The Vatican has issued new guidance reaffirming that Catholics should have only one spouse, emphasizing monogamy as central to a happy and faithful life. Approved by Pope Leo, the directive from the Church’s top theological office urges its 1.4 billion followers worldwide to commit to a single partner and avoid multiple sexual relationships. The statement criticizes the practice of polygamy, particularly prevalent among some Catholic communities in Africa, asserting that marriage is a lifelong union between one man and one woman based on equality and mutual commitment. The document does not address same-sex marriage but highlights the 'beauty and sacredness' of traditional marriage. The guidance follows heated debates at Vatican conferences in 2023 and 2024, where bishops and cardinals discussed how to uphold Catholic teachings amid changing cultural norms. The Church reiterated that while marriage is indissoluble, annulments may be granted if a union was invalid, and no one should remain in abusive relationships.

A major controversy has emerged in Bangladesh after Baul singer Abul Sarkar allegedly made derogatory remarks about Allah during a performance, sparking outrage among conservative religious groups. The comments, described by critics as blasphemous and offensive, have led to demands from Islamic activists and religious scholars for Sarkar’s arrest and punishment. The incident has reignited debates over the boundaries of artistic freedom, religious sensitivity, and the role of Baul traditions in a predominantly Muslim society. Supporters of Sarkar argue that Baul philosophy emphasizes spiritual expression beyond orthodox religious frameworks, while opponents claim such expressions insult Islamic beliefs. The government faces growing pressure from religious groups to take legal action, though some intellectuals and cultural figures have defended the Baul community’s right to free expression. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between Bangladesh’s secular cultural heritage and its strong Islamic identity.

Senior journalist Manik Muntasir has called on Baul artists to reject hypocrisy and return to the spiritual and humanist teachings of legendary figures like Lalon Shah and Shah Abdul Karim. His comments came through a Facebook post titled “Stop hypocrisy in the name of Baulism,” following the arrest of Baul singer Abul Sarkar, accused of making derogatory remarks about Islam and Allah. Muntasir emphasized that true Baul saints never mocked any religion and urged that Sarkar’s alleged offenses be handled through proper judicial process. While acknowledging that Sarkar and his followers were previously victims of attack, Muntasir criticized their misinterpretations of religious texts and warned against using religion for sensationalism. He concluded by advising aspiring Bauls to study the lives of Lalon Shah, Shah Abdul Karim, and even Gautama Buddha to understand the essence of spiritual practice and social reform.

A new Hindi film titled ‘The Taj Story’, starring veteran actor Paresh Rawal, claims to reveal the ‘truth’ behind the Taj Mahal, alleging it was once a Hindu temple named Tejo Mahalaya. This theory, first proposed by revisionist writer P.N. Oak in the 1980s, has been repeatedly discredited by historians and India’s Archaeological Survey. Despite lacking evidence, the narrative has resurfaced under the influence of Hindutva politics, which seeks to reinterpret India’s Islamic heritage as foreign and glorify a continuous Hindu past. The film’s release aligns with broader political efforts by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to reshape historical narratives, including textbook revisions and renaming cities with Islamic origins. Critics argue that such cultural projects deepen communal divisions and legitimize exclusionary nationalism. The Taj Mahal controversy, therefore, symbolizes a larger ideological struggle over India’s pluralistic history and identity.

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.

At a freshman reception and career guidance event at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Islami Chhatra Shibir’s central president Zahidul Islam stated that Kolkata’s culture had long been imposed on Bangladesh in the name of Bengali culture. He emphasized the need to practice a culture rooted in self-respect and national identity. Zahidul Islam asserted that the new generation rejects blind political loyalty and coercive politics, declaring that such practices have ended. Addressing criticism about the organization’s stance on women and non-Muslims, he dismissed them as politically motivated misinformation, affirming Shibir’s commitment to Islam’s inclusive principles. He also highlighted Shibir’s 30-point education proposal, which he claimed could elevate Bangladesh’s education, research, and technical sectors globally if implemented. The event, attended by over a thousand new students, featured university professors and Shibir leaders who encouraged students to develop academic and practical skills.

The National Education and Culture Protection Movement has submitted a memorandum protesting the cancellation of the government decision to recruit music and physical education teachers in primary schools. The organization, supported by 23 social, cultural, teacher, and student groups, announced a rally at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka on Saturday. Movement leaders, including Mahmud Selim, Dr. Abu Sayeed, and Dr. Mokbul Hossain, argued that the interim government reversed its earlier decision under pressure from certain groups demanding religious teachers instead. They emphasized that music and physical education are essential for children’s holistic development and warned that removing these subjects would harm intellectual and emotional growth. The Primary and Mass Education Adviser, Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar, assured that appropriate actions would be taken. The movement also urged the government to make music, fine arts, and physical education compulsory at both primary and secondary levels.

More than 10,000 devotees and visitors, regardless of religion or background, gathered for a communal meal during the annual Sri Sri Sarbajanin Raksha Kali Puja celebration in Gobindapur-Golla-Moymandi villages under Jatnrail Union, Nawabganj, Dhaka. The event, held on November 20, featured the traditional Kirtan Mahaprabhu’s Bhograg festival, a 200-year-old tradition of the temple. Around 20 cooks and over 100 volunteers prepared and served food from early morning until evening. Local leaders, including BNP candidate Khandaker Abu Ashfaq, attended and exchanged greetings with devotees. Organizers emphasized the unity among people of all faiths—Hindu, Muslim, and Christian—who participated in the festival. The temple committee expressed pride in preserving this long-standing cultural and religious heritage, which draws visitors from neighboring districts each year.

At a discussion marking the 194th death anniversary of Shaheed Mir Nisar Ali Titumir, speakers criticized the state’s continued neglect in properly honoring the 19th-century revolutionary leader. The event, organized by the Government Titumir College Journalists’ Association, featured civil society representative Abul Kashem Sheikh of the United Nations, academics, journalists, and political figures. Sheikh emphasized that Titumir’s rebellion against British colonial and landlord oppression remains a symbol of resistance and justice, lamenting the absence of a national budget or official recognition for his legacy. Other speakers, including Dr. S. M. Khaliduzzaman and writer Abid Azam, linked Titumir’s struggle to later movements for independence and social justice in Bengal, urging the youth to emulate his ideals. They described the state’s failure to commemorate him as a reflection of institutional weakness and called for broader recognition of his contributions to Bangladesh’s liberation and identity.

Dhaka will host the 24th International Qirat Conference Bangladesh–2025 on November 28 at the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram. The event, organized by the International Quran Recitation Organization ‘Iqra’ and sponsored by PHP Family with support from the Islamic Foundation Bangladesh, aims to promote Quran recitation globally. Distinguished reciters from Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan, Iran, and the Philippines will participate, including Sheikh Ahmad Al Jawhari, Sheikh Abdul Wali Arakani, Qari Anwarul Hasan Shah Bukhari, Qari Mahdi Gholamnejad, and Qari Muhammad Nair Asfar. The conference will be presided over by the eminent reciter Sheikh Ahmad bin Yusuf Al Azhari. Chief Guest will be Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain, while PHP Family Chairman Sufi Md. Mizanur Rahman will attend as chief patron. Special guests include Islamic Foundation Director General A. Halim Khan, Dhaka Deputy Commissioner Tanzil Ahmed, and DIG of Police Ejaz Ahmed. Diplomats from various countries are also expected to attend.

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.