The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) of Bangladesh has made major revisions to secondary-level textbooks for the upcoming academic year. The new editions include a chapter titled 'Mass Uprisings in Independent Bangladesh' that covers events from the 1952 Language Movement to the 2024 July Revolution. The revised content highlights political transitions such as Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s BAKSAL era, Ziaur Rahman’s introduction of multi-party democracy, Ershad’s autocratic rule, and Khaleda Zia’s democratic government. It also includes references to Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, alleged authoritarianism, corruption, and her eventual downfall in 2024. The 7 March speech of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has been removed from the eighth-grade Bangla literature book. NCTB officials said the changes were made following recommendations from a high-level committee after widespread criticism of last year’s textbooks. The new books are printed and ready for distribution at the start of the school year, though they are not yet available online.

Despite multiple intelligence and Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) reports confirming serious irregularities, several senior officials loyal to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina remain in powerful positions at Bangladesh Television (BTV). Investigations revealed large-scale corruption, including bribery, project manipulation, and misuse of government funds, yet no disciplinary measures have been taken. Sources claim that a network of ministry and BTV officials has deliberately stalled these reports, keeping them buried in bureaucratic red tape. Key figures such as Senior Engineer Monirul Islam, Executive Producer Safir Hossain, and Controller Mohammad Selim have been accused of embezzlement, document forgery, and abuse of power. Despite ongoing investigations, they continue to hold influential posts, allegedly obstructing further inquiries. Ministry officials, including the secretary and additional secretary, declined to comment when contacted. Insiders fear that the unchecked influence of these officials poses risks of information leaks and continued corruption within the state broadcaster.

The Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) youth wing, Ganatantrik Jubo Dal, has expelled two of its leaders from Chandina upazila in Cumilla over allegations of involvement in drug and dredging businesses. The expulsions were announced through separate press releases on November 24 and 25 by Chandina upazila Jubo Dal president, lecturer Saiful Islam Babor. The expelled leaders are Md. Rasel Parvez, president of the Etbarpur Union Jubo Dal, and Md. Nasir Uddin Molla, joint general secretary of the upazila unit and general secretary of Bataghasi Union Jubo Dal. Rasel Parvez was arrested by police on November 23 with yaba tablets, leading to his expulsion the following day for violating party discipline. Nasir Uddin Molla was expelled on November 25 for allegedly running an illegal dredging business and engaging in local conflicts. Party officials stated that the expulsions followed directives from LDP Secretary General Dr. Redwan Ahmed, who instructed members to avoid any involvement in drugs, illegal businesses, or social disorder.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin has expressed optimism that Bangladesh’s law and order situation will improve following the announcement of the schedule for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. Speaking at an event in Dhaka on Wednesday, November 26, he said the situation is expected to become more stable ahead of the polls. The CEC also warned that strict measures will be taken against anyone attempting to obstruct the election process. He further mentioned that special security arrangements will be implemented in areas identified as vulnerable to ensure a peaceful and fair election environment. His remarks come amid growing political activity and public attention surrounding the forthcoming national election, as the Election Commission prepares to finalize the electoral roadmap.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has expressed deep concern and sympathy following the devastating fire that swept through Dhaka’s Karail slum, leaving many families homeless. In a late-night press statement on Tuesday, November 25, he extended condolences to the affected families and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. Yunus emphasized that the government will ensure all necessary assistance for the rehabilitation of those who lost their homes. He also directed relevant authorities to intensify rescue and relief operations immediately. Additionally, he instructed that a thorough investigation be carried out to determine the cause of the fire and to implement effective measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The government’s commitment aims to provide both immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation for the victims of the tragedy.

Several prominent British lawyers, including former Justice Secretary Robert Buckland KC, have described the corruption case against UK MP Tulip Siddiq as politically motivated and unfair. The case, which also names Sheikh Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana, involves allegations of illegal land plot allocation in Bangladesh, with a verdict expected on December 1. The lawyers wrote to Bangladesh’s High Commissioner in London, Abida Islam, expressing concern that Siddiq has been denied basic legal rights, including access to representation and information about the charges. They also claimed her appointed lawyer has been placed under house arrest and that his family has faced threats. Siddiq, who resigned as City Minister in January following the allegations, denies any wrongdoing. The controversy has sparked diplomatic and political debate over whether the UK could extradite Siddiq to Bangladesh, though the lawyers emphasized she is a British citizen and not a fugitive.

Five prominent British lawyers, including Cherie Blair KC, Philip Sands KC, and Geoffrey Robertson KC, have described the corruption case against UK MP Tulip Siddiq, former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, and others as 'fabricated and unjust.' In a letter to Bangladesh’s ambassador in London, they claimed Siddiq was denied basic legal rights and that the proceedings were politically orchestrated. The Guardian reported that Siddiq’s appointed lawyer was placed under house arrest and her daughter threatened. The case, involving alleged illegal plot allocation in Purbachal, was filed after Hasina’s ouster in August. Siddiq, who denies the allegations, resigned from her ministerial post in January amid criticism in the UK. The lawyers argued that extraditing a sitting British MP without solid evidence would be ethically questionable and that Siddiq deserves fair legal representation.

