The United Nations and the United States have expressed deep condolences and solidarity with the victims of a 5.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Dhaka and surrounding districts on Friday morning. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the quake occurred at 10:38 a.m., with its epicenter in Madhabdi, Narsingdi, about 13 kilometers east of the Agargaon weather office in Dhaka. The U.S. Geological Survey later reported the epicenter to be 14 kilometers west-southwest of Narsingdi at a depth of 10 kilometers. The tremor resulted in at least six deaths and numerous injuries. The UN office in Bangladesh stated that it is closely monitoring the situation, while the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka issued a separate message offering sympathy to those affected. Emergency services and local authorities are assessing the extent of the damage and providing assistance to the injured and displaced residents.

A moderate earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale struck Bangladesh on Friday morning, causing widespread panic and damage across Dhaka and several nearby districts. According to the Directorate General of Health Services, at least 10 people have been confirmed dead and more than 600 injured, with the number of casualties expected to rise as data from private hospitals are still being collected. The quake’s epicenter was located in Madhabdi, Narsingdi. Fatalities were reported in Dhaka, Narayanganj, and Narsingdi, where incidents of collapsing walls, falling railings, and panic-induced health emergencies occurred. In Old Dhaka, three pedestrians were killed by a falling railing, while other deaths were reported from construction sites and residential collapses. Authorities have provided emergency support to affected families, and hospitals remain on high alert to treat the injured.

In a public gathering at Sutiyakathi Secondary School field in Nesarabad, Pirojpur-2 constituency, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Shamim Saeedi alleged that the previous Hasina-led government came to power by buying votes instead of ensuring citizens’ voting rights. He warned that repeating such an election process could lead to the creation of more 'Begum Para' settlements abroad. Saeedi emphasized his party’s goal of building a corruption-free and unemployment-free Bangladesh, urging unity among all religious communities. Addressing Hindu voters, he said that both Hindus and Muslims sacrificed their lives in the Liberation War of 1971 and in the 2024 movement, stressing equality and safety for all religious sites. He also recalled the killing of Biswajit near Jagannath University and claimed that no Jamaat MP or minister had ever faced corruption allegations. Jamaat leader Masud Saeedi urged supporters to actively participate in voting for the party’s symbol, the scale.

The Government of Bangladesh has promoted 1,870 lecturers from the BCS General Education Cadre to the rank of Assistant Professor. The Ministry of Education’s Secondary and Higher Education Division issued an official notification on Thursday, which became public on Friday. According to the notice, the promoted officers will be placed in situ at their respective colleges or offices under the 2015 National Pay Scale, sixth grade (Tk 35,500–67,010). Until further instructions are issued, the newly promoted Assistant Professors will serve as Officers on Special Duty (OSD) at the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education while continuing their previous responsibilities where applicable. The Directorate has instructed that all release and joining procedures be completed online. The promoted officers will receive their salaries and allowances according to the rates applicable to their respective workplaces rather than the central office in Dhaka.

Hundreds of multistory buildings in Rajshahi have come under renewed scrutiny after a recent earthquake exposed serious safety concerns. Many structures were reportedly built without adhering to Bangladesh’s building code, lacking proper fire safety systems and constructed too close to one another. The Rajshahi Development Authority (RDA) faces criticism for alleged corruption and negligence in approving building designs, with claims that political influence enabled unauthorized projects. Following the quake, Sher-e-Bangla Fazlul Haque Hall at Rajshahi University developed major cracks, prompting student protests demanding relocation and repairs. Authorities have begun inspections to verify fire exits and soil tests for high-rise buildings, while experts warn of potential disasters similar to the Rana Plaza collapse if enforcement remains weak. Civic groups are urging strict legal action and accountability to prevent future tragedies in the earthquake-prone region.

The National Revolutionary Council (NRC) has called for immediate structural reforms in Bangladesh to prevent the country from turning into a mass grave in the event of a major earthquake. In a statement issued on Friday, NRC convener Khomeni Ihsan expressed deep sorrow over casualties from the recent quake and warned that unplanned urbanization and weak enforcement of building codes have left cities dangerously exposed. He emphasized that Bangladesh lies in a high-risk seismic zone and that unregulated high-rise construction, often facilitated by corruption, has turned major cities into concrete jungles. Ihsan urged the government to act swiftly, citing the nation’s poor disaster response capacity as seen in past tragedies. The NRC proposed five key measures, including identifying and reinforcing vulnerable buildings, enforcing the National Building Code with zero tolerance, upgrading fire and civil defense technology, ensuring open spaces for post-quake shelters, and introducing automatic gas and power shutdown systems to prevent fires.

A protest rally and torch procession were held in Dhaka demanding the cancellation of lease agreements granting control of Chattogram’s Laldiar Char Terminal for 33 years and Keraniganj’s Pangaon Container Terminal for 22 years to a Denmark-based company. The demonstration, organized by the Port Protection and Corridor Resistance Movement, took place on Friday in front of the National Press Club. Speakers, including leaders from left-leaning political and student organizations, accused the interim government of exceeding its authority and violating High Court directives by proceeding with the lease. They also urged the withdrawal of decisions to lease Chattogram’s New Mooring and Bay Terminals. Former CPB leader Ruhin Hossain Prince alleged that the move served foreign interests at the expense of national sovereignty. The protesters warned of tougher actions, including strikes and blockades, if the government fails to cancel the agreements. The event concluded with a torchlight procession through central Dhaka.

