In Gazipur’s Pubail area, Police Officer-in-Charge (OC) Molla Md Khalid Hossain became a local hero after he risked his life during a devastating fire at a cotton warehouse on Sunday, November 23. As thick smoke engulfed the site, witnesses said no one dared to enter until the OC rushed inside, covering his head with a cotton sack to protect himself. His courageous act inspired nearby residents to join the rescue effort, helping to save goods worth around 1 million taka from destruction. Three units from the Tongi Fire Service later arrived and brought the blaze under control. Fire officials confirmed that the OC and locals were already engaged in rescue operations before their arrival. Sub-Inspector Nazmul Haque stated that the OC’s bravery motivated others to act quickly, preventing major losses and injuries. The incident has since gone viral on social media, with many praising the officer’s selfless service.

Supporters of S.A. Siddique Saju, a BNP nomination aspirant for Dhaka-14 constituency, organized a torch procession for the second consecutive day, protesting against the party’s preliminary nominee Sanjida Islam Tuli. The demonstration took place on November 23 at Gabtoli, following a similar protest in Mirpur-1 the previous day. Protesters accused Tuli of making controversial remarks about polygamy that they claimed insulted Islam, and demanded her withdrawal from the constituency, urging her to return to Dhaka-12. They also alleged internal conspiracies over the nomination process and chanted slogans against several BNP leaders. Despite facing multiple legal cases, Saju’s supporters praised his loyalty to grassroots activists and warned that if he is not nominated, Jamaat-e-Islami could win the seat. Following the earlier torch procession, Saju was issued a show-cause notice by the BNP. Additionally, 126 local BNP leaders have appealed to acting chairman Tarique Rahman to reconsider Saju’s nomination for Dhaka-14.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) Religion and Harmony Cell has strongly condemned the recent attack and intimidation against supporters of Baul artist Abul Sarkar during a human chain protest in Manikganj. The protest was organized to demand Sarkar’s release following his arrest, which had sparked local tensions. In a statement issued on Monday, the NCP expressed deep concern over the violence, emphasizing that disagreements or allegations should never lead to lawlessness or harassment. The party highlighted the historical and cultural significance of Baul, Sufi, and other spiritual traditions in Bangladesh’s heritage, urging the preservation of diversity and tolerance. It called for dialogue, patience, and wisdom in addressing religious differences and reaffirmed that violence or revenge has no place in faith or society. The NCP also appealed to religious scholars to promote restraint and respect for law, reinforcing that peaceful preaching and knowledge-based discussion are the true paths of religious guidance.

Bangladesh’s banking sector is experiencing a sharp rise in excess liquidity, reaching Tk 3.06 trillion by the end of August 2024, up from Tk 1.74 trillion a year earlier, according to Bangladesh Bank data. The surge follows the removal of the lending rate cap after the fall of the previous government, which led to higher deposit rates and increased inflows into stronger banks. However, political instability, high interest rates, and cautious lending have slowed private sector credit growth to 6.29% in September. State-owned banks hold Tk 1.43 trillion in excess liquidity, while private and foreign banks hold Tk 1.73 trillion and Tk 0.32 trillion respectively. Sonali Bank tops the list with Tk 623.22 billion in surplus funds. Meanwhile, several weaker banks, including National Bank and AB Bank, are facing liquidity shortfalls. Bank executives attribute the uneven liquidity situation to depositor confidence shifting toward stable institutions and reduced credit demand from both government and private sectors.

Two army officers, Colonel Redwanul Islam and Major Rafat Bin Alam Mun, appeared before the International Crimes Tribunal-1 in Dhaka on Monday in connection with a crimes against humanity case over the killing of 28 people in Rampura. The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder with two other members, began hearing the case amid tight security. The charges stem from an incident during the anti-discrimination student movement in July–August, when law enforcement allegedly opened fire on protesters, killing 28 and injuring many others. The tribunal had earlier accepted formal charges against four accused, including two Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) officers, a former DMP additional deputy commissioner, and a former Rampura police officer-in-charge. Arrest warrants were also issued against them following the submission of the investigation report.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia has been admitted to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka and is currently under intensive observation by a team of doctors. According to her personal physician, Professor AZM Zahid Hossain, she was admitted around 8 p.m. on Sunday after developing multiple health complications. Professor FM Siddiqui, a member of her medical board, stated that Khaleda Zia is suffering from infections in her heart and lungs, leading to respiratory distress. The 80-year-old former prime minister, who has a pacemaker and a history of heart procedures, is being treated with antibiotics and other emergency care. A medical board, including local and international specialists, is monitoring her condition closely and will reassess her treatment within 12 to 24 hours. Family members, including her son Tarique Rahman and daughter-in-law Dr. Zubaida Rahman, are in constant contact with the medical team. Khaleda Zia has requested prayers from the public for her recovery.

Bangladesh has recorded a strong rise in remittance inflows in November, with expatriates sending $2.135 billion during the first 22 days of the month, according to preliminary data from Bangladesh Bank. This marks a 24.5% increase compared to the same period last year, when remittances totaled $1.715 billion. At an exchange rate of 122 taka per dollar, the remittance amount equals approximately 260.47 billion taka. In just three days, from November 20 to 22, expatriates remitted $127 million. If the current pace continues, total remittances for November could reach around $3 billion. From July 1 to November 22 of the current fiscal year, Bangladesh received $12.284 billion in remittances, up from $10.653 billion during the same period last year. The central bank attributes the growth to improved transfer channels and incentives for sending money through formal banking systems.

Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay’s three-day official visit to Bangladesh from November 22 to 24, at the invitation of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, has strengthened the longstanding friendship between the two nations. A joint statement highlighted discussions on enhancing trade, connectivity, and people-to-people relations. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the implementation of the transit agreement and progress on establishing a Bhutanese special economic zone in Kurigram. Bangladesh offered to supply affordable medicines to Bhutan and proposed additional educational opportunities for Bhutanese students, including seats at BUET and BKSP. Dhaka also reaffirmed support for Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City initiative. Tobgay expressed gratitude for Bangladesh’s hospitality and the increased medical college seats for Bhutanese students. Both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation through SAARC and BIMSTEC frameworks, emphasizing shared values of peace and prosperity. Tobgay invited Yunus to visit Bhutan at a convenient time.

Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed has called a full court meeting involving all judges from both the Appellate and High Court Divisions of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. The meeting is scheduled for November 27 at 3 p.m. in the Supreme Court’s conference room. According to a notice signed by Deputy Registrar (Administration and Justice) Md. Atikus Samad on November 24, the session will address several important issues, including the transfer and promotion of lower court judges. The full court meeting serves as an internal forum for judges to deliberate on policy and administrative matters within the judiciary. Such meetings are significant for shaping judicial governance and ensuring coordination among different levels of the court system.

A controversial statement by Jamaat-e-Islami central executive member and former MP Shahjahan Chowdhury has triggered widespread debate in Bangladesh’s political circles and on social media. During a meeting with election coordinators in Chattogram, Shahjahan reportedly urged party workers to bring local administration officials under Jamaat’s influence, sparking criticism and concern over his comments. Many online users condemned his remarks as anti-democratic, while some defended him, claiming his words were misinterpreted. In response, Jamaat-e-Islami issued a statement distancing itself from Shahjahan’s comments, asserting that the party does not endorse his views and that internal measures are being taken. Shahjahan later clarified that his statement was taken out of context, explaining that he meant the administration should act in the interest of the people and the nation, not under partisan control. The controversy continues to fuel heated discussions about political influence and governance ahead of upcoming elections.

In Kurigram, Bangladesh, Abdul Hai Master, a former teacher and local leader, is conducting an unconventional campaign for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. Representing the Zaker Party in the Kurigram-1 constituency, he walks through neighborhoods carrying a hand microphone and a placard with posters, personally appealing to voters. Known for his humility and dedication, Abdul Hai previously served as union and upazila chairman, often engaging directly in community work such as cleaning drains and roads. Despite financial hardship and mortgaging his home to fund his campaign, he remains committed to public service. His family and local residents express strong support, admiring his sincerity and accessibility. Voters affectionately call him “Pagla Master” for his tireless service. He pledges to focus on women’s development, infrastructure, and economic opportunities if elected. Locals believe that in a fair election, his popularity could lead him to victory.

Following a 5.7-magnitude earthquake that shook Dhaka, several of Dhaka University’s aging dormitories developed cracks and falling plaster, injuring around 30 students and sparking panic. The university administration has closed the campus for 15 days and ordered all residential students to vacate by November 23. Students, however, criticized the sudden move, arguing that the crisis stems from years of neglect rather than a new emergency. Dormitories including Ziaur Rahman Hall, Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall, Fazlul Huq Muslim Hall, and Shamsunnahar Hall were found to be in critical condition, with some structures reportedly leaning. BUET experts will inspect all old buildings and assess structural risks. Vice-Chancellor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan announced a Tk 149 crore renovation project starting in December and a larger Tk 2,841 crore development plan to build new dormitories by 2026. Student protests briefly erupted demanding safer accommodation and suspension of the closure order.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 in Bangladesh has rejected a plea by defense lawyers seeking permission for several army officers accused in enforced disappearance cases to appear virtually during hearings. The tribunal emphasized that all citizens are equal before the law and that no special consideration was warranted. The hearings, related to crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the Awami League’s 15-year rule, are scheduled for December 3 and 7. Among the 28 accused are former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, now reportedly in India, former security adviser Major General (Retd.) Tariq Ahmed Siddiq, and several former DGFI directors. The tribunal also appointed lawyer Z.I. Khan Panna as state defense counsel for Hasina. Additionally, it ordered the removal of distorted images and satirical content targeting tribunal judges from social media and media outlets. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam confirmed full cooperation from the Bangladesh Army in producing the accused officers before the court.

Bangladesh’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested two members of a gang accused of impersonating law enforcement officers to carry out abductions and extortion in Dhaka. The suspects, Hasanuzzaman (35) and Alamgir Shikari (46), were detained near the High Court area on Saturday evening. According to CID, the gang targeted victims through religious gatherings such as Tabligh Jamaat, gaining trust before luring them into financial traps. One victim, identified as Jamal (pseudonym), was abducted on October 14 along with a colleague after being confronted by men posing as CID officers. They were taken to a house in Hasnabad, where the gang demanded Tk 5 crore and coerced Jamal into paying Tk 1.1 crore in cash and bank transfers. The abductors also filmed compromising footage to blackmail the victims further. Following a police complaint filed on November 6, CID launched an investigation and arrested the two suspects, who have confessed to their involvement. Efforts to apprehend other gang members are ongoing.

A teacher at Feni Government College in Bangladesh has been accused of making inappropriate comments toward a female student because she wore a hijab. The incident allegedly occurred on Sunday afternoon when the student, Fatima Aiman Ruhi, was returning to her dormitory. In a Facebook post, she claimed that Biplob Kumar Shil, head of the zoology department, questioned her appearance and implied that her attire was unsuitable for a literature student. Ruhi confronted him, suspecting the remarks were directed at her hijab. The teacher reportedly denied this but continued the conversation in a manner the student found offensive. Attempts to reach Shil for comment were unsuccessful. The college principal, Md. Enamul Haque Khondaker, confirmed hearing about the matter but said no formal complaint had been filed yet. The incident has sparked discussions on campus about respect for religious attire and teacher-student boundaries.