A gruesome triple murder shocked Khulna’s Labanchora area on Sunday night when a grandmother and her two young grandchildren were found dead inside their home. The victims, Shahitun Nesa (55), her grandson Mustakim (8), and granddaughter Fatiha (7), were reportedly beaten to death with bricks or sticks. The children’s parents, both working professionals, discovered the bodies after returning home from work. Relatives and locals suspect that a long-standing land dispute may have led to the killings, with the children’s mother alleging that a relative involved in the dispute could be responsible. Police have launched an investigation and are treating the case as a homicide. The bodies were sent to Khulna Medical College Hospital for autopsy, and law enforcement officials have begun operations to locate the suspects. Authorities have yet to confirm any arrests as the investigation continues.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs of Bangladesh has officially completed the registration process for the 2026 Hajj season, confirming that 78,500 Bangladeshi pilgrims will be able to perform the pilgrimage next year. This marks a reduction of 48,698 pilgrims compared to the previous year’s quota, as Saudi Arabia had allowed 127,198 pilgrims in 2024. Rising costs have contributed to lower participation rates, with only about 85,000 pilgrims traveling in 2024 despite a higher quota. Registered pilgrims can now verify their information through the official Hajj portal (hajj.gov.bd) using their passport numbers, while a dedicated call center (16136) has been launched for assistance. The ministry stated that details on Hajj packages, training, and other preparations will be announced in phases. The Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) has introduced three private packages ranging from BDT 510,000 to 750,000, while the government has announced three packages priced between BDT 467,167 and 690,597. The 2026 Hajj is expected to take place on May 26, subject to moon sighting.

A total of 26 journalists from print, online, and electronic media were honored with the Nagad-DRU Best Reporting Award 2025 for their exceptional contributions to investigative journalism. The award ceremony took place on Sunday, November 16, at the International Mother Language Institute in Dhaka, organized by the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) with sponsorship from mobile financial service provider Nagad. Chief guest Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, interim government economic adviser and noted economist, praised journalists for their vital role in providing accurate information during challenging times. He highlighted improvements in Bangladesh’s economic indicators, including reduced inflation and increased foreign reserves. The event was also attended by Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur and Nagad Chairman Kaisser Ahmed Chowdhury. Awards were given across 24 categories, recognizing reports published or broadcast between September 1, 2024, and October 30, 2025. DRU President Abu Saleh Akon presided over the ceremony, congratulating the winners and encouraging others to continue their pursuit of excellence in journalism.

During the second day of dialogues with the Election Commission (EC) ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, representatives from 12 political parties emphasized the need for the EC to act firmly, transparently, and neutrally to ensure a free and credible vote. Parties expressed concern over the influence of 'invisible forces' and urged the EC to prevent any external interference or pressure on the electoral process. They also raised issues regarding the timing and structure of the proposed referendum, the use of CCTV cameras in polling stations, the influence of black money, and the enforcement of electoral codes of conduct. Several parties suggested reducing candidate deposits and holding elections in phases. The EC reaffirmed its commitment to impartiality, warning that those using muscle power or spreading misinformation would face consequences. Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin stated that the EC would act strictly according to the law and not favor any political side.

The Bangladesh government has transferred 36 senior police officers, including the Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner and six district Superintendents of Police (SPs), according to four separate notifications issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Sunday, November 16. The reshuffle includes five Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs), twelve Additional DIGs, and twelve SPs. DIG Md. Israil Howlader of Industrial Police has been appointed as the new Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner. New SPs have been assigned to Gaibandha, Faridpur, Dinajpur, Pabna, Habiganj, and Nilphamari. Several DIGs have been reassigned to key positions in the Highway Police, APBn, and Police Staff College. The reshuffle also includes officers promoted to Additional DIG and SP ranks, with new postings in the CID, PBI, ATU, and various regional police units. The large-scale transfer aims to strengthen administrative efficiency and operational coordination across the police force.

A businessman from Bishnudi village in Faridpur’s Saltha upazila, Mizanur Rahman, has alleged that he was defrauded of crores of taka in the name of a Saudi-based housing project. Mizanur said a man named Ismail introduced himself as a representative of a Saudi organization called ‘SFD’ and convinced him to invest in a social development and housing initiative. Initially, Mizanur received small funds to distribute aid locally, which built community trust. Later, Ismail proposed a co-financed housing project, leading Mizanur to collect and invest large sums for constructing 150 houses. However, Ismail allegedly gained access to Mizanur’s phone, deleted all transaction records, and cut off communication. Mizanur claims he sold his properties and business assets to fulfill commitments to locals but is now financially ruined. He appealed to the government for justice and assistance during a protest in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka.

Veteran Bangladeshi politician and former diplomat Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury has announced his retirement from political life, citing health reasons. Currently serving as the chairperson of Trinamool BNP, Chowdhury conveyed his decision in a letter to the party’s secretary general, Taimur Alam Khandaker, stating that his resignation from all party positions will take effect on November 16, 2025. Chowdhury’s career spans military, diplomatic, and political service. He previously served as Foreign Secretary and later as Bangladesh’s ambassador to the United States during the BNP–Jamaat coalition government. After retiring from government service, he joined the BNP, later moving to Bikalpadhara Bangladesh in 2018, and eventually to Trinamool BNP in 2023, where he became chairperson. He contested the 12th national election from Sylhet-6 but lost his deposit. In October 2024, he was arrested in a murder case following the fall of the Awami League government. His retirement marks the end of a long and eventful public career.

