Bangladesh and Pakistan are expected to resume direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi from December, according to Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Iqbal Hussain Khan. Mahan Air is likely to operate three flights weekly, a move anticipated to enhance bilateral trade and regional connectivity. The visa process between the two countries has also been simplified, allowing issuance within three to four days through joint recommendations from the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Bangladesh’s honorary consulate. Both nations are exploring trade opportunities in rice, pineapples, textiles, and ready-made garments, with plans to launch a direct cargo service soon. The Pakistani Higher Education Commission will send a delegation to Bangladesh to attract students for higher studies. Officials from both sides emphasized the shared cultural and historical ties and expressed optimism that bilateral trade, currently valued at around $700 million, could rise to $3 billion in the coming years with improved connectivity.

A devastating fire broke out in multiple residential buildings in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Wednesday, resulting in at least four deaths and leaving several residents trapped inside. The blaze, which started around 2:51 p.m. local time at Wang Fuk Court, quickly intensified and was upgraded to a level-four alarm by 3:34 p.m. Firefighters and emergency services rushed to the scene, with numerous fire engines and ambulances lining the streets. Two people were hospitalized with severe burns and remain in critical condition, while some firefighters reportedly lost their lives while battling the flames. Authorities have yet to confirm the total number of people still trapped inside the complex, which consists of eight blocks and around 2,000 flats. The fire also led to the closure of a section of Tai Po Road and rerouting of bus services, as thick smoke engulfed the area and onlookers watched in shock from nearby pedestrian bridges.

A devastating fire in Hong Kong’s northern Tai Po district has claimed at least four lives after engulfing several high-rise residential towers in the Wang Fuk Court complex. The blaze, which broke out around 2:51 p.m. local time and was later upgraded to a No. 4 alarm—the second highest level—left several residents trapped inside. Two people remain in critical condition with severe burns, while some firefighters sustained injuries during rescue operations. Witnesses reported thick grey smoke billowing from the 31-storey towers, some of which were covered in bamboo scaffolding. Emergency services deployed numerous fire engines and ambulances to the scene, and firefighters used ladder trucks to battle the flames from above. Authorities closed a section of Tai Po Road, one of Hong Kong’s main highways, and diverted bus routes. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, as officials continue to assess the number of people still unaccounted for.

A case has been filed against Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidate Sanjida Islam Tuli for allegedly insulting Islam and hurting religious sentiments. The complaint was lodged under Section 295(A) of the Penal Code at the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court in Dhaka by businessman and social worker Hossain Mohammad Anwar from Old Dhaka’s Kazi Alauddin Road. The case was filed on Wednesday, November 26, and was represented by Supreme Court lawyer Md. Mahmudul Hasan. After recording the plaintiff’s statement, the court instructed the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) to submit a report on the alleged offense. The complaint claims that Tuli made derogatory remarks about Islamic marriage practices, thereby offending Muslim religious beliefs. The plaintiff emphasized that while individuals may choose not to practice religion, no one has the right to insult or demean it. The case has drawn attention due to its political and religious sensitivity ahead of the upcoming election.

Meteorologists have confirmed that a low-pressure system formed over the Andaman Sea on November 22 has intensified into Cyclone Shen-Yar by November 26. The storm, named by the United Arab Emirates meaning 'lion' in Arabic, is currently located near the Malacca Strait and is expected to move westward. Another low-pressure system has also developed over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjacent Sri Lankan coast, which may strengthen into a cyclone within 24 hours. However, weather experts have assured that neither Shen-Yar nor the developing Bay of Bengal system poses any threat to Bangladesh. Instead, the latter may head toward India’s Tamil Nadu coast around December 2 or 3. Experts attribute the recent cyclone formations to the sun’s southern movement, which has caused intense heating and instability in the southern parts of the Andaman and Bay of Bengal regions.

The Anti-Discrimination Employees Unity Forum has strongly condemned recent remarks by Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shahjahan Chowdhury, calling them indicative of a neo-authoritarian mindset. During a rally in Chattogram on November 22, Chowdhury reportedly urged supporters to bring local administrations under their control, suggesting that officials should act according to party directives. In a statement issued on November 26, the forum said such comments threaten administrative neutrality and undermine the creation of a level playing field ahead of the upcoming 13th national election scheduled for February 2026. The organization described the remarks as arrogant and fascist, warning that they contradict the spirit of Bangladesh’s liberation and democratic values. It urged all political parties to refrain from attempting to politicize the administration and called on government officials to perform their duties impartially, free from political pressure or intimidation.

The Government of Bangladesh has promoted 250 additional district and sessions judges to the rank of district and sessions judge. The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs issued a gazette notification on Wednesday, November 26, following consultation with the Supreme Court. According to the notification, the promotions were made under the Bangladesh Judicial Service (Pay and Allowances) Order, 2016, placing the judges in the first-grade pay scale of 70,925–76,350 taka. The promoted judges have also been assigned to new postings. They are instructed to hand over their current responsibilities to designated officers by November 27 and to join their new positions by December 1. The move is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the judicial system and ensure efficient case management across the country.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-1 has published the full verdict sentencing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death for crimes against humanity related to the July 2024 massacre. The tribunal, led by Justice Golam Murtuza Mojumdar, found them guilty of incitement, ordering killings, and failing to prevent atrocities during the student-led anti-quota protests that left over 1,400 people dead. Former police chief Abdullah Al-Mamun received a five-year sentence for cooperating with investigators. The verdict also ordered confiscation of Hasina and Kamal’s assets and directed the government to compensate victims and their families. Hasina, who fled to India after the protests, remains a fugitive and cannot appeal unless she surrenders. This marks the first time a former Bangladeshi head of government has been sentenced to death for crimes against humanity. The tribunal cited recorded phone calls and witness testimonies as key evidence linking Hasina and Kamal to the violent suppression of demonstrators.

