Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) A K M Shahidul Haque has alleged misconduct during his interrogation by the investigation agency of Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal. His lawyer, Sifat Mahmud, told Tribunal-1 on Monday that investigators asked Shahidul Haque about the promotion status of the current coordinator, which he described as inappropriate and unrelated to the inquiry. Prosecutor Md Mizanul Islam denied the allegation, saying that any complaint should be filed formally. The tribunal scheduled a hearing on the complaint for January 22, coinciding with the submission date for the investigation report in the same case. Shahidul Haque, along with former Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia and former DMP Deputy Commissioner Md Jasim Uddin Molla, is under arrest in connection with the 2016 Kalyanpur ‘Jahaz Bari’ operation, where nine youths were allegedly killed. The tribunal also set separate hearing dates for other war crimes cases involving former military and police officers.

The Bangladesh Police Service Association has strongly condemned recent comments made by a former Member of Parliament who suggested that police officers should act under the direction of political leaders. The controversial remarks, delivered during a political rally and later circulated widely on social media, called for police to follow politicians’ orders in filing cases and making arrests. In a statement signed by the association’s General Secretary and Dhaka District Superintendent of Police Md. Anisuzzaman, the association described the comments as highly inappropriate and contrary to democratic principles. The statement emphasized that the police operate under the constitution and statutory law, maintaining neutrality since the August 5 student uprising. It reaffirmed the force’s commitment to impartiality ahead of the February 2026 national elections, rejecting any attempt to politicize law enforcement. The association urged political figures to refrain from making statements that undermine the integrity and independence of the police.

At a discussion titled 'Education Reform Ideas for Building a Democratic State' held at the National Press Club in Dhaka, Ganosamhati Andolon proposed that the government should take full responsibility for education up to the 12th grade. Party chief coordinator Zonayed Saki emphasized that education reform must align with a productive economic plan ensuring equality and fair resource distribution. He argued for a distinct salary scale and improved status for teachers across all levels, from primary to university. The event, part of the party’s manifesto preparation initiative, also featured education experts and activists who highlighted the need to depoliticize education and ensure universal access to quality learning. Professor Mahbub Ullah stressed that national development depends on mass education, while other speakers criticized the commercialization of education. The discussion aimed to gather expert and public input for Ganosamhati Andolon’s upcoming election manifesto.

Dhaka University (DU) has formed a Central Coordination Committee and four sub-committees to inspect and evaluate the structural safety of its residential halls and academic buildings following a recent earthquake. The central committee, headed by DU Treasurer Professor Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, was established after an emergency meeting chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan. The sub-committees, comprising experts from BUET’s Civil Engineering Department, will conduct technical inspections and assessments of the buildings. Their findings will be made public, and detailed reports will be preserved by the university’s engineering office and respective halls. If any building is deemed unsafe, students will be relocated to safer facilities. The committees include university officials, hall provosts, engineers, and representatives from the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU). The initiative aims to ensure the structural integrity and safety of the university’s infrastructure in the aftermath of the earthquake.

Engineer Ishraq Hossain, a prominent leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has been appointed as the convener of the newly formed central convening committee of the Bangladesh Nationalist Liberation War Generation. Advocate K. M. Kamruzzaman Nannu has been named member secretary, and Dr. K. M. I. Monti will serve as senior joint convener. The committee comprises a total of 101 members. The announcement was made through an official statement signed by Bir Muktijoddha Ishtiaq Aziz Ulfat, president of the BNP-affiliated Nationalist Freedom Fighters’ Council. According to the statement, the formation of the committee was approved by BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman. The new committee aims to strengthen the organization’s activities among the younger generation inspired by the spirit of the Liberation War.

