Twenty leaders and activists of Jamaat-e-Islami from Damurhuda upazila’s Darshana thana and municipality have joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The formal joining took place at the residence of Chuadanga District BNP President and central BNP Deputy Treasurer Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu in Andulbari village, Jibannagar upazila. Among the new members are Islamic scholar and Bangladesh Quran Education Foundation Vice President Maulana Nazmul Hasan Biplobi and Darshana Municipality Ward-7 Jamaat President Md Abdul Hamid. The event was attended by several BNP and affiliated organization leaders, including local youth and student wing representatives. The move is seen as part of BNP’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its grassroots presence in Chuadanga ahead of future political activities.

Russia’s first domestically produced AI-powered humanoid robot, named AIdol, fell during its public debut at a Moscow tech showcase, highlighting the country’s struggles in robotics amid Western sanctions. The robot, developed by startup Idol, lost balance shortly after walking onstage and was quickly removed by event staff. CEO Vladimir Vitukhin attributed the mishap to calibration issues caused by lighting interference with the robot’s stereo cameras. Despite the fall, AIdol reportedly sustained no damage and later stood upright with assistance. The robot can walk, manipulate objects, and communicate for up to six hours autonomously, with 77% of its components made in Russia. Idol aims to increase domestic content to 93% in future production. The incident underscores Russia’s lag behind global leaders like the U.S. and China in advanced robotics and AI development.

Two young men, identified as Rana and Shuvo, went missing after a trawler carrying 2,000 bags of cement sank in the Meghna River near Sonamoyee area of Baidyerbazar in Sonargaon, Narayanganj, on Thursday afternoon. The trawler, which departed from Aman Cement Factory bound for Barishal, reportedly developed a crack in its bottom while anchored mid-river, causing it to submerge along with the cargo. Fire Service divers from Sonargaon have launched a search operation to locate the missing men but have yet to find them despite hours of effort. Authorities suspect that water entered through the damaged hull, leading to the vessel’s sinking. Rescue operations are set to resume Friday morning as officials continue to investigate the cause of the accident.

A week before the fatal attack that killed Judge Mohammad Abdur Rahman’s teenage son in Rajshahi, the judge’s wife, Tasmin Nahar Lucy, had filed a general diary (GD) with Jalalabad Police Station in Sylhet, citing threats from the accused, Limon Mia. Lucy reported that Limon, a member of Quantum Foundation and a previous acquaintance, had repeatedly sought financial help from her and began issuing threats when she refused. Despite the GD being filed on November 6, police said the investigation could not begin as court approval was pending. On Thursday, Limon allegedly entered the family’s flat in Rajshahi and attacked Lucy and her son, killing the boy and injuring her. Police confirmed Limon was known to the family and is now under custody while hospitalized. Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has withdrawn the expulsion order against Siddhirganj Thana BNP General Secretary Md. Iqbal Hossain, nearly 11 months after he was removed from the party for alleged misconduct. A notice signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced that Iqbal has been reinstated as a primary member under the party’s constitution. Iqbal was expelled in December last year following an incident involving journalist Minhaj Aman, which was deemed a violation of party discipline. He later appealed for reconsideration, and the BNP leadership decided to restore his membership. Iqbal expressed gratitude for the decision, saying he accepted the earlier punishment and is now committed to working for the party’s success in upcoming elections.

The Bangladesh government has announced new appointments for divisional commissioners in four administrative divisions — Khulna, Rajshahi, Barishal, and Mymensingh. According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on Thursday night, Md. Moktar Hossain, previously the Mymensingh Divisional Commissioner, has been transferred to Khulna. Dr. A.N.M. Bazlur Rashid, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, has been appointed as Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner. Md. Mahfuzur Rahman, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, will serve as Barishal Divisional Commissioner, while Farah Shammi, Chairman of the Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation, has been assigned as Mymensingh Divisional Commissioner. The order was signed by Deputy Secretary Aminul Islam.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has not yet received any official communication regarding interim government chief adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s announcement to hold the next national parliamentary election and a referendum on the July Charter on the same day. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin told reporters that he had not heard Yunus’s speech and therefore could not comment without reviewing the details. He added that the EC would discuss the matter formally once it receives an official proposal and then provide its opinion. When asked whether organizing both events simultaneously would pose logistical challenges, the CEC declined to comment, emphasizing that any assessment should follow a formal review of the proposal. Yunus earlier declared in a televised address that both the election and referendum would take place concurrently.

Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Ramis Sen and Security Consular Colonel Borat Tasdelen paid a courtesy call on Major General Abdul Motaleb Sajjad Mahmud, Director General of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP), at the Ansar headquarters. During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh Ansar and Turkey’s Gendarmerie Force. The discussions focused on strengthening technical capabilities, expanding training programs, and exploring new areas of collaboration under TIKA initiatives. Ambassador Sen expressed particular interest in Ansar-VDP’s skill development and entrepreneurship programs aimed at improving members’ livelihoods. The meeting was seen as a step toward deepening Bangladesh-Turkey relations in security, training, and development sectors. Additional Director General Brigadier General Fida Mahmud was also present at the meeting.

