At least 21 of the 41 murders committed in Chattogram over the past year are linked to criminal gangs operating through foreign phone numbers and encrypted messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Imo, and Telegram. These networks, reportedly run by masterminds based in India, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Dubai, and Qatar, issue orders for killings, extortion, and abductions remotely. Police admit they lack the technical capacity to trace these encrypted communications, leaving them unable to pinpoint suspects’ locations even when nearby. Intelligence reports identify at least 14 active groups, each backed by expatriate coordinators and hackers skilled in number cloning and fake location generation. Local law enforcement officials say their efforts are hampered by limited access to advanced surveillance tools and dependence on a single military intelligence agency for technical assistance. Experts warn that Chattogram’s underworld has undergone a ‘digital shift,’ urging immediate investment in cyber intelligence, international data-sharing agreements, and modern monitoring systems to prevent virtual criminal networks from becoming uncontrollable.

Despite multiple intelligence and Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) reports confirming serious irregularities, several senior officials loyal to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina remain in powerful positions at Bangladesh Television (BTV). Investigations revealed large-scale corruption, including bribery, project manipulation, and misuse of government funds, yet no disciplinary measures have been taken. Sources claim that a network of ministry and BTV officials has deliberately stalled these reports, keeping them buried in bureaucratic red tape. Key figures such as Senior Engineer Monirul Islam, Executive Producer Safir Hossain, and Controller Mohammad Selim have been accused of embezzlement, document forgery, and abuse of power. Despite ongoing investigations, they continue to hold influential posts, allegedly obstructing further inquiries. Ministry officials, including the secretary and additional secretary, declined to comment when contacted. Insiders fear that the unchecked influence of these officials poses risks of information leaks and continued corruption within the state broadcaster.

A fire has broken out at Bangladesh Medical Hospital, commonly known as PG Hospital, located in Shahbagh, Dhaka. According to initial reports, six units of the Fire Service and Civil Defence are currently on the scene working to bring the blaze under control. The cause of the fire and the extent of damage are yet to be determined. Authorities have not reported any casualties so far, and emergency responders are focusing on ensuring the safety of patients and staff. Further details are expected as the situation develops.

In Maharashtra’s Kalyan region, three Muslim students were publicly humiliated by Hindu extremists who forced them to bow before a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The incident occurred after a video showing the students offering prayers in an empty classroom went viral online. Members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal reportedly stormed Ideal College, demanding the students apologize and perform the act of obeisance while chanting religious slogans. Witnesses said police officers present at the scene did not intervene. Local Muslim residents and parents of the victims condemned the incident, accusing the college administration of yielding to mob pressure and preparing disciplinary action against the victims instead of the perpetrators. Rights groups and community leaders said the event reflects a growing pattern of harassment and intimidation of Muslims in BJP-ruled states, where extremist groups allegedly act with impunity and law enforcement fails to protect minorities.

A series of investigative reports have revealed extensive corruption within Bangladesh Television (BTV), implicating several senior officials accused of embezzlement, abuse of power, and political favoritism. Despite clear evidence from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and National Security Intelligence (NSI), no disciplinary action has been taken against the accused, many of whom are reportedly loyal to the former Awami League government. Officials such as Monirul Islam, Mohammad Selim, and Safir Hossain are alleged to have manipulated contracts, falsified bills, and misused public funds. Sources claim that a powerful clique within the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is obstructing the implementation of investigation findings, keeping the reports buried in bureaucratic red tape. Attempts to obtain official comments from ministry officials, including Secretary Mahbuba Farzana, were unsuccessful. The revelations have raised concerns about ongoing risks of information leaks and the persistence of corruption within the state broadcaster even under the interim government.

A devastating fire broke out in Dhaka’s Korail slum on Tuesday evening, destroying around 1,500 homes. The blaze started at approximately 5:22 p.m., and 19 fire service units managed to bring it under control after five hours of effort, around 10:30 p.m. No casualties have been reported so far. Fire Service Director (Operations and Maintenance) Lt. Col. Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury said traffic congestion delayed the arrival of fire trucks, forcing firefighters to extend hoses from a distance. He added that tangled electrical wires and gas cylinders inside homes accelerated the spread of the fire. The cause of the blaze and the extent of property damage are under investigation. Chowdhury noted that regular fire drills in the slum helped contain the fire more quickly. He also mentioned that sufficient water was available from fire trucks, WASA, and nearby drains. Officials warned that winter months are typically a high-risk period for fires in Dhaka.

At least 27 people, including two student journalists, were injured in a violent clash between students of Jessore University of Science and Technology (JUST) and local residents on Tuesday evening. The confrontation erupted near Ambottola Bazar after allegations that a local shopkeeper harassed a female student. When students confronted the shopkeeper, an argument escalated into physical violence, prompting locals to retaliate. Witnesses reported that locals used loudspeakers to mobilize others against the students, leading to hours of chaos marked by stone-throwing and vandalism. Students later blocked the Chougacha–Dhaka highway and confined the vice-chancellor and treasurer, demanding justice and faster police response. Law enforcement and army personnel were eventually deployed to restore order around 9 p.m. University authorities visited the injured students and promised to address their demands by Wednesday evening, leading to the release of the confined officials around 1 a.m.

