Religious advisor Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain emphasized the importance of integrating religious teachings with modern education to build a morally strong society. Speaking at the annual gathering and certificate ceremony of Assunnah Model Madrasa in Chattogram, he warned that education without religion could lead people astray. Dr. Hossain also mentioned that the government is preparing for a free, fair, and festive national election in February 2026, promising a smooth transfer of power to the elected representatives. He urged the youth to take responsibility in shaping Bangladesh into an ideal state free from corruption, bribery, and exploitation. Other scholars and religious leaders, including professors from the University of Chittagong and Islamic institutions, also spoke at the event. The ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates to students who passed the 2025 annual examination of the madrasa’s Hifz department.

The BBC’s internal turmoil intensified as board member Sumit Banerjee resigned, citing governance issues following the recent 'Panorama' controversy. His departure comes after Director-General Tim Davie and Head of News Deborah Turness stepped down earlier in November. Banerjee stated in his resignation letter that he had not been consulted about the decisions involving Davie and Turness. The dispute stems from a 'Panorama' episode that allegedly manipulated footage from a 2021 speech by former U.S. President Donald Trump, sparking widespread criticism and internal dissent. The BBC confirmed Banerjee’s resignation, noting his term as a non-executive director was due to end in December. The board, responsible for overseeing the broadcaster’s strategy and ensuring its public service mission, is now under scrutiny for its handling of the crisis. Banerjee, who joined the board in 2022, is a technology consultant and investor. The BBC said the search for his replacement is already underway.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has accused the government of showing negligence and weakness in addressing crime and terrorism across Bangladesh. Speaking after paying respects at the tomb of party founder Ziaur Rahman with the newly formed Rajshahi city BNP committee, Rizvi claimed that while there are no state-sponsored abductions or killings, terrorist activities continue unchecked. He linked the recent killing of Jubo Dal leader Kibria to the government’s failure to act decisively. Rizvi also expressed concern over the recent earthquake that killed ten people, blaming unregulated high-rise construction for increasing risks in Dhaka. Earlier, he visited BNP candidate Ershad Ullah in hospital after the latter was shot during campaign activities in Chattogram-8 constituency. Rizvi condemned the attack as an attempt on Ershad Ullah’s life and demanded immediate arrest and legal action against those responsible.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has stated that Bangladesh’s struggle to restore democracy is not yet over and called for unity among all political forces to ensure a free and fair election. Speaking at a discussion organized by Zia Parishad at the National Press Club, he emphasized that BNP and democracy are interdependent and one cannot sustain without the other. Khosru highlighted the historical role of Ziaur Rahman in the country’s independence, governance, and democratic reforms. He accused anti-democratic groups of conspiring to obstruct or delay elections to serve their own interests. According to him, the people of Bangladesh are waiting for a fair election expected in early February. He also criticized attempts to impose demands through coercion, urging all parties to present their agendas to the public through election manifestos rather than forceful means.

Turkey is taking a diplomatic initiative to ease escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban government by sending a high-level delegation to Islamabad next week. Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Irfan Neziroglu confirmed the visit, which will include key ministers and intelligence officials, such as Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar. The mission aims to promote dialogue and prevent Afghan territory from being used for terrorist attacks against Pakistan. The move follows earlier Istanbul meetings between Pakistan and Afghanistan that ended without agreement due to Kabul’s reluctance to act against militant groups. Tensions have surged since October 12, when Taliban and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters attacked Pakistani forces, prompting retaliatory strikes that killed over 200 militants. Despite temporary ceasefire talks in Doha and Istanbul, progress remains limited. Turkey’s mediation seeks to restore trust and ensure regional stability through peaceful means.

