BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has called upon Islamic scholars, imams, and religious leaders across Bangladesh to offer their prayers and support for the party in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. Speaking virtually from London at the ‘National Imam–Khatib Conference 2025’ held in Dhaka’s Agargaon, Rahman emphasized that BNP’s governance philosophy would be based on justice and fairness inspired by the ideals of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He pledged that if BNP assumes power, the party would introduce honorariums for imams and muezzins and address their legitimate demands. Rahman also urged religious leaders to remain vigilant against divisive interpretations of Islam that could cause social unrest. The event was attended by top Islamic scholars and leaders from various political and religious organizations, including Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolon Bangladesh, highlighting BNP’s efforts to strengthen ties with religious communities ahead of the election.

Religious adviser Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain has warned that separating religion from politics could result in a return to barbarism similar to that of Genghis Khan. Speaking as the chief guest at an Imam-Khatib conference organized by the Shane Sahaba National Khatib Foundation in Cumilla Town Hall on Sunday, he emphasized that religion is essential for maintaining moral and social order. Dr. Hossain stated that without religious values, neither the state nor society can sustain itself, and that religion should inspire all aspects of governance, diplomacy, and social management. He urged responsible authorities to include imams, muezzins, khatibs, and mosque caretakers under the national pay scale with fair salaries and festival allowances. Other speakers at the event included the foundation’s chairman Sheikh Mufti Shamim Majumdar, secretary general Mufti Sharif Ullah Tareki, and Islamic Foundation deputy director Ashekur Rahman.

AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju has officially launched his campaign for the Feni-2 constituency ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th parliamentary election. Speaking at a press conference in Feni, Manju announced that a new political alliance, formed by parties active during the July uprising, will be declared on November 25. He stated that the ban on the Awami League could be lifted if Sheikh Hasina returns to Bangladesh and surrenders to the court. Manju emphasized the need for qualitative change in national politics and pledged transparency in governance, promising not to interfere in administrative or local institutional matters if elected. He also highlighted his previous contributions to flood control, infrastructure, and education in Feni. Calling for positive politics and voter participation, Manju said reforms limiting prime ministerial terms and ensuring opposition input in constitutional appointments could transform Bangladesh within a decade.

The first-ever 'Combined Imam–Khatib National Conference 2025' was held at the China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka, bringing together religious leaders from across Bangladesh. The event, chaired by Maulana Muhibbullah Baki, aimed to uphold the dignity of imams and khatibs and present a seven-point demand for their rights and participation in national affairs. The demands include prioritizing Islamic Shariah in governance while protecting all religions, involving imams and khatibs in welfare and administrative committees, reducing utility costs for mosques and madrasas, establishing formal employment regulations for mosque staff, preventing arbitrary arrests of clerics, giving preference to qualified scholars in religious appointments, and reforming Waqf administration and education policy with religious expert input. Political and religious figures, including BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman and leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolon Bangladesh, addressed the gathering. Organizers expressed hope that the conference would strengthen the movement for the recognition and welfare of imams and khatibs nationwide.

A political controversy has erupted in Chattogram after former city Jamaat-e-Islami chief and central executive member Shahjahan Chowdhury made remarks suggesting that the administration should act under his party’s command. The Chattogram Metropolitan BNP condemned his comments as fascist, conspiratorial, and undemocratic, demanding his immediate arrest and public apology. In a joint statement, BNP leaders Md Ershad Ullah and Nazimur Rahman said Shahjahan’s speech was an attempt to destabilize the electoral environment and undermine democratic norms. They argued that his comments amounted to a direct threat to administrative neutrality and the people’s voting rights. Jamaat, however, distanced itself from the remarks, calling them his personal opinion. The controversy arose after Shahjahan’s speech at a regional election conference, where he allegedly urged party workers to bring local administrators under their control. BNP leaders warned that such rhetoric could endanger political stability and electoral integrity in Bangladesh.

The Revolutionary Student Council has demanded the arrest of those responsible for attacking journalists and students during a thanksgiving event at Dhaka Madrasah-e-Alia. The event was organized to mark the verdict of the execution of ousted leader Sheikh Hasina. In a joint statement, the council’s central convener Abdul Wahed and member secretary Fazlur Rahman condemned the attack, describing it as inhumane and barbaric. They alleged that members of Islami Chhatra Shibir and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal brought in outsiders to assault students and journalists without provocation. Several journalists, including leaders of the Dhaka Alia Journalists Association and reporters from Kaler Kantho and BTV, were injured, along with multiple student activists. The council accused the attackers of attempting to spread fear in educational institutions and called for immediate legal action against those involved, naming several individuals allegedly linked to the assault.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has initiated an investigation against Asaduzzaman Hiru, widely known as the ‘foster son’ of Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, over allegations of amassing illegal wealth worth thousands of crores of taka. According to ACC spokesperson Akhtarul Islam, the probe was launched following accusations that Hiru and his wife, Israt Jahan, accumulated assets through extortion, tender manipulation, smuggling, hundi transactions, and customs evasion. The ACC has formed a two-member team led by Assistant Director Md. Nasrullah Hossain, with Deputy Assistant Director Md. Abu Talha as a member. The commission stated that if the allegations are substantiated, legal action will be taken against both Hiru and his wife. Earlier, Hiru had been arrested in January in connection with a murder case filed at Badda Police Station in Dhaka.

