Two of Nepal’s most popular political leaders united Sunday to forge a new alliance ahead of next year’s election, a move that is likely to challenge the long-dominant traditional parties. “The new generation leaders have united by putting nation above self, in tune with the aspirations of the youth of Nepal,” Wagle told AFP. According to the agreement, Lamichhane will remain the party’s chairman, while rapper-turned-mayor Shah, will be the candidate for prime minister. “Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs,” Lamichhane said in a statement on social media after the deal was signed. After the meeting, Karki wrote on social media that the election was a shared responsibility of all stakeholders.

Protesters are continuing their blockade at Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka for the third consecutive day, demanding justice for Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, slain spokesman of Inqilab Mancha. Similar protest rallies were also held in different parts of the country, including Chittagong, Comilla and Sylhet. However, earlier in a Facebook post, Inqilab Mancha urged demonstrators to withdraw the blockade at 8pm in divisional cities. Due to the blockade, commuters faced severe suffering as vehicular movement on the highway came to a halt, causing immense suffering of the commuters. The adviser said the interim government is determined to ensure justice in the murder of Hadi, a frontline fighter of the July Uprising.

Saraya Ansar al-Sunna, which claimed the bombing of a mosque in Syria’s Homs on Friday, is a jihadist group that analysts say serves as a “front” for the Islamic State (IS) group. Saraya Ansar al-Sunna first rose to prominence in June, after claiming responsibility for a suicide bombing in a Damascus church that killed 25 people. On Friday, the group said its members were behind the bombing of a mosque in an Alawite area of Homs, central Syria, which killed eight people. Nowadays, the majority of Saraya Ansar al-Sunna’s posts on Telegram show opposition to Sharaa, describing his government as an “apostate”. Tamimi said it was “notable that IS has not claimed the biggest attacks claimed by Saraya Ansar al-Sunna”.

Photo : BSSDHAKA, Dec 28, 2025 (BSS) – Bangladesh today categorically rejected the recent comments made by the Spokesperson of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) regarding the situation of the minority communities in Bangladesh. “To portray this criminal act in the lens of minority treatment is not factual but misleading,” he added. Responding to a question, Bangladesh Spokesperson Alam said that Dhaka is deeply concerned over incidents of brutal killings, mob violence, obstruction of elections, and disruption of religious events targeting Muslims, Christians, and other minority communities in India. Alam said that Bangladesh is also deeply concerned about the communal violence committed against these communities. He said the Dhaka believed that every country had the responsibility to protect its minority communities, ensure their safety and dignity, and uphold these obligations without discrimination.

MV Evita, carrying 56,890 metric tons of wheat from the United States has arrived at the outer anchorage of the Chattogram Sea Port. Bangladesh has already started importing of wheat from the United States on a government-to-government (G2G) contract basis. Under the G2G-2 agreement, a total of 2,20,000 metric tons of wheat will be imported of which the first consignment of 56,890 metric tons of wheat has already arrived in the country through this shipment. Of the 56,890 metric tons of wheat, 34,134 metric tons will be unloaded at the Chattogram Sea Port while the remaining 22,756 metric tons will be unloaded at the Mongla Sea Port. It may be mentioned here that under the G2G-1 agreement, a total of 2,20,000 metric tons of wheat has already been imported.

Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Imran Haider, has expressed hope that direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi will be launched in January. He shared this optimism during a courtesy meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House in Dhaka on Sunday. The Pakistani high commissioner noted that bilateral trade has increased by 20% compared to last year, and that the business communities of both countries are actively exploring new investment opportunities. Professor Yunus emphasized the need to further strengthen Bangladesh–Pakistan trade and expressed hope that during High Commissioner Haider’s tenure, both countries would explore new avenues for investment and joint venture businesses. SDG Coordinator and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed was also present at the meeting.

DHAKA, Dec 28, 2025 (BSS) - The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) today expressed hope that the Indian government will extend full cooperation in arresting all individuals involved in the murder of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Shaheed Sharif Osman bin Hadi and ensure their repatriation to Bangladesh to face justice. News reports regarding the arrest of the two accomplices were published based on this information. The statement added that Bangladeshi law enforcement agencies have already arrested several individuals who assisted the two prime suspects in crossing the border following the murder. Based on confessional statements obtained during interrogation, authorities have confirmed that the prime suspects have fled to India. The DMP reiterated its expectation of close cooperation from Indian authorities to ensure that all those involved in the killing are apprehended and brought to justice.

Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid- File PhotoDHAKA, Dec 28, 2025 (BSS) - Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid today said the sacrifice and steadfastness of youths are the main force for change. She made the remarks while speaking at the second convocation 2025 of Sonargaon University held at the International Convention City Bashundhara here. Dedicating her speech to the memory of Sharif Osman Hadi, the adviser said Hadi was a great hero of the 2024 mass uprising. "I also dedicate it to two warriors of Sonargaon University, 11 women, who laid down their lives in the uprising," she said. "We all have to work together to build a democratic society," the adviser said.

Corsicana, TX (75110)TodayA mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. Winds NNW at 15 to 25 mph..TonightCloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. Low around 30F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.

File PhotoDHAKA, Dec 28, 2025 (BSS) - The Election Commission (EC) has asked the Local Government Division to repair or renovate institutions or facilities used as polling centres, install or renovate CCTV cameras and repair broken and narrow roads leading to polling centres before the 13th parliamentary elections and referendum, slated for February 12, 2026. In this regard, a letter, signed by Mohammad Monir, Deputy Secretary of Election Management-2 wing of the Election Commission Secretariat, was sent to the Secretary of the Local Government Division today. However, approval from the Election Commission will not be required for the repair or renovation of polling stations, installation or renovation of CCTV cameras and repair of broken and narrow roads leading to polling stations, according to the letter.

NCP to contest election in alliance with Jamaat, seven other parties: NahidPhoto: National Citizen PartyDHAKA, Dec 28, 2025 (BSS) - National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Md Nahid Islam today said the party has finalized an electoral understanding with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and seven other parties and will contest the upcoming elections together. "NCP has agreed to contest the elections together with Jamaat-e-Islami and these eight parties. In response, we have held discussions with Jamaat-e-Islami and its eight allied parties," Nahid Islam said. Confirming the agreement, he said, "NCP has agreed to contest the elections together with Jamaat-e-Islami and these eight parties." Earlier, at a press conference, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman confirmed that the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and NCP are joining the eight-party electoral alliance led by Jamaat.

Corsicana, TX (75110)TodayA mix of clouds and sun early followed by cloudy skies this afternoon. Winds NNW at 15 to 25 mph..TonightCloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. Low near 30F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s nomination papers have been submitted for the Dinajpur-3 constituency in the parliamentary polls. Local BNP leaders and activists submitted the nomination papers on behalf of the former prime minister at 4pm on Sunday. BNP’s central leader Syed Jahangir Alam, a former mayor of the Dinajpur Municipality, bought nomination papers two hours before Khaleda entered the race from the constituency. He was present when the Khaleda nomination papers were submitted. “We don’t know who instructed Jahangir to collect the nomination papers and why,” said Mofazzal Hossain, BNP’s Dinajpur district president.

Jean F. (Levy) Stahl, 88, of The Villages, Florida, passed away on December 10, 2025. While her husband, David J. Stahl, Sr., USN (ret. Jean is survived by her four children: daughter Michelle E. (Stahl) Santillo and husband Ronald A. Santillo; son David J. Stahl, Jr. and wife Kathleen A. (Kenealy) Stahl; daughter Jeanine M. (Stahl) Miller and husband Frederick T. Miller; and son Matthew G. Stahl and wife Maureen L. (Curtin) Stahl. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, David J. Stahl, Sr.; her parents, George and Ruth Levy; and her sister, Elizabeth A.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) is entering seat-sharing arrangements with Jamaat-e-Islami ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. Nahid Islam said: “The murder of Hadi has shown that hegemonic forces still exist in Bangladesh. Therefore, for the sake of greater unity, we have reached an electoral understanding with Jamaat.”He added: “The NCP is continuing its preparations for the election. We initially decided to contest the election independently and later distributed nomination papers. We have reached an electoral understanding with them and will contest the election together.”Earlier in the evening, at a press conference, Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman announced that the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the NCP are joining the eight-party electoral alliance led by Jamaat.