The International Crimes Tribunal has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising, sparking mixed reactions in her birthplace, Gopalganj, and nearby Tungipara. Local residents, political leaders, and civil society representatives expressed divergent views on the verdict. Some, including leaders of Udichi, Sujan, and Jamaat-e-Islami, welcomed the ruling as a step toward justice for victims of the uprising. Others, particularly from the banned Awami League, denounced the tribunal as illegitimate and politically motivated. Several individuals, including lawyers and freedom fighters, declined to comment, citing fear or uncertainty. Ordinary citizens, such as rickshaw pullers and transport workers, largely refrained from political opinions. The ruling marks the first time in Bangladesh’s history that a former prime minister has received a death sentence, a decision observers say could reshape the nation’s political landscape and accountability standards.

A writ petition has been filed in the High Court Division seeking removal of victim-blaming statements made by murder suspect Limon Mia while in police custody and circulated by media outlets. The petition, submitted by Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Bellal Hossain (Munshi Bellal), also demands a judicial investigation into the police officers responsible for allowing the statements and calls for immediate implementation of Supreme Court directives on judges’ security. The case stems from the November 13 killing of Rajshahi Metropolitan Sessions Judge Mohammad Abdur Rahman’s school-going son and the attempted murder of his wife. The accused’s video statement, recorded under police supervision and shared online, triggered tensions between the judiciary and police. Several police officers have been temporarily suspended for negligence. The writ names multiple government and law enforcement officials, including the Home Secretary, Law Secretary, and Inspector General of Police, as respondents. Hearing on the petition is expected next week.

Families of those killed during the July uprising across Bangladesh have expressed satisfaction with the court verdict sentencing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for alleged murder and crimes against humanity. However, they voiced concerns about whether the sentence will be carried out and urged the interim government to ensure its swift implementation. Many relatives stated that only the execution would bring peace to the souls of their loved ones, while others demanded that Hasina be brought back from India to face justice. Emotional reactions poured in from victims’ parents, spouses, and siblings across multiple districts, including Patuakhali, Magura, Gaibandha, Jamalpur, and Chattogram. Several family members described the verdict as divine justice but insisted that true closure would come only after the punishment is executed. They also called for ensuring that no more families suffer similar losses in the future. The overall sentiment among the families remains one of cautious relief mixed with a strong demand for timely justice.

Intermittent clashes broke out between student protesters and law enforcement agencies in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi 32 area on Monday night, continuing from around 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Witnesses said police fired sound grenades near Anwar Khan Modern Medical College Hospital as demonstrators advanced toward Dhanmondi 32. The army had earlier set up a security perimeter near Russell Square, which protesters attempted to cross, prompting renewed police action including baton charges and additional sound grenades. Several police officers and bystanders were reportedly injured. The unrest caused partial traffic disruption and left the area largely deserted. The tension spread to nearby neighborhoods such as Kalabagan, Panthapath, Sukrabad, and Sobhanbagh, where movement was temporarily halted. By 10 p.m., students were still positioned near Kalabagan and Dhanmondi Lake, while police and army units remained deployed from Russell Square to Metro Shopping Mall to maintain control.

Two schools in Netrakona Sadar upazila of Bangladesh were set on fire by unidentified miscreants early Sunday night. The attacks occurred around 3 a.m. in Madanpur Union, targeting Monang Government Primary School and Sajiura Mofila Foyez Adarsha High School. The primary school suffered extensive damage, with three classrooms and a teachers’ room completely burned, while the high school sustained minor damage to a door in its veranda. Local residents attempted to extinguish the fires, managing to save the high school from major destruction. Police and local administration officials visited the sites on Monday morning. No arrests have been made so far, but police have launched an investigation. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) has formed two separate five-member committees to investigate the incidents, one for each school, with reports expected within seven working days. Classes at the primary school were suspended following the fire.

Denmark-based APM Terminals, a subsidiary of the A.P. Moller-Maersk Group, has signed an agreement with the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) to construct and operate the Laldia Container Terminal in Bangladesh for 30 years under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The company will invest approximately Tk 6,700 crore in the project. The signing ceremony took place in Dhaka, attended by senior officials including PPP Authority CEO Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud Bin Harun, Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) M Sakhawat Hossain, and Danish State Secretary for Trade and Investment Lene Gandløse Hansen. The terminal is expected to become operational between 2028 and 2030. Under the agreement, APM Terminals will be responsible for the design, financing, construction, and operation of the facility, which aims to enhance Bangladesh’s maritime trade capacity and efficiency.

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president Colonel (Retd.) Oli Ahmed Bir Bikrom welcomed the International Crimes Tribunal’s verdict sentencing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death for crimes against humanity committed during the July–August 2024 massacre. Speaking on Monday, November 17, after the verdict, Colonel Oli said the ruling fulfilled the hopes and aspirations of Bangladesh’s 180 million citizens. He emphasized that justice is the right of every citizen and that the verdict delivered long-awaited justice to the families of the martyrs. Colonel Oli further demanded that the Awami League as a political party, along with its leaders and activists, also face trial for their alleged crimes. He stated that the judgment proves no one is above the law and serves as a lesson for future judicial processes to remain free from authoritarian influence.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus stated that the court verdict sentencing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her associate Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death for crimes against humanity during the July–August 2024 uprising demonstrates that no one is above the law. In a statement issued Monday, Yunus said the ruling reflects a crucial step toward justice for thousands killed or injured during the movement. He emphasized that the judgment acknowledges the suffering of unarmed protesters, including reports of helicopter gunfire, and reaffirms Bangladesh’s commitment to accountability and human rights. Yunus described the nation as standing at a crossroads to rebuild its democratic foundations after years of repression. He urged the restoration of trust between citizens and state institutions and said the verdict marks an important milestone in that journey. The Chief Adviser expressed confidence that Bangladesh, guided by courage and humility, will overcome future challenges and ensure justice prevails.

