Bangladesh’s Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed stated that holding the national election and referendum simultaneously will increase government expenditure. Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Public Purchase at the Secretariat on Monday, he explained that the additional costs would arise from arrangements for both the referendum and voting facilities for expatriates. However, he assured that the overall budget would not face any major issues due to these adjustments. Dr. Ahmed also noted that conducting both events on the same day is preferable, as practiced in several other countries, since holding them separately would be more difficult and costly. Additionally, he mentioned that the Ministry of Energy has been approved to import refined fuel and that non-basmati rice imports will be increased to stabilize rising rice prices. He urged local businesses to act responsibly, emphasizing that price control requires political commitment beyond administrative measures.

Advisor Sharmin S. Murshid emphasized that without structural reform and expansion of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, it will be difficult for Bangladesh to take a strong stance against gender-based and child violence. Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat on Monday, ahead of the International Campaign for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 2025, she said the ministry lacks infrastructure at the upazila and union levels, which limits its ability to address local-level violence. Murshid also noted that the previous authoritarian government had severely damaged institutional structures, making quick reconstruction unrealistic. She stressed the need for a broader and more decentralized ministry to ensure effective protection and support for women and children. The 16-day campaign will be observed nationwide from November 25 to December 10, 2025, to raise awareness and promote preventive measures against violence.

A road in Kotalipara upazila of Gopalganj has collapsed into a canal after dredging work was carried out using heavy machinery without draining the water, sparking public concern and criticism. The project, funded by the Asian Development Bank and implemented by the Bangladesh Water Development Board, was meant to be executed through water drainage excavation. However, contractor Ataur Rahman Khan Ltd used dredgers instead, causing erosion that damaged roads connecting Majhbari and Bongkura villages. Locals, including students of nearby schools and madrasas, now face severe travel disruptions and safety risks. Residents accuse the contractor and supervising engineers of negligence and corruption, alleging that similar irregularities are occurring in other canal projects in the area. Officials from the Water Development Board and local administration have acknowledged the issue and promised prompt repairs. The incident highlights growing frustration over mismanagement in rural infrastructure projects.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 in Bangladesh has scheduled December 4 for the hearing on charge framing against Lieutenant Colonel Redwanul Islam, former Major Md Rafat Bin Alam, former ADC of Khilgaon Rashedul, and former OC Moshiur Rahman. They are accused of crimes against humanity for allegedly killing 28 people in Rampura during July–August. The tribunal, led by Justice Shafiul Alam Mahmood and a two-member judicial panel, set the date on Monday, November 24. Redwanul and Rafat Bin Alam were produced before the tribunal, while the other two accused remain absconding, with state defense lawyers appointed for them. In a separate case, Tribunal-2 fixed November 27 for the next testimony hearing in the murder of martyr Abu Sayeed involving 30 accused, including a former vice-chancellor of Begum Rokeya University. Additionally, defense lawyers continue cross-examining the investigation officer in the case over the killing of six people, including student Shahariar Khan Anas, in Chankharpul.

The High Court has granted bail to Sheikh Hafizur Rahman Karzon, a professor at Dhaka University’s law department, in a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The bench of Justice Md Rasheduzzaman Raja and Justice Md Rezaul Karim issued the order on Monday, November 24, confirming that there are no legal barriers to his release. Professor Karzon was arrested on August 29 from a discussion organized by the group 'Moncho 71' at the Dhaka Reporters Unity. He had been in custody since his arrest. The case was filed by Sub-Inspector Md Amirul Islam of Shahbagh Police Station, alleging that former minister Abdul Latif Siddique made provocative remarks at the event aimed at destabilizing the country and overthrowing the interim government. The Appellate Division had earlier granted bail to Latif Siddique and journalist Manjurul Islam Panna in the same case. Sixteen individuals were detained from the meeting attended by around 70 to 80 people.

Bangladesh’s Attorney General, Md. Asaduzzaman, stated that harassment of journalists will not end unless the state’s mindset changes. Speaking at a CGS research report launch on Monday, he emphasized the need to repeal all repressive laws affecting journalists. He expressed hope that the incoming government after the next national election would refrain from using such restrictive laws against the media. Asaduzzaman also urged journalists to change their narrative to preserve their voices. Regarding the Digital Security Act, he argued that it remains necessary to protect both citizens’ and journalists’ rights and to prevent a culture of fear from returning. At the same event, Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Sara Hossain questioned the extent to which freedom of expression for journalists is currently protected in Bangladesh.

Ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming parliamentary election, law enforcement agencies have reported a surge in illegal firearms entering the country through at least 18 border points, including Teknaf, Benapole, Chapainawabganj, Kushtia, Dinajpur, and Meherpur. Intelligence sources indicate that organized crime groups, some allegedly backed by political figures, are stockpiling modern weapons to influence electoral outcomes and create instability. Over 1,300 firearms looted during the July uprising remain missing, and more than 75 gangs are believed to possess automatic foreign weapons. Despite recent recoveries by RAB and BGB, police have made limited progress in tracing missing arms. Security officials warn that some gangs maintain covert links with political leaders and foreign intelligence agencies. Authorities have intensified patrols, checkpoints, and surveillance nationwide, but challenges persist due to political patronage, weak intelligence coordination, and slow judicial processes. Police have vowed strict action against any group attempting to use violence or intimidation during the election period.

