Zaima Rahman, daughter of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chief Tarique Rahman, has entered national politics as her family returns to Dhaka from 17 years in London exile. A London-trained barrister, Zaima visited Bangladesh alongside her parents and has completed voter registration ahead of the February 2026 general election, raising speculation about her political future. While she hasn’t announced any formal role or candidacy, her increased visibility signals a potential new generation within the BNP. Her return coincides with her father’s high-profile political comeback as the party seeks to expand its appeal amid a tense election season. (PC: X)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to hold high-stakes peace negotiations with European leaders and former US President Donald Trump, aimed at finalising a 20-point peace plan to end the war with Russia. Talks will include security guarantees, reconstruction and territorial disputes, with the plan reportedly 90% complete. Zelenskyy may even seek a public referendum if Russia agrees to a 60-day ceasefire. The diplomacy unfolds against fresh Russian missile and drone strikes on Kyiv, causing injuries and power outages, underscoring the urgency of a ceasefire and deal. (PC: Reuters)

A concert by celebrated Bangladeshi rock singer James, known as Nagar Baul, was abruptly cancelled in Faridpur on Friday night after a mob attacked the venue during celebrations of Faridpur Zila School’s 185th anniversary. Moments before the show, a group described as “outsiders” tried to force entry, hurled bricks and stones, and clashed with students, injuring 15–25 people, mainly students, according to multiple reports. Organisers, citing safety concerns and following district administration orders, cancelled the concert. James escaped unharmed. The incident reflects growing concerns about intolerance and safety at public cultural events amid ongoing unrest in Bangladesh. 

An Israeli reservist soldier rammed an ATV into a Palestinian man praying on a West Bank roadside on Thursday, captured on video. The Israeli military confirmed the incident, stating the reservist's service was terminated, his weapon confiscated, and he acted in "severe violation of his authority." Video shows the armed soldier in civilian clothes ramming the vehicle into the praying man, then yelling at him to leave. The victim, though hospitalized, returned home with leg pain. His father claimed the soldier also used pepper spray and regularly provokes village residents. The attacker was arrested and placed under five-day house arrest. UN data shows over 750 Palestinian injuries from Israeli civilian attacks this year in the West Bank.

At least 14 people were injured in a violent incident at a rubber factory in Mishima, Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on Friday afternoon. A man armed with a knife reportedly stabbed multiple workers, and an unspecified liquid was sprayed during the attack, according to emergency officials. Local fire department personnel transported the injured to hospitals for treatment. Japanese police detained the suspect at the scene, and authorities are investigating the motive and the nature of the liquid used. Further details on the victims’ conditions have not been released. 

Cambodia has accused Thailand of intensifying strikes along their disputed border even as defence officials from both nations continued multi-day peace negotiations aimed at ending deadly clashes. Phnom Penh claims Thai F-16 jets dropped bombs near Chok Chey village in Banteay Meanchey province, escalating violence that has reignited a long-running territorial dispute. Bangkok, meanwhile, says Cambodian forces launched heavy attacks into Thai territory, damaging homes and shelling border areas. The conflict has displaced around a million people and shattered a previous truce, prompting international calls for a ceasefire and fresh diplomatic efforts. (PC: The Guardian)

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman, back from 17 years in exile, addressed supporters in Dhaka as the country faces political tension before the February 2026 elections. Rahman urged peace and inclusivity, saying Bangladesh belongs equally to people of all faiths and regions — Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians and calling for collective nation-building and safety for all citizens. His speech is viewed as an attempt to reassure minorities after recent unrest and incidents targeting communities, while positioning the BNP as a unifying force in the upcoming polls. (PC: Reuters)

The United States conducted powerful airstrikes on Islamic State (ISIS/Daesh) militants in northwest Nigeria on December 25, 2025, targeting fighters accused of killing Christians in the region, US President Donald Trump announced on social media. The strikes, which he described as “powerful and deadly,” were carried out at the request of Nigerian authorities and reportedly killed multiple ISIS militants, according to the US Africa Command. Trump framed the action as retaliation against extremist violence and warned of more military action if attacks continued. Nigeria’s government emphasized ongoing cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts amid its complex security challenges. 

At least five worshippers were killed and 35 others injured when a bomb exploded inside the Al‑Adum mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, during evening prayers, police said. The blast, which occurred around 6 p.m. local time, is believed to be a suicide attack, with fragments of a suspected suicide vest found at the scene. No group has yet claimed responsibility. The incident highlights ongoing insecurity in northeastern Nigeria, where Islamist insurgents, including Boko Haram and its ISWAP faction, have waged a long‑running insurgency. Authorities have condemned the attack and urged vigilance during the festive season.

The United States conducted airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL) militants in northwest Nigeria, targeting fighters accused of attacking communities, especially Christians, according to US President Donald Trump. The strikes, described as “powerful and deadly,” were carried out on Christmas Day (December 25, 2025) and reportedly killed multiple militants in Sokoto State. The US Africa Command said the operation occurred in coordination with and at the request of Nigerian authorities, involving intelligence sharing and strategic cooperation. Nigeria’s foreign ministry confirmed the action as part of broader counter-terrorism efforts. Trump framed the strikes as retaliation against extremist violence toward Christians, though Nigerian officials stress militants target all civilians. (PC: AP)