In a landmark announcement, Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has declared his intention to return to Bangladesh after two decades abroad to contest the upcoming elections. Speaking in his first face-to-face interview in nearly 20 years with BBC Bangla, Rahman stated, ‘The time has come, God willing, I will return soon.’ The elections, scheduled for February, are widely regarded as one of the most consequential in Bangladesh’s history, following the mass protests in 2024 that ousted three-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Her Awami League party is unlikely to participate due to ongoing legal proceedings. Rahman, the son of ailing BNP leader Khaleda Zia, is expected to lead the country if the BNP secures victory. The 2024 unrest, which saw up to 1,400 deaths according to UN investigators, marked a turning point in Bangladeshi politics. Hasina, now in exile in India, faces trial in absentia for alleged crimes against humanity. Rahman, who was cleared of all charges after Hasina’s ousting, emphasized the importance of the upcoming elections, stating, ‘This is an election for which people had been waiting, I cannot keep myself away during this time.’ The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus, has banned the Awami League from political activities until the trial concludes. While the BNP has criticized the interim government for delays in announcing the election date, both share a common stance on the Awami League’s exclusion. Rahman also addressed concerns about the rise of Jamaat-e-Islami, the country’s largest Islamist party, which has gained momentum in recent student union elections. However, he remains confident in the BNP’s prospects, citing its historical resilience. The election is expected to focus on democratic reforms and freedom of speech, issues that were heavily suppressed under the Awami League. Rahman pledged to ensure such restrictions are not repeated if he assumes power. The interim government’s efforts to build consensus on reforms have been slow, but for many Bangladeshis, particularly the youth who led the 2024 uprising, ensuring basic freedoms will be a critical test for the next government.
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Ex-New York Times writer to lead CBS after Paramount deal
Paramount has announced the appointment of Bari Weiss, a former New York Times opinion writer, as the new head of CBS News. This move is part of a broader strategy by Paramount’s new owners to revitalize one of America’s most prominent news organizations. In addition to this leadership change, Paramount is acquiring The Free Press, a digital media outlet founded by Weiss after her contentious exit from the New York Times. The acquisition is reportedly valued at $150 million (£112 million). Weiss, known for her critiques of partisan broadcast media, expressed enthusiasm about shaping CBS News under the leadership of David Ellison, who took over the network earlier this year as part of a merger with Paramount. Ellison, the son of tech billionaire and Trump ally Larry Ellison, has faced scrutiny from the left for his political connections. Weiss, who began her career in Jewish news outlets, is recognized for her support of Israel and her opposition to ‘cancel culture.’ Since its inception in 2021, The Free Press has amassed 1.5 million subscribers, including over 170,000 paid users, and has gained attention for its critical reporting on mainstream media. Ellison emphasized that Weiss’s appointment aligns with his vision to modernize Paramount’s content and establish CBS as the ‘most-trusted name in news.’ He aims to produce balanced, fact-based coverage that appeals to a broad audience. The deal’s financial terms remain undisclosed, though reports suggest Paramount paid $150 million in stock and cash. Ellison, a renowned Hollywood producer, has pledged to reduce political bias in CBS’s programming, including unedited interviews on ‘Face the Nation.’ CBS News maintains a partnership with the BBC, ensuring editorial independence while sharing content. In her announcement, Weiss praised Ellison’s commitment to journalism and his vision for a unified media landscape.
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What makes this US shutdown different (and more difficult)
The United States finds itself in the throes of yet another government shutdown, a recurring feature of its political landscape. However, the 2025 shutdown stands out as particularly intractable, fueled by deep-seated animosity between Republicans and Democrats and a lack of willingness to compromise. With approximately 750,000 federal employees facing unpaid leave and essential services temporarily suspended, the impasse highlights the escalating political tensions in Washington. Unlike previous shutdowns, where late-night negotiations often paved the way for resolution, this episode is marked by a stark absence of collaboration and a surge in partisan rancor. The Democratic leadership, under pressure from its base, is leveraging the shutdown to challenge the Trump administration’s aggressive agenda, particularly its healthcare cuts and executive overreach. Meanwhile, President Trump and his allies view the shutdown as an opportunity to advance their long-standing goal of reducing the federal workforce. The White House has warned of mass layoffs to maintain critical services, a move described as ‘fiscal sanity’ by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. The economic ramifications are significant, with analysts predicting a 0.2 percentage point reduction in GDP growth for each week the shutdown persists. While the stock market remains largely unaffected, the broader impact on government operations, business activities, and public trust in political institutions could have lasting consequences. As both parties dig in, the path to resolution remains uncertain, leaving the nation in a state of prolonged uncertainty.
