A series of violent clashes broke out between locals and students of Jessore University of Science and Technology (JUST) on Tuesday evening following an incident of harassment involving a female student. The conflict began around 7 p.m. near the Ambottola area on the Jessore-Chowgacha road after a shopkeeper allegedly harassed the student at a photocopy shop. Enraged students assaulted the shopkeeper, prompting other local shopkeepers to retaliate, leading to stone-throwing and street violence that lasted nearly an hour. At least five students were reported injured. Locals later burned tires and benches on the road, causing severe traffic congestion. Law enforcement, including police and army personnel, intervened to restore order. University authorities said an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident, while the situation has since stabilized.

Sharmin S. Murshid, adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government on social welfare and women and children affairs, has expressed concern over the growing insecurity women face in cyberspace. Speaking at a national dialogue on ending online harassment of women, held at the China Friendship Conference Center, she emphasized that while technology advances, societal attitudes will determine its impact. Murshid cited data showing that 59% of women internet users face online harassment, with 90% reporting incidents, but weak enforcement of existing laws allows offenders to act with impunity. She announced that her ministry’s quick response team will reach victims within 24 hours. Senior officials and international representatives from Australia, Sweden, and UN Women stressed the need for stronger laws, institutional coordination, and public awareness. They noted that less than 40% of countries have legal protections against cyber harassment, leaving 1.8 billion women and girls vulnerable. The dialogue was part of the global 16 Days of Activism campaign.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed optimism that the upcoming national election in Bangladesh will be held peacefully around February 26 without any disruption. Speaking at a meeting with lawyers in Thakurgaon, he said the current law and order situation is stable and conducive to holding elections. Fakhrul emphasized moving beyond political vengeance to build a nation based on love and unity. He discussed the interim government’s initiative under Dr. Muhammad Yunus to restructure the state through six commissions, aiming for a democratic transition from authoritarianism. Fakhrul also supported proposals for a bicameral parliament to ensure checks and balances and limiting the prime minister’s tenure to two terms. Referring to Khaleda Zia’s message of forgiveness, he likened her stance to that of Nelson Mandela. Fakhrul called for embracing the younger generation to lead future national progress, expressing confidence that perseverance will ultimately bring political victory.

BNP’s Dhaka divisional organizing secretary and Gazipur-1 nomination aspirant Kazi Saiyedul Alam Babul stated that after 16 years of being deprived of voting rights, the people of Bangladesh are eager to cast their votes in a festive atmosphere. Speaking at a street rally in Konabari, Gazipur, after distributing leaflets outlining BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s 31-point reform plan, Babul claimed that the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarian government has opened the door for democratic restoration. He accused Awami League loyalists of attempting to create instability and obstruct the election but warned that citizens would resist any such efforts. Babul emphasized that implementing the 31 points would restore fundamental rights and peace in the country. He urged voters to support BNP’s symbol, the paddy sheaf, for the leadership of Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman. The event was attended by several local BNP and affiliated organization leaders.

Bangladesh’s tannery industry faces severe uncertainty following the government’s decision to bring it under the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) and the continued failure to implement the revised minimum wage announced a year ago. At a press conference organized by the Tannery Workers Union in Dhaka, labor leaders expressed frustration over the delay, accusing factory owners of exploiting workers by labeling them as ‘temporary’ to deny fair pay. They warned of possible large-scale protests if the wage decision is not enforced soon. Speakers, including Labor Reform Commission Chairman Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, said the move to place the industry under BEPZA without consulting unions threatens workers’ rights and union freedom. They also criticized the growing trend of replacing skilled workers with contract laborers and the lack of legal compensation for those laid off. The leaders cautioned that prolonged instability could weaken trust between workers and owners and harm the national economy.

Sharmin S Murshid, adviser to the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, emphasized the need to establish a compassionate and inclusive society where the elderly and women receive due respect and care. Speaking on November 25 at a program in Ikarchali Union under the national social safety net initiative, she highlighted the importance of ensuring that state resources are used effectively for public welfare. Murshid acknowledged the financial struggles of elderly allowance recipients and pledged to review the adequacy of the support. She also criticized the large-scale capital flight from the country, noting that such economic mismanagement contributes to poverty and hardship. The event was attended by local government officials including Rangpur’s Deputy Director of Local Government, Zilufa Sultana, and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Rubel Rana.

Former Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) member Nazrul Islam returned home to Rajshahi’s Bagha upazila after serving 17 years in prison following the 2009 BDR mutiny case. Released from Natore jail on Monday evening, Nazrul was greeted by emotional family members and villagers. However, his joy was overshadowed by grief as he learned that his elder son, Nahid Islam, had died three years earlier from a heart attack. Nazrul expressed deep sorrow over losing his son and frustration over what he described as wrongful imprisonment. He urged the government to release others he believes were falsely accused in the same case. Nazrul had left behind two children when he was imprisoned; his daughter Shapla is now married. Villagers gathered to welcome him home, their tears reflecting both relief and the pain of lost years.

