Former Bangladeshi lawmaker Golam Faruk Abhi, who has lived in Canada for over 23 years, remains unable to return home as his travel permit application awaits approval from the Bangladesh High Commission in Ottawa. Despite applying more than a week ago, no decision has been made, raising questions about the delay. Abhi, once the youngest member of the Seventh Parliament and a former student leader, left Bangladesh in 2002 amid political turmoil and multiple legal cases. His passport expired in 2006, and repeated attempts to renew it or obtain a travel document have failed, even after a 2013 High Court directive ordering the government to issue one. Following the recent political changes in Bangladesh, speculation has grown about his possible return and participation in upcoming elections. Supporters in his Barishal-2 constituency remain hopeful, though Abhi says his immediate goal is simply to return home, expressing frustration over bureaucratic obstacles to his constitutional right to repatriation.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again drawn criticism for making a personal attack on a female journalist. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump called New York Times reporter Katie Rogers 'ugly' and a 'third-rate journalist' after she co-authored a report examining his age and physical fitness. The report, written by Rogers and Dylan Freedman, detailed Trump’s recent medical tests and raised questions about his health transparency. Trump did not mention Freedman but singled out Rogers for personal insults, repeating a pattern of gender-insensitive remarks—just two weeks earlier, he had verbally attacked another female journalist. The New York Times defended Rogers, stating that their report was fact-based and that intimidation tactics would not deter their journalists. Trump also criticized the Times as a 'failing' outlet, though the paper remains profitable and growing. Legal experts note that Trump’s defamation suit against the Times is unlikely to succeed.

Bangladesh has formally requested India to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and ex-Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal after they were sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal on November 17 for alleged responsibility in the deaths of about 1,400 people during the 2024 student protests. Since Hasina took refuge in India following her government’s collapse in August 2024, Dhaka has repeatedly sought her return, but New Delhi has avoided taking a clear stance. Analysts suggest India will not act until an elected government assumes office in Bangladesh, citing the interim administration’s limited mandate. India’s historical ties with Hasina and the Awami League, along with political and legal complexities under the 2013 extradition treaty, make the issue highly sensitive. Delhi may also question the fairness of the trial and will likely proceed cautiously to protect its strategic interests ahead of Bangladesh’s 2026 national elections.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been transferred from her cabin to the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka for close medical monitoring. The move took place on Thursday, November 27, according to BNP media cell member Shairul Kabir. Khaleda Zia was admitted to the hospital on Sunday, November 23, around 8 p.m. Her personal physician and BNP Standing Committee member Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain stated that she is under intensive observation by a medical board comprising local and foreign specialists. The BNP leadership has requested prayers from the public for her speedy recovery. Khaleda Zia, a former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has been suffering from various health complications in recent years, leading to multiple hospitalizations.

A devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district has claimed at least 55 lives, including one firefighter, while several others remain injured. The blaze, which began around 2:51 p.m. local time on Wednesday, engulfed multiple high-rise buildings in the government housing complex. Firefighters worked through the night to bring the flames under control, though smoke and small fires were still visible the following morning. Authorities confirmed that four buildings were completely destroyed, and three others sustained significant damage. Police have arrested three individuals — two company directors and one engineer — linked to a construction firm as part of the ongoing investigation. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and officials have warned that full extinguishment and recovery operations may take an entire day. Residents displaced by the fire have gathered near the site to assess the damage to their homes.

At least three police officers were killed and two others injured when militants attacked a police checkpoint in Hangu district of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province late on Tuesday night. The assault occurred at the Qazi Talab checkpoint on Shahu Road, where heavy gunfire was exchanged between the attackers and police forces. District Police Officer Khan Zeb Khan said the officers fought bravely against the militants until reinforcements arrived to support them. The deceased officers were identified as LHC Wahid Shah and Constable Abdul Samad, while the third victim’s identity remains unknown. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Soail Afridi condemned the attack, calling it a cowardly attempt to disrupt peace and demoralize security forces. He vowed that the perpetrators would be brought to justice and assured government support for the families of the slain and injured officers.

The Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC) has released the circular for the 50th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examination, introducing significant changes to the preliminary question pattern. Applications will open on December 4 and continue until December 31, with fee payment allowed until January 3. The preliminary exam is scheduled for January 30, 2026, followed by written tests from April 9 and oral exams from August 10. Under the new marks distribution, the weight for Bangla, English, and Bangladesh Affairs has been reduced by five marks each, while International Affairs, Mathematical Reasoning, and Ethics and Values have seen a five-mark increase. The new structure allocates 30 marks each for Bangla and English, 25 each for Bangladesh and International Affairs, 20 for Mathematical Reasoning, and 15 each for General Science, ICT, Mental Skills, and Ethics. Geography, Environment, and Disaster Management remain at 10 marks. A total of 1,755 cadre positions, including 650 in health, and 395 non-cadre posts will be filled.

Bangladesh’s interim government has reaffirmed its stance against importing unsafe foreign animal resources, emphasizing the protection and development of domestic livestock to achieve food self-sufficiency. Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter made the statement after inaugurating National Livestock Week 2025 on Thursday. The event, held nationwide for the first time under the theme 'Local breeds, modern technology: progress in livestock,' began with a colorful rally from Manik Mia Avenue to Sher-e-Bangla Nagar field. Akhter said the government aims not only to meet domestic demand through local production but also to explore export opportunities. Highlighting challenges in the poultry sector, she stressed the urgent need to resolve feed shortages to support small farmers. She also announced that the Fisheries and Livestock Ministry will, for the first time, present awards in five categories to 15 individuals for their contributions to the sector.

