Ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina described a series of earthquakes that struck the country shortly after her death sentence verdict as ‘Allah’s play’. In an audio message to her party members, Hasina linked the tremors to the same day the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced her and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death for crimes against humanity during the July uprising. She also criticized the government’s handling of medical services and disaster response, claiming such negligence would not have occurred under her administration. Hasina further condemned the leasing of Chattogram Port’s New Mooring Container Terminal to a foreign company, questioning the legality of the deal. The High Court had earlier issued a rule on the matter, with judges divided over whether to suspend the contract process. The 5.7 magnitude earthquake on November 21, centered in Narsingdi’s Madhabdi, killed ten people and caused structural damage across several regions.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has rejected the so-called 'Minus Four' theory as baseless propaganda spread by a vested group. Speaking to reporters after inaugurating an inter-college football tournament in Magura, he said Begum Khaleda Zia is a national leader who now stands above party politics. Alam clarified that no one has been deliberately excluded from politics, adding that those who have been 'minus-ed' did so through their own violent actions. On the upcoming national election, he said all parties except those legally banned will be allowed to participate, noting that the Jatiya Party has not been banned but has historically supported autocracy. Addressing the issue of convicted war criminals, he urged for the execution of death sentences against Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, following due legal process. He vowed to bring all perpetrators of killings back to Bangladesh for justice within the remaining 70 days before the election.

The Trump administration has informed U.S. lawmakers of its plan to close several foreign offices of Voice of America (VOA), including those in Pakistan, Germany, Thailand, and Botswana. According to a report by The New York Times, a notice dated November 25 was sent to Congress by Carrie Lake, head of VOA’s parent organization and a close ally of former President Donald Trump. The document outlines the closure of six foreign news bureaus and four marketing offices. Officials stated that while contractors may continue some broadcasting operations if necessary, the long-term goal is to significantly reduce VOA’s global footprint. The move is seen as part of the administration’s broader effort to limit the scope of U.S.-funded international media outlets. The decision has raised concerns about the future of American public diplomacy and the reach of independent journalism abroad.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has filed a case against Oishi Khan, daughter of Shahjahan Khan, a key ally of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, for allegedly acquiring wealth beyond known sources of income and failing to submit her asset declaration within the stipulated time. According to ACC Director General Md Akhter Hossain, the case was lodged by Assistant Director S.M. Rashedul Hasan. Investigations revealed Oishi Khan possessed assets worth about Tk 17.02 million and family expenditures of Tk 1.15 million, against a legal income of only Tk 1.05 million, leaving Tk 17.11 million unexplained. The ACC also suspects she may hold additional undisclosed assets. Despite being granted an extension beyond the initial 21 working days, she did not file her asset statement. The ACC stated that her actions constitute punishable offenses under Sections 26(2) and 27(1) of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004.

A case has been filed in Brahmanbaria against five individuals, including National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Mohammad Ataullah, for allegedly assaulting a pregnant female party member, Bipasha Akter. The complaint, lodged on December 2 in the Senior Judicial Magistrate (Speedy Trial) Court, accuses the defendants of physically assaulting, humiliating, and snatching a gold chain from Bipasha, who is two and a half months pregnant. The alleged attack occurred on November 29 at the NCP district office following internal disputes over a photo taken with a central leader. The court has directed the Sadar Model Police Station to investigate the incident. The accused have denied the allegations, claiming they were fabricated to tarnish their reputations. Police officials stated that the case will be thoroughly investigated to uncover the truth behind the incident.

More than 60,000 African penguins have died from starvation along South Africa’s coast, according to a new study published in the journal Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology. The research found that between 2004 and 2012, over 95% of penguins at key breeding sites on Dassen Island and Robben Island vanished due to lack of food during molting periods. The decline is attributed to climate change and overfishing, which have drastically reduced sardine populations—the penguins’ main food source. Scientists from the University of Exeter’s Centre for Ecology and Conservation warn that similar declines are occurring elsewhere. Over the past 30 years, the African penguin population has dropped by about 80%, and the species was declared critically endangered in 2024, with fewer than 10,000 breeding pairs remaining. Changes in ocean temperature and salinity have disrupted sardine spawning, while fishing pressure continues to rise, worsening the crisis for these seabirds.

Legal adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul emphasized that young people have consistently been at the forefront of movements for justice and democracy in Bangladesh. Speaking at an event held at BRAC University in Dhaka on Friday, December 5, he recalled the courageous role of university students during the historic July uprising, noting that youth leadership in such causes is a long-standing tradition. Dr. Nazrul highlighted that the gathering of students demonstrated their ability not only to defend rights but also to advocate for justice in courts and on the global stage. He mentioned that 52 universities participated in this year’s Jessup Bangladesh competition, now the world’s third-largest qualifying round, reflecting the nation’s passion for international law and debate. He added that Jessup is more than a competition—it fosters research, writing, advocacy, and teamwork skills. Dr. Nazrul expressed hope that the workshop would further sharpen students’ abilities and strengthen their commitment to justice and the rule of law.

Four people, including three members of the same family, were killed and four others injured in a head-on collision between a passenger bus and a battery-run easybike in Bhanga upazila of Faridpur on Friday afternoon. The accident occurred around 12:15 pm when a New Modern Paribahan bus from Kuakata to Jhenaidah collided with an easybike heading toward Purbo Sadardi at the Kaidubi rail crossing. The deceased were identified as Nurunnahar Begum (55), her daughter Rimu Begum (35), and grandson Raihan (3), all from Purbo Sadardi village, and an unidentified elderly man aged about 65. Local residents, highway police, and fire service personnel rushed to the scene, rescuing the injured and sending them first to Bhanga Hospital and later to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Police have seized the bus and are working to identify the fourth victim. Legal procedures are underway, and the bodies will be handed over to the families after formalities.

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.