The National Citizens Party (NCP) organized a protest march in Dhaka on Wednesday opposing the lockdown called by the banned Awami League. The demonstration began at the NCP headquarters near Bangla Motor and proceeded toward Shahbagh, with participation from members of the party’s central convening committee as well as student, youth, labor, and women’s wings. During the rally, NCP leaders declared they were not intimidated by what they termed fascist threats and vowed to resist any attempts to create unrest. Meanwhile, police have been placed on high alert across the city in anticipation of possible tensions surrounding the Awami League’s lockdown program scheduled for Thursday.

Security measures at Saidpur Airport have been significantly strengthened following directives from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) amid nationwide concerns over possible unrest and arson. The airport has deployed the maximum number of security personnel, intensified passenger and baggage screening, and enhanced fire safety monitoring. Similar measures have been implemented at other domestic airports across the country, including Cox’s Bazar, Rajshahi, Jessore, Barishal, Cumilla, and Ishwardi. Authorities stated that the heightened security will remain in place until the upcoming parliamentary elections to ensure safe travel for passengers and prevent any untoward incidents during this sensitive period.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that the current crisis in Bangladesh was intentionally created without necessity. Speaking at a discussion marking National Revolution and Solidarity Day at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka, he said the crisis was designed to obstruct the country’s democratic transition and hinder fair elections. Fakhrul urged national leaders to unite against conspiracies and work toward building a truly democratic state. The event, attended virtually by BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, also featured senior BNP leaders and representatives from allied political parties, who echoed concerns about the political situation and called for collective action to restore democracy in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has expanded its investigation committee formed to probe the complaint lodged by former national women’s team captain Jahanara Alam. Initially comprising three members, the committee now includes five. The newly appointed members are Professor Dr. Naima Haque, former chair of Dhaka University’s Law Department and current member of the Bangladesh Law Commission, and Supreme Court senior advocate Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman Khan. The original committee, led by retired Supreme Court Justice Tariq-ul Hakim, also includes BCB director Rubaba Dowla and Bangladesh Women’s Sports Association president Barrister Sarwat Siraj Shukla. Jahanara had accused former women’s team selector and manager Manjurul Islam Manju of misconduct, prompting the BCB to form the committee. The board stated that the committee must submit its findings and recommendations within 15 working days.

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) has revoked the lifetime membership previously granted to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during its 2019 session. The decision was announced after DUCSU’s second general meeting held on Wednesday night. Vice President Sadiq Kayem stated that the membership was given illegally and beyond the DUCSU constitution through an undemocratic resolution in 2019. The meeting, chaired by Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor and DUCSU President Professor Niaz Ahmad Khan, was attended by the VP, GS, AGS, and other executive members. The resolution to cancel Hasina’s membership was unanimously approved, marking a symbolic move by the current student leadership to correct what they termed a procedural violation.

Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, general secretary of the Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party and a parliamentary candidate, stated that he does not wish to make any promises before the upcoming national election. Speaking at a meeting with local civil society members in Babuganj, Fuad emphasized his ongoing efforts to address issues such as river erosion, roads, and educational institutions. He criticized the former MP for failing to implement development projects in Babuganj and Muladi upazilas, claiming that he has already initiated projects worth several hundred crore taka under the current interim government. Fuad pledged that if elected, he would continue development activities in collaboration with local residents. The event was attended by local leaders, teachers, businesspeople, and youth representatives who shared their views on regional development.

Belgium has announced that Bangladeshi citizens will once again be able to apply for Belgian visas directly from Dhaka, eliminating the need to travel to New Delhi for the process. The service, which had been suspended since September at the Embassy of Sweden in Dhaka, will resume on November 16. According to an official notice from the Belgian Embassy in New Delhi, applications can now be submitted at Borak Mehnur, Level 7, 51/B Kamal Ataturk Avenue, Banani, Dhaka. Applicants must book appointments in advance. The visa center will remain open from Sunday to Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Previously, Bangladeshi applicants had to use the VFS Global office in India for both short- and long-term visa submissions. The move is expected to ease travel and administrative burdens for Bangladeshi travelers to Belgium.

A defamation case has been filed against former BNP lawmaker Mezba Uddin Farhad for allegedly making derogatory remarks about lawyers. The case was lodged by advocate Md. Selim Hossain, a member of the Barguna District Lawyers’ Association. According to the complaint, Farhad stated that those who practice law are 'tout and frauds,' a comment that was circulated on Facebook and YouTube on November 6. The Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate of Barguna, Md. Moniruzzaman, accepted the case and summoned Farhad to appear in court on December 24. The plaintiff claimed that the statement defamed the entire legal community, causing reputational damage worth Tk 5 crore. Farhad, a former MP from Barishal-4 constituency, could not be reached for comment despite multiple attempts.

