Tarique Rahman, a senior leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, returned to Bangladesh on Thursday after living in London for 17 years. The 60-year-old is the son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia and is seen as the party’s main face ahead of the next general election. BNP leaders said large crowds gathered in Dhaka to welcome him. Rahman left Bangladesh in 2008 during the rule of Sheikh Hasina. Several cases were filed against him at the time, but he was cleared after Hasina was removed last year. Hasina now lives in India and her Awami League is unlikely to contest the coming polls. (PC: BBC)

Several countries including the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France, Japan and others have strongly condemned the Israeli security cabinet’s approval of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, saying the move violates international law and could fuel instability in the region. In a joint statement, they urged Israel to reverse the decision and halt settlement expansion, warning it risks undermining peace efforts, the Gaza ceasefire plan and long-term stability. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar rejected the criticism, saying the actions were necessary for security and that foreign governments should not interfere. (PC: Reuters)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a Christmas Eve message amid continued Russian attacks, saying Ukrainians share “one dream” and quoting the phrase “May he perish”—widely interpreted as a reference to Russian President Vladimir Putin—though he did not name him directly. Zelensky used the speech to emphasize unity, faith, and resilience despite missile and drone strikes that killed several people and caused power outages. He also reiterated Ukraine’s longing for peace and highlighted that true aspirations should focus on ending the war and securing peace for Ukrainian families. (PC: NDTV)

India’s aviation sector is set to expand with two new airlines, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress, receiving No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the Civil Aviation Ministry. Al Hind Air, promoted by Kerala-based Alhind Group, plans to begin operations as a regional commuter airline using ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft, with Kochi as its main hub and a focus on underserved routes in southern India. FlyExpress has also secured approval, though details about its fleet, routes, and operational base are yet to be disclosed. The entry of these airlines is expected to enhance regional connectivity, increase competition, and provide more travel options for passengers across the country. (PC: HT)

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman addressed a large public rally in Dhaka, outlining his roadmap to restore democracy and peace in the country. Speaking after years in exile, Rahman declared “I have a plan,” stressing the need to rebuild democratic institutions, ensure public safety and protect citizens’ rights. He called for national unity beyond political, religious and social divisions, urging people to work together for a stable and inclusive Bangladesh. Rahman emphasized peaceful political change, justice and democratic participation as key pillars of his vision for the nation’s future.

A 30-year-old migrant labourer from Murshidabad in West Bengal, identified as Juel Sheikh, was beaten to death in Sambalpur district’s Shanti Nagar area on Wednesday night while returning from work. The assault followed an altercation with a group of men who stopped Sheikh and his co-workers, allegedly over a request for a bidi (cigarette) that escalated into violence. Sheikh sustained serious head injuries and died at a hospital. Odisha police have arrested six suspects and are investigating. While West Bengal leaders say the attack was due to suspicion of being a Bangladeshi immigrant, police deny this motive and call the incident a sudden provocation. (PC: The Hindu)

Kolkata marked Christmas this year with open street celebrations that drew people from many faiths and communities. Park Street and Bow Barracks again became key centres as markets stayed open late and crowds filled public spaces. Churches such as St Paul’s Cathedral and Sacred Heart held services that spread onto nearby streets. City agencies arranged traffic control and extended transport to manage the rush. Vendors sold cakes, lights, and festive items across neighbourhoods. The celebrations came amid reports from other states of curbs and incidents linked to Christmas events. In Kolkata, the festival remained a public affair, with streets, homes, and churches all taking part in the season. (PC: India Today)

A Hindu advocate plans to contest the Gopalganj-3 seat once held by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh’s February 12 election. Gobinda Chandra Pramanik, general secretary of the Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Mohajote, will file his nomination on December 28 as an independent. He told local media he is a “neutral person” with no party links and wants to speak for common people. Several candidates from BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party and other groups are also in the race. The polls will be held under an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, amid reports of rising attacks on minority communities after Hasina’s removal last year. (PC: NDTV)

Round one of the Vijay Hazare Trophy on December 24 produced a rare flood of men’s List A records across India. Bihar smashed 574 for six against Arunachal Pradesh, the highest team total ever in the format. Fourteen-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi struck a 59-ball 150, the fastest in List A history, and also became the youngest centurion. Bihar captain Sakibul Gani added a 32-ball hundred, the quickest by an Indian. Karnataka chased down 413, the highest successful run chase in the tournament. Virat Kohli reached 16,000 List A runs in the fewest innings, while Rohit Sharma equalled the record for most 150-plus scores. The day also produced 22 centuries and a fielding first, as Vignesh Puthur took six catches in one match. (PC: X)

A Cardiff couple who invited a homeless man into their home for Christmas in 1975 ended up living with him for 45 years. Rob and Dianne Parsons opened their door to Ronnie Lockwood, who arrived with a bag of belongings and a frozen chicken. Lockwood, who had autism, had lived on the streets since his teens. The couple planned to let him stay for one night but later helped him find work and become part of their family. He supported them with childcare and church work and left money to charity when he died in 2020 at age 75. A new centre in Cardiff now carries his name. (PC: BBC)