Protesters in Dhaka, Bangladesh, breached security barricades and entered the Parliament building on Saturday following the funeral of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, whose death has sparked nationwide unrest. Hadi, a prominent activist and political figure, was fatally shot on December 12 and died abroad, triggering intense protests demanding justice.  His funeral drew large crowds amid heavy security, but emotions boiled over as demonstrators overwhelmed barricades. The breach underscores rising tensions and political volatility in Bangladesh as factions clash and public frustration grows. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may brief US President Donald Trump on possible strikes on Iran during a meeting later this month, a media report said. The two leaders are expected to meet at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Netanyahu is likely to warn that Iran is expanding its ballistic missile programme. Israeli officials see missiles as a more urgent threat than nuclear weapons. They fear Iran is rebuilding damaged nuclear and military sites. The White House said earlier US strikes had destroyed Iran’s nuclear capabilities. The meeting comes amid renewed tensions in the region. (PC: AFP/ File)

The United States carried out a “massive strike” against the Islamic State in Syria, the US military said on Saturday. US Central Command said fighter jets, helicopters and artillery hit over 70 IS targets across central Syria. The strikes followed a December 13 ambush in Palmyra that killed two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter. US President Donald Trump said the strikes were “very strong.” Aircraft from Jordan also joined the operation. US officials said the action aimed to destroy IS bases and weapons. (PC: US Air Force/Reuters)

Hundreds of thousands gathered in Dhaka on Saturday for the funeral of activist Sharif Osman Hadi, who died from gunshot wounds earlier this month. Mourners filled areas near Parliament, waving national flags and raising slogans. Heavy security was deployed across the city. “Brother Hadi’s blood will not be allowed to go in vain,” people shouted. Hadi’s brother, Abu Bakar, led the prayers. The burial took place at University of Dhaka, near poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s mausoleum. Police said suspects may have fled abroad. The funeral comes ahead of February elections.

Seven people have been arrested in connection with the lynching of 27-year-old Hindu youth Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladesh's Mymensingh district, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus announced Saturday. The Rapid Action Battalion detained suspects Md. Limon Sarkar (19), Md. Tarek Hossain (19), Md. Manik Mia (20), Ershad Ali (39), Nijum Uddin (20), Alomgir Hossain (38), and Md. Miraj Hossain Akon (46) following coordinated operations. The lynching occurred amid widespread unrest following youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi's death, who was shot by masked gunmen in Dhaka on December 12. Bangladesh's interim government condemned the incident, stating "no one involved in this brutal crime will be spared" and urged citizens to reject violence, provocation, and hatred. (PC: X)

Saudi Arabia deported 24,000 Pakistani nationals this year over begging allegations, while the UAE imposed visa restrictions citing criminal activities. Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency offloaded 66,154 passengers at airports in 2025 to dismantle organized begging syndicates. FIA Director General Riffat Mukhtar confirmed the networks cause reputational damage, with similar cases detected in Africa, Europe, Cambodia, and Thailand. Dubai deported approximately 6,000 individuals, while Azerbaijan sent back 2,500 Pakistani beggars. Saudi Arabia previously urged Pakistan to prevent exploitation of Umrah visas for begging in Mecca and Medina. Legal experts describe begging as a highly structured enterprise, with government officials estimating 90% of beggars detained in West Asia are Pakistani nationals. (PC: AFP)

The United States issued a travel advisory for its citizens in Bangladesh ahead of prominent youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi's funeral on Saturday. Hadi, a spokesperson for Inqilab Mancha and leader in last year's July Uprising protests, died recently, triggering widespread unrest. Protesters demanding justice set fire to two major media offices in Dhaka on Friday. The funeral prayer is scheduled at the National Parliament Building's South Plaza at 2 PM. The US warned that peaceful gatherings could escalate into violence, urging citizens to avoid demonstrations and expect heavy traffic throughout Dhaka. Bangladesh's interim government appealed for calm against "fringe elements." Authorities banned drones near the venue and requested attendees avoid carrying bags or heavy objects during the ceremony. (PC: Hindustan Times)

British ex-paratrooper Karl Bushby, who began his Goliath Expedition in 1998 to walk around the world without motorised transport, is nearing the end of his extraordinary 31,000-mile journey. Starting from Punta Arenas, Chile, Bushby has traversed 25 countries, deserts, jungles, war zones, and frozen seas over 27 years. His trek included crossing the Darién Gap, walking the Bering Strait, and even swimming across the Caspian Sea. Despite visa bans, financial crises, and the pandemic, he has upheld his rule of advancing only on foot. Now in Hungary, about 932 miles from Hull, England, Bushby is expected to complete his odyssey by September 2026, marking one of history’s longest continuous treks. (PC: Instagram)

Bangladesh youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi will be buried beside national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on Saturday following his family's request, Inqilab Mancha announced. His funeral prayer will be held at 2 pm at Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban's South Plaza after arriving from Singapore on Friday evening. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus confirmed attendees cannot carry bags or heavy items, and drone flying is prohibited near Parliament House. Hadi died Thursday in Singapore after being shot by unidentified gunmen on December 12, triggering nationwide violent protests. Inqilab Mancha urged supporters to ignore instructions from other sources, stating they would gather at Dhaka University Central Mosque demanding justice while occupying streets with slogans. (PC: X)

Bangladesh's English-language newspaper The Daily Star failed to publish its print edition for the first time in 35 years after violent protesters set fire to its Dhaka office alongside Bengali daily Prothom Alo. The attacks followed student leader Sharif Osman Hadi's killing, leaving both newspaper buildings severely damaged. In a statement titled "A dark day for independent journalism," The Daily Star condemned the violence, declaring it "not merely an attack on two newspapers" but an assault on "independent journalism, freedom of speech, and the sanctity of private property." The BBC reported both outlets suffered extensive damage during the protests that erupted across Bangladesh, forcing the historic disruption of The Daily Star's publication for the first time since its founding.