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.

A Palestinian political prisoner held in an Israeli detention center has allegedly been subjected to severe torture and sexual abuse, according to his lawyer, Ben Marmareli. In an interview with Canadian journalist Samira Mohieddin, Marmareli stated that his client is systematically abused, and the violence intensifies after each lawyer visit. The lawyer described visible injuries, including shoe marks, bruises, and deep wounds from handcuffs. He specifically mentioned the notorious Sde Teiman military detention center in southern Israel, claiming that all detainees there face sexual violence, which is recorded on surveillance cameras. A leaked video in August 2024 showing soldiers beating a Palestinian detainee sparked outrage and calls from human rights groups for an independent investigation. The controversy led to the resignation of Israeli military prosecutor Ifat Tomer-Yerushalmi in October. Rights organizations argue that these reports reinforce long-standing allegations of systematic abuse and inhumane treatment of Palestinian detainees, particularly those captured from Gaza.

BNP central leader and former minister Advocate M Ruhul Kuddus Talukder Dulu has called for bringing back former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh through a prisoner exchange agreement to implement a court verdict against her. Speaking at an election rally in Naldanga upazila of Natore, Dulu compared India’s repatriation of Anup Chetia under a similar agreement and argued that Bangladesh should follow the same process. He also criticized Sheikh Hasina’s rule, describing it as oppressive and unpopular, and claimed that people celebrated the verdict against her. The rally, organized by the local BNP, was attended by several district-level leaders, including Rahim Newaz, Saiful Islam Aftab, and former mayor Kazi Shah Alam. Dulu’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions and ongoing discussions about leadership accountability and justice in Bangladesh’s political landscape.

A Rohingya refugee was arrested in Magura, Bangladesh, after attempting to obtain a passport using a fake voter ID card allegedly secured through a local syndicate for 30,000 taka. The man, identified as Md. Rias, submitted his application at the Magura Regional Passport Office, where officials initially found his documents valid in the national database. However, inconsistencies in his statements raised suspicion, prompting further verification. Upon questioning, Rias admitted to being a Rohingya and confessed to paying a group linked to the Shreepur Upazila Election Office to create the fraudulent ID. Authorities have launched an investigation into the involvement of election office staff and the local network facilitating such illegal activities. Officials stated that more information could emerge as the inquiry continues, and disciplinary actions will follow based on the findings.

A devastating fire broke out on Wednesday evening in the Jarun area of Konabari, Gazipur, destroying more than 100 tin-shed houses in a residential colony owned by Rumel Pathan. The blaze reportedly started around 5 p.m. in one of the rooms and quickly spread to adjacent units before residents could contain it. Local people initially attempted to extinguish the flames but failed due to the fire’s intensity. Fire service officials dispatched two units from Konabari Modern Fire Station, later joined by two more from Sarabo Modern Fire Station, to bring the situation under control. Many residents, including garment workers, lost all their belongings, with some reporting that their savings and personal items were completely destroyed. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, and authorities are investigating the incident. No casualties have been reported so far, but the damage has left dozens of families homeless and in urgent need of assistance.

A passenger bus parked in the Isdair Octoffice area of Fatullah, Narayanganj, was completely destroyed after unidentified miscreants allegedly set it on fire early Wednesday morning. Locals, without notifying the fire service, tried for a long time to extinguish the flames, but by the time they succeeded, only the metal frame of the bus remained. The bus owner, Bulu Das, said the vehicle was used daily to transport Ministry of Industries employees and other passengers between Narayanganj and Dhaka, and that the fire caused him severe financial loss. Fire service officials confirmed they were not informed about the incident. Police from Fatullah Model Station visited the site and said efforts are underway to identify those responsible for the arson attack.

Thirty Bangladeshi teenagers, including eleven children, have returned home from India after serving various prison terms for illegally crossing the border. The repatriation took place on Wednesday evening through the Petrapole-Benapole border under a special travel permit issued by both governments. According to Rekha Biswas, program officer of the Bangladesh National Women Lawyers’ Association, the returnees were detained by Indian police in different areas of Kolkata and later imprisoned in the city’s central jail. Following diplomatic coordination, they were granted travel permits to return to Bangladesh. Upon arrival, Benapole Immigration Police handed them over to Benapole Port Police, who will transfer them to three NGOs for temporary care and legal assistance before reuniting them with their families. Officials said the youths hail from Khulna and surrounding districts, and legal support will be provided to those who need it.

