BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed profound grief and sympathy over the casualties and destruction caused by a recent earthquake that struck several districts in Bangladesh. In a condolence message issued on Friday, November 21, he said that at least six people were killed and more than two hundred injured as buildings collapsed in Dhaka and other regions. Rahman prayed for the victims and their families, urging the government to strengthen disaster preparedness and management to reduce future losses. He emphasized that Bangladeshis have always shown resilience in the face of natural disasters and expressed confidence that the nation would recover from this tragedy. Rahman also assured that the BNP stands beside the affected people and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured and eternal peace for the deceased.

A fire broke out at a plastic warehouse in Sonargaon’s Pirojpur area of Narayanganj after an earthquake was felt on Friday morning. The blaze, which occurred near the Pirojpur Union Parishad, destroyed stored goods before being brought under control after an hour-long effort by the Gazaria Fire Service. The tremor also caused structural damage in several parts of Sonargaon, including cracks in houses and collapsed walls in Ichhapara village. In Kabirganj, a 32-year-old man named Rakesh Roy was seriously injured when a wall fell on him and was later admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. In another incident, a 17-year-old madrasa student, Maruf Hossain, was injured after jumping from a second floor in panic. Additionally, eight factory workers were hurt while evacuating an industrial facility in Kanchpur. Authorities are assessing the extent of the damage caused by the earthquake and subsequent fire.

Several buildings, including a school, in Siddhirganj, Narayanganj, developed major cracks following an earthquake on Friday, November 21. Walls, columns, and staircases in residential and institutional structures were damaged, with some buildings visibly leaning. No casualties or injuries have been reported so far. Panic spread among residents as buildings shook, prompting many to rush outdoors. The affected areas include Housing, Hirajhil, Al Islamnagar, and Roni City neighborhoods, where multiple buildings suffered significant structural damage. The City International School building also developed large cracks during a scholarship exam, though students were safely evacuated. Local authorities, police, fire service, and engineers have begun emergency inspections to assess the extent of damage and determine whether buildings are safe for habitation. Residents have been advised to avoid entering risky structures. Experts are calling for a thorough safety assessment to prevent potential collapse or further damage.

At the Armed Forces Day reception held at Senakunja in Dhaka Cantonment, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia met with Chief Adviser of the interim government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The two leaders spoke privately for several minutes, during which Dr. Yunus inquired about Khaleda Zia’s health and wished her recovery. In return, Khaleda Zia thanked him and asked about the health of his wife, Afrozi Yunus. Khaleda Zia was accompanied by her family members and senior BNP leaders, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and members of her medical board. Several BNP Standing Committee members, such as Mirza Abbas, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, and Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, also attended the event. The meeting marked a rare public appearance for the former prime minister amid ongoing concerns about her health.

At a freshman reception and career guidance event at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Islami Chhatra Shibir’s central president Zahidul Islam stated that Kolkata’s culture had long been imposed on Bangladesh in the name of Bengali culture. He emphasized the need to practice a culture rooted in self-respect and national identity. Zahidul Islam asserted that the new generation rejects blind political loyalty and coercive politics, declaring that such practices have ended. Addressing criticism about the organization’s stance on women and non-Muslims, he dismissed them as politically motivated misinformation, affirming Shibir’s commitment to Islam’s inclusive principles. He also highlighted Shibir’s 30-point education proposal, which he claimed could elevate Bangladesh’s education, research, and technical sectors globally if implemented. The event, attended by over a thousand new students, featured university professors and Shibir leaders who encouraged students to develop academic and practical skills.

Assistant teachers of government primary schools in Bangladesh have announced an indefinite work stoppage starting November 30 if their three-point demands are not met by November 29. The announcement came from the 'Primary Teachers’ Demand Implementation Council' during a press conference at the National Press Club on November 21. The teachers are demanding placement in the 10th grade pay scale, resolution of promotion issues after 10 and 16 years of service, and 100% departmental promotion. They also called for state-funded medical treatment for teachers injured during a police clash on November 8 and full pension and compensation for the family of deceased teacher Fatema Akter. The council stated that despite earlier discussions with the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education and the Finance Division, no visible progress has been made toward implementing the agreed decisions.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus expressed confidence that the Bangladesh Armed Forces will continue their vital role in the nation’s reconstruction and democratic progress. Speaking at a reception marking Armed Forces Day 2025 at Dhaka’s Senakunja, he praised the military’s professionalism, patriotism, and sacrifices since the 1971 Liberation War. Yunus honored the martyrs of the war and those who died or were injured during the 2024 student–public uprising, calling their courage a foundation for rebuilding the country. He emphasized the armed forces’ contribution to maintaining public trust and ensuring a peaceful upcoming election, describing it as a key step in Bangladesh’s democratic evolution. Highlighting modernization efforts, Yunus noted ongoing technological upgrades and training across the army, navy, and air force. He also lauded Bangladesh’s global peacekeeping record, citing participation in 63 missions across 43 countries, including significant female representation. The event was attended by military chiefs, veterans, peacekeepers’ families, and international guests.

Following a 5.7 magnitude earthquake felt across parts of Bangladesh, including Dhaka, experts highlighted how smartphone-based alert systems can help users receive immediate warnings. While earthquakes cannot be predicted in advance, technologies like Google’s Earthquake Alert System use built-in accelerometers in Android phones to detect ground vibrations and send alerts to nearby users. The system, launched in 2020, provides information on the quake’s source, magnitude, and safety instructions. Users can activate it through their phone’s Safety and Emergency settings. Other popular apps such as My Earthquake Alerts and MyShake also offer real-time monitoring and notifications. MyShake, developed by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, additionally allows users to contribute data for scientific research. Both apps are free and available for Android and iOS platforms, helping millions stay informed and safe during seismic events.

