As Bangladesh’s 13th national election approaches, political activity in Lakshmipur-3 (Sadar) has intensified, with both BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami candidates actively campaigning from morning till midnight. On Thursday night, BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie and Jamaat’s Dhaka North Secretary Dr. Mohammad Rezaul Karim attended a religious gathering in Bhabaniganj, where they later shared tea at a local office. A video of their meeting went viral on social media, drawing widespread attention and mixed reactions. In the video, Annie described Rezaul as a dear brother, calling their contest a “fight for democracy, not fascism.” Despite their cordial meeting, both candidates have been delivering sharp remarks against each other during campaign events, sparking heated debates among supporters online. However, many observers have praised their tea-time meeting as a gesture of political civility amid fierce competition.

Two members of Bangladesh’s advisory council, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan from the Ministry of Local Government and Mahfuz Alam from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, are set to resign next week to contest in the upcoming national election scheduled for February. Both were key coordinators during the mass uprising and intend to step down before the election schedule is announced. While former adviser Nahid Islam has already joined the National Citizens Party (NCP), sources suggest Asif and Mahfuz are unlikely to follow suit. They may instead run as independent candidates in constituencies previously vacated by the BNP. Asif Mahmud, now a voter in Dhaka-10, has hinted at contesting from there, though he has yet to confirm his political affiliation. He stated that while no law prevents advisers from running, he believes it is ethically appropriate to resign before doing so. Several other advisers may also contest the election.

Chinese investors have expressed strong interest in investing in Bangladesh’s eco-friendly technology, jute, textile, and pharmaceutical sectors as part of efforts to support Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s vision of manufacturing transformation. During a meeting in Dhaka, Yang Dongning, Vice President of the Export-Import Bank of China, and Dr. Ma Jun, President of the Institute of Finance and Sustainability, discussed potential large-scale investments, particularly in rooftop solar energy and the jute industry. China aims to utilize around one million tons of jute to produce biofertilizers, green energy, and plastic alternatives through joint ventures with Bangladeshi partners. Dr. Yunus welcomed the initiative, urging China to relocate manufacturing plants to Bangladesh and use closed state-owned jute mills for new ventures. He also encouraged Chinese companies to explore AI, e-commerce, and infrastructure projects, including a proposed railway linking Bangladesh with southern China to boost regional trade connectivity.

Gas Transmission Company Limited (GTCL) announced that its Ghorashal valve station will remain closed for two hours on Friday, November 28, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM due to urgent maintenance work. As a result, gas supply pressure may remain low in several areas including Joydebpur, Tongi, Konabari, Shafipur, and Chandra. The information was confirmed through a press release signed by Md. Al Amin, Manager (Media and Public Relations) of Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited. The company expressed regret for the temporary inconvenience and assured that the maintenance work is essential to ensure uninterrupted service in the future. Residents and industrial consumers in the affected areas have been advised to plan accordingly during the maintenance period.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, announced that India is reviewing Dhaka’s request to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina following her conviction in a genocide case linked to the July uprising. In a Facebook post on Friday, Alam expressed confidence that former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, referred to as the 'Butcher of Dhaka', will also be extradited to Bangladesh soon. He asserted that Hasina, Kamal, and other Awami League leaders accused of involvement in the July massacre would face justice under Bangladesh’s legal system. Alam added that despite their influence and resources, accountability for alleged crimes, including enforced disappearances and human rights violations during Hasina’s 16-year rule, cannot be avoided. He emphasized that national commitment to justice for the victims of the July uprising would make it increasingly difficult for those responsible to evade consequences.

A major fire broke out at the five-story Rahman Diagnostic Center in Hemayetpur, Savar, on Thursday night, causing extensive damage to the facility. The blaze reportedly started around 11:30 p.m. in a shop located in the building’s underground section. Two units from the Hemayetpur Tannery Fire Service responded promptly and managed to bring the fire under control by around 1:30 a.m. Firefighters continued dumping operations to prevent reignition. According to Fire Service Station Manager Tanvir Ahmed, the fire spread from the lower floor to other parts of the building, burning furniture and valuable equipment. Although no casualties have been reported, the full extent of the damage and the cause of the fire are yet to be determined. Authorities are still assessing the situation as smoke continues to rise from the site.

A mobile court in Jagannathpur upazila of Sunamganj sentenced five workers to varying jail terms for illegally extracting sand from the Kushiyara River. The operation, led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md. Mohsin Uddin on Thursday morning, also resulted in the seizure of three engine-run boats loaded with sand. Among the convicts, Nabi Hossain and Alal Uddin received six months’ imprisonment each, while Didar Miah, Monir Hossain, and Nazrul were sentenced to three months each. Authorities stated that legal action will continue against others involved in the illegal extraction. The administration emphasized that such drives will remain ongoing to protect the river from environmental degradation caused by unauthorized sand mining. The convicted individuals were later sent to jail through the Sunamganj court, according to local police officials.

The University of Dhaka has officially begun its 2025–26 undergraduate admission process with the Business Administration Institute (IBA) entry test held on Friday, November 28, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. According to the university’s admission website, the Fine Arts Unit test will be held on November 29, the Business Studies Unit on December 6, the Arts, Law, and Social Science Unit on December 13, and the Science Unit on December 20. The application process started on October 29 and closed on November 19 at 11:59 p.m. This year, a total of 6,125 seats are available across five units. The IBA unit alone has 120 seats, for which more than 11,000 candidates have applied, indicating intense competition. Admission test admit cards have already been issued to eligible applicants.

