The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) recovered three one-shooter guns and six rounds of ammunition during a special operation at the Chakpara border area in Shibganj upazila of Chapainawabganj. The operation, conducted by the 59 BGB Battalion based on secret intelligence, took place late Thursday night near the Pagla River under Shahbajpur Union. The recovered weapons were found abandoned about 25 yards inside Bangladeshi territory near international border pillar 183/4-S. BGB officials suspect the arms were intended for use in criminal or terrorist activities to disrupt internal security. Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Golam Kibria confirmed the recovery during a press briefing on Saturday morning. He also reported that over the past three years, the Mahananda Battalion has seized 30 pistols, 392 rounds of ammunition, and 41 magazines from the border region, reflecting ongoing efforts to curb cross-border arms smuggling and maintain law and order.

BNP Vice Chairman and Feni-3 constituency candidate Abdul Awal Mintoo declared that there is no place in the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for those who create disorder or engage in extortion. Speaking during his election campaign in Daganbhuiyan, Feni, Mintoo praised BNP’s founding leader Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, accusing the current government of persecuting them through false cases. He said acting chairman Tarique Rahman has instructed that no corrupt or violent individuals should hold leadership positions in the party. Mintoo also alleged that the ruling Awami League government has harassed him with fabricated cases and attacks on his properties. During his campaign, clashes broke out between rival BNP factions, injuring several activists, though police and army personnel later restored order. Mintoo pledged to work for local development if elected and reaffirmed his loyalty to the party’s central leadership and its principles.

Bangladesh’s interim government adviser for law, justice, parliamentary affairs, expatriate welfare and overseas employment, Dr. Asif Nazrul, announced that the remaining 24 Bangladeshi nationals detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will soon be released. The detainees were imprisoned at different times for their alleged involvement in the July uprising in the UAE. Dr. Nazrul shared the news on his verified Facebook page, expressing gratitude to the Prime Adviser, the Ministry of Expatriate Welfare, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and officials of the Bangladesh Embassy in the UAE for their coordinated efforts. He noted that this marks the final phase of the release process, following the earlier release of 188 detainees in September last year, which occurred after a direct appeal from the Chief Adviser. The announcement brings relief to the families of those still detained and highlights the government’s ongoing diplomatic engagement to protect Bangladeshi workers abroad.

Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has claimed that foreign powers are attempting to orchestrate leadership changes in Bangladesh’s two major political parties, the Awami League and the BNP. In an interview with BBC Bangla, Joy described these efforts as undemocratic and reminiscent of the 'refined party' concept discussed during the 2007 political crisis. He rejected the idea of any foreign-imposed restructuring of the Awami League, asserting that party leadership should be determined democratically by members. Joy also dismissed speculation that he or other members of the Sheikh family would automatically assume leadership after Hasina, emphasizing that the party remains united under her leadership despite its current ban and the imprisonment or exile of many leaders. He further alleged that false cases were being filed against his family to prevent them from contesting elections, while acknowledging past mistakes by the Awami League government during the July protests and calling for transparent investigations.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has pledged that if his party wins the upcoming national election, it will form a government in collaboration with the BNP and other anti-fascist political groups. Speaking at a youth, student, and citizen rally in Dhaka’s Bhashantek area, he emphasized the need to end political division and corruption, asserting that Jamaat has no history of embezzlement or extortion. Dr. Rahman criticized the current political system, saying the people no longer want biased or corrupt governance. He also claimed that despite attempts to destroy Jamaat over the past 15 years, the party has remained steadfast. Highlighting the nomination of ‘untainted’ candidates in all 300 constituencies, he said Jamaat’s goal is to establish a corruption-free society and a government that truly represents the people.

In Dhaka’s major markets, the price of green chili has fallen by nearly half over the past week, dropping from Tk 160–200 per kilogram to Tk 80–100. Onion prices have also eased slightly, with regular onions selling for Tk 95–105 and new leafy onions for Tk 70–80 per kilogram. However, vegetable prices remain high despite increased winter supply. Tomatoes, beans, and eggplants are still selling at elevated rates, ranging from Tk 80–140 per kilogram. Other vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, radish, and bottle gourd have seen modest price drops. Meat, fish, eggs, and poultry prices remain stable, with broiler chicken selling at Tk 155–170 per kilogram and eggs at Tk 115–120 per dozen. Retailers report that edible oil prices may rise by Tk 5–6 per liter soon, though supply remains steady. Traders expect vegetable prices to decline further in the coming days as supply improves.

Bangladesh Under-17 football team continued their impressive run in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualifiers with a 2-1 victory over Bahrain in Chongqing, China. This marks their fourth consecutive win, following dominant victories against Timor-Leste (5-0), Brunei (8-0), and Sri Lanka (5-0). Substitute Bayezid opened the scoring in the 59th minute after a defensive error by Bahrain, while captain Nazmul Huda Faisal set up Manik for a stunning long-range second goal in the 72nd minute. Despite conceding one goal in the 85th minute, Bangladesh held firm to secure the win. The result puts Bangladesh in a strong position to qualify for the final round of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup, needing only a win against hosts China in their final group match on November 30 to top Group A. The young team’s attacking consistency, creative midfield play, and solid defense have drawn praise for their disciplined and confident performance.

In Natore’s Naldanga upazila, a six-kilometer connecting road from Patul Mini Cox’s Bazar to Khajuria, submerged for six months, has been cleared under an initiative by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s local unit. The road, previously covered with water hyacinths and aquatic weeds, had become unusable, causing severe hardship for residents. On Friday morning, the cleanup and recovery program began, inaugurated by Professor Md. Yunus Ali, Jamaat’s nominated candidate for the Natore-2 parliamentary seat. He stated that removing obstacles to public movement is a moral duty and that reopening the road would ease local life. Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Professor Md. Delwar Hossain Khan and district leaders attended as special guests. Locals expressed relief as the long-neglected road became usable again, marking a significant improvement in daily transportation and community access.

