Rapid Action Battalion (RAB-4) has arrested two suspects, Pata Sohel alias Monir Hossain and Sujon, for their alleged involvement in the murder of Golam Kibria, member secretary of the Pallabi Thana Jubo Dal. The arrests were made during overnight raids in Savar and Tongi areas of Dhaka on Tuesday, confirmed RAB-4 Commander Lt. Col. Md. Mahbub Alam. Kibria was shot dead on Monday evening inside a hardware store in Mirpur-12 by three masked gunmen. During their escape, the attackers also shot a battery-run rickshaw driver for not driving fast enough. The driver is currently hospitalized. Following the murder, Kibria’s wife filed a case naming five suspects, including Sohel, and several unidentified individuals. Police and RAB are continuing investigations, and further details are expected to be shared in a press briefing at the RAB Media Center in Karwan Bazar.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh has made online submission of income tax returns mandatory for all individual taxpayers for the 2025–26 fiscal year, with the deadline set for November 30. Over one million taxpayers have already submitted their e-returns through the NBR’s digital system. Exceptions apply to senior citizens aged 65 or above, physically challenged or special-needs taxpayers, Bangladeshi citizens residing abroad, legal representatives of deceased taxpayers, and foreign nationals working in Bangladesh. Those facing registration issues can apply to submit paper returns with approval from tax authorities. The NBR has extended the application deadline for such cases to November 15. To facilitate the process, the NBR has launched training programs, a call center, and online support for resolving technical issues. Taxpayers can file returns, receive submission slips instantly, and print tax certificates directly from the e-return system, ensuring a faster and paperless filing experience.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology has denied any involvement of its special assistant to the chief adviser, Foyez Ahmad Taiyeb, in the late-night questioning of journalist Mizanur Rahman Sohel by the Detective Branch (DB). In an official statement issued on Wednesday, the ministry described allegations linking Taiyeb to Sohel’s detention as baseless and politically motivated. The statement clarified that Sohel, an online editor of the newspaper Vorer Kagoj, was taken to the DB office for questioning and later released. Taiyeb said his work on implementing the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) was being misrepresented by certain media outlets and that he had no personal or professional connection with Sohel. He emphasized that law enforcement acted independently and that spreading misinformation undermines freedom of expression. Meanwhile, Sohel claimed on social media that he was detained under the direction of a government adviser to favor certain mobile phone traders, though authorities have not confirmed this allegation.

Supreme Court lawyer and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami representative Shishir Monir has raised several concerns over the Election Commission’s (EC) proposed code of conduct ahead of the upcoming national elections. During a dialogue with the EC on November 19, he pointed out inconsistencies regarding the use of posters, the authority to impose penalties for code violations, and the absence of a defined timeframe for resolving election-related complaints. Monir criticized what he termed the EC’s ‘dual policy’ on posters, noting contradictions between clauses banning and regulating their use. He also demanded that the reading of election manifestos by all candidates on a common platform be made mandatory rather than optional. Furthermore, he expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of clarity on who has the jurisdiction to impose punishments for violations and urged the EC to set a specific time limit for resolving complaints to ensure transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

Bangladesh achieved a historic 1-0 victory over India in the third-round return leg of the Asian Cup qualifiers held at Dhaka National Stadium on November 18. Sheikh Morsalin’s early goal in the 12th minute sealed the win, marking Bangladesh’s first home victory against India in 22 years. Indian media outlets reacted sharply, labeling the defeat as 'embarrassing,' 'humiliating,' and one of the biggest failures of the 21st century for Indian football. Publications such as India Today, The Indian Express, NDTV, Times Now, First Post, and Anandabazar criticized India’s poor performance and lack of finishing. The loss left India winless after five matches, placing them at the bottom of Group C, while Bangladesh celebrated a morale-boosting triumph. The victory has been hailed as a new chapter for Bangladesh’s emerging football generation, inspiring renewed hope among fans despite their elimination from the next round.

A group of unidentified arsonists set fire to a local train coach stationed at the Mymensingh Railway Station wash pit early Wednesday morning. The incident occurred around 4 a.m. and was quickly brought under control by three members of the Railway Security Force (RNB) — Habildar Masud Rana, Sipahi Asaduzzaman, and Nayek Ismail — who acted swiftly using wet jackets to extinguish the flames. Their prompt response prevented the fire from spreading to other coaches and the engine, averting a potential catastrophe. Authorities reported that several seats were partially burned, and traces of gunpowder-like substances and petrol-based liquids were found, suggesting an attempt to intensify the blaze. The suspects managed to flee in the darkness. Railway officials are reviewing CCTV footage to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

Bangladesh’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has seized approximately 45 million shares of Meghna Bank PLC owned by former land minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury Javed, his brother Anisuzzaman Chowdhury Rony, and Rony’s wife Imrana Zaman Chowdhury. The shares, valued at nearly Tk 60 crore, were allegedly purchased using illicit funds. According to CID, the accused had long been involved in extortion, fraud, and organized crime, generating large sums of illegal money. A portion of these funds was laundered abroad and later repatriated to Bangladesh through associates before being invested in bank shares. The Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge’s Court ordered the asset seizure on November 18 following CID’s request. The investigation, supervised by the Financial Crime Unit, is ongoing to identify other individuals involved and trace the full extent of the financial crimes.

A major controversy has emerged in Bangladesh’s academic community after a statement circulated online claiming that 1,001 public university teachers rejected the International Crimes Tribunal’s death sentence against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Investigations revealed that only 630 names were listed, with many teachers alleging their names were used without consent. The statement was reportedly issued by Dr. Mahbub Alam Pradip of Rajshahi University, who is currently on leave in Australia, raising questions about its authenticity. Several teachers, including from Dhaka and Chittagong universities, publicly denied involvement. Following the statement, students protested at Dhaka University demanding punishment for those responsible, while the university vice-chancellor confirmed that legal reviews were underway. Meanwhile, police arrested DU Deputy Registrar Muhammad Lavlu Molla Shishir under the Anti-Terrorism Act for allegedly posting contemptuous remarks on Facebook after the verdict. Student unions have given a 10-day ultimatum to dismiss the teachers named in the disputed statement.

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.