Online activist Asif Saikat and filmmaker Anonno Mamun have called for the strictest punishment for Baul singer Abul Sarkar, who was arrested on charges of making derogatory remarks about Islam and Allah during a musical performance in Ghior, Manikganj. Saikat stated that Sarkar’s comments constituted clear blasphemy and should be dealt with under existing laws, rejecting any call for his release. He also alleged that certain political groups used Sarkar to provoke religious sentiments. Mamun echoed similar sentiments, saying that artistic freedom cannot justify insulting religious beliefs. Following the October 4 incident, widespread criticism erupted on social media, and various Islamic organizations demanded Sarkar’s arrest. Police detained him in Madaripur and brought him to Manikganj, where he was sent to jail after appearing before a magistrate. The case, filed by a local imam, accuses Sarkar of distorting Quranic verses and misleading followers under the guise of spirituality. Authorities confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) A K M Shahidul Haque has alleged misconduct during his interrogation by the investigation agency of Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal. His lawyer, Sifat Mahmud, told Tribunal-1 on Monday that investigators asked Shahidul Haque about the promotion status of the current coordinator, which he described as inappropriate and unrelated to the inquiry. Prosecutor Md Mizanul Islam denied the allegation, saying that any complaint should be filed formally. The tribunal scheduled a hearing on the complaint for January 22, coinciding with the submission date for the investigation report in the same case. Shahidul Haque, along with former Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia and former DMP Deputy Commissioner Md Jasim Uddin Molla, is under arrest in connection with the 2016 Kalyanpur ‘Jahaz Bari’ operation, where nine youths were allegedly killed. The tribunal also set separate hearing dates for other war crimes cases involving former military and police officers.

The Bangladesh Police Service Association has strongly condemned recent comments made by a former Member of Parliament who suggested that police officers should act under the direction of political leaders. The controversial remarks, delivered during a political rally and later circulated widely on social media, called for police to follow politicians’ orders in filing cases and making arrests. In a statement signed by the association’s General Secretary and Dhaka District Superintendent of Police Md. Anisuzzaman, the association described the comments as highly inappropriate and contrary to democratic principles. The statement emphasized that the police operate under the constitution and statutory law, maintaining neutrality since the August 5 student uprising. It reaffirmed the force’s commitment to impartiality ahead of the February 2026 national elections, rejecting any attempt to politicize law enforcement. The association urged political figures to refrain from making statements that undermine the integrity and independence of the police.

At a discussion titled 'Education Reform Ideas for Building a Democratic State' held at the National Press Club in Dhaka, Ganosamhati Andolon proposed that the government should take full responsibility for education up to the 12th grade. Party chief coordinator Zonayed Saki emphasized that education reform must align with a productive economic plan ensuring equality and fair resource distribution. He argued for a distinct salary scale and improved status for teachers across all levels, from primary to university. The event, part of the party’s manifesto preparation initiative, also featured education experts and activists who highlighted the need to depoliticize education and ensure universal access to quality learning. Professor Mahbub Ullah stressed that national development depends on mass education, while other speakers criticized the commercialization of education. The discussion aimed to gather expert and public input for Ganosamhati Andolon’s upcoming election manifesto.

Dhaka University (DU) has formed a Central Coordination Committee and four sub-committees to inspect and evaluate the structural safety of its residential halls and academic buildings following a recent earthquake. The central committee, headed by DU Treasurer Professor Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, was established after an emergency meeting chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan. The sub-committees, comprising experts from BUET’s Civil Engineering Department, will conduct technical inspections and assessments of the buildings. Their findings will be made public, and detailed reports will be preserved by the university’s engineering office and respective halls. If any building is deemed unsafe, students will be relocated to safer facilities. The committees include university officials, hall provosts, engineers, and representatives from the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU). The initiative aims to ensure the structural integrity and safety of the university’s infrastructure in the aftermath of the earthquake.

