Six leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Sakhipur upazila of Tangail have resigned from their party positions, accusing BNP’s Tangail-8 (Basail-Sakhipur) candidate and central vice-chairman Ahmed Azam Khan of rehabilitating Awami League activists within the party. The resignations, submitted between November 21 and 25, were shared on social media, sparking widespread discussion. The resigning leaders, including freedom fighters Abdul Bashed Master and Shahjahan Saju, claimed Khan acted in an authoritarian and undisciplined manner, alienating long-time BNP activists. Internal conflict within the local BNP has reportedly deepened since Khan’s nomination, with some leaders refusing to join his campaign. Khan denied all allegations, calling them false and politically motivated, and claimed that a conspiratorial group coerced some leaders into signing resignation letters. District BNP leaders described the incident as a misunderstanding and expressed hope for party unity ahead of the election.

Bangladesh’s Legal Adviser Asif Nazrul announced that the upcoming national referendum will feature ballots of a different color to help voters distinguish them from those used in the national election. The referendum ordinance was approved at a meeting of the advisory council on Tuesday, November 25, and the official gazette is expected to be published within a day or two. The referendum will include a single question requiring a 'yes' or 'no' response, and it will be held simultaneously with the 13th National Parliamentary Election. The same officials appointed for the parliamentary election—returning, assistant returning, presiding, and polling officers—will also oversee the referendum process. The government has decided to hold the referendum to seek public opinion on 30 reform proposals recommended by the National Consensus Commission. The winning party will be obligated to implement these agreed-upon reforms. The referendum law was initially approved on November 20, and the ordinance is now set for final approval.

The British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Sarah Cook, has issued a strong warning against visa fraud and illegal attempts to enter the United Kingdom. In a statement released by the British High Commission in Dhaka, Cook said that anyone found engaging in visa forgery or using unlawful means to travel to the UK could face a 10-year travel ban. She emphasized that visa fraud destroys people’s dreams and harms families, while those assisting in such crimes exploit individuals’ hopes for a better life and put them at serious risk. The High Commissioner urged applicants to use only official channels for legitimate visa applications, reaffirming the UK government’s commitment to combating fake visas and maintaining the integrity of its immigration system.

Bangladeshi Baul singer Hasina Sarkar has made explosive allegations against male Baul artists, claiming that some of them demand sexual favors from female performers in exchange for being invited to musical programs. Her comments came amid nationwide outrage over fellow Baul artist Abul Sarkar, who was recently arrested for making derogatory remarks about Islam and Allah during a performance in Ghior, Manikganj. Hasina stated that when she sought performance opportunities, male Bauls implied she must comply with their inappropriate demands. She rejected such propositions, saying she would not compromise her dignity for stage appearances. The remarks have sparked widespread discussion about exploitation and moral decline within parts of the Baul community, a folk tradition known for its spiritual and philosophical roots. Authorities have not yet commented on Hasina Sarkar’s claims.

A massive fire broke out in the Korail slum area of Dhaka on Tuesday evening, prompting a major emergency response. According to Fire Service and Civil Defence duty officer Rashed Bin Khalid, the fire started around 5:19 p.m. and quickly spread through the densely populated settlement. Eleven units of the Fire Service were deployed to the scene to bring the blaze under control. As of the latest reports, firefighters were still working to contain the flames, though the cause of the fire and the extent of damage or casualties were not immediately known. Korail, one of Dhaka’s largest informal settlements, has experienced similar fire incidents in the past, often resulting in significant losses for residents. Authorities have urged people to stay away from the area while emergency operations continue.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has announced that it will publicly disclose the names of individuals who attempt to obstruct or exert undue influence on its investigations. ACC Chairman Mohammad Abdul Momen made the statement on Tuesday, November 25, during a discussion marking the commission’s founding anniversary at its Segunbagicha headquarters in Dhaka. Responding to questions about external pressure on the commission, Momen emphasized that any future attempts to interfere with ACC’s work will be met with full transparency through name disclosure. The meeting was also attended by ACC Commissioners Miah Muhammad Ali Akbar Azizi and Brigadier General (Retd.) Hafiz Ahsan Farid, along with Secretary Mohammad Khaled Rahim. The chairman reiterated the ACC’s commitment to ensuring impartial and independent investigations into corruption cases across the country.

At the National Communication Association’s annual conference in Denver, Colorado, multiple international scholars presented research on Bangladesh’s July 2024 uprising, analyzing how Gen Z-led activism overcame state censorship and violence to drive political change. A special session titled “From Rights Movement to Regime Change,” chaired by Dr. Mohammad Ala Uddin of Saint Mary’s College, explored the cultural and communicative dynamics that sustained the movement. Studies highlighted how activists adapted to internet shutdowns through offline mobilization, used protest songs and graffiti as tools of emotional and symbolic resistance, and how foreign media framed the events. Researchers from the US, Bangladesh, China, and Pakistan contributed diverse perspectives, including analyses of leadership missteps and the movement’s lasting cultural memory. The uprising, they argued, has become a global reference point for understanding modern social movements. Revised papers from the panel will be published by Bloomsbury in an upcoming volume titled “Critical Media Perspectives on the 2024 Bangladesh Uprising.”

