BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s health condition has shown some improvement, according to Dr. Shahabuddin Talukder, a specialist at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. She was admitted to the hospital on Sunday with infections in her heart and lungs and is currently being treated under the supervision of a medical board in a cabin. Although her condition is reported to be better, doctors have indicated that it will take more time before she can return home. Party leaders and supporters have requested prayers for her recovery. From London, her son Tarique Rahman and his wife Zubaida Rahman are closely monitoring her condition, while in Dhaka, her late son Arafat Rahman Koko’s wife Syeda Sharmila Rahman is staying by her side.

Experts have revealed that around 70% of buildings in Chattogram are at high risk of collapse in the event of a major earthquake measuring 7–8 on the Richter scale. Poor construction practices, lack of soil testing, weak foundations, and extreme population density have made the city dangerously vulnerable. Unplanned areas such as Reazuddin Bazar, Khatunganj, New Market, and Bahaddarhat are particularly at risk. Despite previous warnings and incidents, including the 1997 Hamzarbag building collapse that killed 23 people, authorities like the Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) have failed to take effective action. A recent 5.7-magnitude quake caused panic across the city, highlighting the fragility of many structures. Experts also warned that vital installations such as the port, airport, and refineries could face severe damage. Fire Service officials cautioned that even moderate tremors could cause catastrophic casualties due to old and unregulated buildings. Urban planners and disaster experts have urged immediate enforcement of building codes and stronger preparedness measures.

The National Pay Commission of Bangladesh has held a meeting with secretaries from various ministries and departments to discuss the formulation of a new national pay scale. The meeting, chaired by Zakir Ahmed Khan, took place on Monday afternoon and was described as productive, though not all secretaries attended. The commission, formed on July 27 to design a modern and appropriate salary structure for government employees, has already collected public feedback online from October 1 to 15. Economic adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed stated that three reports will be reviewed before final recommendations are made, with the current government setting a framework for implementation by the next administration. Meanwhile, employee leaders have issued a November 30 deadline for the commission to submit its recommendations, warning of strong protests if delayed. They also announced a mass rally in Dhaka on December 5 to demand timely implementation of the new pay scale.

A man died and 17 others fell ill after consuming food at a wedding ceremony in Agradigun Bazar area of Dhamoirhat upazila, Naogaon, on Sunday. The deceased, identified as Mozammel Hossain, 38, was among around 250 guests who attended the event. Following the meal, several attendees began suffering from vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Five of the seriously ill individuals were identified as Joydeb (33), Rehena Begum (36), Babu (10), Zahidul (38), and Mozammel (28). They are currently receiving treatment at Patnitala Upazila Health Complex. Mozammel Hossain was initially admitted there but was later referred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital due to his deteriorating condition; he died on the way. Local authorities suspect food poisoning as the cause, and health officials confirmed that 18 patients were admitted following the incident. The deceased was buried at his family graveyard on Monday afternoon.

In Sitakunda’s Syedpur union of Chattogram, villagers used mosque loudspeakers to mobilize and chase away two Jamaat-e-Islami leaders, Jasim Uddin and former commissioner Rehan Uddin Rihan, who allegedly attempted to fill around 100 acres of farmland with sand from the sea. The land, reportedly purchased by Awami League leader and Pacific Jeans managing director Syed Tanvir Hossain, was being prepared for industrial use without environmental clearance. Hundreds of villagers gathered, dismantled sand pipes, and forced the group to flee, leaving several injured. Local farmers and political leaders condemned the destruction of winter crops and demanded government intervention. The district Jamaat leadership denied involvement, claiming the accused acted independently. Sitakunda’s Upazila Nirbahi Officer confirmed no permission was granted for sand extraction and promised legal action against those responsible. The incident has sparked widespread outrage over environmental damage and land misuse in the coastal area.

BNP Assistant International Affairs Secretary Rumin Farhana has alleged that the Bangladeshi government is providing tacit support to groups identified as 'Tawhidi Janata', who have been involved in recent mob violence across the country. Speaking on a private television talk show, she claimed that these groups operate in different regions under various identities but share a common link through government tolerance. Farhana criticized the authorities for failing to take decisive action beyond issuing condemnations, despite repeated attacks on minority communities, cultural events, and women. She cited incidents involving assaults on Baul and Ahmadiyya communities, disruptions of theatrical performances, and harassment of female athletes and artists. According to her, over 380 shrines were attacked in the past year without any legal consequences. Farhana argued that the ruling Awami League benefits politically from these mobs, using them as a pressure group to advance agendas indirectly while ensuring they face no legal obstacles from law enforcement.

Dhaka Metro Rail has officially launched an online recharge system for its Rapid Pass and MRT cards, allowing passengers to top up their travel cards from home. The service, inaugurated at Agargaon Station by Dr. Sheikh Moinuddin, special assistant to the chief adviser for road and railways, enables users to recharge between Tk 100 and Tk 5,000 through the website rapidpass.com.bd using mobile financial services such as bKash, Nagad, Rocket, bank cards, or internet banking. Once recharged, users can activate the balance by tapping their cards at Add Value Machines (AVMs) installed at 16 stations, totaling 32 machines. The Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) also announced plans to introduce app-based recharge within a month. Refunds and cancellations are allowed within seven days before activation, subject to a 5% service charge. Currently, around 1.6 million passengers use Rapid Pass and MRT cards, and the new system aims to make metro travel smoother and more convenient.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced a 101-member central convening committee for the Nationalist Generation of the Liberation War. Engineer Ishraq Hossain has been appointed as the convener, while Advocate K.M. Kamruzzaman Nannu will serve as the member secretary. The announcement was made through a press release signed by Ishtiaq Aziz Ulfat, president of the Nationalist Freedom Fighters’ Party, on Monday. According to the statement, the committee was formed with the approval of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman. Dr. K.M.A.I. Monti has been named senior joint convener. The formation of this committee is seen as part of BNP’s broader effort to engage younger generations with the party’s liberation war-oriented nationalist ideology and strengthen its organizational structure ahead of future political activities.

