Bangladesh faces a severe earthquake threat due to the Ganges-Brahmaputra megathrust fault, which could trigger a magnitude 9 quake, experts warned at a seminar in Dhaka organized by JCX Developments Limited. Local and international geologists, architects, and engineers highlighted that the country lies at the junction of three active tectonic plates—Indian, Myanmar, and Eurasian—making it highly vulnerable. Over 200 earthquakes have been recorded in the past century, with increased activity since 2024. Specialists emphasized that the accumulated energy in the subduction zone from Sylhet to Teknaf remains unreleased for nearly a millennium. Japanese experts shared lessons from Japan’s earthquake-resistant architecture and urged stronger building codes, structural audits, and emergency preparedness. Participants called for coordinated efforts between government and private sectors to build resilience through awareness, drills, and technological readiness. Rapid urbanization, dense population, and weak infrastructure were identified as major risk factors that could worsen the impact of a major quake.

Two old phone conversations between former Bangladeshi Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and late writer-intellectual Ahmad Sofa have resurfaced on social media, generating widespread discussion. Facebook user Mohammad Israq offered a political interpretation of these exchanges, which were originally published on the satire site eআরকি. In one call, Sofa reportedly demanded that Khaleda cook for him, citing that Sheikh Hasina had done so, while in another, he reacted angrily when Khaleda’s personal secretary failed to recognize him. Israq’s commentary criticizes Sofa’s behavior as unprofessional and symbolic of elitist arrogance, contrasting it with Khaleda’s humility and professionalism. The discussion has reignited debate about the relationship between Bangladesh’s political leaders and intellectuals, and how cultural elitism shapes public attitudes toward leadership and civic responsibility in the country.

Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury, chairman of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, emphasized that the assurance of justice relies on judges’ personality, competence, impartiality, and courage. Speaking at a day-long workshop in Dhaka organized by the commission with support from the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, he urged judges to uphold constitutional values and treat every case with equal diligence and dedication. He called for building a justice system that earns the trust of all citizens, regardless of their social or economic background. Huma Khan highlighted the importance of judicial impartiality and professionalism in ensuring justice, noting the suffering of victims’ families and the obstacles posed by fear, pressure, and influence. Other speakers included Justice Md Farid Ahmed Shibli, Md Nur Khan, and Law Secretary Liaqat Ali Molla. Around 90 judges and trainees from various courts and tribunals participated in the event.

The Tenants’ Council, a renters’ rights organization, held a human chain protest in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka on Saturday, urging the government to stop what they describe as unjustified rent increases across the country. The protest, chaired by the council’s president Jannat Fatema and conducted by acting president Md. Mostafa, featured several leaders who criticized landlords for raising rents annually under various pretexts. They argued that amid the current economic crisis, limited income sources, and rising prices of essential commodities, tenants are struggling to manage household expenses. The speakers accused the government of failing to take effective steps to control rent or inflation. The organization demanded an official government notification to freeze rent hikes, warning that if landlords continue to raise rents, the Tenants’ Council will launch a larger nationwide movement to protect renters’ rights.

Sri Lanka suffered a severe batting collapse in the tri-nation series final against Pakistan at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. After winning the toss, Pakistan sent Sri Lanka to bat first. The visitors started steadily, reaching 103 for 3 in 14.4 overs, but then lost seven wickets for just 11 runs to be bowled out for 114 in 19.1 overs. Opener Kamil Mishra top-scored with 59 off 47 balls, hitting two fours and four sixes, while Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka added 14 and 11 runs respectively. No other batsman reached double figures. Pakistan’s pace and spin attack proved too strong, with Shaheen Shah Afridi taking 3 wickets for 18 runs in 3 overs, Mohammad Nawaz claiming 3 for 17 in 4 overs, and Abrar Ahmed adding 2 for 18 in 4 overs. Pakistan’s disciplined bowling left Sri Lanka struggling throughout the innings.

Bangladesh Cold Storage Association (BCSA) announced that the two-day 'Potato Festival 2025' will be held at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka from December 12. The event aims to promote Bangladesh’s potato industry on the global stage by showcasing modern storage technologies, processing capabilities, and export opportunities. BCSA President Mostafa Azad Chowdhury Babu said the festival will highlight the need for advanced cold storage, value-added processing, and investment-friendly policies to expand exports. Despite being the world’s seventh-largest potato producer, Bangladesh struggles with inadequate preservation facilities and limited processing infrastructure. Over a hundred local and international companies will participate in the exhibition, featuring innovations in cold-chain systems, agricultural machinery, potato-based food products, and culinary applications. The initiative seeks to attract foreign investment and strengthen Bangladesh’s position in the global potato market.

Teachers and students of Dhaka University held a special prayer session on Saturday for the recovery of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Dhaka. The event, organized by the pro-BNP teachers’ group 'Sada Dal', took place after Asr prayers at the university’s central mosque. The session was presided over by Professor Dr. Morshed Hasan Khan and attended by Vice-Chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan, Pro-VC (Education) Professor Mamun Ahmed, and other senior faculty members. Khaleda Zia, aged 80, remains under the care of a medical board comprising local and foreign specialists. She has been suffering from multiple health complications, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney problems. She was admitted to the hospital’s Coronary Care Unit (CCU) after experiencing breathing difficulties on November 23.

