Severe floods and landslides have claimed more than 300 lives across Indonesia and Thailand, with both nations struggling to recover from the widespread destruction. In Indonesia’s Sumatra region, at least 174 people have died and 80 remain missing after torrential rains triggered flash floods and landslides. North Sumatra alone reported 116 deaths, while Aceh and West Sumatra recorded 35 and 23 fatalities respectively. Rescue efforts continue as many areas remain cut off and power restoration is underway. In Thailand, southern provinces have been hit by record rainfall, leaving at least 145 people dead, including over 110 in Songkhla province. Thousands have been displaced, and authorities are accelerating search and recovery operations as floodwaters begin to recede. Despite some improvement in weather conditions, the Thai Meteorological Department has warned of possible thunderstorms in several southern regions, raising concerns about further hazards.

At an international conference organized by the Bangladesh Agricultural Journalists Forum (BAJF) in Dhaka, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter cautioned that relying on national average data to assess nutrition levels masks the real dietary disparities between rich and poor citizens. She emphasized that 'Zero Hunger' means ensuring nutritional quality, not just food quantity. Akhter noted that while agriculture receives subsidies, the fisheries and livestock sectors—vital for rural livelihoods and nutrition—do not, and she called for policy support and subsidies for these sectors. She warned against uncontrolled hybridization that threatens native species and highlighted the risks of antibiotic overuse in aquaculture, which could lead to antimicrobial resistance. Akhter also stressed preserving local food diversity and protecting indigenous fish and livestock breeds. Other speakers, including senior officials and researchers, discussed policy commitments to restore river fish, reduce pesticide use, and ensure quality in farmed fish production.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Kazi Sayedul Alam Babul, the party’s Dhaka divisional organizing secretary and a nomination aspirant for Gazipur-1 constituency, said the party’s top policymakers are prioritizing candidates with a clean image. Speaking at a roadside rally in Kaliakoir’s Mouchak area on Friday, Babul expressed optimism that he is among those being considered for nomination under the leadership of acting chairman Tarique Rahman. During the event, Babul met local traders, farmers, and residents, seeking votes for BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol and distributing leaflets outlining Tarique Rahman’s 31-point program. Highlighting his three-decade political career, Babul recalled his active role in anti-autocracy movements and the personal sacrifices he made, including facing imprisonment and attacks. He emphasized that dedicated party members who endured repression should be prioritized for nominations to ensure the implementation of Tarique Rahman’s reform agenda. Several local BNP and affiliated organization leaders attended the event, which drew participation from thousands of residents.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has criticized Bangladesh’s interim government for allegedly rushing to pass two new laws — a revised Police Commission Act and a law concerning NGOs — ahead of the upcoming national election. In a statement issued Friday night, Fakhrul claimed that the government’s move appears to have ulterior motives that could hinder the country’s democratic transition. He argued that such significant legislation should not be enacted without a public mandate and urged that these laws be debated and passed by the next elected parliament instead. The BNP leader called on the government to refrain from taking hasty steps that might undermine democratic processes or raise questions about the legitimacy of the interim administration’s actions.

Interim government Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating health condition of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. He has been regularly monitoring her medical updates and instructed all concerned authorities to ensure that she receives full medical support without any shortcomings. Emphasizing her significance as a three-time former prime minister and a source of inspiration during the nation’s democratic transition, Yunus called upon citizens across Bangladesh to pray for her speedy recovery. He reiterated that the government stands ready to provide all necessary assistance for her treatment and directed relevant officials to remain fully prepared and coordinated. His remarks reflect both humanitarian concern and a call for national unity during a sensitive political period.

A protest concert titled 'Ganer Artonad' organized by the civic platform 'Sampriti Jatra' at Dhaka’s Shahbagh was disrupted on Friday afternoon by a group of youths under the banner of 'Julai Moncho'. The event was held to demand the release of Baul singer Abul Sarkar, who had been accused of making derogatory remarks about Islam and Allah. The opposing group chanted slogans demanding punishment for Sarkar and attempted to stop the event, leading to a brief scuffle and heightened tension between the two sides. Organizers claimed that the attackers damaged the event’s backdrop before leaving, after which the program resumed. Shahbagh police stated they had not received any complaint or report of violence. Several artists, writers, and cultural activists attended the event, calling for Sarkar’s immediate release and performing protest songs and a torch procession.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard detained 12 suspected smugglers and seized a large consignment of stolen coal worth approximately Tk 11 million during an operation in Barishal. Acting on a tip-off, Coast Guard personnel launched a raid early Friday morning near Anand Ghat in the Charmonai area under Kotwali police station. They intercepted a suspicious lighter vessel carrying around 1,100 metric tons of illegally obtained coal. Preliminary interrogation revealed that the coal had been unlawfully taken from a foreign ship anchored at Mongla’s Hiron Point. The seized coal, vessel, and detainees were later handed over to Barishal Kotwali Police Station for further legal action, according to Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haque.

Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government for Local Government, Rural Development, Cooperatives, Youth and Sports, has urged people not to become oppressors after being oppressed. In a Facebook post on Friday, November 28, he wrote, 'Do not turn from the oppressed to the oppressor; do not let fascism rest on your shoulders.' Although he did not specify the context or audience of his message, social media users believe it was a response to recent incidents of violence against Baul singers across the country and an attack at the 'Ganer Artonad' event in Dhaka. His statement has sparked discussion online, with many interpreting it as a call for restraint and resistance against authoritarian tendencies amid growing social and political unrest.

