Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has directed authorities to take robust and proactive steps to prepare for Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. “We must ensure no sector suffers losses during the transition while also maximizing the benefits of graduation,” his press secretary stated. A dedicated team will be formed to monitor the process. Special Assistant Dr. Anisuzzaman Chowdhury added that protecting key export sectors like garments is a top priority. Implementing reform commission recommendations could also help meet international labor compliance standards swiftly.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has confirmed meeting BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia during his recent Brussels trip. “We worked together for many years. She is unwell, and it is our moral responsibility to check on her,” he said. When asked about any communication with BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, he responded, “When two people meet, many things are discussed.” He declined to elaborate further. During the trip, Jamaat leaders also met with members of the South Asia Caucus of the European Parliament and officials from the EU’s South Asia desk.

Former press secretary to Khaleda Zia, Maruf Kamal, has revealed that Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman and Naib-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Abu Taher recently met with BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Tareque Rahman at Tareque’s residence in London after their return from a European tour. Details of the meeting remain undisclosed. Kamal hinted that this meeting may either signal a political development or be merely a courtesy visit—only time will tell.

The shutdown of 170 madrasas in India’s Uttarakhand state has drawn strong condemnation from the Young Ulema Society, known for leading the July uprising. In a statement, they described the move as a blow to India’s secularism and a systematic attempt to marginalize Muslim education and culture. They said, “If 170 temples were shut down in Bangladesh, the world would erupt in protest.” They also criticized the rising state-sponsored suppression of Muslim institutions, prayer practices, and religious attire in India, calling for global accountability.

More than 400 people have reportedly been killed in a series of ground and air assaults by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on refugee camps around El Fasher in Sudan’s Darfur region. The UN confirmed at least 148 deaths between Thursday and Saturday, with the actual number believed to be significantly higher. Nine aid workers are among the dead. The RSF denies targeting civilians, claiming instead that the Sudanese army was using the camps as military bases and civilian shields.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that if Iran does not abandon its nuclear ambitions, the U.S. will launch military strikes on its nuclear facilities. Trump emphasized that Iran must completely give up the idea of developing nuclear weapons. Despite indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran in Oman—described as “constructive”—Trump accused Iran of using the talks to stall. He reiterated that a future agreement must clearly prohibit Iran from possessing any nuclear weapons, stating, “Iran is dangerously close; immediate action is required.”

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) conducted a raid at the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) today, focusing on financial irregularities in the Mujib Centenary program. Assistant Director Mahmudul Hasan stated that Tk 250 million was reported as spent for a concert and related events, although actual spending was just Tk 70 million. Documents were also requested regarding ticket sales revenue of Tk 20 million, which was not reported. ACC suspects embezzlement may exceed Tk 190 million. Additional irregularities were found in third-division team selections as well.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Jabed Iqbal from RAB-2 has been suspended following his February 11 arrest under a warrant issued by the International Crimes Tribunal Act, 1973 (Section 3). According to a Home Ministry notice, his suspension is in accordance with Section 39(2) of the Government Service Act, 2018. He will remain eligible for subsistence allowance during this period, as per government rules.

At Chittagong University, a student was reportedly beaten by Chhatra Dal members on suspicion of being affiliated with the banned student group Chhatra League. The victim, Shawon Hossain from the Statistics Department (session 2016-17), denies any involvement. However, Chhatra Dal members claim he had assaulted one of their activists earlier. Shawon is reportedly linked to the CFC subgroup of Chhatra League. Police also confirmed that Chhatra Dal tried to block his transfer from the university medical center to Chittagong Medical College.

In a statement, Jamaat-e-Islami leader Golam Parwar criticized the government’s decision to increase soybean oil prices and industrial gas tariffs. He called the 14-taka hike in oil and 33% gas price increase “irrational” and harmful to new industrial ventures. With the new gas rate at BDT 40 per unit, up from BDT 30, Parwar warned that these changes will discourage entrepreneurship and worsen conditions for the poor, who primarily rely on soybean oil for cooking. He urged the government to withdraw the decisions immediately.

Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin has announced new prices for soybean oil, effective immediately. Bottled soybean oil will now cost BDT 189 per liter, an increase of BDT 14. Loose soybean oil will sell at BDT 169 per liter, up by BDT 12. A five-liter bottle will now retail at BDT 922. To increase local supply, two oil companies have resumed production, with six to seven more expected to follow. The last price hike occurred on December 9, 2023, when bottled oil was set at BDT 175 per liter.

Bangladesh’s National Board of Revenue (NBR) has officially banned the import of yarn via land routes from India, including ports such as Benapole, Bhomra, Sonamasjid, Banglabandha, and Burimari. However, yarn imports will still be allowed via sea or other non-land routes. The Bangladesh Textile Mills Association had earlier demanded a halt to land-route imports, citing unfair competition. Reports suggest yarn imported via land was being under-invoiced compared to declared prices at Chattogram Customs, undermining local manufacturers.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a case against former UK minister and niece of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Tulip Siddiq, along with two former RAJUK legal advisers, over allegations of illegally acquiring a flat in Gulshan, Dhaka.
According to ACC sources, the accused are Tulip Rizwana Siddiq, former Assistant Legal Adviser of RAJUK Shah Md. Khasruzzaman, and former Assistant Legal Adviser-1 Sardar Mosharraf Hossain. The complaint alleges that the trio conspired to misuse their influence and violate public trust, obtaining a luxury flat in Eastern Housing Ltd.’s Gulshan-2 property (Flat No. B/201, House No. 5A & 5B [old], now 113 & 11B [new], Road No. 71) without making any payment. The property was later formally registered in their names.
The charges include abuse of power, misconduct, and unlawful enrichment through criminal conspiracy.

Sheikh Bashir Uddin, currently serving as adviser to the interim government’s Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Textiles & Jute, has now also been given charge of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. This reshuffle was confirmed through a cabinet notification issued on Tuesday. The new responsibilities were assigned by Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Sheikh Bashir, the Managing Director of Akij Bashir Group, was sworn in as an adviser to the interim cabinet on November 10.

As a mark of solidarity with Palestinians, the Maldives has officially banned the entry of Israeli citizens through legislation passed by its parliament on Tuesday. President Mohamed Muizzu immediately ratified the law, which takes effect without delay. In a statement, President Muizzu said the move reflects his government’s “firm stance against Israel’s ongoing atrocities and genocide against the Palestinian people.” He reaffirmed the Maldives’ unwavering support for the Palestinian struggle. This comes after President Muizzu had previously indicated in June last year that such a ban was being considered.