Serious allegations of irregularities and corruption have surfaced in a Tk 680 crore riverbank protection project in Jhalakathi, implemented by the Bangladesh Water Development Board. The 13.2-kilometer project, aimed at protecting areas along the Sugandha River, reportedly used substandard sand, low-quality geo-bags, and improper cement ratios in block construction. Following complaints, one site officer was withdrawn, and low-quality materials were officially rejected. Despite these actions, locals claim that the rejected sand remains on-site and that geo-bags were not placed in the most erosion-prone areas. Officials admit to manpower shortages and delays in supervision, while contractors cite logistical issues. The project, approved by ECNEC and scheduled for completion in June 2027, has seen work start on only half of its 34 packages, raising concerns about transparency and oversight in public infrastructure spending.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed concern over Bangladesh’s worsening banking sector, burdened by soaring non-performing loans (NPLs). During a meeting with Bangladesh Bank officials, the IMF recommended merging or liquidating banks whose default loan ratios exceed 30%. Currently, 16 banks fall into this category, five of which are already in the process of merger. Following the IMF’s advice, Bangladesh Bank held a meeting with managing directors of 47 banks, instructing them to take urgent measures to reduce NPLs by December through rescheduling, legal action, or other means. The IMF also questioned delays in publishing accurate NPL data and sought explanations for the rising defaults. The crisis stems from years of mismanagement and corruption, prompting the central bank to initiate reforms, including relaxed rescheduling and write-off policies to stabilize the sector.

Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Manch, alleged that he received death and assault threats from individuals linked to the ruling Awami League. In a Facebook post early Friday, Hadi stated that over a three-hour period, he received calls and messages from around 30 foreign numbers threatening to burn his house, harm his family, and kill him. He accused Awami League 'killers' of orchestrating the intimidation ahead of a verdict he referred to as 'Hasina’s judgment' on the 17th. Hadi vowed not to back down from his activism, invoking religious resolve and framing the threats as part of a broader struggle for justice. Authorities have not yet commented on the allegations.

The Awami League’s call for a nationwide lockdown on November 13, coinciding with the announcement of the verdict date in Sheikh Hasina’s war crimes tribunal case, failed to gain public traction. Despite isolated incidents of vandalism, cocktail explosions, and flash protests, normal life in Dhaka and other cities largely continued. Law enforcement agencies intensified patrols, set up checkpoints, and arrested over 150 individuals linked to acts of sabotage. Authorities reported that the attacks followed a similar pattern involving small motorcycle-borne groups. Opposition parties, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and student organizations, held counter-protests condemning the violence and demanding justice. Security forces stated that the situation remained under control, crediting heightened vigilance and public cooperation for thwarting the unrest.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that the elected parliament will address and resolve the country’s unresolved issues through democratic discussions. Speaking at a seminar titled “National Election 2026: The Need for National Unity” in Dhaka, he emphasized the importance of democratic practice and expressed optimism about the nation’s political future. Fakhrul urged for the swift establishment of an elected government through the upcoming 2026 election. He also paid tribute to those who died in the July uprising, saying their sacrifice paved the way for institutionalizing democracy. Commenting on Interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’s recent address, Fakhrul said it was broadly acceptable though open to differing opinions. Other political figures at the event expressed varied views on democracy, national sovereignty, and regional influence.

A Dhaka court has sentenced banker Rezaul Karim Reza to death for murdering his wife, medical student Jannatul Naeem Siddika, whom he met on Facebook. The couple married in October 2020 after a brief courtship, but two years later, during a birthday celebration in August 2022, Reza fatally stabbed Jannatul at a hotel in Panthapath following an argument. Her father filed a murder case the next day at Kalabagan Police Station. The trial began in March 2024, and on Thursday, Judge Md Sabbir Faiz of the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Court delivered the verdict, also imposing a fine of 20,000 taka. Reza, who had been released on bail by the High Court, is currently absconding, and an arrest warrant has been issued to enforce the sentence. No defense lawyer was present during the verdict due to the accused’s absence.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has criticized the four questions set for the upcoming referendum, calling them coercive and imposed on the public. Speaking in Dhaka’s Gulshan after Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s national address on Thursday, Salahuddin claimed that the proposed Constitutional Reform Council was never discussed in the National Consensus Commission. He questioned the legal validity of the President’s Order and alleged inconsistencies between the July Charter and the Constitution Implementation Order. Salahuddin further accused the Chief Adviser of violating his own signature on the July Charter and warned that the imposed reform ideas could create national division. He also argued that the interim government and the National Consensus Commission have deepened the political crisis rather than resolving it.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has extended the deadline for collecting nomination forms for its aspiring candidates until November 20. Previously, the last date for form collection was set for November 13, following the start of sales on November 6. The extension was announced via the party’s official Facebook page late on November 13. According to the updated schedule, candidates can apply both online and offline. Online applications can be submitted through the website nomination.ncpbd.org, while offline forms can be collected from the NCP central office or through regional organizers and divisional secretaries. The extension aims to accommodate more applicants and ensure a smooth nomination process ahead of upcoming political activities.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus announced that a national referendum will be held on the same day as the upcoming 13th parliamentary election. Voters will cast a single ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote on a question covering four key reform issues under the July National Charter. If the majority votes ‘yes,’ a Constitutional Reform Council will be formed with elected representatives who will also serve as members of parliament. The council will have 180 working days to complete constitutional amendments, after which a 100-member upper house will be established proportionally based on election results. The reforms include introducing a bicameral legislature, limiting the prime minister’s term, expanding women’s representation, strengthening the presidency, and ensuring judicial independence. The July Charter will also be incorporated into the constitution as part of the reform process.

