Bangladesh advanced to the mixed doubles table tennis final at the Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia after defeating Bahrain 3–1 in the semifinals on Thursday, November 13. The pair of Khai Khai Sai Marma and Javed Ahmed delivered a strong performance, winning the first, third, and fourth games. With this result, Bangladesh has already guaranteed at least a silver medal, marking the country's first-ever table tennis medal at the Islamic Games and its first medal outside South Asia. In addition, Bangladeshi weightlifter Marzia Akter Ikra earned three bronze medals in snatch, clean and jerk, and total categories, bringing Bangladesh’s total medal count at the event to four.

Bangladesh secured another medal at the Asian Archery Championship as Kulsum Akter Moni won bronze in the women's compound individual event. Moni, the only Bangladeshi participant in the category, narrowly missed the final after losing 146–145 to India's Pradeep Prithika in the semifinals. Despite trailing early in the bronze medal match against Chen Si of Chinese Taipei, Moni made a strong comeback, scoring a perfect 30 in the final set to clinch victory by a single point, 146–145. This achievement follows Bangladesh’s earlier silver medal in the compound mixed team event, marking another milestone for the country’s archery team on the continental stage.

The Maulana Bhasani Hockey Stadium in Dhaka came alive ahead of the Bangladesh-Pakistan three-match hockey series starting tomorrow. The series winner will qualify for the Hockey World Cup qualifiers. Pakistan, which missed the Asia Cup, was granted this playoff opportunity by the International Hockey Federation. Due to security concerns, the Bangladesh Hockey Federation has arranged extra protection, with Pakistan’s team to arrive at the venue 90 minutes early. Entry for spectators will be free to encourage attendance. Bangladesh’s Dutch coach Siegfried Aikman said the team aims to narrow the gap with Pakistan, while captain Rezaul Karim Babu emphasized the need for more domestic competitions. Pakistan’s coach Usman Ahmed and captain Ammad Shakeel Bhatt praised Bangladesh’s hospitality and the stadium’s atmosphere. Pakistan’s head coach Tahir Zaman withdrew from the tour citing internal issues.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has expanded its investigation committee formed to probe the complaint lodged by former national women’s team captain Jahanara Alam. Initially comprising three members, the committee now includes five. The newly appointed members are Professor Dr. Naima Haque, former chair of Dhaka University’s Law Department and current member of the Bangladesh Law Commission, and Supreme Court senior advocate Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman Khan. The original committee, led by retired Supreme Court Justice Tariq-ul Hakim, also includes BCB director Rubaba Dowla and Bangladesh Women’s Sports Association president Barrister Sarwat Siraj Shukla. Jahanara had accused former women’s team selector and manager Manjurul Islam Manju of misconduct, prompting the BCB to form the committee. The board stated that the committee must submit its findings and recommendations within 15 working days.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is reportedly moving toward implementing a policy that could bar transgender women from competing in the female category before the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Multiple sources suggest the policy may be introduced within six to 12 months, driven by new IOC president Kirsty Coventry’s pledge to “protect the female category.” The move would also avoid potential conflict with U.S. President Donald Trump, who earlier signed an executive order restricting transgender women from competing in female sports.

However, internal debate continues, especially concerning athletes with differences of sexual development (DSD), who were assigned female at birth but have male chromosomes or testosterone levels. Some sports bodies, including World Athletics, have already excluded such athletes, while FIFA still allows them in women’s competitions. A recent scientific review presented to IOC members highlighted evidence of physical advantages linked to male puberty. Despite growing speculation, the IOC insists no final decision has been made, and the working group is still deliberating, with 2026 seen as a realistic timeline.

Former England cricketer and long-time ICC match referee Chris Broad has accused the International Cricket Council of showing open favoritism toward India during his 21-year career. In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Broad claimed that he received direct phone calls instructing him not to impose penalties on the Indian team for offenses like slow over rates. He said that despite wanting to act impartially, he was pressured to overlook violations because of India’s influence in world cricket. Broad also alleged that similar interference occurred in matches led by former India captain Sourav Ganguly, suggesting deep-rooted politics within the ICC. Having officiated over 600 international matches since 2003, Broad said that working under such political and administrative pressure was one of his toughest challenges. His ICC contract was not renewed in 2024, ending more than two decades of service as an international match referee.

On the eve of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) election, acting president and candidate Aminul Islam addressed the media, breaking his recent silence. He described the event not as an election issue but as the outgoing board’s final interaction with journalists. Aminul, who took charge four months ago, highlighted the board’s visible progress in a short time. However, controversy has overshadowed the election process, with allegations of government interference, candidate withdrawals, and claims of predetermined outcomes. Responding to questions about the election’s integrity, Aminul said it was the Election Commission’s role to judge whether it was fair, acknowledging “ups and downs” in any vote. He dismissed allegations of influence by sports adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, stating he only offered support. Aminul reiterated his commitment to cricket and constitutional procedures, saying he would step aside if deemed unfit. With many candidates withdrawing, the election appears largely uncontested.