A case has been filed in Manikganj following an attack on followers of jailed Baul artist Abul Sarkar, who was imprisoned for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Allah and Islam. The complaint, lodged by the father of injured Baul artist Zohirul Islam, names 200 unidentified individuals. The incident occurred during a human chain organized by Baul artists demanding Sarkar’s release, which clashed with a rally by a group called Touhidi Janata demanding his execution. Several people from both sides were injured in the ensuing violence. Police confirmed that a separate general diary was also filed regarding the incident and that an investigation is underway to identify and arrest those involved. Abul Sarkar, president of the Bangladesh Baul Association, was arrested on November 20 after allegedly making offensive comments during a performance in Ghior, Manikganj. His bail plea was rejected twice by the court, and he remains in custody.

Sylhet District Commissioner Md. Sarwar Alam has announced an immediate initiative to demolish 23 buildings identified as highly risky in the city’s earthquake-prone zones. The decision follows renewed fears after recent tremors and years of inaction by the Sylhet City Corporation (SCC), which had earlier marked these structures as dangerous nearly six years ago. The meeting, chaired by Divisional Commissioner Khan Md. Reza-un-Nabi, focused on earthquake preparedness and post-disaster response. Officials and experts discussed evacuation challenges, especially in narrow streets that could hinder rescue operations. The risky buildings include government offices, markets, schools, and residential structures. Experts from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology warned that most of Sylhet’s 42,000 buildings are not earthquake-resistant, with 60–65% built without following proper construction codes. The SCC has formed a committee to review renovation and demolition plans, with authorities emphasizing urgent action to prevent potential disasters and ensure public safety.

Several smaller political groups in Bangladesh have begun discussions to form a new alliance ahead of the upcoming national election, expected in about two and a half months. The initiative, led by the Rashtra Sanskar Andolon, includes parties such as the National Citizen Party (NCP), Gano Adhikar Parishad, Nagorik Oikya, AB Party, and Ganatantra Mancha. Leaders including Hasnat Kayum and Nurul Haque Nur confirmed that talks have gained momentum, though no final decision has been reached. The proposed alliance aims to unite reformist and democratic forces outside the BNP-Jamaat bloc, focusing on decentralization of power and political reform rather than immediate electoral gains. Analysts suggest the alliance may have limited impact on vote outcomes but could hold symbolic importance in shaping post-uprising political narratives. The movement follows the July uprising and reflects growing efforts to create an alternative political platform emphasizing transparency, accountability, and citizen-centered governance.

Bangladesh’s Religious Adviser Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain stated that the long struggle of Islamic scholars has not been in vain, as Islamic forces have gained the courage to stand firm after decades of persecution. Speaking at a national seminar titled 'Muslim Family Law: Context Bangladesh' organized by the Bangladesh Mosque Mission at the National Museum, he criticized the 1961 Muslim Family Law for containing provisions conflicting with Islamic Shariah. He condemned the practice of 'hilah marriage' as un-Islamic and degrading to women. Dr. Hossain emphasized that only courts, not clerics, have the authority to enforce punishments under Shariah, urging caution in religious interpretation. He reiterated the long-standing demand for implementing Shariah law but noted that real change requires a majority of lawmakers who adhere to Islamic principles. The seminar was attended by leading scholars, academics, and professionals from various sectors.

The largest Pakistan Education Expo in Dhaka, jointly organized by the Pakistan High Commission and Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC), showcased academic opportunities for Bangladeshi students. Over 15 leading Pakistani universities participated as part of the Pakistan–Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor initiative, announced earlier by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who also pledged 500 scholarships for Bangladeshi students. The event was attended by Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Secretary Md. Mahbub-ul-Alam, UGC Secretary Dr. Md. Fakhrul Islam, university officials, civil society representatives, and students. Speakers emphasized the importance of strengthening educational cooperation between the two nations through student exchange, joint research, and skill development. Pakistan’s High Commissioner Imran Haider described the initiative as a symbol of friendship and mutual trust. Following the Dhaka event, similar expos are scheduled in Chattogram, Rajshahi, and Sylhet later in November to reach more students across Bangladesh.

