Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated that there is no concern about the law and order situation worsening ahead of the upcoming national elections. Speaking at a press briefing after a meeting of the core committee on law and order at the Secretariat on Sunday, November 23, he acknowledged that political gatherings and rallies are likely to increase as the election approaches but assured that security agencies are prepared to maintain stability. Chowdhury also addressed recent earthquake incidents, warning that unplanned landfilling and lack of open spaces could worsen future risks. He emphasized strict adherence to building codes and urged RAJUK to remain vigilant. Additionally, he noted that Bangladesh currently lacks an early warning system for earthquakes and suggested exploring the development of an app similar to those used in other countries that can provide alerts a few seconds before tremors occur.

Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has assured the Election Commission of the army’s full cooperation in maintaining law and order and ensuring a free and fair election. Speaking at an event marking Armed Forces Day at the Army Multipurpose Complex in Dhaka Cantonment on November 23, he emphasized the army’s commitment to national interest and public welfare, following the ideals of the freedom fighters. During the ceremony, 64 army personnel were awarded medals for bravery and exceptional service, while 75 families of freedom fighters received honors. Among the recipients, nine were awarded the Army Medal, 17 received the Outstanding Service Medal, and 38 were given the Distinguished Service Medal for their contributions in the 2024–2025 and 2025–2026 fiscal years. The army chief reiterated that the Bangladesh Army would continue to work for the nation’s progress and uphold its legacy of dedication and discipline.

Iranian news agency Tasnim has alleged that its Palestinian correspondent, Farah Abu Ayyash, has been subjected to torture and harassment while detained in an Israeli prison. Abu Ayyash, who represents Tasnim in the West Bank city of Hebron, was arrested on August 6 from her home in Beit Ummar, north of Hebron. She was later transferred to the Moscovia Detention Center in northern Jerusalem, where she reportedly faced abuse by prison guards. Tasnim initially refrained from publicizing her case due to legal consultations and concerns for her safety. However, after further discussions with her lawyer and the disclosure of her prison experiences, the agency has now made the case public. The incident has drawn attention to the treatment of journalists detained in conflict zones and raised concerns about press freedom and human rights in Israeli detention facilities.

Police in Comilla have arrested 11 individuals involved in an attack on law enforcement officers during an operation to apprehend a wanted drug suspect. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon in the Dharmapur area when drug dealers reportedly assaulted police personnel and vandalized a pickup van. Later that night, police conducted raids across suburban areas, detaining the suspects. The arrested individuals include both men and women aged between 18 and 55. On Sunday, they were sent to jail through the court. According to Kotwali Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mahinul Islam, operations are ongoing to capture others linked to the assault and property damage. The attack highlights the growing risks faced by law enforcement in tackling narcotics-related crimes in the region.

A Dhaka court has set November 27 as the date for delivering the verdict in a corruption case filed against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 11 others. The case involves allegations of abuse of power in allocating government land under the Purbachal New Town Project. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) accused Hasina and her family members of obtaining plots through misuse of authority and false affidavits, depriving the general public of access. The investigation began in December last year, and in March this year, the ACC prepared charge sheets in six related cases against 23 individuals. The trial proceedings commenced on July 31 in Dhaka’s Fourth and Fifth Special Judge Courts. The case has drawn significant public attention due to the involvement of high-profile political figures and the implications for government land allocation practices.

A Dhaka court has scheduled November 25 for the presentation of arguments in a corruption case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, and 15 others. The case alleges abuse of power in the allocation of a 10-katha government plot in the Purbachal New Town Project. On Sunday, Judge Rabiul Alam of Dhaka’s Special Judge Court-4 fixed the date after one accused, Khurshid Alam, pleaded innocence, while Hasina and 16 others remained absconding. The ACC filed the case on January 13, accusing the defendants of irregularities in land allocation. Following investigation, a charge sheet against 17 individuals, including former officials of the Housing and Public Works Ministry and RAJUK, was submitted on March 10. The court had earlier framed charges on July 31, and 32 witnesses have testified so far. The upcoming hearing will focus on final arguments before the court proceeds toward judgment.

Bangladesh celebrated Mushfiqur Rahim’s 100th Test match with a commanding 217-run victory over Ireland, completing a 2-0 series whitewash. After setting a massive 509-run target, Bangladesh bowled out Ireland for 291 on the fifth day in Mirpur. Taijul Islam became the first Bangladeshi bowler to reach 250 Test wickets, taking four in the innings alongside Hasan Murad, who also claimed four. Curtis Campher’s resilient 71 off 259 balls briefly raised hopes of a draw for Ireland, but Bangladesh’s bowlers wrapped up the match efficiently. Earlier, centuries from Mushfiqur Rahim and Liton Das powered Bangladesh to 476 in the first innings, while Mominul Haque, Shadman Islam, and Mahmudul Hasan Joy all scored fifties in the second. With this victory, Bangladesh secured a clean sweep in the two-match series, underlining their dominance at home and giving Mushfiqur a memorable milestone celebration.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland (Shirley Botchwey) met with Bangladesh’s Chief Election Commissioner A M M Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Sunday, November 23. The meeting focused on preparations for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and a planned referendum. Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Hossain and a six-member Commonwealth delegation also attended the meeting. The Secretary-General arrived in Dhaka on Thursday for a five-day official visit, during which she is scheduled to hold discussions with key political and institutional stakeholders ahead of the February elections. The visit underscores the Commonwealth’s interest in supporting transparent and credible electoral processes in Bangladesh as the country gears up for a crucial national vote.

