A World Bank report released on November 24 warns that by 2030, around 90% of South Asia’s population will be exposed to extreme heat, while one in four people will face flood risks. The report highlights that rising salinity in water and soil will make life increasingly difficult in coastal areas. It criticizes current climate adaptation measures as low-cost and largely symbolic, noting the lack of substantial government initiatives. Jean Pem, World Bank Division Director, emphasized that Bangladesh is facing severe environmental challenges, which could worsen unless early disaster warning systems, smart agriculture, and adaptation budgets are expanded. Siddhartha Sharma, the Bank’s Chief Economist for South Asia, added that Bangladesh’s climate response remains slow, urging stronger collaboration between public and private sectors to accelerate action against the growing climate crisis.

The High Court has granted bail to Sheikh Hafizur Rahman Karzon, a professor at Dhaka University’s law department, in a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The bench of Justice Md Rasheduzzaman Raja and Justice Md Rezaul Karim issued the order on Monday, November 24, confirming that there are no legal barriers to his release. Professor Karzon was arrested on August 29 from a discussion organized by the group 'Moncho 71' at the Dhaka Reporters Unity. He had been in custody since his arrest. The case was filed by Sub-Inspector Md Amirul Islam of Shahbagh Police Station, alleging that former minister Abdul Latif Siddique made provocative remarks at the event aimed at destabilizing the country and overthrowing the interim government. The Appellate Division had earlier granted bail to Latif Siddique and journalist Manjurul Islam Panna in the same case. Sixteen individuals were detained from the meeting attended by around 70 to 80 people.

Myanmar authorities have arrested 1,590 foreign nationals accused of involvement in online fraud and gambling operations along the Myanmar-Thailand border. According to the military-run Global New Light of Myanmar, the arrests were made between November 18 and 22 during raids on illegal gambling and scam centers. The detained individuals reportedly entered Myanmar illegally and hail from countries including China, Vietnam, Malaysia, India, Nigeria, and others. During the raids, officials seized 2,893 computers, 21,750 mobile phones, 101 Starlink satellite receivers, 21 routers, and other equipment allegedly used in the fraudulent activities. The large-scale crackdown highlights the growing regional concern over cross-border cybercrime networks operating in Southeast Asia, often targeting victims through online scams and illegal betting platforms. Authorities have not yet disclosed what legal actions will follow against the detainees or whether they will be deported to their home countries.

Ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming parliamentary election, law enforcement agencies have reported a surge in illegal firearms entering the country through at least 18 border points, including Teknaf, Benapole, Chapainawabganj, Kushtia, Dinajpur, and Meherpur. Intelligence sources indicate that organized crime groups, some allegedly backed by political figures, are stockpiling modern weapons to influence electoral outcomes and create instability. Over 1,300 firearms looted during the July uprising remain missing, and more than 75 gangs are believed to possess automatic foreign weapons. Despite recent recoveries by RAB and BGB, police have made limited progress in tracing missing arms. Security officials warn that some gangs maintain covert links with political leaders and foreign intelligence agencies. Authorities have intensified patrols, checkpoints, and surveillance nationwide, but challenges persist due to political patronage, weak intelligence coordination, and slow judicial processes. Police have vowed strict action against any group attempting to use violence or intimidation during the election period.

The Bangladesh Public Service Commission (PSC) has reaffirmed that the written examinations for the 47th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) will commence on November 27, 2024, as previously announced. The decision follows weeks of protests by job seekers demanding a postponement, citing insufficient preparation time. Demonstrations included railway blockades in Rajshahi and Mymensingh, hunger strike threats, and social media campaigns. PSC stated that the exam schedule was officially declared on June 3, giving candidates ample time since the preliminary results were published on September 19, shortlisting 10,644 candidates. The commission emphasized that BCS preparation requires long-term study and discipline, rejecting claims of inadequate time. It also noted that delaying exams would disrupt its planned roadmap for clearing examination backlogs. The written tests will be held from November 27 to December 18 across eight divisional cities, with some subject-specific exams taking place only in Dhaka. PSC urged all candidates to attend as per the announced schedule.

