Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared Ukraine’s current government under Volodymyr Zelensky 'illegitimate', arguing that any peace negotiations with Kyiv are now meaningless. Speaking after a three-day visit to Kyrgyzstan, Putin stated that Zelensky’s term has expired without elections, rendering his administration invalid. Kyiv, however, maintains that elections cannot be held under martial law amid Russia’s ongoing invasion. Putin also dismissed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed plan as merely a set of discussion points rather than a draft peace deal. He reiterated that Russia would halt its military operations only if Ukrainian forces withdraw from all contested territories, including regions not under Russian control. Putin further emphasized that Ukraine must abandon its NATO ambitions and prevent Western military presence. Meanwhile, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to visit Moscow next week, while U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll may travel to Kyiv, signaling continued diplomatic engagement despite escalating rhetoric.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department reported that Cyclone Ditwah, currently located over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Sri Lankan coast, is moving north-northwestward. As of Friday morning, the cyclone was positioned about 1,955 km southwest of Chattogram port, 1,900 km southwest of Cox’s Bazar, 1,845 km southwest of Mongla, and 1,840 km southwest of Payra. Within 54 km of the cyclone’s center, maximum sustained wind speeds reached 62 km/h, with gusts up to 88 km/h, making the sea very rough near the system. Authorities have advised Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra seaports to continue hoisting distant warning signal No. 2. Fishing boats and trawlers in the northern Bay of Bengal have been instructed to remain close to shore and avoid deep-sea ventures until further notice as the cyclone continues its movement toward the north-northwest.

As Bangladesh’s 13th national election approaches, political activity in Lakshmipur-3 (Sadar) has intensified, with both BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami candidates actively campaigning from morning till midnight. On Thursday night, BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie and Jamaat’s Dhaka North Secretary Dr. Mohammad Rezaul Karim attended a religious gathering in Bhabaniganj, where they later shared tea at a local office. A video of their meeting went viral on social media, drawing widespread attention and mixed reactions. In the video, Annie described Rezaul as a dear brother, calling their contest a “fight for democracy, not fascism.” Despite their cordial meeting, both candidates have been delivering sharp remarks against each other during campaign events, sparking heated debates among supporters online. However, many observers have praised their tea-time meeting as a gesture of political civility amid fierce competition.

The Trump administration has announced a comprehensive review of all green cards issued to immigrants from 19 countries deemed security risks. Joseph Edlow, head of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), said President Trump directed him to conduct a large-scale reassessment of green cards for immigrants from these nations. The list reportedly includes Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Iran, Somalia, and Venezuela, among others. The move follows a recent incident in Washington, D.C., where an Afghan national allegedly shot and injured two National Guard members, prompting renewed concerns over national security. While Edlow did not directly link the review to the attack, the administration emphasized the need to strengthen vetting procedures. The White House had earlier cited terrorism threats, national security concerns, and visa overstay rates as reasons for imposing stricter entry controls. Details of how the green card reassessment will be conducted have not yet been disclosed.

At least seven people have been killed in a devastating landslide on the French Pacific island of Tahiti following a week of continuous heavy rainfall. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the casualties on Thursday, noting that several others remain missing. The landslide struck early Wednesday morning in an eastern village, destroying numerous homes and prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation. Authorities temporarily suspended rescue efforts due to the risk of a second landslide but have since resumed operations. The French government expressed condolences to the victims' families and pledged full support for recovery efforts. Tahiti, though geographically distant, is an overseas territory under French administration, and the incident has drawn national attention in France as well as international concern over the increasing frequency of climate-related natural disasters in the Pacific region.

Two members of Bangladesh’s advisory council, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan from the Ministry of Local Government and Mahfuz Alam from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, are set to resign next week to contest in the upcoming national election scheduled for February. Both were key coordinators during the mass uprising and intend to step down before the election schedule is announced. While former adviser Nahid Islam has already joined the National Citizens Party (NCP), sources suggest Asif and Mahfuz are unlikely to follow suit. They may instead run as independent candidates in constituencies previously vacated by the BNP. Asif Mahmud, now a voter in Dhaka-10, has hinted at contesting from there, though he has yet to confirm his political affiliation. He stated that while no law prevents advisers from running, he believes it is ethically appropriate to resign before doing so. Several other advisers may also contest the election.

Chinese investors have expressed strong interest in investing in Bangladesh’s eco-friendly technology, jute, textile, and pharmaceutical sectors as part of efforts to support Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s vision of manufacturing transformation. During a meeting in Dhaka, Yang Dongning, Vice President of the Export-Import Bank of China, and Dr. Ma Jun, President of the Institute of Finance and Sustainability, discussed potential large-scale investments, particularly in rooftop solar energy and the jute industry. China aims to utilize around one million tons of jute to produce biofertilizers, green energy, and plastic alternatives through joint ventures with Bangladeshi partners. Dr. Yunus welcomed the initiative, urging China to relocate manufacturing plants to Bangladesh and use closed state-owned jute mills for new ventures. He also encouraged Chinese companies to explore AI, e-commerce, and infrastructure projects, including a proposed railway linking Bangladesh with southern China to boost regional trade connectivity.