Bangladesh Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah has expressed optimism that a record number of international observers will attend the country’s upcoming 13th parliamentary election. Speaking at a workshop organized by the Asian Network for Free Elections in Dhaka’s Gulshan area, he described the election as a new chapter in Bangladesh’s democratic journey. Sanaullah said that foreign observers typically attend participatory elections and that applications will be processed through embassies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also mentioned that over 300 applications have been received from local organizations, with around 80 approved to act as observers—significantly more than in previous elections. The minimum age for observers has been lowered from 24 to 21 to encourage youth participation, accompanied by training programs. Sanaullah further noted that the misuse of AI and the spread of misinformation on social media pose major challenges to ensuring a free and fair election, but expressed confidence that cooperation among all stakeholders can overcome these issues.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is facing a major diplomatic dilemma after former US President Donald Trump proposed a 28-point plan to end the Ukraine war. The plan reportedly demands that Ukraine cede the entire Donbas region to Russia, reduce its military size, abandon NATO membership ambitions, and grant Russian language official status. In return, Ukraine would receive Western security guarantees. Zelensky warned in a national address that Ukraine must now choose between accepting Washington’s '28 tough conditions' or risking a breakdown in relations with its key ally, the United States. Reuters reported that Trump’s administration has threatened to cut off intelligence and military support if Kyiv rejects the proposal. Zelensky confirmed receiving a new peace offer from Washington but withheld details, saying consultations with US and European partners are ongoing. He emphasized that Ukraine will propose alternatives that protect national interests without appearing unwilling to pursue peace.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain stated that Bangladesh will pursue an independent and responsible course amid global geopolitical restructuring, prioritizing national interests and regional stability over alignment with any power bloc. Speaking at the opening of the 'Bay of Bengal Conversation 2025' organized by the Center for Governance Studies in Dhaka, he emphasized that Bangladesh aims to play an active and sovereign role in the evolving international order. Hossain highlighted the Bay of Bengal’s growing strategic importance and called for stronger multilateral and regional institutions to address global crises. He also warned about the misuse of information, deepfakes, and AI-driven influence in diplomacy and governance, stressing the need for regulatory frameworks that balance security and rights. Addressing economic and climate challenges, he urged regional cooperation, diversification, and resilience-building among coastal nations. The conference’s theme, 'Rivalry, Rupture, Restructuring,' reflects discussions on global competition, alliances, information warfare, artificial intelligence, and climate change.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that the upcoming national election will mark a new chapter in the country's political history. Speaking at the National Representative Conference of Mushlihin in Neserabad, Jhalakathi, he warned against any attempts at vote manipulation or polling center occupation, saying such actions would face strong resistance. Rahman emphasized continued struggle against oppression, fascism, and efforts to divide the nation, urging all Islamic forces to remain united for the cause of Islam. The event was attended by several Islamic and political leaders, including Charmonai Pir Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, who echoed the call for unity among Islamic parties to ensure electoral success. Thousands of devout Muslims participated in the gathering, which was presided over by Maulana Khalilur Rahman, Amir of Mushlihin.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has warned that those attempting to claim ownership of the spirit of the July 2024 student-led mass uprising for political purposes will face negative consequences. Speaking at a rally organized by the Bangladesh Nationalist Freedom Fighters’ Council at the Central Shaheed Minar, he emphasized that the uprising was the culmination of years of struggle, not merely a short-term movement. The 2024 uprising, which began with student protests demanding quota reform, led to the fall of the Awami League government and the exile of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Salahuddin accused the Awami League of monopolizing national ideals and warned that similar attempts to control the uprising’s legacy would fail. He reiterated that the movement’s spirit belongs to all pro-democracy citizens. Other BNP leaders, including Ishteak Aziz Ulfat, Abdus Salam, Zainul Abedin Faruk, and Ishraq Hossain, also attended the event.

A fire broke out on Saturday afternoon at a multi-storey commercial building in Dhaka’s Segunbagicha area. According to the Fire Service and Civil Defence, the blaze started on the ninth floor of a 10-storey building around 3:00 p.m. The first unit from Siddikbazar Fire Station reached the scene at 3:14 p.m., followed by four additional units. After coordinated efforts by all five units, the fire was brought under control around 3:30 p.m. No casualties were reported immediately, and the cause of the fire as well as the extent of damage remain unknown. Authorities are investigating the incident to determine what triggered the blaze. The fire service has urged building owners to ensure proper fire safety measures in commercial properties to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Kuwait has called on the international community to bring Israel’s nuclear facilities under international inspection, emphasizing the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in ensuring the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Speaking at an IAEA Board of Governors meeting in Vienna, Kuwait’s permanent representative to Austria and ambassador to international organizations, Talal Al-Fassam, said Kuwait supports the Arab Group’s position and urged Israel to comply with international obligations. He noted that while all Middle Eastern countries are committed to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and IAEA safeguards, Israel continues to reject such oversight and has not cooperated with efforts to create a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the region. Al-Fassam also cited Israel’s failure to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 487, which calls for placing its nuclear facilities under international safeguards. He urged the global community to pressure Israel to accept full IAEA supervision.

Medical experts have raised alarm over the rapid rise of antibiotic resistance, warning that the world could soon enter a post-antibiotic era where even minor infections become deadly. According to data from India’s ICMR and NCDC, common bacteria such as E. coli, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas are increasingly resistant to conventional antibiotics. Dr. Sunil Havannavar of Manipal Hospital explained that misuse and overuse of antibiotics, along with poor infection control, are accelerating the crisis. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified antibiotic resistance as one of the top ten global health threats. If antibiotics lose effectiveness, surgeries like heart transplants, joint replacements, and cancer chemotherapy will become highly unsafe. Experts emphasize that responsible antibiotic use, public awareness, and systemic healthcare reforms are essential to prevent a catastrophic medical future where modern treatments could fail.

The United States has reiterated that it will not participate in the upcoming G20 summit in South Africa, citing policy differences and strained diplomatic relations. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Washington will not join any formal discussions at the event, contradicting South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s earlier claim that the US had changed its stance. The US Embassy in Pretoria stated that South Africa’s G20 priorities conflict with American policies, preventing agreement on joint documents. Although the US will send its ambassador to a ceremonial handover, it will not engage in policy talks. The Trump administration’s decision marks a broader retreat from global forums, including the ongoing COP-30 climate summit in Brazil. Tensions between Washington and Pretoria have escalated following Trump’s remarks about white farmers in South Africa and subsequent trade tariffs. Despite the boycott, American corporate interests remain active, with major US companies attending the B20 business summit in Johannesburg.

Bangladesh, located in a seismically active region, often experiences earthquakes that can cause panic among children. Health experts explain that panic attacks occur when intense fear triggers abnormal physical and emotional reactions. To help children cope during or after an earthquake, parents are advised to remain calm, speak gently, and reassure them of safety. Redirecting the child’s attention to familiar or soothing activities, offering water or juice, and encouraging slow, deep breathing can help reduce anxiety. Physical reassurance, such as hugging, can also provide comfort and a sense of security. If a child remains unresponsive or distressed for more than an hour, parents should seek immediate medical or psychological assistance. Experts emphasize that early emotional support can prevent long-term trauma and help children recover from earthquake-related fear more effectively.