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.

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.