The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has instructed its member factories to conduct immediate structural inspections of their buildings following a powerful earthquake that struck the country on November 21. The association warned of possible aftershocks and urged factory owners to strengthen safety measures to protect workers and assets. In a circular, BGMEA emphasized that large earthquakes can be followed by additional tremors posing serious risks to life and property. It recommended that qualified engineers examine factory structures, lifts, boiler rooms, generator rooms, and substations for any damage. The organization noted that Bangladesh’s garment sector employs a vast workforce, making structural integrity crucial for worker safety. BGMEA also highlighted that factory equipment such as lifts and generators produce regular vibrations, which could worsen existing structural weaknesses. The association called on all members to remain vigilant and take preventive measures to avoid potential accidents and casualties.

Jatiya Party Chairman Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud has declared that his party will not participate in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election unless false cases against senior leaders and travel bans on many members are withdrawn. He made the statement during a meeting with Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland at a Dhaka hotel on November 23. Mahmud said that a level playing field for elections does not yet exist, citing administrative divisions, mob culture, and poor law and order. The party’s delegation, including Secretary General ABM Ruhul Amin Hawlader and International Affairs Envoy Mashroor Mowla, emphasized that the Jatiya Party remains election-oriented but cannot contest under current conditions. The Commonwealth delegation, consisting of five members, sought clarity on the party’s electoral stance. Mowla later told the media that unless the government lifts the restrictions and withdraws the alleged false cases, the Jatiya Party will abstain from the election.

An Awami League leader, Tariq Rifat, aged 50, died from a heart attack while being transferred from Gaibandha District Jail to the hospital on Sunday, November 23. Jail Superintendent Anwar Hossain confirmed the death, stating that Rifat fell ill shortly after being brought to the jail and was immediately taken to Gaibandha General Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Rifat, son of former chairman Abu Taher Mia from Rajahar Union, was the finance secretary of the local Awami League and convener of the Upazila Awami Muktijoddha Projonmo League. He had been arrested on November 17 in connection with three explosive-related cases, including vandalism and arson at a Jamaat office. Due to health issues, he was treated at Rangpur Medical College Hospital before being sent to jail through court order. His medical certificate indicated pre-existing heart disease and other complications.

In Chattogram’s Lohagara upazila, 41 out of 103 government primary schools currently lack head teachers, forcing assistant teachers to take on dual roles as acting heads. According to the local Primary Education Office, 58 assistant teacher positions also remain vacant, while several schools face legal complications delaying appointments. Acting head teachers report administrative delays and disruptions in classroom teaching, affecting student attendance, discipline, and academic performance. Education officials and teacher associations attribute the crisis to a decade-long stagnation in promotions and recruitment. They warn that the shortage undermines the foundation of primary education and demotivates senior teachers. Authorities have informed higher officials and expect resolution soon, though the issue reflects a nationwide problem. Parents and educators urge immediate recruitment to restore proper academic and administrative functioning in the affected schools.

In Chattogram’s Bakalia area, Farida Begum, mother of murder victim Sajjad, filed a case against 13 individuals, including expelled Jubo Dal leader Emdadul Haque Badsha, accusing them of orchestrating her son’s killing. The case, accepted by the Chattogram Metropolitan Magistrate Court, was set for an order on Sunday. However, Farida Begum unexpectedly applied to withdraw the case, reportedly under pressure from influential quarters. She declined to explain her decision, saying only that she could not disclose the reason. The complaint had alleged that Badsha, a known extortionist and gang leader, had his men lure Sajjad from his home before he was shot dead. Despite repeated appeals, police allegedly ignored Farida’s requests to question key suspects. The court has now scheduled Thursday for an order regarding the withdrawal. The incident has raised concerns about intimidation and the influence of powerful figures in local justice processes.

Bhutan’s Prime Minister Lotay Tshering held a courtesy meeting with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman in Dhaka on Sunday evening, November 23. The meeting took place at the InterContinental Hotel in Shahbagh, where both leaders discussed matters of mutual interest in a cordial atmosphere. Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, and Foreign Affairs Adviser Professor Dr. Mahmudul Hasan were also present during the meeting. The discussion was described as a courtesy call, coinciding with the Bhutanese leader’s official visit to Bangladesh. No official statement was released regarding the specific topics discussed, but the meeting drew attention due to the involvement of a political party not currently registered for elections. The event underscores ongoing diplomatic and political engagements between visiting foreign dignitaries and various political figures in Bangladesh.

A 70-year-old man named Arfoz Ali was killed and at least 20 others were injured in a violent clash between two groups over a land dispute in Deora village under Shahjadapur Union of Sarail upazila, Brahmanbaria, on Sunday evening. Police and locals reported that the conflict stemmed from a long-standing dispute between the Dhana Mia and Shipon groups over a piece of land in the Magurhati area. During the altercation, both sides used local weapons, resulting in Arfoz Ali’s death and multiple injuries. One of the injured, Faruk Mia, was transferred to Dhaka in critical condition. The injured are receiving treatment at local hospitals. Police later arrived at the scene, brought the situation under control, and sent the body to the district hospital morgue. Legal proceedings are underway, according to Sarail Police Station Officer-in-Charge Morshedul Alam Chowdhury.