A private car caught fire while moving near the Kurmitola Army Golf Club in Dhaka on Monday morning, November 24. According to the Fire Service, the Kurmitola Fire Station received the alert around 10:40 a.m., and a team promptly reached the scene to bring the blaze under control. The car was reportedly heading toward Uttara when smoke began to emerge from the engine, prompting the driver to pull over immediately. Police officers present at the site assisted in managing the situation before the fire service arrived. Authorities confirmed that no injuries or casualties occurred in the incident. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, but officials suspect an engine malfunction might have triggered it. Traffic in the area was briefly disrupted during the firefighting operation but later returned to normal.

The Bangladesh Public Service Commission (PSC) has reaffirmed that the written examinations for the 47th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) will commence on November 27, 2024, as previously announced. The decision follows weeks of protests by job seekers demanding a postponement, citing insufficient preparation time. Demonstrations included railway blockades in Rajshahi and Mymensingh, hunger strike threats, and social media campaigns. PSC stated that the exam schedule was officially declared on June 3, giving candidates ample time since the preliminary results were published on September 19, shortlisting 10,644 candidates. The commission emphasized that BCS preparation requires long-term study and discipline, rejecting claims of inadequate time. It also noted that delaying exams would disrupt its planned roadmap for clearing examination backlogs. The written tests will be held from November 27 to December 18 across eight divisional cities, with some subject-specific exams taking place only in Dhaka. PSC urged all candidates to attend as per the announced schedule.

The National Pay Commission of Bangladesh is holding a meeting this afternoon with secretaries from various ministries and departments to discuss the formulation of a new government pay structure. The meeting, chaired by Zakir Ahmed Khan, head of the 2025 Pay Commission, aims to review salaries, allowances, and benefits across government, semi-government, autonomous, and state-owned institutions. Sources indicate that about half of the draft process for the new pay scale has been completed, following consultations with employee organizations. The secretaries’ meeting will focus on the proposed structure, its potential implementation timeline, and related benefits. Employee leaders have urged the commission to submit its final recommendations by November 30, warning of strong protests if the deadline is missed. A large rally in Dhaka is planned for December 5 to press for the implementation of the new pay scale.

A viral video showing alleged gangster 'Dakat Alam' walking with armed associates, including one carrying an AK-47-style rifle, has triggered panic across Kadalpur Union in Raozan, Chattogram. Locals claim Alam, once linked to an Awami League MP and now reportedly aligned with a BNP leader, commands a 22-member armed group equipped with illegal weapons, bulletproof vests, and CCTV surveillance covering a five-kilometer area. Residents accuse the gang of extortion, drug trafficking, and using minors to hide weapons. Police say they are investigating the video and monitoring seven active criminal groups in the region. Alam denies the allegations, calling the video fabricated. Authorities have vowed to act regardless of political affiliations. Since August 2024, at least 14 murders have occurred in Raozan, mostly tied to political rivalry and territorial disputes, deepening public concerns over law and order in the area.

The Directorate of Education and Engineering in Bangladesh has instructed all educational institutions to submit detailed reports on damages caused by the November 21 earthquake, which measured 5.7 on the Richter scale and originated near Narsingdi. A circular signed by Chief Engineer (acting) Md. Tarek Anwar Jahedi on November 23 directed secondary, higher, technical, and madrasa institutions to send scanned and soft copies of damage assessments by November 24. Government primary schools have also been asked to submit similar reports by November 27, including district and upazila names, number of damaged rooms, and estimated losses. The directive follows media reports indicating that several schools and colleges across multiple districts suffered structural damage during the tremor. Authorities aim to compile a comprehensive database to guide necessary repair and safety measures in affected educational facilities.

The National Identity (NID) correction service in Bangladesh was abruptly suspended on Monday, November 24, without prior notice, leading to widespread public inconvenience. Although the Election Commission had earlier announced that NID corrections would remain open until 4 p.m. that day, the service was unexpectedly halted before noon. Officials had previously stated that all correction activities would be suspended after 4 p.m. to prepare the voter list for the upcoming national elections. Additionally, NID migration services were also suspended until further notice. The Election Commission said further details would be communicated through an official circular. The sudden and unannounced halt left many citizens frustrated, particularly those who had traveled to service centers expecting to complete their NID corrections before the announced deadline.

Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim marked his 100th Test appearance in style as Bangladesh defeated Ireland by 217 runs in the Dhaka Test. The veteran cricketer, who also earned the Player of the Match award for his unbeaten half-century, received multiple honors from the Bangladesh Cricket Board, the Bangladesh Sports Journalists Association, and other organizations. His achievement has inspired several Bangladeshi pacers to aim for the rare milestone of playing 100 Tests, a significant challenge in the country’s cricketing context. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto praised Mushfiqur’s dedication and leadership, noting his influence on younger players. At 38, Mushfiqur expressed his desire to continue contributing to the national team and guiding the next generation. Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie also lauded Mushfiqur’s longevity, remarking on the contrast between Bangladesh’s progress and Ireland’s limited Test schedule.

Organized crime networks in Bangladesh have become increasingly active ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections, particularly in Dhaka and Chattogram. Recent killings, including those of top criminals Tariq Saif Mamun and political activist Golam Kibria, highlight the resurgence of underworld gangs armed with modern weapons and supported by virtual command centers abroad. Intelligence sources report that some gangs maintain covert ties with political leaders and foreign intelligence operatives, allegedly aiming to destabilize law and order before the polls. The Mirpur-based 'Four Star' gang has emerged as a new force under political patronage, while older figures like Imon, Jisan, and Killer Abbas are reactivating their networks through encrypted communication and remittance channels. Law enforcement agencies, including the DMP and RAB, are attempting to curb the violence but face challenges due to political protection and the flow of illegal arms through border routes. Security agencies have urged urgent, coordinated action to prevent gang influence from undermining voter confidence and election integrity.