At a public rally organized by Jamaat-e-Islami in Jhikargacha, DUCSU Vice President Abu Sadiq Kayem criticized the current political culture in Bangladesh, accusing politicians of using politics for personal gain and neglecting ordinary citizens once in power. He called for a new political model centered on equality, justice, and Islamic values. Kayem emphasized the need for reform in the healthcare system and the elimination of hospital syndicates. Referring to the 'July Revolution,' he said it had given rise to a new generation seeking a fair Bangladesh. He urged young people to protect polling centers during elections and warned against any attempts to manipulate the process. The event was attended by Jamaat-backed parliamentary candidates and local leaders, including Dr. Mosle Uddin Farid, who was the chief guest.

BNP’s Dhaka divisional organizing secretary and Gazipur-1 nomination aspirant Kazi Chayedul Alam Babul claimed that both domestic and foreign conspiracies are being orchestrated from Delhi to derail Bangladesh’s upcoming elections. Speaking at a street rally in Gazipur after distributing leaflets promoting BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s 31-point reform agenda, Babul said the people of Bangladesh are ready to vote and will strongly resist any attempt to obstruct the polls. He accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League of depriving citizens of voting rights for the past 16–17 years and of persecuting opposition leaders and Islamic scholars. Babul expressed confidence that a free, fair, and neutral election in 2026 would bring BNP to power with a landslide victory. He also reiterated his long-standing dedication to the party and expressed hope of receiving the party’s nomination. Several local BNP and affiliate leaders were present at the event.

Bangladesh’s Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman has stated that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other convicts sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity during the July uprising have the legal right to appeal the verdict. Speaking in Jhenaidah’s Shailkupa on Friday, he emphasized that the trial was conducted based on evidence and due process. Asaduzzaman noted that while the defense may question the fairness of the proceedings, the judicial system provides an avenue for appeal. He also dismissed comments made by the home affairs adviser regarding the verdict, saying they stemmed from a lack of legal understanding. The Attorney General added that the government is proceeding with the implementation of the verdict according to established legal mechanisms and that the evidence presented in the case would convince any court globally of the defendants’ guilt.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed readiness to work under a US-backed 28-point plan aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war. His office confirmed receiving a draft of the proposal and said Zelensky will soon discuss it with US President Donald Trump. The plan, reportedly crafted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff, may require Ukraine to cede control of parts of eastern territories to Russia in exchange for long-term security guarantees from the United States. While the White House has described the plan as fair to both sides, several European allies, including France and Poland, have voiced concern that it could favor Moscow’s interests. EU foreign ministers emphasized that any peace must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and not amount to surrender. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the notion of ongoing negotiations, saying only limited information exchanges are taking place. With Ukrainian forces retreating in the east, Zelensky faces growing pressure to consider diplomatic options.

A Bogura court has ordered the confiscation of immovable assets belonging to former Additional DIG Hamidul Alam Milon and his wife, Shahzadi Alam Lipi, following a petition by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The order, issued by Senior Special Judge Shahjahan Kabir, prohibits the transfer or sale of the seized properties. Administrative officials in Bogura, Dhaka, and Narayanganj have been appointed as receivers to manage the assets. The ACC’s Bogura office filed the petition after a detailed investigation into the couple’s alleged accumulation of wealth beyond known income sources. Milon, who was previously suspended and later forced into retirement for misconduct, is currently in jail after being denied bail in a fraud case involving property deception. His wife, a former independent candidate in the Bogura-1 constituency, remains in hiding under an arrest warrant. The court’s decision marks a significant step in the ACC’s ongoing efforts to recover illegally acquired assets from former officials.

BNP-nominated candidate Lutfozzaman Babar emphasized development and tackling unemployment as his main priorities during a campaign rally in Mohanganj upazila of Netrokona-4 constituency on Friday, November 21. Addressing supporters at Somaj High School field, Babar said he aims to pursue politics centered on local progress rather than past rivalries. He urged people to become self-reliant through technical skills and education, stressing that hard work is essential to achieving goals. Babar also expressed admiration for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, citing their endurance through political hardship. He called on voters to support BNP in the upcoming national election, expressing his desire to see Tarique Rahman as the next prime minister. The event was attended by local BNP leaders including Selim Karnayen, Golam Ershadur Rahman, Abdullah Al Mamun Khan Rony, Jahangir Alam VP, Golam Rabbani Putul, Imran Khan, and Siraj Uddin Talukdar.

At least five people, including a father and his son, were killed and more than a hundred injured after an earthquake struck Narsingdi, Bangladesh, on Friday morning. The tremor, felt across the country at 10:38 a.m., caused widespread panic as residents rushed to safety. In Gabtoli, a six-story under-construction building’s wall collapsed onto a one-story house, killing Delwar Hossain and his son Omar Faruk. In Palash upazila, an elderly woman named Kajom Ali died when a mud wall fell on her, while another man, Nasir Uddin, suffered a fatal heart attack from shock. A man named Forkan died after falling from a tree during the quake. Several buildings, including a seven-story shopping mall in Ghorashal, developed cracks, and parts of walls collapsed, causing further damage. Police and local authorities have visited affected areas, confirming casualties and ensuring safety measures for residents.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus called on members of Bangladesh’s armed forces to perform their duties with professionalism and efficiency to ensure a smooth and festive national election. Speaking at a reception marking Armed Forces Day 2025 at Senakunja on Friday, November 21, Yunus emphasized that the upcoming national election would be a significant chapter in the country’s democratic transition. He paid tribute to the martyrs and veterans of the Liberation War, as well as those who sacrificed their lives or were injured during the July–August 2024 student and public uprising. Yunus reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to peaceful coexistence with friendly nations while stressing the need for constant readiness to defend national sovereignty against external aggression. He also highlighted ongoing modernization efforts in the army, navy, and air force, including advanced training and the integration of modern technologies to align with global standards.