As Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election approaches, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced its preliminary list of 236 candidates, sparking wide discussion for its emphasis on education and professional background. Among 223 candidates whose educational information was verified, 85% hold higher education degrees. The list includes a significant number of doctors, engineers, and foreign-educated individuals, with about 14% having studied abroad. At least two candidates are Ivy League alumni: former education minister and economist Dr. Osman Farruk, who earned a PhD in Agricultural Economics from Cornell University, and Barrister Muhammad Naushad Zamir, who completed an LLM at Harvard Law School after an MSc in Taxation from Oxford University. Around 40% of the nominees studied at the University of Dhaka or its affiliated colleges. The BNP’s selection strategy appears focused on showcasing candidates with strong academic and professional credentials, reflecting a shift toward technocratic and globally educated leadership within the party.

A joint survey by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) and UNICEF has found that 40% of Bangladeshi children have unsafe levels of lead in their blood, posing a serious threat to brain development and public health. The Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2025, presented in Dhaka, revealed that 38% of children aged 12–59 months and 8% of pregnant women have lead levels exceeding safety limits, with Dhaka showing the highest contamination rates. The report also highlighted widespread water contamination, with over 80% of household water containing E. coli bacteria, despite high sanitation coverage. Additionally, child marriage and domestic violence remain prevalent, and child labor has risen to 9.2% among children aged 5–17. Experts at the seminar called for urgent inter-ministerial coordination to address lead pollution, water safety, and child protection, warning that these issues pose a ‘red flag’ for Bangladesh’s development.

Bangladesh Television (BTV) will broadcast live the verdict of the International Crimes Tribunal-1 in the case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar with two other judges, set the verdict date earlier on November 13. The prosecution has sought the death penalty for Hasina and Kamal on five charges of crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the July–August 2024 mass uprising. Defense lawyers have pleaded for acquittal, claiming innocence. Abdullah Al-Mamun, who turned state witness, has also sought acquittal through his counsel. A total of 54 witnesses testified, including relatives of victims and prominent figures such as Nahid Islam and Dr Mahmudur Rahman. The case is among several being tried by two international tribunals investigating alleged atrocities during the 2024 uprising.

ICB Islamic Bank Limited has announced a job opening for the position of Assistant Vice President (Head of Internal Control and Compliance). The application process began on November 12 and will continue until November 20, 2025. Both male and female candidates with an MBA or postgraduate degree are eligible to apply online. Applicants must have proven experience and skills in the banking sector. The position is contractual and office-based, with a maximum age limit of 50 years. Salary, bonuses, and other benefits will be provided as per the bank’s policy. This recruitment drive aims to strengthen the bank’s internal control and compliance functions, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and operational efficiency.

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 in Bangladesh is set to hear testimony today in the murder case of Abu Sayeed, a student of Begum Rokeya University and the first martyr of the July uprising. The case involves 30 accused, including former vice-chancellor Hasibur Rashid, facing charges of crimes against humanity. The tribunal, led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, will hear the 14th day of witness statements. Police constable Abu Bakar Siddique’s cross-examination is expected to continue, while a new witness may also testify. Earlier witnesses included students and police officers who were present during the killing. Six of the accused are in custody, while 24 remain absconding. The formal trial began on August 27 after the tribunal framed charges on August 6. A total of 62 witnesses are scheduled to testify in the case, which has seen multiple adjournments due to witness unavailability.

National Citizens Party (NCP) senior joint convener Samanta Sharmin has claimed that Bangladesh’s economy and governance have transformed into a 'mafia system' and 'gangster rule' over the past 53 years. Speaking at an event organized by the National Agriculturists Alliance of Bangladesh in Dhaka, she alleged that syndicates and monopolies dominate key sectors, creating an economic stalemate. Sharmin criticized the continued use of colonial-era laws, arguing that they were designed to suppress citizens and are incompatible with an independent nation. She accused past political parties of fostering dominance, extortion, and violence, which have harmed all sectors. Emphasizing a new political vision, she said the NCP aims to build a system where even qualified farmers can participate in lawmaking, promoting inclusive and democratic governance rooted in national values.

A bus parked in front of Sheikh Fazilatunnesa College on Beribadh Road in Dhaka’s Hazaribagh area was set on fire by unidentified miscreants around midnight on Saturday, November 15. According to Hazaribagh Police Station Officer-in-Charge Saiful Islam, the fire spread rapidly, completely burning the vehicle. Police arrived promptly at the scene and brought the situation under control. No casualties or injuries were reported in the incident. Authorities have launched an investigation to identify those responsible for the arson. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and law enforcement officials are reviewing nearby surveillance footage and gathering witness statements to determine the cause and perpetrators of the incident.

Meghna Group of Industries has issued a new job circular seeking qualified candidates for the positions of Deputy Manager and Manager in its Ad and Creative department. The recruitment notice was published on November 15, 2025, and online applications will remain open until November 22, 2025. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree and have at least seven years of relevant experience, particularly with Adobe Creative Suite tools such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects. The positions are full-time and based in Gulshan, Dhaka. Both male and female candidates are eligible to apply. Salary will be determined through negotiation, and selected employees will receive additional benefits as per company policy. Interested candidates can apply and find more details through the official Meghna Group website.

