Northern Bangladesh, particularly Tetulia, is experiencing a sharp drop in temperature as winter begins to set in. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the minimum temperature in Tetulia was recorded at 13°C on Wednesday morning, with humidity at 97%. The previous days also saw temperatures hovering around 12.8°C to 13.4°C, signaling the onset of winter. Meteorologists predict that the first cold wave of the season may arrive in early December if sea conditions remain stable. Meanwhile, a low-pressure area or cyclone may form over the Bay of Bengal in late November, potentially bringing rainfall and rough seas. Fishermen along coastal areas have been advised to remain cautious. Experts note that while November’s remaining days may not see a significant increase in cold intensity, the true winter chill is expected to begin in December.

Malaysia is set to prohibit social media use for individuals under 16 years old starting next year, following similar moves by Australia and several European countries. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced that the cabinet has approved the measure as part of broader efforts to protect young people from cyberbullying, scams, and sexual harassment. The government plans to implement electronic age verification using ID cards or passports. Additionally, Malaysia will require major social media and messaging platforms with over eight million users to obtain licenses beginning in January. These platforms must comply with age verification, content safety, and transparency regulations. The initiative aligns Malaysia with global efforts to make the internet safer for children and families, while also tightening oversight of digital platforms.

Samatali Haque, daughter of Bangladeshi poet and intellectual Farhad Mazhar, has been appointed to the transition team of New York’s newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani. Haque, a professor at the City University of New York and a human rights activist, previously worked as a labor attorney before entering academia. She actively participated in Mamdani’s mayoral campaign and is known to have a close professional relationship with him. Born to Farhad Mazhar’s first wife, Haque is married to a Puerto Rican and resides in New York with their two children. The transition team also includes eight other Bangladeshi-origin members, a development that has sparked pride and excitement within the Bangladeshi community in the United States. Mamdani, a Muslim and Democratic Socialist, is set to be sworn in as mayor of New York City on January 1, marking a historic moment for Muslim representation in major Western cities.

A recent Al Jazeera video highlights the tragic stories of orphaned children in Gaza, where over 70,000 people have reportedly been killed in more than two years of Israeli military operations. The children, many too young to fully grasp their loss, describe how their parents were killed—some while fetching food or firewood to support their families. One boy recounts that his father was shot while bringing flour, while a girl recalls her father being killed in Nablus by Israeli soldiers. The video captures the deep emotional trauma and human cost of the ongoing conflict, as Gaza remains under blockade and international pressure on Israel remains limited. The testimonies reflect the devastating impact of the violence on Gaza’s youngest and most vulnerable residents, many of whom now live without parents or stable homes.

In Rangpur-3 constituency, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is facing internal divisions as two rebel candidates, Advocate Mahfuz-un-Nabi Don and Rita Rahman, continue their election campaigns despite the party’s official nomination of Shamsuzzaman Shamu. The discord has created an awkward situation for the BNP nominee and confused grassroots supporters, with factions forming around the rival candidates. Taking advantage of the split, Jamaat-e-Islami’s candidate, Professor Mahbubar Rahman Belal, has gained a stronger foothold in the constituency. While other parties such as the National People's Party (NCP) and Islami Andolon have yet to finalize their candidate lists, BNP, Jamaat, and Islami Andolon have each announced single candidates for all Rangpur seats. Both Don and Rahman claim long-standing loyalty and sacrifices for the party, while Shamu insists there is no division within BNP and that internal competition is part of democratic practice.

A devastating fire broke out in Dhaka’s Korail slum on Tuesday evening, destroying around 1,500 homes. The blaze started at approximately 5:22 p.m., and 19 fire service units managed to bring it under control after five hours of effort, around 10:30 p.m. No casualties have been reported so far. Fire Service Director (Operations and Maintenance) Lt. Col. Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury said traffic congestion delayed the arrival of fire trucks, forcing firefighters to extend hoses from a distance. He added that tangled electrical wires and gas cylinders inside homes accelerated the spread of the fire. The cause of the blaze and the extent of property damage are under investigation. Chowdhury noted that regular fire drills in the slum helped contain the fire more quickly. He also mentioned that sufficient water was available from fire trucks, WASA, and nearby drains. Officials warned that winter months are typically a high-risk period for fires in Dhaka.

At least 27 people, including two student journalists, were injured in a violent clash between students of Jessore University of Science and Technology (JUST) and local residents on Tuesday evening. The confrontation erupted near Ambottola Bazar after allegations that a local shopkeeper harassed a female student. When students confronted the shopkeeper, an argument escalated into physical violence, prompting locals to retaliate. Witnesses reported that locals used loudspeakers to mobilize others against the students, leading to hours of chaos marked by stone-throwing and vandalism. Students later blocked the Chougacha–Dhaka highway and confined the vice-chancellor and treasurer, demanding justice and faster police response. Law enforcement and army personnel were eventually deployed to restore order around 9 p.m. University authorities visited the injured students and promised to address their demands by Wednesday evening, leading to the release of the confined officials around 1 a.m.

Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque has called for the cancellation of the container terminal lease agreement at Chattogram Port, alleging the deal was made secretly with foreign entities and without public consent. Speaking at a discussion organized by his party at the National Press Club in Dhaka, Haque accused the government of acting without a mandate and compared the move to previous controversial agreements such as the one with India’s Adani Group. He argued that the deal compromises Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty, and national security, as it was signed without consultation or transparency. Other political leaders from parties including Gono Forum, BSD, LDP, and Ganosanghati Andolon also criticized the government’s handling of the port agreement, urging greater accountability and public disclosure. The speakers collectively demanded that the government revoke the contract to protect national interests.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed deep concern over the massive fire that broke out at the Korail slum in Dhaka’s Mohakhali area on Tuesday evening. In a statement signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Rahman conveyed his sympathy to the affected families and expressed hope that they would endure this difficult time with patience. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the fire service in controlling the blaze and noted that the extent of the damage was still unclear, though many homes were reported destroyed. Rahman also expressed solidarity with the fire service personnel and local residents for their tireless efforts to extinguish the fire, saying their dedication had inspired the nation. He prayed for the safety of all residents and hoped that the fire would be brought under control soon without any loss of life.

Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has expressed deep concern and sympathy following a devastating fire that swept through Dhaka’s Korail slum, destroying numerous homes and leaving many families homeless. In a statement issued on Tuesday night, he wished a speedy recovery for the injured and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the affected families. Dr. Yunus emphasized that the suffering of those who lost their homes is a collective sorrow for the nation. He assured that the government will provide all necessary assistance for the rehabilitation of the victims. The Chief Adviser also directed authorities to intensify rescue and relief operations immediately and to investigate the cause of the fire to prevent similar incidents in the future. The fire has caused extensive damage, with emergency services working to support displaced residents and assess losses.

Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Lotay Tshering Tobgay have sent gifts and well-wishes to Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, wishing her a speedy recovery. The gifts were received on Tuesday, November 25, by BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan on behalf of Khaleda Zia. The gesture comes after the former Bangladeshi prime minister was admitted to a hospital on Sunday, November 23, where she has been under close medical supervision by a team of specialists. The Bhutanese leaders’ message of goodwill highlights the cordial relations between Bhutan and Bangladesh and reflects regional concern for Khaleda Zia’s health condition, which has drawn significant public attention in Bangladesh.

Islamic scholars and leaders in Manikganj have claimed that certain groups are deliberately trying to destabilize the country ahead of the upcoming elections by creating unrest over the arrest of Baul singer Abul Sarkar. At a press conference on Tuesday, they alleged that political forces are using the issue to heat up the political field, while some quarters are pressuring for Sarkar’s release despite his alleged blasphemous remarks about Allah during a folk performance. Hefazat-e-Islam leaders expressed concern that such pressure could lead to his release on bail, which they believe would undermine Islamic and social values. They also accused Sarkar’s followers of provoking clashes during a recent peaceful rally by Tawhidi Janata. The clerics warned that if religious leaders are harassed or if the case against them continues, they will announce tougher programs after consultation with senior scholars.

Bangladesh’s President has issued the 'Referendum Ordinance, 2025' following approval from the Advisory Council, with the official gazette published by the Ministry of Law’s Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division on November 25. The ordinance outlines that citizens will vote 'yes' or 'no' on whether they support the implementation of the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Order, 2025, and its related proposals. Key reforms include establishing a bicameral parliament, forming a 100-member upper house based on proportional votes, and requiring its majority approval for constitutional amendments. The charter also proposes increasing women’s representation, appointing the deputy speaker and committee chairs from the opposition, ensuring judicial independence, and defining the powers of the prime minister and president. Political parties winning the next national election will be obligated to implement these reforms. The referendum will be held at the same polling centers as the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election.

Bangladeshi authorities have seized 832 tolas of gold ornaments from two bank lockers belonging to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in exile in India. The operation was conducted on Tuesday night, November 25, under court authorization, in the presence of a magistrate. The joint team from the National Board of Revenue’s Central Intelligence Cell (CIC) and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) opened the lockers at Agrani Bank’s Dilkusha branch in Dhaka. This marks the first time Hasina’s bank lockers have been opened with court approval. The CIC had earlier seized the lockers on September 17 to investigate possible tax evasion. Additionally, on September 10, the CIC had confiscated another locker belonging to Hasina at Pubali Bank’s Motijheel corporate branch. The gold recovery is part of a broader investigation into alleged financial irregularities linked to the former premier.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has issued a show-cause notice to its central executive member and Chattogram-15 (Satkania–Lohagara) candidate, Shahjahan Chowdhury, for making controversial remarks about the administration and law enforcement ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The notice, published on Jamaat’s verified Facebook page on November 25, gives him seven days to explain his comments. During a party conference in Chattogram on November 22, Shahjahan allegedly urged supporters to bring local administrative officials under their influence and direct police actions in their favor. His statements, which also called on teachers to campaign for the party’s election symbol, sparked widespread criticism across the country. In response to the backlash, Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General and Chattogram Zone Chief Muhammad Shahjahan clarified that the party does not endorse Shahjahan Chowdhury’s remarks.