BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that party chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia is not currently in a physical condition suitable for travel abroad for medical treatment. Speaking at a press conference in Gulshan, he said Khaleda Zia remains in critical condition at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where both local and foreign doctors, including specialists from Johns Hopkins and London, are overseeing her care. A medical board met recently to review her treatment plan and concluded that while foreign treatment might eventually be necessary, her current health does not permit travel. Preparations such as visa arrangements and air ambulance logistics are reportedly underway in case her condition stabilizes. The 79-year-old leader suffers from multiple chronic ailments, including arthritis, diabetes, and complications with her kidneys, liver, lungs, and eyes. President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus have expressed concern and asked the nation to pray for her recovery.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of being responsible for the deteriorating health of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, claiming that Hasina viewed Zia as an obstacle to her alleged corruption. Speaking at a BNP family event in Hathazari, Chattogram, Rizvi described the current government as fascist and accused it of conspiring to permanently remove Khaleda Zia from politics. He alleged that Zia was subjected to mistreatment and poisoning during her imprisonment, which led to her current critical condition. Rizvi also praised Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, BNP’s candidate for Chattogram-5, for his dedication to restoring democracy. The event provided financial and medical assistance to families of those injured in recent political movements and concluded with prayers for Khaleda Zia’s recovery.

BNP central leader and Natore-2 constituency candidate Advocate Ruhul Kuddus Talukder Dulu has accused the ruling Awami League of destroying Bangladesh’s education system during its 17 years in power. Speaking at a freshman reception at Dr. Nasir Uddin Talukder College in Naldanga, Dulu alleged that the government, under Education Minister Dipu Moni, introduced policies that devalued academic standards, including automatic pass systems and inflated GPA scores. He claimed that India prefers Bangladesh to remain weak and that the Awami League serves Indian interests. Dulu contrasted this with the BNP’s record, saying that during its tenure, the education sector was made free of exam malpractice under State Minister Ehsanul Haque Milon. He reiterated BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s pledge to prioritize education and health if the party returns to power. Dulu also sought prayers for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, calling her a symbol of national unity and democracy.

The Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) has expressed concern over the health of Begum Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first female and three-time former prime minister, currently undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. In a statement signed by General Secretary Mazharul Islam, JAKSU described Khaleda Zia as a living symbol of democracy who consistently opposed injustice, extrajudicial killings, and political oppression. The statement highlighted her leadership in various democratic movements and her efforts to promote national unity despite political differences. JAKSU emphasized that her recovery is vital for Bangladesh’s sovereignty, anti-hegemonic spirit, and political coexistence, and extended wishes for her speedy recovery.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur announced plans to merge five struggling banks into a single new entity with Tk 35,000 crore in paid-up capital, aiming to strengthen the country’s financial sector. Speaking at the Fourth Bangladesh Economic Conference in Dhaka, he highlighted progress in macroeconomic stability, foreign exchange management, and governance reforms despite structural challenges. Mansur noted that the exchange rate has remained stable between Tk 120 and Tk 122.50 per US dollar, and foreign banks have resumed normal operations. He identified high non-performing loans—potentially reaching 35%—as a major challenge that could take up to a decade to resolve. The governor also outlined reforms including greater central bank autonomy, stronger deposit insurance, and limits on family ownership in banks. He urged businesses to utilize the bond market for long-term financing and confirmed that nine non-bank financial institutions are being phased out.

The interim government of Bangladesh has clarified that there are no restrictions or objections to BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman returning to the country. The statement came from Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, through a verified Facebook post on Saturday, November 29. Alam stated that the government has imposed no legal or administrative barriers to Rahman’s return. The clarification followed Tarique Rahman’s own social media post from the United Kingdom, where he mentioned that his decision to return is not entirely within his control due to the current political realities. He also expressed a strong desire to be with his ailing mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Chief Adviser Yunus has reportedly expressed deep concern over Khaleda Zia’s health and requested prayers from the nation for her recovery.

At a general meeting of the Bangladesh Field Administration Administrative Officers Welfare Association held at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, officials from divisional, district, and upazila administration offices reiterated their demand for the creation and implementation of 9th-grade first-class posts. The proposal aims to allow promotion opportunities for 10th-grade second-class administrative officers, who currently lack a clear career advancement path. Despite multiple appeals to the Ministry of Public Administration, the Cabinet Division, and the Finance Division since 2018, the proposal has not been implemented due to repeated disapproval from the Finance Division. The 2025 Deputy Commissioners’ Conference reaffirmed the decision to create these posts and instructed the Ministry of Public Administration to resubmit the proposal. The meeting also discussed the need for a detailed and updated Charter of Duties for administrative officers, which remains pending despite earlier requests. Senior officials, including the Dhaka Divisional Commissioner, attended the event.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam has returned to Bangladesh after attending the 93rd Interpol General Assembly held in Marrakesh, Morocco. The global conference brought together police chiefs and representatives from 196 member countries to discuss pressing international security challenges. Key topics included combating cybercrime, enhancing data-driven investigations, tackling transnational organized crime, dismantling global scam centers, improving Interpol’s innovative policing capabilities, and promoting women’s leadership in law enforcement. Elections for Interpol’s president, vice president, and delegate positions were also conducted on the final day. Representing Bangladesh, IGP Alam highlighted the country’s commitment and capacity to address global issues such as cyber fraud, human trafficking, financial crimes, and cross-border offenses. The Bangladesh Police expects that the insights and strategies gained from the conference will significantly strengthen national cyber security and transnational crime prevention efforts.

