An attempted arson took place at a Grameen Bank branch in the Garidah Bus Stand area of Sherpur upazila, Bogura, late Saturday night. According to police, two unidentified individuals poured petrol on the bank’s outer gate nameplate and set it on fire before fleeing on a motorcycle. The fire quickly extinguished, causing only minor burn marks and no significant damage. CCTV footage from a nearby building captured the incident, but the suspects’ faces were obscured by fog. Bank officials discovered the burn marks the following morning and notified authorities. Police recovered two empty plastic bottles believed to have contained petrol and suspect the act was intended to spread fear. Law enforcement has increased patrols in the area and launched an investigation to identify and arrest those responsible. The Superintendent of Police stated that the attempt appeared to be an act of sabotage, though no formal complaint had been filed as of Sunday afternoon.

Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser, retired Lieutenant General Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, stated that the tribunal’s verdict in the ongoing case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be implemented regardless of its outcome on Monday. Speaking to reporters in Barishal after a meeting with law enforcement and administrative officials, he assured that the security forces are fully prepared to prevent any unrest surrounding the verdict. Chowdhury described the current law and order situation as generally satisfactory, though minor disturbances have occurred in some areas. He also emphasized that preparations are underway to ensure a free, fair, and festive national election, instructing the field administration to take all necessary measures. The adviser noted that a fair election depends not only on the administration but also on the Election Commission, political parties, and the public, expressing optimism that the upcoming polls will be conducted peacefully.

Bangladesh’s economy is gradually recovering due to various government initiatives aimed at revitalizing economic activities, according to Economic Adviser Professor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed. Speaking at the ‘Nagad-DRU Best Reporting Award 2025’ event in Dhaka, he stated that the economy is now in a much better position compared to the challenging period of last August. Dr. Ahmed highlighted positive trends in foreign reserves and exports, noting that major global institutions have recognized Bangladesh’s progress. However, he acknowledged that internal challenges remain and urged greater accountability and restraint in future development projects, citing past mega projects that yielded limited benefits. He emphasized that national development should also focus on education, health, and social security, not just economic growth. Dr. Ahmed also called on journalists to play a responsible role by producing investigative reports and constructive criticism to ensure transparency and improvement.

In Patuakhali, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) activists wearing white shrouds blocked the motorcade of the party’s senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday, November 16. The protest occurred at Kazirhat Bridge in Sadar Upazila as Rizvi arrived to provide financial aid to a needy family on behalf of acting chairman Tarique Rahman. The demonstrators, members of the district and upazila units of Jubo Dal, demanded the withdrawal of the expulsion order against former district Jubo Dal vice-president and upazila convener Rimanul Islam Rimu. They claimed Rimu was unfairly expelled following an isolated incident after the August 5, 2024 movement. Rizvi later spoke with the protesters, assuring them that the issue would be reviewed by the party. Following his assurance, the activists ended their blockade, and traffic returned to normal.

Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) has announced that its undergraduate admission test for the 2025–26 academic year will be held on January 23, 2025. For the first time, the exam will take place at two centers—RUET and Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET)—using identical question papers to facilitate applicants. The decision was made during RUET’s 154th emergency academic council meeting, chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor S.M. Abdur Razzak. The multiple-choice test will accommodate around 19,000 candidates competing for approximately 1,200 seats. Eligibility requires candidates to have achieved at least GPA 4.00 in SSC or equivalent exams in 2022 or 2023 and GPA 5.00 in HSC or equivalent exams in 2025, with minimum GPA 4 in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. GCE ‘O’ and ‘A’ level candidates must meet equivalent grade requirements. All final decisions regarding the admission process will be made by the steering committee.

The British High Commission in Dhaka has issued a public warning stating that no UK visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is ever guaranteed. In a Facebook post on Sunday, the mission cautioned people against individuals or agencies claiming to secure UK visas through phone calls, emails, or text messages, labeling such offers as fraudulent. The High Commission emphasized that all visa applications and assessments are handled solely through official UK government procedures, and no person or organization has the authority to influence or guarantee outcomes. It urged applicants to rely only on information available on the official UK government website for accurate guidance and verification. The advisory aims to protect Bangladeshi citizens from falling victim to visa-related scams and misinformation.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has completed the registration process for the 2026 Hajj, confirming that 78,500 Bangladeshi pilgrims will be able to perform the pilgrimage next year. A ministry notice issued on Sunday, signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Md. Tofiqul Islam, stated that registered pilgrims can now verify their information through the official Hajj portal (hajj.gov.bd) using their passport numbers. A dedicated Hajj call center (16136) has also been launched for inquiries and verification. The ministry said that with registration complete, details on Hajj packages, training, and other preparations will be announced in phases. In 2024, Saudi Arabia allowed 127,198 Bangladeshi pilgrims, but only 87,100 registered. Rising costs have led to a reduced quota for 2026. The Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) has announced three private packages ranging from Tk 510,000 to Tk 750,000, while the government has set three packages costing between Tk 467,167 and Tk 690,597. The 2026 Hajj is expected to take place on May 26, subject to moon sighting.

Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque has stated that the July Charter Implementation (Constitution Amendment) Order, issued in the name of the President, has created a serious constitutional crisis even though it has reduced uncertainty surrounding the upcoming elections. Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka’s Segunbagicha, he questioned whether an interim government has the authority to issue such a constitutional order and whether it contradicts the existing constitution. Haque argued that the order exceeds the interim government’s mandate and jurisdiction. He welcomed the decision to hold a referendum alongside the national election in February, aligning with public expectations, but warned that the proposed single-word voting format on multiple complex issues is impractical and risky. He expressed doubts about whether the referendum could achieve its intended purpose under the current structure.

The United Kingdom government is preparing to introduce sweeping reforms to its refugee policy, extending the waiting period for refugees to apply for permanent residency from five years to twenty. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to formally announce the plan on Monday. Under the new system, refugees will initially receive temporary residence permits of two and a half years, down from the current five, with regular reviews of their home country’s safety conditions. If deemed safe, they may be required to return. The policy aims to deter illegal sea crossings and reduce asylum applications, which rose 17% in the past year to over 109,000. Inspired by Denmark’s strict immigration model, the UK’s approach has drawn criticism from refugee advocacy groups, who warn it will impose prolonged uncertainty and psychological strain on asylum seekers. Analysts believe the policy could significantly reshape Britain’s future immigration system.

On the eve of the verdict in the first war crimes case against former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called for full justice and transparency. The International Crimes Tribunal is set to deliver its judgment on Monday, November 17, concerning alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising. Prosecutors have accused Hasina of ordering and inciting violence that led to the deaths of around 1,400 protesters, presenting extensive evidence including witness testimonies, documents, and multimedia materials. The prosecution has sought the death penalty for Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, citing their superior command responsibility and involvement in a joint criminal enterprise. The nation awaits the tribunal’s decision with intense anticipation, particularly families of victims and participants in the anti-fascist movement. The case marks a historic moment in Bangladesh’s political and judicial landscape.

The Bangladesh Road Transport Workers Federation announced that all types of vehicles will operate nationwide on Monday despite the Awami League’s call for a countrywide lockdown. Acting General Secretary Humayun Kabir Khan made the statement at a press conference in Dhaka’s Motijheel on Sunday, emphasizing that transport owners and workers are committed to keeping the communication system functional. He warned that any untoward incidents would be resisted and praised administrative officials for maintaining law and order. The federation condemned the Awami League’s lockdown, calling it an attempt to obstruct the interim government’s election preparations. It also demanded compensation for transport owners and workers affected by recent violence, including arson attacks on about 20 vehicles and the killing of a bus driver in Mymensingh. The Awami League called the lockdown to protest Monday’s scheduled verdict by the International Crimes Tribunal against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others in a case related to crimes against humanity during the July uprising.

The government of Bangladesh has appointed Major General A S M Ridwanur Rahman as the new Director General (DG) of the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS). The appointment was formalized through a notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on Sunday, November 16, assigning his service under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Major General Iftikhar Anis, who previously held the position, has been reassigned to the Bangladesh Army, with his service also placed under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. BIISS is a state-run autonomous national research institute that conducts studies on security, foreign policy, and strategic issues relevant to Bangladesh’s national interests. The leadership change is expected to strengthen the institute’s role in policy research and strategic analysis.

The Dhaka (South) Customs, Excise and VAT Commissionerate has announced recruitment for 99 permanent positions across 13th to 20th grade posts. Eligible permanent residents of Dhaka, Narayanganj, and Munshiganj districts can apply online until November 17, 2025. The available roles include senior data entry/control operator, computer operator, higher-grade assistant, stenographer-cum-computer operator, cashier, office assistant-cum-typist, driver, sepoy, and others. Educational qualifications range from secondary school certificates to university degrees, depending on the post. Applicants must be aged between 18 and 32 years as of October 1, 2025, with age relaxation up to 40 years for departmental candidates in specific categories. Application fees are set at BDT 112 for higher-grade posts and BDT 56 for lower-grade ones, payable through Teletalk within 72 hours of submission. No travel or daily allowances will be provided for written, practical, or oral examinations. The recruitment aims to strengthen administrative and operational efficiency within the customs department.

Eight political parties in Bangladesh, led by Jamaat-e-Islami, have announced plans to be active on the streets on Monday, the day the verdict is expected in the war crimes case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others. Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar made the announcement at a joint press conference on Sunday, saying the alliance would not allow any acts of sabotage under the pretext of opposing fascism. The statement came in response to a lockdown called by the banned Awami League. The eight-party alliance also reaffirmed its support for a 'Yes' vote in the upcoming referendum and pledged to continue its movement to achieve its five-point demands. The coalition said that the Chief Adviser’s recent address partially met the public’s expectations for a free and fair election, but further action was needed to fulfill all their demands.

Bangladesh is witnessing a severe resurgence of dengue fever, with the mosquito-borne disease claiming lives almost daily despite the onset of cooler weather. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), five people died from dengue in the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll this year to 336. Over 1,100 new patients were hospitalized in the same period, while more than 81,000 have been discharged since January. Experts warn that if the current trend continues, hospitalizations could exceed 30,000 this month. Public health specialist Dr. Mushtaq Hossain of IEDCR emphasized that eliminating Aedes mosquitoes is the only effective way to control the outbreak, warning against treating dengue as a seasonal illness. The persistent spread across all divisions, including Dhaka, Chattogram, and Barishal, highlights the urgent need for sustained mosquito control and public awareness efforts.