Students of Dhaka College blocked the Science Lab intersection in Dhaka on Monday, protesting the proposed and ongoing implementation of the 'Dhaka Central University' model. The demonstration, which began around 11:15 a.m., halted traffic on Mirpur Road and surrounding areas including Elephant Road, Nilkhet, New Market, and Dhanmondi. Commuters faced severe disruptions as buses, private cars, and rickshaws were stuck for hours, forcing many to walk to their destinations. Protesters argued that merging seven government colleges into a new central university would undermine their long-standing identity, heritage, and educational environment. They also criticized the government for making the decision without consulting students. The government had earlier announced its plan to establish 'Dhaka Central University' as an independent public university, ending the colleges’ affiliation with Dhaka University. The sudden blockade caused widespread public suffering and highlighted growing discontent among students over the restructuring of higher education institutions in the capital.

Reza Kibria, son of former finance minister Shah A M S Kibria, has officially joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The announcement was made at BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s political office in Gulshan, where he was welcomed by the party’s Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Reza Kibria expressed pride in joining the BNP, while Mirza Fakhrul said the party was honored to have him and believed he would contribute to building Bangladesh in line with BNP’s 31-point agenda. Reza Kibria previously contested the 2018 general election as a candidate of the BNP-led Jatiya Oikya Front under the BNP’s electoral symbol. Before joining BNP, he had been involved with several political groups, including Gano Forum, where he served as general secretary, and later co-founded Gana Adhikar Parishad with Nurul Haque Nur. Internal divisions in these parties eventually led him to form his own group, Amjanatar Dal, before his latest political move to BNP.

BNP candidate for Dhaka-6 constituency Ishraq Hossain has prayed for the recovery of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, emphasizing the need for unity and peace in Bangladesh. Speaking at a prayer gathering organized by Dhaka South Jubo Dal leader Mukitul Ahsan Ranzu, Ishraq expressed concern over Khaleda Zia’s critical health condition and called for collective prayers for her swift recovery. He highlighted the importance of a visionary and unifying leadership during the country’s current crisis, describing Khaleda Zia as a guardian figure for the nation. Ishraq urged all citizens to pray for her health, hoping that she would once again overcome her illness with divine help. Several BNP and Jubo Dal leaders, including Haji Liaqat Ali, Sabbir Ahmed Arif, and Khandaker Enamul Haque Enam, were present at the event.

A group of 10 to 12 activists linked to the banned Awami League and its affiliates held a surprise torch procession in Fatikchhari, Chattogram, late Sunday night. Led by expatriate leader Zahid, the rally began near Nanuppur Lailakbir College and ended within minutes before participants dispersed. Several individuals in the procession were seen wearing helmets and covering their faces, as shown in videos circulating on social media. Following the viral footage, police launched an operation and arrested two Chhatra League activists named Hridoy and Ershad. Fatikchhari Police Station Officer-in-Charge Nur Ahmad confirmed the arrests and stated that efforts are underway to identify and detain others involved in the unauthorized demonstration.

A Dhaka court has sentenced former Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Hasina to five years in prison, her sister Sheikh Rehana to seven years, and Rehana’s daughter, former UK Labour minister Tulip Rizwana Siddiq, to two years for their involvement in a land allocation fraud case tied to the Purbachal New Town Project. The verdict was delivered on Monday by Judge Rabiul Alam of Dhaka’s Special Judge Court-4. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed the case on January 13, accusing Rehana of abusing power to obtain a 10-katha plot illegally. Following investigation, the ACC submitted a charge sheet against 17 individuals on March 10, and the trial began on July 31 after charges were framed. A total of 32 witnesses testified during the proceedings. This ruling follows earlier convictions in November, when Hasina received a total of 21 years in three separate cases, while her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy and daughter Saima Wazed Putul were each sentenced to five years in another case.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Sadiq Kayem announced via his verified Facebook account that he will file a lawsuit against several unauthorized social media pages accused of spreading false, fabricated, and misleading information about him. In his post, Kayem stated that the misinformation campaign intensified after the 45th BCS results, where a banned Chhatra League activist, Raisul Islam, was reportedly recommended for the police cadre. Kayem said he had contacted several government advisers, including those in the Home and Law ministries, urging legal action against Raisul and others allegedly involved in attacks on students. He further claimed that fake photo cards and propaganda materials were being circulated to tarnish his reputation. Kayem confirmed that legal proceedings against the responsible pages would begin on Monday, December 1.

Tea workers in the Srimangal-Kamalganj area of Moulvibazar remain frustrated as their living conditions show little improvement despite repeated election promises. With nearly 450,000 voters in the Moulvibazar-4 constituency, candidates from major parties including the Awami League, BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP, and independents are focusing their campaigns on tea garden communities. Workers demand fair wages, land rights, better healthcare, and education for their children. Local residents and union leaders say that despite the community’s historical support for ruling parties, their socio-economic conditions have barely changed. Bangladesh Tea Workers’ Union leaders urge candidates to include workers’ rights in their manifestos. Opposition candidates have pledged concrete steps to improve wages, housing, and employment opportunities if elected. Many tea workers, however, remain skeptical, recalling that previous promises were forgotten after elections. The issue highlights the long-standing neglect of tea workers who contribute significantly to the national economy but continue to live in poverty.