In Pabna-3 constituency, encompassing Chatmohar, Bhangura, and Faridpur upazilas, three siblings from the family of late BNP leader Haji Akkas Ali Master have taken divergent political paths ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national election. Hasanul Islam Raja, a BNP cultural wing adviser, has announced his independent candidacy after the party nominated agriculturist Hasan Zafir Tuhin. His brother, former upazila chairman and BNP leader Hasanul Islam Hira, has also protested the nomination, organizing torch processions demanding a local candidate. Their sister, advocate Arifa Sultana Ruma, a long-time BNP activist, has chosen to support the official BNP nominee and campaign for the party symbol. The internal split has sparked visible divisions within local BNP ranks, with former MP KM Anwarul Islam joining Hira’s protest. Election officials report 481,962 registered voters in the constituency. Analysts suggest that if independent or local candidates contest, the electoral balance could shift, potentially benefiting Jamaat-e-Islami’s candidate Professor Ali Asgar.

More than 200 leaders and activists of the Awami League, whose activities were previously banned in Dhaka’s Demra area, have joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The formal joining took place on Friday morning at the Demra Thana BNP office, where the new members were welcomed by BNP leaders SM Reza Selim and Anisuzzaman. The group, led by freedom fighter and former Awami League leader Maulana Shahadat Hossain, pledged to work together for the upcoming national elections. Shahadat Hossain stated that he had earlier been a follower of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman but was compelled to join the Awami League under pressure. He expressed renewed confidence in BNP leadership. BNP leaders emphasized that their party practices constructive politics and is moving forward under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, welcoming the new members as part of a broader political unity effort in Dhaka-5 constituency.

Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the National Board of Revenue’s Central Intelligence Cell (CIC) have launched investigations into alleged undisclosed assets belonging to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her family. Following her departure to India on August 5 last year amid a mass uprising, authorities reportedly uncovered properties worth hundreds of crores of taka registered under family members’ names across Dhaka, including in Gulshan, Baridhara, and Segunbagicha. Official tax filings show discrepancies, with undeclared bank lockers and undervalued properties. ACC Chairman Dr. Mohammad Abdul Momen stated that Hasina’s 2008 election affidavit contained inconsistencies regarding agricultural land ownership, revealing 29 acres instead of the declared 5.2 acres. The investigation also highlights income sources from agriculture, royalties, and financial instruments, but suggests significant underreporting of real estate and jewelry holdings. The findings have intensified scrutiny over the former premier’s wealth declarations and potential misuse of power during her tenure.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is reported to be in a 'very critical' health condition, according to party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Speaking after Friday prayers at a special prayer gathering in Dhaka’s Naya Paltan, Fakhrul said Khaleda Zia has long contributed to the country’s democratic movement and has endured imprisonment and hardship for her political stance. He urged people across Bangladesh to pray for her recovery. The 80-year-old former leader, suffering from multiple chronic conditions including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney complications, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 after experiencing breathing difficulties. She had previously been hospitalized in October for medical tests. Khaleda Zia returned from London in May after receiving medical treatment abroad earlier this year.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has emphasized the importance of respecting differing opinions and ensuring freedom of expression as Bangladesh approaches its upcoming national election, expected in February. Speaking at the biennial conference of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) in Dhaka, Fakhrul said the nation is eager to return to a democratic system through the polls. He criticized the current political culture where dissenters are often treated as enemies and subjected to misinformation campaigns. Fakhrul also urged journalists to remain independent and focus on their professional responsibilities rather than aligning with political parties. He accused the government of systematically undermining media freedom over the past 15 years. The conference was attended by representatives from 18 affiliated journalist unions across the country, with discussions focusing on organizational and professional issues within the media sector.

Bangladesh’s banking sector is facing a severe crisis marked by record levels of non-performing loans (NPLs), rising capital and provisioning shortfalls, and declining investor confidence. According to the latest Bangladesh Bank data, total bad loans have surged to Tk 6.45 trillion, representing 35.77% of all distributed credit. Analysts attribute this deterioration to years of mismanagement, irregularities, and alleged looting during the previous Awami League government. Experts warn that the incoming government after the February election will inherit a fragile financial system, with nearly half of the country’s banks struggling to survive. Liquidity shortages, high lending rates of 14–18%, and declining deposits are further constraining investment and job creation. Economists fear that without strict action against top defaulters and systemic reforms, the banking sector’s instability could severely undermine Bangladesh’s overall economic recovery and growth prospects.

Bangladesh’s banking sector is facing an unprecedented crisis marked by soaring default loans, capital shortfalls, and declining profitability. Analysts attribute the turmoil to years of mismanagement and irregularities during the previous Awami League government. According to Bangladesh Bank data, non-performing loans (NPLs) have surged to a record Tk 6.45 trillion, representing 35.77% of total disbursed loans. The sector’s provision deficit has also ballooned to Tk 3.2 trillion, while nearly half of all banks are struggling to stay afloat. Experts warn that the liquidity crunch, high interest rates, and eroding depositor confidence could further cripple investment and job creation under the new government. Former Bangladesh Economic Association president Dr. Mainul Islam estimates real NPLs may exceed 40% once written-off and renewed loans are included. Analysts urge strict legal action against top defaulters to restore stability. The worsening situation poses a major challenge for the interim and upcoming elected governments to revive confidence and ensure sustainable economic growth.