A deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Sri Lankan coast has intensified into Cyclone Ditwah, according to a special weather bulletin issued on Thursday, November 27. The storm was located about 1,935 to 2,040 kilometers southwest of Bangladesh’s major sea ports—Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra—and is moving north-northwestward. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has advised these ports to replace distant cautionary signal No. 1 with distant warning signal No. 2. Within 54 kilometers of the cyclone’s center, maximum sustained winds are reported at 62 km/h, gusting up to 88 km/h, with very rough sea conditions prevailing nearby. All fishing boats and trawlers operating in the northern Bay of Bengal have been instructed to remain close to shore and avoid deep-sea ventures until further notice.

Interim government adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan stated that there is no legal restriction preventing advisers from contesting in the upcoming national parliamentary elections. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Thursday, he mentioned that not only student advisers but also several others associated with the interim administration are considering participating in the polls. Mahmud clarified that while advisers are legally allowed to run, they must resign from their positions beforehand to avoid conflicts of interest. He further noted that although he is interested in contesting, he has not yet decided from which constituency or under which political party he will run. His remarks come amid growing discussions about the political ambitions of members of the interim government as the country prepares for the next general election.

Ireland has announced a series of major reforms to its immigration and asylum policies in response to rapid population growth and increasing pressure on housing and public services. Justice Minister Jim O’Callahan said the country’s population grew by 1.6% last year—seven times the EU average—reaching 5.46 million in April 2024. Net migration has nearly doubled since 2022, with around 72,000 immigrants arriving annually, including workers, family reunifications, and refugees from Ukraine. Asylum applications reached a record 18,651 in 2024, up from 13,276 the previous year. The new measures require employed asylum seekers to contribute 10–40% of their weekly income toward state housing costs and raise the income threshold for family reunification to €44,000. Citizenship eligibility will now require five years of residence instead of three, and those dependent on welfare will be disqualified. The government will also have the power to revoke asylum status for security threats or serious crimes, and stricter rules are being considered for student visas.

A vehicle in the motorcade of BNP candidate Dr. Rafiqul Islam Hilani caught fire on Thursday afternoon in the Shekherchar Mazar Bus Stand area along the Dhaka–Sylhet highway. The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. while the convoy was en route to a public rally in Chattogram. Four of Hilani’s associates—driver Rafiqul Islam, Farhad Ahmed, Saiful Islam Shanti, and Sirajul Islam—sustained injuries in the fire. According to Hilani, the private car overheated before catching fire, but no bystanders were harmed. The injured were initially treated at a local hospital and later transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for advanced care. Authorities have not reported any foul play, and preliminary indications suggest a mechanical fault caused the blaze. The incident took place in the Netrakona-3 (Kendua–Atpara) constituency, where Hilani is contesting as the BNP’s candidate under the paddy sheaf symbol.

The Bangladesh Public Service Commission (PSC) has published the results of the 46th BCS written examination, with 4,042 candidates declared successful. The results were announced on Thursday night, November 27, through a notice on the PSC website. A total of 3,140 positions will be filled under this BCS, with the highest number of recruits in the health cadre—1,682 assistant surgeons and 16 assistant dental surgeons. Additionally, 920 candidates will be appointed in the education cadre, while other allocations include 274 in administration, 10 in foreign affairs, 80 in police, 14 in Ansar, 49 in family planning, 26 in fisheries, and 65 in public works. Earlier, the PSC released the non-cadre results of the 45th BCS, recommending 545 candidates for temporary appointments. The final results of the 45th BCS were also published, recommending 1,807 candidates for various cadres. On the same day, the PSC issued the circular for the 50th BCS, offering 2,150 posts in health and administration.

A fatal road accident in Fatikchhari upazila of Chattogram claimed two lives, including a police sub-inspector, on Thursday evening. The collision occurred between two motorcycles at Amtal area of Paindong Union along the Chattogram-Khagrachhari regional highway. The deceased were identified as Saiful Islam, 40, a sub-inspector of Manikchhari Police Station and resident of Munshiganj’s Gazaria, and Md Hafiz, 30, from Fakirtilla area of Manikchhari. Two others, police constable Abdullah Al Noman, 26, and motorcyclist Yasin, 20, sustained injuries and were transferred to Chattogram Medical College Hospital for treatment. Witnesses said all four riders were critically injured and rushed to Nazirhat Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared Saiful Islam and Hafiz dead. Local police confirmed the incident and said all victims were riding motorcycles at the time of the crash.

Six students were injured in a stabbing incident at Gararan Khalilia Fazil Madrasa in Gazipur’s Sreepur upazila after protesting the harassment of female classmates. The attack occurred when a ninth-grade student, identified as Mohammad Siam, allegedly stabbed students from grades eight and ten following a dispute over his behavior toward female students. The confrontation began the previous day when Siam was reprimanded by teachers after being confronted by senior students. Seeking revenge, he returned with a knife and attacked them after their exam. Three of the injured were sent to Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital, while others received treatment at Sreepur Upazila Health Complex. The madrasa authorities have informed local education and administrative officials and plan disciplinary action. Police confirmed the incident and are conducting an operation to arrest the suspect. Teachers and community leaders expressed concern over rising youth violence and the lack of preventive measures in educational institutions.