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Sudan militia leader convicted of war crimes during Darfur war
Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, widely known as Ali Kushayb, has been found guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The verdict marks a historic moment as Kushayb becomes the first individual to be tried by the ICC for atrocities committed in Darfur, Sudan, over two decades ago. Kushayb led the Janjaweed, a government-backed militia notorious for its brutal campaign in Darfur, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands and widespread devastation. The conflict, which spanned from 2003 to 2020, is regarded as one of the most severe humanitarian crises in recent history. During the trial, survivors recounted harrowing experiences of village burnings, mass executions, sexual violence, and torture, all orchestrated under Kushayb’s leadership. The ICC judges convicted him on 27 counts, focusing on attacks carried out between 2003 and 2004. Despite Kushayb’s defense of mistaken identity, the court found overwhelming evidence of his pivotal role in the atrocities. The verdict has brought a sense of justice to Darfuris, many of whom waited outside the court in The Hague, Netherlands, to witness the ruling. However, the legacy of the Janjaweed persists, as many of its members have transitioned into the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group now embroiled in Sudan’s ongoing civil war. The RSF has been accused by the UK, US, and human rights organizations of continuing ethnic cleansing against non-Arab communities in Darfur. Kushayb’s sentencing will be determined at a later date, but his conviction underscores the ICC’s commitment to holding perpetrators of grave crimes accountable.
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US Supreme Court rejects Ghislaine Maxwell appeal in Epstein case
The US Supreme Court has decisively rejected an appeal by Ghislaine Maxwell, the British socialite convicted for her involvement in the sex-trafficking scheme orchestrated by her former boyfriend, Jeffrey Epstein. The court’s ruling, issued on Monday, ensures that Maxwell’s 20-year prison sentence remains intact, barring an unlikely presidential pardon. Maxwell, who was found guilty of luring underage girls for Epstein to exploit, has been a central figure in the high-profile case that has captivated public attention for years. Recently, she was interviewed by federal agents as part of an ongoing investigation into the broader network of individuals potentially involved in the trafficking scheme. Epstein, who faced similar charges, died in prison in 2019 under controversial circumstances. The Supreme Court’s decision marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for the victims of this harrowing case.
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Man pleads guilty to murdering woman found dead after house fire
A 55-year-old man, George Turner, has admitted to the murder of Emma McCrory, a mother-of-two in her 40s, who was found dead at her home in Clontarf, Dublin, following a house fire in December 2022. Turner, from Fairview Avenue, Dublin, appeared before the Central Criminal Court on Monday, where he entered a guilty plea. He is set to be sentenced on Friday, facing a mandatory life sentence. Turner was initially charged with murder in March 2023, and his solicitor had previously requested a psychiatric assessment, citing a history of mental illness. He has been held in custody since his arrest. The tragic incident has left the local community in shock, as they await the final sentencing in this harrowing case.
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Fishermen in Trinidad and Tobago fear for their lives and jobs after US strikes in the Caribbean
In the tranquil village of Icacos, Trinidad, Kenrick Modie, a local fisherman, recently expressed his fears about the escalating geopolitical tensions between the United States and Venezuela. Living just 11 miles from Venezuela, Modie and his community are increasingly anxious about the potential fallout from U.S. military strikes targeting suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean. U.S. President Donald Trump has declared an ‘armed conflict’ with drug cartels, alleging they are attempting to bring ‘deadly poison’ to U.S. shores. This has led to heightened military activity in the region, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordering multiple strikes on small boats accused of carrying drugs off Venezuela’s coast.
