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.

The High Court has granted bail to Sheikh Hafizur Rahman Karzon, a professor at Dhaka University’s law department, in a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The bench of Justice Md Rasheduzzaman Raja and Justice Md Rezaul Karim issued the order on Monday, November 24, confirming that there are no legal barriers to his release. Professor Karzon was arrested on August 29 from a discussion organized by the group 'Moncho 71' at the Dhaka Reporters Unity. He had been in custody since his arrest. The case was filed by Sub-Inspector Md Amirul Islam of Shahbagh Police Station, alleging that former minister Abdul Latif Siddique made provocative remarks at the event aimed at destabilizing the country and overthrowing the interim government. The Appellate Division had earlier granted bail to Latif Siddique and journalist Manjurul Islam Panna in the same case. Sixteen individuals were detained from the meeting attended by around 70 to 80 people.

Myanmar authorities have arrested 1,590 foreign nationals accused of involvement in online fraud and gambling operations along the Myanmar-Thailand border. According to the military-run Global New Light of Myanmar, the arrests were made between November 18 and 22 during raids on illegal gambling and scam centers. The detained individuals reportedly entered Myanmar illegally and hail from countries including China, Vietnam, Malaysia, India, Nigeria, and others. During the raids, officials seized 2,893 computers, 21,750 mobile phones, 101 Starlink satellite receivers, 21 routers, and other equipment allegedly used in the fraudulent activities. The large-scale crackdown highlights the growing regional concern over cross-border cybercrime networks operating in Southeast Asia, often targeting victims through online scams and illegal betting platforms. Authorities have not yet disclosed what legal actions will follow against the detainees or whether they will be deported to their home countries.

Bangladesh’s Attorney General, Md. Asaduzzaman, stated that harassment of journalists will not end unless the state’s mindset changes. Speaking at a CGS research report launch on Monday, he emphasized the need to repeal all repressive laws affecting journalists. He expressed hope that the incoming government after the next national election would refrain from using such restrictive laws against the media. Asaduzzaman also urged journalists to change their narrative to preserve their voices. Regarding the Digital Security Act, he argued that it remains necessary to protect both citizens’ and journalists’ rights and to prevent a culture of fear from returning. At the same event, Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Sara Hossain questioned the extent to which freedom of expression for journalists is currently protected in Bangladesh.

Ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming parliamentary election, law enforcement agencies have reported a surge in illegal firearms entering the country through at least 18 border points, including Teknaf, Benapole, Chapainawabganj, Kushtia, Dinajpur, and Meherpur. Intelligence sources indicate that organized crime groups, some allegedly backed by political figures, are stockpiling modern weapons to influence electoral outcomes and create instability. Over 1,300 firearms looted during the July uprising remain missing, and more than 75 gangs are believed to possess automatic foreign weapons. Despite recent recoveries by RAB and BGB, police have made limited progress in tracing missing arms. Security officials warn that some gangs maintain covert links with political leaders and foreign intelligence agencies. Authorities have intensified patrols, checkpoints, and surveillance nationwide, but challenges persist due to political patronage, weak intelligence coordination, and slow judicial processes. Police have vowed strict action against any group attempting to use violence or intimidation during the election period.

A private car caught fire while moving near the Kurmitola Army Golf Club in Dhaka on Monday morning, November 24. According to the Fire Service, the Kurmitola Fire Station received the alert around 10:40 a.m., and a team promptly reached the scene to bring the blaze under control. The car was reportedly heading toward Uttara when smoke began to emerge from the engine, prompting the driver to pull over immediately. Police officers present at the site assisted in managing the situation before the fire service arrived. Authorities confirmed that no injuries or casualties occurred in the incident. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, but officials suspect an engine malfunction might have triggered it. Traffic in the area was briefly disrupted during the firefighting operation but later returned to normal.

The Bangladesh Public Service Commission (PSC) has reaffirmed that the written examinations for the 47th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) will commence on November 27, 2024, as previously announced. The decision follows weeks of protests by job seekers demanding a postponement, citing insufficient preparation time. Demonstrations included railway blockades in Rajshahi and Mymensingh, hunger strike threats, and social media campaigns. PSC stated that the exam schedule was officially declared on June 3, giving candidates ample time since the preliminary results were published on September 19, shortlisting 10,644 candidates. The commission emphasized that BCS preparation requires long-term study and discipline, rejecting claims of inadequate time. It also noted that delaying exams would disrupt its planned roadmap for clearing examination backlogs. The written tests will be held from November 27 to December 18 across eight divisional cities, with some subject-specific exams taking place only in Dhaka. PSC urged all candidates to attend as per the announced schedule.

The National Pay Commission of Bangladesh is holding a meeting this afternoon with secretaries from various ministries and departments to discuss the formulation of a new government pay structure. The meeting, chaired by Zakir Ahmed Khan, head of the 2025 Pay Commission, aims to review salaries, allowances, and benefits across government, semi-government, autonomous, and state-owned institutions. Sources indicate that about half of the draft process for the new pay scale has been completed, following consultations with employee organizations. The secretaries’ meeting will focus on the proposed structure, its potential implementation timeline, and related benefits. Employee leaders have urged the commission to submit its final recommendations by November 30, warning of strong protests if the deadline is missed. A large rally in Dhaka is planned for December 5 to press for the implementation of the new pay scale.

Malaysia plans to prohibit social media use for individuals under 16 starting next year, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced on Sunday. The move aims to protect minors from online harms such as cyberbullying, financial scams, and sexual exploitation. The government is reviewing similar restrictions implemented in countries like Australia, which is preparing to deactivate accounts of users under 16. Fadzil expressed hope that social media companies will comply with the forthcoming regulations. The decision comes amid growing global concern over the impact of social media on child safety and mental health, with major platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, Google, and Meta facing lawsuits in the United States. In Malaysia, authorities have also tightened oversight of online gambling and content related to race, religion, and the royal family. The proposed ban reflects a broader effort to create a safer digital environment for young users.

A viral video showing alleged gangster 'Dakat Alam' walking with armed associates, including one carrying an AK-47-style rifle, has triggered panic across Kadalpur Union in Raozan, Chattogram. Locals claim Alam, once linked to an Awami League MP and now reportedly aligned with a BNP leader, commands a 22-member armed group equipped with illegal weapons, bulletproof vests, and CCTV surveillance covering a five-kilometer area. Residents accuse the gang of extortion, drug trafficking, and using minors to hide weapons. Police say they are investigating the video and monitoring seven active criminal groups in the region. Alam denies the allegations, calling the video fabricated. Authorities have vowed to act regardless of political affiliations. Since August 2024, at least 14 murders have occurred in Raozan, mostly tied to political rivalry and territorial disputes, deepening public concerns over law and order in the area.