BANGLADESH: The country’s highest court today dismissed an appeal by its largest Islamist party seeking to overturn a 2013 ruling that barred it from participating in elections for violating the constitutional provision of secularism.

Bangladesh is set to hold its next national elections on January 7.

A five-member bench of the appellate division of the supreme court headed by Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan handed out the ruling. 

PAKISTAN: Pakistan security forces killed four militants in a shoot-out during an overnight raid in the country’s north-west near the border with Afghanistan, the military said today.

A military statement said security forces conducted an operation in the Khaisoor area of North Waziristan district, where they exchanged fire with militants. 

The military said one of the most wanted militant commanders, identified by the single name of Ibrahim, was among the dead, all of whom were said to have been involved in attacks on security forces and civilians. 

MALI: The Malian army says it has uncovered a mass grave in the north-eastern town of Kidal, days after recapturing it from Tuareg separatists.

In a statement the army said the discovery was made on Thursday during operations to secure the town.

Malian authorities said they were carrying out investigations to bring those responsible to justice.

ARGENTINA: Voters in Argentina were heading to the polls today in a presidential run-off election that will determine whether South America’s second-largest economy will take a rightward shift.

The run-off is between Economy Minister Sergio Massa of the Peronist party and ultra-rightwinger Javier Milei, who has compared himself to former US President Donald Trump.