Canada’s Global Affairs department has launched an investigation into allegations that Canadian-made military components reached Israel through U.S. arms factories despite an official export suspension. The probe follows reports by Middle East Monitor claiming hundreds of shipments from Canadian manufacturers were routed to U.S. facilities and later used in Israeli fighter jets, bombs, and artillery. The report also alleged that Canada served as a transit corridor for European-made TNT sent to Israel. Global Affairs spokesperson Samantha Lafleur stated that no new export permits for Israel have been approved since January 8, 2024, and that the department is reviewing the published information. Human rights groups, including World BEYOND War, have long warned about such indirect arms transfers, while opposition MP Jenny Kwan criticized the government’s denial of knowledge, calling it unacceptable. The investigation comes amid heightened scrutiny of Western arms flows to Israel during the Gaza conflict.

Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Land, ASM Saleh Ahmed, emphasized that the efficiency and accuracy of Bangladesh’s land management system depend significantly on the professionalism, honesty, and sense of responsibility of surveyors. Speaking at a training program for newly appointed surveyors at the Land Administration Training Centre (LATC) in Dhaka, he highlighted that surveyors play a crucial role in boundary demarcation, map preparation, record correction, ownership verification, and dispute resolution. He noted that in the digital era, technological proficiency—such as the use of drones, GIS, GPS, and digital mapping—is essential to ensure faster, more transparent, and citizen-friendly land services. Saleh Ahmed also stated that all recent recruitments were merit-based, ensuring that capable and ethical personnel contribute to reducing corruption and irregularities. He described surveying not merely as a technical job but as a vital public service responsibility that builds citizens’ trust in the land administration system.

BNP Chairperson’s adviser Zainul Abedin Faruk stated that a fair and credible election will take place under the leadership of Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus. Speaking at a discussion organized by the Bangladesh National Homeless Party at the National Press Club on Sunday, Faruk criticized the ruling Awami League, accusing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of past political repression and violence. He claimed that the people of Bangladesh are now waiting for Tarique Rahman’s leadership in a fascist-free country. Addressing India, Faruk urged New Delhi to return Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh to implement the verdict against her if it wishes to maintain friendly relations. He also emphasized that in the upcoming February 2026 election, BNP supporters should follow Tarique Rahman’s directives and focus on preventing the return of authoritarian rule. Other BNP leaders, including Joint Secretary General Abdus Salam Azad, also spoke at the event.

India faced heavy criticism after losing the Eden Gardens Test against South Africa, marking a rare home defeat. South Africa posted 489 runs in their first innings, with Senuran Muthusamy scoring 102 off 206 balls and Marco Jansen narrowly missing a century by seven runs. During South Africa’s innings, Indian captain Rishabh Pant grew visibly frustrated with spinner Kuldeep Yadav for delaying the start of overs. The umpires had already warned Pant twice for slow over rates. In a heated moment, Pant scolded Kuldeep, reminding him of the 30-second timer and urging him to bowl faster. His remark, accusing the team of turning Test cricket into a joke, reflected growing frustration within the Indian camp. The defeat has sparked debate over India’s discipline, focus, and approach to the longest format of the game.

Police in Chandpur recovered the half-decomposed body of 12-year-old Farzana Akter Fatema, who had been missing for five days. Her body was found in the Dakatiya River near Chairman Ghat in the Darjibari area. According to police, a fisherman first spotted the body entangled in water hyacinth and alerted locals, who then informed authorities. Farzana’s father identified her by her clothing. Preliminary investigation suggests that a trawler driver, Monir Hossain, pushed her into the Meghna River near Puranbazar on November 19. Monir was detained by nearby trawler operators and handed over to police, and he is currently in custody. The body has been sent to Chandpur General Hospital morgue for autopsy. Police said the family is preparing to file a murder case, and multiple teams are investigating the incident to uncover the full circumstances.

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has attributed the country’s current security crisis to past policy missteps, particularly its overly close relationship with the Afghan Taliban. Speaking on Samaa TV, Asif criticized former policymakers who believed in strategic alignment with the Taliban, calling it a grave mistake that has now backfired. He said Pakistan is once again facing intensified proxy conflicts and warned that the risk of war with India remains real. Asif also noted that the presence of Taliban leadership in Pakistan in the past should be a matter of national regret and introspection. He accused India of attempting to destabilize Pakistan through Afghanistan. Despite these challenges, Asif emphasized that Pakistan’s military now enjoys unprecedented unity and coordination with civilian authorities, which he believes will help the country confront its current security threats.

Cricket Australia (CA) has reported a financial setback of approximately 3 million Australian dollars (around 24 crore Bangladeshi taka) following the early conclusion of the first Ashes Test between Australia and England in Perth. The match, which ended in just two days due to a dominant performance by Travis Head, deprived organizers of ticket revenue from the third and fourth days. Despite record attendance of over 101,000 spectators across the two days, the shortened match resulted in significant losses for CA and its broadcasting partners. CA CEO Todd Green acknowledged the financial impact, noting that both the board and broadcasters would be affected. The organization had already reported an 11.3 million Australian dollar loss in the previous fiscal year, partly due to expenses from the India series. However, CA Chairman Mike Baird expressed optimism, stating that revenues have improved by over 20 million dollars this year, with expectations of higher attendance, sponsorship, and viewership in the coming season.

Bangladesh has formally requested India to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and ex-Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both convicted of crimes against humanity during the July mass uprising. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain confirmed on Sunday that a letter was sent from Bangladesh’s mission in New Delhi to India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Friday. The International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Hasina and Kamal to death on November 17 for their roles in the July killings. Dhaka emphasized that India, as a treaty partner, has a legal and moral obligation to return the convicted fugitives. Hasina fled to India on August 5 last year following a mass student and public uprising that toppled her government. Despite previous extradition requests, India has not responded. Bangladesh reiterated that sheltering convicted war criminals would be considered an unfriendly act and a disregard for justice.