The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has initiated an investigation against Asaduzzaman Hiru, widely known as the ‘foster son’ of Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, over allegations of amassing illegal wealth worth thousands of crores of taka. According to ACC spokesperson Akhtarul Islam, the probe was launched following accusations that Hiru and his wife, Israt Jahan, accumulated assets through extortion, tender manipulation, smuggling, hundi transactions, and customs evasion. The ACC has formed a two-member team led by Assistant Director Md. Nasrullah Hossain, with Deputy Assistant Director Md. Abu Talha as a member. The commission stated that if the allegations are substantiated, legal action will be taken against both Hiru and his wife. Earlier, Hiru had been arrested in January in connection with a murder case filed at Badda Police Station in Dhaka.

Canada’s Global Affairs department has launched an investigation into allegations that Canadian-made military components reached Israel through U.S. arms factories despite an official export suspension. The probe follows reports by Middle East Monitor claiming hundreds of shipments from Canadian manufacturers were routed to U.S. facilities and later used in Israeli fighter jets, bombs, and artillery. The report also alleged that Canada served as a transit corridor for European-made TNT sent to Israel. Global Affairs spokesperson Samantha Lafleur stated that no new export permits for Israel have been approved since January 8, 2024, and that the department is reviewing the published information. Human rights groups, including World BEYOND War, have long warned about such indirect arms transfers, while opposition MP Jenny Kwan criticized the government’s denial of knowledge, calling it unacceptable. The investigation comes amid heightened scrutiny of Western arms flows to Israel during the Gaza conflict.

Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Land, ASM Saleh Ahmed, emphasized that the efficiency and accuracy of Bangladesh’s land management system depend significantly on the professionalism, honesty, and sense of responsibility of surveyors. Speaking at a training program for newly appointed surveyors at the Land Administration Training Centre (LATC) in Dhaka, he highlighted that surveyors play a crucial role in boundary demarcation, map preparation, record correction, ownership verification, and dispute resolution. He noted that in the digital era, technological proficiency—such as the use of drones, GIS, GPS, and digital mapping—is essential to ensure faster, more transparent, and citizen-friendly land services. Saleh Ahmed also stated that all recent recruitments were merit-based, ensuring that capable and ethical personnel contribute to reducing corruption and irregularities. He described surveying not merely as a technical job but as a vital public service responsibility that builds citizens’ trust in the land administration system.

BNP Chairperson’s adviser Zainul Abedin Faruk stated that a fair and credible election will take place under the leadership of Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus. Speaking at a discussion organized by the Bangladesh National Homeless Party at the National Press Club on Sunday, Faruk criticized the ruling Awami League, accusing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of past political repression and violence. He claimed that the people of Bangladesh are now waiting for Tarique Rahman’s leadership in a fascist-free country. Addressing India, Faruk urged New Delhi to return Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh to implement the verdict against her if it wishes to maintain friendly relations. He also emphasized that in the upcoming February 2026 election, BNP supporters should follow Tarique Rahman’s directives and focus on preventing the return of authoritarian rule. Other BNP leaders, including Joint Secretary General Abdus Salam Azad, also spoke at the event.

India faced heavy criticism after losing the Eden Gardens Test against South Africa, marking a rare home defeat. South Africa posted 489 runs in their first innings, with Senuran Muthusamy scoring 102 off 206 balls and Marco Jansen narrowly missing a century by seven runs. During South Africa’s innings, Indian captain Rishabh Pant grew visibly frustrated with spinner Kuldeep Yadav for delaying the start of overs. The umpires had already warned Pant twice for slow over rates. In a heated moment, Pant scolded Kuldeep, reminding him of the 30-second timer and urging him to bowl faster. His remark, accusing the team of turning Test cricket into a joke, reflected growing frustration within the Indian camp. The defeat has sparked debate over India’s discipline, focus, and approach to the longest format of the game.

Police in Chandpur recovered the half-decomposed body of 12-year-old Farzana Akter Fatema, who had been missing for five days. Her body was found in the Dakatiya River near Chairman Ghat in the Darjibari area. According to police, a fisherman first spotted the body entangled in water hyacinth and alerted locals, who then informed authorities. Farzana’s father identified her by her clothing. Preliminary investigation suggests that a trawler driver, Monir Hossain, pushed her into the Meghna River near Puranbazar on November 19. Monir was detained by nearby trawler operators and handed over to police, and he is currently in custody. The body has been sent to Chandpur General Hospital morgue for autopsy. Police said the family is preparing to file a murder case, and multiple teams are investigating the incident to uncover the full circumstances.

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has attributed the country’s current security crisis to past policy missteps, particularly its overly close relationship with the Afghan Taliban. Speaking on Samaa TV, Asif criticized former policymakers who believed in strategic alignment with the Taliban, calling it a grave mistake that has now backfired. He said Pakistan is once again facing intensified proxy conflicts and warned that the risk of war with India remains real. Asif also noted that the presence of Taliban leadership in Pakistan in the past should be a matter of national regret and introspection. He accused India of attempting to destabilize Pakistan through Afghanistan. Despite these challenges, Asif emphasized that Pakistan’s military now enjoys unprecedented unity and coordination with civilian authorities, which he believes will help the country confront its current security threats.

