A writ petition has been filed in the High Court challenging the legality of the government-approved merger plan involving five Shariah-based private banks in Bangladesh—First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, Union Bank, EXIM Bank, and Social Islami Bank. The petition, submitted on behalf of investor Shahidul Islam by Barrister Mahsib Hossain, names the Bangladesh Bank governor and the finance secretary among the respondents. The merger proposal, approved on October 9 by an advisory council, aims to form a new Shariah-compliant entity tentatively named either United Islamic Bank or Sammilito Islamic Bank. The new bank would assume all assets and liabilities of the merged institutions, with an authorized capital of Tk 40,000 crore, including Tk 20,000 crore from the government. Bangladesh Bank recently appointed administrators to manage the financially weak banks, assuring depositors that their funds remain secure and that no employees will be dismissed during the restructuring process.

Sobhan, a resident of Dumki in Patuakhali, expressed emotional relief after the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity linked to last year’s July–August uprising. His son, Jasim, was shot dead by police during the protests at Mohammadpur intersection in Dhaka. Sobhan described the verdict as ‘true justice,’ saying it would bring peace to his son’s soul. Local residents view his reaction as symbolic of the broader sentiment among families who lost loved ones during the mass movement demanding justice and equality. The tribunal’s ruling marks a significant moment for victims’ families who had long awaited accountability for the violence that occurred during the anti-government uprising.

A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of immovable properties worth Tk 180.37 crore belonging to NASA Group Chairman Nazrul Islam Majumder, including 162 kathas of land in the Jalshiri Housing Project and 53 registered plots. The order was issued by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Foyez on Tuesday, November 18, following a petition by Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Assistant Director Shahjahan Miraj. The court also directed the freezing of Tk 2.02 crore across three bank accounts. The ACC alleged that Majumder amassed Tk 781 crore through misuse of power, bribery, and corruption, which are inconsistent with his known sources of income. Investigators claimed that he was attempting to transfer or sell his assets before the case’s resolution. The court acted under the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2002, and the ACC Rules, 2007, to prevent potential loss to the state.

A Dhaka court has ordered the freezing of 74 bank accounts associated with Tanvir Ahmed Mishuk, former managing director of mobile financial service provider Nagad Limited, and other related individuals and entities. The order was issued by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Foyez following a petition from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The CID sought the freeze to ensure an impartial investigation into allegations that Nagad officials and affiliates may have issued excess e-money, embezzled funds through fraudulent transactions, and laundered money abroad. The petition also raised suspicions of undervalued share transfers to foreign investors as part of possible money laundering. The accounts will remain frozen until the investigation concludes under the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012 (amended 2015). The court’s decision aims to prevent any transfer of funds that could obstruct the ongoing inquiry.

Dhaka will host the 24th International Qirat Conference Bangladesh–2025 on November 28 at the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram. The event, organized by the International Quran Recitation Organization ‘Iqra’ and sponsored by PHP Family with support from the Islamic Foundation Bangladesh, aims to promote Quran recitation globally. Distinguished reciters from Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan, Iran, and the Philippines will participate, including Sheikh Ahmad Al Jawhari, Sheikh Abdul Wali Arakani, Qari Anwarul Hasan Shah Bukhari, Qari Mahdi Gholamnejad, and Qari Muhammad Nair Asfar. The conference will be presided over by the eminent reciter Sheikh Ahmad bin Yusuf Al Azhari. Chief Guest will be Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain, while PHP Family Chairman Sufi Md. Mizanur Rahman will attend as chief patron. Special guests include Islamic Foundation Director General A. Halim Khan, Dhaka Deputy Commissioner Tanzil Ahmed, and DIG of Police Ejaz Ahmed. Diplomats from various countries are also expected to attend.

The Bangladesh government has issued the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, allowing the formation of trade unions with the consent of at least 20 workers in a factory. Previously, 20 percent of a factory’s workforce was required to form a union. The new ordinance specifies the number of workers needed for union registration based on total workforce size, ranging from 20 to 400. The amendment aims to modernize labor laws, align them with International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, and ensure greater balance between workers and employers. It extends labor law protections to domestic workers and sailors, prohibits blacklisting, strengthens measures against sexual harassment, enhances maternity benefits, and bans gender-based wage discrimination. The ordinance also introduces improved mechanisms for dispute resolution and establishes a fund for rehabilitation and medical support of injured workers. Officials described the reform as a landmark step toward international labor standards.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has expressed serious concern over the death sentence handed to former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal in absentia by the International Crimes Tribunal. In a statement issued from New York on November 17, HRW said the two were tried without being present and were not represented by lawyers of their choice, violating fair trial standards. The organization emphasized that accountability for abuses under Hasina’s administration must follow international justice norms. HRW also noted that former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, the third accused who testified as a prosecution witness, received a reduced five-year sentence. The group urged Bangladesh to ensure impartial investigations and credible trials. HRW further highlighted that the UN and Bangladesh had signed a memorandum to promote human rights, suggesting that a moratorium on executions would align with that commitment.

Bangladesh’s Economic Affairs Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed announced that the government will procure 17,000 shotguns for Ansar forces before the upcoming national elections to replace outdated weapons. The decision was made at a meeting of the Economic Affairs Advisory Committee on November 18. He also stated that the earlier plan to buy 40,000 body-worn cameras for polling centers will be revised, with cameras now to be deployed only at high-risk centers. The procurement process will be conducted transparently, with coordination between the Election Commission and the Ministry of Home Affairs. Additionally, the government approved funds to purchase one crore e-passport books due to rising demand and will procure EPI vaccines amid supply concerns. To stabilize food prices ahead of Ramadan, rice and wheat imports will also be arranged.

