Denmark to buy US patrol planes despite Greenland rift
WASHINGTON, United States, Dec 30, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - The United States said Monday it had approved a $1.8-billion sale of patrol aircraft to Denmark, despite renewed tension after an envoy of President Donald Trump called again for seizing Greenland. The State Department said it approved a request from Denmark to buy the P-8A patrol and reconnaissance system from Boeing, which will include up to three aircraft. One week earlier, the State Department approved a separate sale of nearly $1 billion in air-to-air missiles to Denmark. The United States has long pushed NATO allies to pay more on defense, with Trump seeking to reduce the US footprint in Europe despite Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Trump has refused to rule out seizing Greenland by force, insisting that the United States needs the resource-rich island for its own security.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
December 30, 2025 02:51 UTC
Five arrests, three regimes: Khaleda Zia’s jail life
BNP Chairperson and three-time former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia passed away at 6am on Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. During this period, corruption cases were filed against Khaleda Zia and her two sons. While in detention, Khaleda Zia spent Eid-ul-Fitr on October 14, 2007, and Eid-ul-Azha on December 21 that year in jail. When her mother died in Dinajpur on January 18, 2008, Khaleda Zia was released on parole for six hours the following day to attend the funeral. On November 27, 2024, Khaleda Zia was acquitted in the corruption case.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
December 30, 2025 02:50 UTC
World stocks sluggish as precious metals drop
The dollar largely rose against main rivals, precious metals retreated from record highs and oil prices firmed in quiet post-Christmas trading with some focus on Ukraine talks. The prospect of cuts has helped push world stock markets to multiple record highs this year, offsetting worries about stretched valuations in the tech sector. The precious metals had both hit record highs on expectations of more rate cuts, which made them more desirable to investors. Silver shed almost 10 percent on Friday's close, sliding down to $71.86 an ounce having earlier touched a record above $84. An end to the war could see sanctions on Russian oil removed, adding to an oversupplied market.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
December 30, 2025 02:44 UTC
Russia says Ukraine attacked Putin's home, Kyiv calls this 'lie'
KYIV, Ukraine, Dec 30, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Russia accused Ukraine on Monday of having fired dozens of drones at one of President Vladimir Putin's residences, an accusation that Ukraine called a "lie" aimed at undermining US-led efforts to end the war. It's not good," Trump told reporters of the alleged attack at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. President Putin told me about it." Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, describing it as a "special military operation" to demilitarise the country and prevent the expansion of NATO. Nikita, a 23-year-old who fought in Ukraine for a year, lauded Russia's advance in eastern Ukraine, even if it came "at a cost".
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
December 30, 2025 02:40 UTC
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Source:Daily Sun
December 30, 2025 02:02 UTC
Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first female prime minister, dies at 80
Begum Khaleda Zia, the country’s first female prime minister and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has passed away at the age of 80. She died while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka early Tuesday morning around 6am, confirmed her personal physician Professor AZM Zahid Hossain. Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 for routine tests, during which doctors detected a chest infection and decided to keep her under observation. Plans were considered to take her abroad for advanced treatment, but her fragile condition made travel impossible. Khaleda Zia had long been battling multiple health complications, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney problems.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
December 30, 2025 01:29 UTC
Asif Mahmud joins NCP, won't contest polls
Former adviser of interim government Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain has formally joined the National Citizen Party (NCP) but will not contest the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election. He has also been given the responsibility of serving as chief of the party’s election management committee. The announcement was made at 6:30 pm on Monday during a press conference at the party’s temporary central office in Banglamotor, Dhaka, where NCP Convener Nahid Islam stated that Asif Mahmud has been appointed the party’s spokesperson. "Today, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain officially joined the National Citizen Party (NCP)," announced Nahid. Nahid further announced that Asif Mahmud will not be 'contesting the election himself'.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
December 30, 2025 01:14 UTC
2,582 candidates head towards the 13th parliamentary election
With 2,582 candidates in the fray, Bangladesh is heading towards its 13th national parliamentary election, scheduled for February 12. By the close of the final day, 2,582 candidates had submitted nomination papers nationwide. The final day of nomination submission witnessed a significant rush, as candidates filed their papers across the country. The Jatiya Party, led by GM Quader and which served as the opposition in recent parliaments, is participating in the polls. According to Shamim Haider Patwary, around 200 candidates from the Jatiya Party have submitted nomination papers nationwide.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
December 30, 2025 01:00 UTC
Foreign aid commitments jump to $1.219b during July-Nov of FY26
