A Tk 2 crore solar streetlight project in Maheshpur Municipality, Jhenaidah, has been mired in allegations of corruption and irregularities involving a former mayor, an engineer, and a contractor. Funded by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in the 2020–21 fiscal year, the project aimed to install 150 solar lights to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Despite two deadline extensions, around 40% of the work remains incomplete. Investigations revealed fake labels, substandard materials, and inflated cost estimates—each light priced at Tk 132,500 though market value is Tk 30,000–45,000. The contractor allegedly withdrew over Tk 8.3 million for poor-quality installations. Following complaints, the new municipal administrator, Additional District Magistrate ABM Khalid Hossain Siddiqui, launched an inquiry that confirmed major discrepancies. Work has since been halted, and a show-cause notice was issued to the contractor. Authorities are awaiting a written explanation before deciding on further legal or administrative action.

A shocking incident in Brahmanbaria has sparked widespread attention after CCTV footage showed the wife of a local Youth League leader brandishing a pistol and threatening pharmacy employees. The accused, Liza Akter, wife of Abu Kawsar, joint secretary of the Sadar Upazila unit of the Youth League, allegedly visited Minhaz Pharmacy on November 23 searching for her husband’s second wife’s brother, who works there. When she failed to find him, she reportedly pulled a pistol from her vanity bag and threatened to shoot the shop owner and staff. The pharmacy owner, Md. Kawsar, filed a written complaint with Brahmanbaria Sadar Model Police Station on November 26. Police have assigned Sub-Inspector Abdul Alim to investigate the case and uncover the full details. The accused could not be reached for comment. The incident has caused public outrage, especially as the husband is reportedly absconding in multiple political cases.

In Lakshmipur’s Raipur upazila, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mehedi Hasan has launched an extensive campaign against teenage gangs and drug trafficking, addressing what he described as major social problems. Following community meetings seeking public cooperation, Hasan, along with Assistant Commissioner (Land) Nigar Sultana and Officer-in-Charge Nizam Uddin Bhuiyan, led a four-hour operation in several areas of Charpata. The team chased away gang members and warned students and parents about staying indoors at night. Earlier, a drug dealer named Sohel was arrested and sentenced to six months in prison with a fine of Tk 5,000. Hasan emphasized that combating drugs and gang culture requires collective social action, noting that no country has fully eradicated drugs. Law enforcement officials stressed that community involvement is essential to permanently eliminate gang influence and drug abuse, as legal measures alone are insufficient. Educational institutions were urged to raise awareness among students about the dangers of drugs and gang activities.

A major fire broke out at the five-story Rahman Diagnostic Center in Hemayetpur, Savar, on Thursday night, causing extensive damage to the facility. The blaze reportedly started around 11:30 p.m. in a shop located in the building’s underground section. Two units from the Hemayetpur Tannery Fire Service responded promptly and managed to bring the fire under control by around 1:30 a.m. Firefighters continued dumping operations to prevent reignition. According to Fire Service Station Manager Tanvir Ahmed, the fire spread from the lower floor to other parts of the building, burning furniture and valuable equipment. Although no casualties have been reported, the full extent of the damage and the cause of the fire are yet to be determined. Authorities are still assessing the situation as smoke continues to rise from the site.

A mobile court in Jagannathpur upazila of Sunamganj sentenced five workers to varying jail terms for illegally extracting sand from the Kushiyara River. The operation, led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md. Mohsin Uddin on Thursday morning, also resulted in the seizure of three engine-run boats loaded with sand. Among the convicts, Nabi Hossain and Alal Uddin received six months’ imprisonment each, while Didar Miah, Monir Hossain, and Nazrul were sentenced to three months each. Authorities stated that legal action will continue against others involved in the illegal extraction. The administration emphasized that such drives will remain ongoing to protect the river from environmental degradation caused by unauthorized sand mining. The convicted individuals were later sent to jail through the Sunamganj court, according to local police officials.

A National Guard member was fatally shot near the White House in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, November 26. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the death of 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom from West Virginia, while another guard, Andrew Wolf, remains in critical condition. Authorities reported that the shooting targeted National Guard personnel stationed near the area. A 29-year-old Afghan national has been detained as the prime suspect in connection with the attack. Following the incident, security measures around the U.S. capital have been heightened, with an additional 500 National Guard troops deployed to reinforce protection near key federal sites. The motive behind the attack remains under investigation, and officials have not yet disclosed further details about the suspect’s background or possible affiliations. The White House has expressed condolences to the victim’s family and pledged a thorough inquiry into the incident.

Twelve Bangladeshi fishermen from two trawlers were reportedly abducted by members of Myanmar’s armed rebel group, the Arakan Army (AA), early Thursday near the eastern side of St. Martin’s Island in the Bay of Bengal. The fishermen, led by boatmen from St. Martin’s, were fishing when one trawler’s engine failed, leaving them vulnerable. Local trawler owners confirmed the incident, saying the fishermen were taken away at dawn. The Arakan Army has recently intensified coastal patrols, claiming to intercept Bangladeshi boats entering Myanmar’s waters. Reports indicate that since January, the group has detained around 188 Bangladeshi fishermen and 30 boats, later releasing some. Local fishing communities are in fear, as over a hundred fishermen remain missing from previous abductions. Bangladeshi authorities have acknowledged the latest incident and stated that law enforcement agencies are investigating the matter and coordinating with relevant authorities for the fishermen’s safe return.

