A devastating fire broke out around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday night in Sylhet’s Pathantula area near Nawabi Mosque, destroying 13 vehicles including a police pickup, several microbuses, and motorcycles. The blaze originated at Dhaka Auto Engineering Works, a car repair, denting, and painting workshop, and spread to two nearby businesses. Eight fire service units worked for about one hour and twenty minutes to bring the fire under control by 3:20 a.m. No injuries or deaths were reported. Preliminary estimates suggest losses of around 30 million taka. Authorities are investigating whether the fire was accidental or deliberate. The Fire Service and Police are examining the presence of flammable materials inside the workshop to determine the cause of the incident.

A masked individual set fire to the ground floor of Grameen Bank’s Jashodal branch on Station Road in Kishoreganj late Sunday night, shouting a political slogan before fleeing. Locals quickly extinguished the blaze, preventing any damage, according to Kishoreganj Model Police Station. In a separate incident, members of a banned faction of the Awami League cut down a large lychee tree to block the Kishoreganj–Pakundia road in Sriramdi area, halting traffic. Witnesses said several people arrived on motorcycles, chanting slogans before obstructing the road. Meanwhile, in Dhaka, multiple explosions and arson attacks occurred at various locations, including near environmental activist Rizwana Hasan’s residence, the NCP office in Banglamotor, and on a bus in Badda. These incidents took place ahead of a verdict in a war crimes case, raising security concerns across the country.

Young people in Bangladesh have called on political parties to include strong commitments to road safety in their manifestos for the upcoming national elections. During an event marking the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, held at Shyamoli Field in Dhaka, participants organized a candlelight vigil and march to honor victims of road crashes. The youths emphasized that road accidents have reached epidemic proportions, disproportionately affecting young people, who are among the most vulnerable road users. They demanded the formulation and effective implementation of a comprehensive road safety law and an integrated management system to prevent further loss of life. The event, organized by Ahsania Mission Youth Forum for Health and Wellbeing, was attended by road crash survivors, their families, and health sector officials. Earlier in the day, a workshop on safe system approaches to road safety was held with participation from around fifty students.

As Saudi Arabia undergoes rapid transformation under Vision 2030, many Americans living in the kingdom are beginning to see it not just as a workplace but as a 'second home'. American expatriates interviewed by Arab News praised Saudi Arabia’s hospitality, safety, economic opportunities, and quality of life. John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global, who recently received Saudi citizenship, described it as both a personal honor and a milestone in the nation’s transformative journey. Maria Cometti, co-founder of DQ Living magazine and a Riyadh resident, highlighted the positive atmosphere and family-friendly environment under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s leadership. Saudi Arabia is also expanding its global connectivity, with Delta Air Lines announcing a new direct Atlanta–Riyadh route. The kingdom aims to attract 150 million visitors by 2030, surpassing its initial tourism goals. The combination of security, hospitality, and opportunity has made Saudi Arabia feel like a true home for many Americans.

More than 11,000 students admitted under the proposed Dhaka Central University are facing severe uncertainty as the institution’s legal framework and structural setup remain incomplete nine months after its announcement. The government had decided to form the university by separating seven government colleges from Dhaka University, but the official ordinance has yet to be issued. Frustrated students staged demonstrations on Sunday, blocking administrative offices and demanding the start of classes and completion of admission formalities. Many complained of administrative confusion and lack of institutional identity. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education has called a meeting with 26 stakeholders, including vice-chancellors, education experts, and journalists, to review the draft ordinance. Officials say the delay stems from disagreements over the university’s model and concerns about women’s education. Academics have criticized the decision to admit students before finalizing the university’s structure, urging the government to ensure their academic recognition immediately.

Former State Minister for Home Affairs Sohel Taj has alleged that the ongoing incidents of fire terror and cocktail explosions in Bangladesh are being orchestrated by a single mastermind. In a Facebook post made late Sunday night, he referred to two books by freedom fighter Matiur Rahman Rentu, suggesting that they reveal much about the current situation. Taj accused certain political actors of committing atrocities, corruption, and money laundering, claiming they are now creating chaos to derail the upcoming elections and destroy the country's democratic future. He expressed surprise that some within the Awami League still support these individuals, implying they were beneficiaries of past misdeeds. Sohel Taj, who served as a state minister in 2009 before resigning in 2012, has remained outside active politics since then.

The Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has been denied permission by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to call for a second round of tenders for the MRT Line-1 and MRT Line-5 (North) projects, despite contractors quoting significantly higher prices than estimated. The approved cost for MRT Line-1 was Tk 52,561 crore, but bids could raise it to nearly Tk 97,000 crore. Similarly, MRT Line-5’s cost may double from its approved Tk 41,238 crore. Under the loan agreement with JICA, DMTCL cannot renegotiate prices with contractors. Infrastructure experts blame weak loan terms negotiated during the previous Awami League government for the cost escalation, arguing that JICA’s restrictions contradict international practices. DMTCL officials admit the bids are excessively high but say they are exploring alternative financing and local material use to curb costs. The Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges has indicated that discussions with JICA are ongoing to find a solution to the rising expenses.

A new Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS 2025) by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) and UNICEF reveals that cesarean (C-section) deliveries in Bangladesh have surged by 32.7% over the past decade, reaching 51.8% in 2025 compared to 19.1% in 2012–13. The rate is higher in urban areas (56%) than in rural regions (50%), and wealthier women are more likely to undergo C-sections than poorer ones. Experts warn that unnecessary C-sections are driven by private hospitals’ financial incentives, fear of labor pain, and lack of proper medical guidance. UNICEF’s country director Rana Flowers called the trend “abnormal,” noting that 75% of women now deliver in hospitals, many through costly surgical procedures that push families into poverty. Public health experts urge stronger government oversight, ethical medical practices, and awareness campaigns to promote normal deliveries and reduce health risks for mothers and newborns.

