Bangladesh's Bengali cultural institutions face systematic attacks from Islamic radicals, with patterns suggesting Pakistani involvement. Udichi Shilpi Gosthi's Dhaka office was attacked Friday, following assaults on Chhayanaut, Prothom Alo, and The Daily Star amid Sharif Osman Hadi protests. Udichi, founded in 1968 and awarded the Ekushey Padak in 2013, promoted Bengali identity during Bangladesh's liberation war. These institutions historically opposed Jamaat-E-Islami Bangladesh's pro-Pakistan stance. Since Sheikh Hasina's ouster, Pakistan-Bangladesh ties have strengthened with visa-free access for diplomats, direct flights, and new shipping routes. Reports suggest ISI operates from Pakistan's Dhaka High Commission. Critics view attacks on minorities, newspapers, and cultural centers as ISI destabilization tactics under the Yunus regime's soft approach toward Jamaat.

Nine people were killed and ten injured after gunmen attacked a tavern in Bekkersdal township near Johannesburg early Sunday morning. South African police reported approximately 12 unidentified assailants arrived in two cars at 01:00 local time, opened fire on patrons, and continued shooting randomly while fleeing. Authorities confirmed the tavern held a valid license and launched a manhunt for the perpetrators. The incident highlights South Africa's severe violence crisis, with the country recording one of the world's highest murder rates at 45 deaths per 100,000 people, according to 2023-24 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime data. Police investigations continue as they pursue the suspects. (PC: X)

Claudio Neves Valente, the suspect in the Brown University mass shooting that killed two students and a Massachusetts Institute of Technology physicist, once left his physics PhD pursuit to work as a software developer in Portugal. After a brief, unhappy stint in Brown’s graduate program in 2001, Valente took an IT specialist job at Portuguese internet company Sapo, despite his academic background. Colleagues described him as reserved but capable, though somewhat out of place in the role. He later moved back to the United States in 2017 after winning the green card lottery. U.S. and Portuguese authorities are still investigating his motives and past. (PC: Reuters)

At least 16 files related to notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have suddenly disappeared from the U.S. Department of Justice’s public website less than a day after being posted, without any explanation or public notice from authorities. Among the missing materials was a photograph showing President Donald Trump with Epstein, Melania Trump and Ghislaine Maxwell, raising concerns about transparency. The files were part of a larger release mandated by a new federal law requiring disclosure of Epstein-related documents, but critics say the unexplained removals and heavy redactions fuel suspicion and political controversy, with lawmakers demanding answers and transparency from the DOJ. (PC: India Today)

Protesters in Dhaka, Bangladesh, breached security barricades and entered the Parliament building on Saturday following the funeral of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, whose death has sparked nationwide unrest. Hadi, a prominent activist and political figure, was fatally shot on December 12 and died abroad, triggering intense protests demanding justice.  His funeral drew large crowds amid heavy security, but emotions boiled over as demonstrators overwhelmed barricades. The breach underscores rising tensions and political volatility in Bangladesh as factions clash and public frustration grows. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may brief US President Donald Trump on possible strikes on Iran during a meeting later this month, a media report said. The two leaders are expected to meet at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Netanyahu is likely to warn that Iran is expanding its ballistic missile programme. Israeli officials see missiles as a more urgent threat than nuclear weapons. They fear Iran is rebuilding damaged nuclear and military sites. The White House said earlier US strikes had destroyed Iran’s nuclear capabilities. The meeting comes amid renewed tensions in the region. (PC: AFP/ File)

The United States carried out a “massive strike” against the Islamic State in Syria, the US military said on Saturday. US Central Command said fighter jets, helicopters and artillery hit over 70 IS targets across central Syria. The strikes followed a December 13 ambush in Palmyra that killed two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter. US President Donald Trump said the strikes were “very strong.” Aircraft from Jordan also joined the operation. US officials said the action aimed to destroy IS bases and weapons. (PC: US Air Force/Reuters)

Hundreds of thousands gathered in Dhaka on Saturday for the funeral of activist Sharif Osman Hadi, who died from gunshot wounds earlier this month. Mourners filled areas near Parliament, waving national flags and raising slogans. Heavy security was deployed across the city. “Brother Hadi’s blood will not be allowed to go in vain,” people shouted. Hadi’s brother, Abu Bakar, led the prayers. The burial took place at University of Dhaka, near poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s mausoleum. Police said suspects may have fled abroad. The funeral comes ahead of February elections.

Seven people have been arrested in connection with the lynching of 27-year-old Hindu youth Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladesh's Mymensingh district, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus announced Saturday. The Rapid Action Battalion detained suspects Md. Limon Sarkar (19), Md. Tarek Hossain (19), Md. Manik Mia (20), Ershad Ali (39), Nijum Uddin (20), Alomgir Hossain (38), and Md. Miraj Hossain Akon (46) following coordinated operations. The lynching occurred amid widespread unrest following youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi's death, who was shot by masked gunmen in Dhaka on December 12. Bangladesh's interim government condemned the incident, stating "no one involved in this brutal crime will be spared" and urged citizens to reject violence, provocation, and hatred. (PC: X)

Saudi Arabia deported 24,000 Pakistani nationals this year over begging allegations, while the UAE imposed visa restrictions citing criminal activities. Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency offloaded 66,154 passengers at airports in 2025 to dismantle organized begging syndicates. FIA Director General Riffat Mukhtar confirmed the networks cause reputational damage, with similar cases detected in Africa, Europe, Cambodia, and Thailand. Dubai deported approximately 6,000 individuals, while Azerbaijan sent back 2,500 Pakistani beggars. Saudi Arabia previously urged Pakistan to prevent exploitation of Umrah visas for begging in Mecca and Medina. Legal experts describe begging as a highly structured enterprise, with government officials estimating 90% of beggars detained in West Asia are Pakistani nationals. (PC: AFP)