Portugal is participating in Web Summit 2025 with 115 startups selected under the 'Road 2 Web Summit' program, which has already raised around €40 million in funding. The initiative aims to enhance international visibility and attract investment for local entrepreneurs. Startup Portugal, the national platform, supports startups through programs such as Startup Voucher and Startup Visa, helping new ventures and skilled talent thrive. According to project manager Carolina Valinho, Portugal is being celebrated as a European hub for entrepreneurship, offering a dynamic environment for innovation and expansion. Analyst Carolina Soja noted that Portugal serves as a central gateway to the European market, backed by accelerator programs and investment incentives. With seven unicorns, including Tekever recently joining the list, Portugal’s startup ecosystem continues to grow, positioning the country as a leading destination for digital entrepreneurs.

Petrobangla has intensified its gas exploration activities across Bangladesh with plans to drill 100 new wells by 2028 to address the country’s ongoing energy crisis. According to an official statement, 50 wells will be completed by 2025–26 and another 100 by 2026–28, including exploration and workover operations. The initiative involves BAPEX, SGFL, and BGFCL, with multiple rigs operating under both in-house and turnkey contracts. Recent discoveries include commercial gas in Jamalpur-1 and signs of crude oil in Sylhet’s Haripur field. Additional drilling is underway in Bhola to assess reserves and support the planned industrial hub there. Petrobangla expects the completion of 11 wells by early 2026 to add about 143 million cubic feet of gas per day, significantly strengthening domestic supply and reducing dependence on imports.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a case against former Akhaura municipality mayor and Awami League leader Md. Takjil Khalifa Kajol for allegedly amassing illegal wealth worth over Tk 21 million. The case was lodged on Tuesday at the Brahmanbaria District and Sessions Judge’s Special Tribunal by ACC Assistant Director Md. Tariqul Rahman. According to the ACC, Kajol, who served as mayor from 2012 to 2024, acquired extensive movable and immovable assets beyond his known income sources. His declared wealth statement, submitted in May 2024, did not match ACC findings. Investigations revealed total assets of Tk 38.3 million against legal income of Tk 17 million. The case was filed under Section 27(1) of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004. The ACC also found multiple land purchases, bank deposits, and business investments under Kajol’s name.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has initiated dismissal proceedings against Ananda Mondal, Assistant Director of the Flight Standards and Regulations (FSR) division, following multiple allegations of corruption, misconduct, fraud, and moral degradation. A departmental case has been filed under the 2021 service regulations, and Mondal has been asked to explain why he should not be terminated. Investigations confirmed that he accepted bribes for aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) license processing, misused his position, and engaged in unethical personal conduct, including falsely identifying a woman as his wife during a hotel stay. He also allegedly altered official documents and ignored directives while staying abroad without authorization. CAAB’s chairman has given him ten working days to respond. This follows a recent case involving another senior CAAB official accused of assault and harassment.

A passenger bus in Dholaipar, Dhaka, was set on fire by unidentified miscreants on Wednesday evening, according to the Fire Service. Two units from the Postogola station quickly responded and extinguished the blaze, preventing casualties. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The incident follows a series of similar attacks and explosions across the capital, including vehicle fires in Ramna, Uttara, Mirpur, and Mohammadpur since Tuesday night. Police attributed some earlier fires to mechanical faults, though several remain unexplained. Authorities are on alert as incidents involving petrol bombs and crude explosives have injured security personnel and damaged vehicles in multiple areas.

Police have rescued missing Bangladesh Bank Deputy Director Naimur Rahman from a residential hotel in Madaripur town. The operation took place on Tuesday night, November 11, at the Royal Rest House in the Purana Bazar area. The rescue was conducted by officers from Madaripur Sadar Police Station along with Executive Magistrate Naimur Rahman Sarkar. According to the magistrate, authorities acted on information that the missing official was staying at the hotel. The hotel manager said Rahman had checked in a day earlier, claiming to be seeking employment. Police confirmed that a general diary had been filed regarding his disappearance and that he will be handed over to the relevant police station. Rahman’s disappearance had sparked concern across the country, but he has now been found safe under police custody.

A Turkish C-130 military cargo plane en route from Azerbaijan to Turkey crashed near the Azerbaijan-Georgia border on Tuesday, according to Turkey’s Defense Ministry. The aircraft was carrying 20 Turkish soldiers, though no official confirmation of casualties or survivors has been released. Joint rescue operations involving Azerbaijani and Georgian authorities began immediately after the crash. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed deep sorrow and said efforts to reach the wreckage were ongoing. Senior Turkish officials, including the interior, foreign, and communications ministers, have coordinated with their Georgian counterparts. Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Ali Asadov conveyed condolences and pledged support in the rescue efforts. An investigation into the cause of the crash has been launched.