Foreign aid commitments jump to $1.219b during July-Nov of FY26DHAKA, Dec 29, 2025 (BSS) - Foreign aid commitments to Bangladesh from the development partners rose sharply in the first five months (July-November) of the current fiscal year (FY26) as it more than doubled compared to the same period last year. In the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year (FY25), commitments stood at only $522.68 million. ERD officials said that with the overall situation improving, the volume of new commitments has increased significantly. According to ERD data, foreign loan disbursements increased during the July–November period compared to the same period last year. During July–November of the current fiscal year, Bangladesh paid $1.89 billion in principal and interest on various foreign loans.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
December 30, 2025 00:40 UTC
56 candidates file nominations for six constituencies in Rangpur
RANGPUR, Dec 29, 2025 (BSS) - A total of 56 candidates have filed their nomination papers for six parliamentary constituencies in Rangpur amid festive atmosphere ahead of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections, slated for February 12, 2026. According to district administration sources, nominations were filed in all six constituencies of the district. Of them, nine candidates submitted papers in Rangpur-1, five in Rangpur-2, 10 in Rangpur-3, 11 each in Rangpur-4, Rangpur-5 and Rangpur-6. Earlier, 61 candidates had collected nomination papers for these constituencies. According to the election schedule, scrutiny of nomination papers will be conducted from December 30 to January 4, 2026.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
December 30, 2025 00:06 UTC
46 candidates submit nomination papers in Jamalpur
Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Yusuf Ali said the candidates submitted their nomination papers in compliance with the electoral code of conduct between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm today. In Jamalpur-1, covering Dewanganj and Bakshiganj upazilas, four candidates submitted nomination papers. In Jamalpur-2 (Islampur), nine candidates filed their nominations, while 11 candidates submitted papers in Jamalpur-3, comprising Melandah and Madarganj upazilas. In Jamalpur-4 (Sarishabari), 10 candidates submitted nomination papers and in Jamalpur-5 (Jamalpur Sadar Upazila), 12 candidates filed their nominations. According to the election schedule, scrutiny of nomination papers will be conducted from December 30 to January 4, 2026.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
December 29, 2025 23:15 UTC
591 more crime suspects held in Operation Devil Hunt
DHAKA, Dec 29, 2025 (BSS) - Police arrested 591 more crime suspects and seized 14 firearms in the past 24 hours as part of the ongoing nationwide Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2. The Police Headquarters confirmed the arrests and seizures in a statement issued today. During the operation, law enforcement agencies searched 32,524 motorcycles and 46,614 other vehicles across the country. As a result of the checks, 467 illegal motorcycles were seized for registration irregularities and other legal violations. According to the statement, the decision to launch Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2 was taken on December 13, 2025, with the objective of curbing the activities of extremist and criminal elements and restoring law and order.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
December 29, 2025 23:05 UTC
4 candidates submit nominations forms for four seats in Bagerhat
4 candidates submit nominations forms for four seats in BagerhatPhoto: BSSBAGERHAT, Dec 29, 2025 (BSS) – A total of four candidates have filed nomination papers for four parliamentary constituencies of Bagerhat in the 13th national elections. Accompanied by a large number of supporters and followers, the candidates submitted their respective nomination papers to the office of the District Returning Officer in festive mood. BNP candidate for Bagerhat-2 constituency Barrister Zakir Hossain submitted his nomination papers to Bagerhat District Commissioner Golam Md. At the same time, BNP candidate for Bagerhat-4 constituency Somnath Dey submitted his nomination papers to the Morelganj Upazila Executive Officer. Earlier, on Sunday afternoon, BNP candidate for Bagerhat-1 constituency Kapil Krishna Mandal submitted his nomination papers to Chitalmari Upazila Executive Officer Shyamananda Kundu.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
December 29, 2025 21:25 UTC
38 candidates submit nomination forms for six constituencies in Rajshahi
38 candidates submit nomination forms for six constituencies in RajshahiPhoto: BSSRAJSHAHI, Dec 29, 2025 (BSS) - A total of 38 candidates have submitted nomination papers for six constituencies for the upcoming 13th Parliamentary Election in the district till today, the last day for submission of the nomination papers. Election cell of the District Returning Officer said 58 candidates had collected nomination papers and 38 of them submitted their candidatures. The cell sources said the highest nine candidates’ submitted nomination papers for Rajshahi-2 (Rajshahi city) constituency followed by eight in Rajshahi-5 (Puthiya-Durgapur) constituency. Seven candidates submitted nomination papers in Rajshahi-3 (Paba-Mohanpur) constituency) followed by six in Rajshahi-1 (Godagari-Tanore) seat. Four candidates submitted nomination papers in Rajshahi-4 (Bagmara) seat and a similar number in Rajshahi-6 (Charghat-Bagha) seat.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
December 29, 2025 21:20 UTC
BB extends deferred payment facility for raw material imports
Bangladesh Bank has extended the period of late payment (useance) facility for the import of industrial raw materials, agricultural inputs and fertilizers. According to the new decision, foreign sellers can open letters of credit (LC) with a maximum payment term of 270 days for the import of these products. In the case of back-to-back LC, the use-case period will be determined in line with the prescribed period for repatriation of export proceeds. However, this extended use-case facility will not be applicable to imports financed under Export Development Fund (EDF) loans. This decision of Bangladesh Bank is being viewed as positive by business leaders and industry stakeholders.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
December 29, 2025 20:51 UTC