Students at Rajshahi University’s Sher-e-Bangla Fazlul Haque Hall have alleged that part of their dormitory tilted after a recent earthquake, sparking panic and protests over safety concerns. Cracks reportedly appeared on the building’s walls, prompting hundreds of residents to gather at the hall’s main gate and later march to the vice-chancellor’s residence, demanding relocation to a safer facility. University officials, including the pro-vice-chancellor and the proctor, visited the site and assured students that a technical team would assess the hall’s structural integrity. Built in 1962, the hall is considered structurally weak, with no reinforced concrete columns and visible damage to ceilings and walls. Authorities acknowledged the building’s risky condition and said an emergency meeting would decide whether to declare it abandoned and how to rehouse the 300 affected students. The hall provost urged patience, emphasizing that student safety would be prioritized in upcoming administrative decisions.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia attended the Armed Forces Day reception at Senakunja in Dhaka after a year-long absence. Arriving in a wheelchair from her Gulshan residence, she was welcomed by the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The event, broadcast live on Bangladesh Television, was attended by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who delivered a speech honoring the armed forces and the martyrs of the Liberation War. Khaleda Zia was seated next to Dr. Yunus, and the two were seen exchanging smiles and greetings. Several senior BNP leaders, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and members of the party’s standing committee, accompanied her. The event highlighted a rare public appearance of the former prime minister and a cordial interaction between her and the interim government’s chief adviser.

BNP Standing Committee member AZM Zahid Hossain has called on the government to take immediate and coordinated measures to safeguard lives and property following the recent 5.7-magnitude earthquake felt across Bangladesh. Speaking at a discussion at the National Press Club in Dhaka, Zahid warned that the country, especially old Dhaka, faces serious risks if proper structural and geological precautions are not taken. He emphasized that this is the right time for authorities, engineers, and planners to act to minimize potential damage. Zahid also linked the increasing frequency of natural disasters to global climate change, criticizing the inadequate response of developed nations at an ongoing international climate conference in Brazil. He noted that Bangladesh is already experiencing erratic weather patterns, including prolonged winters, intense heat, and frequent flooding in low-lying areas, underscoring the urgent need for national preparedness and environmental resilience.

Former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia attended a reception at Senakunja in Dhaka Cantonment on the occasion of Armed Forces Day. Upon her arrival, she was received by Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman and Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan. According to BNP Standing Committee member and her personal physician Professor AZM Zahid Hossain, Khaleda left her Gulshan residence 'Firoza' at 3:50 p.m. to attend the event. She was accompanied by her daughter-in-law Syeda Shamila Rahman Sithi, wife of her late son Arafat Rahman Koko. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and several senior party leaders, including Mirza Abbas, Goyeshwar Chandra Roy, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, and Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, were also present. The reception, organized by the Chief Adviser’s Office, began at 4 p.m. and was broadcast live by Bangladesh Television.

Health experts have warned that thermal paper receipts commonly used in shopping malls may pose serious health risks due to the presence of bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS). These chemicals can quickly be absorbed through the skin, sometimes within 10 seconds of contact, and the absorption rate increases significantly if hand lotion or sanitizer is used beforehand. Studies suggest that BPA and BPS can disrupt hormonal balance, potentially causing irregular menstrual cycles and increasing the risk of breast cancer in women. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable, as exposure may affect fetal development, leading to low birth weight, weak immunity, or premature birth. Experts recommend opting for digital receipts instead of printed ones, washing hands immediately after handling receipts, and avoiding the use of sanitizers before touching them to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals.

In Bangladesh, driving licenses are mandatory for all drivers, with professional licenses valid for five years and non-professional ones for ten years. Renewal must be completed promptly after expiry to avoid penalties. For non-professional licenses, applicants must first pay the renewal fee of BDT 4,152 online via the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) website and then submit required documents at the designated BRTA circle office. A late fee of BDT 518 per year applies after 15 days of expiry. The renewal process no longer requires fingerprint submission. For professional drivers, renewal includes a practical test, followed by payment of BDT 2,427 within 15 days of expiry or an additional BDT 518 per year thereafter. Applicants must also provide biometric data and necessary documents, including a medical certificate, NID copy, educational certificate, and recent photographs. Once the smart card is ready, applicants are notified by SMS.

Bangladesh is facing a renewed dengue threat as Aedes mosquitoes, the primary carriers of the virus, continue to spread from urban to rural areas. Public health experts, including Professor Mushtaq Hossain, have emphasized that eliminating Aedes mosquitoes is crucial to controlling dengue outbreaks, but current efforts remain insufficient. The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) reported around 77,000 dengue hospitalizations and 307 deaths so far this year, following a record 350,000 cases and nearly 2,000 deaths in 2023. Entomologists note that Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes can be identified by their black-and-white striped bodies and hairy antennae. These mosquitoes typically breed in clean, stagnant water found in flower pots, containers, or urban gardens, though recent studies show they can adapt to polluted water as well. Experts warn that climate change and rapid urbanization are accelerating the spread of dengue across Bangladesh, making community engagement and preventive measures more urgent than ever.