United Peoples Bangladesh (UP Bangladesh) held its first national coordination meeting in Dhaka in 2025, chaired by convener Ali Ahsan Junayed. The meeting brought together conveners and member secretaries from district, metropolitan, campus, and women’s wings, along with over 70 representatives from various organizational levels. Discussions centered on the organization’s activities since its founding, expansion strategies, current political context, upcoming elections, and future plans. Junayed emphasized the need for long-term planning and commitment to build a new, fascism-free Bangladesh through qualitative political change and people’s empowerment rather than power politics. Member Secretary Arefin Md. Hizbullah presented an eight-month progress report, while Chief Coordinator Rafe Salman Rifat outlined the group’s election stance. Chief Organizer Naim Ahmad stressed discipline, membership growth, and unity. Participants shared experiences, challenges, and proposals, reaffirming the organization’s pledge to foster a new political culture and strengthen citizen empowerment.

Authorities in Pabna’s Bhangura upazila raided a factory in Kaidanga village producing fake milk, following a tip-off on Friday morning. The Department of Livestock Services, along with police and a mobile court, seized large quantities of adulteration materials including liquid glucose, soybean oil, palm oil, salt, and processed fake milk. Factory owner Abul Bashar fled before the raid, prompting the mobile court, led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Mizanur Rahman, to fine his wife, Selina Khatun, BDT 20,000 for her involvement. Police were instructed to file a regular case against the absconding owner. All seized materials were destroyed on-site. Officials confirmed that the confiscated items were used exclusively for producing counterfeit milk, posing serious health risks to consumers. The raid highlights ongoing efforts by local authorities to curb food adulteration in the region.

A verbal altercation between two students from Shah Mokhdum Hall and Nawab Abdul Latif Hall at Rajshahi University escalated into threats of violence on Friday afternoon. The dispute began over seating arrangements in the university canteen after Friday prayers. Mohammad Masud from Shah Mokhdum Hall and Arif from Latif Hall exchanged heated words, prompting Latif Hall General Secretary (GS) Nurul Islam Shahid to intervene. Witnesses reported that Shahid threatened to hang Masud upside down and beat him if such incidents occurred again. Shahid later admitted his remarks were made in anger and expressed regret. The university’s student organization leaders stated they were reviewing the incident and would take appropriate action. The confrontation has raised concerns about student discipline and hall politics at the university.

BNP Central Publicity Secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku has claimed that party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia was subjected to inhumane treatment during her imprisonment. Speaking to journalists after Friday prayers at Tangail Central Graveyard Mosque, Tuku said Khaleda Zia entered prison in good health but came out ill, adding that only God knows what she endured behind bars. He urged citizens to pray for her swift recovery, describing her as the 'Mother of Democracy' who has long fought for people's rights. Khaleda Zia is currently receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Tuku also expressed optimism about the BNP’s prospects in the upcoming national election, noting positive public response in Tangail in favor of the party’s symbol, the paddy sheaf. A special prayer was held after Friday prayers for Khaleda Zia’s recovery, attended by local BNP leaders including Mahmudul Haque Sanu, Ashraf Paheli, and Azgar Ali.

BNP Chairperson’s special assistant and chief coordinator of the party’s labor wing, Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, stated that acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is working to improve the lives of Bangladesh’s workers. Speaking as the chief guest at a labor rally organized by the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal in Jessore, Biswas said that workers keep the country’s economy running but remain deprived under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s rule. He emphasized that both domestic and migrant workers are vital to the national economy. Biswas added that the BNP focuses on development-oriented politics and has a clear plan for building a modern Bangladesh. He called on workers to unite for their rights and national progress, asserting that those supported by workers will ultimately prevail. Expressing concern over the health sector, he said citizens are being deprived of medical care and that the BNP is prioritizing healthcare reform.

Dhaka North BNP convener and Dhaka-16 constituency candidate Aminul Haque has alleged that several political groups, including an Islamist party, are conspiring with domestic and foreign support to disrupt Bangladesh’s upcoming national election. Speaking at a rally organized by Pallabi Ward 2 BNP, Haque claimed that while a festive electoral atmosphere is emerging nationwide, certain quarters are attempting to sabotage it. He criticized Jamaat-e-Islami, accusing the party of collaborating with Pakistani forces during the 1971 Liberation War and being involved in atrocities and the killing of intellectuals. Haque also condemned an incident of alleged national flag desecration in Dhaka-17, saying those who disrespect the flag cannot serve the nation. Urging vigilance against the misuse of religion in politics, he called on party workers to reach out to voters and promised initiatives like ‘family cards’ and ‘farmer cards’ to support households and ensure farmers’ rights if elected.

Faozul Kabir Khan, Adviser to the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, has called for collective efforts to ensure that the upcoming 13th national election in February is completely free from controversy or allegations of irregularities. Speaking at a reunion and award ceremony for meritorious students at Chittagong Government Muslim High School, Khan emphasized that the interim government has already taken all necessary steps to facilitate a fair and transparent election. He urged the Election Commission and the public to uphold integrity so that the election becomes a historic milestone, erasing the stigma of past polls. Khan also stressed that every eligible person should be able to contest and vote freely, and that results must reflect the true will of the people. In his address, he encouraged students to aim for meaningful achievements in life, noting that true success lies not in wealth or position but in excellence and contribution to society.