The results of the re-evaluation process for the 2025 Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC), Alim, and equivalent examinations have been officially published in Bangladesh. The results were released simultaneously at 10 a.m. on Sunday, November 16, through the websites of nine general education boards, the Madrasah Education Board, and the Technical Education Board. Students who applied for re-evaluation will also receive their updated marks via SMS. According to the Inter-Education Board Examination Control Committee, a record number of applications were submitted this year, with 226,000 students requesting re-evaluation of 428,000 answer scripts. The highest number of applications came from the Dhaka Board, while the lowest was from the Barishal Board. Most re-evaluation requests were for English and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) subjects. Applications were accepted from October 17 to 23, following the initial result publication on October 16, with a fee of Tk 150 per subject. This year, 1.25 million students participated in the exams, with an overall pass rate of 58.83 percent.

Suspended Awami League activists blocked the Dhaka-Barishal highway in Gopalpur area of Dasar upazila, Madaripur, early Sunday by placing tree trunks across several points. The protest was organized to press for the implementation of a shutdown program. Demonstrators also burned tires during the blockade, causing severe traffic congestion and suffering for passengers. Police and fire service personnel promptly began clearing the road and working to prevent further sabotage. According to local fire service officer Khokon Jamadar, efforts to remove the tree trunks from the highway started at dawn with police assistance and continued throughout the morning to restore normal traffic flow.

Bangladesh is experiencing a mild winter atmosphere with little change in temperature compared to Saturday. On Sunday, November 16, the country’s lowest temperature was recorded in Tetulia, Panchagarh, at 14.7°C, up from 14°C the previous day. In Dhaka, the temperature increased slightly from 18.7°C to 19.4°C, with humidity measured at 86% at 6 a.m. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the weather across the country is expected to remain mostly dry with partly cloudy skies. Day and night temperatures are likely to remain nearly unchanged. Winds from the north and northwest are expected to blow at speeds between 6 and 12 kilometers per hour in Dhaka and surrounding areas. The forecast suggests stable weather conditions with no significant temperature variations in the coming hours.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) is continuing its series of dialogues with registered political parties ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. On Sunday, November 16, the EC met with 12 parties including Gano Forum, Islami Oikya Jote, and Bangladesh Supreme Party between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The discussions focused on ensuring a free, fair, and credible election process. On Monday, November 17, the EC will hold another round of talks with 12 additional parties, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party), and Bangladesh Muslim League. The dialogues are part of Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin’s initiative to engage all stakeholders in preparation for the polls. The EC has over 50 registered political parties and is inviting them in phases to share views and recommendations for improving electoral transparency and participation.

In Gopalganj’s Kashiani upazila, activists of the banned Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League allegedly attempted to block the Dhaka–Khulna highway by cutting down trees late at night on Sunday, November 16. The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. near Gopalpur Bazar, causing traffic congestion on both sides of the highway. A passenger bus belonging to Hamim Paribahan was damaged during the disruption. Kashiani Police Station Officer-in-Charge Kamal Hossain confirmed the event, stating that unidentified individuals linked to the banned political groups were involved. Police and members of the Raitail Army Camp quickly responded, clearing the felled trees and restoring normal traffic flow. No injuries or arrests were reported immediately following the incident, and authorities are investigating those responsible for the attempted blockade.

In Sylhet-4 constituency (Gowainghat–Companiganj–Jaintapur), two BNP leaders from the influential Chowdhury family staged separate demonstrations on Saturday, signaling an intensifying internal contest for party nomination ahead of the upcoming national election. Former Sylhet City mayor and BNP Chairperson’s adviser Ariful Haque Chowdhury held a meeting at the Gowainghat Upazila auditorium, pledging rapid development if elected. Later, he led a rally and conducted public outreach in nearby areas. Meanwhile, another faction of the local BNP organized a protest march in the evening, demanding that Abdul Hakim Chowdhury be nominated as a local candidate. Hakim argued that only a strong local contender could effectively challenge the Jamaat-e-Islami candidate, Zainal Abedin, who has been active in the area. Locals described the day’s events as a “counter show of strength,” reflecting growing tension and competition within the BNP camp in Sylhet-4.

At a discussion meeting in Jessore, Daily Amar Desh editor Dr. Mahmudur Rahman declared that no political party or individual would be able to come to or remain in power in Bangladesh by acting as an agent of India. Speaking as the chief discussant at an event organized by Prachyasangha Jessore, he emphasized that there would be no compromise on national sovereignty and urged citizens and political parties to unite against any form of Indian influence. Rahman criticized both the government and opposition parties for alleged election manipulation and called for a fair and credible election to restore democracy. He also highlighted the rise of the 'July Generation' as a new political force and stressed the importance of cultural struggle against what he termed 'Hindutva dominance.' Rahman asserted that victory in cultural resistance would lead to political success and claimed that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would not return to power if free elections were held.