Former State Minister for Home Affairs Sohel Taj has voiced strong criticism over reported changes in Bangladesh’s school textbooks that allegedly remove the historic March 7 speech of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and include references to the July coup. In a Facebook post on November 23, he warned that depriving the younger generation of the right to know authentic history would endanger the nation’s future. Taj shared an image from an online news outlet highlighting the textbook revision and posted photos of George Orwell’s books 'Animal Farm' and '1984', encouraging readers to study them as lessons on truth, power, and historical manipulation. He emphasized that when those in power distort or conceal history, it misleads the youth and perpetuates corruption and disorder. His remarks come amid ongoing debates about curriculum changes and the representation of Bangladesh’s liberation history in education.

Thirteen fishermen from Lalmohan upazila in Bhola have been missing for 12 days after setting out to fish in the Bay of Bengal. The fishing boat, named 'Ma-Babar Doa', left Dhaligournagar on November 10 with 13 crew members led by owner Faruk Majhi. They were last in contact on November 11, and since then, all communication has been lost. Families report that the boat lacked GPS equipment and carried supplies for only five days. Relatives have expressed deep concern and urged authorities to take immediate action to locate the missing fishermen. Local police confirmed that a search boat was sent but has not yet returned. The district fisheries officer stated that rescue operations fall under law enforcement and local administration. The Bhola district fishermen’s association has appealed to the Coast Guard and law enforcement agencies to intensify search and rescue operations.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has called upon Islamic scholars, imams, and religious leaders across Bangladesh to offer their prayers and support for the party in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. Speaking virtually from London at the ‘National Imam–Khatib Conference 2025’ held in Dhaka’s Agargaon, Rahman emphasized that BNP’s governance philosophy would be based on justice and fairness inspired by the ideals of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He pledged that if BNP assumes power, the party would introduce honorariums for imams and muezzins and address their legitimate demands. Rahman also urged religious leaders to remain vigilant against divisive interpretations of Islam that could cause social unrest. The event was attended by top Islamic scholars and leaders from various political and religious organizations, including Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolon Bangladesh, highlighting BNP’s efforts to strengthen ties with religious communities ahead of the election.

Religious adviser Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain has warned that separating religion from politics could result in a return to barbarism similar to that of Genghis Khan. Speaking as the chief guest at an Imam-Khatib conference organized by the Shane Sahaba National Khatib Foundation in Cumilla Town Hall on Sunday, he emphasized that religion is essential for maintaining moral and social order. Dr. Hossain stated that without religious values, neither the state nor society can sustain itself, and that religion should inspire all aspects of governance, diplomacy, and social management. He urged responsible authorities to include imams, muezzins, khatibs, and mosque caretakers under the national pay scale with fair salaries and festival allowances. Other speakers at the event included the foundation’s chairman Sheikh Mufti Shamim Majumdar, secretary general Mufti Sharif Ullah Tareki, and Islamic Foundation deputy director Ashekur Rahman.

AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju has officially launched his campaign for the Feni-2 constituency ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th parliamentary election. Speaking at a press conference in Feni, Manju announced that a new political alliance, formed by parties active during the July uprising, will be declared on November 25. He stated that the ban on the Awami League could be lifted if Sheikh Hasina returns to Bangladesh and surrenders to the court. Manju emphasized the need for qualitative change in national politics and pledged transparency in governance, promising not to interfere in administrative or local institutional matters if elected. He also highlighted his previous contributions to flood control, infrastructure, and education in Feni. Calling for positive politics and voter participation, Manju said reforms limiting prime ministerial terms and ensuring opposition input in constitutional appointments could transform Bangladesh within a decade.

The first-ever 'Combined Imam–Khatib National Conference 2025' was held at the China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka, bringing together religious leaders from across Bangladesh. The event, chaired by Maulana Muhibbullah Baki, aimed to uphold the dignity of imams and khatibs and present a seven-point demand for their rights and participation in national affairs. The demands include prioritizing Islamic Shariah in governance while protecting all religions, involving imams and khatibs in welfare and administrative committees, reducing utility costs for mosques and madrasas, establishing formal employment regulations for mosque staff, preventing arbitrary arrests of clerics, giving preference to qualified scholars in religious appointments, and reforming Waqf administration and education policy with religious expert input. Political and religious figures, including BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman and leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolon Bangladesh, addressed the gathering. Organizers expressed hope that the conference would strengthen the movement for the recognition and welfare of imams and khatibs nationwide.

A political controversy has erupted in Chattogram after former city Jamaat-e-Islami chief and central executive member Shahjahan Chowdhury made remarks suggesting that the administration should act under his party’s command. The Chattogram Metropolitan BNP condemned his comments as fascist, conspiratorial, and undemocratic, demanding his immediate arrest and public apology. In a joint statement, BNP leaders Md Ershad Ullah and Nazimur Rahman said Shahjahan’s speech was an attempt to destabilize the electoral environment and undermine democratic norms. They argued that his comments amounted to a direct threat to administrative neutrality and the people’s voting rights. Jamaat, however, distanced itself from the remarks, calling them his personal opinion. The controversy arose after Shahjahan’s speech at a regional election conference, where he allegedly urged party workers to bring local administrators under their control. BNP leaders warned that such rhetoric could endanger political stability and electoral integrity in Bangladesh.

