The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has announced that all mobile handsets currently in use on the country's networks—whether registered, unregistered, or missing from the database—will be automatically registered before December 16, 2024. This move comes ahead of the official launch of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system on the same date. After December 26, all unregistered or illegal mobile devices that have not been automatically registered will be disconnected from the network. The initiative aims to curb the use of illegal handsets and ensure proper tracking of mobile devices across Bangladesh. Users can check their handset’s IMEI number by dialing *#06#. The BTRC’s decision provides relief to users of unregistered phones, allowing them to continue using their devices legally once the NEIR system becomes active.

The Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) has issued special traffic instructions for Dhaka Cantonment ahead of Armed Forces Day celebrations on November 21. To ensure smooth movement and avoid congestion, all vehicles except those carrying residents and invited guests are requested to avoid the main road from Shaheed Jahangir Gate to Staff Road between 7 a.m.–11 a.m. and 12 p.m.–7 p.m. The directive aims to facilitate official programs and ceremonies scheduled within the cantonment area. Additionally, in observance of Armed Forces Day 2025, several naval ships will be open to the public from 2 p.m. until sunset at designated locations across Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, Barishal, and Chandpur. These include Sadarghat in Dhaka, Naval Berth/BN RRB in Chattogram, Naval Berth/Rocket Ghat and Digraj Naval Berth in Khulna, BIWTA Ghat in Barishal, and BIWTA Ghat in Chandpur. The public is encouraged to visit and participate in the celebrations.

Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) hosted 'Innoverse Bangladesh 2025', the country’s largest science and technology festival, organized by Whiteboard Initiatives with support from the ICT Division. The two-day event, inaugurated by ICT Division Secretary Shish Haydar Chowdhury, featured robotics, programming, science and math olympiads, and innovation expos. Around 2,200 participants from 130 educational institutions took part, and nearly 20,000 visitors attended. Forty-five innovative projects and 15 startups were showcased, with top projects receiving the Shaheed Tanvin Innovation Award and InnoVentures Vault Award. Chief Guest Fayez Ahmad Tayyeb emphasized the interim government’s commitment to fostering youth participation in ICT and research. The festival also included seminars and talks organized by She-STEM and the Netherlands Embassy, aiming to highlight Bangladeshi youth innovation on a global stage.

The unloading of a wheat shipment from the United States has begun at Bangladesh’s Mongla Port under a government-to-government (G2G) agreement between the two countries. The vessel ‘MV Weco Tati’ arrived on November 14 carrying 60,875 metric tons of wheat imported by the Bangladesh government. After quality testing confirmed the wheat met required standards, unloading operations started on November 16. Of the total shipment, 35,075 metric tons will be stored in Mongla’s food warehouses, while the remainder will be distributed to Khulna, Barishal, and Rajshahi. Officials stated that due to the vessel’s large size and depth, unloading is being conducted from the fairway. This is the first direct wheat shipment to Mongla under the G2G-1 cash purchase agreement, as previous consignments arrived via Chattogram Port. Under the broader agreement, Bangladesh will import a total of 440,000 metric tons of wheat from the US, with three consignments totaling 178,636 metric tons already received.

BNP leader and Noakhali-5 constituency candidate Md. Fakhrul Islam has pledged that if Tarique Rahman becomes the Prime Minister, the river erosion–affected Noakhali district will be transformed into a modern city like Singapore. Speaking at a large election rally in Kabirhat on Saturday, November 15, Fakhrul urged voters to cast their ballots for the BNP’s 'sheaf of paddy' symbol, emphasizing that their support would ensure Tarique Rahman’s leadership. He also promised to create a terror-free, extortion-free, and drug-free environment in the constituency, assuring that jobs would be given based on merit rather than nepotism. Fakhrul further stated that he would remain accessible to the public without favoritism. The rally was chaired by former Kabirhat BNP convener Kamrul Huda Chowdhury Liton and attended by several district BNP leaders, including Mahbub Alamgir Alo, ABM Zakaria, Harunur Rashid Azad, and Mostafizur Rahman Monju.

New York City’s newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has appointed former U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan as vice chair of his transition team. Khan, a Pakistani-British-born Democrat known for her tough antitrust stance, previously led the FTC from June 2021 to January 2025 under President Joe Biden, becoming the youngest chair in the agency’s history. During her tenure, she pursued aggressive antitrust enforcement, challenged major tech mergers, and sought to limit non-compete agreements. As part of Mamdani’s transition team, Khan is reviewing the scope of mayoral powers and helping shape economic and administrative strategies ahead of Mamdani’s assumption of office in January 2026. Her inclusion signals a potentially reformist and regulatory approach to city governance. Analysts suggest that major tech firms with large New York operations, such as Amazon, Meta, and Google, may view her appointment as a warning of stricter oversight or policy scrutiny in the city’s economic environment.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Finance has issued an urgent warning after a fake video featuring interim government finance adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed circulated on social media. The ministry stated that the video, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) technology to mimic the adviser’s voice and image, is entirely false and misleading. It accused certain interest groups of spreading the content on Facebook for promotional purposes. The ministry clarified that neither Dr. Ahmed nor the ministry has any connection with the statements made in the video. It further noted that the AI-generated manipulation aimed to create confusion among the public and harm the adviser’s reputation. Legal measures are being taken to remove the video and identify those responsible. Citizens have been urged to verify information before engaging in any financial transactions and to remain alert against deceptive online content.

