Nurses and midwives across Bangladesh have staged a symbolic two-hour shutdown at health and nursing institutions to press for the implementation of their long-pending demands. Organized by the Bangladesh Nurses Association (BNA), the protest took place on November 30 at hospitals and educational institutions nationwide. The BNA leadership stated that despite assurances from the health adviser, no effective action has been taken in the past 14 months to address professional disparities, administrative reforms, and the preservation of an independent nursing directorate. The association warned that if their eight-point demands are not fulfilled by December 1, a complete and indefinite shutdown will begin on December 2. During the shutdown, nurses will continue emergency services in critical units such as ICUs, NICUs, and emergency departments. The demands include halting the merger of the nursing directorate, approving career structures, granting promotions, upgrading pay grades, and ensuring fair recruitment and benefits. The BNA held the administration responsible for any disruption resulting from the strike.

The recently concluded 'Natun Kuri' competition, Bangladesh’s iconic children’s talent platform, returned after two decades under the supervision of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Bangladesh Television (BTV). About 39,000 participants from 64 districts competed across 12 categories, including acting, singing, recitation, and dance. The contest aimed to foster inclusivity, drawing participants from diverse religious and socioeconomic backgrounds. Priyoshi Chakraborty from Tangail and Shubhamita Talukdar from Sunamganj emerged as champions in the ‘Ka’ and ‘Kha’ divisions respectively. A total of 63 child performers received 73 awards, with girls significantly outnumbering boys among winners. The event highlighted the strong influence of educational and culturally active families in nurturing talent. BTV announced that top contestants would be enlisted as official performers and featured in a new show titled 'Shishu Prohor'. The competition’s revival has reinvigorated Bangladesh’s cultural scene, inspiring young talents and engaging audiences both on television and digital platforms.

As Bangladesh’s political landscape sees attempts to form three separate alliances outside the BNP, party leaders have downplayed any potential pressure from these developments. Islamist parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, are working to create one coalition, while the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Amar Bangladesh Party are leading efforts for another alliance, though internal disagreements have slowed progress. Leftist groups are also exploring a separate coalition. BNP leaders assert that these initiatives will not hinder their electoral momentum, emphasizing that voters in Bangladesh typically choose based on party symbols, with the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ and the ruling Awami League’s ‘boat’ being the most recognized. Political analysts, however, suggest that a strong opposing alliance could psychologically influence voters. BNP leaders maintain that their focus remains on forming a broader anti-government coalition and potentially a national unity government if elected, insisting that smaller alliances will have little impact at the grassroots level.

The United Nations Committee Against Torture has expressed grave concern over Israel’s actions in Gaza, describing them as excessive and potentially constituting systematic abuse against Palestinians. In its latest observations, the committee acknowledged and condemned the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel but criticized Israel’s response as disproportionate, leading to widespread civilian suffering and deaths. The committee alleged that Israel’s treatment of detainees and the deteriorating conditions in detention centers amount to collective punishment under a deliberate state policy. It urged Israel to establish an independent and impartial investigation into all allegations of torture and ill-treatment during the ongoing conflict, ensuring accountability for senior officials. The committee also called for unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza and recommended that Israel criminalize torture explicitly in its domestic law, disclose details of its special interrogation methods, and reaffirm that no exceptional circumstances can justify torture or abuse.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has postponed its month-long programs planned for December to mark the country's Victory Day, citing the illness of its chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The programs, which were to run from December 1 to 16, included a nationwide 'Victory Torch Road Show' starting in Chattogram and passing through major cities such as Cumilla, Sylhet, Mymensingh, Bogura, Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, and Faridpur. Each division’s event was to feature a prominent freedom fighter and a youth representative carrying the torch. The celebrations were scheduled to conclude with a grand rally at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka on December 16. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the postponement and said a new schedule will be declared later. The decision reflects the party’s concern over Khaleda Zia’s health condition.

Bangladesh Bank has advised five Islamic banks to reduce employee salaries and allowances by up to 20% as part of cost-cutting measures amid a severe liquidity crisis. The affected banks—First Security Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, Union Bank, Global Islami Bank, and EXIM Bank—are set to merge into a new entity called 'Combined Islami Bank.' During a meeting chaired by Governor Ahsan H. Mansur, the banks requested BDT 1,000 crore in liquidity support, but the central bank approved only BDT 350 crore. Officials emphasized the need to reduce operational expenses and expedite the launch of the new bank. Around 16,000 employees work across these institutions, which have previously received BDT 35,300 crore in government assistance yet to be repaid. The new bank’s board will consist of seven members, chaired by Financial Institutions Division Secretary Nazma Mubarak, with equal representation from professional bankers, accountants, and lawyers as independent directors.

The Delhi Police’s Economic Offences Wing has filed a new FIR against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, accusing them of criminal conspiracy in the National Herald money laundering case. The complaint, based on a report from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), names six individuals including Sam Pitroda and three companies—Associated Journals Limited (AJL), Young Indian, and Kolkata-based Dotex Merchandise Pvt Ltd. Authorities allege that Dotex transferred ₹1 crore to Young Indian, a non-profit where Sonia and Rahul Gandhi hold a combined 76% stake. Using this transaction, Young Indian allegedly gained control of AJL, which owns assets worth about ₹2,000 crore, after paying only ₹50 lakh to the Congress party. The FIR was registered on October 3 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Congress has dismissed the case as politically motivated, calling it a vendetta by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The National Herald, founded in 1938 by Jawaharlal Nehru and other freedom fighters, ceased publication in 2008 due to financial distress.