Renowned writer and educator Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed, founder of the World Literature Centre, inspired young participants at the 'Carnival of Change 2025' held at BRAC CDM in Savar on Saturday, November 29. In his keynote speech, he emphasized that true success comes from following one’s passion and inner calling, not from seeking rewards. Sayeed stated that nothing great can be achieved without a touch of madness and encouraged youth to listen to their soul’s desires. The two-day event, organized by BRAC, showcased the creativity, leadership, and innovation of over 250 young participants from across Bangladesh. The first day featured exhibitions, discussions, and workshops highlighting social entrepreneurship and innovation. Twelve projects were shortlisted, and three were selected for awards recognizing their potential to drive positive social change and community development.

Bangladesh are facing a challenging target of 171 runs to save the T20 series against Ireland after the visitors posted a competitive total in Chattogram. Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Ireland made a strong start, scoring 75 runs for the loss of one wicket in the powerplay. Lorcan Tucker top-scored with 41 off 32 balls, while Tim Tector and Paul Stirling contributed 38 and 29 runs respectively, helping Ireland reach 170 for six wickets. For Bangladesh, Sheikh Mehedi Hasan was the most successful bowler, taking three wickets for 25 runs in his four overs. Mohammad Saifuddin and Tanzim Hasan Sakib claimed one wicket each. Bangladesh now need 171 runs to win and keep the series alive.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka are meeting in the final of the tri-nation cricket series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Pakistan, who topped the group stage with three consecutive wins, secured their place in the final early but lost their last group match to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, had a shaky start, losing their first two matches and facing possible elimination. However, they bounced back strongly by defeating Zimbabwe and Pakistan in their last two games to reach the final. Zimbabwe, led by Sikandar Raza, missed out on the final after losing both their remaining matches. The final promises to be a competitive clash, with both teams aiming to deliver their best performance to claim the championship trophy.

A case has been filed against Mosharraf Hossain, acting general secretary of Bogura District BNP and nominated candidate for Bogura-4 (Kahaloo-Nandigram), for allegedly forging a Bachelor of Social Science (BSS) certificate. The complaint, lodged by Masud Ali of Singra, Natore, accuses Hossain of using his registration number from the 1993–94 academic session to fraudulently obtain a degree from the National University. The Singra Amli Court accepted the case and directed the Natore Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) to submit a report by March 1 next year. Masud claims Hossain used the forged certificate to secure a college managing committee post in December 2024. Hossain, a former MP, denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing his reputation ahead of elections. He stated that he legitimately obtained his degree from the National University and urged his supporters not to be misled by false claims.

Ireland’s cricket team achieved another milestone in the second T20 match against Bangladesh by scoring 75 runs in the powerplay, their highest ever in this phase and the third-highest in T20 history. The explosive start put Ireland in a strong position to secure the three-match series after already leading 1–0. Earlier, Ireland had lost the Test series 2–0 but bounced back impressively in the shorter format. In the first T20, Ireland posted 181 for 4 and defeated Bangladesh by 39 runs, thanks to disciplined bowling despite a resilient 83-run innings from Towhid Hridoy. The second match now presents Bangladesh with a must-win situation to keep the series alive, while Ireland aims to clinch the series with one game to spare, marking a remarkable turnaround in their Bangladesh tour.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that party chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia is not currently in a physical condition suitable for travel abroad for medical treatment. Speaking at a press conference in Gulshan, he said Khaleda Zia remains in critical condition at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where both local and foreign doctors, including specialists from Johns Hopkins and London, are overseeing her care. A medical board met recently to review her treatment plan and concluded that while foreign treatment might eventually be necessary, her current health does not permit travel. Preparations such as visa arrangements and air ambulance logistics are reportedly underway in case her condition stabilizes. The 79-year-old leader suffers from multiple chronic ailments, including arthritis, diabetes, and complications with her kidneys, liver, lungs, and eyes. President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus have expressed concern and asked the nation to pray for her recovery.

Sri Lanka has declared a nationwide state of emergency after relentless rains caused by Cyclone Ditwah led to catastrophic flooding across the island. At least 132 people have died and 176 remain missing, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). More than 15,000 homes have been destroyed, and over 78,000 residents have been relocated to emergency shelters. The military, navy, and air force are conducting joint rescue operations, including a 24-hour mission in Anuradhapura that saved 69 passengers, among them a German tourist. Central districts such as Badulla and Kandy have been severely affected, with roads and bridges washed away, isolating many villages. Power and water supplies have been disrupted in about one-third of the country, and communication networks remain unstable. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s government has appealed for international assistance and urged Sri Lankans abroad to send financial aid. Meanwhile, Cyclone Ditwah is moving north toward India, prompting flight cancellations in Chennai and warnings of heavy rain and strong winds.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of being responsible for the deteriorating health of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, claiming that Hasina viewed Zia as an obstacle to her alleged corruption. Speaking at a BNP family event in Hathazari, Chattogram, Rizvi described the current government as fascist and accused it of conspiring to permanently remove Khaleda Zia from politics. He alleged that Zia was subjected to mistreatment and poisoning during her imprisonment, which led to her current critical condition. Rizvi also praised Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, BNP’s candidate for Chattogram-5, for his dedication to restoring democracy. The event provided financial and medical assistance to families of those injured in recent political movements and concluded with prayers for Khaleda Zia’s recovery.