The Bangladesh government is taking steps to reduce the prices of legally imported mobile phones while intensifying efforts to curb the trade of illegal and cloned handsets. Fayez Ahmad Tayyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, announced that initiatives are underway to simplify mobile and SIM registration, de-registration, and re-registration processes. He emphasized that illegal phones are linked to various crimes, including SIM fraud, online scams, tax evasion, and cross-border smuggling. To support consumers, the government has requested the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to consider reducing import duties and urged local manufacturers to lower prices. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is also working to make registration easier and ensure that all active phones before December 16 are recognized as legal. Authorities reaffirmed that only legally imported or locally produced phones will be allowed in the market, with strict action planned against smuggling and digital crimes tied to illegal devices.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released the schedule for the 2025 Under-19 One Day International World Cup, set to begin on January 15 and conclude with the final on February 6. The tournament will feature 16 teams divided into four groups of four. Bangladesh and India have been placed together in Group A, alongside the United States and New Zealand. Notably, archrivals India and Pakistan have been kept in separate groups. Matches will be hosted across venues in Zimbabwe and Namibia, with Harare and Bulawayo among the key locations. Tanzania will make its debut appearance in this edition. The top three teams from each group will advance to the Super Six stage, followed by semifinals and the final. Reserve days have been allocated for both the semifinals and the final to ensure completion in case of weather disruptions.

Rangamati, a hill district in Bangladesh, has become tense over the upcoming recruitment of government assistant teachers under the Rangamati Hill District Council. Allegations of corruption, nepotism, and discriminatory quota policies have sparked widespread protests. Several civic and student groups, including the Conscious Citizens’ Unity and Anti-Quota Alliance, announced a 36-hour strike from Thursday morning to Friday evening to protest the recruitment process and demand cancellation of what they call an illegal quota favoring indigenous candidates. The written exam, rescheduled for November 21 after earlier postponement, has drawn sharp criticism on social media, with opposing groups exchanging heated comments. Protesters accuse the council chairman of ignoring government directives that require 93% merit-based recruitment, while maintaining a 70% quota for indigenous candidates. Many job seekers have expressed frustration and concern that the strike could disrupt the exam process and deepen local divisions.

Bangladesh Bank has issued a new directive removing the previous time restriction on writing off default loans. According to the circular released by the Banking Regulation and Policy Department (BRPD) on November 19, banks can now write off loans classified as bad or loss if recovery is deemed unlikely, without waiting for a specific time period. Previously, only loans classified as bad or loss for two consecutive years were eligible for write-off. The new rules prioritize older classified loans and require banks to notify borrowers at least 10 working days before writing off their loans. The directive, which takes immediate effect, aims to streamline the loan management process and improve the accuracy of banks’ financial statements by clearing long-standing non-performing assets from their books.

US President Donald Trump hosted Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman at the White House with unprecedented pomp, marking the most extravagant reception of Trump’s second term. The visit centered on a proposed $1 trillion trade deal expected to boost US economic interests. The White House was adorned with Saudi and American flags, and the ceremony featured a red carpet, military band, and a flyover by F-35 and F-16 jets. The day concluded with a black-tie candlelight dinner attended by global figures including Elon Musk and Cristiano Ronaldo. This was Prince Salman’s first US visit since the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, an incident that drew widespread criticism. Human rights groups expressed disappointment over the warm welcome, while Trump defended the crown prince, calling him a “very good friend” and praising his leadership. Analysts view the event as a strategic reaffirmation of US-Saudi ties despite lingering controversies.

A 35-year-old man named Razzak Sheikh was beaten to death by locals in South Dhalikandi village of Keraniganj early Wednesday on suspicion of robbery. Police said Razzak and several others allegedly tried to rob a house and attacked a woman with a knife, prompting villagers to catch and beat him to death. However, Razzak’s family denied the robbery allegation, claiming he was killed in a premeditated attack linked to political rivalry. His relatives alleged that several men, including Alamin and Kabir, falsely accused him and prevented family members from rescuing him. Alamin’s family, on the other hand, denied involvement, asserting that Razzak was a known criminal caught during a robbery attempt. Police have detained three people for questioning and emphasized that no one has the right to take the law into their own hands. Authorities said legal proceedings are underway as the case remains under investigation.

Police in Savar have arrested Mojibur Rahman, the youth and sports secretary of the banned Dhamrai Upazila Awami League and chairman of Balia Union Parishad, for alleged involvement in sabotage and anti-government activities. Authorities claim Rahman went into hiding after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5 and was running a pharmacy under a false identity in the Jahangirnagar University Cooperative Housing area. Investigators say he organized flash processions, arson, and violent acts in Savar, Ashulia, and Dhamrai as part of a nationwide sabotage plan by the outlawed Awami League. Police captured him late Tuesday night following a November 6 arson incident linked to his network. Rahman reportedly confessed to coordinating unrest against the interim government. He has been remanded for seven days as police continue their investigation into his alleged role in attacks on student protesters and planning violent conspiracies.

In Moulvibazar’s Juri upazila, middle-class farmer Cherag Ali lost 335 ducks after they consumed poison allegedly spread by unknown miscreants. The incident, which left him financially devastated, was reported in the media on November 13. Upon learning about the tragedy, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman immediately sent a donation of Tk 50,000 to support the affected farmer. Following his directive, the funds were handed over on November 18 by local leaders of the Jubo Dal, including district president Zakir Hossain Uzzal, joint general secretary Haji Nipar Reza, and organizational secretary Hafiz Ahmed Mahfuz. Several local party representatives and student leaders were also present during the handover. Cherag Ali, who has been running his duck farm for over a decade, expressed gratitude for the assistance, saying it gave him hope to restart his livelihood after the devastating loss.