Bangladesh’s Economic Affairs Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed announced that the government will procure 17,000 shotguns for Ansar forces before the upcoming national elections to replace outdated weapons. The decision was made at a meeting of the Economic Affairs Advisory Committee on November 18. He also stated that the earlier plan to buy 40,000 body-worn cameras for polling centers will be revised, with cameras now to be deployed only at high-risk centers. The procurement process will be conducted transparently, with coordination between the Election Commission and the Ministry of Home Affairs. Additionally, the government approved funds to purchase one crore e-passport books due to rising demand and will procure EPI vaccines amid supply concerns. To stabilize food prices ahead of Ramadan, rice and wheat imports will also be arranged.

Leaders of Bangladesh’s opposition youth wing, Jubo Dal, have alleged that the killing of their leader Golam Kibria was a politically motivated act intended to derail the upcoming February national election and undermine the electoral environment. Speaking at a meeting organized by the South Jubo Dal at the Diploma Engineering Institute in Dhaka, they stated that Kibria’s murder was not an isolated incident but part of a broader attempt to create instability. The leaders urged the government to intensify efforts to arrest the perpetrators and warned that Jubo Dal would take to the streets if provoked. They emphasized the need for a swiftly elected government to steer the country out of crisis and accused certain groups of manipulating the political process to delay the polls. The meeting concluded with a rally from Kakrail to Nayapaltan, where participants pledged to work for the victory of candidates representing the BNP’s electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf.

Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah, widely known across Bangladesh as the 'Humanitarian DC', officially assumed office on Tuesday, November 18, as the 34th Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Chattogram. He took over from Acting DC Md Kamruzzaman in a formal handover ceremony. Previously, Zahidul served successfully as DC in Rajbari and Narayanganj, where he earned national recognition for his compassionate administrative initiatives. His tenure in Narayanganj included extensive welfare programs for underprivileged groups, support for injured activists, and community development projects such as the 'Green and Clean Narayanganj' campaign. Upon taking charge in Chattogram, Zahidul pledged to establish a people-oriented and humane administration, emphasizing professionalism, good governance, and cooperation from all sectors. Born in Tangail in 1979, Zahidul is a 25th BCS officer with academic credentials from the University of Dhaka and the UK. His appointment has been welcomed as a continuation of his reputation for empathy and effective public service.

A Dhaka court has ordered the freezing of 33 bank accounts belonging to former Home Minister and ex-chairman of Farmers Bank Limited, Dr. Mahiuddin Khan Alamgir, and his wife Sitara Alamgir. The order was issued by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Foyez following a petition from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The ACC alleged that the couple attempted to withdraw and transfer funds from their accounts to conceal illegally obtained money. Investigators suspect the accounts were used for money laundering between 2009 and September 2024, involving over Tk 216 crore and foreign currency transactions. The freeze was imposed under the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012, and the ACC Rules, 2007, to ensure a fair investigation. The ACC had earlier filed a case against the couple on November 12, accusing them of concealing the sources and ownership of illicit wealth.

A Dhaka court has authorized the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to obtain income tax records of Awami League Presidium Member and former MP Kazi Zafar Ullah, his wife Nilufar Zafar Ullah, and their children. The order, issued by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Foyez, directs the Tax Zone-8 office to provide copies of the family’s tax files from 2008 to 2025. The CID sought the records as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering, fraud, and extortion involving Kazi Zafar Ullah and his associates. According to the CID’s application, the accused are suspected of acquiring substantial movable and immovable assets through illicit means and transferring funds to foreign destinations, including the British Virgin Islands, the United Kingdom, and Dubai. Additional Public Prosecutor Mostafa Sarowar Murad represented the state during the hearing, after which the court granted the request.

A total of 170 Bangladeshi nationals detained or staying irregularly in Libya have been repatriated to Bangladesh through a coordinated effort involving the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The returnees arrived in Dhaka on a chartered Buraq Air flight on November 18. Most of them had entered Libya in hopes of reaching Europe illegally by sea, often falling victim to human trafficking, abduction, and physical abuse. Upon arrival, officials from the ministries and IOM welcomed them and urged them to share their experiences to raise awareness against irregular migration. IOM provided each returnee with travel allowances, food, and basic medical assistance. Authorities confirmed that this repatriation is part of an ongoing initiative to safely return Bangladeshi detainees from Libyan detention centers.

A Dhaka court has ordered the freezing of over 46.4 million shares held in Meghna Bank under the names of three individuals linked to former land minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury Javed. The order, issued by Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Md Sabbir Foyez, follows a petition from the Criminal Investigation Department’s Financial Crimes Unit. The accused—Imrana Zaman Chowdhury, former director of Meghna Bank PLC; Utpal Pal, managing director of Steadfast Management Trading Ltd; and Nasim Uddin Mohammad Adil, a director of the same firm—allegedly used illicit funds to purchase shares worth about 599.5 million taka. Investigators claim the money originated from foreign transfers via Singapore and Dubai and was later funneled into local bank accounts to conceal its illegal source. The court ruled that freezing the shares was necessary to prevent the accused from liquidating assets and obstructing the ongoing money laundering investigation under the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012.

