Dhaka College Science Club (DCSC) organized the ‘Intra Science Festival 2025 & Freshers’ Orientation’, bringing together new and senior students in a lively celebration of creativity and scientific spirit. The event was sponsored by Dhaka College Principal Professor A. K. M. Elias and attended by BUET Professor Dr. Mostafa Akbar as chief guest. Special guests included Professor Ehsan Haque from the University of Rochester, Associate Lecturer Nabi Newaz Khan Shomin from BRAC University, and A. K. M. Rafiqul Alam, Secretary of the Dhaka College Teachers’ Council. The festival featured diverse competitions such as Rubik’s Cube solving, sci-fi writing, photography, gaming, calculus combat, IQ tests with criminal case solving, sudoku races, science olympiad, and event design contests. Winners received awards and certificates. The event venue was filled with enthusiasm and innovation as students showcased their talent and creativity. Principal Elias expressed hopes for an even grander festival in the future to inspire students toward creativity and national contribution.

Dr. Tasnim Jara, senior joint member secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has criticized Jamaat-e-Islami for its inconsistent position on reducing women’s working hours. Speaking at a discussion titled 'Women in Building Democracy: What Have We Achieved?' held at the Bijoy Auditorium in Dhaka on November 15, she said such debates are disappointing when the focus should be on empowering women in the workforce. Jara noted that after the mass uprising, there was an opportunity to reform the reserved seats for women in parliament, but political parties failed to reach consensus. She emphasized the need to ensure equal participation of urban and rural women in policymaking and questioned why women would join politics if the environment remains unsafe. Another NCP leader, Samanta Sharmin, added that Bangladesh’s political process is dominated by money, muscle, and male power, leaving little room for marginalized women to participate in decision-making.

At least 35 female workers fell ill due to an oxygen shortage at the Haizington China Hair Company located in the Ishwardi Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Pabna, Bangladesh. The incident occurred around noon on Saturday, November 15, after the air conditioning system on the factory’s fourth floor remained off for an extended period, causing oxygen levels to drop significantly. According to company officials, 34 workers became seriously ill and were initially taken to the BEPZA Hospital, while others were admitted to the Ishwardi Upazila Health Complex. Later, all 15 workers from BEPZA Hospital were transferred to the Upazila Health Complex for further treatment. The company’s administration stated that the oxygen drop triggered panic among workers, worsening the situation. Health officials confirmed that all patients are receiving treatment and that no major casualties are expected.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has dismissed as entirely false and malicious recent media reports claiming that Lamia Morshed, Lutfe Siddiqui, and his sister Husna Siddiqui were being considered for ambassadorial appointments. In a Facebook post, Alam criticized the report published by the newspaper Manabzamin, calling it unprofessional, irresponsible, and defamatory. He said the report lacked credible sources and used offensive language that insulted the dignity of diplomatic positions. Alam urged the newspaper to withdraw the report and issue a formal apology. Lamia Morshed also denied expressing any desire to join the diplomatic service, stating she remains committed to her current responsibilities and has no plans to seek government positions beyond her current role. The controversy arose after Manabzamin reported that the interim government was planning to appoint several individuals, including Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, as ambassadors to various countries.

BNP central leader and former minister Advocate Ruhul Kuddus Talukder Dulu claimed that a rival political party has begun conspiring after realizing the likely victory of the BNP’s election symbol, the 'Sheaf of Paddy'. Speaking at a campaign rally in Natore Sadar’s Panditgram Sabina Yasmin Chhobi High School field, Dulu said the nation is waiting for a free and fair election after nearly two decades of limited voting rights. He asserted that if people are allowed to vote freely, the BNP would return to power with a large majority. Dulu urged party activists to remain vigilant against any conspiracies aimed at undermining the electoral process. The rally, organized by the local BNP, was chaired by local leader Zainal Abedin and attended by several district BNP, Jubo Dal, and Chhatra Dal leaders, including Rahim Newaz, Saiful Islam Aftab, and former Natore mayor Kazi Shah Alam.

Students at Dhaka University staged a protest on Saturday evening demanding strict disciplinary action against Professor Dr. Ershad Halim of the Chemistry Department, who was arrested on allegations of sexually harassing male students. The demonstrators gathered in front of the Vice-Chancellor’s office, giving the university administration a 15-minute ultimatum to respond to their demands. The students insisted that the accused professor be permanently dismissed and that the administration publicly clarify what measures have been taken. Dr. Halim was detained from his residence in Shewrapara, Dhaka, on Thursday night following multiple complaints. The protest reflects growing frustration among students over how the university handles sexual misconduct cases, with calls for greater accountability and transparency within the institution’s disciplinary process.

A local BNP leader, Abul Kalam Zohir, 50, was hacked to death by unidentified assailants in Chandraganj, Lakshmipur, on Saturday night. The attack occurred around 8:30 p.m. in West Latifpur village under Chandraganj Union. Zohir, who served as the general secretary of ward no. 8 BNP, was found dead at the scene with severe injuries, and bullet shells were recovered nearby. Police confirmed the incident but have not yet identified the attackers or the motive. Locals suspect the killing may be linked to a power struggle or past enmities, as Zohir had previously been involved in drug and soil trading before returning to a normal life. Chandraganj BNP president Belal Hossain said he was unaware of the details but was investigating the matter. The murder has sparked tension in the area, and police are continuing their investigation.