Two members of the UK House of Lords, former Army Chief Lord Richard Dannatt and businessman Lord David Evans, have been suspended for breaching parliamentary conduct rules. The Lords Standards Commissioner found that both peers offered to use parliamentary access and contacts for personal or business benefit. Lord Dannatt was recommended for a four-month suspension after being found to have approached ministers regarding companies in which he held financial interests. Lord Evans faces a five-month suspension for sponsoring events linked to his son’s company and offering introductions to MPs, with tickets sold above cost. The investigation followed undercover reporting by The Guardian, which prompted separate inquiries. Both peers accepted the findings and did not appeal. The suspensions will take effect once approved by the House of Lords. The case highlights ongoing scrutiny over lobbying and ethical standards in the UK’s upper chamber.

Engineer Ishraq Hossain, a prominent leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has been appointed as the convener of the newly formed central convening committee of the Bangladesh Nationalist Liberation War Generation. Advocate K. M. Kamruzzaman Nannu has been named member secretary, and Dr. K. M. I. Monti will serve as senior joint convener. The committee comprises a total of 101 members. The announcement was made through an official statement signed by Bir Muktijoddha Ishtiaq Aziz Ulfat, president of the BNP-affiliated Nationalist Freedom Fighters’ Council. According to the statement, the formation of the committee was approved by BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman. The new committee aims to strengthen the organization’s activities among the younger generation inspired by the spirit of the Liberation War.

U.S. and Ukrainian officials are meeting in Geneva to finalize the framework of President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Trump expressed cautious optimism on social media, suggesting that 'something good may be happening.' However, Moscow remains skeptical, fearing that the revised plan may not favor Russia. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia has not received any official information about the Geneva talks and has no scheduled meetings with U.S. officials this week, though Moscow remains open to dialogue. Earlier, President Vladimir Putin had described Trump’s 28-point draft plan as potentially acceptable to Russia, but the Kremlin is now concerned that changes made during the Geneva discussions could undermine its interests. Russian media outlets have echoed these concerns, warning that Western and Ukrainian negotiators might reshape the plan into something unacceptable for Moscow.

A heated controversy erupted in the Australian Senate after One Nation Party Senator Pauline Hanson entered the chamber wearing a burqa. Hanson took the step after being denied permission to propose a bill banning the burqa in public spaces. Her appearance sparked strong reactions from fellow senators, with many calling her act offensive and racist. Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi described it as 'blatantly racist,' while independent Muslim Senator Fatima Payman called it 'shameful.' Both government and opposition leaders, including Labor’s Penny Wong and Liberal’s Anne Ruston, condemned Hanson’s behavior, saying it undermined the dignity of the Senate. The session was temporarily suspended after Hanson refused to remove the garment. Hanson later stated on social media that her action was a protest against the Senate’s rejection of her proposed bill. Known for her anti-immigration stance, Hanson had staged a similar act in 2017, reigniting debate over religious attire and cultural tolerance in Australia.

A case has been filed in Manikganj following an attack on followers of jailed Baul artist Abul Sarkar, who was imprisoned for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Allah and Islam. The complaint, lodged by the father of injured Baul artist Zohirul Islam, names 200 unidentified individuals. The incident occurred during a human chain organized by Baul artists demanding Sarkar’s release, which clashed with a rally by a group called Touhidi Janata demanding his execution. Several people from both sides were injured in the ensuing violence. Police confirmed that a separate general diary was also filed regarding the incident and that an investigation is underway to identify and arrest those involved. Abul Sarkar, president of the Bangladesh Baul Association, was arrested on November 20 after allegedly making offensive comments during a performance in Ghior, Manikganj. His bail plea was rejected twice by the court, and he remains in custody.