Gas Transmission Company Limited (GTCL) announced that its Ghorashal valve station will remain closed for two hours on Friday, November 28, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM due to urgent maintenance work. As a result, gas supply pressure may remain low in several areas including Joydebpur, Tongi, Konabari, Shafipur, and Chandra. The information was confirmed through a press release signed by Md. Al Amin, Manager (Media and Public Relations) of Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited. The company expressed regret for the temporary inconvenience and assured that the maintenance work is essential to ensure uninterrupted service in the future. Residents and industrial consumers in the affected areas have been advised to plan accordingly during the maintenance period.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, announced that India is reviewing Dhaka’s request to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina following her conviction in a genocide case linked to the July uprising. In a Facebook post on Friday, Alam expressed confidence that former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, referred to as the 'Butcher of Dhaka', will also be extradited to Bangladesh soon. He asserted that Hasina, Kamal, and other Awami League leaders accused of involvement in the July massacre would face justice under Bangladesh’s legal system. Alam added that despite their influence and resources, accountability for alleged crimes, including enforced disappearances and human rights violations during Hasina’s 16-year rule, cannot be avoided. He emphasized that national commitment to justice for the victims of the July uprising would make it increasingly difficult for those responsible to evade consequences.

Armenia has suspended negotiations to purchase India’s Tejas fighter jets following a crash during the Dubai Airshow, where an Indian Air Force pilot was killed. The deal, valued at $1.2 billion for 12 aircraft, was in its final stages between the Armenian government and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). According to The Jerusalem Post, this would have been the first export contract for the Tejas, a 4.5-generation multirole combat aircraft developed by India to replace its aging MiG-21 fleet. The crash has raised concerns about the aircraft’s reliability and could impact India’s ambitions to become a major defense exporter. Neither the Armenian nor Indian governments have issued official statements regarding the suspension. The Tejas A1 variant, currently in production, includes Israeli radar and electronic warfare systems aimed at improving its competitiveness with Western fighters.

Israeli security agencies have acknowledged that Hamas has regained significant control over the Gaza Strip, rebuilding its administrative and police structures after the recent ceasefire. Reports from Israeli Channel 13 and Press TV indicate that Hamas now oversees most municipalities in Gaza, with its police force redeployed and checkpoints reestablished. The Wall Street Journal noted that Hamas’s popularity among Palestinians has increased since the ceasefire, as its renewed presence has reduced crime and restored order. Local residents reportedly welcome the stability brought by Hamas’s return. Meanwhile, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey have held talks in Cairo to strengthen efforts for the second phase of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Israeli officials view Hamas’s resurgence as a major obstacle to U.S. strategic plans for Gaza and regional stability.

A major fire broke out at the five-story Rahman Diagnostic Center in Hemayetpur, Savar, on Thursday night, causing extensive damage to the facility. The blaze reportedly started around 11:30 p.m. in a shop located in the building’s underground section. Two units from the Hemayetpur Tannery Fire Service responded promptly and managed to bring the fire under control by around 1:30 a.m. Firefighters continued dumping operations to prevent reignition. According to Fire Service Station Manager Tanvir Ahmed, the fire spread from the lower floor to other parts of the building, burning furniture and valuable equipment. Although no casualties have been reported, the full extent of the damage and the cause of the fire are yet to be determined. Authorities are still assessing the situation as smoke continues to rise from the site.

Iran is reportedly expanding its espionage network within Israel by exploiting social media platforms, financial incentives, and societal vulnerabilities. Analysts suggest that Israel’s internal political instability, economic strain, and public distrust have created fertile ground for Tehran’s recruitment efforts. According to the Washington Institute, between 2013 and 2025, 39 Iran-linked espionage cases were identified in Israel, 31 involving Israeli citizens, mostly young adults. Iran allegedly uses Telegram, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram to target socially isolated or economically distressed individuals. Several cases, including that of former Israeli energy minister Gonen Segev, highlight Iran’s deep infiltration efforts. The number of Iran-related espionage incidents reportedly rose 400% in 2024, with plots even targeting top Israeli leaders. Israeli authorities have launched arrests, cyber monitoring, and awareness campaigns such as “Easy Money, Heavy Cost” to counter the threat. However, officials admit that human vulnerabilities continue to be exploited, making them Iran’s key entry point for intelligence gathering.

A mobile court in Jagannathpur upazila of Sunamganj sentenced five workers to varying jail terms for illegally extracting sand from the Kushiyara River. The operation, led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md. Mohsin Uddin on Thursday morning, also resulted in the seizure of three engine-run boats loaded with sand. Among the convicts, Nabi Hossain and Alal Uddin received six months’ imprisonment each, while Didar Miah, Monir Hossain, and Nazrul were sentenced to three months each. Authorities stated that legal action will continue against others involved in the illegal extraction. The administration emphasized that such drives will remain ongoing to protect the river from environmental degradation caused by unauthorized sand mining. The convicted individuals were later sent to jail through the Sunamganj court, according to local police officials.

A National Guard member was fatally shot near the White House in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, November 26. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the death of 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom from West Virginia, while another guard, Andrew Wolf, remains in critical condition. Authorities reported that the shooting targeted National Guard personnel stationed near the area. A 29-year-old Afghan national has been detained as the prime suspect in connection with the attack. Following the incident, security measures around the U.S. capital have been heightened, with an additional 500 National Guard troops deployed to reinforce protection near key federal sites. The motive behind the attack remains under investigation, and officials have not yet disclosed further details about the suspect’s background or possible affiliations. The White House has expressed condolences to the victim’s family and pledged a thorough inquiry into the incident.