Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has declared that his party will not compromise with anyone in its political stance ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national election. Speaking to journalists in Chattogram, he criticized the interim government’s decision to hold the national election and a referendum on the same day, warning that such a move could lead to unrest or even genocide. Dr. Rahman stated that Jamaat will not form a conventional political alliance but will pursue electoral understandings with several parties and groups. Addressing a religious gathering later in the evening, he urged supporters to vote conscientiously, oppose corruption, and remain united under Islamic principles. He reiterated that Jamaat’s mission is to establish a corruption-free Bangladesh under divine guidance and that the party will not stop until that goal is achieved.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and visiting Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay held a bilateral meeting in Dhaka on November 22, focusing on expanding cooperation in trade, energy, education, tourism, internet connectivity, and health services. The two sides signed two memorandums of understanding—one on health services and another on international internet bandwidth trade. Bhutan will import bandwidth from Bangladesh, while Bangladesh invited Bhutanese citizens to access medical education and services at a new hospital and medical college in Nilphamari. Both leaders discussed initiating formal talks on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with Bhutan aiming to become the first country to sign such a deal with Bangladesh. They also explored hydropower imports from Bhutan and a potential trilateral electricity trade involving India. The meeting emphasized shared history, regional connectivity, and a joint vision for sustainable development. Professor Yunus praised Bhutan’s carbon-negative achievements, while Tobgay lauded Bangladesh’s leadership during its transitional period.

BNP Standing Committee member and former minister Dr. Abdul Moin Khan criticized the Awami League and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during an election rally in Kachua, Chandpur. Speaking as the chief guest, Moin Khan accused Hasina of fleeing the country after the August 5 student-people uprising, prioritizing her family’s safety over that of her party members. He questioned why the Awami League, which claims to represent the people, originally chose an Urdu name, and alleged that the party failed to protect even its own supporters. Moin Khan contrasted Hasina’s actions with those of late President Ziaur Rahman, whom he credited with declaring Bangladesh’s independence and fighting the Pakistani army in 1971. The rally, organized by the local BNP, also featured speeches by former state minister A.N.M. Ehsanul Haque Milan and other party leaders, urging voters to support the BNP candidate in the upcoming election.

The century-old Bangshal police outpost in Old Dhaka’s Mahuttuli area has become dangerously dilapidated, posing a serious safety threat to the 25 officers stationed there. Despite being declared hazardous long ago by the Dhaka South City Corporation, the building remains in use, with cracked walls, unstable ceilings, and damaged balconies. A partial collapse occurred in June 2023, prompting authorities to label the structure unsafe, yet no relocation followed. Police personnel report working in constant fear of structural failure, particularly during storms. Local residents also express concern over potential accidents. The outpost’s in-charge, Sub-Inspector Sheikh Ali Azhar, confirmed that an alternative building has been rented nearby and that relocation will occur soon. Deputy Police Commissioner Mallik Ahsan Uddin Sami stated that plans and budget approval for constructing a new multi-storey police facility are already in place. Residents and officers alike urge immediate action to prevent a possible tragedy.

A bus caught fire on Saturday night in Dhaka’s Mohakhali area, near the Disaster Management and Relief Department office on Bir Uttam AK Khandaker Road. The incident occurred around 9 p.m., and the cause of the fire remains unknown. No casualties have been reported so far. Witnesses said the blaze was extinguished by nearby building security personnel before fire service teams arrived. The incident comes amid a series of similar arson and explosion events across Dhaka over the past week. Earlier, a bus belonging to Victor Paribahan was set ablaze in Rampura, and separate crude bomb explosions were reported in Dhanmondi and Pallabi, injuring a police officer. Authorities are investigating whether the Mohakhali fire is linked to the recent wave of unrest targeting vehicles and public spaces in the capital.

Train operations on Dhaka Metro Rail were briefly disrupted on Saturday night after a drone fell onto the tracks between Uttara Center and Uttara South stations. According to a statement from Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) posted on its official Facebook page, the incident caused a temporary suspension of metro service. The drone was quickly removed, and train movement resumed shortly afterward. Authorities expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers and assured that normal operations had been restored. The cause of the drone’s fall and its ownership remain unclear, and no injuries or damage were reported. The incident has raised concerns about airspace safety around metro infrastructure in the capital.

Bangladesh batting coach and former captain Ashraful Islam has explained why Mushfiqur Rahim was not given the chance to score a second century in his 100th Test match. Mushfiqur, who became the first Bangladeshi to play 100 Tests and the 12th player globally to reach the milestone, was unbeaten on 53 when Bangladesh declared their second innings against Ireland. Ashraful said the team already had a 500-run lead and prioritized team strategy over individual records. He added that while another hour of batting could have allowed Mushfiqur to reach the century, it would not have aligned with the spirit of cricket. Ashraful also mentioned that Mominul Haque was given a chance to complete his century but was dismissed for 87. Despite missing out on a double-century record, Mushfiqur joined Ricky Ponting as the only players to score both a century and a fifty in their 100th Test.

Within just 31 hours, four earthquakes struck Dhaka and surrounding areas, prompting renewed warnings from geologists about Bangladesh’s high vulnerability to a major seismic event. The tremors, ranging from magnitudes 3.3 to 5.7, occurred between Friday morning and Saturday evening, killing at least 10 people and injuring over 600. Experts, including former Dhaka University geologist Prof. Syed Humayun Akhter, cautioned that these minor and moderate quakes could be precursors to a much larger one. Bangladesh lies on an active tectonic boundary between the Indian, Burmese, and Eurasian plates, with significant stress accumulated along the Dawki Fault and the subduction zone stretching from Sylhet to Teknaf. Dhaka, with its dense population and poorly enforced building codes, is considered the most at-risk city. Specialists urge immediate structural audits, strict code enforcement, and public preparedness to mitigate potential devastation if a major quake strikes.