Sylhet District Commissioner Md. Sarwar Alam has announced an immediate initiative to demolish 23 buildings identified as highly risky in the city’s earthquake-prone zones. The decision follows renewed fears after recent tremors and years of inaction by the Sylhet City Corporation (SCC), which had earlier marked these structures as dangerous nearly six years ago. The meeting, chaired by Divisional Commissioner Khan Md. Reza-un-Nabi, focused on earthquake preparedness and post-disaster response. Officials and experts discussed evacuation challenges, especially in narrow streets that could hinder rescue operations. The risky buildings include government offices, markets, schools, and residential structures. Experts from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology warned that most of Sylhet’s 42,000 buildings are not earthquake-resistant, with 60–65% built without following proper construction codes. The SCC has formed a committee to review renovation and demolition plans, with authorities emphasizing urgent action to prevent potential disasters and ensure public safety.

Several smaller political groups in Bangladesh have begun discussions to form a new alliance ahead of the upcoming national election, expected in about two and a half months. The initiative, led by the Rashtra Sanskar Andolon, includes parties such as the National Citizen Party (NCP), Gano Adhikar Parishad, Nagorik Oikya, AB Party, and Ganatantra Mancha. Leaders including Hasnat Kayum and Nurul Haque Nur confirmed that talks have gained momentum, though no final decision has been reached. The proposed alliance aims to unite reformist and democratic forces outside the BNP-Jamaat bloc, focusing on decentralization of power and political reform rather than immediate electoral gains. Analysts suggest the alliance may have limited impact on vote outcomes but could hold symbolic importance in shaping post-uprising political narratives. The movement follows the July uprising and reflects growing efforts to create an alternative political platform emphasizing transparency, accountability, and citizen-centered governance.

Bangladesh’s Religious Adviser Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain stated that the long struggle of Islamic scholars has not been in vain, as Islamic forces have gained the courage to stand firm after decades of persecution. Speaking at a national seminar titled 'Muslim Family Law: Context Bangladesh' organized by the Bangladesh Mosque Mission at the National Museum, he criticized the 1961 Muslim Family Law for containing provisions conflicting with Islamic Shariah. He condemned the practice of 'hilah marriage' as un-Islamic and degrading to women. Dr. Hossain emphasized that only courts, not clerics, have the authority to enforce punishments under Shariah, urging caution in religious interpretation. He reiterated the long-standing demand for implementing Shariah law but noted that real change requires a majority of lawmakers who adhere to Islamic principles. The seminar was attended by leading scholars, academics, and professionals from various sectors.

The largest Pakistan Education Expo in Dhaka, jointly organized by the Pakistan High Commission and Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC), showcased academic opportunities for Bangladeshi students. Over 15 leading Pakistani universities participated as part of the Pakistan–Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor initiative, announced earlier by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who also pledged 500 scholarships for Bangladeshi students. The event was attended by Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Secretary Md. Mahbub-ul-Alam, UGC Secretary Dr. Md. Fakhrul Islam, university officials, civil society representatives, and students. Speakers emphasized the importance of strengthening educational cooperation between the two nations through student exchange, joint research, and skill development. Pakistan’s High Commissioner Imran Haider described the initiative as a symbol of friendship and mutual trust. Following the Dhaka event, similar expos are scheduled in Chattogram, Rajshahi, and Sylhet later in November to reach more students across Bangladesh.

A low-pressure system formed over the Andaman Sea and the Malacca Strait is intensifying and is expected to develop into Cyclone 'Seniyar' within the next 48 hours, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Early warnings have been issued for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry. The cyclone, named 'Seniyar' meaning 'lion'—a name given by the United Arab Emirates—is projected to move west-northwest, but its landfall location remains uncertain. The IMD forecasts that the system will become a deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal by Monday and may strengthen further. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s Meteorological Department has indicated the possible formation of another low-pressure area over the southern Andaman Sea, which could also intensify. Both Indian and Bangladeshi forecasts suggest stable weather in most regions, except for light rain in northern Bengal’s hilly areas. No major temperature changes are expected across Bangladesh and West Bengal in the coming days.