In Madarganj upazila of Jamalpur, depositors organized a torch procession on Sunday demanding the recovery of Tk 1,500 crore allegedly embezzled by 28 cooperative societies. The demonstration, held under the banner of the 'Money Recovery Committee', followed a four-day sit-in at the upazila parishad premises. Protesters accused the cooperative society directors of fraud and criticized local administration and law enforcement for inaction. The rally, led by committee convener Shiblul Bari Raju, began at the upazila parishad grounds and marched through Balijuri Bazar before concluding with a brief rally. Speakers at the event reiterated their demand for the arrest of those responsible and warned of intensified protests if authorities fail to act. Reports suggest that with the alleged collusion of cooperative office officials, 27 societies collected deposits worth Tk 1,500 crore under a banking-like system before disappearing.

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested Md. Hejbul Alam Raju, 30, the general secretary of the banned 29th Ward Chhatra League unit in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur area, for possessing a foreign-made pistol. The arrest took place on Saturday night during a special operation in the Adabar area’s Nobodoy Housing Society. According to RAB-2’s media officer, Additional Superintendent of Police Md. Shamsul Islam, the operation was conducted based on secret intelligence. Raju allegedly used the firearm to intimidate locals and exert influence in the area. The seized revolver and the accused have been handed over to Adabar Police Station for further legal proceedings. Authorities are investigating the source of the weapon and Raju’s possible involvement in other criminal activities.

Bangladesh’s cargo vessel owners have threatened to suspend all waterway freight transport within 15 days if their 10-point demand is not met. At a press conference in Dhaka, the Bangladesh Cargo Vessel Owners Association (BCVOA) and the Coastal Ship Owners Association of Bangladesh (COAB) alleged that a syndicate of product agents has taken control of the shipping sector, depriving vessel owners of payments and violating transport regulations. The associations claim that around 800 ships have already been scrapped due to financial distress, with unpaid dues exceeding Tk 400 crore, including demurrage charges. They accused agents of turning ships into floating warehouses to manipulate market supply and prices. The owners demanded immediate implementation of the 2024 transport policy, payment of all arrears, and an end to irregular chartering practices. They warned that if the government fails to intervene, the suspension of shipping operations could severely disrupt supply chains and raise consumer costs across the country.

Political activities in Sylhet-4 have intensified as BNP and Jamaat candidates ramp up their campaigns ahead of the upcoming election. BNP Chairperson’s adviser and former Sylhet City Mayor Ariful Haque Chowdhury, contesting as the BNP candidate, addressed party activists in Gowainghat, promising that if BNP returns to power, the region’s development landscape will change within a year. He emphasized that the area, rich in mineral resources, has long been deprived of development and employment opportunities. Ariful said he had discussed local development issues with Tarique Rahman, who assured full support. He also warned against attempts to disrupt the election and reaffirmed BNP’s stance against corruption and injustice. The day saw multiple rallies and processions, including a major show of support for Abdul Hakim Chowdhury and a separate march backing BNP aspirant Prolal Uddin Ahmed, signaling growing political momentum in the constituency.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-1 is set to announce today the first verdict in the case against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others over alleged crimes against humanity during the July uprising. The three-member bench, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, will deliver the ruling in Hasina’s absence, as she and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan remain fugitives in India. Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, the only arrested accused, has turned state witness. The prosecution has sought the death penalty for Hasina and Khan, along with confiscation of their assets for victims’ families. The government has imposed tight security around the Supreme Court and tribunal premises, with live broadcast arrangements for transparency. The case marks the first judgment since the tribunal’s reconstitution following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, and is being closely watched both domestically and internationally as a defining moment in Bangladesh’s judicial and political history.

An Air India Airbus A320 aircraft was grounded at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka after a ground handling pushcart belonging to Biman Bangladesh Airlines struck and broke the plane’s nose landing gear. The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 15, as the aircraft was preparing to depart for Delhi with 126 passengers on board. Airport sources said the collision happened due to the negligence of the pushcart driver while aligning the equipment. Following the accident, passengers were deboarded and accommodated in hotels, with some later flown to Mumbai. Air India has demanded compensation from Biman’s management for the damage. The damaged aircraft remains parked in the bay area for inspection and repair, which may take considerable time. Biman’s Managing Director and CEO Dr. Md. Shafiqur Rahman confirmed that the driver responsible has been withdrawn from duty, issued a show-cause notice, and will be dismissed for negligence.

A series of violent incidents shook Dhaka on Sunday night as unidentified miscreants set fire to a passenger bus in Badda and carried out multiple crude bomb (cocktail) explosions across the city. Firefighters quickly extinguished the bus fire, and no casualties were reported. In a separate attack, two cocktails were hurled at the residence of Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the interim government’s Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, while she was at home. Additional explosions were reported in Panthapath, Banglamotor, New Eskaton, Mahakhali, and Pallabi areas, injuring at least one pedestrian. Police have launched investigations and are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the perpetrators. Law enforcement officials confirmed that security measures have been tightened across the capital following the incidents, which have raised concerns about public safety and political unrest in the city.

A sound grenade explosion in Tongi, Gazipur, caused panic among residents on Sunday night. The incident occurred around 9:45 p.m. near the Station Road area when unidentified miscreants reportedly threw the device from the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) flyover onto the Tongi-Ghorashal regional road. Witnesses described a loud blast that sent pedestrians running in fear. Police officers stationed nearby quickly responded, collected evidence from the scene, and launched an investigation. According to Tongi East Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Wahiduzzaman, no casualties were reported. Authorities suspect that the exploded sound grenade may have been one of the devices stolen during an incident on August 5. Law enforcement officials are now working to identify those responsible and determine the motive behind the explosion, which temporarily disrupted normal activity in the busy area.