Starting November 25, Dhaka Metro Rail passengers will be able to recharge their permanent travel cards online from home, eliminating the need to queue at stations. The new service, jointly introduced by Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) and Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA), will initially be available through a link on the DTCA website. A mobile app is expected to launch next month to further simplify the process. Users can recharge using various online payment systems such as credit cards, bKash, Nagad, and Rocket. Both MRT Pass and Rapid Pass cards will be eligible for online recharge, though single-journey cards must still be purchased at stations. After recharging online, passengers must update their cards by tapping them on an Add Value Machine (AVM) at any station. The system is operated by private firm DataSoft and aims to save passengers time, reduce hassle, and improve metro service efficiency.

Professor Ali Riaz, former vice-chairman of the National Consensus Commission and a political science professor at Illinois State University, has returned to Bangladesh after a professional visit to the United States. He arrived in Dhaka on November 18 on a regular flight. During his stay in the US, Riaz delivered a lecture at the University of Texas on November 13, focusing on how Bangladesh’s original constitution and subsequent amendments have influenced national identity and political divisions. On the same day, he was appointed as the Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant with the rank of an adviser. The National Consensus Commission, where Riaz served as vice-chairman, completed its term on October 31 after holding dialogues with political parties and submitting recommendations to the government, which later issued an order to implement the July National Charter. Riaz’s return marks his assumption of new advisory responsibilities in Bangladesh’s evolving political landscape.

The Internal Resources Division of Bangladesh has demoted Sajid Khan, an Additional Tax Commissioner of the Rangpur tax region, for irregularly granting BRB Cable Industries Limited tax benefits totaling around Tk 180 crore. While serving in the Khulna tax region’s Circle-1 Companies division, Khan approved Tk 151 crore in tax credits and Tk 29 crore in refunds for the 2018–19 and 2019–20 fiscal years without proper authorization. A departmental investigation confirmed the irregularities, leading to disciplinary action under the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018. Following a personal hearing on November 13, the allegations were proven beyond doubt. As a result, Khan was demoted by one grade, with his salary fixed at Tk 45,330. The case highlights ongoing efforts by the Internal Resources Division to enforce accountability and transparency within the tax administration system.

Sharmin S Murshid, advisor to the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, has called on Bangladesh’s youth to take a leading role in ending violence against women and children. Speaking as the chief guest at the final round of the ‘Inter-College Debate Festival 2025’ organized by Youth Forum of Bangladesh at the Bangladesh Shishu Academy, she emphasized the courage and energy of young people reminiscent of the 1971 Liberation War and the 2024 July movement. Murshid urged the youth to channel their spirit into building a just, democratic, and safe Bangladesh for all, especially women and children. She highlighted the importance of unity, equality, and compassion, noting that the new generation must not allow ideological differences to divide the nation. The event also featured legal and social leaders who echoed the call for youth engagement in social transformation and protection of vulnerable groups.

Bangladesh’s top order faltered early on the first day of the Dhaka Test against Ireland, losing three wickets before reaching 100 runs. Openers Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Shadman Islam gave the hosts a solid start with a 50-run partnership, but Shadman fell for 35 to Andy McBrine, who went on to claim all three wickets. Joy followed soon after for 34, and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was dismissed for just 8. At lunch, Bangladesh were 100 for 3, with Mominul Haque batting on 17 and Mushfiqur Rahim, playing his 100th Test, on 3. Having won the toss, Bangladesh opted to bat first, aiming to build on their series lead after a convincing win in the previous Test. Ireland’s disciplined bowling, led by McBrine, kept the hosts in check during the morning session.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin has reaffirmed the Election Commission’s commitment to holding a free, fair, and peaceful national election in Bangladesh. Speaking at a dialogue with political parties at the Election Commission building on Wednesday, he urged all parties to strictly follow the electoral code of conduct and cooperate to ensure a credible election. Nasir Uddin emphasized that adherence to the code is essential for upholding the rule of law and maintaining public trust in the electoral process. He also noted that political parties play a more decisive role than law enforcement agencies in ensuring a successful election. The CEC called on parties to encourage voter turnout through their grassroots workers, stressing that genuine political cooperation would reduce pressure on the Election Commission and help deliver a transparent and participatory vote.

Advocate Al-Fattah Khan, a member of Mymensingh South District BNP and a nomination aspirant for the Gafargaon constituency, stated that if the 31-point reform plan announced by BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is implemented, no fascist regime will emerge in Bangladesh. Speaking as the chief guest at a public rally in Jamtali, Gafargaon, on Tuesday, he emphasized that the proposed structural reforms aim to ensure democracy and accountability in governance. During his speech, Khan also made controversial remarks, claiming that an international tribunal had sentenced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and demanded the execution of that verdict. The event, organized by local BNP and affiliated organizations, was attended by several party leaders, including Amir Uddin Palowan, Abdur Rouf, Dr. Yusuf, and others, who expressed support for the 31-point agenda and called for fair elections and political reform in the country.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has begun discussions with seven political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP), as part of its ongoing dialogue process ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The meeting started at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the EC headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka. Parties participating in the morning session include Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh Minority Janata Party (BMJP), Insaniyat Biplob, NCP, Ganosamhati Andolon, and National Democratic Movement (NDM). Another session is scheduled from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., where the EC will meet with BNP, Bangladesh National Party (BJP), Gano Adhikar Parishad (GOP), Nagorik Oikya, Bangladesh Republican Party (BRP), and the Socialist Party of Bangladesh (Marxist). The EC’s Assistant Director of Public Relations, Md. Asadul Haque, confirmed the meeting earlier this week. The dialogues are part of the commission’s effort to ensure inclusive participation and transparency in the electoral process.