Intense fighting has erupted between Myanmar’s military junta and the Arakan Army around Kyaukphyu in Rakhine State, resulting in heavy casualties and mass displacement. The conflict, centered near Min Pyin village, saw junta troops suffer significant losses after falling into strategic traps and drone attacks by the Arakan Army. Following the assault, junta forces bombarded nearby villages, forcing around 10,000 civilians to flee their homes. Approximately 20 villages have become deserted amid the escalating violence. The Arakan Army now reportedly controls about 15 towns and continues to challenge junta positions along key routes leading to Kyaukphyu and the naval headquarters. Local sources say the junta is desperate to regain control of the region, which has strategic and Chinese investment significance. Humanitarian workers report widespread fear as schools and villages come under attack, worsening the crisis for displaced civilians.

A rally and human chain organized by the Cumilla Journalists Forum, Dhaka (CJFD), was held in front of the National Press Club demanding the establishment of a separate Cumilla Division. BNP Chairperson’s adviser Monirul Haque Chowdhury expressed solidarity with the movement, saying Cumilla has long been deprived of fair development and infrastructure. He highlighted delays in major projects such as the Dhaka–Cumilla highway, Cumilla University, and the unlaunched Cumilla airport, blaming decades of neglect since the British and Pakistani eras. Chowdhury urged unity among residents and leaders, suggesting dialogue with Noakhali representatives but also hinted at pursuing an independent path if consensus fails. He pledged to join the movement directly, vowing to fight until Cumilla’s rightful administrative recognition is achieved. The event was attended by political figures, journalists, professionals, and a large number of citizens supporting the demand for a new division.

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan visited two injured students, including Chhatra Dal leader Sheikh Tanvir Bari Hamim, who was hurt on a dormitory staircase during a recent earthquake. Hamim, a former general secretary candidate in the last DUCSU election, is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Dhaka. The VC also visited another injured student, Tanzir Hossain of Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall, at the university’s medical center to check on his condition. During his visits, Dr. Khan spoke with the injured students, inquired about their medical care, and wished them a speedy recovery. Additionally, he inspected the site of a gas cylinder explosion at Bijoy Ekattor Hall. The university administration has expressed concern for student safety following these incidents.

Bangladesh’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has seized assets worth approximately Tk 5.45 crore belonging to AHM Fuad, former assistant personal secretary (APS) to ex-LGRD minister Engineer Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain. The seizure, ordered by the Faridpur Senior Special Judge’s Court, includes a luxury flat and nearly 39 decimals of land. Fuad is accused of amassing illegal wealth through tender manipulation, extortion, and forming a gang known as the ‘Helmet Bahini’ to dominate government contracting processes in Faridpur. Investigations revealed that he laundered money and purchased properties under the names of his two wives, mother-in-law, and relatives. The CID filed a money laundering case on August 3 under the Money Laundering Prevention Act and continues to investigate Fuad’s financial network and associates. Officials said the operation aims to uncover the full extent of his illicit activities and bring all involved individuals under legal scrutiny.

Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, head of the Election Reform Commission, has expressed concern that politics in Bangladesh has become a business, with political parties operating like business syndicates. Speaking at a roundtable organized by Dhaka Institute of Research and Analytics (DAIRA) on 'Political Financing Culture and Business Protection in Bangladesh,' he questioned whether any truly democratic and transparent political party exists in the country. Participants highlighted the lack of transparency in party financing, weak regulatory oversight, and dependence on informal transactions that distort democratic competition and policymaking. Transparency International Bangladesh’s Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman proposed mandatory public disclosure of income and expenditure by elected representatives. Other speakers, including academics and party representatives, discussed the deep-rooted link between business and politics and the need for legal clarity and political goodwill to ensure accountability. The discussion underscored doubts about the Election Commission’s capacity to reform the current opaque system.

Thirty-five former members of the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) were released on bail from Kashimpur Central Jail in Gazipur on Monday evening in connection with a case filed under the Explosives Control Act related to the 2009 BDR mutiny. Their release followed a court order issued last Thursday granting bail to 53 accused. According to prison officials, the bail documents arrived at the jail on Monday afternoon and were verified before the prisoners were released around 6:30 p.m. Among those freed, one was from the Kashimpur High Security Central Jail, two from Central Jail Part-1, and 32 from Part-2. The 2009 BDR mutiny at the Pilkhana headquarters in Dhaka resulted in the deaths of 74 people, including 57 army officers. Following the incident, separate murder and explosives cases were filed, leading to one of the largest trials in Bangladesh’s history, with hundreds convicted and others acquitted.

Pakistan’s Trading Corporation (TCP) has issued a tender to purchase 100,000 tons of locally produced long-grain white rice (IRRI-6) for export to Bangladesh, marking a notable step in strengthening bilateral trade ties. The tender, published on November 20, sets November 28 as the submission deadline and requires bids to remain valid for 21 working days. The rice must be from the latest harvest, free from contamination, and ready for shipment within 45 days of contract signing. This move follows the resumption of direct trade between Pakistan and Bangladesh earlier in 2024, which began with a 50,000-ton rice deal. Analysts view the tender as an effort to integrate Pakistani rice into Bangladesh’s import supply chain amid Dhaka’s ongoing efforts to stabilize domestic prices through continuous import tenders. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s rice exports have declined by 28% in early fiscal 2026 due to policy and legal challenges, though opportunities have emerged in the U.S. market following tariffs on Indian basmati rice.