The United States announced significant progress in discussions over its proposed peace plan to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. Talks held in Geneva between US, Ukrainian, and European officials reportedly narrowed differences on several complex issues within President Donald Trump’s 28-point peace proposal. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the parties have advanced considerably and expressed optimism about moving forward soon, though he withheld specific details. Some matters, including NATO’s role and Ukraine’s security guarantees, remain unresolved. Ukrainian delegation head Andriy Yermak echoed the sentiment, calling the talks a step toward a fair and lasting peace. The development follows tensions after Trump criticized Ukraine for not showing gratitude toward US efforts, prompting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to publicly thank both the United States and Trump for their support, which he said was saving Ukrainian lives.

In Gazipur’s Pubail area, Police Officer-in-Charge (OC) Molla Md Khalid Hossain became a local hero after he risked his life during a devastating fire at a cotton warehouse on Sunday, November 23. As thick smoke engulfed the site, witnesses said no one dared to enter until the OC rushed inside, covering his head with a cotton sack to protect himself. His courageous act inspired nearby residents to join the rescue effort, helping to save goods worth around 1 million taka from destruction. Three units from the Tongi Fire Service later arrived and brought the blaze under control. Fire officials confirmed that the OC and locals were already engaged in rescue operations before their arrival. Sub-Inspector Nazmul Haque stated that the OC’s bravery motivated others to act quickly, preventing major losses and injuries. The incident has since gone viral on social media, with many praising the officer’s selfless service.

Supporters of S.A. Siddique Saju, a BNP nomination aspirant for Dhaka-14 constituency, organized a torch procession for the second consecutive day, protesting against the party’s preliminary nominee Sanjida Islam Tuli. The demonstration took place on November 23 at Gabtoli, following a similar protest in Mirpur-1 the previous day. Protesters accused Tuli of making controversial remarks about polygamy that they claimed insulted Islam, and demanded her withdrawal from the constituency, urging her to return to Dhaka-12. They also alleged internal conspiracies over the nomination process and chanted slogans against several BNP leaders. Despite facing multiple legal cases, Saju’s supporters praised his loyalty to grassroots activists and warned that if he is not nominated, Jamaat-e-Islami could win the seat. Following the earlier torch procession, Saju was issued a show-cause notice by the BNP. Additionally, 126 local BNP leaders have appealed to acting chairman Tarique Rahman to reconsider Saju’s nomination for Dhaka-14.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) Religion and Harmony Cell has strongly condemned the recent attack and intimidation against supporters of Baul artist Abul Sarkar during a human chain protest in Manikganj. The protest was organized to demand Sarkar’s release following his arrest, which had sparked local tensions. In a statement issued on Monday, the NCP expressed deep concern over the violence, emphasizing that disagreements or allegations should never lead to lawlessness or harassment. The party highlighted the historical and cultural significance of Baul, Sufi, and other spiritual traditions in Bangladesh’s heritage, urging the preservation of diversity and tolerance. It called for dialogue, patience, and wisdom in addressing religious differences and reaffirmed that violence or revenge has no place in faith or society. The NCP also appealed to religious scholars to promote restraint and respect for law, reinforcing that peaceful preaching and knowledge-based discussion are the true paths of religious guidance.

Bangladesh’s banking sector is experiencing a sharp rise in excess liquidity, reaching Tk 3.06 trillion by the end of August 2024, up from Tk 1.74 trillion a year earlier, according to Bangladesh Bank data. The surge follows the removal of the lending rate cap after the fall of the previous government, which led to higher deposit rates and increased inflows into stronger banks. However, political instability, high interest rates, and cautious lending have slowed private sector credit growth to 6.29% in September. State-owned banks hold Tk 1.43 trillion in excess liquidity, while private and foreign banks hold Tk 1.73 trillion and Tk 0.32 trillion respectively. Sonali Bank tops the list with Tk 623.22 billion in surplus funds. Meanwhile, several weaker banks, including National Bank and AB Bank, are facing liquidity shortfalls. Bank executives attribute the uneven liquidity situation to depositor confidence shifting toward stable institutions and reduced credit demand from both government and private sectors.

A new study from the University of Tokyo suggests that greying hair could serve as a natural defense mechanism against cancer. According to researchers, hair color is determined by melanocyte cells that produce pigment. When these cells experience DNA damage or stress, they stop dividing and enter a state of rest instead of continuing to replicate. This process, known as senescence-coupled differentiation, prevents damaged cells from turning into cancerous ones. Lead researcher Dr. Shige Sukeshi explained that greying hair is not merely a sign of aging but an internal warning signal indicating the body’s protective response against potential cell mutations. The study also highlights that chronic stress, sleep deprivation, and unhealthy lifestyles accelerate melanocyte damage, leading to premature greying. Maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and mental well-being can help preserve normal cell function and delay hair greying. The findings encourage viewing grey hair as a sign of the body’s resilience rather than simply a mark of aging.

At least six people were killed when gunmen attacked the headquarters of Pakistan’s paramilitary force in Peshawar, according to police reports. The incident occurred on Monday at the Federal Constabulary (FC) headquarters, where three militants and three FC personnel lost their lives. Senior police officials confirmed that security forces swiftly surrounded the area and launched a counter-operation after hearing two explosions during the assault. The attack highlights the resurgence of militant violence in Pakistan’s northwestern regions, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Since the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022, attacks targeting security and law enforcement personnel have sharply increased, raising concerns over the country’s internal security situation.

