Bangladesh Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah has expressed optimism that a record number of international observers will attend the country’s upcoming 13th parliamentary election. Speaking at a workshop organized by the Asian Network for Free Elections in Dhaka’s Gulshan area, he described the election as a new chapter in Bangladesh’s democratic journey. Sanaullah said that foreign observers typically attend participatory elections and that applications will be processed through embassies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also mentioned that over 300 applications have been received from local organizations, with around 80 approved to act as observers—significantly more than in previous elections. The minimum age for observers has been lowered from 24 to 21 to encourage youth participation, accompanied by training programs. Sanaullah further noted that the misuse of AI and the spread of misinformation on social media pose major challenges to ensuring a free and fair election, but expressed confidence that cooperation among all stakeholders can overcome these issues.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is facing a major diplomatic dilemma after former US President Donald Trump proposed a 28-point plan to end the Ukraine war. The plan reportedly demands that Ukraine cede the entire Donbas region to Russia, reduce its military size, abandon NATO membership ambitions, and grant Russian language official status. In return, Ukraine would receive Western security guarantees. Zelensky warned in a national address that Ukraine must now choose between accepting Washington’s '28 tough conditions' or risking a breakdown in relations with its key ally, the United States. Reuters reported that Trump’s administration has threatened to cut off intelligence and military support if Kyiv rejects the proposal. Zelensky confirmed receiving a new peace offer from Washington but withheld details, saying consultations with US and European partners are ongoing. He emphasized that Ukraine will propose alternatives that protect national interests without appearing unwilling to pursue peace.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain stated that Bangladesh will pursue an independent and responsible course amid global geopolitical restructuring, prioritizing national interests and regional stability over alignment with any power bloc. Speaking at the opening of the 'Bay of Bengal Conversation 2025' organized by the Center for Governance Studies in Dhaka, he emphasized that Bangladesh aims to play an active and sovereign role in the evolving international order. Hossain highlighted the Bay of Bengal’s growing strategic importance and called for stronger multilateral and regional institutions to address global crises. He also warned about the misuse of information, deepfakes, and AI-driven influence in diplomacy and governance, stressing the need for regulatory frameworks that balance security and rights. Addressing economic and climate challenges, he urged regional cooperation, diversification, and resilience-building among coastal nations. The conference’s theme, 'Rivalry, Rupture, Restructuring,' reflects discussions on global competition, alliances, information warfare, artificial intelligence, and climate change.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that the upcoming national election will mark a new chapter in the country's political history. Speaking at the National Representative Conference of Mushlihin in Neserabad, Jhalakathi, he warned against any attempts at vote manipulation or polling center occupation, saying such actions would face strong resistance. Rahman emphasized continued struggle against oppression, fascism, and efforts to divide the nation, urging all Islamic forces to remain united for the cause of Islam. The event was attended by several Islamic and political leaders, including Charmonai Pir Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, who echoed the call for unity among Islamic parties to ensure electoral success. Thousands of devout Muslims participated in the gathering, which was presided over by Maulana Khalilur Rahman, Amir of Mushlihin.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has warned that those attempting to claim ownership of the spirit of the July 2024 student-led mass uprising for political purposes will face negative consequences. Speaking at a rally organized by the Bangladesh Nationalist Freedom Fighters’ Council at the Central Shaheed Minar, he emphasized that the uprising was the culmination of years of struggle, not merely a short-term movement. The 2024 uprising, which began with student protests demanding quota reform, led to the fall of the Awami League government and the exile of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Salahuddin accused the Awami League of monopolizing national ideals and warned that similar attempts to control the uprising’s legacy would fail. He reiterated that the movement’s spirit belongs to all pro-democracy citizens. Other BNP leaders, including Ishteak Aziz Ulfat, Abdus Salam, Zainul Abedin Faruk, and Ishraq Hossain, also attended the event.

A fire broke out on Saturday afternoon at a multi-storey commercial building in Dhaka’s Segunbagicha area. According to the Fire Service and Civil Defence, the blaze started on the ninth floor of a 10-storey building around 3:00 p.m. The first unit from Siddikbazar Fire Station reached the scene at 3:14 p.m., followed by four additional units. After coordinated efforts by all five units, the fire was brought under control around 3:30 p.m. No casualties were reported immediately, and the cause of the fire as well as the extent of damage remain unknown. Authorities are investigating the incident to determine what triggered the blaze. The fire service has urged building owners to ensure proper fire safety measures in commercial properties to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Kuwait has called on the international community to bring Israel’s nuclear facilities under international inspection, emphasizing the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in ensuring the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Speaking at an IAEA Board of Governors meeting in Vienna, Kuwait’s permanent representative to Austria and ambassador to international organizations, Talal Al-Fassam, said Kuwait supports the Arab Group’s position and urged Israel to comply with international obligations. He noted that while all Middle Eastern countries are committed to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and IAEA safeguards, Israel continues to reject such oversight and has not cooperated with efforts to create a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the region. Al-Fassam also cited Israel’s failure to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 487, which calls for placing its nuclear facilities under international safeguards. He urged the global community to pressure Israel to accept full IAEA supervision.

Medical experts have raised alarm over the rapid rise of antibiotic resistance, warning that the world could soon enter a post-antibiotic era where even minor infections become deadly. According to data from India’s ICMR and NCDC, common bacteria such as E. coli, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas are increasingly resistant to conventional antibiotics. Dr. Sunil Havannavar of Manipal Hospital explained that misuse and overuse of antibiotics, along with poor infection control, are accelerating the crisis. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified antibiotic resistance as one of the top ten global health threats. If antibiotics lose effectiveness, surgeries like heart transplants, joint replacements, and cancer chemotherapy will become highly unsafe. Experts emphasize that responsible antibiotic use, public awareness, and systemic healthcare reforms are essential to prevent a catastrophic medical future where modern treatments could fail.