Multiple clashes broke out between two groups of students at Dhaka Alia Madrasa on Saturday night, leading to heightened tension on campus. Witnesses reported that the conflict began inside the dormitory area and quickly escalated, resulting in several students being injured and taken to hospital. By around 10:45 p.m., some students were reportedly still trapped inside the halls as security forces and administrators worked to rescue them. To bring the situation under control, army personnel were deployed alongside police and other security agencies. Authorities have intensified patrols across the campus to prevent further violence. The atmosphere remains tense, with students expressing concern over their safety and the possibility of renewed clashes. Officials have yet to confirm the cause of the dispute or the total number of injuries.

Former joint convener of Chattogram South BNP, Layekat Ali, has criticized the party’s nomination process, claiming that individuals who remained inactive during the Awami League government are now receiving BNP nominations. Speaking at a rally in Bashkhali on Saturday, November 22, organized under the banner of 'Bashkhali Majlum BNP' to mark Revolution and Solidarity Day, Ali urged BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman to withdraw the current party nomination for Bashkhali, citing the will of local people. He said he had been imprisoned 17 times and suffered political persecution under the Awami League government, yet was denied nomination by his own party. Ali expressed his desire to represent the working class of Chattogram in parliament and vowed to contest the next election with public support. The event was attended by several local BNP and Jubo Dal leaders, including Sarwar Alam, Mostak, and Chowdhury Wahab.

Major General (Retd.) A N M Muniruzzaman, president of the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS), stated that India is legally obliged to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh under the existing bilateral extradition treaty. Speaking at a Bay of Bengal Conversation session in Dhaka, he emphasized that as a friendly neighbor, India should respect Bangladesh’s legal process and return Hasina without delay. Muniruzzaman argued that adherence to international norms and mutual respect for legal systems should guide India’s actions. His comments come after Bangladesh formally requested India to hand over Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity during last year’s uprising. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka warned that sheltering convicted individuals would be considered an unfriendly act and contrary to justice. India has acknowledged receiving Bangladesh’s communication, but the extradition request remains unresolved.

At a memorial event marking the 10th death anniversary of executed BNP leader Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury, his son and BNP-nominated candidate Hummam Quader Chowdhury declared that the upcoming national election will demonstrate his father’s innocence. Speaking emotionally at the gathering in Kadernagar, Rangunia, Hummam claimed that people’s affection and support give him strength, asserting that Salahuddin Quader was a true leader loved by his constituency. The event was attended by family members, senior BNP figures, and Hefazat-e-Islam chief Allama Muhibullah Babunagari, who led prayers and described Salahuddin Quader as a righteous man. Hummam urged voters to support the BNP’s ‘paddy sheaf’ symbol, paying tribute to Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman, and his late father. His remarks come as Bangladesh prepares for the next general election, with the BNP seeking to regain political momentum under a tense political climate.

Dhaka University has announced a temporary closure until December 6, 2025, following safety concerns arising from a recent earthquake and subsequent aftershocks. The decision was made during an emergency virtual meeting of the university syndicate chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan. Based on expert opinions from BUET and the university’s engineering and planning departments, authorities concluded that residential halls require thorough inspection and possible renovation to ensure student safety. Consequently, all academic classes and examinations have been suspended, and students have been instructed to vacate residential halls by 5 p.m. on Sunday. The university administration emphasized that the measure is precautionary and aims to safeguard students’ physical and mental well-being. However, all administrative offices will remain open and continue normal operations during this period.

Rafiul Islam Rafi, a 23-year-old medical student from Sir Salimullah Medical College, was killed when a brick fell on his head during an earthquake in Old Dhaka’s Kosaituli area. His mother, Nusrat Jahan Nipa, who was injured in the same incident, bid farewell to her son with prayers, saying they would meet again in heaven. Rafi’s first funeral prayer was held at his college in Dhaka, followed by a second at Bogura’s central Eidgah ground before burial at Namazgarh Anjuman-E Cemetery beside his grandfather and uncle. The tragedy occurred when a railing from a five-story building collapsed during the tremor. Nipa sustained injuries to her hand, shoulder, and eye but is now out of danger, according to doctors. Rafi’s father, Osman Gani Rustam, a principal at a polytechnic institute, rushed from Bogura to Dhaka after hearing the news. The incident has cast deep sorrow over Rafi’s family, friends, and community.

Two Jamaat-e-Islami nominated candidates from Sunamganj-1 and Sunamganj-4 constituencies organized large-scale motorcycle rallies on Saturday as part of their election campaigns. Advocate Muhammad Shams Uddin, contesting from Sunamganj-4, led a motorcade through major roads before addressing a rally in Bishwambharpur, where he pledged that if Jamaat comes to power, extortion and terrorism would be permanently eliminated. He called for honest leadership to develop neglected regions like Sunamganj Sadar and Bishwambharpur. Meanwhile, Maulana Tofayel Ahmed Khan, Jamaat’s candidate for Sunamganj-1, led a similar rally in Tahirpur, criticizing previous governments for corruption and exploitation. He urged voters to support Jamaat’s ‘Dari-Palla’ (balance) symbol, promising accountability, justice, and real change for ordinary citizens. Senior district Jamaat leaders were also present at both events, emphasizing the party’s commitment to welfare-oriented governance.