Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising and ordered the confiscation of all her and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal’s assets. According to affidavits submitted to the Election Commission before the 2024 national election, Sheikh Hasina declared assets worth about 43.4 million taka, including cash, bank deposits, savings certificates, jewelry, vehicles, and land in Gopalganj, Gazipur, and Rangpur. Asaduzzaman Khan declared assets worth approximately 102.5 million taka, comprising cash, bank deposits, bonds, vehicles, land, and properties. The tribunal’s order has sparked public curiosity about the extent of their wealth and the process of state takeover. The government has also warned against broadcasting statements from the convicted leaders. The verdict marks a major development in Bangladesh’s ongoing political and judicial upheaval following the July movement.

The interim government of Bangladesh has issued a stern warning against broadcasting or publishing statements from convicted and fugitive individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. A verified post from the Chief Adviser’s Office on Tuesday cited the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), which expressed concern over the circulation of what it described as false and inflammatory content by convicted persons through digital and electronic media. The NCSA stated that such content has been inciting violence, spreading hate speech, and undermining public order. It referenced the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025, which criminalizes the dissemination of hate or violence-inciting material online, with penalties including imprisonment and fines. The agency emphasized that law enforcement may take preventive measures, including content removal or blocking through the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC). The warning follows the International Crimes Tribunal’s November 2025 verdict sentencing Hasina to death for crimes against humanity during the July uprising.

The Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA) has issued a notice requesting educational institutions to submit information on vacant teaching positions for the upcoming special recruitment recommendation. According to the announcement released on Tuesday, November 18, institutions must submit their vacancy data online between November 19 and 28. Only vacancies that existed up to September 30 of the current year will be accepted. The initiative covers MPO-listed private schools, colleges, madrasas, technical, and business management institutions. After submitting the online vacancy demand, institutions are required to pay the associated fee within three days. The collected data will be used for NTRCA’s next round of entry-level teacher recruitment recommendations.

Pakistan’s leading newspaper Dawn published an editorial commenting on the death sentence handed to former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by a tribunal she had established during her rule. The editorial stated that Hasina, once a dominant political figure, was convicted of crimes against humanity by the International Crimes Tribunal after her government’s violent crackdown on mass protests in 2023. It noted that she fled to India in August 2024, calling the verdict biased and politically motivated. Dawn observed that the same tribunal had previously sentenced many of Hasina’s political opponents, including members of Jamaat-e-Islami and the BNP, to death, drawing criticism for partiality. The editorial further argued that Hasina’s government had become increasingly authoritarian, enriching allies and suppressing dissent, which eventually led to her downfall. It concluded that Bangladesh now faces a critical juncture, with an interim authority tasked with restoring full democratic governance ahead of the next election.

Japan has issued a security advisory for its citizens living in China as diplomatic tensions between the two countries intensify following remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about Taiwan. The Japanese embassy in Beijing urged nationals to remain vigilant, avoid crowded areas, and travel in groups whenever possible. Parents with children were asked to exercise extra caution and report any suspicious activity immediately. The advisory follows China’s warning to its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan after Tokyo suggested it might respond militarily if China attacks Taiwan. Both nations have exchanged formal protests, with Beijing accusing Japan of interfering in its internal affairs. The situation has sparked a verbal confrontation, with some Chinese officials making harsh comments perceived as threats. The Japanese government has refused to retract its stance, further straining bilateral relations between the two Asian powers.

Security forces, including the army, police, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), have been deployed at Dhanmondi 32 in Dhaka after protesters attempted to demolish Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s historic residence on Monday. The incident occurred on the day of the verdict in a war crimes case related to the July uprising. Demonstrators brought two excavators to the site but were stopped by security personnel, leading to several clashes. The protesters eventually left the area around 10 p.m. On Tuesday, police and BGB maintained barricades at the entrance of Road 32, while army vehicles were stationed near the house. Authorities confirmed that the excavators were removed overnight and that security remains tight around the premises. Earlier this year, parts of the house were damaged during previous unrest, including a fire incident on August 5, 2024.

In Sirajdikhan, Munshiganj, members of the banned Awami League-affiliated organizations Jubo League and Chhatra League organized a rally on Tuesday morning under police presence. The procession, led by Sirajdikhan Upazila Jubo League joint convener Zahidul Islam Litu, took place in Imamganj Bazar under the banner of the two prohibited groups. Witnesses said police vehicles accompanied the rally, raising controversy as the event occurred despite a ban on their political activities. The incident followed a day after the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and ex-Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death for alleged crimes related to the 2024 uprising that left over 1,400 people dead. The local police chief confirmed the rally but claimed officers were unaware of the gathering until it dispersed. The public expressed surprise at the open defiance of the ban in front of law enforcement.

Former US President Donald Trump has hinted at the possibility of launching a military strike in Mexico as part of his proposed war on drugs. According to NBC and Reuters, Trump has already prepared a draft plan for the operation, which would target drug labs and cartel members using drone strikes. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump questioned whether he could attack Mexico to stop drug trafficking, later asserting that he could. His remarks have triggered widespread criticism in both the United States and Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has strongly opposed any such action, warning that she would not tolerate attacks on Mexican territory. Analysts, including Jeff Garmany from the University of Melbourne, have noted that such a move could face legal challenges and may not yield significant results, given the entrenched power of Mexico’s drug cartels and the country’s long-standing struggle in its own war on drugs.

