Medical technologists and pharmacists at Dhaka National Medical Institute Hospital observed a two-hour work stoppage on Tuesday, demanding implementation of the 10th grade pay scale. The strike took place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., during which the protesters gathered in front of the hospital’s outpatient department to voice their grievances. They alleged that despite working under hazardous conditions during crises such as COVID-19 and dengue outbreaks, they have been denied fair pay and promotion parity with other diploma-holding officers who were upgraded to second-class status. The protesters warned of tougher nationwide movements if their demands are not met soon, announcing plans for a half-day strike on November 3 and a full-day strike on November 4. Leaders of the technologists’ association criticized the interim government for ignoring their repeated appeals and vowed to continue their peaceful protests until the 10th grade implementation is realized.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed deep gratitude to the people of Bangladesh and well-wishers worldwide for their prayers and support for party chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who remains under treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Rahman described the collective support of the nation as the source of his family’s strength and inspiration. He acknowledged the concern shown by foreign leaders, diplomats, and friends, as well as the affection and prayers of Bangladeshi citizens. Khaleda Zia’s condition is reported to be stable but shows little improvement, according to doctors who continue to monitor her closely. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other senior leaders visited the hospital late Monday night to discuss her latest condition with the medical team. Rahman called for unity, compassion, and solidarity during this difficult time.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani Baghaei has accused the United States of being the greatest threat to international security due to its coercive behavior and global interventions. During a weekly press briefing, Baghaei highlighted recent diplomatic engagements with delegations from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea in Tehran. He also condemned Israel, calling it the main source of instability in the region, and cited repeated ceasefire violations in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza that have resulted in civilian casualties. Baghaei further criticized Washington’s interference in Latin American and African nations, including Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa. He described U.S. actions such as airspace restrictions as unprecedented and contrary to international aviation norms. The spokesperson accused the United States of complicity in Israeli crimes through its unconditional support and urged the UN Security Council to treat these actions as violations of international peace and security.

A fact-checking investigation has uncovered more than 100 fake Facebook pages operating under the names of Barrister Zaima Rahman and Dr. Zubaida Rahman, daughter and wife of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman. The discovery followed heightened online activity after former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s critical illness and hospitalization in Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital. Despite claims of authenticity, BNP’s senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi confirmed on June 5, 2025, that neither Zaima nor Zubaida Rahman has any official Facebook account. The fake pages, some with hundreds of thousands of followers, have been spreading political content and misinformation in favor of the BNP. Page transparency data shows all are managed from Bangladesh, while both women reside in London. Many users have mistakenly engaged with these pages, believing them to be genuine. BNP sources indicated that an official social media account for Zaima Rahman may be launched in the future.

A political debate has intensified in Bangladesh after Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain stated that BNP’s acting chairman Tareque Rahman could be issued a travel pass within a day if he wishes to return home. The comment sparked speculation that Rahman currently lacks a valid Bangladeshi passport. The Election Commission confirmed that Rahman is not yet registered as a voter, though he could become one upon returning. BNP leaders, including Salahuddin Ahmed, downplayed the issue, saying there would be no obstacle regarding a passport or travel pass. Legal adviser Asif Nazrul also clarified that there are no legal restrictions preventing Rahman’s return. The discussion follows Rahman’s recent social media post suggesting that his decision to return is not entirely under his control. Rahman, who has lived in London since 2008 after being released from prison, was expected to return before the upcoming national elections but uncertainty now surrounds his plans.

Security has been strengthened at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is receiving medical treatment. Police set up barricades at the hospital’s main gate early Monday night, restricting public access and allowing only authorized personnel to enter. Hospital authorities stated that the measures aim to ensure smooth movement for patients and their families, prevent crowding, and enhance the safety of Khaleda Zia. The government recently declared her a 'Very Important Person' (VIP), prompting additional security arrangements. The 80-year-old politician has been suffering from multiple health complications, including liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, and issues related to her kidneys, lungs, heart, and eyes. She was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 after developing infections in her heart and lungs, and a team of local and foreign doctors continues to oversee her treatment.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to return to Bangladesh soon, according to the party’s Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed. Speaking to journalists after a committee meeting on Monday, Ahmed said the meeting discussed several issues including the health of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, current political developments, and preparations for upcoming elections. He added that Dr. AZM Zahid would brief the media about Khaleda Zia’s health condition. Earlier, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain stated that there are no legal obstacles preventing Tarique Rahman from returning to the country and that a travel pass could be issued within a day if necessary. Tarique Rahman, who has been living in exile in the United Kingdom for years, remains a central figure in BNP’s leadership and political strategy.

Bangladesh’s November Economic Update and Outlook report by the General Economics Division (GED) highlights a mixed economic scenario. While bank deposits have shown robust growth, private sector credit expansion remains sluggish. The report notes that overall inflation has fallen to single digits, largely due to declining food prices and improved supply conditions. Food inflation dropped from 12.66% to 7.08%, while non-food inflation slightly rose to 9.13%, reflecting ongoing pressure in housing, transport, and healthcare costs. The report also indicates that rice prices, which surged earlier in 2025, have begun to decline as new Aman harvests entered the market and government procurement boosted domestic reserves. Despite steady economic growth, the National Board of Revenue continues to fall short of its collection targets. Export performance remains volatile, though moderate recovery is expected in the coming months.

