A total of 26 journalists from print, online, and electronic media were honored with the Nagad-DRU Best Reporting Award 2025 for their exceptional contributions to investigative journalism. The award ceremony took place on Sunday, November 16, at the International Mother Language Institute in Dhaka, organized by the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) with sponsorship from mobile financial service provider Nagad. Chief guest Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, interim government economic adviser and noted economist, praised journalists for their vital role in providing accurate information during challenging times. He highlighted improvements in Bangladesh’s economic indicators, including reduced inflation and increased foreign reserves. The event was also attended by Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur and Nagad Chairman Kaisser Ahmed Chowdhury. Awards were given across 24 categories, recognizing reports published or broadcast between September 1, 2024, and October 30, 2025. DRU President Abu Saleh Akon presided over the ceremony, congratulating the winners and encouraging others to continue their pursuit of excellence in journalism.

A book launch and discussion event for 'Dhaka University: In History, In Memory', written by eminent academic and Dhaka University English Department Emeritus Professor Sirajul Islam Chowdhury, was held on Saturday, November 15, at the Poet Sufia Kamal Auditorium of the Bangladesh National Museum. The event, organized by Bengal Books, was chaired by Professor Firdaus Azim and featured distinguished speakers including Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, Professor Khalikuzzaman Elias, playwright Khairul Alam Sabuj, novelist Ahmad Mostofa Kamal, researcher Kazi Samio Shish, and publisher Mahmudul Hasan. Discussants praised the book for its balanced blend of historical insight and personal reflection, analyzing the university’s role in education, politics, and intellectual life. Bengal Books’ publisher Mahmudul Hasan highlighted the company’s mission to promote creative reading and nurture new writers through quality publications in literature, history, and social thought.

Eight-year-old Preyoshi Chakraborty from Tangail has been named the national champion in the music category (Group A) of the children's talent competition 'Notun Kuri'. The award ceremony took place on Thursday, November 13, at the Shapla Auditorium of the Chief Adviser’s Office, where Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus presented her with a trophy and a cash prize of three lakh taka. Preyoshi, a third-grade student at Shaheen Cadet, comes from a musically gifted family—her father Sanjoy Chakraborty Babul and mother Rakhi Chakraborty are both musicians, while her elder sister Shreyoshi Chakraborty has won five national music awards and is currently studying classical music at Delhi University under an ICCR scholarship. Preyoshi’s achievement has sparked widespread celebration in Tangail’s cultural community, with her family expressing hopes that both daughters will one day become timeless icons in Bangladeshi music.

Bangladesh’s century-old paddle steamer PS Mahsud has been relaunched as a luxury river cruise vessel to promote the nation’s riverine heritage and boost tourism. The vessel was inaugurated at Dhaka’s Sadarghat by Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain, adviser to the Ministry of Shipping, with senior government officials in attendance. The steamer will begin regular tourist service on the Dhaka-Barishal route from November 21, offering passengers scenic daytime journeys. The restoration preserved its historic design while upgrading engines, safety systems, and navigation with modern technology, including low-emission engines to reduce river pollution. The cruise will feature traditional Bangladeshi cuisine, live music, and cultural performances to attract both domestic and foreign tourists. Officials also announced plans to renovate other historic steamers such as PS Ostrich, PS Lepcha, and PS Turn to further develop river tourism and preserve Bangladesh’s maritime legacy.

A massive gathering took place at Dhaka’s historic Suhrawardy Udyan as the International Khatme Nabuwwat Conference began on Saturday morning, organized by the Sammilito Khatme Nabuwwat Parishad. The event, focused on defending the belief in the finality of Prophet Muhammad’s prophethood, drew participants from Bangladesh and five other countries. Prominent Islamic scholars from Pakistan, India, Egypt, and other nations attended, including Maulana Fazlur Rahman of Pakistan, Maulana Mahmood Madani of India, and Dr. Shaykh Musab Nabil Ibrahim of Egypt’s Al-Azhar University. From Bangladesh, notable religious leaders such as Hefazat-e-Islam chief Maulana Shah Muhibullah Babunagari and Islamic Movement Bangladesh’s leader Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim joined the event. Organizers said the conference aimed to strengthen global unity among Muslims on this issue, with participation from political and religious leaders across the country.

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) has announced that it will celebrate the Bengali New Year on the first day of Agrahayan instead of the traditional Pahela Baishakh. The event, organized jointly with the cultural group 'Biplobi Sangskritik Oikya', will take place on Sunday, November 16, at the Faculty of Fine Arts. DUCSU’s Literary and Cultural Affairs Secretary, Musaddiq Ibn Ali Mohammad, explained that historically, the New Year was celebrated on Pahela Agrahayan through the 'Nabanna' harvest festival before Emperor Akbar reformed the calendar. The program will feature four segments, including a painting exhibition, a festive procession, cultural performances, and a reception for guests. DUCSU leaders said the initiative aims to revive the forgotten heritage of celebrating the New Year during the harvest season and reconnect younger generations with their cultural roots.

