The National Revolutionary Council (NRC) has called for immediate structural reforms in Bangladesh to prevent the country from turning into a mass grave in the event of a major earthquake. In a statement issued on Friday, NRC convener Khomeni Ihsan expressed deep sorrow over casualties from the recent quake and warned that unplanned urbanization and weak enforcement of building codes have left cities dangerously exposed. He emphasized that Bangladesh lies in a high-risk seismic zone and that unregulated high-rise construction, often facilitated by corruption, has turned major cities into concrete jungles. Ihsan urged the government to act swiftly, citing the nation’s poor disaster response capacity as seen in past tragedies. The NRC proposed five key measures, including identifying and reinforcing vulnerable buildings, enforcing the National Building Code with zero tolerance, upgrading fire and civil defense technology, ensuring open spaces for post-quake shelters, and introducing automatic gas and power shutdown systems to prevent fires.

A protest rally and torch procession were held in Dhaka demanding the cancellation of lease agreements granting control of Chattogram’s Laldiar Char Terminal for 33 years and Keraniganj’s Pangaon Container Terminal for 22 years to a Denmark-based company. The demonstration, organized by the Port Protection and Corridor Resistance Movement, took place on Friday in front of the National Press Club. Speakers, including leaders from left-leaning political and student organizations, accused the interim government of exceeding its authority and violating High Court directives by proceeding with the lease. They also urged the withdrawal of decisions to lease Chattogram’s New Mooring and Bay Terminals. Former CPB leader Ruhin Hossain Prince alleged that the move served foreign interests at the expense of national sovereignty. The protesters warned of tougher actions, including strikes and blockades, if the government fails to cancel the agreements. The event concluded with a torchlight procession through central Dhaka.

At a public rally organized by Jamaat-e-Islami in Jhikargacha, DUCSU Vice President Abu Sadiq Kayem criticized the current political culture in Bangladesh, accusing politicians of using politics for personal gain and neglecting ordinary citizens once in power. He called for a new political model centered on equality, justice, and Islamic values. Kayem emphasized the need for reform in the healthcare system and the elimination of hospital syndicates. Referring to the 'July Revolution,' he said it had given rise to a new generation seeking a fair Bangladesh. He urged young people to protect polling centers during elections and warned against any attempts to manipulate the process. The event was attended by Jamaat-backed parliamentary candidates and local leaders, including Dr. Mosle Uddin Farid, who was the chief guest.

BNP’s Dhaka divisional organizing secretary and Gazipur-1 nomination aspirant Kazi Chayedul Alam Babul claimed that both domestic and foreign conspiracies are being orchestrated from Delhi to derail Bangladesh’s upcoming elections. Speaking at a street rally in Gazipur after distributing leaflets promoting BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s 31-point reform agenda, Babul said the people of Bangladesh are ready to vote and will strongly resist any attempt to obstruct the polls. He accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League of depriving citizens of voting rights for the past 16–17 years and of persecuting opposition leaders and Islamic scholars. Babul expressed confidence that a free, fair, and neutral election in 2026 would bring BNP to power with a landslide victory. He also reiterated his long-standing dedication to the party and expressed hope of receiving the party’s nomination. Several local BNP and affiliate leaders were present at the event.

Bangladesh’s Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman has stated that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other convicts sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity during the July uprising have the legal right to appeal the verdict. Speaking in Jhenaidah’s Shailkupa on Friday, he emphasized that the trial was conducted based on evidence and due process. Asaduzzaman noted that while the defense may question the fairness of the proceedings, the judicial system provides an avenue for appeal. He also dismissed comments made by the home affairs adviser regarding the verdict, saying they stemmed from a lack of legal understanding. The Attorney General added that the government is proceeding with the implementation of the verdict according to established legal mechanisms and that the evidence presented in the case would convince any court globally of the defendants’ guilt.

A Bogura court has ordered the confiscation of immovable assets belonging to former Additional DIG Hamidul Alam Milon and his wife, Shahzadi Alam Lipi, following a petition by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The order, issued by Senior Special Judge Shahjahan Kabir, prohibits the transfer or sale of the seized properties. Administrative officials in Bogura, Dhaka, and Narayanganj have been appointed as receivers to manage the assets. The ACC’s Bogura office filed the petition after a detailed investigation into the couple’s alleged accumulation of wealth beyond known income sources. Milon, who was previously suspended and later forced into retirement for misconduct, is currently in jail after being denied bail in a fraud case involving property deception. His wife, a former independent candidate in the Bogura-1 constituency, remains in hiding under an arrest warrant. The court’s decision marks a significant step in the ACC’s ongoing efforts to recover illegally acquired assets from former officials.

BNP-nominated candidate Lutfozzaman Babar emphasized development and tackling unemployment as his main priorities during a campaign rally in Mohanganj upazila of Netrokona-4 constituency on Friday, November 21. Addressing supporters at Somaj High School field, Babar said he aims to pursue politics centered on local progress rather than past rivalries. He urged people to become self-reliant through technical skills and education, stressing that hard work is essential to achieving goals. Babar also expressed admiration for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, citing their endurance through political hardship. He called on voters to support BNP in the upcoming national election, expressing his desire to see Tarique Rahman as the next prime minister. The event was attended by local BNP leaders including Selim Karnayen, Golam Ershadur Rahman, Abdullah Al Mamun Khan Rony, Jahangir Alam VP, Golam Rabbani Putul, Imran Khan, and Siraj Uddin Talukdar.