As Bangladesh’s 13th national election approaches, internal conflict has erupted within the BNP’s Patuakhali-1 constituency. Party-nominated candidate and former Air Vice Marshal Altaf Hossain Chowdhury has alleged that several local BNP leaders have launched a Tk 100 crore campaign to remove him from the race. He accused district BNP president Snehangshu Sarkar Kutti, general secretary Mujibur Rahman Toton, and former mayor Mostak Ahmed Pinu of conspiring against him. In response, district BNP leaders held a press conference rejecting his claims as baseless and divisive, arguing that Altaf is out of touch with local realities. They also questioned his leadership decisions and accused him of bypassing the district committee. Altaf countered by accusing the local leaders of weakening the party and attempting to field rival candidates. Despite the escalating tensions, district leaders later stated that Altaf remains the official BNP candidate and that internal misunderstandings will be resolved through discussion.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) recovered three one-shooter guns and six rounds of ammunition during a special operation at the Chakpara border area in Shibganj upazila of Chapainawabganj. The operation, conducted by the 59 BGB Battalion based on secret intelligence, took place late Thursday night near the Pagla River under Shahbajpur Union. The recovered weapons were found abandoned about 25 yards inside Bangladeshi territory near international border pillar 183/4-S. BGB officials suspect the arms were intended for use in criminal or terrorist activities to disrupt internal security. Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Golam Kibria confirmed the recovery during a press briefing on Saturday morning. He also reported that over the past three years, the Mahananda Battalion has seized 30 pistols, 392 rounds of ammunition, and 41 magazines from the border region, reflecting ongoing efforts to curb cross-border arms smuggling and maintain law and order.

BNP Vice Chairman and Feni-3 constituency candidate Abdul Awal Mintoo declared that there is no place in the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for those who create disorder or engage in extortion. Speaking during his election campaign in Daganbhuiyan, Feni, Mintoo praised BNP’s founding leader Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, accusing the current government of persecuting them through false cases. He said acting chairman Tarique Rahman has instructed that no corrupt or violent individuals should hold leadership positions in the party. Mintoo also alleged that the ruling Awami League government has harassed him with fabricated cases and attacks on his properties. During his campaign, clashes broke out between rival BNP factions, injuring several activists, though police and army personnel later restored order. Mintoo pledged to work for local development if elected and reaffirmed his loyalty to the party’s central leadership and its principles.

Bangladesh’s interim government adviser for law, justice, parliamentary affairs, expatriate welfare and overseas employment, Dr. Asif Nazrul, announced that the remaining 24 Bangladeshi nationals detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will soon be released. The detainees were imprisoned at different times for their alleged involvement in the July uprising in the UAE. Dr. Nazrul shared the news on his verified Facebook page, expressing gratitude to the Prime Adviser, the Ministry of Expatriate Welfare, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and officials of the Bangladesh Embassy in the UAE for their coordinated efforts. He noted that this marks the final phase of the release process, following the earlier release of 188 detainees in September last year, which occurred after a direct appeal from the Chief Adviser. The announcement brings relief to the families of those still detained and highlights the government’s ongoing diplomatic engagement to protect Bangladeshi workers abroad.

Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has claimed that foreign powers are attempting to orchestrate leadership changes in Bangladesh’s two major political parties, the Awami League and the BNP. In an interview with BBC Bangla, Joy described these efforts as undemocratic and reminiscent of the 'refined party' concept discussed during the 2007 political crisis. He rejected the idea of any foreign-imposed restructuring of the Awami League, asserting that party leadership should be determined democratically by members. Joy also dismissed speculation that he or other members of the Sheikh family would automatically assume leadership after Hasina, emphasizing that the party remains united under her leadership despite its current ban and the imprisonment or exile of many leaders. He further alleged that false cases were being filed against his family to prevent them from contesting elections, while acknowledging past mistakes by the Awami League government during the July protests and calling for transparent investigations.

Ukraine will not surrender any of its territory to Russia in exchange for peace, according to Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelensky. In an interview with The Atlantic, Yermak stated that as long as Zelensky remains president, he will never sign any agreement transferring Ukrainian land to Russia. His remarks came after Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated that Moscow would not halt its offensive unless Ukrainian forces withdrew from regions claimed by the Kremlin. Russia currently controls about one-fifth of Ukraine, including Crimea and parts of Donbas, which remain central obstacles to peace negotiations. Discussions continue around a U.S.-backed peace plan, but Kyiv insists that all occupied territories must be returned. Zelensky has accused Moscow of disregarding genuine efforts to end the war, while Putin continues to push for international recognition of Russia’s annexed regions.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has pledged that if his party wins the upcoming national election, it will form a government in collaboration with the BNP and other anti-fascist political groups. Speaking at a youth, student, and citizen rally in Dhaka’s Bhashantek area, he emphasized the need to end political division and corruption, asserting that Jamaat has no history of embezzlement or extortion. Dr. Rahman criticized the current political system, saying the people no longer want biased or corrupt governance. He also claimed that despite attempts to destroy Jamaat over the past 15 years, the party has remained steadfast. Highlighting the nomination of ‘untainted’ candidates in all 300 constituencies, he said Jamaat’s goal is to establish a corruption-free society and a government that truly represents the people.