The Bangladesh government has approved two new ordinances to combat fraud, manipulation, and malpractice in air ticket sales. Under the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 and the Bangladesh Travel Agency (Registration and Control) (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, offenders may face up to one year in jail or a fine of up to 1 million taka. The laws introduce 11 new grounds for suspending or canceling travel agency licenses, including overpricing, unauthorized transactions, and altering passenger data after booking. Agencies must now display ticket prices clearly, and digital distribution systems must be registered. The ordinances also empower authorities to impose temporary travel bans on offenders and promote transparency through AI and blockchain use. Officials say the reforms aim to protect migrant workers, ensure fair pricing, and modernize Bangladesh’s aviation sector.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard intercepted a major smuggling attempt of pulses and cement being transported to Myanmar by sea. Acting on a tip-off, the Coast Guard launched a special operation near the southwest coast of Saint Martin’s Island and seized two fishing trawlers carrying 600 sacks of peas and 650 sacks of cement, valued at approximately Tk 3.36 million. Twenty-two individuals were detained during the operation. Officials stated that the goods were being smuggled to Myanmar to evade taxes and customs duties. The seized items and detainees have been handed over to the local police station for further legal action. The Coast Guard confirmed that similar anti-smuggling operations will continue to prevent illegal cross-border trade in the region.

The Bangladesh government has issued a new directive prohibiting real estate developers from charging any fees during the transfer, resale, or registration of land and flats already sold under registered deeds. The Ministry of Housing and Public Works announced the decision on November 12 to reduce harassment and financial exploitation of buyers and sellers. The circular clarifies that any demand for money by developers during name transfers or approvals is illegal. Violators will face action under the Real Estate Development and Management Act, its regulations, and other applicable laws. The move aims to ensure transparency and protect property owners from undue charges often imposed by developers during subsequent ownership transfers.

The Islami Andolan Bangladesh, led by the Pir of Charmonai, is emerging as a formidable contender in three key constituencies of the Barishal region—Barishal-5 (Sadar), Pirojpur-3 (Mathbaria), and Patuakhali-4 (Kalapara-Rangabali). The party’s deputy chief, Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim, is contesting against veteran BNP leader and five-time MP Mojibur Rahman Sarwar in Barishal-5, a traditional BNP stronghold. Analysts suggest that if Jamaat-e-Islami and other Islamist groups unite with Islami Andolan, it could significantly challenge BNP’s dominance. The Islami Andolan has shown growing voter support, securing around 30,000–33,000 votes in recent local elections. Party leaders claim voters will prioritize clean candidates over party loyalty, while BNP leaders remain confident of retaining the seat. Observers see this as one of Sarwar’s toughest political tests.

A teenage gang leader named Fahim Ahmed was killed in a violent turf war between rival youth gangs in Sylhet city. Before dying at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, Fahim recorded a video naming his attackers, which quickly went viral on social media. Police have launched raids based on his statement and collected video evidence to identify those involved. Fahim’s elder brother, Mamun Ahmed, previously led the same gang and is currently in jail facing multiple criminal charges. After Mamun’s arrest, Fahim took control of the group, leading to renewed clashes with rival gangs. Locals claim both groups enjoy political backing, hampering law enforcement efforts. Authorities have increased police presence in Baluchar area amid fears of retaliation and further violence.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a case against former Dhaka South City Corporation mayor Mohammad Sayeed Khokon, his sister Shahana Hanif, and their employee Md Raju Ahmed over allegations of laundering Tk 54.78 crore. The case was lodged at the ACC’s Integrated District Office, Dhaka-1, following an investigation that found preliminary evidence of money laundering through multiple bank accounts. According to the case statement, funds were transferred through seven accounts in City Bank, EXIM Bank, and Premier Bank under the names of Shahana Hanif and Sayeed Khokon Properties Ltd. The ACC alleges that false information was provided while opening the accounts and that the transactions were structured to conceal the illicit origin of the funds. The accused have been charged under sections of the Penal Code, the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the Money Laundering Prevention Act.

Leaders from eight Islamic political parties in Bangladesh accused the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus of failing to confront what they termed 'fascist forces' and their allies. Speaking at a rally in Comilla’s Town Hall, they declared that their parties would not participate in any election without the implementation of the July Charter and a national referendum. The speakers, including senior figures from Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, and Khelafat Majlis, said the people of Bangladesh would not accept elections that disregard these demands. The gathering was organized to protest against alleged acts of sabotage and subversive activities by fascist elements, and to call for stronger resistance against them. The event was chaired by Kazi Din Mohammad, the city chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Comilla.