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Dr. Mohammad Moinuddin Momen claimed that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina concealed information about her agricultural property in her 2008 election affidavit, showing only 5.2 acres while ACC investigations found 29 acres. Speaking at a public hearing in Sylhet, he said the commission could not cancel her nomination at that time despite the findings. Momen emphasized that candidates must declare both domestic and foreign assets, warning that failure to disclose unearned wealth would prompt ACC action. During the hearing, he ordered the immediate suspension of MAG Osmani Medical College librarian Shekhar Das over a bribery allegation involving BDT 200,000. Citizens raised 73 complaints against various government offices, including bribery at passport offices and irregularities in gas connections. The ACC chief admitted corruption within the commission itself and urged the media to expose corrupt officials, stressing the need to elect honest leaders to curb corruption.

A free medical camp was organized in the Kashipur area of Homna upazila, Cumilla, on Sunday, providing healthcare services to several hundred underprivileged people. The initiative was taken by Monowar Hossain Sarkar, vice president of the UK-based Zia Parishad and a BNP nomination aspirant for the Cumilla-2 constituency. The event was attended by Zia Parishad Secretary General Professor Dr. Md. Emtaz Hossain as the chief guest, with senior joint secretary Abdullahil Masud, organizational secretary Robiul Islam, and Motijheel Thana president Engineer Abu Raihan as speakers. Among the special guests were local BNP leaders, including Monir Hossain and Shariat Ullah. The camp aimed to provide free medical consultations and basic treatment to disadvantaged residents, reflecting ongoing community outreach efforts linked to political and social organizations in the region.

Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU) in Dhaka has announced the closure of the university until December 6 following safety concerns after a recent earthquake. The decision was made during an emergency meeting on November 23, where the administration instructed all students to vacate their residential halls by 5 p.m. on Monday. The move comes after a 5.7-magnitude earthquake on November 21 caused visible cracks in three of the university’s seven dormitories, sparking panic among students. In response, the university authorities inspected the affected buildings and formed a committee to assess their structural integrity. Professor Dr. Md. Ashabul Haque, Director of Student Counseling and Guidance, confirmed the decision, emphasizing that the temporary closure aims to ensure student safety while necessary inspections and repairs are carried out.

In Cox’s Bazar’s Pekua upazila, thirty local leaders and activists of the ruling Awami League have joined the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The group, all previously holding ward and union-level positions under the Barabakia Union Awami League, formally switched allegiance on Saturday evening after a local BNP council session. They presented flowers to Upazila BNP General Secretary Iqbal Hossain to mark their entry. The new BNP members said they were inspired by the ideals and contributions of BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, whom they described as a leader of the region’s people. Local BNP leaders, including Iqbal Hossain and Master Yunus, welcomed the new members, saying the move was voluntary and motivated by political conviction. The event was attended by leaders from various BNP-affiliated organizations, including the youth, student, and farmers’ wings, reflecting growing political activity in the area ahead of the next national election.

Former Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General ATM Azharul Islam has alleged that Sheikh Hasina, whom he referred to as a 'convicted killer,' has fled to India and is attempting to carry out subversive activities against Bangladesh from there. Speaking at a meeting with businessmen in Taraganj, Rangpur, on Sunday evening, Azharul Islam claimed that India could never be a true friend of Bangladesh and might even attack the country. He further stated that Hasina had falsely implicated him in crimes against humanity to execute a political vendetta, but he was later acquitted. Urging citizens to remain vigilant against corruption and authoritarianism, he said Jamaat-e-Islami has always worked for public welfare and promised to use taxpayers’ money for the people’s benefit if elected. The event was organized by the Industrialist and Businessmen Welfare Foundation and attended by local Jamaat leaders and business representatives.

Students of Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, along with the university unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir, held a two-hour human chain on Sunday morning demanding the immediate start of the student union election and justice for those who obstructed the July uprising. The protest took place in front of the new administrative building. Student leaders alleged that a key file related to the student union election had gone missing from the University Grants Commission (UGC), accusing certain groups of attempting to delay the election until the national polls. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Jahangir Alam stated that the investigation report on the July incident would be presented at the syndicate meeting on November 27, after which necessary actions would follow. He also confirmed that the file was forwarded to higher authorities and updates would be available soon. The students agreed to suspend their protest until November 27, expecting weekly updates from the administration on election progress.

Several garment factories in Rupganj, Narayanganj, have announced temporary closures following structural cracks caused by recent earthquakes. A-One Polar Garments declared a three-day holiday after cracks appeared in its walls, prompting panic among workers. Authorities stated that operations would resume on November 27 if engineers confirm the buildings are safe. Meanwhile, at Robintex Garments, cracks were found in three buildings, leading to worker unrest and protests along the Dhaka–Sylhet highway. During Saturday’s second tremor, over a hundred workers were injured in a stampede as they rushed to evacuate. Company officials said the cracks were limited to plaster layers and did not affect structural integrity, but worker attendance remains low due to ongoing fears. Additional police have been deployed to maintain order and ensure safety while engineers continue inspections.

Northern Bangladesh is experiencing an early onset of winter as temperatures in Tetulia, Panchagarh, dropped to 12.6°C on Sunday, marking the lowest in the country this season. The region has seen chilly winds and dense fog from dawn to mid-morning, disrupting daily life and increasing hardship for laborers. According to the Tetulia Meteorological Office, temperatures have been steadily declining and a cold wave is expected to hit by late November, with multiple waves likely in early December, potentially bringing temperatures down to around 10°C. The cold weather has also led to a rise in cold-related illnesses among children and the elderly. Doctors at Panchagarh Modern Sadar Hospital report that 250–300 patients are seeking treatment daily for cold-related ailments as the region braces for an intensifying winter.