A three-member team from Bangladesh’s Geological Survey, led by Deputy Director (Geology) Mohammad Anisur Rahman, inspected the Madhabdi area of Narsingdi following recent earthquakes. The team found that cracks in the ground appeared mainly in areas that were once ponds or wetlands later filled with loose sand. Rahman explained that the phenomenon, known as soil liquefaction, occurs when seismic waves cause water from nearby ponds to infiltrate sandy layers, reducing the soil’s load-bearing capacity and leading to surface collapse. He assured that the shallow cracks pose no immediate danger and can be easily filled, though buildings constructed on reclaimed land may face structural risks. Rahman added that the tremors are likely aftershocks of the 5.5 magnitude quake. Another official, Sohel Rana, noted that Bangladesh lies in a geologically complex tectonic zone, making earthquake prediction difficult, and warned that moderate to strong quakes may continue in the region.

In Sandwip, Chattogram, BNP’s Moshapur Union General Secretary Idris Alam has been accused of illegally clearing large portions of coastal forest in the Mogdhara area to occupy government land. Locals allege that Idris and his followers have been cutting mangrove trees at night for weeks and smuggling the timber to nearby regions, including Hatiya and Subarnachar. The deforestation has reportedly endangered the island’s main coastal embankment, increasing the risk of river erosion and environmental degradation. Despite repeated complaints, the forest department and local administration have allegedly remained inactive. Idris claims ownership of the land but has failed to produce legal documents. Forest officials deny his claims, stating that cutting trees without permission violates the Forest Act of 1927 and the Environmental Conservation Act of 1995. The Upazila administration has announced an investigation, warning of legal action if the allegations are proven. The destroyed forest was part of a coastal greenbelt project established after the 1991 cyclone to protect the shoreline.

US President Donald Trump announced plans to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization, saying documentation for the move is being finalized. The decision follows Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s declaration labeling both the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as foreign terrorist and international criminal organizations. CAIR, the largest Muslim civil rights group in the US, has filed a lawsuit against Abbott and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in response. CAIR’s legal director Lena Masri stated that the group had previously won cases against Abbott and would continue to resist what it views as politically motivated attacks. Founded nearly a century ago in Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood operates through branches and affiliates across multiple countries. Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have been urging the State Department to ban the group, with Senator Marco Rubio earlier confirming that the designation process was underway.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur has announced that all banks, mobile financial services (MFS), insurance companies, and other financial institutions in Bangladesh will adopt a cashless inter-transaction system starting from July 2027. The initiative aims to eliminate the need for cash withdrawals and enhance transparency in financial transactions. Speaking at an event in Dhaka’s Westin Hotel, the governor emphasized that digitization is essential for ensuring transparency, reducing corruption, and improving revenue collection. During the event, Bangladesh Bank signed an agreement with the Gates Foundation’s Mojaloop to establish the inter-transaction platform, which will be called the Inclusive Instant Payment System (IIPS). The agreement was signed virtually due to security considerations. The move is expected to accelerate Bangladesh’s transition toward a fully digital financial ecosystem and strengthen financial inclusion across the country.

The Bangladesh government has decided to import non-basmati rice from India through a Singapore-based supplier to keep domestic rice prices stable. Economic Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed announced the decision after a government purchase advisory committee meeting at the Secretariat on Monday. He stated that while rice prices have somewhat stabilized, there are signs of a slight increase, prompting the government to act preemptively. The choice of a Singapore supplier was based on competitive pricing, quality, and timely delivery. Ahmed also mentioned that the government aims to finalize a revised budget by December, taking into account increased expenditures for the upcoming national election and referendum, which will be held on the same day. He acknowledged the logistical challenges of conducting both events simultaneously but supported the decision as efficient. The meeting also approved fertilizer and refined oil purchases, along with three road development projects.

Dhaka’s Metro Rail is set to introduce an online recharge system for its Rapid Pass and MRT Pass cards starting Tuesday, November 25. The new service will be inaugurated at Agargaon Metro Station by Sheikh Moinuddin, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser of the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry. Under the new system developed by the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA), passengers can recharge their cards through credit cards, bKash, Nagad, Rocket, or other online banking platforms. After completing payment online, users must tap their cards at newly installed AVM machines at stations to activate the recharge. A small service fee will apply for online transactions. Unused recharges will remain valid for three months and will be refunded automatically with a 10% deduction if not activated. The DTCA has installed 32 AVM machines across 16 stations from Uttara to Motijheel. Currently, about 55% of Metro Rail passengers use these cards, and authorities expect the new system to improve convenience and efficiency for commuters.

BNP Standing Committee member and former state minister for communications Salahuddin Ahmed extended financial assistance to families affected by a recent fire in Pekua, Cox’s Bazar. On Monday afternoon, his personal secretary, Md. Safwanul Karim, distributed Tk 50,000 to each of six families whose homes were destroyed in the blaze, totaling Tk 300,000. The fire, which occurred last Friday evening, completely burned down six houses in Sarkarighona village. Local BNP leaders, including Abu Bakkar, Kamran Jadid Mukut, Ahsan Ullah, and Naimur Rahman Hridoy, were present during the aid distribution. Earlier, Pekua Upazila BNP president and chairman Bahadur Shah had also provided financial support to the victims. Additional assistance from the Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal is expected in the coming days. Salahuddin Ahmed urged others to come forward to help the poor and helpless families affected by the tragedy.