The Government of Bangladesh has promoted 33 police officers to the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) through two separate notifications issued on Wednesday, November 26. One notification included 31 officers, while the other listed two. The orders were signed by Md. Mahabubur Rahman, Deputy Secretary of the Public Security Division under the Ministry of Home Affairs, on behalf of the President. The promotions were declared effective from the date of joining, as stated in the official circulars. On the same day, the ministry also announced the transfer of Superintendents of Police (SPs) across all 64 districts through a lottery system. The transfer order, issued in the public interest, took immediate effect. These administrative changes are part of ongoing efforts to enhance efficiency and transparency within the Bangladesh Police force.

The Dhaka Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education has issued an urgent directive to all higher secondary institutions regarding the 2026 Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations. According to a circular signed by Exam Controller S.M. Kamal Uddin Haydar on Wednesday, November 26, the results of the HSC preliminary (selection) examinations must be published by February 26, 2026. The form fill-up process for the main HSC examination will begin on March 1, 2026. The board has already sent official letters to all college principals under its jurisdiction, instructing them to comply with the timeline. The circular also mentioned that a detailed schedule and further instructions regarding the form fill-up process will be announced later. The notice emphasized that the matter is of utmost urgency and requires immediate attention from all concerned educational institutions.

A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of income tax records belonging to former Additional Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Mohammad Harun-or-Rashid. The directive was issued by Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Sabbir Faiz on Wednesday, November 26, to the Tax Region-20 office in Dhaka. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Deputy Director Muhammad Zainal Abedin had requested access to the records, citing the need for a thorough investigation. According to the ACC’s petition, Harun-or-Rashid allegedly abused his official power to amass and possess assets worth approximately Tk 17.51 crore beyond his known sources of income. The court’s order aims to facilitate a detailed review of his tax documents to determine the legitimacy of his wealth and support the ongoing corruption probe.

A high-level delegation from Dhaka University visited the Diabari housing area in Uttara to assess its feasibility as an alternative accommodation for students during the construction and renovation of university halls. The team evaluated available facilities, safety measures, transportation access, and infrastructure during the on-site inspection on Tuesday, November 25. The university administration stated that new dormitory construction will begin soon while renovation work on existing halls continues. The initiative aims to alleviate the long-standing housing crisis faced by students. The inspection team included the university treasurer, senior government officials, engineers, and student representatives. After a comprehensive evaluation of the site, the university will make a final decision on whether to use the location as temporary housing. The administration reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safe and suitable accommodation for all students.

Bangladesh’s Home Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has clarified that the recent appointment of police superintendents (SPs) in all 64 districts was conducted through a lottery system. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on November 26, he said that the process aimed to ensure fairness and transparency ahead of the upcoming national election. Districts were categorized into three groups—A, B, and C—based on law and order conditions rather than size. Only meritorious officers were considered, and none were excluded from the selection process. The lottery then determined which officer would serve in which district. The adviser, who also oversees the agriculture ministry, noted that 18 SPs were reassigned and replaced with new officers. When asked if similar lotteries would be used for officer-in-charge (OC) postings, he replied, “Inshallah,” suggesting the possibility of extending the system further.

The Ministry of Home Affairs in Bangladesh has announced the transfer and reassignment of Superintendents of Police (SPs) in thirteen districts. The official order, signed by Deputy Secretary Md. Mahbubur Rahman on Wednesday, detailed the new postings for the officers. Among the changes, Moulvibazar Superintendent of Police Jahangir Hossain has been appointed as Special Superintendent of Police at the Special Branch (SB). The reshuffle is part of a routine administrative adjustment aimed at improving efficiency and ensuring effective law enforcement across the country. Such transfers are common in the Bangladesh Police Service and are often implemented to enhance coordination and maintain discipline within the force. The newly assigned officers are expected to assume their respective duties shortly following the official notification.

The United States Department of the Interior has announced a new fee policy that will require non-US residents to pay $100 per person to enter the country’s 11 most-visited national parks starting in 2026. The annual parks pass for foreign visitors will also increase from $80 to $250. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated that the move, backed by President Donald Trump, aims to prioritize American families while ensuring international visitors contribute to park maintenance. The affected parks include the Great Smoky Mountains, Zion, and the Grand Canyon. The policy comes amid broader budget concerns, as the Trump administration has proposed cuts to the National Park Service, including a previously suggested $1 billion reduction. The National Parks Conservation Association reported that the service has already lost 4,000 staff members this year due to financial constraints, and potential further cuts could impact operations in 2026. The new fees are part of an effort to balance funding shortfalls while maintaining park accessibility for US taxpayers.