The 178th birth anniversary of renowned novelist, playwright, and essayist Mir Mosharraf Hossain was celebrated in Rajbari with various programs. Representatives from Bangla Academy, the district and upazila administrations, and the Mir Mosharraf Hossain Literary Council paid floral tributes at his grave in Padamdi village of Baliakandi upazila. Later, a seminar was held under the chairmanship of District Commissioner Sultana Akter. Bangla Academy Secretary Dr. Md. Selim Reza attended as the chief guest, while Director Samir Kumar Sarkar was present as a special guest. The event highlighted Hossain’s literary contributions and his enduring influence on Bengali literature and culture.

Members of Portugal’s former royal family visited the Guardians Cap project site in Salia village, Sylhet Sadar upazila, and inaugurated a newly constructed lake. They were welcomed by CEO Noor Hayat and Chief Patron B.J. Abu Sayeed Mohammad Bakir. A ceremony was later held at the foundation building, attended by dignitaries including Sir Sheikh Aliur Rahman, Sir Asif Niaz Bazlul, Lord Edward Shiu, and others. The foundation’s chairman, Md. Ashiqur Rahman Chowdhury, presented ongoing and upcoming initiatives. CEO Noor Hayat expressed gratitude for the royal visit, emphasizing the foundation’s mission to support underprivileged communities. The project aims to provide British curriculum-based education for students from class three to high school, with facilities for 100–150 learners and trained instructors. About 85% of the project work has been completed, and classes are expected to begin in September 2026.

The 77th birth anniversary of renowned Bangladeshi writer and filmmaker Humayun Ahmed was celebrated in Netrokona with various programs including processions, prayers, discussions, and cultural performances. The main events took place at Shahid Smriti Bidyapith in Kutubpur, Kendua, where floral tributes were offered to the author’s sculpture. Local officials, teachers, and students participated, highlighting Ahmed’s literary legacy and influence on Bangladeshi culture. Another celebration organized by the group ‘Himu Pathok Adda’ featured a rally from the central Shaheed Minar to Moktarpara field, followed by speeches from the Deputy Commissioner, police officials, and local poets. Speakers praised Ahmed’s ability to connect art with nature and his contribution to building a strong reading culture in Bangladesh.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus expressed hope that the 'Notun Kuri' competition will play a significant role in nation building. Speaking at the 'Notun Kuri 2025' award ceremony held at his office on Thursday, he urged everyone to support children's creative development. Dr. Yunus encouraged children to engage not only in music and dance but also in writing, technology, sports, and entrepreneurship. He assured full government support for such initiatives and thanked the ministry for reviving the long-standing competition. During the event, he handed over checks worth 300,000 taka and trophies to two winners from different categories and congratulated all participants for their achievements.

A new documentary titled 'Trial of July Massacre' has been released under the supervision of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Cultural Affairs. The 21-minute-59-second film, unveiled by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing, focuses on the killings that occurred during the July 2024 uprising, which the film attributes to the then Awami League government. According to the accompanying statement, the release aims to highlight the events as one of the most tragic episodes in world history and to reaffirm Bangladesh’s commitment to ensuring justice for the victims. The documentary seeks to preserve the memory of the uprising and promote accountability for the violence that took place.

Bangla Academy has postponed the previously planned December edition of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair due to the upcoming national election.

A statement said the decision was made following a September 21 directive from the Home Ministry to arrange the fair after the election. The academy added that new dates will be decided later in consultation with publishers and stakeholders.

Farmers in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, are celebrating a bumper harvest of Aman paddy in salt fields, an area once unsuitable for rice cultivation. With support from the Department of Agricultural Extension, 300 hectares of salt fields were cultivated with BRRI dhan-75 and BINA dhan-17 varieties, yielding excellent results. Farmers can now grow both salt and rice on the same land, boosting income and food supply. Authorities plan to expand this practice to other abandoned salt fields across the region.

Government adviser Mahfuz Alam has called for a special edition of Nabarun magazine dedicated to the children martyred in the July uprising, featuring their writings and personal memorabilia.

Speaking to officials from the Department of Films and Publications, he stressed the importance of publishing children’s artwork and writings in the magazine to inspire creativity among the younger generation. “Regardless of which government is in power, we must remain impartial when it comes to children and youth,” he said.

Mahfuz also urged writers to contribute articles on the Language Movement, the Liberation War, the 1974 uprising, and broader socio-economic issues. He recommended digitizing all past editions of Nabarun since its inception in 1970 and making them publicly accessible, while also introducing a special section for new writers, with at least five featured in each issue.

Farmers in Roumari upazila, Kurigram, are facing an acute shortage of urea, TSP, and DAP fertilizers, leading to repeated demonstrations and confinement of dealers and agricultural officers.

Police eventually intervened to restore order. According to officials, fertilizer allocation for the Aman season is far below actual demand. Allegations have surfaced that local dealers, in collusion with some agriculture officials, have diverted fertilizer to private retailers at inflated prices.

The Upazila Agriculture Officer admitted to supply shortages but assured that steps are being taken to resolve the crisis soon.