Two army officers, Colonel Redwanul Islam and Major Rafat Bin Alam Mun, appeared before the International Crimes Tribunal-1 in Dhaka on Monday in connection with a crimes against humanity case over the killing of 28 people in Rampura. The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder with two other members, began hearing the case amid tight security. The charges stem from an incident during the anti-discrimination student movement in July–August, when law enforcement allegedly opened fire on protesters, killing 28 and injuring many others. The tribunal had earlier accepted formal charges against four accused, including two Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) officers, a former DMP additional deputy commissioner, and a former Rampura police officer-in-charge. Arrest warrants were also issued against them following the submission of the investigation report.

Former British Prime Minister David Cameron has publicly disclosed that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer earlier this year. In an interview with The Times, the 59-year-old said he underwent medical tests after his wife, entrepreneur Samantha Cameron, encouraged him to do so following a BBC interview with entrepreneur Nick Jones, who had also battled prostate cancer. Cameron’s prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test showed elevated levels, prompting further MRI scans and a biopsy that confirmed the disease. He subsequently received focal therapy, a targeted treatment that uses ultrasound and other technologies to destroy cancer cells in specific areas of the prostate. Cameron stated that sharing his experience was important to raise awareness and encourage men to undergo regular health checks. He served as the UK’s Prime Minister from 2010 to 2016.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia has been admitted to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka and is currently under intensive observation by a team of doctors. According to her personal physician, Professor AZM Zahid Hossain, she was admitted around 8 p.m. on Sunday after developing multiple health complications. Professor FM Siddiqui, a member of her medical board, stated that Khaleda Zia is suffering from infections in her heart and lungs, leading to respiratory distress. The 80-year-old former prime minister, who has a pacemaker and a history of heart procedures, is being treated with antibiotics and other emergency care. A medical board, including local and international specialists, is monitoring her condition closely and will reassess her treatment within 12 to 24 hours. Family members, including her son Tarique Rahman and daughter-in-law Dr. Zubaida Rahman, are in constant contact with the medical team. Khaleda Zia has requested prayers from the public for her recovery.

A Hamas delegation met with Egypt’s intelligence chief Hassan Rashed in Cairo to discuss the progress of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, ongoing Israeli violations, and the second phase of the truce. According to a Hamas statement, the group reaffirmed its commitment to the first phase of the ceasefire but accused Israel of undermining the deal through continued attacks in the blockaded Gaza Strip. Hamas urged mediators to take concrete steps to document violations and ensure immediate action to halt them. Gaza’s media office reported that since the ceasefire began, Israeli forces have killed 342 Palestinians and injured hundreds more. Israel, meanwhile, stated it will not proceed with the second phase of talks until the bodies of all Israeli hostages are returned. Hamas responded that extensive destruction across Gaza has delayed recovery efforts. The meeting highlights Egypt’s ongoing role as a key mediator in the fragile truce process.

Bangladesh has recorded a strong rise in remittance inflows in November, with expatriates sending $2.135 billion during the first 22 days of the month, according to preliminary data from Bangladesh Bank. This marks a 24.5% increase compared to the same period last year, when remittances totaled $1.715 billion. At an exchange rate of 122 taka per dollar, the remittance amount equals approximately 260.47 billion taka. In just three days, from November 20 to 22, expatriates remitted $127 million. If the current pace continues, total remittances for November could reach around $3 billion. From July 1 to November 22 of the current fiscal year, Bangladesh received $12.284 billion in remittances, up from $10.653 billion during the same period last year. The central bank attributes the growth to improved transfer channels and incentives for sending money through formal banking systems.

Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay’s three-day official visit to Bangladesh from November 22 to 24, at the invitation of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, has strengthened the longstanding friendship between the two nations. A joint statement highlighted discussions on enhancing trade, connectivity, and people-to-people relations. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the implementation of the transit agreement and progress on establishing a Bhutanese special economic zone in Kurigram. Bangladesh offered to supply affordable medicines to Bhutan and proposed additional educational opportunities for Bhutanese students, including seats at BUET and BKSP. Dhaka also reaffirmed support for Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City initiative. Tobgay expressed gratitude for Bangladesh’s hospitality and the increased medical college seats for Bhutanese students. Both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation through SAARC and BIMSTEC frameworks, emphasizing shared values of peace and prosperity. Tobgay invited Yunus to visit Bhutan at a convenient time.

Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed has called a full court meeting involving all judges from both the Appellate and High Court Divisions of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. The meeting is scheduled for November 27 at 3 p.m. in the Supreme Court’s conference room. According to a notice signed by Deputy Registrar (Administration and Justice) Md. Atikus Samad on November 24, the session will address several important issues, including the transfer and promotion of lower court judges. The full court meeting serves as an internal forum for judges to deliberate on policy and administrative matters within the judiciary. Such meetings are significant for shaping judicial governance and ensuring coordination among different levels of the court system.

A Houthi-run court in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, has sentenced 17 people to death for allegedly spying for Israel, the United States, and Saudi Arabia. According to Houthi-controlled media reports cited by The Times of Israel, the Specialized Criminal Court found the defendants guilty of participating in a spy network linked to foreign intelligence agencies. The court ordered execution by firing squad. Additionally, one man and one woman received 10-year prison terms, while another defendant was acquitted. Defense lawyer Abdul Basit Ghazi said the verdicts could be appealed. The charges included communicating with enemy states between 2024 and 2025, gathering intelligence under the direction of foreign agencies such as Mossad, inciting citizens, and aiding hostile forces, which allegedly led to deadly attacks and infrastructure damage. The crackdown on alleged espionage intensified following the reported killing of Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Galeb Nasser al-Rahabi in an Israeli strike.