AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju has sought prayers for BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia’s recovery, saying her health condition is critical with multiple organ failures. Speaking to journalists during his election campaign at Shorshodi Bazar in Feni, Manju discussed the political situation, alliance formation, and local development issues. He emphasized that Feni has long been deprived of development, lacking facilities like a medical college and university, and pledged to work on these matters. Manju officially began his campaign from his home constituency, engaging with local traders, distributing leaflets, and visiting fire-affected shops in Feni town. He expressed optimism about public support and reiterated his commitment to building political harmony and fulfilling promises to the people, whether or not an electoral alliance is formed. Several central and local AB Party leaders were present during the campaign activities.

Ganosamhati Andolan’s chief coordinator Zonayed Saki has urged the government to take immediate steps to rehabilitate victims of the recent devastating fire in Karail slum, Dhaka. During a visit to the party’s volunteer camp on Saturday, November 29, Saki emphasized the need for a comprehensive list of affected families and called for urgent arrangements for food, shelter, clothing, sanitation, and healthcare. The Ganosamhati Andolan has set up a relief camp in the fire-hit area, distributing aid and organizing volunteers to assist victims. A team of local youth and party activists has already begun compiling data on affected households. On the same day, blankets and mosquito nets were distributed among 300 families. Several senior party members, including Firoz Ahmed, Bachchu Bhuiyan, Monirul Huda Babon, Lutfunnahar Sumona, and Tahsin Mahmud, accompanied Saki during the visit.

A controversy has erupted at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) after Sanjida Yasmin Itu, a former vice-president of the university’s banned Chhatra League hall committee, was appointed as the house tutor of the newly inaugurated Begum Khaleda Zia Hall. The hall, opened on October 20 to expand accommodation for female students, has drawn criticism from various quarters for assigning a former student leader of the ruling party’s student wing to a hall named after opposition leader Begum Khaleda Zia. Itu, now a lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Chemistry, acknowledged her past position in the student organization but claimed she was never active in politics and that her name was included based on academic merit. The hall’s provost, Professor Dr. Md. Ali Reza Faruk, stated that junior-level teachers are typically appointed as house tutors and that the administration may have made the appointment due to a shortage of eligible candidates, adding that he would review the matter.

BNP Vice Chairman Mohammad Shahjahan described Begum Khaleda Zia as a symbol of national unity during a discussion and prayer meeting at Noakhali Press Club on Saturday. He said Khaleda Zia, currently hospitalized in critical condition, has long been a trusted and respected leader across political and religious lines, leading the nation through multiple crises. Shahjahan urged citizens to pray for her full recovery and long life. Addressing journalists about the upcoming 13th national election, he discussed plans for peace, prosperity, and development in Noakhali, including the demand for a Noakhali Division, infrastructure improvements, and modernization of healthcare and education. He criticized the lack of expected development under previous Awami League governments and emphasized BNP’s commitment to democratic progress following years of struggle against authoritarianism. Several district BNP leaders were present at the event.

After a long suspension, ship operations on the Cox’s Bazar–Saint Martin’s route will resume on December 1, allowing tourists to stay overnight on the island under 12 strict government guidelines. A maximum of 2,000 tourists per day will be permitted to visit, with four vessels—MV Karnaphuli Express, MV Baro Aulia, Keari Sindbad, and Keari Cruise & Dine—authorized to operate. The district administration and environment department will enforce the new rules to protect the island’s fragile ecosystem. Tourists must buy tickets online through an approved tourism portal containing a QR code for verification. Activities such as beach lighting, loud music, barbecues, and the use of motorized vehicles or single-use plastics are prohibited. Overnight stays will be allowed only in December and January, while February will remain closed to visitors. Authorities hope the new measures will ensure sustainable and eco-friendly tourism while preserving Saint Martin’s unique biodiversity.

Bangladesh faces a severe earthquake threat due to the Ganges-Brahmaputra megathrust fault, which could trigger a magnitude 9 quake, experts warned at a seminar in Dhaka organized by JCX Developments Limited. Local and international geologists, architects, and engineers highlighted that the country lies at the junction of three active tectonic plates—Indian, Myanmar, and Eurasian—making it highly vulnerable. Over 200 earthquakes have been recorded in the past century, with increased activity since 2024. Specialists emphasized that the accumulated energy in the subduction zone from Sylhet to Teknaf remains unreleased for nearly a millennium. Japanese experts shared lessons from Japan’s earthquake-resistant architecture and urged stronger building codes, structural audits, and emergency preparedness. Participants called for coordinated efforts between government and private sectors to build resilience through awareness, drills, and technological readiness. Rapid urbanization, dense population, and weak infrastructure were identified as major risk factors that could worsen the impact of a major quake.

Two old phone conversations between former Bangladeshi Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and late writer-intellectual Ahmad Sofa have resurfaced on social media, generating widespread discussion. Facebook user Mohammad Israq offered a political interpretation of these exchanges, which were originally published on the satire site eআরকি. In one call, Sofa reportedly demanded that Khaleda cook for him, citing that Sheikh Hasina had done so, while in another, he reacted angrily when Khaleda’s personal secretary failed to recognize him. Israq’s commentary criticizes Sofa’s behavior as unprofessional and symbolic of elitist arrogance, contrasting it with Khaleda’s humility and professionalism. The discussion has reignited debate about the relationship between Bangladesh’s political leaders and intellectuals, and how cultural elitism shapes public attitudes toward leadership and civic responsibility in the country.

Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury, chairman of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, emphasized that the assurance of justice relies on judges’ personality, competence, impartiality, and courage. Speaking at a day-long workshop in Dhaka organized by the commission with support from the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, he urged judges to uphold constitutional values and treat every case with equal diligence and dedication. He called for building a justice system that earns the trust of all citizens, regardless of their social or economic background. Huma Khan highlighted the importance of judicial impartiality and professionalism in ensuring justice, noting the suffering of victims’ families and the obstacles posed by fear, pressure, and influence. Other speakers included Justice Md Farid Ahmed Shibli, Md Nur Khan, and Law Secretary Liaqat Ali Molla. Around 90 judges and trainees from various courts and tribunals participated in the event.

The Tenants’ Council, a renters’ rights organization, held a human chain protest in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka on Saturday, urging the government to stop what they describe as unjustified rent increases across the country. The protest, chaired by the council’s president Jannat Fatema and conducted by acting president Md. Mostafa, featured several leaders who criticized landlords for raising rents annually under various pretexts. They argued that amid the current economic crisis, limited income sources, and rising prices of essential commodities, tenants are struggling to manage household expenses. The speakers accused the government of failing to take effective steps to control rent or inflation. The organization demanded an official government notification to freeze rent hikes, warning that if landlords continue to raise rents, the Tenants’ Council will launch a larger nationwide movement to protect renters’ rights.

Bangladesh Cold Storage Association (BCSA) announced that the two-day 'Potato Festival 2025' will be held at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka from December 12. The event aims to promote Bangladesh’s potato industry on the global stage by showcasing modern storage technologies, processing capabilities, and export opportunities. BCSA President Mostafa Azad Chowdhury Babu said the festival will highlight the need for advanced cold storage, value-added processing, and investment-friendly policies to expand exports. Despite being the world’s seventh-largest potato producer, Bangladesh struggles with inadequate preservation facilities and limited processing infrastructure. Over a hundred local and international companies will participate in the exhibition, featuring innovations in cold-chain systems, agricultural machinery, potato-based food products, and culinary applications. The initiative seeks to attract foreign investment and strengthen Bangladesh’s position in the global potato market.

Teachers and students of Dhaka University held a special prayer session on Saturday for the recovery of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Dhaka. The event, organized by the pro-BNP teachers’ group 'Sada Dal', took place after Asr prayers at the university’s central mosque. The session was presided over by Professor Dr. Morshed Hasan Khan and attended by Vice-Chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan, Pro-VC (Education) Professor Mamun Ahmed, and other senior faculty members. Khaleda Zia, aged 80, remains under the care of a medical board comprising local and foreign specialists. She has been suffering from multiple health complications, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney problems. She was admitted to the hospital’s Coronary Care Unit (CCU) after experiencing breathing difficulties on November 23.

Renowned writer and educator Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed, founder of the World Literature Centre, inspired young participants at the 'Carnival of Change 2025' held at BRAC CDM in Savar on Saturday, November 29. In his keynote speech, he emphasized that true success comes from following one’s passion and inner calling, not from seeking rewards. Sayeed stated that nothing great can be achieved without a touch of madness and encouraged youth to listen to their soul’s desires. The two-day event, organized by BRAC, showcased the creativity, leadership, and innovation of over 250 young participants from across Bangladesh. The first day featured exhibitions, discussions, and workshops highlighting social entrepreneurship and innovation. Twelve projects were shortlisted, and three were selected for awards recognizing their potential to drive positive social change and community development.

Bangladesh are facing a challenging target of 171 runs to save the T20 series against Ireland after the visitors posted a competitive total in Chattogram. Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Ireland made a strong start, scoring 75 runs for the loss of one wicket in the powerplay. Lorcan Tucker top-scored with 41 off 32 balls, while Tim Tector and Paul Stirling contributed 38 and 29 runs respectively, helping Ireland reach 170 for six wickets. For Bangladesh, Sheikh Mehedi Hasan was the most successful bowler, taking three wickets for 25 runs in his four overs. Mohammad Saifuddin and Tanzim Hasan Sakib claimed one wicket each. Bangladesh now need 171 runs to win and keep the series alive.

A case has been filed against Mosharraf Hossain, acting general secretary of Bogura District BNP and nominated candidate for Bogura-4 (Kahaloo-Nandigram), for allegedly forging a Bachelor of Social Science (BSS) certificate. The complaint, lodged by Masud Ali of Singra, Natore, accuses Hossain of using his registration number from the 1993–94 academic session to fraudulently obtain a degree from the National University. The Singra Amli Court accepted the case and directed the Natore Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) to submit a report by March 1 next year. Masud claims Hossain used the forged certificate to secure a college managing committee post in December 2024. Hossain, a former MP, denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing his reputation ahead of elections. He stated that he legitimately obtained his degree from the National University and urged his supporters not to be misled by false claims.

Ireland’s cricket team achieved another milestone in the second T20 match against Bangladesh by scoring 75 runs in the powerplay, their highest ever in this phase and the third-highest in T20 history. The explosive start put Ireland in a strong position to secure the three-match series after already leading 1–0. Earlier, Ireland had lost the Test series 2–0 but bounced back impressively in the shorter format. In the first T20, Ireland posted 181 for 4 and defeated Bangladesh by 39 runs, thanks to disciplined bowling despite a resilient 83-run innings from Towhid Hridoy. The second match now presents Bangladesh with a must-win situation to keep the series alive, while Ireland aims to clinch the series with one game to spare, marking a remarkable turnaround in their Bangladesh tour.