Amazon has officially launched its new satellite internet service, ‘Amazon LEO,’ positioning it as a direct competitor to Elon Musk’s Starlink. The company claims LEO is the world’s fastest commercial satellite internet service, capable of delivering download speeds up to one gigabit per second—five times faster than Starlink’s current performance. Although Amazon’s network currently includes only 150 satellites compared to Starlink’s 8,000, it plans to expand to 3,236 satellites in the coming years. The service is initially available to select business clients, including Hunt Energy Network, Vanu Incorporated, and JetBlue Airways, as part of a limited rollout to test network performance and industrial applications. Amazon aims to broaden access globally next year, while SpaceX continues to expand Starlink toward a 12,000-satellite constellation. The launch marks a major step in the growing competition for global satellite-based internet connectivity.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has reduced airfares on the Dhaka-Sylhet-Dhaka route following widespread public dissatisfaction and protests over high ticket prices. According to a statement from the Sylhet District Administration’s media cell on Friday, the fare revision aims to improve passenger service and reflect current market conditions. Under the new pricing structure, the minimum one-way fare on the Sylhet-Dhaka route has been set at 2,024 taka, totaling 3,199 taka with taxes, while the maximum fare is now 7,024 taka, totaling 8,199 taka with taxes. The fare reduction comes after several days of demonstrations in Sylhet, where residents accused a syndicate of exploiting the poor condition of the Sylhet-Dhaka highway to artificially inflate airfares. The move is expected to ease travel costs for passengers frequently commuting between the two cities.

Shafiqur Rahman has been sworn in as the Amir of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami for a third consecutive term. The oath-taking ceremony took place on Friday evening at Al Falah Auditorium in Dhaka’s Moghbazar, administered by ATM Masum, the party’s assistant secretary and chief election commissioner. According to Masum, a total of 116,792 male and female members cast their votes in the internal election. The event was part of Jamaat’s annual central Majlish-e-Shura session, attended by senior leaders from various political parties and Jamaat’s central committees. During the ceremony, Rahman became emotional and wept, expressing humility and saying he did not consider himself worthy of the position. He reflected on the party’s history of imprisonment and repression, stating that Jamaat members had long faced unjust treatment for protesting against wrongdoing under oppressive laws and governance.

Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha and candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, has intensified his campaign activities. On Friday, November 28, he organized a van rally in the capital to connect with local voters. The rally began at Shapla Chattar in Motijheel and passed through Purana Paltan, Kadam Fountain, Shikkha Bhaban intersection, and Dhaka University’s Doel Chattar and Raju Sculpture before concluding at the National Museum in Shahbagh around 4 p.m. More than 200 supporters reportedly joined the event. Later in the evening, a special program titled 'Concert for Dhaka-8' was held in front of the National Museum to further engage the public and promote his campaign message.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury visited former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on Friday afternoon. According to BNP Media Cell member Shairul Kabir Khan, the leaders went to inquire about her health and prayed for her recovery. Khaleda Zia is currently receiving treatment in the hospital’s Coronary Care Unit (CCU) under the supervision of a medical board. Shairul Kabir also urged the media not to publish any unverified news about the BNP chairperson’s health without official statements from responsible sources. Khaleda Zia has been under medical care for several months due to ongoing health complications.

Following the death sentence of banned Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s political landscape has entered a phase of intense speculation over who might lead the party next. Political analysts and insiders have identified three potential figures: former Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, former minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury, and jailed former Narayanganj mayor Selina Hayat Ivy. Each is seen as relatively untainted by major controversies. However, party insiders suggest that none would take up leadership without Hasina’s approval, even as she remains in exile in India. Shirin Sharmin is reportedly under government watch, Saber Hossain has kept a low profile despite recent meetings with European diplomats, and Ivy remains detained in multiple cases. Analysts argue that while Hasina’s absence will force a leadership transition, the Awami League’s political relevance will persist. The party now faces the dual challenge of addressing accountability for past violence while ensuring political space for its untainted members.

Severe floods and landslides have claimed more than 300 lives across Indonesia and Thailand, with both nations struggling to recover from the widespread destruction. In Indonesia’s Sumatra region, at least 174 people have died and 80 remain missing after torrential rains triggered flash floods and landslides. North Sumatra alone reported 116 deaths, while Aceh and West Sumatra recorded 35 and 23 fatalities respectively. Rescue efforts continue as many areas remain cut off and power restoration is underway. In Thailand, southern provinces have been hit by record rainfall, leaving at least 145 people dead, including over 110 in Songkhla province. Thousands have been displaced, and authorities are accelerating search and recovery operations as floodwaters begin to recede. Despite some improvement in weather conditions, the Thai Meteorological Department has warned of possible thunderstorms in several southern regions, raising concerns about further hazards.

At an international conference organized by the Bangladesh Agricultural Journalists Forum (BAJF) in Dhaka, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter cautioned that relying on national average data to assess nutrition levels masks the real dietary disparities between rich and poor citizens. She emphasized that 'Zero Hunger' means ensuring nutritional quality, not just food quantity. Akhter noted that while agriculture receives subsidies, the fisheries and livestock sectors—vital for rural livelihoods and nutrition—do not, and she called for policy support and subsidies for these sectors. She warned against uncontrolled hybridization that threatens native species and highlighted the risks of antibiotic overuse in aquaculture, which could lead to antimicrobial resistance. Akhter also stressed preserving local food diversity and protecting indigenous fish and livestock breeds. Other speakers, including senior officials and researchers, discussed policy commitments to restore river fish, reduce pesticide use, and ensure quality in farmed fish production.