A fire has broken out at Bangladesh Medical Hospital, commonly known as PG Hospital, located in Shahbagh, Dhaka. According to initial reports, six units of the Fire Service and Civil Defence are currently on the scene working to bring the blaze under control. The cause of the fire and the extent of damage are yet to be determined. Authorities have not reported any casualties so far, and emergency responders are focusing on ensuring the safety of patients and staff. Further details are expected as the situation develops.

A series of investigative reports have revealed extensive corruption within Bangladesh Television (BTV), implicating several senior officials accused of embezzlement, abuse of power, and political favoritism. Despite clear evidence from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and National Security Intelligence (NSI), no disciplinary action has been taken against the accused, many of whom are reportedly loyal to the former Awami League government. Officials such as Monirul Islam, Mohammad Selim, and Safir Hossain are alleged to have manipulated contracts, falsified bills, and misused public funds. Sources claim that a powerful clique within the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is obstructing the implementation of investigation findings, keeping the reports buried in bureaucratic red tape. Attempts to obtain official comments from ministry officials, including Secretary Mahbuba Farzana, were unsuccessful. The revelations have raised concerns about ongoing risks of information leaks and the persistence of corruption within the state broadcaster even under the interim government.

Northern Bangladesh, particularly Tetulia, is experiencing a sharp drop in temperature as winter begins to set in. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the minimum temperature in Tetulia was recorded at 13°C on Wednesday morning, with humidity at 97%. The previous days also saw temperatures hovering around 12.8°C to 13.4°C, signaling the onset of winter. Meteorologists predict that the first cold wave of the season may arrive in early December if sea conditions remain stable. Meanwhile, a low-pressure area or cyclone may form over the Bay of Bengal in late November, potentially bringing rainfall and rough seas. Fishermen along coastal areas have been advised to remain cautious. Experts note that while November’s remaining days may not see a significant increase in cold intensity, the true winter chill is expected to begin in December.

In Rangpur-3 constituency, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is facing internal divisions as two rebel candidates, Advocate Mahfuz-un-Nabi Don and Rita Rahman, continue their election campaigns despite the party’s official nomination of Shamsuzzaman Shamu. The discord has created an awkward situation for the BNP nominee and confused grassroots supporters, with factions forming around the rival candidates. Taking advantage of the split, Jamaat-e-Islami’s candidate, Professor Mahbubar Rahman Belal, has gained a stronger foothold in the constituency. While other parties such as the National People's Party (NCP) and Islami Andolon have yet to finalize their candidate lists, BNP, Jamaat, and Islami Andolon have each announced single candidates for all Rangpur seats. Both Don and Rahman claim long-standing loyalty and sacrifices for the party, while Shamu insists there is no division within BNP and that internal competition is part of democratic practice.

A devastating fire broke out in Dhaka’s Korail slum on Tuesday evening, destroying around 1,500 homes. The blaze started at approximately 5:22 p.m., and 19 fire service units managed to bring it under control after five hours of effort, around 10:30 p.m. No casualties have been reported so far. Fire Service Director (Operations and Maintenance) Lt. Col. Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury said traffic congestion delayed the arrival of fire trucks, forcing firefighters to extend hoses from a distance. He added that tangled electrical wires and gas cylinders inside homes accelerated the spread of the fire. The cause of the blaze and the extent of property damage are under investigation. Chowdhury noted that regular fire drills in the slum helped contain the fire more quickly. He also mentioned that sufficient water was available from fire trucks, WASA, and nearby drains. Officials warned that winter months are typically a high-risk period for fires in Dhaka.

At least 27 people, including two student journalists, were injured in a violent clash between students of Jessore University of Science and Technology (JUST) and local residents on Tuesday evening. The confrontation erupted near Ambottola Bazar after allegations that a local shopkeeper harassed a female student. When students confronted the shopkeeper, an argument escalated into physical violence, prompting locals to retaliate. Witnesses reported that locals used loudspeakers to mobilize others against the students, leading to hours of chaos marked by stone-throwing and vandalism. Students later blocked the Chougacha–Dhaka highway and confined the vice-chancellor and treasurer, demanding justice and faster police response. Law enforcement and army personnel were eventually deployed to restore order around 9 p.m. University authorities visited the injured students and promised to address their demands by Wednesday evening, leading to the release of the confined officials around 1 a.m.

Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque has called for the cancellation of the container terminal lease agreement at Chattogram Port, alleging the deal was made secretly with foreign entities and without public consent. Speaking at a discussion organized by his party at the National Press Club in Dhaka, Haque accused the government of acting without a mandate and compared the move to previous controversial agreements such as the one with India’s Adani Group. He argued that the deal compromises Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty, and national security, as it was signed without consultation or transparency. Other political leaders from parties including Gono Forum, BSD, LDP, and Ganosanghati Andolon also criticized the government’s handling of the port agreement, urging greater accountability and public disclosure. The speakers collectively demanded that the government revoke the contract to protect national interests.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed deep concern over the massive fire that broke out at the Korail slum in Dhaka’s Mohakhali area on Tuesday evening. In a statement signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Rahman conveyed his sympathy to the affected families and expressed hope that they would endure this difficult time with patience. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the fire service in controlling the blaze and noted that the extent of the damage was still unclear, though many homes were reported destroyed. Rahman also expressed solidarity with the fire service personnel and local residents for their tireless efforts to extinguish the fire, saying their dedication had inspired the nation. He prayed for the safety of all residents and hoped that the fire would be brought under control soon without any loss of life.