At least five people, including a father and his son, were killed and more than a hundred injured after an earthquake struck Narsingdi, Bangladesh, on Friday morning. The tremor, felt across the country at 10:38 a.m., caused widespread panic as residents rushed to safety. In Gabtoli, a six-story under-construction building’s wall collapsed onto a one-story house, killing Delwar Hossain and his son Omar Faruk. In Palash upazila, an elderly woman named Kajom Ali died when a mud wall fell on her, while another man, Nasir Uddin, suffered a fatal heart attack from shock. A man named Forkan died after falling from a tree during the quake. Several buildings, including a seven-story shopping mall in Ghorashal, developed cracks, and parts of walls collapsed, causing further damage. Police and local authorities have visited affected areas, confirming casualties and ensuring safety measures for residents.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus called on members of Bangladesh’s armed forces to perform their duties with professionalism and efficiency to ensure a smooth and festive national election. Speaking at a reception marking Armed Forces Day 2025 at Senakunja on Friday, November 21, Yunus emphasized that the upcoming national election would be a significant chapter in the country’s democratic transition. He paid tribute to the martyrs and veterans of the Liberation War, as well as those who sacrificed their lives or were injured during the July–August 2024 student and public uprising. Yunus reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to peaceful coexistence with friendly nations while stressing the need for constant readiness to defend national sovereignty against external aggression. He also highlighted ongoing modernization efforts in the army, navy, and air force, including advanced training and the integration of modern technologies to align with global standards.

BNP central leader and former minister Advocate Ruhul Kuddus Talukder Dulu has said that Bangladesh will be built on the foundation of communal harmony following the 31-point plan announced by BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman. Speaking after visiting a two-day Leela Kirtan event at Radha Gobinda Temple in Natore Sadar on Friday, Dulu emphasized that the BNP believes in harmony among all religions and rejects any form of persecution based on faith. He noted that the 31-point plan envisions a Bangladesh free from religious discrimination, where everyone can practice their faith freely under the principle 'religion is personal, Bangladesh belongs to all.' The event was presided over by Bipul Kumar Ghosh, president of the temple committee, and attended by several local BNP leaders including Rahim Newaz, Saiful Islam Aftab, and former Natore mayor Kazi Shah Alam.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Parwar stated that the nation will reject those who have ruled the country over the past 54 years in the upcoming national election. Speaking at a student rally in Dumuria, Khulna, he accused successive governments of failing to meet public expectations in governance, economy, justice, agriculture, education, and culture. Parwar criticized corruption, extortion, and oppression under previous administrations and claimed that such practices continue even after the political change on August 5. He emphasized Jamaat’s non-involvement in these activities and called for a just and corruption-free state. Addressing the Hindu community, he urged them not to fear and to exercise their voting rights freely. He also highlighted the difficulties faced by expatriate workers and promised administrative reforms and voting rights for them if his party comes to power. Several local and national Jamaat leaders attended the event.

A one-year-old girl named Fatema was killed when a wall collapsed during an earthquake in Rupganj, Narayanganj, on Friday morning. Her mother, Kulsum Begum, and neighbor Jesmin Begum were seriously injured in the incident. Fatema’s father, Abdul Haque, could not attend his daughter’s burial as he was accompanying his injured wife from hospital to hospital in search of proper treatment. Despite visiting three hospitals, including US-Bangla Medical College, Dhaka Medical College, and Dhaka National Hospital, Kulsum was denied admission due to a lack of available beds. The family, struggling financially, expressed frustration over the lack of medical support for the poor. They were later advised to transfer Kulsum to the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital in Agargaon for further treatment. The earthquake struck at around 10:38 a.m., causing the wall to collapse on the victims while they were walking along the road.

The Disaster Management and Relief Ministry of Bangladesh has opened a control room to coordinate assessment and response efforts following strong earthquakes felt across the country on Friday morning. Advisor Faruk E Azam, Bir Protik, directed officials to immediately evaluate the extent of damage in affected areas. The ministry stated that all relevant departments have been instructed to closely monitor the situation and report findings promptly for necessary action. Citizens have been urged to stay alert, avoid rumors, and contact the control room at 0258811651 for assistance. The government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring public safety. According to reports, at least six people have died and many others were injured due to the tremors felt in Dhaka and other regions.

The Bangladesh Weather Observation Team (BWOT) has issued new information regarding a potential cyclone forming over the southeast Andaman Sea and adjoining areas. In a Facebook post on Friday, November 21, BWOT stated that a circulation has developed in the region and may intensify into a low-pressure system within the next 24 to 48 hours. The system could further strengthen into a cyclone, though it is still uncertain whether it will make landfall in Bangladesh. BWOT noted that a clearer forecast on the cyclone’s potential path will be available in three to four days. However, the system’s influence may bring rainfall to various parts of Bangladesh toward the end of the month. In a separate update, BWOT mentioned that despite the onset of cooler weather, there is little chance of a strong cold wave in November. Temperatures are expected to fluctuate, with the country experiencing alternating warm and cool conditions until a full cold wave arrives.

Bangladesh advanced to the final of the Rising Stars Asia Cup after defeating India in a dramatic Super Over in Doha. Batting first, Bangladesh scored 194 runs, led by Sohan’s 65 off 46 balls, despite several fielding and catching errors. India matched the total, forcing a Super Over after a tense final over where Bangladesh missed a run-out chance that could have sealed victory earlier. In the Super Over, Ripon Mondol’s exceptional bowling dismissed two Indian batters in consecutive deliveries, leaving Bangladesh with just one run to win. Although Yasir Ali Rabbi was caught attempting a six, a wide ball from Indian spinner Suyash Sharma handed Bangladesh the victory. Bangladesh ‘A’ will now face the winner of the second semifinal between Pakistan ‘A’ and Sri Lanka ‘A’ on November 23 in the final.