Malaysia plans to prohibit social media use for individuals under 16 starting next year, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced on Sunday. The move aims to protect minors from online harms such as cyberbullying, financial scams, and sexual exploitation. The government is reviewing similar restrictions implemented in countries like Australia, which is preparing to deactivate accounts of users under 16. Fadzil expressed hope that social media companies will comply with the forthcoming regulations. The decision comes amid growing global concern over the impact of social media on child safety and mental health, with major platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, Google, and Meta facing lawsuits in the United States. In Malaysia, authorities have also tightened oversight of online gambling and content related to race, religion, and the royal family. The proposed ban reflects a broader effort to create a safer digital environment for young users.

A viral video showing alleged gangster 'Dakat Alam' walking with armed associates, including one carrying an AK-47-style rifle, has triggered panic across Kadalpur Union in Raozan, Chattogram. Locals claim Alam, once linked to an Awami League MP and now reportedly aligned with a BNP leader, commands a 22-member armed group equipped with illegal weapons, bulletproof vests, and CCTV surveillance covering a five-kilometer area. Residents accuse the gang of extortion, drug trafficking, and using minors to hide weapons. Police say they are investigating the video and monitoring seven active criminal groups in the region. Alam denies the allegations, calling the video fabricated. Authorities have vowed to act regardless of political affiliations. Since August 2024, at least 14 murders have occurred in Raozan, mostly tied to political rivalry and territorial disputes, deepening public concerns over law and order in the area.

The Directorate of Education and Engineering in Bangladesh has instructed all educational institutions to submit detailed reports on damages caused by the November 21 earthquake, which measured 5.7 on the Richter scale and originated near Narsingdi. A circular signed by Chief Engineer (acting) Md. Tarek Anwar Jahedi on November 23 directed secondary, higher, technical, and madrasa institutions to send scanned and soft copies of damage assessments by November 24. Government primary schools have also been asked to submit similar reports by November 27, including district and upazila names, number of damaged rooms, and estimated losses. The directive follows media reports indicating that several schools and colleges across multiple districts suffered structural damage during the tremor. Authorities aim to compile a comprehensive database to guide necessary repair and safety measures in affected educational facilities.

A new Hindi film titled ‘The Taj Story’, starring veteran actor Paresh Rawal, claims to reveal the ‘truth’ behind the Taj Mahal, alleging it was once a Hindu temple named Tejo Mahalaya. This theory, first proposed by revisionist writer P.N. Oak in the 1980s, has been repeatedly discredited by historians and India’s Archaeological Survey. Despite lacking evidence, the narrative has resurfaced under the influence of Hindutva politics, which seeks to reinterpret India’s Islamic heritage as foreign and glorify a continuous Hindu past. The film’s release aligns with broader political efforts by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to reshape historical narratives, including textbook revisions and renaming cities with Islamic origins. Critics argue that such cultural projects deepen communal divisions and legitimize exclusionary nationalism. The Taj Mahal controversy, therefore, symbolizes a larger ideological struggle over India’s pluralistic history and identity.

The National Identity (NID) correction service in Bangladesh was abruptly suspended on Monday, November 24, without prior notice, leading to widespread public inconvenience. Although the Election Commission had earlier announced that NID corrections would remain open until 4 p.m. that day, the service was unexpectedly halted before noon. Officials had previously stated that all correction activities would be suspended after 4 p.m. to prepare the voter list for the upcoming national elections. Additionally, NID migration services were also suspended until further notice. The Election Commission said further details would be communicated through an official circular. The sudden and unannounced halt left many citizens frustrated, particularly those who had traveled to service centers expecting to complete their NID corrections before the announced deadline.