Youth and Sports adviser Asif Mahmud posted on social media: “You called me thousands of names for not rehabilitating one person. But I was right.” His comment has prompted speculation about whom he meant by “one person.”

Many respondents on the post have inferred he was referring to cricketer Shakib Al Hasan. One commenter, Abdullah Hil Baki, wrote: “Thank you for that courageous decision. Let the acolytes of Hasina do politics abroad as fugitives — the people of Bangladesh do not want to see such figures back on the playing field.”

Ahead of the October 6 BCB election, current players have voiced concerns on social media about ensuring a free and fair vote.

Sports adviser Asif Mahmood criticized their involvement, saying: “Nowhere in the world do active cricketers comment on board elections—it’s a clear breach of contract. Fans saw this factionalism years ago, and it is still happening. Those responsible should feel ashamed.”

Meanwhile, Cricketers’ Welfare Association president Mohammad Mithun wrote on Facebook: “The BCB election must be free, fair, and transparent. It is crucial for the future of Bangladesh cricket.”

Former national pacer Rubel Hossain added, “The BCB presidency should not be like a coin toss. We want an election with a healthy atmosphere and fair competition—where cricket alone is the winner.”

Responding to allegations by cricketer and BCB presidential candidate Tamim Iqbal, Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud has insisted that the government is not interfering in the Bangladesh Cricket Board election.
Tamim earlier accused the government of favoring incumbent president Aminul Islam Bulbul. In reply, Asif Mahmud said:
“The government is only performing routine duties. If it oversteps its jurisdiction, then it can be called unlawful interference. If that happens, Tamim can seek legal action or even approach the ICC.”
Tamim had previously stated that he only wanted a transparent election, regardless of whether he won or lost.

Ahead of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 in India and Sri Lanka, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka hosted a reception in honor of Bangladesh’s women cricketers.

High Commissioner Pranay Verma, joined by his spouse Manu Verma, welcomed the team at India House. Speaking at the event, he highlighted the deep ties between India and Bangladesh:
“Our geography, history, language, and culture unite us — and cricket has further strengthened this bond.”

Praising the Bangladesh women’s team, he said they had shown remarkable progress in recent years and described them as a “symbol of women’s empowerment and youthful spirit.”

“We stand proudly beside them,” Verma added.

The event was also attended by Nazmul Abedin, Chairman of the Bangladesh National Women’s Cricket Wing.

Bangladesh’s national football team, stranded in Nepal amid political unrest, is set to return home today, according to the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF).

Following a Gen-Z–led uprising in Nepal that sparked curfews and violent protests, the players, including captain Jamal Bhuyan, were confined to their hotel.

Bangladesh Embassy officials and the army coordinated to ensure the team’s safe departure once Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan Airport reopened. Despite uncertainty, players kept up fitness routines. Midfielder Sohel Rana said, “The situation is calmer now. We’re staying in touch with our families, and BFF is working hard to bring us home.”

Tensions gripped the Bangladesh national football team in Kathmandu after protesters set fire to a nearby building and stormed into their hotel in search of political leaders.

Footballer Sumon Reza recounted the ordeal:

“The protesters eventually calmed down when hotel authorities explained that only footballers were staying here, not politicians. They even saw us in the lobby and realized it themselves. That eased our fears.”

Captain Jamal Bhuiyan was also heard in a video saying, “It doesn’t feel safe here. Should we move elsewhere?”

Clarifying the situation, Reza added that the unrest was linked to a nearby residence of a ruling party leader, which was set ablaze. Another hotel, Hilton, was also attacked during the violence.

Nepal is witnessing widespread unrest as Gen-Z-led anti-government protests escalate. The demonstrations turned deadly, claiming 19 lives and prompting the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) announced that the national team was scheduled to depart for Tribhuvan International Airport from their hotel at 3 PM today for the second Nepal-Bangladesh friendly match. However, with protests intensifying, airport authorities canceled all flights, leaving the return of Jamal Bhuiyan’s squad uncertain.

Government Adviser Asif Mahmud has said that the government is working sincerely to improve opportunities for the nation’s youth. He noted that an Entrepreneur Development Policy has been formulated, and the Youth Loan Policy is being updated to meet current needs.
While inaugurating a mini stadium, Mahmud highlighted initiatives to reduce youth unemployment through job creation, modern technology-based training—including world-class AI technology—and building a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem. A task force has also been formed to coordinate these efforts.
“So far, about 150 upazila mini stadiums have been inaugurated across the country,” he said, adding that a decentralization policy in the sports sector is being implemented. Each mini stadium features a three-story pavilion building, three general galleries with five tiers, and separate toilet facilities for men and women.