India urges early elections in Bangladesh amid political turmoil
India has called on Bangladesh to hold early, free, and inclusive elections to honor the people’s mandate, as the country faces political instability.
Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh has proposed holding elections between December 2025 and June 2026, assuring he will not extend his tenure beyond that period. However, political parties and the military have demanded elections be held sooner, according to Firstpost.
Bangladesh's Army Chief, Waker-Uz-Zaman, described the current scenario as chaotic, warning that civil administration and law enforcement have collapsed and calling for elections in December to restore order.
India's Ministry of External Affairs highlighted that the interim administration is in charge of preserving law and order till elections are held, Firstpost reported.
Iran dismisses reports of imminent nuclear deal with US
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has rejected claims of an imminent nuclear deal with the US, calling recent media reports speculative and premature.
Responding to a CNN report, Araghchi said on X, “Not sure if we are there yet,” stressing that Iran remains committed to diplomacy but only within a framework that ensures the full lifting of sanctions and respects its nuclear rights, including enrichment, Xinhua reported.
He also called a Fox News article indicating an ongoing Iranian nuclear weapons program "fake news," accusing critics of making false assertions to sabotage discussions and mislead the public.
Since April, Iran and the United States have held five rounds of indirect, Oman-mediated talks in Muscat and Rome. However, tensions remain high, with Washington seeking a complete halt to uranium enrichment, which Tehran firmly rejects, according to Xinhua.
Republic Day marked in Abu Dhabi
The Embassy of Nepal in Abu Dhabi marked the Republic Day by organising a special event on Thursday.
On the occasion, Nepal's Ambassador to UAE Tej Bahadur Chhetri, newly-appointed Consul General in Consulate General of Nepal in Dubai Hari Prasad Odari, representatives of different social organizations based in UAE and others were present in the program..
During the event, Ambassador Chhetri said that it was the responsibility of all to maintain peace, prosperity and good-governance for sustainable development while institutionalising the republic.
Likewise, Odari said that may this day inspire all to internalise the norms and values of the republican system.
Representatives of different political parties, National Coordination Committee of Non-Resident Nepalis Association (NRNA), UAE and other social organisations extended best wishes on the occasion of the Republic Day and called for making contributions for the nation's prosperity.
Israel approves US-backed 60-day Gaza ceasefire proposal
The White House confirmed Thursday that Israel has approved a 60-day Gaza ceasefire proposal submitted by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump, CBS News reported.
Karoline Leavitt, the press secretary, stated that the proposal was forwarded to Hamas after Israel approved it. She said that talks are ongoing and expressed hope for a truce that will result in the release of hostages.
According to CBS News, the arrangement involves a 60-day cease-fire, the release of 10 living hostages, and the repatriation of the bodies of 18 others.
Hamas stated that it has received the proposal and is analyzing it through mediators, with the goal of serving its people's interests and achieving a permanent ceasefire.