State prosecutor Gazi Monowar Hossain Tamim stated that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will not receive any leniency in sentencing due to her gender in the upcoming verdict of the war crimes case against her. The verdict, scheduled for Monday, November 17, will be broadcast live on Bangladesh Television (BTV) and the official Facebook page of the International Crimes Tribunal to ensure transparency. Tamim clarified that while women, minors, and the ill may receive certain considerations in bail matters under general law, no such privilege exists in sentencing. The tribunal, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumdar, with Justices Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury, will deliver the judgment. The case involves Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, accused of crimes against humanity during the July 2024 coup. Hasina and Kamal have been declared fugitives for failing to appear in court, while Al-Mamun testified as a state witness.

The Ministry of Education of Bangladesh has directed that in all private schools and colleges where the tenure of ad hoc committees has expired, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) will serve as the acting president at the upazila level, and the Deputy Commissioner (DC) or their representative will assume the role at the district level. The directive was issued through a circular on Saturday, November 15, under Article 69 of the ‘Regulations of Governing Bodies and Managing Committees of Non-Government Educational Institutions, 2024’. The ministry explained that this decision follows a High Court order that temporarily suspended, for three months, an earlier circular issued on September 8 regarding the formation of ad hoc and regular committees under the same regulations. The new instruction aims to ensure uninterrupted administrative and academic operations in affected institutions until further notice.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar announced that his party, along with seven other political groups, will vote 'Yes' in the upcoming referendum aimed at giving legal validity to the July Charter. Speaking at a joint press conference in Dhaka’s Moghbazar on Sunday, Porwar said the alliance will encourage the public to support the reforms. The eight-party coalition, which has been active amid the ongoing political unrest, also warned that their movement would continue if a level playing field is not ensured. Porwar emphasized that their movement seeks to make elections more transparent and accountable, not to disrupt them. Other alliance leaders urged the government to respect the people's aspirations and to clarify potential complications if the national election and referendum are held on the same day. The alliance’s liaison committee will soon decide on the next course of action.

A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of income tax records belonging to former State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr. Md. Enamur Rahman and six others in connection with corruption and money laundering cases. The order, issued by Acting Judge Shihabul Islam of the Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge’s Court on November 16, followed separate petitions from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Among those whose tax files were seized are former Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, former State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam, former MPs Md. Mujibul Haque and Golam Faruk Khandaker Prince, retired Supreme Court Justice A.H.M. Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik, and Tipu Munshi’s wife, Irene Malvika Munshi. The ACC stated that reviewing their tax records from the beginning up to the 2024–25 fiscal year is necessary for a fair investigation. The move marks a significant step in the ongoing anti-corruption drive targeting former government officials.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has described Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani as an enduring source of inspiration for the struggle for democracy, human rights, and national sovereignty. In a message marking Bhasani’s 49th death anniversary, Rahman praised the late leader’s lifelong dedication to the oppressed and his fearless stance against imperialism and exploitation. He said Bhasani’s ideals would continue to guide future generations in achieving justice and freedom. Rahman emphasized that Bhasani’s leadership during the anti-colonial movements and his advocacy for farmers, workers, and the underprivileged made him a beacon in Bangladesh’s political history. Highlighting his courage and commitment to the people, Rahman noted that Bhasani’s voice once shook oppressive regimes and earned him the trust of the masses.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has accused the previous Sheikh Hasina-led government of signing agreements with India that were detrimental to Bangladesh’s national interest. Speaking to journalists in Patuakhali, Rizvi questioned why Bangladesh must purchase 34% of the electricity produced by India’s Adani Group in Jharkhand, calling the deal a betrayal of national interest. He also criticized past initiatives to hand over strategic installations like ports to foreign operators, warning that such moves could endanger the country’s sovereignty and security. Rizvi urged the current government under Dr. Muhammad Yunus to review these agreements and ensure that national interests are prioritized. His remarks came while he was providing financial assistance to an elderly couple whose plight had gone viral on social media. Local BNP leaders were also present during the event.

A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of income tax records belonging to former Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi and his wife, Irene Malvika Munshi, in two separate corruption and money laundering cases filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The order, issued by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Sabbir Foyez on November 16, allows the ACC to formally begin verifying the couple’s assets and financial transactions. According to case details, Tipu Munshi is accused of acquiring assets worth over Tk 5.9 crore beyond known income sources and conducting suspicious transactions exceeding Tk 32 crore across 11 bank accounts. His wife faces allegations of possessing Tk 4.18 crore in unexplained assets. The ACC stated that reviewing their tax returns and related documents is essential for the investigation, as per Section 309(3)(a) of the Income Tax Act 2023, which requires court approval for such seizures.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar has accused the government of making recent administrative appointments and transfers to benefit a particular political party ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming national election. Speaking at a joint press conference at Al Falah Auditorium in Dhaka’s Moghbazar, Porwar claimed that these changes were made through secret consultations, undermining a level playing field for the election. He urged the chief adviser to maintain neutrality in overseeing the electoral process. Earlier in the day, top leaders from eight allied parties met under Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman’s leadership to discuss their ongoing movement. Porwar reaffirmed that the alliance would continue its five-point campaign, including demands for a constitutional referendum. He also expressed concern that the simultaneous announcement of the referendum and national election had created public confusion, calling on the government to resolve the uncertainty.