A book launch and discussion event for 'Dhaka University: In History, In Memory', written by eminent academic and Dhaka University English Department Emeritus Professor Sirajul Islam Chowdhury, was held on Saturday, November 15, at the Poet Sufia Kamal Auditorium of the Bangladesh National Museum. The event, organized by Bengal Books, was chaired by Professor Firdaus Azim and featured distinguished speakers including Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, Professor Khalikuzzaman Elias, playwright Khairul Alam Sabuj, novelist Ahmad Mostofa Kamal, researcher Kazi Samio Shish, and publisher Mahmudul Hasan. Discussants praised the book for its balanced blend of historical insight and personal reflection, analyzing the university’s role in education, politics, and intellectual life. Bengal Books’ publisher Mahmudul Hasan highlighted the company’s mission to promote creative reading and nurture new writers through quality publications in literature, history, and social thought.

The results of the 2025 Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC), Alim, and equivalent examination re-evaluations will be released on Sunday, November 16, at 10 a.m., according to separate notices from the Dhaka Education Board and the Bangladesh Madrasah Education Board. Students who applied for re-evaluation will be able to check their results on the respective board websites and will also receive notifications via SMS. This year, a record number of applications were submitted—226,000 students requested re-evaluation for 428,000 answer scripts across 11 education boards. The Dhaka board received the highest number of applications, while the Barishal board received the fewest. The most re-evaluation requests were made for English and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) subjects. Applications were accepted from October 17 to 23, following the initial results published on October 16, with a fee of 150 taka per subject.

Bangladesh’s Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam announced that police officers with controversial backgrounds will not be assigned to election duties. Speaking at a press briefing at Khulna Metropolitan Police headquarters, he stated that although a formal list of such officers has not yet been prepared, district superintendents of police (SPs) and deputy inspectors general (DIGs) are in the process of identifying them. The IGP emphasized that both the public and the interim government are eager for a free, fair, and impartial national election. He acknowledged that past three national elections had faced criticism and controversy, and said the police are undergoing self-driven training to ensure professionalism and neutrality in the upcoming polls. The move aims to bolster public confidence in law enforcement’s role during the electoral process.

Heavy rainfall on Saturday inundated refugee camps in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, intensifying the suffering of displaced Palestinians already facing dire conditions from ongoing conflict and cold weather. The downpour, triggered by a low-pressure system, submerged many tents in the Al-Mawasi area, prompting emergency responses from Gaza’s Civil Defense. According to Gaza authorities, 93% of the 135,000 tents sheltering displaced people are now uninhabitable due to weather damage and Israeli bombardments. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has urged Israel to allow the entry of essential shelter materials, warning that winter rains are worsening the humanitarian situation. Despite having supplies ready, UNRWA claims Israel is blocking the delivery of tents and mobile homes, violating ceasefire terms. The ceasefire plan, reportedly based on a 20-point proposal by former U.S. President Donald Trump, includes prisoner exchanges and reconstruction efforts. Since October 2023, Israeli strikes have killed over 69,000 people in Gaza, most of them women and children.

Advocate Dr. Helal Uddin, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka South Nayeb-e-Ameer and candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency, has called for a national referendum before holding the upcoming general election to make it meaningful. Speaking at a street rally organized by Shahjahanpur Thana Jamaat, he urged all pro-democracy and peace-loving political parties to unite against what he described as the Awami League-led coalition’s acts of violence and anarchy following the verdict in Sheikh Hasina’s war crimes case. Dr. Helal accused the ruling party of being an enemy of the nation and urged citizens to resist any attempt to destroy public or state property. He also appealed to the youth to join Jamaat’s movement to build a corruption-free, safe, and welfare-oriented Bangladesh. The event was chaired by Muhammad Shariful Islam, with other local Jamaat leaders addressing the gathering.

Former State Minister for Home Affairs and BNP National Executive Committee member Lutfozzaman Babar stated that he had been sentenced to death three times, claiming that no one else in Bangladesh had received so many death sentences. Speaking at several campaign rallies in Madan, Netrokona-4 constituency, after receiving the BNP nomination, Babar expressed gratitude to God, his party, and BNP leaders Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman for their support. He also thanked the people of his constituency for their prayers and support during his 17 years of imprisonment. Babar’s visit marked his first return to his home area since being nominated, where he met with local leaders, activists, and voters across multiple villages and marketplaces.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s central Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher stated that if his party comes to power, no one will face persecution, emphasizing equality among all citizens of Bangladesh. Speaking at an election rally in Gunabati High School field, Chauddagram, Comilla, he described the upcoming election as a contest against extortionists and corrupt politicians. Taher asserted that Jamaat does not believe in divisions between majority and minority communities. He also claimed that Jamaat has gained popularity over the BNP, citing student union elections as evidence. Highlighting his party’s record, Taher said no corruption allegations were proven against Jamaat ministers or MPs, and even his own arrest was later acknowledged by the Anti-Corruption Commission as a mistake. The event was attended by several local and national Jamaat leaders, as well as representatives from various communities, who expressed support for the party’s vision of a peaceful and corruption-free Bangladesh.

The Emirates Astronomical Society has forecast that Eid al-Fitr in 2026 will likely be observed on March 20, following a 30-day Ramadan. According to the society’s chairman, Ibrahim Al Jarwan, the crescent moon marking the start of Ramadan 1447 Hijri is expected to appear on the evening of February 17, though it may be difficult to see with the naked eye. Based on astronomical calculations, Ramadan is expected to begin on February 19. If the month completes 30 days, the UAE’s public holiday schedule suggests a four-day Eid break from March 19 to March 22, with regular work resuming on March 23. The official date of Eid will be confirmed later by the UAE Moon-Sighting Committee, but current projections indicate March 20 as the most probable date for the first day of Shawwal.

