A 17-year-old college student, Shahida Akter, was killed after being hit by an Imad Paribahan bus on the Dhaka-Khulna highway near Suyadi bus stand in Bhanga upazila, Faridpur, on Saturday morning. Following the accident, angry locals blocked the highway for about an hour, leading to a 20-kilometer traffic jam on both sides and causing severe suffering for thousands of passengers. Protesters also vandalized five vehicles before police and army personnel arrived to restore order and normalize traffic. Police confirmed that the victim’s body was sent for autopsy. Locals demanded the installation of speed breakers in the accident-prone area, citing nearby schools and markets as reasons for increased pedestrian movement. Authorities later brought the situation under control, and vehicular movement resumed on the highway.

Three senior leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) visited BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka to inquire about her health. The former prime minister, who has been under treatment in the hospital’s Coronary Care Unit (CCU) since Thursday, remains in critical condition due to lung and heart infections. However, according to the visiting NCP leaders, she is conscious and able to follow doctors’ instructions. Dr. Tasnim Jara, Nasir Uddin Patwary, and Hasnat Abdullah spoke to the media after their visit, expressing concern and urging prayers for her recovery. They also alleged that Khaleda Zia has been a victim of political vengeance. Khaleda Zia was admitted to the hospital on November 23 following a deterioration in her health. Several BNP and other political leaders have been visiting her regularly to check on her condition.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for punishing those involved in corruption and looting over the past 15 years but cautioned against shutting down institutions, which he said would only worsen unemployment. Speaking at the Fourth Bangladesh Economic Conference in Dhaka on Saturday, Fakhrul emphasized that the BNP has always played a responsible role in keeping the economy functional. He credited former president Ziaur Rahman for introducing the open economy system and asserted that BNP governments have consistently worked to stabilize the economy. Fakhrul rejected claims that the BNP had ever destroyed the economy, urging policymakers to trust businesspeople and reform economic policies accordingly. He also stressed the need for both economic and political roadmaps to build a prosperous and democratic Bangladesh.

A special meeting of Bangladesh’s Advisory Council, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, was held on Saturday at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon, Dhaka. The council approved in principle and finally the draft of the Foreign Donations (Voluntary Activities) Regulation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025. The amendment simplifies NGO registration procedures and eases conditions for fund release, allowing donations up to 5 million taka annually without prior approval. The law aims to make the process more stakeholder-friendly. The meeting also discussed the draft of the Police Commission Ordinance, 2025, which will be revised and presented again in the next session. Additionally, Expatriate Welfare Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul informed the council that 24 Bangladeshi detainees in the United Arab Emirates, held over alleged involvement in the July uprising, are set to be released soon and expected to return home within a few days. The session also included prayers for the speedy recovery of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia remains in critical condition at Evercare Hospital’s Coronary Care Unit (CCU) in Dhaka, under close observation by a medical board comprising local and foreign doctors. Former Bangladesh cricket captain Tamim Iqbal expressed his prayers and well wishes for her recovery through a Facebook post, saying he hopes she will overcome this difficult phase and return with a smile. Interim government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus also urged the nation to pray for Khaleda Zia’s health and instructed all concerned to ensure coordinated medical support. BNP leaders, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, visited the hospital to check on her condition. The party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman expressed gratitude to Dr. Yunus for his compassionate gesture during this critical time.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia remains in critical condition, with no significant improvement reported after three days of treatment in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU). She was admitted to the hospital on November 23 due to lung infection and cardiac complications. Acting BNP Chairman Tareq Rahman expressed gratitude to people across Bangladesh for their prayers and support, acknowledging the efforts of both local and foreign medical teams overseeing her care. Senior BNP leader Mirza Abbas confirmed that Khaleda Zia’s condition remains unstable but noted that she was responsive during a brief hospital visit. Tareq Rahman also mentioned that several friendly nations have offered assistance for her advanced treatment. The BNP leadership has requested supporters not to gather outside the hospital to avoid disruption. A delegation from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) also visited the hospital to inquire about her health.

Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating health condition of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Dhaka. In a statement issued by his assistant private secretary on Saturday, the president also urged the nation to pray for her speedy recovery. Khaleda Zia, nearly 80 years old, has been suffering from multiple health complications and was admitted to the hospital on November 23 due to lung infection and cardiac issues. According to BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas, her condition remains unstable. Abbas visited her at midnight on Friday and said that although she recognized them and responded to greetings, her overall health remains fragile. A medical board comprising local and foreign specialists continues to monitor her treatment in the hospital’s coronary care unit (CCU).

Islamic preacher Mizanur Rahman Azhari has described former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia as one of the few individuals in the country who has earned respect across political and social divides. In a social media post on Saturday, November 29, Azhari said that despite Bangladesh’s polarized political environment, Khaleda Zia stands out for her patriotism, personality, and long political contributions, which have made her a respected figure among most citizens. He noted that the BNP chairperson is currently hospitalized and critically ill, and that people from all political backgrounds are praying for her recovery. Azhari concluded his message by praying for Khaleda Zia’s swift and complete recovery, describing her as a woman devoted to her country and steadfast in her religious values.