A passenger bus traveling from Gazipur to Dhaka caught fire suddenly on Saturday night near the Hurricane area under Gacha Police Station along the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway. According to Gazipur Chowrasta Modern Fire Service Senior Station Officer Iqbal Hasan, two fire service units reached the scene and brought the blaze under control within 20 minutes. The bus was nearly 80 percent burned, but no casualties occurred as passengers managed to exit quickly. Witnesses said the fire appeared to start from the engine, and both the driver and helper were not found after the incident. Police suspect a mechanical fault caused the fire. Authorities are investigating the exact reason behind the blaze, which caused significant damage but no loss of life.

Jahangirnagar University (JU) authorities have announced a ban on all types of events on campus after 10 PM, citing the need to maintain peace, order, and security. The decision was communicated through a press release issued by the university’s Public Relations Office on Saturday, November 15. According to the statement, the restriction follows a resolution adopted in a previous syndicate meeting and will remain in effect until further notice. The university also warned that any event held beyond the permitted time would lead to disciplinary action against the organizers under existing university rules and regulations. Additionally, the notice instructed that sound levels during events must be kept within tolerable limits to avoid disturbance. The move aims to ensure a safe and peaceful environment for students, faculty, and staff on campus.

Former President Donald Trump has signaled a shift in his immigration stance, acknowledging the importance of H-1B visas for specialized labor just months after his administration imposed a $100,000 one-time fee per visa. In a Fox News interview, Trump said the U.S. workforce lacks certain technical skills, despite his earlier claims that foreign workers depress American wages. The fee, introduced in September, has drawn criticism from tech leaders like Y Combinator CEO Gary Tan, who warned it would harm startups. Nearly 400,000 H-1B visas were approved in fiscal 2024, double the number in 2020. Economists caution that Trump’s restrictive immigration policies could shrink the U.S. labor force by 15.7 million and reduce GDP growth by one-third over the next decade. Trump also referenced a recent ICE raid on a Hyundai plant in Georgia, which detained hundreds of South Korean workers and delayed production, admitting that such actions might have unintended economic consequences for U.S. manufacturing and innovation.

Eight-year-old Preyoshi Chakraborty from Tangail has been named the national champion in the music category (Group A) of the children's talent competition 'Notun Kuri'. The award ceremony took place on Thursday, November 13, at the Shapla Auditorium of the Chief Adviser’s Office, where Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus presented her with a trophy and a cash prize of three lakh taka. Preyoshi, a third-grade student at Shaheen Cadet, comes from a musically gifted family—her father Sanjoy Chakraborty Babul and mother Rakhi Chakraborty are both musicians, while her elder sister Shreyoshi Chakraborty has won five national music awards and is currently studying classical music at Delhi University under an ICCR scholarship. Preyoshi’s achievement has sparked widespread celebration in Tangail’s cultural community, with her family expressing hopes that both daughters will one day become timeless icons in Bangladeshi music.

Global gold prices fell sharply on Friday, November 14, following hawkish remarks from U.S. Federal Reserve officials that dampened expectations for an interest rate cut in December. Spot gold dropped 1.9% to $4,092.72 per ounce after falling more than 3% earlier in the session, while U.S. gold futures for December delivery declined 2.4% to $4,094.20. Analysts said the reduced likelihood of a rate cut increased pressure on gold and silver markets, triggering widespread selling across global equities. The ongoing U.S. government shutdown has also created a data vacuum, leaving both the Fed and traders uncertain ahead of next month’s policy meeting. According to the CME FedWatch Tool, the probability of a 25-basis-point rate cut in December has slipped from 50% to 46%. Meanwhile, physical gold demand in major Asian markets remained weak, and other precious metals such as silver, platinum, and palladium also saw declines despite maintaining weekly gains.

Several crude bomb explosions occurred in Dhaka on Saturday evening, causing panic but no casualties, according to police. Between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., four separate explosions took place near the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) office in Mirpur, under the Mirpur-12 metro station, and beneath the Madhubagh Bridge in Hatirjheel. Law enforcement officials confirmed that unidentified individuals detonated the devices before fleeing the scenes. One motorcycle caught fire following the Hatirjheel blast, but no injuries were reported. Police units from Mirpur, Hatirjheel, and Pallabi stations immediately cordoned off the affected areas and began investigations. Authorities are yet to determine the motive or identify those responsible. The incidents have raised security concerns in the capital, prompting heightened patrols and surveillance in key public areas.

A total of 30 national teams from across the globe have officially secured their places in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will feature 48 teams in total. From Europe, France, England, and Croatia have qualified by topping their respective groups. South America will be represented by six teams—Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Ecuador, and Paraguay—after dominant performances in the qualifiers. Host nation the United States and Mexico have confirmed their participation from North and Central America. Africa will send nine teams, including Algeria, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Egypt, Senegal, Tunisia, Cape Verde, and South Africa. From Asia, Japan, South Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, and Uzbekistan have secured their spots, while New Zealand will represent Oceania. With 18 places still open, the remaining teams will be determined through playoffs and final qualifying rounds in the coming months.

A violent clash broke out between students of Barishal Government Brojomohun (BM) College and transport workers at the Nathullabad bus terminal in Barishal on Saturday evening, following a dispute over the half fare policy. According to reports, students allegedly vandalized more than fifty buses after a student was physically assaulted by bus workers for demanding half fare. The incident escalated into a large-scale confrontation, leaving around fifty people, including students and workers, injured. Transport workers denied initiating any attack, claiming that students carried out the vandalism and assaulted several workers. Police have been deployed to the scene to bring the situation under control. The clash highlights ongoing tensions over student demands for discounted fares, a recurring issue in several parts of Bangladesh.