Cricket Australia (CA) has reported a financial setback of approximately 3 million Australian dollars (around 24 crore Bangladeshi taka) following the early conclusion of the first Ashes Test between Australia and England in Perth. The match, which ended in just two days due to a dominant performance by Travis Head, deprived organizers of ticket revenue from the third and fourth days. Despite record attendance of over 101,000 spectators across the two days, the shortened match resulted in significant losses for CA and its broadcasting partners. CA CEO Todd Green acknowledged the financial impact, noting that both the board and broadcasters would be affected. The organization had already reported an 11.3 million Australian dollar loss in the previous fiscal year, partly due to expenses from the India series. However, CA Chairman Mike Baird expressed optimism, stating that revenues have improved by over 20 million dollars this year, with expectations of higher attendance, sponsorship, and viewership in the coming season.

Bangladesh has formally requested India to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and ex-Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both convicted of crimes against humanity during the July mass uprising. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain confirmed on Sunday that a letter was sent from Bangladesh’s mission in New Delhi to India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Friday. The International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Hasina and Kamal to death on November 17 for their roles in the July killings. Dhaka emphasized that India, as a treaty partner, has a legal and moral obligation to return the convicted fugitives. Hasina fled to India on August 5 last year following a mass student and public uprising that toppled her government. Despite previous extradition requests, India has not responded. Bangladesh reiterated that sheltering convicted war criminals would be considered an unfriendly act and a disregard for justice.

Dhaka Medical College has announced the suspension of all academic activities until November 29 following a recent earthquake. The decision was made at an emergency academic council meeting held on Sunday, November 23, and approved by the university syndicate. Principal Professor Dr. Md. Kamrul Alam stated that the professional MBBS examinations under Dhaka University have also been postponed until the same date. The suspension aims to reduce students’ mental stress and allow them time to reunite with their families after the disaster. According to the official notice, regular academic activities will resume on November 30. Authorities emphasized that the temporary closure is a precautionary measure to ensure student safety and well-being in the aftermath of the earthquake.

India’s indigenous Tejas fighter jet crash during the Dubai Airshow has raised serious concerns over the country’s defense export ambitions. The incident, which killed pilot Wing Commander Namansh Sal, occurred on November 21 and has been seen as a major setback for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the state-run manufacturer. Analysts say the crash on such a global stage could damage India’s credibility as a defense exporter, though some remain optimistic about Tejas’s recovery. HAL had been targeting markets in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, even opening an office in Malaysia in 2023. The Tejas project, initiated in the 1980s to replace aging MiG-21s, has faced delays due to engine supply issues from GE Aerospace. With India’s air force operating only 29 of its authorized 42 squadrons, the government is now considering alternatives such as Rafale, F-35, or Su-57 jets while continuing to expand its Tejas fleet. Experts note that beyond exports, Tejas remains vital for India’s future aerospace development.

Jagannath University in Dhaka has suspended all classes and examinations for one week following widespread concerns over recent earthquake tremors. The decision was made during an emergency meeting chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim on Sunday, November 23. Female students residing in university dormitories have been instructed to vacate their halls by 10 a.m. on Monday. To ensure safety, a committee led by the Dean of the Faculty of Life and Earth Sciences, with engineers from BUET, will inspect the structural integrity of university buildings and submit a report by December 3. The closure will remain in effect until December 4. The university administration has arranged transportation to help students return safely to their hometowns, with buses scheduled to depart for divisional cities starting Monday morning.

A Bangladeshi expatriate named Robin Ali, aged 39, was fatally stabbed by his South African wife during a domestic altercation in Welkom’s Hofstad area of the Free State province early Saturday night. Originally from Jatrabari, Dhaka, Robin had been living in South Africa for several years and worked at a shop in Upington, Northern Cape. He visited his wife and children in Welkom every few months. According to local Bangladeshi residents, a late-night argument between the couple escalated into violence, resulting in Robin being stabbed. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where doctors pronounced him dead. Following the incident, the accused wife fled the scene. Local police have visited the site, filed a case, and launched an investigation into the murder.

Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin met with visiting Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay at Bangabhaban on Sunday, as part of Tobgay’s three-day official visit to Dhaka. During the courtesy meeting and subsequent formal talks, both leaders reaffirmed the friendly relations between Bangladesh and Bhutan and expressed optimism about deepening cooperation in trade, hydropower, education, and health sectors. President Shahabuddin emphasized the importance of enhancing bilateral collaboration, while Prime Minister Tobgay thanked Bangladesh for increasing seats for Bhutanese students in medical and engineering institutions. He also praised Bangladesh’s development progress and expressed hope for stronger future ties. The Bhutanese delegation included senior ministers and diplomats, while top Bangladeshi officials attended from the President’s Office and relevant ministries. Earlier, Tobgay paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Memorial in Savar and attended a reception at the airport hosted by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department’s Earthquake Monitoring Centre has issued an early warning of a possible major earthquake following a series of mild tremors that shook Dhaka and surrounding areas within eight hours on Saturday, November 22. The warning came after a 5.7-magnitude quake struck Bangladesh on Friday, leaving experts concerned about the frequency of seismic activity. According to Dr. Mehedi Ahmed Ansari of BUET, Bangladesh has long been at high risk of earthquakes and is divided into three seismic zones, with Zone-1 being the most vulnerable. The Earthquake Monitoring Centre’s acting officer, Rubaiyat Kabir, urged preparedness and vigilance. Global data from Earthquaketracker.com reported 91 quakes worldwide in the past 24 hours and 852 over the last week, underscoring heightened global seismic activity. The local tremors measured between 3.3 and 4.3 magnitudes, with epicenters near Narsingdi’s Palash area, about 29 kilometers northeast of Dhaka.