A book launch and discussion event for 'Dhaka University: In History, In Memory', written by eminent academic and Dhaka University English Department Emeritus Professor Sirajul Islam Chowdhury, was held on Saturday, November 15, at the Poet Sufia Kamal Auditorium of the Bangladesh National Museum. The event, organized by Bengal Books, was chaired by Professor Firdaus Azim and featured distinguished speakers including Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, Professor Khalikuzzaman Elias, playwright Khairul Alam Sabuj, novelist Ahmad Mostofa Kamal, researcher Kazi Samio Shish, and publisher Mahmudul Hasan. Discussants praised the book for its balanced blend of historical insight and personal reflection, analyzing the university’s role in education, politics, and intellectual life. Bengal Books’ publisher Mahmudul Hasan highlighted the company’s mission to promote creative reading and nurture new writers through quality publications in literature, history, and social thought.

The results of the 2025 Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC), Alim, and equivalent examination re-evaluations will be released on Sunday, November 16, at 10 a.m., according to separate notices from the Dhaka Education Board and the Bangladesh Madrasah Education Board. Students who applied for re-evaluation will be able to check their results on the respective board websites and will also receive notifications via SMS. This year, a record number of applications were submitted—226,000 students requested re-evaluation for 428,000 answer scripts across 11 education boards. The Dhaka board received the highest number of applications, while the Barishal board received the fewest. The most re-evaluation requests were made for English and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) subjects. Applications were accepted from October 17 to 23, following the initial results published on October 16, with a fee of 150 taka per subject.

Bangladesh’s Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam announced that police officers with controversial backgrounds will not be assigned to election duties. Speaking at a press briefing at Khulna Metropolitan Police headquarters, he stated that although a formal list of such officers has not yet been prepared, district superintendents of police (SPs) and deputy inspectors general (DIGs) are in the process of identifying them. The IGP emphasized that both the public and the interim government are eager for a free, fair, and impartial national election. He acknowledged that past three national elections had faced criticism and controversy, and said the police are undergoing self-driven training to ensure professionalism and neutrality in the upcoming polls. The move aims to bolster public confidence in law enforcement’s role during the electoral process.

Advocate Dr. Helal Uddin, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka South Nayeb-e-Ameer and candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency, has called for a national referendum before holding the upcoming general election to make it meaningful. Speaking at a street rally organized by Shahjahanpur Thana Jamaat, he urged all pro-democracy and peace-loving political parties to unite against what he described as the Awami League-led coalition’s acts of violence and anarchy following the verdict in Sheikh Hasina’s war crimes case. Dr. Helal accused the ruling party of being an enemy of the nation and urged citizens to resist any attempt to destroy public or state property. He also appealed to the youth to join Jamaat’s movement to build a corruption-free, safe, and welfare-oriented Bangladesh. The event was chaired by Muhammad Shariful Islam, with other local Jamaat leaders addressing the gathering.

Former State Minister for Home Affairs and BNP National Executive Committee member Lutfozzaman Babar stated that he had been sentenced to death three times, claiming that no one else in Bangladesh had received so many death sentences. Speaking at several campaign rallies in Madan, Netrokona-4 constituency, after receiving the BNP nomination, Babar expressed gratitude to God, his party, and BNP leaders Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman for their support. He also thanked the people of his constituency for their prayers and support during his 17 years of imprisonment. Babar’s visit marked his first return to his home area since being nominated, where he met with local leaders, activists, and voters across multiple villages and marketplaces.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s central Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher stated that if his party comes to power, no one will face persecution, emphasizing equality among all citizens of Bangladesh. Speaking at an election rally in Gunabati High School field, Chauddagram, Comilla, he described the upcoming election as a contest against extortionists and corrupt politicians. Taher asserted that Jamaat does not believe in divisions between majority and minority communities. He also claimed that Jamaat has gained popularity over the BNP, citing student union elections as evidence. Highlighting his party’s record, Taher said no corruption allegations were proven against Jamaat ministers or MPs, and even his own arrest was later acknowledged by the Anti-Corruption Commission as a mistake. The event was attended by several local and national Jamaat leaders, as well as representatives from various communities, who expressed support for the party’s vision of a peaceful and corruption-free Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s Information Adviser Mahfuz Alam has remarked that many who were once oppressed are now becoming oppressors, reflecting a troubling social transformation. Speaking at a roundtable titled ‘Women in Democracy’ in Dhaka, he addressed issues of cyberbullying and political polarization. Alam revealed that he and his family have also been targeted by organized online attacks, allegedly run by coordinated 'bot armies'. He criticized the misuse of religion on social media and urged for accountability. Discussing the interim government, Alam said it was formed with support from all political parties but faced over 200 protests in its first eight months. He argued that the government’s challenges stemmed from both internal mismanagement and lack of political cooperation. On women’s safety, he linked cyberbullying to deep-rooted social fascism, claiming that while state fascism has been removed, social fascism persists. Alam called for social dialogue and political reform to achieve lasting change.

Bangladesh police have arrested 39 leaders and activists from the ruling Awami League and its affiliated organizations, including the Jubo League, Chhatra League, and Swechchhasebak League, on charges related to sabotage, violence, and anti-terrorism cases. The arrests were made between Friday and Saturday in multiple districts, including Bogura, Nilphamari, Dhaka, Kurigram, Chandpur, Faridpur, Lakshmipur, Shariatpur, and Sirajganj. Authorities allege that the detainees were involved in attempts to incite unrest following the verdict against Sheikh Hasina in a case concerning crimes against humanity. Police officials confirmed that the arrests were part of ongoing operations to prevent further violence and maintain law and order. Those detained include several local-level leaders such as union presidents, secretaries, and joint conveners from various party wings. Law enforcement agencies have stated that investigations are underway and that more arrests may follow if further evidence emerges.