Jakarta has overtaken Dhaka as the world's most populous capital city, according to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs' latest 'World Urbanization Prospects 2025' report. The Indonesian capital now has an estimated population of around 42 million, while Dhaka follows closely with about 40 million residents. Tokyo ranks third with 33 million people. The report highlights that 45 percent of the global population of 8.2 billion currently lives in urban areas, compared to only 20 percent in 1950 when the world population was 2.5 billion. It also forecasts that by 2050, two-thirds of global population growth will occur in cities. The number of megacities—those with over 10 million residents—has risen sharply from eight in 1975 to a projected 33 by 2025, with 19 located in Asia. Indonesia’s total population now stands at 286 million, making it the world’s fourth most populous country.

Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim marked his 100th Test appearance in style as Bangladesh defeated Ireland by 217 runs in the Dhaka Test. The veteran cricketer, who also earned the Player of the Match award for his unbeaten half-century, received multiple honors from the Bangladesh Cricket Board, the Bangladesh Sports Journalists Association, and other organizations. His achievement has inspired several Bangladeshi pacers to aim for the rare milestone of playing 100 Tests, a significant challenge in the country’s cricketing context. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto praised Mushfiqur’s dedication and leadership, noting his influence on younger players. At 38, Mushfiqur expressed his desire to continue contributing to the national team and guiding the next generation. Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie also lauded Mushfiqur’s longevity, remarking on the contrast between Bangladesh’s progress and Ireland’s limited Test schedule.

Organized crime networks in Bangladesh have become increasingly active ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections, particularly in Dhaka and Chattogram. Recent killings, including those of top criminals Tariq Saif Mamun and political activist Golam Kibria, highlight the resurgence of underworld gangs armed with modern weapons and supported by virtual command centers abroad. Intelligence sources report that some gangs maintain covert ties with political leaders and foreign intelligence operatives, allegedly aiming to destabilize law and order before the polls. The Mirpur-based 'Four Star' gang has emerged as a new force under political patronage, while older figures like Imon, Jisan, and Killer Abbas are reactivating their networks through encrypted communication and remittance channels. Law enforcement agencies, including the DMP and RAB, are attempting to curb the violence but face challenges due to political protection and the flow of illegal arms through border routes. Security agencies have urged urgent, coordinated action to prevent gang influence from undermining voter confidence and election integrity.

Newly appointed Moulvibazar Deputy Commissioner (DC) Touhiduzzaman Pavel described the upcoming national and referendum elections as a 'century-defining' event that will determine Bangladesh’s direction for the next hundred years. Speaking at a meeting with local journalists, he emphasized his top priority is to ensure a free, fair, and neutral election process. Drawing an analogy, he compared his role to a football team captain who coordinates and guides rather than commands. Pavel reaffirmed that the district administration, a 250-year-old institution, belongs to the people and will continue to serve them with honesty, competence, and justice. He also announced approval of nine development projects, including the expansion of the district hospital, and vowed to combat drug abuse and improve governance. The DC sought cooperation from journalists to promote transparency and accountability in public service delivery.

Bangladesh’s largest mobile operator, Grameenphone, has reportedly dismissed around 3,360 permanent Bangladeshi employees over the past 13 years, reducing the local workforce to about 1,640. Former employees allege that the company has systematically replaced Bangladeshi workers with Indian nationals and outsourced key operations to Indian-owned firms Genex and Withpro. Several top management positions, including CTO, CIO, and CPO, are currently held by Indian citizens, raising concerns about data security, service quality, and financial irregularities. Dismissed workers claim they were labeled as politically affiliated, unfit, or union members and that their dues remain unpaid despite legal battles and protests. Grameenphone denies the allegations, asserting that all dismissals followed legal procedures and that all dues were settled. The company maintains that its recruitment follows global standards and that ongoing disputes are under judicial review. Labor activists continue to demand payment of outstanding benefits and accuse the firm of violating labor laws and court orders.