Awami League leaders in exile condemned Sheikh Hasina's death sentence as a "pre-determined verdict" by an "illegal, unconstitutional" Yunus government. Organizing Secretary Shafiul Alam Chowdhury Nadel slammed the tribunal, defending Hasina's 15-year work for Bangladesh's 170 million people. The party called for a national shutdown protesting the "politically motivated" verdict. Leaders warned they "will not allow elections without the Awami League" and threatened escalating protests unless international intervention occurs. Rights groups called the trial a "political farce" violating fair trial standards, noting 17 judges were dismissed before proceedings. Bangladesh banned Awami League activities ahead of February elections, with supporters vowing "stronger protests" and warning of potential violence. (PC: Britannica)

President Donald Trump defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during an Oval Office meeting, dismissing US intelligence findings that MBS approved journalist Jamal Khashoggi's 2018 murder. Trump called the ABC reporter "fake news" and insisted the Crown Prince "knew nothing about it," adding "things happen" and some didn't like Khashoggi. MBS acknowledged the incident was "painful" and called it a "huge mistake," claiming Saudi Arabia improved systems to prevent recurrence. The exchange overshadowed MBS's first White House visit since the killing. The Crown Prince announced increasing US investments from $600 billion to $1 trillion, while Trump praised Saudi Arabia's "incredible" human rights progress without specifics.

The United States is secretly collaborating with Russia on a 28-point plan to end the Ukraine war, inspired by Trump's 20-point Gaza peace plan, reports Axios citing US and Russian officials. Special envoy Steve Witkoff leads the drafting process, having extensively discussed it with Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev during an October Miami visit. The plan addresses four categories: Ukraine peace, security guarantees, European security, and future US-Russia-Ukraine relations. However, Russia's territorial control in eastern Ukraine remains unresolved. Dmitriev suggests the framework extends beyond Ukraine to address Russian security concerns and restore US-Russia ties. Ukrainian officials confirmed awareness after Witkoff briefed national security adviser Rustem Umerov. European officials are receiving briefings. (PC: ABC News)

Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein urged US lawmakers to release all remaining documents linked to the late sex offender. At a news conference at the US Capitol, survivor Annie Farmer said they had faced “institutional betrayal” for years. The US House began debating a bipartisan bill that would force the Department of Justice to make the files public. More than 20,000 pages were released last week, some mentioning Donald Trump. Trump has now asked his party to support the bill. Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene also demanded full release, saying the issue has divided the MAGA movement. A vote is expected soon. (PC: BBC)

Serious concerns have been raised about the death sentence given to former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. According to senior legal experts, constitutional specialists, and people familiar with the tribunal process, the trial had major legal and procedural faults. They say judges were appointed improperly, defence rights were limited, and the case was rushed. The tribunal used an old law meant only for 1971 war crimes, and key changes to the law were made without proper authority. Hasina was denied lawyers of her choice, and the trial continued without her. Experts say the verdict is weak in law and cannot be enforced. (PC: NDTV)

President Trump says the United States will sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. He confirmed the deal just before meeting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House. Trump called the country a "great ally."   This is the Prince’s first visit to Washington in seven years. The leaders plan to discuss defense and nuclear power. However, some officials worry about the sale. They fear Saudi Arabia might share the jet's secrets with China. Israel is also concerned that this deal could hurt its safety in the Middle East.

Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin called the UN Security Council's endorsement of Trump's Gaza peace plan a "necessary first step" toward lasting peace. Speaking in Manila, Shahin emphasized the ceasefire was essential before pursuing other objectives including Palestinian self-determination and eventual independence. The Monday resolution authorizes multinational security force deployment and establishes a Board of Peace overseeing Gaza's reconstruction. While Trump's plan delays Palestinian statehood until PA reforms occur, Shahin accepted addressing this later, stating "we're happy with this first step" if international law governs implementation. The Palestinian Authority welcomed the vote, contrasting with Israel's rejection of PA involvement and opposition to Palestinian independence. The October ceasefire continues despite mutual violation accusations. (PC: X)

China called Sheikh Hasina's death sentence Bangladesh's "internal affair," declining further comment on the tribunal verdict. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized China's good neighborliness policy toward Bangladesh, expressing hopes for the country's "solidarity, stability, and development." The 78-year-old ousted Prime Minister was sentenced to death in absentia Monday for crimes against humanity during the 2024 student-led uprising crackdown that killed approximately 1,400 people between July-August. Former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal also received capital punishment, while former Inspector General Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun got five years for cooperating with investigations. Hasina has been living in India since fleeing Bangladesh on August 5 following massive protests against her government. (PC: NDTV)

The UN Security Council has approved a US-backed resolution supporting President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza. The plan includes an International Stabilisation Force to work with Israel, Egypt and a new Palestinian police force to secure borders and disarm armed groups. Thirteen countries voted in favour, while Russia and China abstained. Hamas rejected the plan, saying it harms Palestinian rights and brings foreign control to Gaza. The resolution also creates a Board of Peace to guide Gaza’s reconstruction and governance. The UN said the plan must lead to real action and progress toward a two-state solution. (PC: BBC)

The United Nations called the verdict against ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina an "important moment" for victims while expressing regret over the death penalty imposed. Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal found the 78-year-old guilty of crimes against humanity during July protests against her government. Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia, having fled to India after her government's August 5 toppling. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres' spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated the chief "fully agrees" with UN High Commissioner Volker Turk's position opposing capital punishment "in all circumstances." The tribunal's Monday verdict marks a significant development in accountability for widespread protests that ultimately led to Hasina's removal from power. (PC: X/@Resistance)