Bangladesh T20 captain Litton Das has hinted he may step down from leadership duties ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, citing interference in team selection. Despite leading Bangladesh to three consecutive series wins and a strong Asia Cup run, Litton expressed frustration after selectors dropped Shamim Hossain from the Ireland series squad without consulting him. Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu stated that fulfilling the captain’s preferences was not his primary responsibility, emphasizing the selectors’ autonomy. Litton revealed he was told to work only with the team given to him, without input on player choices—a departure from standard practice in international cricket. His remarks have sparked debate over the captain’s authority in Bangladesh cricket. When asked if he would continue as captain through the World Cup, Litton responded ambiguously, suggesting his future in the role remains uncertain.

Mohammad Aslam Khan, the Secondary Education Officer of Sandwip Upazila in Chattogram, has been transferred to Bijoynagar in Brahmanbaria following the circulation of controversial videos and confirmed allegations of misconduct. Reports accuse him of working shirtless in the office, writing indecent comments in inspection logs when bribes were not offered, encouraging teachers to use drugs, and behaving inappropriately toward female teachers. The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education issued the transfer order signed by Assistant Director Khalid Hossain after the allegations were verified. Local teachers, students, and guardians expressed relief at the decision, calling for his retirement and medical evaluation. Officials noted that Aslam Khan had previously been transferred from Bandarban for irregularities. Chattogram District Education Officer Abdul Aziz emphasized the need for administrative action due to the seriousness of the complaints and behavioral issues.

A Dhaka Safe Food Court has issued arrest warrants against top officials of Nestlé Bangladesh and Meghna Group of Industries over allegations of producing and marketing substandard and harmful food products. The cases, filed by a food inspector from Dhaka South City Corporation, cite laboratory tests showing excessive acidity and low milk solids in Nestlé’s KitKat wafers, and low sucrose levels with traces of sulfur dioxide in Meghna Sugar Refinery’s sugar. The court found the acidity and chemical presence to indicate spoilage and artificial whitening. Nestlé Bangladesh denied wrongdoing, stating that KitKat is imported from Dubai and India and not subject to local BSTI standards. Meghna Group did not comment on the allegations. The court scheduled the next hearing for December 15. The issue has sparked consumer outrage, with many questioning the quality control of multinational brands operating in Bangladesh.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed it is reviewing a formal request from Bangladesh to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was recently sentenced to death in absentia by a special tribunal in Dhaka for crimes against humanity linked to a violent crackdown on mass protests. Hasina, 78, fled to India after being ousted during a popular uprising in August last year that left more than 1,400 people dead, according to the United Nations. Bangladesh’s foreign ministry has urged New Delhi to act under a 2013 bilateral extradition treaty, calling India’s continued sheltering of Hasina a breach of friendly relations. However, analysts suggest India is unlikely to comply, viewing the case as politically motivated. The development comes ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming general election, from which Hasina’s Awami League has been barred, deepening political tensions between the two neighbors.

A 3.5 magnitude earthquake struck India’s Manipur state early Thursday morning, according to the National Center for Seismology. No casualties or damage were reported. Earlier, two minor tremors were recorded in Bhutan and the Bay of Bengal — a 3.0 magnitude quake in Bhutan late Wednesday night and a 4.0 magnitude quake in the Bay of Bengal at a depth of 10 kilometers. Meanwhile, Indonesia experienced a stronger 6.3 magnitude earthquake off the western coast of North Sumatra on Thursday, following a 5.1 magnitude quake in North Sulawesi the previous night. Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency reported that the Sumatra quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers. Despite the sequence of tremors across South and Southeast Asia, no major damage or tsunami warnings have been issued so far.

At least ten people were injured in a violent clash between two rival factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Fursandi village under Jhenaidah Sadar upazila on Thursday morning. The conflict reportedly stemmed from a long-standing dispute over local dominance between supporters of BNP leaders Shahabur Molla and Zahid Biswas. Police and local sources said tensions escalated after a personal quarrel between supporters Al-Amin and Firoz, leading to a full-scale confrontation. Two of the injured were admitted to Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital, while others received primary treatment and returned home. During the clash, two houses were also vandalized. Law enforcement and army personnel arrived at the scene to bring the situation under control. Officer-in-Charge Abdullah Al Mamun confirmed that the situation is now stable and additional police forces have been deployed in the area to prevent further unrest.

A mild earthquake measuring 3.4 on the Richter scale was felt in Sylhet early Thursday, November 27, at 3:30 a.m., according to the Sylhet Meteorological Office. The quake originated in Manipur, India, and was too weak to be widely felt across Bangladesh. Meteorologist Shah Md. Sajib Hossain confirmed that such minor tremors occur frequently and are usually not officially reported. This incident follows a stronger 5.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Bangladesh on November 21, shaking Dhaka and other regions. That earlier quake caused the deaths of 10 people, including a child, and injured over 600 others. Narsingdi reported the highest number of fatalities with five deaths, followed by four in Dhaka and one in Narayanganj. Many residents panicked and jumped from buildings during the tremor, while several structures tilted or developed cracks.