Finland has announced plans to close its embassies in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Myanmar by 2026 as part of a broader restructuring of its foreign mission network. The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs stated that the decision was driven by operational and strategic considerations, including shifting political conditions in the respective countries and limited trade and economic ties with Finland. The closures will be enacted through a presidential decree, according to an official government notice issued on November 29. The ministry emphasized that the move aims to concentrate Finland’s diplomatic resources in countries deemed strategically more significant. No immediate responses were reported from the governments of Pakistan, Afghanistan, or Myanmar regarding Finland’s decision. The restructuring reflects Finland’s ongoing efforts to optimize its diplomatic presence globally amid evolving geopolitical and economic priorities.

As Bangladesh prepares for its national parliamentary election in February, two advisers—Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan from the Local Government Ministry and Mahfuz Alam from the Information Ministry—are expected to resign soon. Both were key figures in the student-led uprising that gave rise to the National Citizen Party (NCP), and many anticipated their joining the party. However, recent developments suggest that possibility is fading. Former NCP organizer Ariful Islam Talukdar, who recently resigned, publicly questioned why Asif Mahmud is not joining the NCP, hinting at internal ideological conflicts within the party. In a Facebook post, Arif alleged that the NCP’s policymaking circle is dominated by anti-religious elements and claimed he was pressured to choose between his faith and the party. He announced plans to hold a press conference on December 1, 2025, to disclose further details about his resignation and the party’s internal issues.

Medical technologists and pharmacists at the 100-bed Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital observed a two-hour work stoppage on Sunday morning, demanding implementation of the 10th grade pay scale. The protest, organized by the district committee of the Medical Technologists and Pharmacists Association, caused significant disruption in hospital services, leaving patients and attendants waiting long hours for medicine and laboratory services. Leaders including Jamal Hossain, Jasim Uddin, and Atikur Rahman participated in the demonstration. The protesters stated that all medical technologists and pharmacists working in government and autonomous hospitals, as well as health education institutions, should be upgraded from the 11th to the 10th grade due to their critical roles in diagnostics and medication management. They warned that if their demand is not met, they will escalate the protest to a four-hour strike on December 3, followed by a complete shutdown if necessary.

Several religious organizations, including the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, and the Dhaka Metropolitan Sarbojanin Puja Committee, have expressed concern over the deteriorating health of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Following her recent hospitalization at Evercare Hospital due to respiratory complications, the groups have called for her proper medical care and swift recovery. The Puja Udjapan Parishad announced that a special prayer session will be held at the Dhakeshwari National Temple on Sunday, November 30, at 5 p.m., to pray for her health. Leaders of the participating organizations, including Basudev Dhar, Santosh Sharma, Jayanta Kumar Dev, and Tapas Chandra Pal, signed the joint statement urging national unity and compassion during this critical time for the former leader.

The International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh has summoned BNP leader Fazlur Rahman to appear in person on December 8 to explain his remarks allegedly amounting to contempt of court. The tribunal acted on a petition filed by prosecutor Gazi Monowar Hossain Tamim on November 26, accusing Rahman of making disparaging comments during a television talk show. Rahman reportedly said he did not recognize the tribunal, arguing that it was established solely to try crimes committed during the 1971 Liberation War and should not handle other cases. The prosecution contends that the tribunal has jurisdiction over crimes against humanity, genocide, war crimes, and crimes against peace. The court will hear Rahman’s explanation before deciding on further legal action. The case highlights ongoing tensions between the BNP and judicial institutions over the scope and legitimacy of the war crimes tribunal.

Iran has denied reports that its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched missile attacks on separatist groups in Iraq’s Kurdistan region. Several media outlets and social media users had claimed that the IRGC fired ballistic missiles from Iran’s western provinces of Khorramabad, Ilam, and Kermanshah targeting areas inside Iraqi Kurdistan. However, a source familiar with the matter told Iran’s Mehr News Agency that these claims were baseless and incorrect. The source emphasized that no missiles were launched from Iranian territory toward Iraq. The denial comes amid heightened regional tensions and recent statements from Iran’s navy asserting readiness to respond to any aggression. The conflicting reports highlight ongoing sensitivities along the Iran-Iraq border, where Tehran has previously targeted Kurdish militant groups it accuses of destabilizing security in western Iran.

Ariful Islam Talukdar, the southern regional organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has resigned from his post, citing deep disagreements with the party’s leadership. Submitting his resignation on November 28, Talukdar claimed that he was indirectly asked to choose between his political career and his religious beliefs, prompting him to prioritize his faith. The controversy stems from the case of Abul Sarkar, who was arrested for allegedly making remarks offensive to religious sentiments. Talukdar accused the NCP of siding with Sarkar and being influenced by anti-religious elements. He also raised allegations of corruption within the party, including the sale of nomination forms and secret negotiations with the BNP over parliamentary seats. Talukdar announced that he would hold a press conference on December 1, 2025, to reveal further details about internal party dealings and the leadership’s alleged manipulation of political movements. His resignation has sparked debate over ideological divisions within the NCP.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has initiated an inquiry into allegations that Transcom Group CEO Simin Rahman offered Tk 100 crore in bribes to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The ACC assigned Deputy Director A.K.M. Mahbubur Rahman to lead the investigation on November 5, focusing on both institutional and individual involvement. Officials stated that if necessary, bank accounts or assets linked to the case may be frozen. The probe follows earlier legal disputes within the Transcom family, including multiple cases filed by Simin’s sister, Shazreh Haque, accusing family members of embezzlement and illegal share transfers. The Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) previously seized documents from Transcom’s Gulshan head office. The internal family feud over control of the business emerged after the death of founder Latifur Rahman in 2020, when his wife Shahnaz Rahman became chairperson and Simin assumed the CEO role.