A major fire erupted at the venue of the United Nations COP30 climate summit in Belem, Brazil, on Thursday, prompting the evacuation of thousands of delegates. The blaze started in the pavilion zone, where country exhibits and discussions were being held, though the exact cause remains unknown. Witnesses reported panic as smoke and heat spread rapidly through the crowded area, with security personnel guiding attendees to safety while firefighters battled the flames. The fire was brought under control around 2:20 p.m. local time, according to the COP presidency office. No injuries have been reported so far, but officials said they are closely monitoring the situation. The temporary venue, built on the site of an old airport in the Amazon region, hosts thousands of visitors daily. The two-week global climate conference, scheduled to conclude on Friday, November 21, may extend if last-minute negotiations are required.

A 22-year lease agreement for Dhaka’s Keraniganj-based Pangao Inland Container Port with Swiss company Medlog has sparked controversy over alleged links to banned Awami League leader and former minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury. Sources claim Medlog is affiliated with Chowdhury’s Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). The deal, signed on November 17 between Chittagong Port Authority and Medlog Bangladesh Ltd, was reportedly finalized within days, raising concerns among port officials, workers, and civil society groups. Critics argue that the rushed process and lack of transparency could jeopardize national interests, sovereignty, and local employment. Labor unions fear job losses for the 391 registered port workers if foreign management replaces them with its own staff. Officials from the Chittagong Port Authority maintain that the lease was awarded through a proper tender process and that local workers will not be displaced. However, demands persist for the full disclosure of the contract terms and for assurances regarding national control and worker rights.

Zimbabwe pulled off a stunning 67-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening match of the tri-nation T20 series held in Pakistan. Batting first, Zimbabwe posted a competitive total of 162 for 8, led by opener Brian Bennett’s 49 and Sikandar Raza’s 47, which earned him the Player of the Match award. In reply, Sri Lanka collapsed to just 95 all out, unable to handle Zimbabwe’s disciplined and collective bowling attack. Captain Dasun Shanaka top-scored for Sri Lanka with 34 runs, while Bhanuka Rajapaksa added 11, but no other batsman reached double figures. Extras contributed 12 runs to the total. The result marked a disappointing start for Sri Lanka and a morale-boosting win for Zimbabwe, who began their campaign on a high note in the tri-series.

Professor Dr. Maimul Ahsan Khan, former chairman of the Law Department at the University of Dhaka and a noted legal scholar, has collected a nomination form from the National Citizen Party (NCP) to contest the upcoming election from Cox’s Bazar-01 (Chakaria-Pekua) constituency. Dr. Khan, who previously served as Dean of Social Sciences at Leading University, was also the direct teacher of BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, a former student of Dhaka University’s Law Department. The nomination form was collected on Thursday, confirmed NCP central leader Mahmud Hasan Ali. Dr. Khan is known for his expertise in jurisprudence, Islamic law, and international commercial law, and has held teaching and research positions at several universities. His decision to seek political office marks a notable move from academia to active politics in a constituency long associated with his former student Salahuddin Ahmed.

Bangladesh cricket star Mushfiqur Rahim expressed his gratitude to footballer Hamza Choudhury after the Leicester City midfielder congratulated him for scoring a century in his 100th Test match. During a press conference on Thursday, Mushfiqur said he was pleasantly surprised and happy to see Hamza’s video message, which he viewed on his manager’s phone. He added that he would personally thank Hamza if they ever meet in person. In his message, Hamza praised Mushfiqur as a national legend and expressed pride in his achievements, wishing him success in the milestone Test. Mushfiqur recently became the first Bangladeshi cricketer to play 100 Tests and the 11th player globally to score a century in his 100th match, marking another milestone in his illustrious career.

Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim marked his 100th Test appearance with a remarkable century, becoming the first Bangladeshi and the 11th player in the world to achieve a hundred in his 100th Test. Following the second day’s play in Dhaka on Thursday, November 20, Mushfiqur dedicated his milestone innings to his late grandparents, expressing deep emotion about their unwavering support during his career. He recalled how they had wished to live longer just to watch him play and credited their blessings for his success. With this century, Mushfiqur equaled Mominul Haque’s record of 13 Test centuries for Bangladesh, making him one of the country’s most accomplished cricketers. His performance not only added another chapter to Bangladesh’s cricket history but also reflected his gratitude toward family and faith in perseverance.

Rickshaw-puller Sujon, who gained attention during the July uprising for saluting protesters, has collected nomination papers from the National Citizens Party (NCP) to contest the upcoming national election from Dhaka-8 constituency. His candidacy sets up an unusual electoral battle against seasoned BNP politician and former MP Mirza Abbas, who has secured his party’s nomination for the same seat. Sujon stated that his participation symbolizes equal political rights for all citizens, expressing gratitude to the NCP for allowing ordinary people to run for office. According to NCP officials, the party aims to nominate individuals who actively participated in the July movement. The Dhaka-8 constituency, comprising Motijheel, Ramna, Shahbagh, Paltan, and Shahjahanpur police stations, is considered a politically significant area in the capital. Alongside Abbas and Sujon, Jamaat’s Dr. Helal Uddin and young candidate Sharif Osman Hadi are also campaigning vigorously for the seat.

