A low-pressure system formed over the Andaman Sea and the Malacca Strait is intensifying and is expected to develop into Cyclone 'Seniyar' within the next 48 hours, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Early warnings have been issued for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry. The cyclone, named 'Seniyar' meaning 'lion'—a name given by the United Arab Emirates—is projected to move west-northwest, but its landfall location remains uncertain. The IMD forecasts that the system will become a deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal by Monday and may strengthen further. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s Meteorological Department has indicated the possible formation of another low-pressure area over the southern Andaman Sea, which could also intensify. Both Indian and Bangladeshi forecasts suggest stable weather in most regions, except for light rain in northern Bengal’s hilly areas. No major temperature changes are expected across Bangladesh and West Bengal in the coming days.

Senior Supreme Court lawyer and freedom fighter ZI Khan Panna has been appointed as state defense counsel for fugitive former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in two ongoing cases related to enforced disappearances. The appointment was made under Section 12(1) of the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973, which allows the tribunal to assign a defense lawyer at government expense if an accused is unrepresented. Panna clarified that he accepted the role to ensure proper legal defense, emphasizing his commitment to justice rather than political alignment. When asked if he had any contact with Hasina, he declined to comment. Sheikh Hasina, convicted in a separate case related to the July uprising, remains a fugitive. The tribunal had earlier appointed state defense lawyers for Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both tried in absentia for crimes against humanity. The appointments reflect the tribunal’s adherence to due legal process despite the accused being on the run.

The Bangladesh Election Commission has initiated voter registration for expatriate Bangladeshis residing in 16 countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. The registration process, which began at midnight on November 24, will continue until November 28 through the Postal Vote BD mobile application. This initiative marks the first time expatriate citizens will be able to vote through postal ballots. The registration drive covers countries across North America, the Caribbean, and Oceania, such as New Zealand, Mexico, Cuba, Jamaica, and the Bahamas. The Election Commission has also extended the registration program for expatriates living in East Asia, South America, and Africa until November 28. To assist applicants, a 24-hour help desk has been set up with dedicated WhatsApp, Imo, and Botim contact numbers. The move is part of the government’s broader effort to ensure voting rights for Bangladeshis living abroad and to increase participation in the upcoming national elections.

Thirty-five former members of the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) were released from Kashimpur Central Jail in Gazipur on Monday evening after receiving bail in a case filed under the Explosives Control Act related to the 2009 BDR mutiny. The release began around 6:30 p.m., following verification of bail documents that arrived earlier in the day. Among those freed, one was from the high-security unit, two from Central Jail Part-1, and thirty-two from Part-2. Family members gathered outside the prison to welcome their relatives, expressing relief and gratitude after years of uncertainty. The BDR mutiny, which took place on February 25, 2009, at the Pilkhana headquarters in Dhaka, resulted in the deaths of 74 people, including 57 army officers. The subsequent trials became the largest in Bangladesh’s history, with hundreds convicted and many still serving sentences. The latest releases follow a court order granting bail to 53 individuals last week.

Popular Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmadullah has described the recent series of earthquakes in Bangladesh as a profound warning rather than mere geological activity. In a Facebook post, he urged citizens to combine practical disaster preparedness with spiritual reflection and collective repentance, emphasizing that divine mercy is essential for true safety. Ahmadullah criticized the government’s inadequate disaster readiness, citing a lack of trained rescue workers, heavy equipment, and effective urban planning. He also condemned widespread corruption and wasteful spending on political events and unnecessary projects, arguing that such funds should be redirected toward earthquake-resistant infrastructure, rescue training, and emergency planning. The scholar further called on individuals to follow building codes and avoid constructing unsafe structures for short-term profit. He urged the government to develop a comprehensive national roadmap for disaster management, including rescue operations, medical care, shelter, and communication systems, while reminding society to maintain both physical and spiritual preparedness.

Bangladesh’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser, Md Mahfuz Alam, has criticized certain media outlets for spreading panic instead of raising awareness about recent earthquake reports. Speaking at a workshop titled 'Preventing Misreporting and Ensuring Objective Journalism' organized by the Bangladesh Press Council in Dhaka, he emphasized the need for media to take a firm stance against rumors and misinformation. Alam highlighted that misinformation had intensified during the previous government’s 15-year rule and stressed the importance of restoring public trust in the media to prevent social unrest. He also called for responsible media conduct during the upcoming national elections. The adviser noted that the Press Council, a quasi-judicial body, had been rendered ineffective by the former government but is now being revitalized by the interim administration. The event was chaired by Justice A.K.M. Abdul Hakim and attended by senior officials and journalists.

Following a series of mild earthquakes felt across Bangladesh last weekend, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus convened an emergency meeting with top scientists, researchers, and university professors to assess the situation and formulate an action plan. Experts assured that there is no immediate cause for panic but emphasized the need for preparedness and public awareness. The government announced plans to form expert committees and task forces to evaluate building safety, hospital readiness, and public awareness programs. Participants highlighted the importance of combating misinformation on social media and involving youth in disaster preparedness initiatives. The Public Works Department has already begun assessing structural damage using specialized software. The Chief Adviser urged coordination with Bangladeshi scientists abroad through the ‘Shubhechha’ app and called for written recommendations from experts to guide immediate government actions. The meeting concluded with a decision to finalize a national earthquake preparedness strategy based on expert input.