European Union Defence and Space Commissioner Andrius Kubilius has warned that Europe remains inadequately prepared to counter Russia’s modern drone attacks. Speaking in Vilnius, Lithuania, he said the continent’s detection, defense, and interception systems are still insufficient, even after Russia’s recent drone strike on Poland. Kubilius emphasized that while Russia is learning from its operations, Europe has yet to adapt effectively. He urged EU nations to learn from Ukraine’s battlefield experience to strengthen their defense capabilities, warning that failure to do so would be a historic mistake that could weaken both Europe and Ukraine. Following intelligence warnings about possible Russian aggression toward NATO members, the EU and NATO have begun reinforcing their eastern defenses, deploying additional troops and expanding anti-drone systems along the alliance’s eastern flank.

The copies of the death sentences handed down to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal will not be sent to relevant government offices today, according to the International Crimes Tribunal-1 administration. The delay is attributed to the illness of the tribunal’s chairman. The verdict, delivered on Monday, sentenced Hasina and Kamal to death for crimes against humanity linked to last year’s July uprising, while former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun received a five-year prison term as a state witness. The Home and Foreign Ministries were scheduled to receive the verdict copies on Tuesday to initiate extradition and Interpol warrant procedures. Hasina and Kamal are currently in India as fugitives. The tribunal found them guilty of multiple charges, including incitement, ordering lethal force against protesters, and killings in Rangpur, Dhaka, and Ashulia.

Supporters of opposition groups including NCP, Chhatra Dal, and Shibir held a celebratory rally and distributed sweets in Raipur, Lakshmipur, following the International Crimes Tribunal’s verdict sentencing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity committed during the July Movement. The event took place on Monday night at Raipur Traffic Mor, where hundreds of activists joined the procession. Family members of victims from the July Movement expressed satisfaction, calling the verdict long-awaited justice. Local BNP and Jamaat-backed candidates also welcomed the ruling, describing it as a reflection of justice. Leaders demanded that Sheikh Hasina be brought back from India to implement the verdict swiftly. The town witnessed a festive atmosphere, while police and RAB maintained heightened security to prevent unrest.

Pakistan’s ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi praised Babar Azam as the 'backbone' of the national team after securing a series victory against Sri Lanka at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. Afridi highlighted the team’s unity as the key to success and lauded Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan for their leadership and consistent performances. He expressed satisfaction at Babar’s return to form with a century and commended Rizwan’s senior role. Afridi also appreciated Wasim Junior’s comeback performance after injury, emphasizing the bowlers’ ability to change the course of matches. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s batting coach Julian Wood acknowledged Pakistan’s superior performance and praised the Rawalpindi crowd’s support. He admitted Sri Lanka’s early batting collapse cost them the final ODI but stressed the importance of focusing on World Cup preparations and adapting strategies for the upcoming T20 tri-series.

A major fire broke out early Tuesday morning in the Bou Bazar area of Tongi, Gazipur, burning down six warehouses storing jute and plastic sacks. According to eyewitnesses, the blaze started suddenly around 6 a.m. and quickly spread to nearby warehouses. Three units of the Fire Service and Civil Defence responded promptly and managed to bring the fire under control after about an hour of effort. Senior Station Officer Shahin Alam of Tongi Fire Service confirmed that no casualties occurred in the incident. All stored goods, including jute and plastic sacks, were completely destroyed. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the fire or assess the extent of the damage, and an investigation is underway to identify the source and evaluate losses.

Indian Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has voiced serious concern over the death sentence handed to Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by the International Crimes Tribunal. The tribunal sentenced Hasina, who fled to India after a popular uprising in August last year, to death on charges of crimes against humanity. Former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal received the same verdict. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Tharoor said he does not believe in capital punishment anywhere and found the ruling deeply distressing. He added that while it is not appropriate to comment on another country’s judiciary, he does not view the development positively and considers it worrying. His remarks followed earlier reactions from Indian political figures, including BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, who alleged that the verdict was influenced by Pakistan. The case has drawn significant attention in both Bangladesh and India.

The BCS Information Association has protested the appointment of two BCS (Administration) cadre officers as First Secretary (Press) in Bangladesh’s foreign missions in Kuala Lumpur and Dubai. In a statement signed by Vice President Mohammad Ali Sarkar and General Secretary Md Mamunur Rashid, the association expressed concern over the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s decision issued on November 16. The association argued that such positions have traditionally been held by officers from the BCS (Information-General) cadre, who are trained in media and public relations. It also cited the ministry’s earlier job circular from January 13, which stated that candidates with experience in media and public communication would be given preference. The association urged the authorities to reconsider and revoke the appointments, emphasizing that the duties of the press wing align with the expertise of the information cadre officers.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, has defended the interim government’s performance, highlighting its achievements over the past fifteen and a half months. In a Facebook post on November 18, Alam responded to widespread criticism and satire on social media that labeled the administration as weak and ineffective. He acknowledged that many view the government as inexperienced and unable to manage protests or implement laws effectively, yet he argued that it has achieved more than any previous administration in such a short time. Despite being dismissed as a transitional authority, Alam described the government as one of the most significant in Bangladesh’s recent history, claiming it fulfilled nearly all its objectives. His remarks come amid ongoing debates about the interim government’s legitimacy, capacity, and long-term impact on Bangladesh’s governance and political stability.