddin Owaisi, contested 25 seats with 23 Muslim candidates and won five, performing strongly in Muslim-majority districts such as Kishanganj, Purnea, Katihar, and Araria. In contrast, the ruling Janata Dal (United) fielded only four Muslim candidates, and the opposition RJD and Congress saw limited success among their Muslim nominees.

Despite a ceasefire declared over a month ago, Israeli forces have continued airstrikes across Gaza, worsening the plight of residents already suffering from severe flooding and cold weather. Heavy rains over the weekend inundated large parts of the enclave, destroying nearly 93% of refugee tents, according to Gaza’s media office. Many displaced Palestinians have sought shelter in bombed-out buildings at risk of collapse. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) urged Israel to allow essential supplies into Gaza to provide shelter materials for those affected. Israel has restricted UNRWA’s operations since last year, alleging links between its staff and Hamas. Recent strikes in Khan Younis, Gaza City, and Rafah killed at least three people, while the Palestinian Health Ministry reported additional casualties and the return of bodies of detainees. Overall, more than 69,000 people have been killed and over 170,000 injured in Gaza during the two-year conflict, as humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate.

A passenger bus parked on the Dhaka-Narayanganj Link Road in Fatullah was set on fire by unidentified miscreants early Sunday night. The incident occurred around 1:45 a.m. near the Narayanganj Income Tax Office in the Isdair area. The driver, Nasir, and his helper, Nayan, who were asleep inside the bus after dropping off garment workers, woke up to the heat and flames. They managed to escape unharmed and, with the help of locals, extinguished the fire before it could spread. Fire service units and police teams from Fatullah Model Police Station arrived shortly after. Authorities confirmed that the fire caused limited damage due to the quick response of the driver and locals. Police have launched an investigation to identify those responsible for the arson attack.