Agence France-Presse

Bangladesh’s ex-PM Sheikh Hasina announced plans to return to the country in December despite facing a death sentence for crimes against humanity, stating she would fulfill her 'duty to the people' even if imprisoned. She fled to India after being ousted in a student-led uprising in August 2024, and India is examining Bangladesh’s extradition request. Her potential return coincides with the anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence in 1971.

Japan’s Aeon Mall Kumamoto was rebuilt to withstand earthquakes after damage in 2016 quakes and reopened in June. It collapsed again during a magnitude 7.1 earthquake, shattering residents' confidence in its resilience.

Honduran ex-president Juan Orlando Hernandez returned to his country on Sunday after US President Donald Trump pardoned his 45-year prison sentence for drug trafficking. Hernandez arrived at Palmerola Airport near Tegucigalpa and was greeted by family and supporters, with one supporter expressing excitement about his return.

Larry the cat, the U.K.’s Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, has welcomed his seventh prime minister at No. 10 Downing St. since 2011. The cat has served under six prime ministers, including David Cameron and Keir Starmer, and now prepares to greet incoming leader Andy Burnham. Larry is a media figure with over 900,000 followers on X, often commenting on politics.

Thousands of Israelis, including settlers and right-wing activists, marched toward the Gaza border demanding the re-establishment of Israeli settlements in the war-affected territory. Israeli security forces were deployed to prevent participants from advancing further.

Israel’s Supreme Court suspended a law blocking arrests of ultra-Orthodox men who refuse military service, which was passed by the Parliament to delay enforcement until after a key election. The court cited the law’s selective application to certain population segments and announced a hearing to address petitions challenging it.

Russian police arrested Boris Nadezhdin, a Kremlin critic who previously attempted to run against President Vladimir Putin, for 'demonstration of extremist symbols' linked to a 2023 video featuring Alexei Navalny. Nadezhdin, labeled a 'foreign agent,' planned to run in the September parliamentary elections and criticized Putin's policies, including the Ukraine war and economic impacts.

Ukraine has opened a criminal investigation after crowds in Lviv attacked an army conscription vehicle, overturning it. Officials condemned the violence, urging citizens to direct anger at Russia instead of the army, as such incidents have increased since the 2022 invasion.

Five women have accused the archbishop of Rabat, Cristobal Lopez Romero, of sexual assault, leading him to step back from duties while the Vatican investigates. The archbishop denied all allegations when contacted.

The Gaza war triggered years of Middle East conflict, leading to a US-Israeli war with Iran. As peace negotiations between Washington and Tehran proceed, Gaza's plight is largely ignored, with a Palestinian resident stating the world has forgotten Gaza's tragedy.

Three people were seriously injured in a 'deliberate explosion' at a residential building in Monaco. A source identified Vadym Yermolaiev, a Ukrainian oligarch, as one of the wounded. Authorities initially described the blast as 'an attack' but later revised their statement.

A gunman killed six adults at a German youth welfare center in Stade, northern Germany, in what police described as a 'family tragedy.' The male suspect and a female companion were arrested after a police chase, and authorities confirmed the incident was not politically motivated or related to femicide.

Kenya has halted preparations for a U.S.-run Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base after the health minister was held in contempt for ignoring a court order. The facility, opposed by locals due to fears of Ebola and colonial overtones, was nearly completed with 50 isolation beds for U.S. citizens evacuated from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

NATO chief Mark Rutte stated the US is not withdrawing from allies by reducing forces allocated to NATO, emphasizing a shift toward European responsibility for conventional defense. The cuts include a third of US F-16/F-15 jets, refueling aircraft, and a submarine, raising concerns about Europe's vulnerability amid questions about US President Donald Trump's commitment to the alliance.

A British court may increase the 21-year sentence of Vickrum Digwa, who murdered 18-year-old Henry Nowak, after the government cited public outrage over the case. The controversy involves false claims of racial abuse by Digwa and police handling of Nowak, who was handcuffed while dying, sparking far-right criticism and a police investigation.

French singer and actor Patrick Bruel was taken into police custody after two new rape complaints were filed against him. The 67-year-old denies the allegations and is being questioned about 13 victims, according to the prosecutor’s office in Nanterre.

A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck southern Philippines, triggering tsunami warnings for waves up to three metres in parts of the Philippines and smaller waves in Indonesia and Malaysia. The quake caused house collapses, at least one death, and damaged buildings, with ongoing rescue operations reported.

A US naval blockade has driven Iran's currency to a record low, while Iran launched missile attacks on Israel, causing damage in Tel Aviv. Uncertainty persists over potential talks to end the three-week Middle East war, despite US-Israeli airstrikes on Iranian gas facilities and a pipeline.

The US military killed three men on a boat it alleged was involved in narco-trafficking in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, bringing the campaign's death toll to 185. The strike is part of a series of recent attacks on suspected drug boats.