Bangladeshi authorities have seized 832 tolas of gold ornaments from two bank lockers belonging to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in exile in India. The operation was conducted on Tuesday night, November 25, under court authorization, in the presence of a magistrate. The joint team from the National Board of Revenue’s Central Intelligence Cell (CIC) and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) opened the lockers at Agrani Bank’s Dilkusha branch in Dhaka. This marks the first time Hasina’s bank lockers have been opened with court approval. The CIC had earlier seized the lockers on September 17 to investigate possible tax evasion. Additionally, on September 10, the CIC had confiscated another locker belonging to Hasina at Pubali Bank’s Motijheel corporate branch. The gold recovery is part of a broader investigation into alleged financial irregularities linked to the former premier.

A series of violent clashes broke out between locals and students of Jessore University of Science and Technology (JUST) on Tuesday evening following an incident of harassment involving a female student. The conflict began around 7 p.m. near the Ambottola area on the Jessore-Chowgacha road after a shopkeeper allegedly harassed the student at a photocopy shop. Enraged students assaulted the shopkeeper, prompting other local shopkeepers to retaliate, leading to stone-throwing and street violence that lasted nearly an hour. At least five students were reported injured. Locals later burned tires and benches on the road, causing severe traffic congestion. Law enforcement, including police and army personnel, intervened to restore order. University authorities said an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident, while the situation has since stabilized.

Former Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) member Nazrul Islam returned home to Rajshahi’s Bagha upazila after serving 17 years in prison following the 2009 BDR mutiny case. Released from Natore jail on Monday evening, Nazrul was greeted by emotional family members and villagers. However, his joy was overshadowed by grief as he learned that his elder son, Nahid Islam, had died three years earlier from a heart attack. Nazrul expressed deep sorrow over losing his son and frustration over what he described as wrongful imprisonment. He urged the government to release others he believes were falsely accused in the same case. Nazrul had left behind two children when he was imprisoned; his daughter Shapla is now married. Villagers gathered to welcome him home, their tears reflecting both relief and the pain of lost years.

A massive fire broke out on Tuesday evening in Dhaka’s Karail slum, affecting areas including Bou Bazar, Cumilla Patti, Barishal Patti, and Block 'K'. Nineteen units of the Fire Service are working to control the blaze, joined by local residents. However, efforts have been hampered by damaged hoses and a shortage of water in the northeastern part of the area. Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury, Director of Fire Service Operations and Maintenance, stated that the teams are focusing on controlling the northeastern section to bring the fire under control soon. Initially, eleven units were deployed, with eight more joining later. Many residents whose homes were destroyed have taken shelter at the Khamarbari field nearby. No casualties have been reported so far, and the cause of the fire remains unknown. Authorities are hopeful that the situation will improve shortly as firefighting continues.

A case has been filed against Rezaul Hasan Bhuiyan, also known as Suman, president of the BNP’s Maska Union unit in Kendua, Netrakona, for allegedly cutting down 31 government-owned mahogany trees without authorization. The complaint was lodged by Abdul Jalil, assistant land officer of Maska Union, naming Bhuiyan and four unidentified individuals. The trees, valued at around 800,000 taka, were reportedly felled on November 18 along a rural road being upgraded under a 55.8 million taka LGED project. Locals claimed the trees were cut using the name of the Upazila administration, and some logs were seized after residents intervened. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) stated that the contractor had no right to cut the trees and that a three-member inquiry committee has been formed to investigate. Police confirmed the case and said efforts are underway to arrest the accused, who claimed earlier that the trees were removed at his own expense to expedite road construction.

Folk singer Abul Sarkar has been arrested after widespread outrage over alleged blasphemous remarks about Islam and Allah during a musical event in Ghior, Manikganj. The controversy deepened when videos resurfaced showing Sarkar performing songs praising Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Awami League cultural programs following the party’s disputed January 2024 election. The performances, reportedly held in Tangail, featured ruling party leaders including MP Khan Ahmed Shuvo. Public anger intensified on social media, with religious groups demanding Sarkar’s immediate trial and punishment. Police detained him in Madaripur during a special operation, and he is now in custody. Meanwhile, another folk singer, Hasina Sarkar, sparked further debate by alleging that female Baul artists face sexual exploitation and are pressured into compromising situations to secure performance opportunities, though she did not name any individuals involved.

A major fire broke out at Dhaka’s Korail slum on Tuesday evening, causing widespread panic among residents. The blaze, which started around 5:19 p.m., quickly spread through the densely populated area, fueled by tin houses and limited access routes. Firefighters faced significant challenges in controlling the flames due to an acute water shortage and heavy traffic delays. According to Fire Service duty officer Rashed Bin Khalid, 16 units have been deployed to the site, with additional water tankers dispatched to address the scarcity. Law enforcement agencies have cordoned off the area, restricting entry to prevent accidents and maintain order. Residents were seen frantically removing valuables from their homes as the fire spread. The cause of the fire and the extent of damage are yet to be determined, while authorities continue efforts to bring the situation under control.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Jamshed Alam on Tuesday accepted an interim report recommending the release of Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin from the murder case of Md Sohan Shah, an executive mechanical engineer at Virgo Garments, who was shot during the July 2024 uprising and later died in hospital. The report, submitted by RAB-3 Sub-Inspector Md Mostafizur Rahman under Section 173(a) of the Criminal Procedure Code, stated that no evidence linked Bashiruddin to the incident. The case was originally filed on September 19, 2024, by Sohan’s mother, Sufia Begum, naming 57 accused, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Bashiruddin had been listed as the 49th accused. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Prosecution Division confirmed the court’s acceptance of the report and Bashiruddin’s exemption from the charges.