The Revolutionary Student Council has demanded the arrest of those responsible for attacking journalists and students during a thanksgiving event at Dhaka Madrasah-e-Alia. The event was organized to mark the verdict of the execution of ousted leader Sheikh Hasina. In a joint statement, the council’s central convener Abdul Wahed and member secretary Fazlur Rahman condemned the attack, describing it as inhumane and barbaric. They alleged that members of Islami Chhatra Shibir and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal brought in outsiders to assault students and journalists without provocation. Several journalists, including leaders of the Dhaka Alia Journalists Association and reporters from Kaler Kantho and BTV, were injured, along with multiple student activists. The council accused the attackers of attempting to spread fear in educational institutions and called for immediate legal action against those involved, naming several individuals allegedly linked to the assault.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has initiated an investigation against Asaduzzaman Hiru, widely known as the ‘foster son’ of Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, over allegations of amassing illegal wealth worth thousands of crores of taka. According to ACC spokesperson Akhtarul Islam, the probe was launched following accusations that Hiru and his wife, Israt Jahan, accumulated assets through extortion, tender manipulation, smuggling, hundi transactions, and customs evasion. The ACC has formed a two-member team led by Assistant Director Md. Nasrullah Hossain, with Deputy Assistant Director Md. Abu Talha as a member. The commission stated that if the allegations are substantiated, legal action will be taken against both Hiru and his wife. Earlier, Hiru had been arrested in January in connection with a murder case filed at Badda Police Station in Dhaka.

Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Land, ASM Saleh Ahmed, emphasized that the efficiency and accuracy of Bangladesh’s land management system depend significantly on the professionalism, honesty, and sense of responsibility of surveyors. Speaking at a training program for newly appointed surveyors at the Land Administration Training Centre (LATC) in Dhaka, he highlighted that surveyors play a crucial role in boundary demarcation, map preparation, record correction, ownership verification, and dispute resolution. He noted that in the digital era, technological proficiency—such as the use of drones, GIS, GPS, and digital mapping—is essential to ensure faster, more transparent, and citizen-friendly land services. Saleh Ahmed also stated that all recent recruitments were merit-based, ensuring that capable and ethical personnel contribute to reducing corruption and irregularities. He described surveying not merely as a technical job but as a vital public service responsibility that builds citizens’ trust in the land administration system.

BNP Chairperson’s adviser Zainul Abedin Faruk stated that a fair and credible election will take place under the leadership of Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus. Speaking at a discussion organized by the Bangladesh National Homeless Party at the National Press Club on Sunday, Faruk criticized the ruling Awami League, accusing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of past political repression and violence. He claimed that the people of Bangladesh are now waiting for Tarique Rahman’s leadership in a fascist-free country. Addressing India, Faruk urged New Delhi to return Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh to implement the verdict against her if it wishes to maintain friendly relations. He also emphasized that in the upcoming February 2026 election, BNP supporters should follow Tarique Rahman’s directives and focus on preventing the return of authoritarian rule. Other BNP leaders, including Joint Secretary General Abdus Salam Azad, also spoke at the event.

Police in Chandpur recovered the half-decomposed body of 12-year-old Farzana Akter Fatema, who had been missing for five days. Her body was found in the Dakatiya River near Chairman Ghat in the Darjibari area. According to police, a fisherman first spotted the body entangled in water hyacinth and alerted locals, who then informed authorities. Farzana’s father identified her by her clothing. Preliminary investigation suggests that a trawler driver, Monir Hossain, pushed her into the Meghna River near Puranbazar on November 19. Monir was detained by nearby trawler operators and handed over to police, and he is currently in custody. The body has been sent to Chandpur General Hospital morgue for autopsy. Police said the family is preparing to file a murder case, and multiple teams are investigating the incident to uncover the full circumstances.

Bangladesh has formally requested India to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and ex-Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both convicted of crimes against humanity during the July mass uprising. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain confirmed on Sunday that a letter was sent from Bangladesh’s mission in New Delhi to India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Friday. The International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Hasina and Kamal to death on November 17 for their roles in the July killings. Dhaka emphasized that India, as a treaty partner, has a legal and moral obligation to return the convicted fugitives. Hasina fled to India on August 5 last year following a mass student and public uprising that toppled her government. Despite previous extradition requests, India has not responded. Bangladesh reiterated that sheltering convicted war criminals would be considered an unfriendly act and a disregard for justice.

Dhaka Medical College has announced the suspension of all academic activities until November 29 following a recent earthquake. The decision was made at an emergency academic council meeting held on Sunday, November 23, and approved by the university syndicate. Principal Professor Dr. Md. Kamrul Alam stated that the professional MBBS examinations under Dhaka University have also been postponed until the same date. The suspension aims to reduce students’ mental stress and allow them time to reunite with their families after the disaster. According to the official notice, regular academic activities will resume on November 30. Authorities emphasized that the temporary closure is a precautionary measure to ensure student safety and well-being in the aftermath of the earthquake.

Jagannath University in Dhaka has suspended all classes and examinations for one week following widespread concerns over recent earthquake tremors. The decision was made during an emergency meeting chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim on Sunday, November 23. Female students residing in university dormitories have been instructed to vacate their halls by 10 a.m. on Monday. To ensure safety, a committee led by the Dean of the Faculty of Life and Earth Sciences, with engineers from BUET, will inspect the structural integrity of university buildings and submit a report by December 3. The closure will remain in effect until December 4. The university administration has arranged transportation to help students return safely to their hometowns, with buses scheduled to depart for divisional cities starting Monday morning.