The High Court of Bangladesh has released a full verdict stating that the government, not pharmaceutical companies, will determine the prices of life-saving medicines. The ruling, published on November 24, follows a public interest litigation filed by Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh against a 2018 circular that limited the government’s authority to price only 117 essential drugs. The court, led by Justices Rezaul Hasan and Biswajit Debnath, declared the circular illegal and directed relevant authorities to fix and publish the prices of life-saving drugs in the official gazette. The petitioners argued that restricting government control over drug pricing infringes upon citizens’ right to life and health. The decision reinstates the government’s full authority under the 1982 Drug Control Ordinance, reversing earlier limitations imposed in 1994 that allowed manufacturers to set prices for most medicines.

Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon expressed deep concern over Delhi’s alarming air pollution levels while promoting her upcoming film 'Tere Ishq Mein'. Speaking at the event, she noted that the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) had exceeded 430, posing severe health risks. Sanon said the toxic air quality has become a serious issue that demands immediate attention. The worsening pollution has already disrupted several film shoots in Delhi, including the postponement of her film 'Cocktail 2', which also stars Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna. The actress urged authorities and citizens to take collective responsibility and implement effective measures before the situation deteriorates further. Kriti Sanon will next appear opposite South Indian actor Dhanush in director Aanand L. Rai’s 'Tere Ishq Mein'.

Two young men were killed and another injured in a motorcycle accident caused by reckless speeding in Bogura’s Sherpur upazila on Sunday night. The victims, Mehedi Hasan and Shahabul Hasan, both 20, were riding with their friend Utsab Biswas when the motorcycle lost control and crashed into a shop shutter at Fulbari Bazar in Garidah union. Locals rescued the trio and took them to Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital, where Mehedi and Shahabul died while undergoing treatment. Police confirmed that the bodies were handed over to their families after legal formalities, and a case has been filed under the Road Transport Act. Utsab, who survived with minor injuries, stated that Shahabul was driving at high speed when the accident occurred. The victims had recently completed their higher secondary exams. Hours before the crash, Shahabul posted a cryptic Facebook status that later went viral, prompting emotional reactions online.

At the inauguration of the e-Family Court in Dhaka, Dr. Asif Nazrul, Law Adviser to the interim government’s Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, cautioned that excessive reforms could weaken the state structure. He emphasized that reforms must be sustainable and contextually appropriate, noting that constitutional change alone does not define reform. The new e-Family Court system will allow case filing, document management, hearings, and verdicts to be conducted online, aiming to reduce corruption, costs, and delays. Environmental Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan highlighted the challenges faced by litigants in traditional courts and expressed optimism that the digital system would improve access to justice if technical issues are avoided. Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on ICT, Fayez Ahmad Tayyeb, announced that the e-Family Court operations have begun in both Dhaka and Chattogram, which is expected to ease case backlogs and save time and resources. Several senior judicial and government officials attended the event.

Bangladesh police officials have reported receiving repeated threats from fugitive leaders and activists of the banned Awami League, allegedly using Indian phone numbers to intimidate officers involved in anti-sabotage operations. The threats include warnings of harm to officers and their families, even after retirement. One incident involving Sub-Inspector Monir Hasan of Tungipara Police Station went viral after a phone conversation was posted online. Police have launched an inquiry through Interpol to identify the SIM card owners behind these calls. Some officers have filed general diaries seeking protection. Senior police officials believe the threats aim to create psychological pressure on field officers. Experts warn that such intimidation can cause mental stress, while former IGP Nurul Huda stated that issuing threats constitutes a criminal offense. The police headquarters have acknowledged the situation but said they are not overly concerned, confirming that investigations and legal actions are being taken where applicable.

Bangladesh’s Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed stated that holding the national election and referendum simultaneously will increase government expenditure. Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Public Purchase at the Secretariat on Monday, he explained that the additional costs would arise from arrangements for both the referendum and voting facilities for expatriates. However, he assured that the overall budget would not face any major issues due to these adjustments. Dr. Ahmed also noted that conducting both events on the same day is preferable, as practiced in several other countries, since holding them separately would be more difficult and costly. Additionally, he mentioned that the Ministry of Energy has been approved to import refined fuel and that non-basmati rice imports will be increased to stabilize rising rice prices. He urged local businesses to act responsibly, emphasizing that price control requires political commitment beyond administrative measures.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has said that six Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a video urging military personnel not to obey illegal orders should be jailed. The video, released Friday, featured Senators and Representatives Mark Kelly, Elissa Slotkin, Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Chrissy Houlahan, and Maggie Goodlander. Trump labeled their message as 'high treason' and claimed there could be no other interpretation of their words. Democrats condemned Trump’s remarks as dangerous and hateful threats against lawmakers who have served in the military or intelligence services. The controversy follows Trump’s recent orders to deploy the National Guard in several U.S. cities, which some local authorities opposed, and his authorization of controversial maritime operations that reportedly killed over 80 people. Trump has previously made similar comments suggesting death penalties for acts he considers treasonous, drawing criticism from political opponents and legal experts.

Advisor Sharmin S. Murshid emphasized that without structural reform and expansion of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, it will be difficult for Bangladesh to take a strong stance against gender-based and child violence. Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat on Monday, ahead of the International Campaign for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 2025, she said the ministry lacks infrastructure at the upazila and union levels, which limits its ability to address local-level violence. Murshid also noted that the previous authoritarian government had severely damaged institutional structures, making quick reconstruction unrealistic. She stressed the need for a broader and more decentralized ministry to ensure effective protection and support for women and children. The 16-day campaign will be observed nationwide from November 25 to December 10, 2025, to raise awareness and promote preventive measures against violence.

