A 5.7 magnitude earthquake that struck near Dhaka on Friday, with its epicenter in Madhabdi, Narsingdi, has left at least ten people dead and over 500 injured across Bangladesh. The quake, originating about 10 kilometers underground, was felt by nearly 70 million people, according to the US Geological Survey. Experts attribute the tremor to movement between the Indian and Burmese tectonic plates, warning that the region has been accumulating seismic energy for over 800 years. Professor Syed Humayun Akhter of Dhaka University cautioned that the quake indicates a potential for a much larger event, possibly between magnitude 8.2 and 9, as the locked plate segment has begun to release energy. A smaller aftershock of magnitude 3.3 was recorded in nearby Palash on Saturday. Authorities and seismologists are urging immediate preparedness measures, warning that a major quake could devastate densely populated Dhaka due to unplanned urbanization and structural vulnerabilities.

Bangladesh and Bhutan signed two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) following a bilateral meeting between Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay in Dhaka. The first MoU focuses on the recruitment of health professionals, signed between Bangladesh’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Bhutan’s Ministry of Health. The second MoU covers trade in international internet bandwidth and other telecommunication services, signed between Bangladesh’s Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and Bhutan’s Royal Government. The signing ceremony was witnessed by both leaders after formal bilateral discussions at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon. Prime Minister Tobgay arrived in Dhaka earlier in the day for a two-day official visit, during which he paid tribute at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar and met with senior Bangladeshi officials. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation in health, digital connectivity, and trade.

Google has taken a major step in artificial intelligence by integrating its newly launched Gemini 3 model directly into its search service. Announced by Alphabet in San Francisco on November 22, this marks the first time a new Gemini version has been activated on the same day as its release. CEO Sundar Pichai described Gemini 3 as Google’s most advanced and intelligent model to date, offering users immediate benefits. The company claims Gemini 3 leads international AI benchmarks and outperforms several major tech rivals. Alongside the model, Google introduced the Gemini Agent, capable of handling complex tasks such as drafting job applications, organizing emails, planning trips, and analyzing personal data for decision-making. The Gemini app now displays responses in a more interactive, visually rich format. Analysts suggest this move brings Google closer to its vision of a universal AI assistant and signals a shift in AI competition toward real-world revenue generation, particularly through Google’s expanding cloud and search services.

Religious advisor Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain emphasized the importance of integrating religious teachings with modern education to build a morally strong society. Speaking at the annual gathering and certificate ceremony of Assunnah Model Madrasa in Chattogram, he warned that education without religion could lead people astray. Dr. Hossain also mentioned that the government is preparing for a free, fair, and festive national election in February 2026, promising a smooth transfer of power to the elected representatives. He urged the youth to take responsibility in shaping Bangladesh into an ideal state free from corruption, bribery, and exploitation. Other scholars and religious leaders, including professors from the University of Chittagong and Islamic institutions, also spoke at the event. The ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates to students who passed the 2025 annual examination of the madrasa’s Hifz department.

The BBC’s internal turmoil intensified as board member Sumit Banerjee resigned, citing governance issues following the recent 'Panorama' controversy. His departure comes after Director-General Tim Davie and Head of News Deborah Turness stepped down earlier in November. Banerjee stated in his resignation letter that he had not been consulted about the decisions involving Davie and Turness. The dispute stems from a 'Panorama' episode that allegedly manipulated footage from a 2021 speech by former U.S. President Donald Trump, sparking widespread criticism and internal dissent. The BBC confirmed Banerjee’s resignation, noting his term as a non-executive director was due to end in December. The board, responsible for overseeing the broadcaster’s strategy and ensuring its public service mission, is now under scrutiny for its handling of the crisis. Banerjee, who joined the board in 2022, is a technology consultant and investor. The BBC said the search for his replacement is already underway.

Dhaka experienced another earthquake on Saturday evening at 6:06 PM, marking the third tremor in less than 36 hours. The latest quake measured 3.7 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter located about three miles from the capital and a depth of 6.2 miles. Earlier, on Friday morning, a stronger 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck with its epicenter in Madhabdi, Narsingdi, shaking both Bangladesh and parts of India. The initial quake caused significant damage, killing 10 people, including a child, and injuring over 460 others across five districts—Dhaka, Narayanganj, Narsingdi, Gazipur, and Magura. A smaller 3.3 magnitude tremor was also recorded Saturday morning in Palash, Narsingdi. Authorities are assessing structural damage and continuing rescue and relief operations in affected areas. Residents remain on alert as aftershocks continue to be felt across the region.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has accused the government of showing negligence and weakness in addressing crime and terrorism across Bangladesh. Speaking after paying respects at the tomb of party founder Ziaur Rahman with the newly formed Rajshahi city BNP committee, Rizvi claimed that while there are no state-sponsored abductions or killings, terrorist activities continue unchecked. He linked the recent killing of Jubo Dal leader Kibria to the government’s failure to act decisively. Rizvi also expressed concern over the recent earthquake that killed ten people, blaming unregulated high-rise construction for increasing risks in Dhaka. Earlier, he visited BNP candidate Ershad Ullah in hospital after the latter was shot during campaign activities in Chattogram-8 constituency. Rizvi condemned the attack as an attempt on Ershad Ullah’s life and demanded immediate arrest and legal action against those responsible.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has stated that Bangladesh’s struggle to restore democracy is not yet over and called for unity among all political forces to ensure a free and fair election. Speaking at a discussion organized by Zia Parishad at the National Press Club, he emphasized that BNP and democracy are interdependent and one cannot sustain without the other. Khosru highlighted the historical role of Ziaur Rahman in the country’s independence, governance, and democratic reforms. He accused anti-democratic groups of conspiring to obstruct or delay elections to serve their own interests. According to him, the people of Bangladesh are waiting for a fair election expected in early February. He also criticized attempts to impose demands through coercion, urging all parties to present their agendas to the public through election manifestos rather than forceful means.