The hearing of arguments in the murder case of Rayhan Uddin, who died after alleged torture at the Bandarbazar police outpost in Sylhet in 2020, has been postponed again. The Sylhet Metropolitan Sessions Judge, Munshi Abdul Majid, set the new date for Sunday following a petition from the only detained accused, dismissed ASI Asheq Elahi. Earlier, arguments for five other accused were completed. Court sources said the verdict date may be set after the next hearing. The prosecution concluded its arguments against the absconding accused on Thursday. The prime accused, former SI Akbar Hossain Bhuiyan, was released on bail in August 2024 but remains absconding after his bail was suspended. The case, filed by Rayhan’s wife under the Death in Custody Prevention Act, led to the suspension of seven police officers and the arrest of three. The Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) submitted a charge sheet in May 2021 against six officers.

A violent clash erupted between two rival groups in Brahmanbaria’s Kandipara area on Thursday evening, leaving three people injured by gunfire. The confrontation reportedly stemmed from an ongoing dispute over local dominance between the groups led by Lion Shakil and Delwar Hossain Dilip, the district convenor of the Swechchhasebak Dal. According to police, members of Shakil’s group opened fire on Dilip’s supporters, injuring Nazmul Ahmed Tutul (36), Shihab (30), and Saju Mia. Locals rescued the wounded and took them to Brahmanbaria General Hospital, where two of them are receiving treatment for rubber bullet injuries. Officer-in-Charge Md Azharul Islam said the police are investigating whether other factors contributed to the conflict and have pledged to bring those responsible to justice. The incident has heightened tension in the area, prompting increased police presence to prevent further violence.

A fatal road accident in Fatikchhari upazila of Chattogram claimed two lives, including a police sub-inspector, on Thursday evening. The collision occurred between two motorcycles at Amtal area of Paindong Union along the Chattogram-Khagrachhari regional highway. The deceased were identified as Saiful Islam, 40, a sub-inspector of Manikchhari Police Station and resident of Munshiganj’s Gazaria, and Md Hafiz, 30, from Fakirtilla area of Manikchhari. Two others, police constable Abdullah Al Noman, 26, and motorcyclist Yasin, 20, sustained injuries and were transferred to Chattogram Medical College Hospital for treatment. Witnesses said all four riders were critically injured and rushed to Nazirhat Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared Saiful Islam and Hafiz dead. Local police confirmed the incident and said all victims were riding motorcycles at the time of the crash.

Six students were injured in a stabbing incident at Gararan Khalilia Fazil Madrasa in Gazipur’s Sreepur upazila after protesting the harassment of female classmates. The attack occurred when a ninth-grade student, identified as Mohammad Siam, allegedly stabbed students from grades eight and ten following a dispute over his behavior toward female students. The confrontation began the previous day when Siam was reprimanded by teachers after being confronted by senior students. Seeking revenge, he returned with a knife and attacked them after their exam. Three of the injured were sent to Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital, while others received treatment at Sreepur Upazila Health Complex. The madrasa authorities have informed local education and administrative officials and plan disciplinary action. Police confirmed the incident and are conducting an operation to arrest the suspect. Teachers and community leaders expressed concern over rising youth violence and the lack of preventive measures in educational institutions.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, announced that law enforcement agencies have been instructed to arrest those responsible for recent attacks on Baul singers. Following a meeting of the Advisory Council, Alam said that a special operation is underway in Manikganj, Thakurgaon, and Khulna, where incidents of violence occurred. The attacks reportedly took place during demonstrations demanding the release of Baul singer Abul Sarkar, who had been detained on allegations of hurting religious sentiments. Authorities have directed police in affected areas to act swiftly and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice. The government emphasized maintaining law and order and protecting the rights of cultural groups like the Bauls, who are known for their spiritual and musical traditions. The ongoing operations aim to prevent further unrest and ensure accountability for the assaults.

Chittagong University (CU) is facing a growing crisis as the number of fake students identified on campus continues to rise. The latest arrest involves Minhaz Islam Rifat, who falsely claimed to be a third-year economics student while actually working at a local hospital. He allegedly sent inappropriate messages to female students and maintained ties with campus political groups. Over the past decade, at least ten imposters have been caught posing as CU students, engaging in fraud, theft, and harassment. Previous cases include individuals who forged admission documents, impersonated relatives of freedom fighters to gain quota benefits, or claimed to be intelligence officers. University authorities admit that such imposters exploit CU’s identity for personal gain and that their ability to act is limited when offenders are not officially enrolled. Students and faculty are demanding stronger verification systems and stricter enforcement to prevent further incidents of deception and misconduct on campus.

Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) thwarted a major yaba smuggling attempt near the Ukhiya border when traffickers fled back into Myanmar, abandoning three bags containing 360,000 yaba tablets. The incident occurred late Wednesday night in the Phari Bill area, where a special BGB patrol intercepted two individuals crossing from Myanmar. Upon being challenged, the smugglers dropped their bags and escaped. Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Jasim Uddin, commander of the 64 BGB Battalion, confirmed the seizure on Thursday morning. BGB suspects a large trafficking network was behind the operation and has intensified intelligence surveillance to identify those involved. The recovered yaba tablets have been handed over to Ukhiya police for legal proceedings. BGB reiterated its commitment to maintaining strict border security and continuing anti-narcotics operations along the Bangladesh-Myanmar frontier.

A violent clash erupted between students of Jessore University of Science and Technology (JUST) and local residents following allegations that a shopkeeper harassed and inappropriately touched a female student. The incident began on November 24 when the student visited a shop to buy electronic items and accused the shopkeeper, Monayem Hossain, of misconduct. After the complaint spread on campus, students confronted Monayem, leading to escalating tensions. Villagers later joined the confrontation, resulting in stone-throwing and injuries to around 25 students and two journalists. Police intervened to restore order, and Monayem was arrested under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act. The university vice-chancellor visited injured students and promised medical and psychological support. While the campus remains calm, authorities are working with local business leaders to prevent further unrest. Conflicting accounts from Monayem’s family claim the incident was a misunderstanding. An investigation is underway to determine the facts behind the clash.