China has advised its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan following heightened diplomatic tensions triggered by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan. Takaichi suggested that Japan’s Self-Defense Forces could respond if China attacks Taiwan, sparking a sharp exchange between Beijing and Tokyo. Both countries have lodged formal protests, and Chinese officials have issued strong verbal reactions, with some statements perceived as threatening. Despite mounting pressure, Takaichi refused to retract her comments, asserting they align with Japan’s long-standing policy, though she pledged to be cautious in future remarks. In response, China summoned Japan’s ambassador in Beijing and warned Japan to stop “playing with fire.” The Chinese foreign ministry reiterated its stance on social media, while Japan’s embassy in China urged Japanese citizens to avoid travel to Japan in the near future, reflecting the deepening strain in bilateral relations.

Bangladesh’s Information Adviser Mahfuz Alam has remarked that many who were once oppressed are now becoming oppressors, reflecting a troubling social transformation. Speaking at a roundtable titled ‘Women in Democracy’ in Dhaka, he addressed issues of cyberbullying and political polarization. Alam revealed that he and his family have also been targeted by organized online attacks, allegedly run by coordinated 'bot armies'. He criticized the misuse of religion on social media and urged for accountability. Discussing the interim government, Alam said it was formed with support from all political parties but faced over 200 protests in its first eight months. He argued that the government’s challenges stemmed from both internal mismanagement and lack of political cooperation. On women’s safety, he linked cyberbullying to deep-rooted social fascism, claiming that while state fascism has been removed, social fascism persists. Alam called for social dialogue and political reform to achieve lasting change.

A 32-year-old Japanese woman known as Kano has held a symbolic wedding ceremony with an artificial intelligence persona she created using ChatGPT, highlighting Japan’s evolving relationship with virtual companionship. The ceremony, held in Okayama, featured traditional elements such as vows, rings, and wedding photos, with the AI groom 'Klaus' appearing through augmented reality. Kano developed emotional attachment to the chatbot after a broken engagement, shaping its personality through daily interactions. The event was organized by specialists in symbolic marriages to fictional or digital characters, reflecting a growing acceptance of non-human unions in Japan. The story has sparked national debate about loneliness, emotional connection, and the psychological implications of AI relationships in a society increasingly shaped by technology and social isolation.

Bangladesh police have arrested 39 leaders and activists from the ruling Awami League and its affiliated organizations, including the Jubo League, Chhatra League, and Swechchhasebak League, on charges related to sabotage, violence, and anti-terrorism cases. The arrests were made between Friday and Saturday in multiple districts, including Bogura, Nilphamari, Dhaka, Kurigram, Chandpur, Faridpur, Lakshmipur, Shariatpur, and Sirajganj. Authorities allege that the detainees were involved in attempts to incite unrest following the verdict against Sheikh Hasina in a case concerning crimes against humanity. Police officials confirmed that the arrests were part of ongoing operations to prevent further violence and maintain law and order. Those detained include several local-level leaders such as union presidents, secretaries, and joint conveners from various party wings. Law enforcement agencies have stated that investigations are underway and that more arrests may follow if further evidence emerges.

A hand bomb exploded on Saturday night in front of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) building in Agargaon, Dhaka, according to police reports. The incident occurred around 8:20 p.m., but no injuries or fatalities were reported. Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Imaul Haque confirmed that law enforcement has launched an investigation to identify those responsible. The explosion comes amid a series of recent violent incidents in the capital, including arson attacks on buses and other small explosions. These disturbances are reportedly linked to protests surrounding the verdict in a war crimes case and allegations of suppressing movements against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Authorities have increased security measures in key areas of Dhaka as tensions continue to rise.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury announced that the party will not pursue large-scale mega projects if it comes to power, instead focusing on skill development and private sector growth. Speaking at a business exchange meeting in Faridpur on Saturday, he emphasized that BNP aims to simplify business operations and ensure that economic benefits reach all citizens rather than a select few. Khasru argued that Bangladesh’s future development model should move away from state-dominated mega projects toward initiatives that empower individuals and expand private enterprise. He highlighted the importance of private sector participation in driving national progress and reducing economic dependency on specific groups. The meeting, chaired by BNP divisional organizational secretary Shama Obaed, was attended by academics, party leaders, and business representatives from various districts.

Dhaka College Science Club (DCSC) organized the ‘Intra Science Festival 2025 & Freshers’ Orientation’, bringing together new and senior students in a lively celebration of creativity and scientific spirit. The event was sponsored by Dhaka College Principal Professor A. K. M. Elias and attended by BUET Professor Dr. Mostafa Akbar as chief guest. Special guests included Professor Ehsan Haque from the University of Rochester, Associate Lecturer Nabi Newaz Khan Shomin from BRAC University, and A. K. M. Rafiqul Alam, Secretary of the Dhaka College Teachers’ Council. The festival featured diverse competitions such as Rubik’s Cube solving, sci-fi writing, photography, gaming, calculus combat, IQ tests with criminal case solving, sudoku races, science olympiad, and event design contests. Winners received awards and certificates. The event venue was filled with enthusiasm and innovation as students showcased their talent and creativity. Principal Elias expressed hopes for an even grander festival in the future to inspire students toward creativity and national contribution.