Turkey is taking a diplomatic initiative to ease escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban government by sending a high-level delegation to Islamabad next week. Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Irfan Neziroglu confirmed the visit, which will include key ministers and intelligence officials, such as Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar. The mission aims to promote dialogue and prevent Afghan territory from being used for terrorist attacks against Pakistan. The move follows earlier Istanbul meetings between Pakistan and Afghanistan that ended without agreement due to Kabul’s reluctance to act against militant groups. Tensions have surged since October 12, when Taliban and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters attacked Pakistani forces, prompting retaliatory strikes that killed over 200 militants. Despite temporary ceasefire talks in Doha and Istanbul, progress remains limited. Turkey’s mediation seeks to restore trust and ensure regional stability through peaceful means.

Bangladesh Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah has expressed optimism that a record number of international observers will attend the country’s upcoming 13th parliamentary election. Speaking at a workshop organized by the Asian Network for Free Elections in Dhaka’s Gulshan area, he described the election as a new chapter in Bangladesh’s democratic journey. Sanaullah said that foreign observers typically attend participatory elections and that applications will be processed through embassies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also mentioned that over 300 applications have been received from local organizations, with around 80 approved to act as observers—significantly more than in previous elections. The minimum age for observers has been lowered from 24 to 21 to encourage youth participation, accompanied by training programs. Sanaullah further noted that the misuse of AI and the spread of misinformation on social media pose major challenges to ensuring a free and fair election, but expressed confidence that cooperation among all stakeholders can overcome these issues.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is facing a major diplomatic dilemma after former US President Donald Trump proposed a 28-point plan to end the Ukraine war. The plan reportedly demands that Ukraine cede the entire Donbas region to Russia, reduce its military size, abandon NATO membership ambitions, and grant Russian language official status. In return, Ukraine would receive Western security guarantees. Zelensky warned in a national address that Ukraine must now choose between accepting Washington’s '28 tough conditions' or risking a breakdown in relations with its key ally, the United States. Reuters reported that Trump’s administration has threatened to cut off intelligence and military support if Kyiv rejects the proposal. Zelensky confirmed receiving a new peace offer from Washington but withheld details, saying consultations with US and European partners are ongoing. He emphasized that Ukraine will propose alternatives that protect national interests without appearing unwilling to pursue peace.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain stated that Bangladesh will pursue an independent and responsible course amid global geopolitical restructuring, prioritizing national interests and regional stability over alignment with any power bloc. Speaking at the opening of the 'Bay of Bengal Conversation 2025' organized by the Center for Governance Studies in Dhaka, he emphasized that Bangladesh aims to play an active and sovereign role in the evolving international order. Hossain highlighted the Bay of Bengal’s growing strategic importance and called for stronger multilateral and regional institutions to address global crises. He also warned about the misuse of information, deepfakes, and AI-driven influence in diplomacy and governance, stressing the need for regulatory frameworks that balance security and rights. Addressing economic and climate challenges, he urged regional cooperation, diversification, and resilience-building among coastal nations. The conference’s theme, 'Rivalry, Rupture, Restructuring,' reflects discussions on global competition, alliances, information warfare, artificial intelligence, and climate change.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that the upcoming national election will mark a new chapter in the country's political history. Speaking at the National Representative Conference of Mushlihin in Neserabad, Jhalakathi, he warned against any attempts at vote manipulation or polling center occupation, saying such actions would face strong resistance. Rahman emphasized continued struggle against oppression, fascism, and efforts to divide the nation, urging all Islamic forces to remain united for the cause of Islam. The event was attended by several Islamic and political leaders, including Charmonai Pir Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, who echoed the call for unity among Islamic parties to ensure electoral success. Thousands of devout Muslims participated in the gathering, which was presided over by Maulana Khalilur Rahman, Amir of Mushlihin.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has warned that those attempting to claim ownership of the spirit of the July 2024 student-led mass uprising for political purposes will face negative consequences. Speaking at a rally organized by the Bangladesh Nationalist Freedom Fighters’ Council at the Central Shaheed Minar, he emphasized that the uprising was the culmination of years of struggle, not merely a short-term movement. The 2024 uprising, which began with student protests demanding quota reform, led to the fall of the Awami League government and the exile of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Salahuddin accused the Awami League of monopolizing national ideals and warned that similar attempts to control the uprising’s legacy would fail. He reiterated that the movement’s spirit belongs to all pro-democracy citizens. Other BNP leaders, including Ishteak Aziz Ulfat, Abdus Salam, Zainul Abedin Faruk, and Ishraq Hossain, also attended the event.

A fire broke out on Saturday afternoon at a multi-storey commercial building in Dhaka’s Segunbagicha area. According to the Fire Service and Civil Defence, the blaze started on the ninth floor of a 10-storey building around 3:00 p.m. The first unit from Siddikbazar Fire Station reached the scene at 3:14 p.m., followed by four additional units. After coordinated efforts by all five units, the fire was brought under control around 3:30 p.m. No casualties were reported immediately, and the cause of the fire as well as the extent of damage remain unknown. Authorities are investigating the incident to determine what triggered the blaze. The fire service has urged building owners to ensure proper fire safety measures in commercial properties to prevent similar incidents in the future.