Pakistan is witnessing heightened tension following rumors about the death of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The government and Adiala Jail authorities have not provided any information on his whereabouts, and his family members reportedly have not been allowed to meet him for an extended period. In response, Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), called for protests in Rawalpindi demanding proof of his safety and whereabouts. To prevent demonstrations, the local administration has imposed Section 144, banning all public gatherings from December 1 to 3. Rawalpindi’s Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema stated that the decision was made to maintain public safety, peace, and stability amid growing unrest and speculation surrounding Khan’s condition.

US President Donald Trump has cautioned Israel not to interfere in Syria’s internal affairs, calling for a 'strong and genuine dialogue' between the two nations. In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump emphasized that no actions should obstruct Syria’s progress toward becoming a prosperous state. His remarks came shortly after Israel reportedly launched new airstrikes inside Syria, killing 13 people near Damascus. The newly formed Syrian government condemned the attacks as 'war crimes,' accusing Israel of deliberate shelling in the Beit Jinn area. Although Trump did not directly mention the Israeli strikes, he expressed satisfaction with the new Syrian administration led by President Ahmed al-Sharar, who replaced Bashar al-Assad last December. Trump praised al-Sharar’s commitment to national unity after years of civil war and reiterated US support for Syria’s development and stability.

Russia has claimed control over the strategic eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, a major transport hub, following prolonged and intense fighting. Moscow announced the capture on December 1, but Kyiv rejected the claim, alleging that Russia is spreading such information to influence ongoing ceasefire discussions. The claim came just hours after senior US and Ukrainian officials met in Florida to discuss possible pathways to end the war. Ukrainian forces maintain that they still hold Pokrovsk and surrounding areas despite heavy Russian assaults. Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly visited the front lines on Sunday, where military chief Valery Gerasimov briefed him on the situation. Footage released by the Kremlin showed Russian troops raising their flag in Pokrovsk’s city center, later verified by CNN. The city’s road and rail links make it strategically vital for Ukraine’s logistics, though continued Russian drone strikes have damaged key supply routes.

Turkey has achieved a major milestone in military aviation with the successful test of its unmanned fighter jet, Bayraktar Kizilelma. The aircraft, developed by Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar, became the world’s first unmanned combat jet to successfully fire a radar-guided beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile at a moving jet-powered target. The test, conducted over the Black Sea near Sinop province, used Turkey’s domestically developed ‘Gökdoğan’ missile and the Murad Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar system built by defense firm Aselsan. The Kizilelma’s ability to detect, track, and destroy aerial targets without human pilots marks a breakthrough in autonomous air combat technology. Baykar officials stated that this achievement demonstrates Turkey’s growing aerospace capabilities and positions Kizilelma as the first and only unmanned platform officially recognized for air-to-air combat readiness. The test also featured joint flight operations with F-16 fighter jets, signaling a new era of manned-unmanned aerial collaboration.

US President Donald Trump has reportedly given Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro an ultimatum to resign immediately and leave the country, according to BBC and Miami Herald reports. The ultimatum was delivered during a phone call on November 21, confirmed by Trump but without revealing details. Trump allegedly offered Maduro and his family safe passage if he stepped down voluntarily. However, Maduro rejected the offer, demanding international legal protection for himself and his allies while reaffirming control over the military. The conversation was reportedly facilitated by Brazil, Qatar, and Turkey. Washington dismissed Maduro’s counterproposals, insisting he must relinquish power soon. Analysts remain uncertain whether Trump’s warning could lead to military action, though sources suggest Maduro’s camp views the threat as mere rhetoric. The diplomatic standoff underscores persistent US-Venezuela tensions and uncertainty over the future of Maduro’s regime.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to return to Bangladesh soon, according to the party’s Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed. Following a regular committee meeting on Monday, December 1, Salahuddin informed reporters that discussions covered various political issues, including preparations for upcoming elections and the health condition of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. He mentioned that Dr. AZM Zahid would brief the media regarding Khaleda Zia’s health. Earlier, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain stated that there are no legal obstacles preventing Tarique Rahman’s return and that a travel pass could be issued within a day if required. Tarique Rahman has been living abroad for several years, and his potential return is being closely watched amid Bangladesh’s evolving political landscape.

The five-day Jor Ijtema organized by Tabligh Jamaat Bangladesh Shura-e-Nizam concluded on the banks of the Turag River in Tongi with a mass prayer on Tuesday morning. Around 250,000 devotees participated in the concluding prayer, which was led by Maulana Ahmed Batla from Pakistan. According to Habibullah Raihan, the media coordinator of Tabligh Jamaat Bangladesh Shura-e-Nizam, 732 foreign guests from 27 countries attended the event. During the gathering, six devotees passed away. Following the final prayer, several groups of devotees set out for religious outreach activities in preparation for the Khuruj Jor scheduled for January 2–4, 2026. The remaining participants returned to their localities to continue organizational work. Authorities have indicated that the next World Ijtema in Tongi will be held after the upcoming national elections.