Two students were injured while attempting to swim across the Padma River after authorities denied them permission to walk over the Padma Bridge during a long march from Bhola to Dhaka. The march, now on its ninth day, began on November 11 with around 20 students demanding the construction of the Bhola-Barishal Bridge, residential gas connections, establishment of gas-based industries, a public university, and sustainable embankments. After walking about 260 kilometers, the participants reached the Jajira end of the Padma Bridge but were stopped from crossing on foot. As a result, some tried to swim the roughly six-kilometer stretch of the river, leading to two being hospitalized. Earlier, one other participant had also fallen ill. The marchers plan to continue to Dhaka’s Setu Bhaban to stage a sit-in protest, accusing authorities of ignoring their demands and criticizing the government for failing to address regional infrastructure needs.

An Awami League leader in Shariatpur’s Vedarganj upazila has been accused of threatening voters while campaigning for a BNP candidate. Md. Nazrul Islam Khan, joint general secretary of Kachikata Union Awami League and a former ward member, allegedly warned voters during a courtyard meeting at his home to vote for BNP’s candidate Shafiqul Rahman Kiran under the 'sheaf of paddy' symbol. A video of his remarks went viral on social media, sparking widespread criticism and fear among locals. Khan later claimed he spoke emotionally in favor of local development and admitted his comments were inappropriate. He apologized, saying the video was circulated from abroad. Local BNP leaders alleged that Khan, once active in Awami League, has recently aligned himself with BNP after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, but his actions might be hurting BNP’s support base instead.

Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed played a key role in Northern Warriors’ four-run victory over Saif Hassan’s Asprin Stallions in the Abu Dhabi T10 League. Batting first after losing the toss, Northern Warriors posted 114 for 1 in 10 overs, powered by Johnson Charles’ 55 off 34 balls and Colin Munro’s unbeaten 38 off 21. In reply, the Stallions fell short, finishing on 110 runs. Taskin Ahmed claimed two wickets for 21 runs in his two overs, while Shahnawaz Dahani took three wickets to seal the win. Saif Hassan, playing his first T10 League match, struggled both with bat and ball, conceding 17 runs in one over and scoring only 15 off 11 balls. The Warriors’ disciplined bowling attack ensured their narrow but crucial win in the day’s opening match.

A tragic incident occurred in the Mucharia Pathar area of Gozaria Union, Sakhipur upazila of Tangail, where Shahinaz Begum, 58, allegedly strangled her 26-year-old disabled daughter Sajeda to death before taking her own life by hanging. The incident took place late Tuesday night, and police recovered the bodies on Wednesday, sending them to Tangail General Hospital for autopsy. According to local sources, Shahinaz had been suffering from kidney disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses, while her daughter was also seriously ill. Locals and officials suspect that prolonged illness, mental distress, and financial hardship may have driven the mother to commit the act. Sakhipur Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Abul Kalam Bhuiyan said preliminary investigations suggest both mother and daughter were under severe physical and psychological pressure. Legal steps will follow after the autopsy report.

BNP central leader and former MP Hasan Uddin Sarkar stated that no conspiracy, domestic or foreign, will be able to halt Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. Speaking at a meeting with BNP and affiliated organization members in Tongi, Gazipur, he urged party activists to remain vigilant against any attempts to disrupt the electoral process. Sarkar also expressed confidence that BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman will return to Bangladesh to lead the party’s election campaign, predicting a major political shift upon his arrival. The event, held at the Ahsan Ullah Sarkar Islamic Foundation premises, was chaired by BNP leader Haji Babar Ali and attended by several other local BNP figures, including Abdur Rahim Khan Kala, Haji Mojibur Haque Dulal, Md. Zahirul Islam, Sheikh Mohammad Suman, and Habibur Rahman Azad.

Tension has escalated in Cumilla city as two rival factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have announced separate gatherings at the Town Hall field on the same day. Supporters of Haji Aminur Rashid Yasin plan to hold a prayer event for the recovery of party chairperson Khaleda Zia and the well-being of acting chairman Tarique Rahman. Meanwhile, supporters of BNP’s nominated candidate for Cumilla-6, Md Monirul Haque Chowdhury, have scheduled a rally at the same venue. Both groups claim to have obtained permission for the field, leading to confusion and rising tension across the city. Police have been deployed in advance to prevent possible clashes. Local residents have expressed concern over potential unrest, while authorities hope the party will resolve the issue internally. Law enforcement officials have stated that necessary measures will be taken to maintain order if tensions escalate further.

Authorities at Tongi Tamirul Millat Kamil Madrasa in Gazipur have suspended all academic activities following days of student protests over fee hikes, financial aid demands, and scholarship issues. Tensions escalated after several teachers allegedly assaulted protesting students on November 18, prompting the governing body to expel three teachers—Atiqur Rahman, Sibgatullah, and Kamrul Islam. While the expulsions initially calmed the situation, science students later protested the decision, arguing that one of the expelled teachers was vital to their department. On November 19, hundreds of students gathered demanding the reinstatement of the teachers and launched a signature campaign. In response, the madrasa administration announced through its official Facebook page that all classes from primary to Kamil level and the ongoing Alim second-year exams would remain suspended until further notice. Principal Dr. Hefzur Rahman confirmed the closure, citing the governing body’s directive.