Leaders of Bangladesh’s opposition youth wing, Jubo Dal, have alleged that the killing of their leader Golam Kibria was a politically motivated act intended to derail the upcoming February national election and undermine the electoral environment. Speaking at a meeting organized by the South Jubo Dal at the Diploma Engineering Institute in Dhaka, they stated that Kibria’s murder was not an isolated incident but part of a broader attempt to create instability. The leaders urged the government to intensify efforts to arrest the perpetrators and warned that Jubo Dal would take to the streets if provoked. They emphasized the need for a swiftly elected government to steer the country out of crisis and accused certain groups of manipulating the political process to delay the polls. The meeting concluded with a rally from Kakrail to Nayapaltan, where participants pledged to work for the victory of candidates representing the BNP’s electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf.

Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah, widely known across Bangladesh as the 'Humanitarian DC', officially assumed office on Tuesday, November 18, as the 34th Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Chattogram. He took over from Acting DC Md Kamruzzaman in a formal handover ceremony. Previously, Zahidul served successfully as DC in Rajbari and Narayanganj, where he earned national recognition for his compassionate administrative initiatives. His tenure in Narayanganj included extensive welfare programs for underprivileged groups, support for injured activists, and community development projects such as the 'Green and Clean Narayanganj' campaign. Upon taking charge in Chattogram, Zahidul pledged to establish a people-oriented and humane administration, emphasizing professionalism, good governance, and cooperation from all sectors. Born in Tangail in 1979, Zahidul is a 25th BCS officer with academic credentials from the University of Dhaka and the UK. His appointment has been welcomed as a continuation of his reputation for empathy and effective public service.

A Dhaka court has ordered the freezing of 33 bank accounts belonging to former Home Minister and ex-chairman of Farmers Bank Limited, Dr. Mahiuddin Khan Alamgir, and his wife Sitara Alamgir. The order was issued by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Foyez following a petition from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The ACC alleged that the couple attempted to withdraw and transfer funds from their accounts to conceal illegally obtained money. Investigators suspect the accounts were used for money laundering between 2009 and September 2024, involving over Tk 216 crore and foreign currency transactions. The freeze was imposed under the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012, and the ACC Rules, 2007, to ensure a fair investigation. The ACC had earlier filed a case against the couple on November 12, accusing them of concealing the sources and ownership of illicit wealth.

A Dhaka court has authorized the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to obtain income tax records of Awami League Presidium Member and former MP Kazi Zafar Ullah, his wife Nilufar Zafar Ullah, and their children. The order, issued by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Foyez, directs the Tax Zone-8 office to provide copies of the family’s tax files from 2008 to 2025. The CID sought the records as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering, fraud, and extortion involving Kazi Zafar Ullah and his associates. According to the CID’s application, the accused are suspected of acquiring substantial movable and immovable assets through illicit means and transferring funds to foreign destinations, including the British Virgin Islands, the United Kingdom, and Dubai. Additional Public Prosecutor Mostafa Sarowar Murad represented the state during the hearing, after which the court granted the request.

A total of 170 Bangladeshi nationals detained or staying irregularly in Libya have been repatriated to Bangladesh through a coordinated effort involving the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The returnees arrived in Dhaka on a chartered Buraq Air flight on November 18. Most of them had entered Libya in hopes of reaching Europe illegally by sea, often falling victim to human trafficking, abduction, and physical abuse. Upon arrival, officials from the ministries and IOM welcomed them and urged them to share their experiences to raise awareness against irregular migration. IOM provided each returnee with travel allowances, food, and basic medical assistance. Authorities confirmed that this repatriation is part of an ongoing initiative to safely return Bangladeshi detainees from Libyan detention centers.

A Dhaka court has ordered the freezing of over 46.4 million shares held in Meghna Bank under the names of three individuals linked to former land minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury Javed. The order, issued by Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Md Sabbir Foyez, follows a petition from the Criminal Investigation Department’s Financial Crimes Unit. The accused—Imrana Zaman Chowdhury, former director of Meghna Bank PLC; Utpal Pal, managing director of Steadfast Management Trading Ltd; and Nasim Uddin Mohammad Adil, a director of the same firm—allegedly used illicit funds to purchase shares worth about 599.5 million taka. Investigators claim the money originated from foreign transfers via Singapore and Dubai and was later funneled into local bank accounts to conceal its illegal source. The court ruled that freezing the shares was necessary to prevent the accused from liquidating assets and obstructing the ongoing money laundering investigation under the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012.

European Union Defence and Space Commissioner Andrius Kubilius has warned that Europe remains inadequately prepared to counter Russia’s modern drone attacks. Speaking in Vilnius, Lithuania, he said the continent’s detection, defense, and interception systems are still insufficient, even after Russia’s recent drone strike on Poland. Kubilius emphasized that while Russia is learning from its operations, Europe has yet to adapt effectively. He urged EU nations to learn from Ukraine’s battlefield experience to strengthen their defense capabilities, warning that failure to do so would be a historic mistake that could weaken both Europe and Ukraine. Following intelligence warnings about possible Russian aggression toward NATO members, the EU and NATO have begun reinforcing their eastern defenses, deploying additional troops and expanding anti-drone systems along the alliance’s eastern flank.