Venezuela, in response, has accused the U.S. of military aggression, prompting President Nicolás Maduro to place the country’s military and civilians on high alert. Caught in the middle is Trinidad and Tobago, a nation heavily reliant on its multimillion-dollar fishing industry, which employs thousands of fishermen. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has voiced support for U.S. actions against drug cartels, even offering access to Trinidad and Tobago for U.S. forces to defend Guyana from Venezuelan territorial claims. However, Maduro views this as a declaration of war, further straining relations.
For fishermen like Modie, the stakes are personal. They fear being mistaken for drug smugglers and killed in U.S. strikes, with no way to prove their innocence. The tension has already forced fishermen to stay in shallower waters, reducing their catch and threatening their livelihoods. The situation has drawn international concern, with Caribbean leaders at the United Nations General Assembly calling for dialogue to avoid war and describing the militarization of the region as ‘exceedingly troubling.’
As the U.S. and Venezuela continue their standoff, the fishermen of Trinidad and Tobago are left to navigate a precarious existence, praying for peace while grappling with the harsh realities of their new, fear-filled fishing routines.
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Cold shoulder from Canada is costly for American distillers struggling with global trade tensions
The U.S. spirits industry is grappling with a significant downturn in exports, particularly in key international markets, as global trade tensions continue to take their toll. According to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, American spirits exports to Canada plummeted by 85% in the second quarter of 2025, marking the most dramatic decline among major trading partners. This sharp drop comes despite Canada’s recent removal of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. spirits, as provincial bans persist.
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‘Am I out with Taylor Swift?,’ asks Daniel O’Donnell
On the same day that global pop sensation Taylor Swift unveiled her highly anticipated twelfth album, *The Life of a Showgirl*, Irish music legend Daniel O’Donnell quietly released his latest collection of songs, *Now And Then*. The album, a blend of country tunes and cover tracks, marked another milestone in O’Donnell’s illustrious career. Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster’s *Evening Extra* programme, the County Donegal native humorously questioned whether he was competing with Swift for chart dominance, quipping, ‘Am I out with Taylor? Oh my God. Now, I wonder if she’s afraid of me?’
O’Donnell, who boasts 12 gold-selling albums and over 10 million records sold, expressed his gratitude for his enduring career. ‘It’s always great. Even though it’s album 40-something, it’s always exciting to put out new music,’ he shared. Reflecting on his debut in 1984, he added, ‘I never thought 40 years later I’d still be releasing albums. So it’s great, and I’m grateful to the people who’ve followed me all down the years.’
Looking ahead, O’Donnell announced plans to take a step back from the music industry in 2026 to focus on his health, particularly after struggling with allergies. Despite this, he remains optimistic, stating, ‘I’m feeling great, thank God.’ His hiatus will include treatments, holidays, and quality time with his grandchildren. Beyond music, O’Donnell revealed a quirky ambition: a walk-on cameo in the long-running ITV soap *Coronation Street*. ‘I might be running out of time though,’ he joked. ‘Sure they can’t have everybody on that wants to come on. But I would sweep, wash dishes, doesn’t matter, I don’t even need to talk. I might be able to have an affair with Mary, you never know.’
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Body found in burning vehicle in Dublin
A tragic incident unfolded in north County Dublin on Monday morning when a body was discovered in a burning vehicle on Killeek Bridge. The Dublin Fire Brigade swiftly responded to reports of the vehicle engulfed in flames. Upon extinguishing the fire, firefighters uncovered human remains inside the vehicle. Gardaí, the Irish police force, confirmed that the body remains at the scene as investigations continue. A post-mortem examination is scheduled to be conducted, which will provide critical insights into the circumstances surrounding the incident and guide the subsequent investigation. The discovery has sent shockwaves through the local community, raising questions about the events leading up to the fire. Authorities have yet to release further details, but the case is being treated with the utmost seriousness as they work to uncover the truth behind this distressing event.