Bangladesh’s total government debt has exceeded Tk 21 trillion for the first time, driven by weak revenue performance and ambitious development spending. According to the Finance Division’s debt bulletin released Thursday, total debt stood at Tk 21.44 trillion at the end of June, up 14% from Tk 18.89 trillion a year earlier. External debt reached Tk 9.49 trillion, accounting for 44.27% of total debt, compared to Tk 4.20 trillion in 2021. Domestic debt also rose by 11% year-on-year to Tk 11.95 trillion. Officials attribute the surge to increased borrowing for major infrastructure projects such as the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, Dhaka Metro Rail, and Matarbari coal-based power plant, as well as post-pandemic budget support from development partners. The data indicates that external debt has grown more than twice as fast as domestic debt over the past five years.

Four police officers in Rajshahi have been temporarily suspended following the murder of Judge Mohammad Abdur Rahman’s son, Tawseef Rahman Tousif, and an attempted murder of the judge’s wife, Tasmin Nahar Lusi. The suspension came after a video of the accused, Limon Mia, recorded while in police custody, was leaked on social media, causing widespread embarrassment for the Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP). The court has taken suo motu notice of the incident and ordered RMP Commissioner Mohammad Abu Sufian to appear in person on November 19 to explain the matter. Preliminary investigation found negligence of duty by the four officers assigned to guard Limon at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. They have been closed to the police lines, and a committee has been formed for further investigation. Authorities reiterated that publishing or broadcasting statements of detainees without authorization is illegal and can influence ongoing investigations.

Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced that law enforcement agencies have completed all necessary preparations to prevent any untoward incidents surrounding the upcoming verdict against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, scheduled for November 17. Speaking to journalists in Patuakhali, he said a special nine-day security operation will be enforced nationwide around the forthcoming national election, covering five days before, election day, and three days after. Approximately 100,000 army personnel will be deployed, alongside 150,000 police, 35,000 Border Guard Bangladesh members, 5,000 navy, 4,000 coast guard, 8,000 Rapid Action Battalion officers, and around 550,000 Ansar members, who will be equipped with weapons and body cameras. Chowdhury assured that the election will be peaceful and that the security forces are fully prepared. He added that the election is expected to take place in early February before Ramadan, with administrative reshuffles to follow the official schedule announcement.

Munatashir Mahmud, a recently expelled central organizer of the Nationalist Citizens Party (NCP), has alleged that his dismissal was orchestrated under pressure from Mahbub Alam, the brother of the party’s information adviser Mahfuz Alam. In a lengthy Facebook post on Saturday, Mahmud claimed that Mahbub used his influence to force NCP convener Nahid Islam to expel him. He further accused Mahbub of having him wrongfully terminated from his job and of threatening him in front of other party members. Mahmud also said he faced character assassination, including false claims about his sexuality, and that police attacked him and his supporters at Mahbub’s direction. He alleged that the party ignored his repeated complaints about corruption and internal injustice. Mahmud warned that he could release call recordings with adviser Mahfuz Alam to expose alleged corruption cover-ups. The NCP leadership has not yet responded publicly to the allegations.

Bangladesh’s century-old paddle steamer PS Mahsud has been relaunched as a luxury river cruise vessel to promote the nation’s riverine heritage and boost tourism. The vessel was inaugurated at Dhaka’s Sadarghat by Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain, adviser to the Ministry of Shipping, with senior government officials in attendance. The steamer will begin regular tourist service on the Dhaka-Barishal route from November 21, offering passengers scenic daytime journeys. The restoration preserved its historic design while upgrading engines, safety systems, and navigation with modern technology, including low-emission engines to reduce river pollution. The cruise will feature traditional Bangladeshi cuisine, live music, and cultural performances to attract both domestic and foreign tourists. Officials also announced plans to renovate other historic steamers such as PS Ostrich, PS Lepcha, and PS Turn to further develop river tourism and preserve Bangladesh’s maritime legacy.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s recent address announcing that Bangladesh’s national election and referendum will be held on the same day has eased long-standing political tensions among major parties. Despite initial reservations, the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) have largely accepted the decision. Analysts say Yunus’s speech successfully balanced the interests of the three parties, clearing obstacles to the February election. The BNP’s demand for a same-day referendum was met, Jamaat’s call for proportional representation in the upper house was acknowledged, and the NCP’s push for a constitutional reform council was accepted. Other parties, including Ganosamhati Andolon and Amar Bangladesh Party, also welcomed the move as a pragmatic solution. Observers believe the announcement has temporarily resolved the political impasse, enabling parties to focus on election preparations. However, they caution that implementing the July Charter, which underpins the referendum, may still face complexities in the coming months.

Bangladeshi content creator Ashraful Alom, popularly known as Hero Alom, was arrested by police in Dhaka’s Hatirjheel area on Saturday, November 15. The arrest followed a warrant issued by the Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court on November 12 in connection with a case filed by his wife, Riya Moni. The case accuses Hero Alom and another individual, Ahsan Habib Selim, of attempted murder, assault, intimidation, and theft. According to the complaint, a domestic dispute led to physical violence and the alleged theft of a gold chain from Riya Moni. The plaintiff’s lawyer stated that the accused violated bail conditions by failing to appear in court, prompting the cancellation of their bail and issuance of arrest warrants. Police confirmed that Hero Alom was taken into custody in compliance with the court order, while efforts to apprehend the co-accused are ongoing.