Newly elected Chittagong University Vice President Ibrahim Hossain Roni, during a meeting with journalists in Natore, declared that no national election should take place in Bangladesh until justice is served for the Shapla Chattar killings and all cases of enforced disappearances and murders. Speaking at the Natore Press Club, Roni accused the current Awami League government of fascist practices and called for accountability for past atrocities. He emphasized the need to rehabilitate students who were injured or disabled during anti-discrimination movements. The event was attended by local Jamaat-e-Islami leaders, including district Amir Dr. Mir Nurul Islam and MP candidate Professor Yunus Ali. Roni expressed hope that an interim government would take these issues seriously and ensure justice for victims of political violence and state repression.

The National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) of Bangladesh has urged media outlets to exercise caution when broadcasting or publishing statements from convicted or fugitive individuals. In a statement issued on Sunday, the agency noted that some print, electronic, and online news platforms have recently aired remarks from former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been convicted, describing such actions as threats to national security and violations of law. The NCSA warned that such content may incite violence, disorder, or criminal acts, and falls under punishable offenses according to the Cyber Security Act 2025. Under Section 8(2), authorities are empowered to remove or block digital content that threatens national integrity, security, or public order. Section 26 stipulates penalties of up to two years in prison and fines up to one million taka for spreading hate or incitement. The agency reaffirmed respect for press freedom but emphasized the media’s responsibility to avoid disseminating provocative or unlawful content.

A mysterious fire in Sylhet’s Pathantula area early Monday morning completely destroyed 12 vehicles, including a police pickup truck, at a local auto workshop. The blaze broke out near Nawabi Mosque and quickly spread through the Dhaka Auto Engineering Works garage, damaging nearby businesses as well. Fire service officials dispatched six units initially, later increasing to eight to control the flames by around 2:45 a.m. No casualties were reported. Authorities said several vehicles, including a microbus, two motorcycles, and private cars, were burned beyond repair. Some engine cylinders reportedly exploded during the fire. Police and fire service officials are investigating the cause, with preliminary findings suggesting an electrical short circuit. However, a detailed report will confirm whether mechanical failure or other factors were involved. The incident caused significant property loss but was contained before spreading further into the neighborhood.

BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain has accused the former government led by Sheikh Hasina of destroying Bangladesh’s education system through flawed policies, politicization, and an emphasis on a 100 percent pass rate. Speaking as the chief guest at an event honoring top SSC students in Daudkandi, Comilla, on November 17, Mosharraf alleged that the Hasina administration focused on increasing pass rates rather than improving educational quality. He described the government as 'fascist' and claimed it conspired to portray Bangladesh as an uneducated nation globally. The veteran politician, himself a distinguished alumnus of the Daudkandi Adarsha Pilot High School, urged students to pursue disciplined and educated lives despite current challenges. The event also featured several distinguished guests, including former secretary Md. Nizamuddin and Dhaka University professor Dr. Nurul Amin.

Islami Chhatra Shibir’s central president, Zahidul Islam, stated that the organization operates solely on donations from current and former members. Speaking at a reception for new students at Barishal University, he explained that each member contributes according to their financial ability, describing the contributions as a source of 'barakah' or blessings. Zahidul contrasted Shibir’s financial transparency with other organizations, claiming Shibir members often contribute more than the required amount. He added that many former members, now established professionals such as doctors and engineers, also support the organization financially. The event, organized by the university branch of Shibir, welcomed around 1,000 new students and included the distribution of gifts. The program began in the morning and continued until noon, concluding successfully according to organizers.

BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu stated that following Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani is equivalent to following Ziaur Rahman, as both leaders worked for the oppressed and the deprived. Speaking at a discussion in Santosh, Tangail, on the 49th death anniversary of Maulana Bhasani, Dudu said Ziaur Rahman popularized the BNP by embodying Bhasani’s ideals and made the party’s symbol, the sheaf of paddy, a symbol of the people’s hearts. He further argued that Tarique Rahman has been organizing the BNP for nearly two decades and leading movements for fair elections and a people-supported government. Dudu also remarked that Bangladesh is now more stable than before, and the peaceful observance of the day proves that the people stand against autocracy and in favor of democracy and freedom. The event was chaired by district BNP president Hasanuzzamil Shahin and attended by several senior party leaders.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has cautioned that granting asylum to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both sentenced to death for crimes against humanity linked to the July uprising, would be considered an unfriendly act. The statement followed a verdict by the International Crimes Tribunal-1, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, which found the two leaders guilty in absentia. The ministry urged India to extradite Hasina and Kamal to Bangladesh under the existing extradition treaty between the two countries. It emphasized that offering refuge to the convicted individuals would show disregard for justice and undermine bilateral relations. The government reiterated its expectation that neighboring countries would cooperate in upholding international legal norms and ensuring accountability for crimes against humanity.