Sharif Osman Hadi's brother Omar directly accused Muhammad Yunus's interim government of killing the prominent youth leader to cancel Bangladesh's forthcoming elections. The 32-year-old activist and Inqilab Manch spokesperson was shot in Dhaka on December 12 during a campaign event, dying December 18 in Singapore, triggering nationwide unrest. Omar confronted authorities, warning "If you can't give justice then you have to flee," demanding accountability for "those in power" responsible. "You killed Osman Hadi and want to cancel election showing him," he charged. Tens of thousands attended Hadi's funeral under heavy security, chanting "Hadi's blood will not go in vain." Hadi gained prominence during July 2024's uprising that ousted Sheikh Hasina.

A federal judge rejected the US Chamber of Commerce's challenge to President Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa fee, ruling it falls under his broad immigration regulatory powers. US District Judge Beryl Howell dismissed arguments that the fee conflicts with federal law and will force employers to cut jobs. "The parties' vigorous debate over ultimate wisdom of this political judgment is not within courts' province," Howell wrote. Separately, the Department of Homeland Security scrapped the H-1B lottery system, replacing it with a weighted selection prioritizing higher-skilled, higher-paid workers effective February 27, 2026. Amazon received over 10,000 visas this year, followed by Tata Consultancy Services, Microsoft, Apple, and Google. California has the highest H-1B worker concentration. (PC: Times Now)

New documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein have renewed focus on Donald Trump. Released by the Justice Department, the files include emails, flight logs and notes. An email says Trump flew on Epstein’s jet at least eight times in the 1990s, sometimes with Ghislaine Maxwell. Records challenge Trump’s past denials. The files also mention an unverified rape allegation and a disputed handwritten letter. The DOJ stressed Trump faces no criminal charges and warned some claims may be false or sensational. (PC: AP)

Pakistan and Bangladesh are reportedly negotiating a NATO-style defense agreement similar to Pakistan's September pact with Saudi Arabia, which stated "aggression against either country shall be considered aggression against both." Senior Pakistani military officials including ISI chief Lt General Asim Malik, Navy chief, and Joint Chiefs chairperson have repeatedly visited Dhaka as Muhammad Yunus distances Bangladesh from India. Pakistan aims to finalize the deal before Bangladesh's elections in two months, while the Yunus administration remains favorable. The agreement would enable intelligence sharing and joint military drills, with potential nuclear cooperation remaining unclear. India closely monitors developments, particularly concerning eastern front security. Pakistan Muslim League leader Kamran Saeed Usmani publicly demanded formal military alliance Tuesday. (PC: India Today)

US Vice President JD Vance strongly condemned racist attacks against his Indian-origin wife Usha Vance, telling far-right commentator Nick Fuentes and former White House press secretary Jen Psaki they "can eat shit." Speaking to UnHerd, Vance denounced Fuentes, who called him a "race traitor" for marrying outside his race and harassed his family online through the "Groyper" movement. Vance stated racism should be opposed universally, with people judged by actions rather than ethnicity. However, he claimed race-based college admissions and employment policies discriminate against white Americans, arguing his mixed-heritage children face disadvantages in elite systems. Vance prioritized addressing powerful political figures over fringe online commentators regarding discrimination concerns. (PC: X)

Climate activist Greta Thunberg was arrested in central London during a protest supporting Palestine Action hunger strikers. Police said the 22-year-old held a placard backing Palestine Action, which is a banned group in the UK. The arrest was made under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000. The protest took place outside an insurance firm linked to an Israeli defence company. Two activists also damaged the building with red paint. City of London Police said legal action followed. The government said it will not interfere in ongoing court cases. (PC: Prisoners for Palestine/PA)

Russia launched a “massive” overnight attack on Ukraine, killing at least three people, including a four-year-old child, officials said. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia fired hundreds of drones and missiles, targeting cities and energy sites. “People simply want to be with their families and safe,” he said. Power cuts were reported in several regions. Russia claimed it struck military-linked facilities. The attack came despite peace talks and a proposed Christmas truce. Zelensky said Vladimir Putin “still cannot accept that he must stop killing.” (PC: Reuters)

The US Justice Department has released about 30,000 new documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein. The files include an email claiming Donald Trump flew on Epstein’s private jet at least eight times between 1993 and 1996. The email says Trump travelled with Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and family members. One flight reportedly listed only Trump, Epstein, and a 20-year-old passenger. Authorities said Trump is not accused of any crime. The Justice Department warned some claims are false and sensational. The release follows a new law ordering full disclosure of Epstein files.

Unrest continued in Bangladesh on Tuesday as Inqilab Moncho held a protest rally in Dhaka over the killing of student leader Osman Hadi. The group demanded swift justice and warned of intensified agitation ahead of national elections. Protests also spread in India, where Hindu organisations demonstrated outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and other cities over recent violence against minorities. Police detained protesters and used baton charges in some locations to control crowds. The developments have further strained India-Bangladesh ties, with Dhaka summoning the Indian envoy and suspending visa services at select missions, citing security concerns. (PC: X)

The US Justice Department on Tuesday released a large set of records linked to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, including emails and flight logs that mention Donald Trump. Authorities said Trump has not been accused of any crime. The release includes about 11,000 files, nearly 29,000 pages, and several video clips. An internal email dated January 2020 states Trump flew on Epstein’s private jet at least eight times between 1993 and 1996. Some flights reportedly included Ghislaine Maxwell, family members, and one unnamed 20-year-old. Epstein died in a New York jail in 2019. (PC: India Today)