A new report by the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) reveals that 41% of intensive care unit (ICU) patients in Bangladesh are not responding to any antibiotics, signaling a severe antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threat. The 'National AMR Surveillance Report 2025', presented by Chief Scientific Officer Professor Dr. Zakir Hossain Habib, analyzed samples from 96,477 patients between July 2024 and June 2025 across five ICUs. The findings show that pan-drug-resistant (PDR) bacteria were found in 7% of all samples and 41% of ICU cases, while multi-drug-resistant (MDR) bacteria appeared in 46% of all samples and 89% of ICU cases. The use of WHO watch-group antibiotics rose from 77% to 90.9%, with ceftriaxone and meropenem being the most used. Dr. Habib warned that unregulated and excessive antibiotic use has pushed AMR to a dangerous level, posing a major public health risk for Bangladesh.

A fire broke out on Monday evening at the canteen section of Dhaka University’s Bijoy Ekattor Hall extension area. According to the Fire Service, they received the alert at 6:13 p.m. and dispatched four units that quickly reached the site and brought the blaze under control. Witnesses reported that the fire may have originated from a gas cylinder explosion inside one of the food stalls. The incident caused panic among students, prompting many to evacuate the building. Hall Provost Dr. S. M. Ali Reza stated that the exact cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed, though a cylinder explosion is suspected. University Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed confirmed that the fire was fully contained within minutes, and no injuries or fatalities were reported. Authorities said the extent of damage and the definitive cause will be determined after an investigation.

The Bangladesh government has issued a formal reprimand against Barishal Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner and former Narsingdi Superintendent of Police (SP) Md Abdul Hannan after allegations of irregularities, abuse of power, and tarnishing the police’s image were proven true. According to a Ministry of Home Affairs circular signed by Senior Secretary Nasimul Gani, the disciplinary action followed an internal investigation that found Hannan had allegedly paid Tk 5 million in bribes in 2023 to secure his posting as Narsingdi SP. The posting was not realized due to political changes in August 2024. Later, in November 2023, after assuming office, Hannan and a subordinate officer reportedly collected Tk 500,000 from the same individual in Dhaka without authorization. Despite the serious nature of the offenses, which include bribery—a criminal act—the government imposed only a reprimand as punishment, raising questions about accountability within the police force.

The Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Palestine in Dhaka, Mr. Ziad M. H. Hamad, paid a courtesy visit to Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan on Monday. During the meeting, they discussed opportunities for Palestinian students to study at Dhaka University, including admission procedures, scholarships, and tuition fee waivers. The diplomat requested the university’s cooperation in providing scholarships and fee exemptions for Palestinian students. In response, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Khan assured full support and possible assistance from the university to facilitate educational opportunities for Palestinian nationals. The meeting was attended by Dhaka University Treasurer Professor Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Provost of Shamsunnahar Hall Professor Dr. Nasrin Sultana, and Director of the International Affairs Office Professor Dr. Syeda Rozana Rashid. The information was confirmed by the university’s Public Relations Officer Mohammad Rafiqul Islam.

The Government of Bangladesh has promulgated the 'Deposit Protection Ordinance, 2025' to strengthen depositor confidence and ensure financial stability in the banking sector. Under the new ordinance, depositors will be entitled to receive up to Tk 200,000 immediately if a bank or financial institution is liquidated or closed. The ordinance, issued by the President under Article 93(1) of the Constitution due to the dissolution of Parliament, replaces the Bank Deposit Insurance Act of 2000. A new Deposit Protection Department will be established under Bangladesh Bank to oversee premium collection, fund management, member inspections, and payout operations. Two separate protection funds will be created for banks and financial institutions, financed through premiums, penalties, and investment income. All existing banks will automatically become members, while financial institutions will join by July 1, 2028. Certain government and foreign deposits will remain excluded. Bangladesh Bank will also be empowered to cooperate with foreign regulators and adopt international standards to enhance depositor protection.

A fire erupted at Dhaka University’s Bijoy Ekattor Hall on Monday evening, November 24, around 6:13 p.m. According to the Fire Service control room, four units were dispatched immediately to the scene near the Jamuna building extension. Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion before seeing flames and smoke rising from the extension area. Preliminary reports suggest that the fire may have been caused by a gas cylinder explosion. Firefighters were working to bring the blaze under control, and no casualties had been reported at the time of the initial update. The incident caused panic among students residing in the hall, though authorities responded quickly to prevent the fire from spreading further. Further investigations are underway to determine the exact cause and extent of the damage.

The Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JnUSU) has released the preliminary list of candidates for its upcoming election following the verification of nomination papers. The announcement was made on Sunday through a notice signed by Chief Election Commissioner Professor Dr. Mostafa Hasan. According to the notice, any aggrieved candidate may appeal to the president of the central students’ union within one day of the list’s publication. The election commission has clearly specified the appeal deadline. Under the current structure, JnUSU has 21 posts, including president, general secretary, assistant general secretary, 11 secretarial positions, and 7 executive member posts. The preliminary list shows 12 candidates for vice president, 11 for general secretary, and 13 for assistant general secretary. Additionally, multiple candidates have submitted nominations for various secretarial and executive positions, with 28 candidates vying for executive member posts.

The Bangladesh Secretariat Officers and Employees Coordinated Council has warned of large-scale protests if the National Pay Commission fails to submit its recommendations for a new pay scale by November 30. Council President Badiul Kabir stated that employees are united and ready to launch greater movements if their demands are not met. The Pay Commission, chaired by Zakir Ahmed Khan, held a meeting on Monday with secretaries from various ministries to review pay structures for government, semi-government, autonomous, and state-owned institutions. The commission aims to finalize recommendations for salary, allowances, and benefits based on these reviews. Although the commission is expected to submit its final report by late December, Kabir insisted that at least a summary should be submitted within the set deadline. If the recommendations are delayed, a mass rally on December 5 will announce further protest programs.