A parked minibus belonging to Naf Paribahan caught fire early Saturday morning in front of the Roads and Highways Department office at Shimrail, Siddhirganj, along the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway in Narayanganj. According to Siddhirganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Shahinur Alam, the driver had parked the vehicle the previous night. The fire broke out around 6 a.m., and local residents, along with fire service personnel, quickly brought the blaze under control. Although the bus’s seats were damaged, no injuries or fatalities occurred as there were no passengers or the driver present at the time. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the fire, which could have resulted from a mechanical fault or another incident. Police said an investigation is underway, and legal steps will follow based on the findings.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General and Sirajganj-4 parliamentary candidate Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan has claimed that political parties aligning too closely with India are now facing downfall. Speaking at a rally in Ullapara’s Panchakroshi Union, he alleged that after independence, three main parties ruled Bangladesh, with the Jatiya Party and Awami League both coming to power without fair elections and through 'Indian allegiance.' He said these two parties are now collapsing due to their excessive dependence on foreign influence. Rafiqul Islam Khan further criticized past governments for corruption, extortion, and terrorism, asserting that the public no longer supports them. He pledged that if Jamaat comes to power, it will eliminate corruption and ensure peace and justice. He urged voters to support the Jamaat symbol in the upcoming 13th national election. The event was chaired by local Jamaat leaders and attended by several party officials.

BNP candidate for Sunamganj-5 constituency, Kalim Uddin Ahmed Milon, stated that the people of Bangladesh love Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman, and the BNP’s electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf. Speaking at an election rally in Mollapara Bazar, Islambpur Union, Milon expressed confidence that the BNP would win the upcoming national election with public support. He pledged to deliver more development than the ruling Awami League has achieved in the past 17 years and reiterated his commitment to integrity, claiming that though many cases were filed against him, none involved corruption. Milon also emphasized unity within the local BNP and assured voters of a peaceful election in February. The event, organized by local BNP leaders, included leaflet distribution on the party’s 31-point reform agenda and speeches from several district and upazila-level leaders.

Unidentified miscreants set fire to the July Martyrs Monument in Pirojpur late Friday night, located beside the district’s central Shaheed Minar. Locals discovered burn marks on the lower part of the memorial the following morning, and a video of the incident soon went viral on social media. Authorities have closed two police officers for alleged negligence in duty. Former municipal councilor and freedom fighter Abdus Salam Baten claimed the act was a planned attempt by members of banned political groups following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. Police have visited the site and increased security in the area. Superintendent of Police Khan Mohammad Abu Naser stated that the attack likely occurred before dawn and that legal action is being taken against the negligent officers. A case has been filed, and efforts are underway to identify and arrest those responsible for the vandalism.

The European Union (EU) has expressed its support for Bangladesh’s ongoing democratic transition under the interim government led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. In a statement shared on social media, the EU reaffirmed its confidence in the country’s leadership and encouraged all political parties to participate constructively in the upcoming electoral process. The EU welcomed Yunus’s leadership as Bangladesh prepares for a participatory, free, and fair election expected to be held in February. The statement also urged political parties to act responsibly and engage in the next stages of the democratic process. The EU’s message reflects its continued interest in Bangladesh’s political stability and democratic development amid the transitional phase.

Police in Gazipur recovered the throat-slit body of a woman, Rahima Begum, from a multi-story building in the Konabari Nawab Ali Market area on Saturday morning. Her husband, Imran Hossain, was found injured beside her and taken to a medical facility for treatment. According to police, Imran, a butcher by profession, and Rahima, a homemaker, were in their second marriage. Their daughter, Sharmin, told investigators that her father allegedly killed her mother before attempting to slit his own throat. Law enforcement officials are continuing to question the daughter and other family members while legal proceedings are underway. The incident has shocked the local community, and police are investigating the motive behind the tragic event.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Porwar cautioned that if the forthcoming national election resembles those of 2014, 2018, or 2024, the nation will face severe hardship. Speaking at a motorcycle rally in Khulna’s Zero Point, Porwar urged the administration to remain neutral and ensure a transparent election where all candidates have equal opportunity. He criticized previous governments for corruption and misrule, calling for a new Bangladesh based on Islamic principles. Porwar emphasized rejecting candidates who misuse wealth or engage in corruption, urging people to vote for the 'balance scale' symbol. The rally, attended by over 500 motorcycles, covered several areas of Khulna and ended at Shiromoni Shaheed Minar. He also highlighted the youth’s role in driving change and expressed optimism that the upcoming election would bring transformation toward a peaceful and just Bangladesh.

A 25-year-old tourist named Md. Iqbal Hossain from Demra, Dhaka, went missing while bathing in the Nafakhum Waterfall in Thanchi upazila of Bandarban on Friday, November 14. He was part of an 11-member group visiting the remote waterfall without a local guide, despite a travel restriction in the area. According to local authorities and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Iqbal was swept away by the strong current while swimming. Rescue operations have been launched by law enforcement agencies and local volunteers, but he remains untraced. The local tourist guide association stated that visitors are only allowed to travel up to Tindu and Remakri Boropathor areas and must be accompanied by a registered local guide, as per administrative directives. Authorities have urged tourists to follow safety and travel guidelines strictly to prevent such incidents.