Senior Supreme Court lawyer and freedom fighter ZI Khan Panna has been appointed as state defense counsel for fugitive former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in two ongoing cases related to enforced disappearances. The appointment was made under Section 12(1) of the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973, which allows the tribunal to assign a defense lawyer at government expense if an accused is unrepresented. Panna clarified that he accepted the role to ensure proper legal defense, emphasizing his commitment to justice rather than political alignment. When asked if he had any contact with Hasina, he declined to comment. Sheikh Hasina, convicted in a separate case related to the July uprising, remains a fugitive. The tribunal had earlier appointed state defense lawyers for Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both tried in absentia for crimes against humanity. The appointments reflect the tribunal’s adherence to due legal process despite the accused being on the run.

The Bangladesh Election Commission has initiated voter registration for expatriate Bangladeshis residing in 16 countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. The registration process, which began at midnight on November 24, will continue until November 28 through the Postal Vote BD mobile application. This initiative marks the first time expatriate citizens will be able to vote through postal ballots. The registration drive covers countries across North America, the Caribbean, and Oceania, such as New Zealand, Mexico, Cuba, Jamaica, and the Bahamas. The Election Commission has also extended the registration program for expatriates living in East Asia, South America, and Africa until November 28. To assist applicants, a 24-hour help desk has been set up with dedicated WhatsApp, Imo, and Botim contact numbers. The move is part of the government’s broader effort to ensure voting rights for Bangladeshis living abroad and to increase participation in the upcoming national elections.

Thirty-five former members of the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) were released from Kashimpur Central Jail in Gazipur on Monday evening after receiving bail in a case filed under the Explosives Control Act related to the 2009 BDR mutiny. The release began around 6:30 p.m., following verification of bail documents that arrived earlier in the day. Among those freed, one was from the high-security unit, two from Central Jail Part-1, and thirty-two from Part-2. Family members gathered outside the prison to welcome their relatives, expressing relief and gratitude after years of uncertainty. The BDR mutiny, which took place on February 25, 2009, at the Pilkhana headquarters in Dhaka, resulted in the deaths of 74 people, including 57 army officers. The subsequent trials became the largest in Bangladesh’s history, with hundreds convicted and many still serving sentences. The latest releases follow a court order granting bail to 53 individuals last week.

Popular Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmadullah has described the recent series of earthquakes in Bangladesh as a profound warning rather than mere geological activity. In a Facebook post, he urged citizens to combine practical disaster preparedness with spiritual reflection and collective repentance, emphasizing that divine mercy is essential for true safety. Ahmadullah criticized the government’s inadequate disaster readiness, citing a lack of trained rescue workers, heavy equipment, and effective urban planning. He also condemned widespread corruption and wasteful spending on political events and unnecessary projects, arguing that such funds should be redirected toward earthquake-resistant infrastructure, rescue training, and emergency planning. The scholar further called on individuals to follow building codes and avoid constructing unsafe structures for short-term profit. He urged the government to develop a comprehensive national roadmap for disaster management, including rescue operations, medical care, shelter, and communication systems, while reminding society to maintain both physical and spiritual preparedness.

Bangladesh’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser, Md Mahfuz Alam, has criticized certain media outlets for spreading panic instead of raising awareness about recent earthquake reports. Speaking at a workshop titled 'Preventing Misreporting and Ensuring Objective Journalism' organized by the Bangladesh Press Council in Dhaka, he emphasized the need for media to take a firm stance against rumors and misinformation. Alam highlighted that misinformation had intensified during the previous government’s 15-year rule and stressed the importance of restoring public trust in the media to prevent social unrest. He also called for responsible media conduct during the upcoming national elections. The adviser noted that the Press Council, a quasi-judicial body, had been rendered ineffective by the former government but is now being revitalized by the interim administration. The event was chaired by Justice A.K.M. Abdul Hakim and attended by senior officials and journalists.