A minor fire incident occurred in front of the Grameen Bank’s Borgaacha branch in Raninagar upazila of Naogaon district late Tuesday night. According to branch manager Md. Lotus Hossain, smoke was noticed early Wednesday morning, and the night guard extinguished the fire, which appeared to have been set intentionally using straw or jute sacks. A video circulating online shows the fire at the bank’s main gate, raising suspicions of deliberate arson. However, no damage to the gate or office was reported. The incident has been reported to higher authorities, but no police complaint has yet been filed. Raninagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abdul Hafiz Md. Raihan stated that the fire might have been caused accidentally by a discarded cigarette, as no evidence of a major fire was found on site.

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested Sagar Pramanik, 33, from Goalbari area of Atrai upazila in Naogaon for his alleged involvement in a mob lynching incident in Bagmara, Rajshahi. The arrest took place late Tuesday night after Sagar had been in hiding since the April 4 incident. The case began when Aminul Islam fatally stabbed Abdur Razzak during a robbery attempt in Ronshibari village. Locals caught Aminul and handed him to police, but an enraged crowd attacked the officers, snatched Aminul from custody, and beat him to death. Seven police officers were injured in the attack. RAB said in a press release on Wednesday that Bagmara police filed a case after the incident, and seven suspects have been arrested so far, including Sagar. Efforts are ongoing to capture the remaining fugitives involved in the violent mob attack.

The central leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has revoked the expulsion orders of three Narayanganj city BNP leaders—Md. Ataur Rahman Mukul, Shawkat Hashem Shaku, and Md. Golam Nabi Murad. The decision was announced on Wednesday, November 19, through a notice signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. The three leaders had earlier been expelled for alleged violations of party discipline and involvement in activities contrary to party principles. Following a period of observation and upon their formal appeal, the BNP reinstated their primary membership and lifted all disciplinary actions. Mukul previously served as the city BNP’s vice president and is currently a joint convener, while Shaku and Murad are former city committee members and have also served as councillors of Narayanganj City Corporation.

Pakistani music star Atif Aslam is set to return to Dhaka for a live concert titled “Main Stage Show Featuring Atif Aslam” on December 13. The event is being organized by Main Stage Inc., whose CEO Kazi Rafsan confirmed that preparations and official permissions are in their final stages. The concert will feature both international and local artists, with strict security measures coordinated with law enforcement and private agencies. Although the exact venue has not been disclosed yet, organizers hinted it will be near Purbachal or Bashundhara Residential Area in the capital. Tickets are already on sale in three categories—‘Pehli Nazar,’ ‘Aadat,’ and ‘Doorie’—priced at 9,999, 4,999, and 2,499 Bangladeshi taka respectively. Atif Aslam, who last performed in Dhaka during the “Magical Night 2.0” concert, previously described Bangladesh as his second home.

In a tribute article marking Tarique Rahman’s birthday, BNP Vice Chairman and former MP Nurul Islam Moni portrays the exiled BNP leader as a symbol of resilience, democratic ideals, and people-centered politics. The piece highlights Tarique’s evolution from political heir to independent leader, emphasizing his grassroots engagement and vision for a just, inclusive Bangladesh. It recounts his suffering under alleged government persecution, exile, and personal loss, framing these as tests that strengthened his leadership. The author describes Tarique’s political philosophy as rooted in equality, justice, and empowerment of ordinary citizens. The article concludes with a call for his return, portraying it as essential for restoring democracy and the rule of law in Bangladesh. The tone is deeply reverential, blending political commentary with emotional appeal, reflecting BNP’s continued positioning of Tarique Rahman as a central figure in its political narrative.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard has arrested an NGO worker in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, for alleged drug trafficking involving a luxury vehicle and a large quantity of yaba tablets. The detainee, identified as Md. Kamal Uddin, 48, from South Deilpara in Teknaf Sadar Union, was apprehended during a special operation conducted on Wednesday morning following a tip-off. During the raid near Hwaikong Kanjarpara area, officers searched a suspicious Noah Voxy microbus and discovered approximately 42,000 yaba pills hidden under the bonnet, valued at around 21 million taka. The Coast Guard has seized the vehicle and the drugs, and legal proceedings are underway against the suspect. Officials stated that such operations will continue to protect the youth from the dangers of narcotics and curb drug smuggling along the coastal region.

As Bangladesh’s upcoming national election approaches, political campaigning is gaining momentum across constituencies. Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, the BNP-nominated heavyweight candidate for Pabna-5 and special assistant to the BNP chairperson, has launched extensive voter outreach activities in Pabna Sadar upazila. He is engaging directly with voters through yard meetings, community gatherings, and social initiatives. Supporters are urging residents to vote for the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol. Throughout the day, people from various walks of life visit Biswas’s home to discuss local issues, which he reportedly addresses patiently and promptly. Biswas also continues social welfare programs through the AB Trust, a non-political volunteer organization he founded two decades ago. During a campaign event, he emphasized that true power lies with the people and pledged to work for change and sustainable democracy in Pabna. BNP activists are campaigning energetically across neighborhoods and markets to boost voter support.

Speakers at a reception for the newly elected 2025 executive committee of the Bangladesh Midwifery Society (BMS) emphasized that recognizing and empowering midwives can significantly reduce maternal and newborn mortality in Bangladesh. The event, organized by BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health at BRAC University, highlighted the growing acceptance and importance of midwives in maternal and neonatal care. Officials from the Directorate of Nursing and Midwifery and UNFPA called for expanding midwifery positions and responsibilities nationwide. BRAC University representatives reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening midwifery education, leadership, and professional standards. The new BMS leadership pledged to promote midwife-led care centers, ensure proper protocols in labor rooms, and improve training and career advancement opportunities. Experts agreed that evidence-based practices, safe working environments, and professional recognition are crucial to transforming Bangladesh’s maternal and newborn health services.