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.

The government has made it mandatory to deduct income tax at source from the monthly salaries of all eligible public officials and employees. A directive issued by the Office of the Comptroller General of Accounts (CGA) on November 10 states that, under the Income Tax Act 2023, male employees earning a basic salary of Tk 26,785 or more and female employees earning Tk 30,357 or more now exceed the tax-free threshold. Consequently, income tax must be deducted when processing salary bills. The CGA clarified that drawing officers will be responsible for ensuring accurate deductions under Treasury Rules SR 125. Instructions have been sent to all Chief Accounts and Finance Officers, divisional and district controllers, and upazila accounts offices to implement the order. The directive follows an earlier communication from the Internal Resources Division and the National Board of Revenue (NBR) issued on October 7 regarding mandatory tax deductions.

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to sue the BBC, accusing the broadcaster of airing a misleading Panorama documentary that allegedly edited his speech to make it sound like he urged supporters to attack Capitol Hill. The documentary was broadcast ahead of last year’s U.S. election. The BBC confirmed receiving a legal warning from Trump, while Chairman Samir Shah said the organization is preparing for potential litigation, describing Trump as “a very litigious man.” The controversy has deepened as BBC Director-General Tim Davie and Head of News Deborah Turness both resigned on Sunday, intensifying scrutiny on the network’s editorial practices. Several of Trump’s previous lawsuits against U.S. media outlets have already been dismissed, but his latest threat has drawn global attention and raised questions about press freedom, accountability, and political influence in journalism.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) will start formal dialogues with political parties from Thursday, November 13, to discuss recent amendments to the Representation of the People Order (RPO) and the updated electoral code of conduct. EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed confirmed the schedule, noting that the list of invited parties has not yet been finalized. The discussions aim to ensure cooperation for a fair election and to hear parties’ own proposals. The revised code bans posters and the use of plastic materials, while allowing festoons, leaflets, and digital displays. Ahmed also clarified that the EC has not received any directive regarding a referendum. Despite a planned lockdown program by the banned Awami League on the same day, the EC intends to proceed with the dialogue as scheduled.

Iran has expressed willingness to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan to defuse escalating tensions along their shared border. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made the offer during a phone conversation with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, according to Iranian media. Araghchi reaffirmed Tehran’s readiness to assist in promoting peace, urging both countries to engage in deeper dialogue and foster mutual understanding for sustainable stability. He noted that the leaders of both nations agreed to continue cooperation aimed at maintaining regional peace and preventing further conflict. The two sides also discussed bilateral relations, regional developments, and broader international issues. Araghchi voiced concern over the deteriorating border situation and emphasized Iran’s commitment to regional diplomacy and constructive engagement to avert further escalation.

A long-standing pillar of American conservative politics—the unwavering support for Israel among Christian evangelicals—is showing signs of erosion. The ongoing Gaza war and public criticism from influential conservative figures such as Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, and Marjorie Taylor Greene have fueled growing anti-Israel sentiment within right-wing circles. Surveys indicate that negative views of Israel among conservatives under 50 have risen from 35% to 50% in three years. Experts warn that this generational shift could reshape US foreign policy and affect military and economic aid to Israel. Researchers note that only 32% of evangelicals aged 18–34 now express sympathy for Israel, signaling a significant change in attitudes that once defined conservative identity.

Bangladesh’s Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan has said that the government will pay USD 100 million to Indian company Adani Power within this month as a partial settlement of outstanding dues. He confirmed that disagreements persist regarding several issues, including coal pricing and delayed payment penalties. A High Court petition alleging corruption in the Adani deal has further complicated the matter, prompting Bangladesh to proceed with an “on protest” partial payment rather than a full settlement. Adani Power recently issued an ultimatum demanding payment of USD 496 million in arrears by 10 November, warning that electricity supply from its Jharkhand-based 1,600 MW plant would be suspended from 11 November if dues remained unpaid. Bangladesh, however, contests the amount, stating the outstanding figure is USD 262 million. The dispute largely stems from differences in coal price calculations—Adani referencing international market rates while Bangladesh insists on Indonesia’s coal index, resulting in significant variation. Adani’s contract allows the company to halt electricity supply if payments are not made on time, while still retaining rights to capacity payments. The power purchase agreement, signed in 2017, commits Bangladesh to buying electricity from the plant for 25 years, but an official investigation has already identified several irregularities. Khan reiterated that the government will cancel the deal if proven flawed.