A hand bomb exploded on Saturday night in front of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) building in Agargaon, Dhaka, according to police reports. The incident occurred around 8:20 p.m., but no injuries or fatalities were reported. Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Imaul Haque confirmed that law enforcement has launched an investigation to identify those responsible. The explosion comes amid a series of recent violent incidents in the capital, including arson attacks on buses and other small explosions. These disturbances are reportedly linked to protests surrounding the verdict in a war crimes case and allegations of suppressing movements against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Authorities have increased security measures in key areas of Dhaka as tensions continue to rise.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury announced that the party will not pursue large-scale mega projects if it comes to power, instead focusing on skill development and private sector growth. Speaking at a business exchange meeting in Faridpur on Saturday, he emphasized that BNP aims to simplify business operations and ensure that economic benefits reach all citizens rather than a select few. Khasru argued that Bangladesh’s future development model should move away from state-dominated mega projects toward initiatives that empower individuals and expand private enterprise. He highlighted the importance of private sector participation in driving national progress and reducing economic dependency on specific groups. The meeting, chaired by BNP divisional organizational secretary Shama Obaed, was attended by academics, party leaders, and business representatives from various districts.

Dhaka College Science Club (DCSC) organized the ‘Intra Science Festival 2025 & Freshers’ Orientation’, bringing together new and senior students in a lively celebration of creativity and scientific spirit. The event was sponsored by Dhaka College Principal Professor A. K. M. Elias and attended by BUET Professor Dr. Mostafa Akbar as chief guest. Special guests included Professor Ehsan Haque from the University of Rochester, Associate Lecturer Nabi Newaz Khan Shomin from BRAC University, and A. K. M. Rafiqul Alam, Secretary of the Dhaka College Teachers’ Council. The festival featured diverse competitions such as Rubik’s Cube solving, sci-fi writing, photography, gaming, calculus combat, IQ tests with criminal case solving, sudoku races, science olympiad, and event design contests. Winners received awards and certificates. The event venue was filled with enthusiasm and innovation as students showcased their talent and creativity. Principal Elias expressed hopes for an even grander festival in the future to inspire students toward creativity and national contribution.

Dr. Tasnim Jara, senior joint member secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has criticized Jamaat-e-Islami for its inconsistent position on reducing women’s working hours. Speaking at a discussion titled 'Women in Building Democracy: What Have We Achieved?' held at the Bijoy Auditorium in Dhaka on November 15, she said such debates are disappointing when the focus should be on empowering women in the workforce. Jara noted that after the mass uprising, there was an opportunity to reform the reserved seats for women in parliament, but political parties failed to reach consensus. She emphasized the need to ensure equal participation of urban and rural women in policymaking and questioned why women would join politics if the environment remains unsafe. Another NCP leader, Samanta Sharmin, added that Bangladesh’s political process is dominated by money, muscle, and male power, leaving little room for marginalized women to participate in decision-making.

At least 35 female workers fell ill due to an oxygen shortage at the Haizington China Hair Company located in the Ishwardi Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Pabna, Bangladesh. The incident occurred around noon on Saturday, November 15, after the air conditioning system on the factory’s fourth floor remained off for an extended period, causing oxygen levels to drop significantly. According to company officials, 34 workers became seriously ill and were initially taken to the BEPZA Hospital, while others were admitted to the Ishwardi Upazila Health Complex. Later, all 15 workers from BEPZA Hospital were transferred to the Upazila Health Complex for further treatment. The company’s administration stated that the oxygen drop triggered panic among workers, worsening the situation. Health officials confirmed that all patients are receiving treatment and that no major casualties are expected.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has dismissed as entirely false and malicious recent media reports claiming that Lamia Morshed, Lutfe Siddiqui, and his sister Husna Siddiqui were being considered for ambassadorial appointments. In a Facebook post, Alam criticized the report published by the newspaper Manabzamin, calling it unprofessional, irresponsible, and defamatory. He said the report lacked credible sources and used offensive language that insulted the dignity of diplomatic positions. Alam urged the newspaper to withdraw the report and issue a formal apology. Lamia Morshed also denied expressing any desire to join the diplomatic service, stating she remains committed to her current responsibilities and has no plans to seek government positions beyond her current role. The controversy arose after Manabzamin reported that the interim government was planning to appoint several individuals, including Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, as ambassadors to various countries.

BNP central leader and former minister Advocate Ruhul Kuddus Talukder Dulu claimed that a rival political party has begun conspiring after realizing the likely victory of the BNP’s election symbol, the 'Sheaf of Paddy'. Speaking at a campaign rally in Natore Sadar’s Panditgram Sabina Yasmin Chhobi High School field, Dulu said the nation is waiting for a free and fair election after nearly two decades of limited voting rights. He asserted that if people are allowed to vote freely, the BNP would return to power with a large majority. Dulu urged party activists to remain vigilant against any conspiracies aimed at undermining the electoral process. The rally, organized by the local BNP, was chaired by local leader Zainal Abedin and attended by several district BNP, Jubo Dal, and Chhatra Dal leaders, including Rahim Newaz, Saiful Islam Aftab, and former Natore mayor Kazi Shah Alam.