Recent lecturer appointments at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) have drawn allegations of nepotism, with claims that the institution’s long-standing merit-based tradition was violated. Reports suggest that in two departments, top-ranked candidates were overlooked in favor of relatives of current faculty members, including a professor’s wife and daughter. Alumni have expressed strong dissatisfaction, arguing that such decisions undermine the university’s reputation for fairness and meritocracy. BUET’s administration, however, has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that all appointments followed proper procedures and were made in the university’s best interest. Critics fear this could set a precedent for favoritism and erode trust in the recruitment process. The controversy has sparked heated debate among BUET graduates and on social media, with many calling for greater transparency in academic hiring practices. Other departments reportedly followed standard rules without irregularities.

The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) in Bangladesh has issued a directive mandating that all government and non-government secondary schools conduct their annual, selection, and junior scholarship examinations within the scheduled dates. According to the circular signed by Professor Khan Moinuddin Al Mahmud Sohel, the annual exams will run from November 20 to December 7, while the selection exams will take place from November 27 to December 11. Additionally, the junior scholarship exams are set to be held nationwide from December 28 to 31 across all lower secondary, secondary, and school-and-college institutions. The DSHE emphasized that any deviation, negligence, or irregularity by teachers or officials in conducting these examinations will result in disciplinary action. The directive aims to ensure uniformity, discipline, and transparency in the examination process throughout the country.

A Bangladeshi court has sentenced British MP Tulip Siddiq, niece of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, to two years in prison for alleged abuse of power in the Purbachal New Town project. The verdict also includes Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana. Siddiq, 43, was accused of using political influence to secure plots for family members and faces a separate investigation over alleged £4 billion embezzlement linked to the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project. The Daily Mail first reported the allegations, prompting Siddiq to resign as City Minister. UK media and legal experts suggest that a confirmed conviction could increase pressure on her to resign as MP for Hampstead and Highgate. Questions have also arisen over a London flat she claimed was a family gift, though a UK government probe found no ministerial code breach. British lawyers have raised concerns about the transparency of the Bangladeshi trial and have written to the Bangladesh High Commission seeking clarification.

At a press conference in Dhaka’s RAOWA Club, Rakin Ahmed Bhuiyan, son of former BDR Director General Major General Shakil Ahmed, alleged that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina orchestrated the 2009 Pilkhana massacre to protect India’s interests and prolong her rule. He claimed the incident was meant to send a warning that any army officer opposing India would face a similar fate. Bhuiyan demanded immediate action against those named in the BDR investigation commission’s report and called for justice for the slain officers. He warned that failure to hold the responsible individuals accountable could lead to another tragedy like Pilkhana. Families of the victims were also present at the event, expressing their continued demand for justice and transparency in the investigation process.

Popular Bangladeshi actress Rukaiya Jahan Chomok has expressed her prayers for the speedy recovery of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who remains in critical condition at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. In a social media post on November 30, Chomok called Khaleda an uncompromising leader and wished her strength and peace. Her message came as BNP leaders confirmed that Khaleda Zia’s health has not improved, with serious infections in her lungs and heart. Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi stated that the medical board overseeing her treatment has not yet recommended sending her abroad. Meanwhile, Chomok recently appeared as a model in singer Luipa’s new music video, which has gained popularity online for her performance and appearance.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that party chairperson Khaleda Zia is receiving medical treatment under the supervision of both local and foreign doctors. Speaking to reporters at the BNP chairperson’s office in Gulshan, Fakhrul said that doctors are making every effort to ensure her recovery. Khaleda Zia has been admitted to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka since last Sunday after being diagnosed with a lung infection, which has made her condition critical. She is currently under intensive care in the Critical Care Unit (CCU). A medical board led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, comprising specialists from Bangladesh, the United States’ Johns Hopkins University, and the UK’s London Clinic, is overseeing her treatment. Tarique Rahman, BNP’s acting chairman, is coordinating with the medical board and doctors abroad from London. Party leaders and supporters continue to pray for her recovery.