The United States is reportedly preparing new operations in Venezuela, according to four US officials cited by Reuters. The move comes as the Trump administration intensifies pressure on President Nicolás Maduro’s government. Details about the timing or scope of the planned operation remain unclear, and it is not confirmed whether President Donald Trump has made a final decision. Two officials indicated that the first phase could involve a covert mission targeting Maduro. The Pentagon referred inquiries to the White House, while the CIA declined to comment. A senior Trump administration official did not rule out potential actions, saying the president is ready to use all means to curb drug trafficking from Venezuela and ensure accountability. Reports of US military activity in the Caribbean have increased in recent weeks, fueling speculation about possible intervention. The Venezuelan Ministry of Communications has not yet commented on the matter.

A series of earthquakes over two consecutive days in Palash upazila of Narsingdi, Bangladesh, have caused significant damage, including cracks in the historic Ghorashal railway bridge built during the British era. The first tremor occurred on Friday, November 21, at 10:38 a.m., resulting in two fatalities and structural damage to both public and private buildings. Cracks appeared in the bridge’s second and third pillars, raising safety concerns among passengers and residents, as at least 16 pairs of trains use the bridge daily. Following the incident, railway officials and the Palash upazila administration inspected the site on Saturday, November 22. Local residents have urged authorities to take immediate measures to ensure the bridge’s safety. Officials confirmed that the damage has been reported to the railway authorities for further assessment and necessary action.

A violent clash broke out at a trade and cottage industry fair in Shimultali, Gazipur, on Saturday night following an altercation over cigarette pricing. Witnesses reported that a vendor was selling cigarettes at a higher price than usual, leading to an argument when a buyer refused to pay the inflated rate. The situation escalated as the buyer was allegedly assaulted by the vendor and fair authorities. News of the assault quickly spread, prompting local residents to attack the fairgrounds. Several stalls, lottery booths, and offices were vandalized during the ensuing chaos. At least 20 visitors were injured while trying to flee the scene. Law enforcement arrived around 12:30 a.m. and brought the situation under control. Police officials described the incident as a minor dispute that spiraled into violence between locals and fair organizers.

An explosion occurred at the Bashundhara Cement factory in Madanpur, Bandar upazila of Narayanganj on Saturday evening, leaving six workers severely burned. The incident took place while workers were operating the boiler section of the plant. The injured—Tajul Islam (35), Kamal Hossain (45), Nahid (22), Ferdous (35), Atikur Rahman (42), and Torab Ali (55)—were immediately taken to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka. According to resident physician Dr. Shawon Bin Rahman, all six sustained significant burn injuries, with Nahid suffering burns over 40% of his body. Most of the victims have facial burns and respiratory tract damage, complicating their condition. They are currently under intensive observation at the institute. Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the explosion, and an investigation is expected to follow to determine the reason behind the industrial accident.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 of Bangladesh has scheduled hearings for the formation of charges against 13 army officers accused in two cases related to enforced disappearances and torture, considered crimes against humanity. The hearings are set for December 3 and December 7, as decided by a three-member bench led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder. The accused officers were presented before the tribunal earlier, and their lawyers requested permission for virtual appearances in future sessions. The tribunal also directed the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and the Information Secretary to remove judges’ photos and contemptuous comments circulating on social media concerning the verdict in Sheikh Hasina’s case. Previously, on October 8, arrest warrants were issued against 25 current and former army officers in connection with coup-related killings, while 15 officers were later produced before the tribunal and sent to custody.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 of Bangladesh has appointed senior Supreme Court lawyer Z I Khan Panna as legal counsel for Sheikh Hasina in two cases involving enforced disappearances and torture, which are being treated as crimes against humanity. The appointment was made on Sunday, November 23, under the leadership of Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar. Earlier that morning, 13 army officers were presented before the tribunal in connection with the same cases, which name a total of 30 accused, including Hasina. Panna, known for his previous expressions of interest in representing Hasina, attended the tribunal session before his formal appointment. The cases relate to allegations of abduction and abuse during the Awami League government’s tenure, marking a significant legal development in Bangladesh’s ongoing accountability proceedings for alleged human rights violations.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has ordered the removal of judges’ photos and related comments circulating on social media following the verdict against Sheikh Hasina, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumdar, issued the directive to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and the Information Secretary. On November 13, the tribunal sentenced Hasina and Kamal to death and Al-Mamun to five years in prison for crimes against humanity committed between July and August. After the verdict, derogatory remarks and images of the judges spread online, prompting the tribunal to act on its own initiative. The court emphasized that freedom of expression must operate within the law and without defamation. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam and other prosecutors represented the state, while defense lawyers and journalists were also present during the proceedings.