Former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia remains in a critical but stable condition, according to Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP). Patwari shared the update on his verified Facebook page on Saturday, November 29, after visiting Zia at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. He stated that Khaleda Zia is following doctors’ and nurses’ instructions and urged the nation to pray for her recovery. Earlier that morning, Patwari, along with NCP leaders Dr. Tasnim Jara and Hasnat Abdullah, met with the medical team overseeing Zia’s treatment. Khaleda Zia was admitted to the hospital on November 23 after her health deteriorated and has been receiving treatment in the CCU since Thursday. Several BNP leaders, including legal adviser Asif Nazrul and special assistant Monir Haider, have also visited her under the directive of the party’s chief adviser.

Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Mexico, Mushfiqur Fazal Ansari, has shared an emotional Facebook post describing former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia as a life-changing inspiration. Reflecting on his early career, Ansari said he began working at the Prime Minister’s Office at age 26 under Khaleda Zia’s leadership, which shaped his professional and personal journey. He credited her guidance, compassion, and determination for his success and moral courage. Ansari also recalled highlighting Khaleda Zia’s role in promoting democracy and human rights at international platforms, including the UN and the White House, while condemning the alleged persecution she faced under the Hasina government. Recounting his decision to move to the United States in 2016 after political pressure, he said Khaleda Zia encouraged the move. Currently unable to visit her due to official restrictions and health reasons, Ansari expressed deep sorrow and prayed for her recovery.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed deep frustration and anger over the government’s final approval of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Ordinance 2025, which omitted several strategic reform recommendations. In a statement released on Friday, TIB questioned whether the government’s pledge for state reform holds any real meaning or is merely rhetoric. The organization criticized the exclusion of proposals to establish an ACC Reform Commission and a Selection and Review Committee, arguing that this move undermines institutional independence, transparency, and accountability. TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman described the decision as contradictory to the government’s own reform commitments. He claimed that at least seven advisers opposed the proposals despite earlier political consensus. TIB alleged that influential anti-reform elements within the government are obstructing genuine reform efforts, thereby weakening anti-corruption mechanisms. While acknowledging some improvements in the draft ordinance, TIB warned that the omission of key provisions raises serious concerns about the government’s sincerity in combating corruption.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has urged party supporters and well-wishers not to visit the hospital where party chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia is currently receiving treatment. Speaking at an emergency press briefing on Saturday, Rizvi explained that the increasing number of visitors was causing inconvenience to other patients and disrupting Khaleda Zia’s medical care. He requested everyone to pray for her recovery from their own locations instead of gathering at the hospital. Rizvi added that both Khaleda Zia’s family and the BNP leadership had issued similar instructions. Khaleda Zia, who has been suffering from multiple health complications, was admitted to the hospital on November 23 with lung infection and heart issues. She remains under close observation in the CCU under a medical board comprising local and foreign specialists.

Bangladeshi writer and online activist Faham Abdus Salam has expressed deep respect and affection for former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in a Facebook post. He described Khaleda Zia as the most remarkable person he has ever seen in Bangladesh, emphasizing her resilience and dedication to the nation. Faham noted that despite knowing the risks of imprisonment and death, Khaleda Zia returned from London to Bangladesh, choosing not to flee during political turmoil in 2008. He praised her for enduring immense pressure and remaining steadfast in her love for the country and its people. Faham also voiced concern over her deteriorating health and prayed for her recovery. He concluded by stating that Khaleda Zia is the only public figure in Bangladesh he has truly loved and admired throughout his life, declaring that “Khaleda Zia is Bangladesh.”

BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie has called for a united social movement to eradicate drug abuse from Lakshmipur and across Bangladesh. Speaking as chief guest at a scholarship award ceremony organized by Lakshmipur Ideal Foundation, Annie said that drug dealers are few in number but can be eliminated if society raises a collective voice against them. He emphasized that awareness and community participation are essential, as no elected representative can achieve a drug-free society alone. Addressing students, Annie encouraged them to pursue diverse careers such as doctors, engineers, teachers, and civil servants, urging them to think positively and set clear goals. The event also recognized 200 scholarship recipients out of 1,500 participants, with top students receiving laptops and awards. The program was attended by local educators and BNP leaders.

Cyclone Ditwah has caused severe devastation in Sri Lanka, leaving at least 123 people dead and 130 missing as it moves north-northwest over the southwestern Bay of Bengal. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has issued distant warning signal No. 2 for the country’s four major seaports—Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra—advising all fishing boats and trawlers to remain near the coast and avoid deep-sea operations until further notice. As of Saturday morning, the cyclone was located about 1,880 kilometers southwest of Chattogram and 1,750 kilometers southwest of Mongla. Winds near the cyclone’s center are reaching sustained speeds of 62 km/h, with gusts up to 88 km/h, making the sea very rough. Sri Lanka continues to experience heavy rainfall exceeding 300 millimeters in some areas, along with strong winds and flooding. Regional authorities are monitoring the storm’s movement closely as it continues to track toward the northern Bay of Bengal.