Bangladeshi film actor and Film Artistes’ Association general secretary Monowar Hossain Dipjol has called on the public to pray for the recovery of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who remains in critical condition at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. In a social media post, Dipjol urged everyone to pray sincerely for her health and strength. Netizens echoed his sentiments, expressing their hopes for the country’s first female prime minister’s recovery. Khaleda Zia, suffering from multiple chronic illnesses including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney complications, was admitted to the hospital on November 23 after experiencing breathing difficulties. She is currently under the care of a medical board comprising local and foreign specialists. BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi stated that her condition has not improved and that no decision has been made regarding treatment abroad without the board’s recommendation.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that Bangladesh has achieved a conducive environment for holding free and fair elections following a period of political upheaval and public uprising. Speaking at BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s political office in Gulshan, Dhaka, Fakhrul credited the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus for forming several reform commissions and signing reform charters. He mentioned that the interim administration has announced elections for February 2026, and preparations are underway. Fakhrul expressed optimism that citizens will use this opportunity to elect a representative parliament and establish a democratic government. He also highlighted BNP’s governance experience, asserting that the party could build a democratic and prosperous economy if given the mandate. Regarding Khaleda Zia’s health, Fakhrul said she remains seriously ill and under hospital care, with local and foreign doctors involved in her treatment, and requested prayers for her recovery.

Former Bangladesh cricket captain Tamim Iqbal has called on the public and political groups not to view BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s illness through a political lens. Khaleda Zia remains in critical condition at Evercare Hospital’s Coronary Care Unit in Dhaka. Tamim visited her on Sunday night to express his concern and gratitude, recalling that her family had checked on him during his own illness. Speaking to the media afterward, he emphasized the need for compassion and humanity rather than political interpretation. A day earlier, Tamim had posted on Facebook wishing Khaleda Zia a speedy recovery and praising her resilience in facing life’s challenges. His comments come amid heightened political sensitivity surrounding the health of the opposition leader, who has long been a central figure in Bangladesh’s politics.

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.

A new medical board has been formed to oversee the treatment of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and to decide whether she should be taken abroad for advanced medical care. The decision was announced by BNP Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo after visiting her at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Mintoo said Khaleda Zia’s condition has slightly improved, and all future medical decisions will follow the board’s recommendations. Khaleda Zia was admitted to the hospital on November 23 with respiratory complications caused by a lung infection that later developed into pneumonia. She also suffers from kidney, liver, arthritis, and diabetes issues, making her treatment complex. According to doctors, she is receiving oxygen support to maintain normal breathing and has shown limited movement and speech. Her family and party members continue to discuss the possibility of sending her abroad for better treatment.

The issue of allowing private companies direct listing on Bangladesh’s stock market has resurfaced amid discussions on the draft Initial Public Offering (IPO) Regulations 2025. Market stakeholders, including the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the DSE Brokers Association (DBA), argue that enabling direct listing for large private and multinational firms would increase quality share supply and restore investor confidence. DBA President Saiful Islam proposed a hybrid model allowing company directors to sell part of their shares directly through IPOs to attract more firms to the market. Currently, the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) bans direct listing for private companies, though government firms may do so. BSEC officials clarified that direct listing falls under listing regulations, not IPO rules. Critics recall past controversies, such as the 2009 Summit Group listings that led to market manipulation allegations. Despite concerns, experts stress that new quality listings are vital to overcome the ongoing liquidity and confidence crisis in the capital market, where no new company has been listed for over a year.

Unidentified miscreants set fire to the July Memorial located at Sewta Manra intersection in Manikganj early Sunday night. According to police sources, a private car stopped near the memorial around 3 a.m., and two individuals poured petrol on two tires placed in front of the structure before setting them ablaze and fleeing the scene. The fire caused partial damage, leaving parts of the monument blackened. Police arrived shortly after the incident and began analyzing CCTV footage, which confirmed the act. The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement’s former district secretary Nahid Monir condemned the attack, alleging involvement of political groups and demanding swift justice. Additional Superintendent of Police Md. Salauddin stated that efforts are underway to identify and arrest those responsible. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack and have pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice promptly.

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.