A writ petition has been filed in the High Court challenging the legality of the government-approved merger plan involving five Shariah-based private banks in Bangladesh—First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, Union Bank, EXIM Bank, and Social Islami Bank. The petition, submitted on behalf of investor Shahidul Islam by Barrister Mahsib Hossain, names the Bangladesh Bank governor and the finance secretary among the respondents. The merger proposal, approved on October 9 by an advisory council, aims to form a new Shariah-compliant entity tentatively named either United Islamic Bank or Sammilito Islamic Bank. The new bank would assume all assets and liabilities of the merged institutions, with an authorized capital of Tk 40,000 crore, including Tk 20,000 crore from the government. Bangladesh Bank recently appointed administrators to manage the financially weak banks, assuring depositors that their funds remain secure and that no employees will be dismissed during the restructuring process.

Sobhan, a resident of Dumki in Patuakhali, expressed emotional relief after the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity linked to last year’s July–August uprising. His son, Jasim, was shot dead by police during the protests at Mohammadpur intersection in Dhaka. Sobhan described the verdict as ‘true justice,’ saying it would bring peace to his son’s soul. Local residents view his reaction as symbolic of the broader sentiment among families who lost loved ones during the mass movement demanding justice and equality. The tribunal’s ruling marks a significant moment for victims’ families who had long awaited accountability for the violence that occurred during the anti-government uprising.

A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of immovable properties worth Tk 180.37 crore belonging to NASA Group Chairman Nazrul Islam Majumder, including 162 kathas of land in the Jalshiri Housing Project and 53 registered plots. The order was issued by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Foyez on Tuesday, November 18, following a petition by Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Assistant Director Shahjahan Miraj. The court also directed the freezing of Tk 2.02 crore across three bank accounts. The ACC alleged that Majumder amassed Tk 781 crore through misuse of power, bribery, and corruption, which are inconsistent with his known sources of income. Investigators claimed that he was attempting to transfer or sell his assets before the case’s resolution. The court acted under the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2002, and the ACC Rules, 2007, to prevent potential loss to the state.

A Dhaka court has ordered the freezing of 74 bank accounts associated with Tanvir Ahmed Mishuk, former managing director of mobile financial service provider Nagad Limited, and other related individuals and entities. The order was issued by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Foyez following a petition from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The CID sought the freeze to ensure an impartial investigation into allegations that Nagad officials and affiliates may have issued excess e-money, embezzled funds through fraudulent transactions, and laundered money abroad. The petition also raised suspicions of undervalued share transfers to foreign investors as part of possible money laundering. The accounts will remain frozen until the investigation concludes under the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012 (amended 2015). The court’s decision aims to prevent any transfer of funds that could obstruct the ongoing inquiry.

Dhaka will host the 24th International Qirat Conference Bangladesh–2025 on November 28 at the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram. The event, organized by the International Quran Recitation Organization ‘Iqra’ and sponsored by PHP Family with support from the Islamic Foundation Bangladesh, aims to promote Quran recitation globally. Distinguished reciters from Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan, Iran, and the Philippines will participate, including Sheikh Ahmad Al Jawhari, Sheikh Abdul Wali Arakani, Qari Anwarul Hasan Shah Bukhari, Qari Mahdi Gholamnejad, and Qari Muhammad Nair Asfar. The conference will be presided over by the eminent reciter Sheikh Ahmad bin Yusuf Al Azhari. Chief Guest will be Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain, while PHP Family Chairman Sufi Md. Mizanur Rahman will attend as chief patron. Special guests include Islamic Foundation Director General A. Halim Khan, Dhaka Deputy Commissioner Tanzil Ahmed, and DIG of Police Ejaz Ahmed. Diplomats from various countries are also expected to attend.

The Bangladesh government has issued the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, allowing the formation of trade unions with the consent of at least 20 workers in a factory. Previously, 20 percent of a factory’s workforce was required to form a union. The new ordinance specifies the number of workers needed for union registration based on total workforce size, ranging from 20 to 400. The amendment aims to modernize labor laws, align them with International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, and ensure greater balance between workers and employers. It extends labor law protections to domestic workers and sailors, prohibits blacklisting, strengthens measures against sexual harassment, enhances maternity benefits, and bans gender-based wage discrimination. The ordinance also introduces improved mechanisms for dispute resolution and establishes a fund for rehabilitation and medical support of injured workers. Officials described the reform as a landmark step toward international labor standards.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has expressed serious concern over the death sentence handed to former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal in absentia by the International Crimes Tribunal. In a statement issued from New York on November 17, HRW said the two were tried without being present and were not represented by lawyers of their choice, violating fair trial standards. The organization emphasized that accountability for abuses under Hasina’s administration must follow international justice norms. HRW also noted that former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, the third accused who testified as a prosecution witness, received a reduced five-year sentence. The group urged Bangladesh to ensure impartial investigations and credible trials. HRW further highlighted that the UN and Bangladesh had signed a memorandum to promote human rights, suggesting that a moratorium on executions would align with that commitment.