The United States has reiterated that it will not participate in the upcoming G20 summit in South Africa, citing policy differences and strained diplomatic relations. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Washington will not join any formal discussions at the event, contradicting South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s earlier claim that the US had changed its stance. The US Embassy in Pretoria stated that South Africa’s G20 priorities conflict with American policies, preventing agreement on joint documents. Although the US will send its ambassador to a ceremonial handover, it will not engage in policy talks. The Trump administration’s decision marks a broader retreat from global forums, including the ongoing COP-30 climate summit in Brazil. Tensions between Washington and Pretoria have escalated following Trump’s remarks about white farmers in South Africa and subsequent trade tariffs. Despite the boycott, American corporate interests remain active, with major US companies attending the B20 business summit in Johannesburg.

Bangladesh, located in a seismically active region, often experiences earthquakes that can cause panic among children. Health experts explain that panic attacks occur when intense fear triggers abnormal physical and emotional reactions. To help children cope during or after an earthquake, parents are advised to remain calm, speak gently, and reassure them of safety. Redirecting the child’s attention to familiar or soothing activities, offering water or juice, and encouraging slow, deep breathing can help reduce anxiety. Physical reassurance, such as hugging, can also provide comfort and a sense of security. If a child remains unresponsive or distressed for more than an hour, parents should seek immediate medical or psychological assistance. Experts emphasize that early emotional support can prevent long-term trauma and help children recover from earthquake-related fear more effectively.

A humanoid robot named A-2, developed by Shanghai-based company Agibot, has set a Guinness World Record by walking more than 106 kilometers without stopping. The robot began its journey from Suzhou on November 10 and reached Shanghai’s Bund area early on November 13, covering a total distance of 106.286 kilometers. Powered by Agibot’s advanced hot-swap battery technology, A-2 was equipped with dual GPS, LiDAR, and infrared depth sensors that helped it navigate traffic signals, narrow paths, crowded sidewalks, and various terrains including paved roads, bridges, and tactile pavements for the visually impaired. The robot followed traffic rules and adjusted to day and night conditions autonomously. Upon completing the journey, A-2 humorously remarked that it had a “memorable mechanical experience” and might now need a new pair of shoes. Previously, in April, another humanoid robot named Tian Kun Ultra completed a 21-kilometer half marathon in Beijing in 2 hours and 40 minutes.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed declared that the death sentence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would be implemented, emphasizing that there is no place for dictatorship or fascism in Bangladesh. Speaking at a rally titled ‘Freedom Fighters and Generations Vigilant for Independence, Sovereignty and Democracy’ at the Central Shaheed Minar on Saturday, he accused the Awami League of being a mafia-fascist force operating under the guise of democracy. Salahuddin warned that failure to meet public aspirations could lead to the resurgence of fascist politics, urging all to uphold democratic practices. At the same event, BNP leader Ishraque Hossain alleged that Sheikh Hasina was using secret terrorists to obstruct elections and vowed that the Awami League would no longer be allowed to conduct politics in Bangladesh. The rally was presided over by Nationalist Freedom Fighters’ president Ishtiaq Aziz Ulfat and attended by several senior BNP leaders.

Feeling dizzy after an earthquake is a common physiological reaction, experts say. During a quake, the body’s balance system—particularly the vestibular system—becomes hyperactive as it tries to stabilize against the shaking. Even after the tremors stop, the brain may continue to perceive movement, leading to dizziness or imbalance. Research from the University of Tokyo (2022) and Stanford Psychology Lab indicates that both physical and psychological stress responses, including elevated cortisol levels, can cause lightheadedness, nausea, or disorientation. A 2023 study in Nature Human Behaviour found that prolonged exposure to vibration can make the brain temporarily misinterpret stillness as motion. Mild dizziness that resolves within 10–30 minutes is normal and can be eased by sitting down, closing the eyes, drinking water, breathing deeply, and eating light snacks. However, if dizziness persists for more than 24 hours, or is accompanied by vomiting, numbness, or difficulty walking, medical attention is advised.

Following a 5.7 magnitude earthquake centered in Narsingdi, Bangladesh, that killed 10 people and caused significant damage, public concern has grown about possible aftershocks. In response, Google’s AI model Gemini explained that the duration and intensity of aftershocks depend on the main quake’s strength and the geological structure of the affected area. Aftershocks are smaller tremors that occur as the Earth's crust gradually releases the stress accumulated during the main quake. Typically, aftershocks last from a few hours to several weeks, but stronger earthquakes—magnitude 7.0 or higher—can produce aftershocks lasting months or even years. Gemini noted that the aftershock phase ends only when seismic activity returns to normal levels. Experts advise caution around damaged or weakened structures until stability is restored.

A mild earthquake measuring 3.3 on the Richter scale was recorded in Palash, Narsingdi, on Sunday morning, less than 24 hours after a stronger tremor struck Madhabdi. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department’s Earthquake Observation and Research Center confirmed that the latest quake was an aftershock of Friday’s event. Officials stated that Bangladesh is divided into three seismic zones based on earthquake risk. Zone-1 includes high-risk areas such as parts of Sylhet, Mymensingh, Tangail, Gazipur, Narsingdi, Kishoreganj, Brahmanbaria, Khagrachhari, and Rangamati. Zone-2 covers moderately risky regions, while Zone-3, including Khulna, Jashore, Barishal, and Patuakhali, faces the lowest risk. Historical data show that between 1976 and 2015, at least five major earthquakes were felt in Bangladesh, mostly originating from Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Rangamati, Bandarban, and Cox’s Bazar. Experts warn that these regions remain vulnerable to future large-scale seismic activity due to nearby fault lines and tectonic boundaries.