BNP Standing Committee member Professor Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain stated that during Bangladesh’s Liberation War, while many surrendered or fled across the border, Ziaur Rahman did not. Instead, he declared independence and fought with arms. Speaking at a meeting in Dinajpur Sadar-3 constituency regarding Khaleda Zia’s nomination, Zahid highlighted Zia’s contributions to restoring multiparty democracy and promoting economic progress. He emphasized Zia’s vision of ‘Bangladeshi nationalism’ that united people beyond religious divisions. Warning against divisive politics, Zahid urged equitable distribution of development benefits and assured that BNP would not abandon the people if given the chance to govern. The meeting, chaired by district BNP president Mofazzal Hossain Dulal, also assigned Zahid to monitor Khaleda Zia’s campaign activities in the constituency.

Bangladesh has the second-highest rate of diabetes among South Asian countries, with 13.2% of adults aged 20–79 affected, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) 2024 report. Only Pakistan has a higher prevalence at 31.4%. Experts attribute the rise to rapid urbanization, unhealthy diets, reduced physical activity, and stress. They warn that without lifestyle changes, diabetes could lead to serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Currently, 13.9 million Bangladeshis are estimated to have diabetes, though many remain undiagnosed. The IDF projects that by 2045, the number could reach 22.3 million. Health specialists urge nationwide screening, awareness campaigns, and workplace wellness initiatives. This year’s World Diabetes Day theme emphasizes building awareness at workplaces to mitigate lifestyle-related risks.

In Mymensingh’s Bhaluka upazila, over 336 acres of farmland have remained uncultivated for more than 15 years due to severe water pollution caused by industrial waste from nearby textile and dyeing factories, including Multazim Mill and Experience Textile Mill. Farmers report that the contaminated water has destroyed crops, killed aquatic life, and caused skin diseases. A government investigation confirmed the damage, estimating total losses at around Tk 33.28 crore, and recommended that the two mills compensate affected farmers. However, the factories have yet to pay. Local authorities say discussions with mill management are ongoing, while environmental officials note that the mills’ effluent treatment capacity is inadequate and waste is being discharged indiscriminately into nearby water bodies.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin has cautioned that the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election in Bangladesh could face credibility issues if political parties do not cooperate with the Election Commission (EC). Speaking at a dialogue with 12 registered political parties, he emphasized the EC’s role as a neutral referee and urged all parties to assist in ensuring a fair and acceptable election. The CEC also highlighted challenges such as overseas voting, voting arrangements for officials, and the misuse of social media. He warned of strict enforcement of the electoral code of conduct, particularly regarding the ban on posters. Party leaders raised concerns over financial barriers, the limited scope of the ‘no vote’ option, and security issues, while some suggested reforms to make the process more inclusive and transparent.

Dhaka University authorities have temporarily suspended five security guards over allegations of negligence in duty. According to a statement issued on Thursday, November 13, the guards were on duty at various university locations between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. on November 11. During an inspection by the Proctorial Security Mobile Team, the guards were reportedly found neglecting their responsibilities. The suspended guards are Md. Shah Alam and Md. Selim from the Institute of Education and Research (IER), Md. Sangram Hossain from the Faculty of Fine Arts middle gate, Md. Shafiqul Islam from the Department of Nutrition and Food Science, and Md. Ali Ahmed from the back gate of Curzon Hall. The university administration stated that further investigation will determine any additional disciplinary action.

A fire was deliberately set on a railway track in the Bhatsala area of Brahmanbaria’s Akhaura upazila on Thursday night, marking the second such incident in two days. According to Akhaura Railway Police Station Officer-in-Charge SM Shafiqul Islam, miscreants ignited tires, wood, and petrol on the track near the Akhaura-Chinair road. Railway police, security forces, and local police quickly responded, extinguishing the fire before it could disrupt train operations. Authorities have since increased patrols and surveillance around the Akhaura railway junction to prevent further sabotage attempts. The police remain on high alert to ensure the safety of rail infrastructure and passengers following these repeated arson attempts.