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education in Bangladesh has announced plans to provide special allowances to teachers and education officers working in remote areas such as haor, char, and hilly regions. Adviser Dr. Professor Bidhan Ranjan Poddar stated that the initiative aims to improve the quality of primary education across the country. Speaking at a stakeholder meeting in Bhola on November 29, he also confirmed that new textbooks will be distributed to students at the beginning of the academic year. Additionally, schools designated as polling centers for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election will undergo necessary renovations. Addressing the ongoing movement for the 11th grade pay scale by assistant teachers, Dr. Poddar assured that their demands will be implemented soon. The meeting was chaired by Bhola Deputy Commissioner Dr. Shamim Ahmed and attended by senior officials from the Directorate of Primary Education and the ministry.

A 60-year-old devotee named Ashraf Ali died early Saturday morning after suffering a stroke at the five-day Jor Ijtema being held on the banks of the Turag River in Tongi, Gazipur. He was a resident of Kendua village in Jamalpur Sadar and the son of Abdul Hakim. According to Habibullah Raihan, media coordinator of Tabligh Jamaat Bangladesh Shura Nezam, Ashraf Ali was staying with his group in their designated area when he was found unresponsive at dawn. Fellow devotees took him to Tongi Government Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. This marks the third death reported during the ongoing Jor Ijtema, which is scheduled to conclude with the Akheri Munajat (final prayer) on December 2.

Bangladesh police have launched a special operation named 'Operation First Light' across the Rajshahi region following violent clashes between BNP and Jamaat supporters in Ishwardi, Pabna. The operation, led by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Mohammad Shahjahan, resulted in the arrest of 72 individuals, including members of extremist and criminal groups. The raids were conducted in Ishwardi, Natore’s Naldanga and Singra upazilas, with participation from additional DIGs, superintendents of police, and armed units. Police seized one foreign firearm, three local weapons, over one kilogram of cannabis, and seven mobile phones. Authorities said the crackdown aims to ensure peace and security ahead of the national elections, as hired criminals often become active during this period. This marks the third phase of the ongoing operation, which began on November 9 and has already targeted criminal networks across Rajshahi, Natore, Pabna, Kushtia, Naogaon, and Chapainawabganj districts.

Bangladesh will take on Ireland in the second T20 match of the three-match series at the Birshreshtha Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram on Saturday evening. After losing the first game, Bangladesh are under pressure to win this match to stay alive in the series. The team is expected to field a slightly altered lineup, with Liton Das leading as captain and wicketkeeper. Probable players include Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Saif Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mahidul Islam Ankon, and Mustafizur Rahman. Ireland, led by Paul Stirling, will look to seal the series with another win. Their likely squad features Tim Tector, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Curtis Campher, and Josh Little. The match is expected to be a crucial test for Bangladesh’s batting lineup and bowling consistency as they aim to level the series 1–1.

A fatal road accident occurred on Saturday morning in the Mahmudabad area of Raipura, Narsingdi, along the Dhaka–Sylhet Highway, when a passenger bus operated by Ena Paribahan collided head-on with an ambulance. The ambulance driver, identified as Mozammel from Sylhet, sustained critical injuries and died while being taken to the hospital. According to police and local sources, the Ena Paribahan bus was reportedly speeding when it crashed into the oncoming ambulance, causing severe damage to both vehicles. Five other individuals were injured in the collision and are currently receiving treatment at different hospitals. Authorities are investigating the incident to determine the exact cause of the crash and whether reckless driving or negligence contributed to the tragedy.

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter emphasized that today’s students represent the future leadership of Bangladesh during the first convocation of North Pacific International University of Bangladesh (NPIUB) held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka. Representing the President, she praised the university’s efforts to make higher education accessible to rural youth at low cost and highlighted Manikganj’s intellectual heritage, mentioning figures like language martyr Rafique and Nobel laureate Amartya Sen. Akhter noted that many rural women rear livestock to fund their children’s education, underscoring the importance of higher education. She also appreciated the university’s evening courses for working professionals and urged recognition of rural talent. The ceremony awarded degrees to 467 graduates and honored outstanding students with various awards, including Chancellor’s and Vice-Chancellor’s Awards. Distinguished guests such as Dr. Valerie Ann Taylor and Professor Dr. Mohammad Kaykobad also addressed the event.

Police in Singra upazila of Natore conducted a special overnight operation on Friday, arresting 26 individuals including inter-district robbery gang leader Shahidul Islam, aged 50. The operation, which covered multiple areas of the upazila, targeted suspects in various cases including arms, drugs, theft, and outstanding warrants. Police recovered a one-shooter pipe gun from Shahidul Islam, who hails from Ningain Bhatopara village, and seized 200 yaba tablets and cannabis from six drug users. Among those arrested, one was held under an arms case, three under the 'Operation Devil Hunt', six in drug cases, two in theft cases, eight with active warrants, and six under Section 151. All detainees have been sent to jail. Singra Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mominuzzaman confirmed the arrests and said the operation was part of an ongoing effort to curb crime in the region.