Khulna Power Company Limited (KPCL) has signed an asset purchase agreement with Dubai-based Subson Energy FZCO to sell its 40-megawatt power plant located in Noapara, Jashore. According to the Dhaka Stock Exchange, the deal includes provisions for KPCL to either sell the plant or export its generated electricity. This follows a previous agreement with Turkey’s Aksa Enerji Üretim A.S. for the sale of KPCL’s 115MW KPC Unit-2 in Khalishpur, Khulna. KPCL’s financial performance has improved notably, with earnings per share (EPS) rising to Tk 0.25 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025–26, compared to Tk 0.04 a year earlier. The company’s net asset value per share (NAVPS) stood at Tk 19.27 as of September 30, 2025. KPCL attributed the profit growth to higher income and increased contributions from its subsidiaries. For the 2024–25 fiscal year, KPCL declared a 5% cash dividend for general investors, following a 10% payout in the previous two years.

A passenger bus parked on the Dhaka-Narayanganj Link Road in Fatullah was set on fire by unidentified miscreants early Sunday night. The incident occurred around 1:45 a.m. near the Narayanganj Income Tax Office in the Isdair area. The driver, Nasir, and his helper, Nayan, who were asleep inside the bus after dropping off garment workers, woke up to the heat and flames. They managed to escape unharmed and, with the help of locals, extinguished the fire before it could spread. Fire service units and police teams from Fatullah Model Police Station arrived shortly after. Authorities confirmed that the fire caused limited damage due to the quick response of the driver and locals. Police have launched an investigation to identify those responsible for the arson attack.

A Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) intelligence team came under indiscriminate gunfire in Narayanganj’s Masdair area on Sunday afternoon while attempting to apprehend alleged terrorist and drug dealer Zahid. According to police and local sources, Zahid and his associates opened fire upon realizing the presence of RAB personnel, injuring a nearby housewife, Joba Akter, 22, who was cooking at home when a bullet struck her in the chest. She was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital in critical condition. Zahid, who is accused in three murder cases, had reportedly attacked a local political leader the previous evening. Law enforcement officials, including RAB-11 and Narayanganj police, have launched an operation to capture Zahid and his accomplices. Authorities confirmed that the suspects fled the scene after the shooting. Police and RAB officials stated that efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest the perpetrators responsible for the attack.

In the remote hill areas of Rangamati’s Kaukhali and Baghaichhari upazilas, the Bangladesh Army has been conducting free medical camps to provide healthcare to communities cut off from modern medical facilities. The initiative, ongoing since November 10, includes doctors and specialists offering treatment and distributing medicines worth around two lakh taka. However, the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), an armed group opposing the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord, has reportedly been threatening locals not to attend the camps, warning of fines and punishment. Despite initial fear and low turnout, attendance increased later as residents realized the army’s humanitarian intent. The army reaffirmed its commitment to peace, security, and welfare in the hill region, vowing not to be deterred by intimidation. Local leaders and residents praised the army’s efforts and urged continuation of such medical services to address the severe healthcare shortage in the area.

Three separate incidents of arson occurred within about an hour on Sunday night in Dhaka’s Badda, Dhamrai, and Savar areas, where unidentified miscreants set fire to three buses. The first fire broke out around 10 p.m. in Badda when a northbound passenger bus was torched, though no casualties were reported. Shortly afterward, another bus parked near Dhamrai’s Dhulivita bus stand was set ablaze by three men arriving on two motorcycles, who allegedly used gunpowder to ignite the fire. The blaze destroyed most of the bus’s interior before firefighters extinguished it. About half an hour later, a third bus belonging to Alif Paribahan was burned near Savar’s Birulia embankment area while it was parked. The owner, who had left for dinner, reported losses of around five lakh taka. Police have launched investigations to identify those responsible for the coordinated attacks, though no arrests have been made yet.

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.