A massive fire broke out on Tuesday evening in Dhaka’s Karail slum, affecting areas including Bou Bazar, Cumilla Patti, Barishal Patti, and Block 'K'. Nineteen units of the Fire Service are working to control the blaze, joined by local residents. However, efforts have been hampered by damaged hoses and a shortage of water in the northeastern part of the area. Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury, Director of Fire Service Operations and Maintenance, stated that the teams are focusing on controlling the northeastern section to bring the fire under control soon. Initially, eleven units were deployed, with eight more joining later. Many residents whose homes were destroyed have taken shelter at the Khamarbari field nearby. No casualties have been reported so far, and the cause of the fire remains unknown. Authorities are hopeful that the situation will improve shortly as firefighting continues.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused Israel of committing massacres against Palestinians, particularly women and children, due to insufficient international pressure. Speaking in Ankara on November 25 during an event marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Erdogan said that over 20,000 children have been killed in Gaza and that two-thirds of the victims are women and children. He criticized the global community for failing to respond adequately to Israel’s actions and for ignoring the suffering of Palestinian women. Erdogan emphasized that the international community’s failure to act has prolonged the conflict and deepened the humanitarian crisis. He also linked the plight of women in Gaza to broader issues of gender inequality and exploitation under capitalist systems, calling for stronger global solidarity to protect women’s dignity and lives.

Bangladesh’s agricultural land is shrinking rapidly due to urbanization, industrialization, and unplanned development, according to interim government Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter. Speaking at a national workshop on agricultural land protection and land use in Dhaka, she warned that chemical-based farming is degrading soil fertility and harming overall production. Akhter also highlighted that excessive pesticide and herbicide use is damaging not only farmland but also fisheries and livestock sectors. She noted that while aquaculture has increased fish production, pollution, landfilling, and uncontrolled tourism are destroying natural breeding grounds, endangering native fish diversity. Experts at the workshop said agriculture still contributes 11% to the GDP and remains the main livelihood for rural people, but the country is losing about 80,000 hectares of farmland annually. They urged effective implementation of proposed land protection laws to safeguard agricultural resources. The event was organized by the Bangladesh Agroecology Platform with participation from multiple ministries and stakeholders.

A case has been filed against Rezaul Hasan Bhuiyan, also known as Suman, president of the BNP’s Maska Union unit in Kendua, Netrakona, for allegedly cutting down 31 government-owned mahogany trees without authorization. The complaint was lodged by Abdul Jalil, assistant land officer of Maska Union, naming Bhuiyan and four unidentified individuals. The trees, valued at around 800,000 taka, were reportedly felled on November 18 along a rural road being upgraded under a 55.8 million taka LGED project. Locals claimed the trees were cut using the name of the Upazila administration, and some logs were seized after residents intervened. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) stated that the contractor had no right to cut the trees and that a three-member inquiry committee has been formed to investigate. Police confirmed the case and said efforts are underway to arrest the accused, who claimed earlier that the trees were removed at his own expense to expedite road construction.

In Pakistan, a 27-year-old woman named Kiran has been reunited with her parents after being missing for 17 years. She disappeared from her home in Islamabad at the age of 10 while going out to buy ice cream. Authorities from the Punjab Safe City project confirmed her identity using data that matched her personal details. Kiran had been living under the care of the Edhi Foundation in Karachi since being taken there by the late Bilquis Edhi. During her stay, she received both religious and general education. The Edhi Foundation said that several attempts had been made over the years to locate her family, but only recent technological assistance led to success. The emotional reunion in Karachi drew widespread attention and praise for the Edhi Foundation’s dedication. Kiran described meeting her parents again as the most important day of her life, while her father expressed deep gratitude to the foundation for caring for his daughter for nearly two decades.

Ukraine has indicated its willingness to accept a 28-point peace proposal reportedly initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump, as diplomatic efforts intensify to end the ongoing war with Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to travel to the United States this week to meet Trump and finalize the framework of the agreement. Ukraine’s National Security Chief Rustem Umerov said both sides have reached a common understanding on the main terms during earlier discussions in Geneva. Meanwhile, Russia confirmed it has received the draft plan and is open to negotiations. The United States also confirmed upcoming talks with Russian representatives in Abu Dhabi. Despite ongoing airstrikes that killed several people in both Ukraine and Russia, Kyiv remains optimistic about a diplomatic breakthrough. European leaders, however, have criticized the initial draft as being overly favorable to Moscow, while Ukraine has welcomed recent revisions that strengthen its defense and NATO prospects.

A mass signature campaign demanding the construction of the Bhola-Barishal Bridge has drawn strong public support across various professions, including students, teachers, journalists, and lawyers. Organized by United Peoples Bangladesh, the campaign began at Bangla School Mor in Bhola district, where over 500 people signed on the first day. The organizers plan to collect more than 5,000 signatures before submitting the petition to the Chief Adviser. Supporters argue that the bridge, originally scheduled for completion by 2025, remains unbuilt, intensifying the movement into a widespread public demand. Activists claim that the bridge would establish an economic zone in the Bhola-Barishal region, attract industries, and facilitate the transport of goods nationwide. Alongside the local campaign, a parallel group in Dhaka held a sit-in, while candlelight vigils were planned at Shaheed Minars across the country to press for the demand.

Folk singer Abul Sarkar has been arrested after widespread outrage over alleged blasphemous remarks about Islam and Allah during a musical event in Ghior, Manikganj. The controversy deepened when videos resurfaced showing Sarkar performing songs praising Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Awami League cultural programs following the party’s disputed January 2024 election. The performances, reportedly held in Tangail, featured ruling party leaders including MP Khan Ahmed Shuvo. Public anger intensified on social media, with religious groups demanding Sarkar’s immediate trial and punishment. Police detained him in Madaripur during a special operation, and he is now in custody. Meanwhile, another folk singer, Hasina Sarkar, sparked further debate by alleging that female Baul artists face sexual exploitation and are pressured into compromising situations to secure performance opportunities, though she did not name any individuals involved.