Atova Technology organized an 'Industrial Training, Farewell and Appreciation Ceremony' in Dhaka to honor participants who completed industry-based training programs. Chief guest Khandaker Mahbub Uddin Khokon, president of the Supreme Court Bar Association, emphasized that practical training enhances young people's efficiency and confidence, calling such initiatives vital for human resource development. BASIS administrator Hafizullah Khan Liton highlighted the importance of hands-on training for developing skilled manpower in local government and ICT sectors. Manjur Mohammad Shahriar, director of the DEIED project under Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority, said the project aims to make youth industry-ready, and Atova’s efforts align with that goal. Other guests, including Robiul Islam Noyon and Raushan Kamal James, praised Atova’s contribution to IT skill development. CEO Ferdous Alam stated that Atova’s mission is to prepare youth for real-world industry work and expand training and career support programs in the future.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, announced that law enforcement agencies have been instructed to arrest those responsible for recent attacks on Baul singers. Following a meeting of the Advisory Council, Alam said that a special operation is underway in Manikganj, Thakurgaon, and Khulna, where incidents of violence occurred. The attacks reportedly took place during demonstrations demanding the release of Baul singer Abul Sarkar, who had been detained on allegations of hurting religious sentiments. Authorities have directed police in affected areas to act swiftly and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice. The government emphasized maintaining law and order and protecting the rights of cultural groups like the Bauls, who are known for their spiritual and musical traditions. The ongoing operations aim to prevent further unrest and ensure accountability for the assaults.

Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed of Bangladesh will retire on December 27 upon reaching the constitutional age limit of 67. Before his retirement, he will deliver a farewell address to judges on December 14 at the Supreme Court auditorium. The Supreme Court’s press release stated that this will be his final speech to the judiciary, focusing on judicial reforms, technology integration, transparency, and efficiency in court operations. Appointed as the 25th Chief Justice following the 2024 mass uprising, Ahmed took office on August 10 and was sworn in the next day. During his tenure, he introduced a roadmap for judicial reforms, emphasizing the creation of a separate judicial secretariat, anti-corruption measures, and improved judicial capacity. The government recently approved the establishment of a separate secretariat for the judiciary on November 20, marking a major step in implementing his reform agenda.

Chittagong University (CU) is facing a growing crisis as the number of fake students identified on campus continues to rise. The latest arrest involves Minhaz Islam Rifat, who falsely claimed to be a third-year economics student while actually working at a local hospital. He allegedly sent inappropriate messages to female students and maintained ties with campus political groups. Over the past decade, at least ten imposters have been caught posing as CU students, engaging in fraud, theft, and harassment. Previous cases include individuals who forged admission documents, impersonated relatives of freedom fighters to gain quota benefits, or claimed to be intelligence officers. University authorities admit that such imposters exploit CU’s identity for personal gain and that their ability to act is limited when offenders are not officially enrolled. Students and faculty are demanding stronger verification systems and stricter enforcement to prevent further incidents of deception and misconduct on campus.

Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) thwarted a major yaba smuggling attempt near the Ukhiya border when traffickers fled back into Myanmar, abandoning three bags containing 360,000 yaba tablets. The incident occurred late Wednesday night in the Phari Bill area, where a special BGB patrol intercepted two individuals crossing from Myanmar. Upon being challenged, the smugglers dropped their bags and escaped. Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Jasim Uddin, commander of the 64 BGB Battalion, confirmed the seizure on Thursday morning. BGB suspects a large trafficking network was behind the operation and has intensified intelligence surveillance to identify those involved. The recovered yaba tablets have been handed over to Ukhiya police for legal proceedings. BGB reiterated its commitment to maintaining strict border security and continuing anti-narcotics operations along the Bangladesh-Myanmar frontier.

The Bangladesh Public Service Commission (PSC) has released the results for non-cadre positions under the 45th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examination. According to a PSC notification issued on Thursday, November 27, a total of 545 candidates have been provisionally recommended for appointment to various non-cadre posts. The results show that the highest number of appointments—50 candidates—were made to the post of Social Services Officer in the ninth grade. The PSC stated that the results were published under the authority of the Non-Cadre Appointment (Special) Regulations. The commission clarified that out of 565 revised vacant posts, 545 have been provisionally recommended for recruitment. Earlier, on the night of November 26, PSC had announced the final results for cadre positions under the same examination, recommending 1,807 candidates for appointment across different cadres.

Bangladesh’s interim government has granted final approval to the draft ordinance reforming the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The new ordinance expands the commission from three to five members, including one woman and one information and communication technology expert. It also requires ACC officials to submit their asset statements and mandates the commission to publish progress reports online every six months. The ordinance aims to strengthen transparency and institutional efficiency within the ACC, following recommendations from a reform commission. The proposal for a selection committee has been dropped from the final version. The approval came during a meeting of the interim government’s advisory council chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. Additionally, the council approved drafts of ordinances on combating human trafficking, regulating urban development under RAJUK, and amending the National Human Rights Commission Act.

A US federal appeals court has upheld a $1 million fine imposed on former President Donald Trump and his ex-lawyer Alina Habba for filing a baseless lawsuit against Hillary Clinton and other political rivals. The three-judge panel ruled that the lawsuit, which accused Clinton and several Democrats of conspiring to fabricate a false Russia-collusion narrative during the 2016 election, was frivolous and politically motivated. The court affirmed that the district court had not abused its discretion in imposing the penalty, emphasizing that Trump’s legal arguments lacked merit. Chief Judge William Pryor Jr. authored the opinion, joined by Judges Andrew Brasher and Embry Kidd. Trump’s legal team stated they would continue to pursue the matter until a “fair and just outcome” is achieved. The original case was dismissed in 2023, with the court labeling it an improper use of the judicial system for political purposes.