Testimony is scheduled today against former Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman and seven others in a case over the killing of six people during the July-August 1975 uprising in Dhaka’s Chankharpul area. The chief investigating officer, Md Monirul Islam, is set to testify before International Crimes Tribunal-1, marking the final witness session in the case, where 26 witnesses have already testified. Separately, the International Crimes Tribunal-2 will continue hearing testimony for the 18th day in another crimes against humanity case involving the burning of six bodies and the killing of seven people in Ashulia, with former MP Saiful Islam and 15 others accused. The prosecution stated that SI Sheikh Abzalul Haque, who turned state witness, will testify soon. Of the 16 accused in the Ashulia case, eight are currently in custody and were presented before the tribunal this morning.

Hundreds of buyers across Bangladesh have reportedly fallen victim to online fraud schemes involving fake advertisements for Katimon mangoes from Chapainawabganj. Despite the mango season being over, several social media pages have been offering 'juicy and delicious' mangoes year-round, luring customers to pay in advance. One such page, 'BD Official Mango House,' allegedly deceived a buyer from Charghat, Rajshahi, who lost 11,000 taka after being tricked by scammers posing as couriers. Investigations revealed that the page had no physical office in Chapainawabganj as claimed and that the perpetrators were operating from Narail. Victims and local residents have demanded swift action against these fraudulent online businesses. Police have urged consumers to verify sellers before placing online orders and warned against making advance payments until goods are received.

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, convicted of crimes against humanity linked to the July uprising and sentenced to five years in prison, has been transferred to Gazipur’s special jail. Following his conviction, Mamun will lose his Division-1 prison privileges and be downgraded to Division-2 status, as per prison regulations. The Inspector General of Prisons, Brigadier General Syed Motaher Hossain, confirmed that once a prisoner is sentenced, Division-1 privileges are automatically revoked. Mamun may apply to retain certain privileges, but government approval is required. If denied, he will be treated as a regular inmate and must wear the standard prison uniform. Sources indicate that over 150 cases are pending against Mamun in various courts and police stations. A 1982 BCS police cadre officer, Mamun served as Bangladesh’s 29th IGP and previously led the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) before his arrest on September 4, 2024.

Farmers in Saltha upazila of Faridpur district have achieved remarkable success in their first attempt at cultivating jute seeds, marking a significant step toward self-sufficiency in seed production. On 10 acres of land, 93 farmers cultivated local jute seed varieties such as JRO-524 and Sabujsona under the guidance of the Department of Jute. The initiative aims to reduce dependence on imported seeds, most of which currently come from India. Farmers reported earning nearly five times their production costs, with some, like Moktar Molya, earning over 20,000 taka from selling jute leaves alone. Officials noted that favorable weather conditions could further boost yields. Farmers expressed optimism that with additional government incentives for fertilizers and pesticides, they could meet local demand and even export surplus seeds. Faridpur, already the top jute-producing district in Bangladesh, may now emerge as a key source of quality jute seeds if the program expands successfully.

Zakaria Pintoo, the first captain of the Swadhin Bangla Football Team and a pioneering figure in Bangladesh’s sporting history, appears to have been largely forgotten just one year after his passing on November 18 last year. Despite his immense contributions to football and national pride, no significant tributes or commemorations were observed on his first death anniversary. Pintoo, who captained the team that symbolized Bangladesh’s independence struggle in 1971, had an illustrious career with clubs like Mohammedan SC and even represented Pakistan before independence. He later served as a senior official in the Bangladesh Football Federation and the National Sports Council. Honored with the Independence Award and National Sports Award, Pintoo’s legacy remains unmatched. However, his family expressed deep disappointment that neither football officials nor players remembered him, reflecting a broader neglect of the nation’s sports heroes.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh is continuing its series of dialogues with political parties ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. On Tuesday, November 19, the EC will meet with leaders from 12 parties, including the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizen Party (NCP), at the Election Building in Agargaon, Dhaka. The first session, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., will include Jamaat, Bangladesh Minority Janata Party (BMJP), Insoniyat Biplob, NCP, Ganasanghati Andolon, and the National Democratic Movement (NDM). The second session, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., will involve BNP, Bangladesh National Party (BJP), Gana Odhikar Parishad (GOP), Nagorik Oikya, Bangladesh Republican Party (BRP), and the Socialist Party of Bangladesh (Marxist). Earlier, the EC held discussions with 36 registered political parties over three days. With two newly registered parties, Bangladesh now has 55 registered political parties, while the Awami League’s registration remains suspended and three others have been deregistered.

A major fertilizer smuggling operation has been uncovered in Khulna, Bangladesh, involving urea imported under the supervision of the Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC). Following the seizure of around 20 tons of fertilizer in Chuadanga, authorities have begun investigating allegations that a powerful syndicate, including warehouse officials and transport operators, is diverting government fertilizer to the black market. The fertilizers, meant for farmers, are reportedly sold illegally at lower prices for massive profits. Summit Associates, the official distributor, and its subcontractor Jewel Transport are under scrutiny after one of their trucks was caught transporting smuggled fertilizer. Despite evidence of systemic irregularities, BCIC officials have been accused of ignoring the issue. The scandal has raised concerns about corruption in fertilizer distribution and its damaging impact on farmers and agricultural productivity in the region.