Earthquakes are among the most destructive natural disasters, often triggering tsunamis and landslides. Several countries face frequent seismic activity due to their location along tectonic plate boundaries. Japan tops the list as it lies within the Pacific 'Ring of Fire', where it experiences constant tectonic movement. The country has developed advanced seismic monitoring systems and early warning networks. Indonesia, also on the Ring of Fire, endures multiple high-magnitude earthquakes annually, often accompanied by volcanic eruptions and tsunamis. China has a tragic history of deadly quakes, including the 2008 Sichuan disaster that killed tens of thousands. The Philippines faces similar risks due to its mountainous terrain and frequent storms, which heighten landslide dangers. Iran, located on several fault lines, regularly experiences destructive quakes, such as the 1990 Gilan event that claimed over 40,000 lives. Despite these risks, all five nations have strengthened disaster preparedness and public awareness to mitigate earthquake impacts.

Authorities in Narayanganj have exhumed the body of Fayez Ahmed, a day laborer from Lakshmipur’s Raipur, who was shot dead on August 5 during an anti-discrimination student protest. The exhumation took place on Monday, November 24, under the directive of the Lakshmipur District Commissioner’s office and in the presence of local officials and police. The Narayanganj District and Sessions Judge Court ordered a fresh autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Fayez’s father, Alaudin, had earlier filed a case with Fatullah Model Police Station following the incident. After the new post-mortem examination at Lakshmipur Hospital morgue, the body was handed back to the family for reburial. Family members have demanded justice and exemplary punishment for those responsible for the killing, urging authorities to uncover the truth behind the fatal shooting during the student-led protest.

Bangladesh’s Attorney General, Mohammad Asaduzzaman, stated that the state possesses numerous legal provisions that can be used to suppress journalists, beyond the Digital Security Act. Speaking at the ‘Bay of Bengal Conversation 2025’ organized by the Centre for Governance Studies, he emphasized that restrictive laws have long existed, citing the Penal Code, the Special Powers Act of 1974, and sedition laws. He argued that repealing the Digital Security Act alone would not ensure press freedom unless there is a change in the state’s and political leadership’s mindset. Asaduzzaman recalled historical cases of journalist arrests under earlier laws and shared personal experiences highlighting judicial rigidity. He urged journalists to advocate not only for press freedom but also for broader civil rights. The Attorney General called for a balanced approach among the state, citizens, and the media, and expressed his commitment to ensuring freedom of speech as guaranteed by the constitution.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has decided to temporarily suspend all National Identity Card (NID) correction activities starting from 4 PM on Monday. According to EC sources, the suspension is necessary as the commission begins finalizing and printing the voter list in preparation for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. Md. Saiful Islam, Director (Operations) of the National Identity Registration Wing, confirmed the decision, stating that NID correction services will remain halted until further notice. The EC emphasized that the suspension is a temporary measure to ensure smooth and accurate voter list management during the election process. Officials also indicated that the NID correction operations will resume soon after the voter list printing is completed, assuring citizens that the interruption will be brief and aimed at maintaining administrative efficiency during the election period.

Gold prices declined for the third consecutive session on Monday, November 24, as a stronger U.S. dollar and uncertainty surrounding Federal Reserve interest rate decisions weighed on the market. According to Reuters, spot gold fell 0.4% to $4,045.58 per ounce, while December futures dropped 0.9% to $4,042.50. Analysts noted that the dollar’s value is at a six-month high, making gold more expensive for buyers using other currencies. The CME FedWatch tool showed the probability of a rate cut next month fell to 69% from 74%. Despite earlier optimism following comments from New York Fed President John Williams, other Fed officials maintained a cautious stance, suggesting rates should remain steady to avoid economic risks. Reliance Securities’ analyst Jigar Trivedi predicted no major changes in gold prices over the next three to five weeks, though slight declines are possible. Meanwhile, silver prices slipped 0.1%, while platinum and palladium gained 1.5% and 1.3%, respectively.

Prominent poet and thinker Farhad Mazhar has strongly condemned the arrest of Baul singer Abul Sarkar, declaring that detaining Sarkar is equivalent to arresting him. Speaking at a protest rally in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka on November 24, organized by Sadhu Gurubhakt and Auliya Ashikan Parishad, Mazhar said Sarkar had been part of every movement and protest alongside him. He criticized the government for undermining individual rights, dignity, and freedom of expression since August 5, describing the current situation as a rise of 'religious fascism' following incidents like the destruction of shrines. Mazhar urged the government to uphold its promises made after the mass uprising by ensuring citizens’ cultural and personal rights. Other speakers at the rally demanded the immediate withdrawal of what they called a false case against Abul Sarkar and punishment for those involved in attacks on Baul artists.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has criticized the current interim government, claiming its behavior suggests that poor teachers are not treated as citizens of the country. Speaking at a rally in front of the National Press Club on November 24, Rizvi expressed solidarity with non-MPO teachers who have been protesting for 23 days demanding inclusion under the Monthly Pay Order (MPO) scheme. He stated that while BNP believes the Chief Adviser can ensure a fair election, the conduct of some advisers raises doubts. Teachers from around 4,000 non-MPO educational institutions across Bangladesh have been participating in demonstrations and hunger strikes under the banner of the Combined Non-MPO Teachers Unity Council. Rizvi described their demands as fully justified and urged the government to respond to their grievances promptly.

Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad has alleged that Hamas has established a covert operational network across Europe capable of carrying out 'on-command' attacks. According to a Mossad statement, cooperation with European security agencies has led to the seizure of weapons caches, arrests of suspects, and the prevention of several planned assaults. Joint operations in countries such as Germany and Austria reportedly disrupted plots targeting Israeli and Jewish communities. A major breakthrough came in September when Austrian authorities discovered a weapons depot in Vienna linked to Mohammed Naim, son of senior Hamas political bureau member Bassem Naim. Mossad suggested that Hamas’s Qatar-based leadership may be quietly supporting these networks despite public denials. Investigators are also monitoring Hamas-linked individuals in Turkey, including one recently arrested in Germany. European intelligence agencies have intensified scrutiny of charities and religious organizations suspected of funding or spreading extremist ideology. Mossad claims Hamas has accelerated its foreign network expansion since the October 7 attacks, mirroring tactics used by Iran and its allies.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has sought full cooperation from the Commonwealth to ensure the upcoming national election is conducted fairly and successfully. During a meeting on November 24 at the state guesthouse Jamuna with Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland (Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey), Yunus emphasized the importance of international support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition. The Secretary-General assured that the Commonwealth would provide comprehensive assistance during the election and the post-election period. She highlighted that the 56-member organization, which includes G7 and G20 countries, offers extensive opportunities for mutual cooperation. Botchwey also met with key stakeholders, including the Chief Justice, Legal and Foreign Advisers, and the Chief Election Commissioner, expressing optimism about Bangladesh’s democratic future. The Commonwealth is preparing to send several observer teams ahead of the polls to monitor the electoral process.

Bangladeshi filmmaker and cultural affairs adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki described his first four days in government as 'uncomfortable' following public criticism over the arrest of a Baul singer. In a detailed Facebook post, Farooki said he immediately contacted the Home Ministry after learning of the arrest and was informed about the situation’s sensitivity. He clarified that law enforcement matters fall under the Home Ministry, not his ministry, and urged patience and communal harmony. Addressing critics, Farooki defended his ministry’s inclusive cultural initiatives, such as celebrating Lalon Shah and organizing multi-faith festivals, saying these reflect the vision of a 'new Bangladesh.' He also dismissed accusations of hypocrisy, noting that attacks on Bauls predate the current administration. Responding to mockery over government drone shows, he argued that such displays are now a global norm in major events and part of media evolution. Farooki concluded that his ministry will continue promoting pluralism despite discomfort or criticism.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has suggested that the country’s borders could change in the future, hinting that Pakistan’s Sindh province might one day become part of India again. Speaking at an event for the Indian diaspora in Morocco, Singh said that although Sindh is currently part of Pakistan, it remains culturally tied to India. He referred to the sentiments of Sindhi Hindus, including the generation of veteran leader L.K. Advani, who never accepted the separation of Sindh during the 1947 Partition. Singh emphasized the spiritual significance of the Indus River to Hindus and noted that even many Muslims in Sindh considered its waters sacred. His remarks, linking cultural unity with potential territorial change, have drawn attention amid sensitive India-Pakistan relations and ongoing debates over historical and cultural identity.

Bangladesh’s under-17 football team delivered a commanding 8–0 victory over Brunei Darussalam in their second Group A match of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualifiers held in Chongqing, China. Following a 5–0 win against Timor-Leste in their opening match, the young Bangladesh side continued their impressive form. Rifat Kazi and Apu Rahman each scored twice, while Manik, Bayezid, Faisal, and Alif added one goal apiece. Coach Golam Rabbani Choton praised his players for maintaining an aggressive and positive approach throughout the match, which helped them create and convert multiple scoring chances. With two consecutive wins, Bangladesh now stands in a strong position in the group that includes hosts China, Brunei, Timor-Leste, Sri Lanka, and Bahrain. The group winners will qualify for the final tournament in Saudi Arabia next year. Bangladesh will face Sri Lanka in their next match on Wednesday, while Brunei will play against China.

A Dhaka court has ordered the freezing of 21 bank accounts belonging to former Dhaka South City Corporation mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, his two children, and related parties. The order came on Monday, November 24, following a petition by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). According to court officials, the accounts collectively hold about Tk 10.38 crore. The ACC’s assistant director and investigating officer, Md Ferdous Rahman, sought the freeze to prevent the transfer or misuse of assets suspected to be linked to corruption. The ACC earlier filed a case against Taposh on January 5, alleging that he illegally amassed Tk 73.19 crore through abuse of power. Investigations revealed that between 2013 and 2024, Taposh conducted transactions totaling over Tk 539 crore across 27 bank accounts, including foreign currency dealings amounting to over USD 500,000. The court’s latest order aims to secure the assets while the corruption probe continues.

Police in Bhanga, Faridpur, have arrested former Union Awami League general secretary Touhidur Rahman Bulbul under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The arrest took place early Monday morning, November 24, in the Harirhat Bazar area of Algi Union. According to Bhanga Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Ashraf Hossain, Bulbul allegedly led a large group of people to block the Dhaka-Khulna highway, using local weapons, felling trees, and setting fires. Following the incident, police filed a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Bulbul was later sent to jail custody. In a separate case, police also arrested another suspect, Limas Sheikh, in connection with human trafficking charges. Both detainees have been remanded to judicial custody as investigations continue. Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about the motive behind the highway blockade or the scale of the damage caused during the incident.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has imposed a ban on motorcycle rallies during election campaigns ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The decision follows several accidents involving motorcycle processions organized by Jamaat-nominated candidates in different parts of the country. In a statement released to the media on Monday, the party’s Secretary General, Professor Mia Golam Porwar, announced that the party’s Amir had decided to prohibit all motorcycle rallies and processions in district and metropolitan constituencies. The move aims to ensure safety and prevent further incidents during campaign activities. Jamaat leaders have also instructed local units to comply strictly with the directive while continuing other forms of campaign outreach. The ban reflects the party’s effort to maintain discipline and avoid negative publicity during the election period.