Thirteen faculty members from five departments of Rangamati Science and Technology University (RMSTU) have received a total of 3.175 million Bangladeshi taka in research grants under the 2025–2026 fiscal year’s revenue budget. The grants, distributed in the second phase, were awarded at a ceremony organized by the university’s Research and Innovation Management Cell (RIMC) at the Academic Building-1 conference room. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Atiar Rahman attended as the chief guest and emphasized the importance of research integrity, academic excellence, and institutional reputation. The funded projects cover diverse topics, including the development, harvesting, and marketing of fish resources in Kaptai Lake, aiming to contribute to national-level research and technological advancement. The event was conducted by Acting Director of RIMC Professor Dr. Abdullah Al Mamun, with the presence of deans, department heads, the acting registrar, and other faculty members.

A major rift has emerged within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Tangail’s Sakhipur upazila after six local leaders, including the upazila unit president Shahjahan Saju and general secretary Abdul Based Master, resigned from their posts. The resignations came in protest against alleged favoritism by BNP central vice chairman and Tangail-8 candidate Advocate Ahmed Azam Khan, whom they accused of rehabilitating individuals linked to rival political groups. The dispute escalated after Saju was relieved of his duties on September 16, prompting demands for his reinstatement. When that did not happen, several leaders followed him in quitting. The resignations, which spread on social media overnight, sparked widespread debate among BNP supporters. District BNP leaders, however, dismissed the move as part of a conspiracy ahead of the upcoming election and urged unity under the party’s electoral symbol. Ahmed Azam Khan claimed the resignations were part of a deeper plot against the BNP and expressed confidence in the party’s victory.

Bangladesh’s secondary school teachers have expressed growing frustration over the government’s delay in issuing a gazette to establish a separate Directorate of Secondary Education, despite the chief adviser’s approval two months ago. The Administrative Reform Commission had proposed dividing the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) into two separate entities — one for secondary and another for college education — to address inefficiency, staff shortages, and administrative complexity. Teachers argue that the current unified structure creates systemic discrimination, with college teachers receiving faster promotions and benefits. They demand the creation of a four-tier career ladder and an upgrade of the entry-level post to the 9th grade to attract qualified professionals. The Secondary Education Association has temporarily suspended its movement based on official assurances but warned of renewed protests if the gazette is not issued soon. Advocates claim that a separate directorate is essential to improve management, reduce inequality, and enhance the quality of secondary education across the country.

In Brahmanbaria’s Chinair village, unidentified miscreants defaced the memorial of Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mughdho, a martyr of the July uprising, by smearing ink on his portrait early Monday morning. The monument, located on the grounds of Chinair Anjuman Ara School and College, was originally dedicated to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman but later replaced with Mughdho’s image after the uprising. Locals discovered the vandalism at dawn, prompting anger and condemnation in the area. Police from Brahmanbaria Sadar Model Police Station visited the site and have launched an investigation to identify those responsible. Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Azharul Islam confirmed that legal action will be taken once the culprits are found. The incident has stirred emotional reactions among residents, who view the act as a sign of disrespect toward the memory of the slain activist.

Residents of Rupganj upazila in Narayanganj are increasingly distressed by a surge in robberies, thefts, and muggings across the area. Incidents include armed robberies at homes, attacks on jewelry stores, and highway muggings, with several videos circulating on social media. Locals allege that despite repeated complaints, police responses have been inadequate, allowing criminals to return to their activities soon after arrest. Many homeowners struggle to find tenants due to safety concerns, while industrial workers report frequent assaults and thefts on their way to work. Police officials, however, claim they are actively investigating the incidents and responding promptly to reports, citing vehicle shortages as a challenge. The deteriorating law and order situation has forced residents to move in groups for safety, reflecting a growing sense of insecurity in this industrial hub.

A businessman named Anwar Hossain was stabbed to death in Ramganj upazila of Lakshmipur district on Tuesday morning after refusing to pay an extortion demand of Tk 200,000. The incident occurred at Anwar’s tea stall in Saharpara village under Volakot Union. According to locals, Md. Yusuf Hossain, a known local extortionist and activist of the Jubo Dal, had been demanding money from Anwar for some time. When Anwar again refused to pay, an argument broke out, during which Yusuf allegedly stabbed him multiple times in the chest and back before fleeing. Anwar was rushed to Ramganj Government Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Police have recovered the body and sent it for autopsy at Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital. The Ramganj police station officer-in-charge confirmed that preparations are underway to file a case over the murder.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has officially withdrawn the expulsion order against Abdullah Al Mamun, a former member of the Jamalganj Upazila BNP in Sunamganj. The decision was communicated through a letter signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday. Mamun had previously been expelled for alleged activities violating party discipline. After a detailed review of his appeal and considering his commitment to adhere to the party’s principles and discipline in the future, the BNP decided to reinstate him. The letter also stated that Mamun is now permitted to resume participation in regular party activities. Copies of the decision were sent to the Sylhet divisional organizational team and the Sunamganj district BNP leadership. Expressing gratitude, Mamun thanked Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and other party leaders, pledging to work in line with the party’s ideology and discipline going forward.

Dhaka Metro Rail has introduced an online recharge system for its MRT and Rapid Pass cards, enabling passengers to top up their travel cards anytime and from anywhere. The service was inaugurated at Agargaon station by Sheikh Moinuddin, special assistant to the chief adviser at the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges. The system, implemented by the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA), aims to reduce long queues and passenger inconvenience at stations. Commuters can register at www.rapidpass.com.bd or through the app, and recharge using any digital payment method. The recharge remains pending until the card is tapped at an Automatic Vending Machine (AVM). Users can recharge between BDT 100 and 5,000, view transaction history, and request refunds within seven days before tapping, subject to a 5% service charge. Officials described the initiative as a step toward a more modern, transparent, and efficient public transport system in Bangladesh’s capital.