The Government of Bangladesh has promoted 22 officials under the Ministry of Public Administration to the position of non-cadre Assistant Secretary. According to a gazette notification issued on Sunday, November 30, the promotions were made following the recommendation of the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC) dated November 27, 2025. The newly promoted officials have also been appointed as Special Duty Officers (non-cadre Assistant Secretaries) within the same ministry. The order, signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Shifa Nusrat, states that the decision has been approved by the competent authority and will take immediate effect. The promoted officials will receive salaries under the National Pay Scale 2015, in the 9th grade (Tk 22,000–53,060). The list of promoted officials was included in the official notification issued by the ministry.

Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has charged UK MP and former City Minister Tulip Rizwana Siddiq in a case involving alleged misuse of power by her aunt, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, to allocate plots in Dhaka’s Purbachal New Town project. The charge sheet claims Siddiq influenced Hasina to secure plots for her mother Sheikh Rehana, brother Radwan Mujib Siddiq, and sister Azmiena Siddiq while serving as a British MP. The verdict in this case, which also names Hasina and Rehana among 17 accused, is set for Monday, December 1, by Dhaka’s Special Judge Court-4. Prosecutors have sought life imprisonment for the main defendants. The case follows earlier convictions against Hasina and her children in related plot allocation scandals. Meanwhile, senior British lawyers, including former Justice Minister Robert Buckland and ex-Attorney General Dominic Grieve, have criticized the trial, alleging violations of Siddiq’s fundamental rights and lack of fair legal representation.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General and former MP Professor Mia Golam Porwar visited former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka late Sunday night to inquire about her health. He was accompanied by Dr. S.M. Khaliduzzaman, Jamaat’s nominated candidate for Dhaka-17 constituency. Upon arrival, Porwar was received by BNP Standing Committee member Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain. Several other BNP leaders, including Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo, Information Adviser Mahfuz Alam, Special Assistant Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, and Adviser Tahsina Rushdir Luna, were also present. During the visit, the Jamaat leader asked about Khaleda Zia’s latest medical condition and prayed for her full recovery. The visit reflects ongoing political and personal connections between senior leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami and the BNP amid concerns over Khaleda Zia’s prolonged illness.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Khurram Zeeshan has dismissed rumors about former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s death, confirming that Khan is alive and being held in Adiala Jail. Zeeshan told India’s ANI news agency that Khan has been kept in isolation for nearly a month, with no access to his family, lawyers, or senior PTI leaders. He alleged that the Pakistani government is using isolation as a tactic to pressure Khan into leaving the country and remaining silent. Zeeshan claimed that authorities have even offered Khan the option to relocate abroad under certain conditions, but insisted that Khan would never agree to such terms. The senator also accused the government of suppressing Khan’s images and videos due to fear of his popularity. The statement comes after social media rumors from Afghanistan falsely claimed that Khan was killed in prison.

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s health condition has shown slight improvement and remains stable, according to interim government information adviser Mahfuz Alam. Speaking to reporters after visiting her at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka late Sunday night, Mahfuz said he came on a personal initiative to check on her condition and prayed for her recovery, acknowledging her contributions and sacrifices for the country. He stated that doctors informed him her condition has improved slightly compared to previous days and expressed optimism about further progress. Mahfuz also remarked that Khaleda Zia’s dedication to democracy continues to inspire hopes for her recovery and participation in the nation’s democratic rebuilding. Regarding BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, Mahfuz said the current government is ready to provide all necessary assistance for his return to Bangladesh.

An independent national investigation commission has alleged that the ruling Awami League, under then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was directly involved in the 2009 BDR mutiny and massacre at Pilkhana, Dhaka. The report claims the event was premeditated and coordinated by then MP Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, with Hasina allegedly giving a 'green signal'. It also cites evidence of Indian involvement and claims the army refrained from action due to threats from India. The commission, led by retired Major General A.L.M. Fazlur Rahman, submitted its findings to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, who praised the effort for uncovering long-hidden truths. The report accuses several Awami League leaders, security officials, and journalists of complicity or negligence, and calls for accountability. It also notes that some evidence was destroyed and key witnesses had left the country. The findings have sparked renewed debate over the handling of one of Bangladesh’s deadliest military tragedies.

The administration of the Islamic Arabic University (IAU) organized a special prayer session on Sunday seeking the recovery of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The event took place after Asr prayers at the university mosque under the direction of Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Shamsul Alam. Senior university officials including Pro-Vice Chancellors Professor Dr. Md. Shahidul Islam and Professor Dr. Md. Abu Zafar Khan, along with other faculty and administrative members, attended the gathering. Speakers described Khaleda Zia as a patriotic and uncompromising leader who played a key role in Bangladesh’s democratic movements and led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for many years. They highlighted her leadership during both government and opposition periods and her steadfastness in the face of political adversity. The prayer concluded with a supplication led by the university’s imam, Hafiz Muazzem Hossain, for her speedy recovery.

Masud Saeedi, Jamaat-e-Islami’s nominated candidate for the Pirojpur-1 constituency and former upazila chairman, announced that if his party comes to power, it will introduce a government honorarium and service rules for imams and muezzins across Bangladesh. Speaking at an Imam Conference organized by the Bangladesh National Imam Association in Nazirpur, Saeedi emphasized the need to recognize the role of imams in guiding society both spiritually and morally. He argued that Islam provides comprehensive guidance for personal, social, and state affairs, and that imams should address not only religious rituals but also social issues like corruption and injustice. Saeedi also called for modernizing mosque management policies to ensure fair treatment of imams and khatibs, noting that most mosques are privately run. The event was attended by local religious leaders and representatives of various Islamic organizations.