Selim Haider, a celebrated Bangladeshi guitarist and one of the founding members of the iconic band Feedback, passed away on Thursday night, November 27, at a private hospital in Dhaka. He had been undergoing treatment for cancer and other health complications. The news of his death was confirmed by musician Bappa Mazumder. His funeral prayer is scheduled to be held on Friday after Jumma prayers at Hatirpool Pukur Par Jame Mosque. Before forming Feedback, Haider played in the band 'Sannyasi' with late singer Sheikh Ishtiaq and later performed with 'Feedback', 'Maqsood O Dhaka', 'Ullas', and 'Selim Haider & Friends'. He also collaborated with renowned artists like Runa Laila and contributed guitar work to numerous film songs. Known for his introverted nature and musical versatility, Haider mastered lead, bass, rhythm, and keyboard instruments, leaving a lasting legacy in Bangladesh’s modern music scene.

Bangladesh experienced several mild earthquakes over the past week, including a magnitude 4 tremor in the Bay of Bengal on November 26. A day later, a 6.6 magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia, though no major tsunami followed. Experts say Bangladesh faces limited tsunami risk unless a powerful quake occurs near the Andaman or Nicobar Islands. The country lies at the junction of two tectonic plates stretching from Chattogram-Arakan to the Andaman region. Historical records show a major 8.5 magnitude quake off the Arakan coast in 1962 caused a significant tsunami, but such events are rare, with recurrence intervals of 500–900 years. Meteorologists note that while small undersea quakes are frequent, they rarely cause damage. Bangladesh’s funnel-shaped coastline could amplify tsunami effects from distant sources, but the greater current concern is strong inland earthquakes rather than tsunamis.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, re-elected as the Ameer (chief) of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami for the 2026–2028 term, is set to take his oath of office on Friday evening at the Al-Falah Auditorium in Dhaka’s Moghbazar. According to the party’s constitution, the Ameer is chosen through a secret ballot by members of the national council for a three-year term. This marks Dr. Rahman’s third consecutive tenure as the party’s top leader, following his previous terms. The swearing-in ceremony will coincide with the opening session of Jamaat’s annual Central Majlish-e-Shura meeting, scheduled for November 28–29. Senior leaders from various political parties, along with Jamaat’s central executive, working, and consultative council members, are expected to attend. Previously, former leaders Ghulam Azam and Motiur Rahman Nizami also served three consecutive terms as Ameer, making Dr. Rahman the third in the party’s history to achieve this distinction.

The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has announced plans to introduce area-based rent rates and new guidelines for tenants and landlords by early December. During a roundtable discussion on tenant and landlord rights held at the DNCC auditorium on Thursday, the city’s administrator stated that although the House Rent Control Act of 1991 exists, many of its provisions are not being followed. The DNCC aims to prepare a directive ensuring compliance with safety measures such as fire protection and earthquake resistance. Tenants will have the freedom to move in or out of rented houses at their convenience. The city authority will also publish a standard agreement format on its website and take steps to prevent commercial activities in residential areas. Additionally, DNCC will ensure that tenants are informed about landlords’ holding tax payments, and services will be withheld from properties with unpaid taxes.

Shafiqul Alam, the press secretary to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has clarified that he will not contest in the upcoming national parliamentary election and has no intention of entering politics. In a Facebook post on Thursday night, Alam addressed widespread speculation about his possible candidacy, stating unequivocally that he is neither running for parliament nor planning to engage in political activities. His statement comes amid growing rumors in various circles suggesting that he might participate in the election. By publicly denying these claims, Alam sought to put an end to the speculation surrounding his political involvement. The clarification underscores his continued focus on his current role as press secretary rather than pursuing a political career.

Shishir Monir, the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for the Sunamganj-2 constituency, has pledged to hold a 'public parliament' every month if elected as a Member of Parliament in the upcoming 13th National Election. Speaking to journalists in Sunamganj, Monir said the initiative would ensure that local officials, including UNOs and police officers, are directly accountable to citizens. The Supreme Court lawyer emphasized that he himself would face the public to hear their problems and admit any shortcomings. Monir also expressed his belief that the upcoming referendum would likely favor the 'Yes' vote, arguing that campaigning for 'No' would be politically difficult and counterproductive. He added that the 'Yes' side represents reform and progress, while 'No' symbolizes regression. Other Jamaat leaders, including Advocate Muhammad Shams Uddin and Professor Mohammad Abdullah, were present at the event held in Sunamganj town.

The five-day Jor Ijtema, a preparatory congregation ahead of the annual Bishwa Ijtema, will begin on Friday after the Fajr sermon at the Turag River bank in Tongi. Organized by the Shura-e-Nezam faction of Tablighi Jamaat, led by followers of Maulana Zubair, the event will conclude on December 2 with a final prayer. The Jor Ijtema is held about 40 days before the main Bishwa Ijtema to review annual activities and receive guidance from senior scholars. Devotees and elders from both home and abroad are expected to attend. Tongi West Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Harun-or-Rashid stated that additional police forces have been deployed around the venue to ensure security and maintain order during the gathering.