Newly elected leftist New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has reaffirmed his view that U.S. President Donald Trump is a fascist, despite describing their recent White House meeting as cordial and productive. In an interview with NBC News on November 23, Mamdani said his opinion of Trump remains unchanged, even after their discussion focused on cooperation for New York’s future. The two leaders met on November 21, setting aside months of mutual criticism to pledge collaboration on key city issues such as housing costs, childcare, market prices, and utilities. Trump, who has previously criticized Mamdani, publicly praised the mayor during the meeting and expressed support for his leadership. He said the federal government would assist in building a stronger and safer New York. Mamdani emphasized that while the meeting was constructive, his political assessment of Trump’s ideology remains firm.

Malaysia has deported 111 foreign migrants, including 49 Bangladeshi nationals, after they completed their prison terms. The deportation took place in the third week of November from the Pineapple Town Immigration Depot in Johor state. According to a notice posted by the Johor Immigration Department on November 24, the deportees also included 24 Indonesians, 12 Nepalese, 9 Pakistanis, 4 Cambodians, 4 Indians, 3 Chinese, and 2 each from Laos, Vietnam, and Singapore. The repatriation was carried out through Kuala Lumpur International Airport terminals 1 and 2, Senai International Airport, the Sultan Iskandar Building Complex, and the Stulang Laut Ferry Terminal. The cost of travel was covered by the detainees’ personal savings, family support, or assistance from their respective embassies. Malaysian authorities said such repatriation operations are conducted regularly to prevent overstaying by foreign nationals who have completed their sentences.

A road in Kotalipara upazila of Gopalganj has collapsed into a canal after dredging work was carried out using heavy machinery without draining the water, sparking public concern and criticism. The project, funded by the Asian Development Bank and implemented by the Bangladesh Water Development Board, was meant to be executed through water drainage excavation. However, contractor Ataur Rahman Khan Ltd used dredgers instead, causing erosion that damaged roads connecting Majhbari and Bongkura villages. Locals, including students of nearby schools and madrasas, now face severe travel disruptions and safety risks. Residents accuse the contractor and supervising engineers of negligence and corruption, alleging that similar irregularities are occurring in other canal projects in the area. Officials from the Water Development Board and local administration have acknowledged the issue and promised prompt repairs. The incident highlights growing frustration over mismanagement in rural infrastructure projects.

The United Kingdom intercepted two Russian naval vessels—the corvette RFN Stokiy and the tanker Yelna—in the English Channel, according to a BBC report on November 24. The British Ministry of Defence stated that Russian naval activity near UK waters has increased by 30% over the past two years. As part of NATO operations, the UK has also deployed three Poseidon surveillance aircraft to Iceland to monitor Russian ships and submarines in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions. The incident follows reports that a Russian spy ship allegedly targeted British aircraft pilots with lasers off Scotland’s coast. Defence Secretary John Healey condemned the actions as reckless and dangerous, warning Moscow that Britain is prepared to respond to any intrusion. Russia’s London embassy dismissed the claims as rumor-spreading. The event underscores growing UK defense concerns and supports calls for increased military spending amid threats from Russia, China, and Iran.

Cristiano Ronaldo, at the age of 40, delivered a spectacular bicycle kick goal during Al Nassr’s 4-1 victory over Al Khaleej in the Saudi Pro League. The goal came in the sixth minute of added time when Nawaaf sent a precise cross into the box, and Ronaldo executed a flawless acrobatic finish that left the goalkeeper helpless. The strike evoked memories of his famous overhead goal for Juventus seven years ago. Earlier in the match, João Félix, Wesley Ribeiro, and Sadio Mané each scored for Al Nassr. With this goal, Ronaldo’s career tally has reached 954, bringing him closer to the 1,000-goal milestone. He has now scored 10 goals in nine league matches this season, ranking second in the top scorer list, just one goal behind teammate Félix. Al Nassr remain unbeaten after nine matches, leading the league table with 27 points, followed by Al Hilal with 23 points.

A World Bank report released on November 24 warns that by 2030, around 90% of South Asia’s population will be exposed to extreme heat, while one in four people will face flood risks. The report highlights that rising salinity in water and soil will make life increasingly difficult in coastal areas. It criticizes current climate adaptation measures as low-cost and largely symbolic, noting the lack of substantial government initiatives. Jean Pem, World Bank Division Director, emphasized that Bangladesh is facing severe environmental challenges, which could worsen unless early disaster warning systems, smart agriculture, and adaptation budgets are expanded. Siddhartha Sharma, the Bank’s Chief Economist for South Asia, added that Bangladesh’s climate response remains slow, urging stronger collaboration between public and private sectors to accelerate action against the growing climate crisis.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 in Bangladesh has scheduled December 4 for the hearing on charge framing against Lieutenant Colonel Redwanul Islam, former Major Md Rafat Bin Alam, former ADC of Khilgaon Rashedul, and former OC Moshiur Rahman. They are accused of crimes against humanity for allegedly killing 28 people in Rampura during July–August. The tribunal, led by Justice Shafiul Alam Mahmood and a two-member judicial panel, set the date on Monday, November 24. Redwanul and Rafat Bin Alam were produced before the tribunal, while the other two accused remain absconding, with state defense lawyers appointed for them. In a separate case, Tribunal-2 fixed November 27 for the next testimony hearing in the murder of martyr Abu Sayeed involving 30 accused, including a former vice-chancellor of Begum Rokeya University. Additionally, defense lawyers continue cross-examining the investigation officer in the case over the killing of six people, including student Shahariar Khan Anas, in Chankharpul.