During a meeting of the Jubo Dal’s Sylhet district leaders, BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman made a surprise phone call to discuss the region’s electoral situation and the organization’s activities. Speaking directly to the participants, he emphasized the need for unity and urged everyone to work collectively to ensure the victory of BNP’s candidates symbolized by the ‘sheaf of paddy’ in the upcoming national election. Tarique Rahman stated that restoring democracy in Bangladesh depends on BNP’s success in the polls and specifically called for victories in all six constituencies of Sylhet. The meeting, held in South Surma, was chaired by Sylhet district Jubo Dal president Advocate Mominul Islam Momin and attended by central and local leaders. Central Jubo Dal president Abdul Monayem Munna reiterated the party high command’s strict directive to support nominated candidates and warned of disciplinary action against anyone opposing them.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who is currently undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, has sought prayers from the people of Bangladesh for her recovery. According to her personal physician and BNP Standing Committee member Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain, Khaleda Zia’s health condition is being closely monitored by a medical board providing necessary treatment. Media cell member Shairul Kabir Khan confirmed that the medical team is taking her condition seriously. Khaleda Zia was admitted to the hospital on Sunday night, November 23, and has since been under continuous medical supervision. Earlier this year, she had traveled to London on January 7 for advanced medical care and returned to Bangladesh on May 6 after a 117-day stay. Since her return, she has been visiting Evercare Hospital regularly for follow-up health checkups.

Newly elected New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani met U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday for an hour-long discussion focused on housing policy, local regulations, and energy costs. The meeting, attended only by Mamdani’s chief of staff inside the Oval Office, ended on a surprisingly positive note despite their political differences. Both leaders later addressed reporters, with Trump praising Mamdani and noting unexpected areas of agreement. Mamdani told CNN that immigration was also discussed, emphasizing that New York would continue cooperating with federal authorities within legal limits as a sanctuary city. Human rights groups have raised concerns about increased immigration raids in the city. Despite the cordial tone of the meeting, Mamdani reaffirmed his past criticism of Trump, calling him a fascist during an NBC interview. He later told a Bronx church audience that his duty as mayor required working with all parties, including those who opposed him politically.

As Bangladesh’s upcoming national election nears, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is struggling with internal conflicts over preliminary nominations in several constituencies. While most BNP candidates are campaigning actively, disputes between nominated and excluded aspirants have led to protests, blockades, and counter-rallies across multiple districts. Party leaders are attempting to mediate from the central office in Gulshan, but grassroots divisions remain unresolved. According to insiders, at least 40 out of 236 constituencies are affected by nomination-related conflicts, weakening BNP’s organizational strength and providing political opportunities for rival groups, particularly Jamaat-e-Islami. The BNP’s standing committee has clarified that the announced list is provisional and subject to reassessment based on local reports. However, prolonged uncertainty and internal discord risk undermining the party’s election preparedness, as both nominated and excluded leaders continue to spend heavily on parallel campaigns.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur announced that within the next 18 months, all financial institutions in Bangladesh—including banks, mobile financial services (MFS), insurance, and microfinance organizations—will be connected through an interoperable transaction system. Speaking at an event titled ‘Instant Payment in Bangladesh: Unveiling Inclusion Opportunities,’ jointly organized by Bangladesh Bank and the Gates Foundation, he said the initiative aims to reduce cash dependency and promote transparency in financial transactions. The new Interoperable Instant Payment System (IIPS) will operate under the National Payment Switch Bangladesh (NPSB) framework, supported by open-source software Mojaloop. The governor emphasized that the system will enhance revenue collection and bring all financial entities under one digital channel. Although IIPS was launched earlier this month, many institutions have yet to join. The central bank plans to make the platform fully operational by July 2027, aiming to transition the country toward a cashless economy.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of Bangladesh has released the draft of the Saint Martin Master Plan and the draft directive on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic waste management 2025 for public review. The Saint Martin Master Plan aims to regulate uncontrolled tourism, protect the fragile environment, and ensure sustainable management of the ecologically sensitive island. The draft is available on the ministry’s official website, and stakeholders, including ministries, agencies, and the public, have been invited to submit written feedback via email to env2@moefcc.gov.bd by December 20, 2024. Similarly, opinions on the EPR directive draft can be sent to env3@moefcc.gov.bd by December 20, 2025. The ministry expects that collective input will help finalize effective and practical strategies to safeguard the island’s coastal ecosystem and address the country’s growing plastic waste challenges.

Bangladesh has inaugurated its first specialized dental unit designed exclusively for children with special needs, marking a milestone in inclusive healthcare. The unit, launched at Faith Bangladesh’s Lalmatia campus in Dhaka, aims to provide safe, child-sensitive, and advanced dental care, including anesthesia-assisted procedures rarely available in regular clinics. The inauguration ceremony was attended by former Additional Secretary and Janata Bank Director Dr. Md. Shahadat Hossain, and Additional Secretary of the ICT Ministry Md. Zahirul Islam, among others. Speakers emphasized the need to expand specialized healthcare services for the country’s estimated 1.6 to 1.8 million children with special needs. Faith Bangladesh’s Executive Director Nilufar Ahmed Karim highlighted the organization’s commitment to compassionate and inclusive health services. The organization also announced plans to introduce two additional specialized services — a dedicated eye care unit and an asthma center — to further support children with special needs and their families.

The National Pay Commission of Bangladesh has made significant progress in formulating a new salary structure for government employees, according to its chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan. Following a meeting with secretaries from various ministries on Monday, Khan said discussions were productive though not all secretaries attended. The commission expects to submit its report soon, possibly by the end of November. The government formed the commission on July 27 to recommend an updated pay scale for officials under the national salary framework. Badiul Kabir, president of the Bangladesh Secretariat Officers and Employees Council, warned that if the recommendations are not submitted by November 30, employees will announce larger protest programs from a December 5 rally. The commission’s recommendations will cover government, semi-government, autonomous, and state-owned institutions. Officials indicated that around half of the work has been completed, with final recommendations expected by late December if necessary.