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)-2 has arrested Mohammad Hossain, alias 'Roktochosa Jony', a known gangster from Dhaka’s Mohammadpur area, during a late-night raid on November 21. According to RAB officials, Jony and his gang had long been involved in extortion, intimidation, assaults, and armed demonstrations in the locality. Acting on a tip-off, RAB conducted a special operation and detained him with locally made weapons. Authorities confirmed that multiple criminal cases are pending against him. A press briefing is scheduled at RAB-2’s Basila headquarters to provide further details. This is not Jony’s first arrest; in September 2023, he was detained by Mohammadpur police with a pistol, ammunition, and heroin. Law enforcement officials stated that his repeated arrests highlight ongoing efforts to curb organized crime in Dhaka’s neighborhoods.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Parwar has said that Islamic principles are essential for ensuring justice, peace, and equality in society. Speaking at a women voters’ rally in Khulna’s Atra-Gilatala Union, he urged citizens to elect pious and Islam-oriented candidates in the upcoming national election to build a welfare state guided by Islamic law. Responding to critics, Parwar rejected allegations that Jamaat sells 'tickets to heaven,' saying the party only promotes the Quran’s teachings and moral guidance. He accused the BNP of adopting Awami League’s stance by obstructing Jamaat’s religious programs and claimed such actions hinder Islamic awakening. Parwar emphasized the role of women in establishing an Islamic state and called for grassroots campaigning in favor of the 'balance scale' election symbol. He reiterated that Jamaat’s goal is to establish Quranic law through public support and urged unity among Islamic groups ahead of the election.

Malaysian immigration authorities have detained 468 foreign nationals, including 174 Bangladeshis, during a large-scale operation in the Cameron Highlands on November 20. The raid, named 'Op Jempur,' took place between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. across four zones covering business areas, construction sites, and vegetable farms. A total of 547 immigration officers participated in the operation, which was planned a month earlier following complaints from local residents. Immigration Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban stated that the district has become a hotspot for undocumented workers due to its agricultural activities and distance from urban centers. Authorities checked documents of 1,886 foreigners and found several cases of fake temporary work visit passes. Those arrested include citizens from Myanmar, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, India, the Philippines, Thailand, Sri Lanka, China, and Cambodia. The detainees, aged between 20 and 54, have been sent to detention depots in Kelantan, Perak, and Selangor. Since early 2025, Malaysia has arrested nearly 84,000 undocumented migrants nationwide.

The National Education and Culture Protection Movement has submitted a memorandum protesting the cancellation of the government decision to recruit music and physical education teachers in primary schools. The organization, supported by 23 social, cultural, teacher, and student groups, announced a rally at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka on Saturday. Movement leaders, including Mahmud Selim, Dr. Abu Sayeed, and Dr. Mokbul Hossain, argued that the interim government reversed its earlier decision under pressure from certain groups demanding religious teachers instead. They emphasized that music and physical education are essential for children’s holistic development and warned that removing these subjects would harm intellectual and emotional growth. The Primary and Mass Education Adviser, Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar, assured that appropriate actions would be taken. The movement also urged the government to make music, fine arts, and physical education compulsory at both primary and secondary levels.

A 55-year-old woman named Lalmone Nesha was injured in an explosion while collecting scrap materials in Kotalipara upazila of Gopalganj on Thursday afternoon. According to local sources, she was sorting through collected items near the Radhaganj Kurighor Restaurant when she found a round object and began handling it. The object suddenly exploded in her hand, injuring two to three fingers of her left hand. Witnesses rushed her to Kotalipara Upazila Health Complex, where doctors confirmed that the injury was caused by a cocktail-type explosive device. She was later referred to Barishal Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment. Police have confirmed the incident and said they are investigating the source of the explosive. The incident has caused concern among locals, though authorities believe it was an accidental explosion rather than a targeted attack.

Mufti Syed Muhammad Fayzul Karim, senior Naib-e-Ameer of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, stated that the reinstatement of the previously abolished non-partisan caretaker government system will bring welfare and a better future for the people of Bangladesh. Speaking at a public rally in Char Samaiya Union, Bhola, on November 20, he said that elections held under caretaker governments have historically been more transparent and acceptable than those under partisan governments. Karim expressed optimism that the upcoming 13th national election would see Islamic parties unite under one electoral symbol. Commenting on the court’s verdict regarding Sheikh Hasina, he said the judgment was delivered according to law and urged the government and law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety and stability. The rally was attended by several Islami Andolan leaders and local representatives.

A local leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s student wing, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, was attacked at the Narsingdi Judge Court premises on Thursday afternoon while attending a court hearing. The victim, Siam Bhuiyan Abir, 28, joint convener of Ghorashal Municipality Chhatra Dal, was assaulted by several unidentified youths who used a beggar’s stick to strike him. He sustained head injuries requiring four stitches and multiple bruises on his body. Police and witnesses said the attack occurred after Siam had finished his court appearance and was drinking tea near the rest area. The assailants fled after the incident. Siam was taken to Narsingdi District Hospital for treatment and later released. Police suspect the attack may have been motivated by previous enmity and have pledged to investigate. Siam has demanded justice and called for a thorough inquiry into the assault.

A 20-year-old man named Alauddin has been arrested in Dhaka’s Nawabganj area for allegedly raping a third-grade girl after locking her younger brother in another room. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon in a village under Bandura Union while the children’s mother was attending a religious event nearby. According to the police and the victim’s family, Alauddin, a drug-addicted assistant mason, lured the girl into a room and assaulted her. The perpetrator fled when the mother returned home and discovered her daughter injured. Neighbors came to help and arranged initial medical care. The victim’s mother, whose husband works abroad, filed a case at Nawabganj Police Station on Tuesday night. Police later arrested the accused and sent the child to Dhaka for a medical examination. Authorities have assured that legal action will be taken against the perpetrator.