Khulna Power Company Limited (KPCL) has signed an asset purchase agreement with Dubai-based Subson Energy FZCO to sell its 40-megawatt power plant located in Noapara, Jashore. According to the Dhaka Stock Exchange, the deal includes provisions for KPCL to either sell the plant or export its generated electricity. This follows a previous agreement with Turkey’s Aksa Enerji Üretim A.S. for the sale of KPCL’s 115MW KPC Unit-2 in Khalishpur, Khulna. KPCL’s financial performance has improved notably, with earnings per share (EPS) rising to Tk 0.25 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025–26, compared to Tk 0.04 a year earlier. The company’s net asset value per share (NAVPS) stood at Tk 19.27 as of September 30, 2025. KPCL attributed the profit growth to higher income and increased contributions from its subsidiaries. For the 2024–25 fiscal year, KPCL declared a 5% cash dividend for general investors, following a 10% payout in the previous two years.

The recently concluded Bihar state assembly elections, held in two phases on November 6 and 11, resulted in a decisive victory for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which secured 202 of the 243 seats. The opposition Mahagathbandhan (MGB) alliance, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), managed to win only 35 seats. Notably, only 10 Muslim candidates were elected to the assembly, marking the lowest Muslim representation since 1990. Despite Muslims constituting about 17.7% of Bihar’s population, both major alliances fielded fewer Muslim candidates compared to the 2020 election. The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), led by Asaduddin Owaisi, contested 25 seats with 23 Muslim candidates and won five, performing strongly in Muslim-majority districts such as Kishanganj, Purnea, Katihar, and Araria. In contrast, the ruling Janata Dal (United) fielded only four Muslim candidates, and the opposition RJD and Congress saw limited success among their Muslim nominees.

Despite a ceasefire declared over a month ago, Israeli forces have continued airstrikes across Gaza, worsening the plight of residents already suffering from severe flooding and cold weather. Heavy rains over the weekend inundated large parts of the enclave, destroying nearly 93% of refugee tents, according to Gaza’s media office. Many displaced Palestinians have sought shelter in bombed-out buildings at risk of collapse. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) urged Israel to allow essential supplies into Gaza to provide shelter materials for those affected. Israel has restricted UNRWA’s operations since last year, alleging links between its staff and Hamas. Recent strikes in Khan Younis, Gaza City, and Rafah killed at least three people, while the Palestinian Health Ministry reported additional casualties and the return of bodies of detainees. Overall, more than 69,000 people have been killed and over 170,000 injured in Gaza during the two-year conflict, as humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate.

A passenger bus parked on the Dhaka-Narayanganj Link Road in Fatullah was set on fire by unidentified miscreants early Sunday night. The incident occurred around 1:45 a.m. near the Narayanganj Income Tax Office in the Isdair area. The driver, Nasir, and his helper, Nayan, who were asleep inside the bus after dropping off garment workers, woke up to the heat and flames. They managed to escape unharmed and, with the help of locals, extinguished the fire before it could spread. Fire service units and police teams from Fatullah Model Police Station arrived shortly after. Authorities confirmed that the fire caused limited damage due to the quick response of the driver and locals. Police have launched an investigation to identify those responsible for the arson attack.

A Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) intelligence team came under indiscriminate gunfire in Narayanganj’s Masdair area on Sunday afternoon while attempting to apprehend alleged terrorist and drug dealer Zahid. According to police and local sources, Zahid and his associates opened fire upon realizing the presence of RAB personnel, injuring a nearby housewife, Joba Akter, 22, who was cooking at home when a bullet struck her in the chest. She was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital in critical condition. Zahid, who is accused in three murder cases, had reportedly attacked a local political leader the previous evening. Law enforcement officials, including RAB-11 and Narayanganj police, have launched an operation to capture Zahid and his accomplices. Authorities confirmed that the suspects fled the scene after the shooting. Police and RAB officials stated that efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest the perpetrators responsible for the attack.

In the remote hill areas of Rangamati’s Kaukhali and Baghaichhari upazilas, the Bangladesh Army has been conducting free medical camps to provide healthcare to communities cut off from modern medical facilities. The initiative, ongoing since November 10, includes doctors and specialists offering treatment and distributing medicines worth around two lakh taka. However, the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), an armed group opposing the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord, has reportedly been threatening locals not to attend the camps, warning of fines and punishment. Despite initial fear and low turnout, attendance increased later as residents realized the army’s humanitarian intent. The army reaffirmed its commitment to peace, security, and welfare in the hill region, vowing not to be deterred by intimidation. Local leaders and residents praised the army’s efforts and urged continuation of such medical services to address the severe healthcare shortage in the area.

Delhi University has come under fire for allegedly violating academic freedom after canceling a long-running seminar on democracy and directing faculty and students to attend a 'National Cow Conference' on the same day. Critics, including sociology professor Nandini Sundar, accused the administration of promoting a Hindutva agenda and suppressing secular and democratic discourse. The university claimed the seminar was canceled due to lack of prior approval, but organizers argued that such permission had never been required in the event’s 60-year history. The Democratic Teachers’ Front condemned the move as ideological suppression and bias against social sciences. Analysts say the incident reflects a broader trend under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, where universities face growing political pressure, restrictions on academic content, and intolerance toward critical research. The controversy underscores concerns about the erosion of academic autonomy and the increasing politicization of higher education in India.