A controversial statement by Jamaat-e-Islami central executive member and former MP Shahjahan Chowdhury has triggered widespread debate in Bangladesh’s political circles and on social media. During a meeting with election coordinators in Chattogram, Shahjahan reportedly urged party workers to bring local administration officials under Jamaat’s influence, sparking criticism and concern over his comments. Many online users condemned his remarks as anti-democratic, while some defended him, claiming his words were misinterpreted. In response, Jamaat-e-Islami issued a statement distancing itself from Shahjahan’s comments, asserting that the party does not endorse his views and that internal measures are being taken. Shahjahan later clarified that his statement was taken out of context, explaining that he meant the administration should act in the interest of the people and the nation, not under partisan control. The controversy continues to fuel heated discussions about political influence and governance ahead of upcoming elections.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump labeled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as 'ungrateful' in a post on his social media platform Truth Social on November 23. Without naming Zelensky directly, Trump criticized Ukraine’s leadership for showing no appreciation toward U.S. efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. He reiterated that he inherited a conflict that should never have started and described it as a 'losing war' for all, especially for the millions who died unnecessarily. Trump has proposed a 28-point peace plan requiring Ukraine to cede territories, including those still under its control, and to grant amnesty for wartime crimes. He set a November 27 deadline for Ukraine to accept the plan. In response, Zelensky released a video message acknowledging Ukraine’s dire situation, saying the country faces a choice between losing its honor or losing a friend like the United States. The exchange underscores deepening tensions between Kyiv and Washington over the future of the war.

In Kurigram, Bangladesh, Abdul Hai Master, a former teacher and local leader, is conducting an unconventional campaign for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. Representing the Zaker Party in the Kurigram-1 constituency, he walks through neighborhoods carrying a hand microphone and a placard with posters, personally appealing to voters. Known for his humility and dedication, Abdul Hai previously served as union and upazila chairman, often engaging directly in community work such as cleaning drains and roads. Despite financial hardship and mortgaging his home to fund his campaign, he remains committed to public service. His family and local residents express strong support, admiring his sincerity and accessibility. Voters affectionately call him “Pagla Master” for his tireless service. He pledges to focus on women’s development, infrastructure, and economic opportunities if elected. Locals believe that in a fair election, his popularity could lead him to victory.

An Israeli airstrike on a residential building in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, has killed five people, including Hezbollah’s chief of staff Haitham Ali al-Tabatabai. The Israeli military confirmed the strike on Sunday, describing al-Tabatabai as a key operational leader within the group. Arab News identified him as Hezbollah’s second most important figure. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that 28 others were injured in the attack, which targeted the densely populated Dahiyeh district. Hezbollah confirmed the death of its senior commander, accusing Israel of crossing a 'serious red line.' The strike occurred despite an existing ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, brokered by the United States and France in November last year. Israeli officials allege that Hezbollah has been rebuilding its military capacity, smuggling weapons into Lebanon, and increasing the production of explosive drones, raising fears of renewed conflict in the region.

Following a 5.7-magnitude earthquake that shook Dhaka, several of Dhaka University’s aging dormitories developed cracks and falling plaster, injuring around 30 students and sparking panic. The university administration has closed the campus for 15 days and ordered all residential students to vacate by November 23. Students, however, criticized the sudden move, arguing that the crisis stems from years of neglect rather than a new emergency. Dormitories including Ziaur Rahman Hall, Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall, Fazlul Huq Muslim Hall, and Shamsunnahar Hall were found to be in critical condition, with some structures reportedly leaning. BUET experts will inspect all old buildings and assess structural risks. Vice-Chancellor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan announced a Tk 149 crore renovation project starting in December and a larger Tk 2,841 crore development plan to build new dormitories by 2026. Student protests briefly erupted demanding safer accommodation and suspension of the closure order.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 in Bangladesh has rejected a plea by defense lawyers seeking permission for several army officers accused in enforced disappearance cases to appear virtually during hearings. The tribunal emphasized that all citizens are equal before the law and that no special consideration was warranted. The hearings, related to crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the Awami League’s 15-year rule, are scheduled for December 3 and 7. Among the 28 accused are former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, now reportedly in India, former security adviser Major General (Retd.) Tariq Ahmed Siddiq, and several former DGFI directors. The tribunal also appointed lawyer Z.I. Khan Panna as state defense counsel for Hasina. Additionally, it ordered the removal of distorted images and satirical content targeting tribunal judges from social media and media outlets. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam confirmed full cooperation from the Bangladesh Army in producing the accused officers before the court.

Pakistan defeated Bangladesh in a thrilling final of the Emerging Asia Cup, winning their third title after a dramatic Super Over. Chasing 126, Bangladesh collapsed to 96 for 9 before tailenders Abdul Gaffar Saklain and Ripon Mondol staged a stunning fightback, hitting crucial sixes to tie the match. Bangladesh needed two runs off the last ball but managed only one, forcing the game into a Super Over. Pakistan easily chased down the seven-run target in the Super Over to secure victory. Earlier, Pakistan posted 126 all out, with Saad Masood scoring 38 and Arafat Minhas 25. Ripon took three wickets for Bangladesh, while Rakibul Hasan claimed two. Despite Bangladesh’s bowlers performing well, their batting faltered again in a final, marking their third consecutive defeat in the tournament’s title match. Pakistan, meanwhile, became the first team to win the Emerging Asia Cup three times, having previously triumphed in 2019 and 2023.

Bangladesh’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested two members of a gang accused of impersonating law enforcement officers to carry out abductions and extortion in Dhaka. The suspects, Hasanuzzaman (35) and Alamgir Shikari (46), were detained near the High Court area on Saturday evening. According to CID, the gang targeted victims through religious gatherings such as Tabligh Jamaat, gaining trust before luring them into financial traps. One victim, identified as Jamal (pseudonym), was abducted on October 14 along with a colleague after being confronted by men posing as CID officers. They were taken to a house in Hasnabad, where the gang demanded Tk 5 crore and coerced Jamal into paying Tk 1.1 crore in cash and bank transfers. The abductors also filmed compromising footage to blackmail the victims further. Following a police complaint filed on November 6, CID launched an investigation and arrested the two suspects, who have confessed to their involvement. Efforts to apprehend other gang members are ongoing.

A teacher at Feni Government College in Bangladesh has been accused of making inappropriate comments toward a female student because she wore a hijab. The incident allegedly occurred on Sunday afternoon when the student, Fatima Aiman Ruhi, was returning to her dormitory. In a Facebook post, she claimed that Biplob Kumar Shil, head of the zoology department, questioned her appearance and implied that her attire was unsuitable for a literature student. Ruhi confronted him, suspecting the remarks were directed at her hijab. The teacher reportedly denied this but continued the conversation in a manner the student found offensive. Attempts to reach Shil for comment were unsuccessful. The college principal, Md. Enamul Haque Khondaker, confirmed hearing about the matter but said no formal complaint had been filed yet. The incident has sparked discussions on campus about respect for religious attire and teacher-student boundaries.

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has instructed its member factories to conduct immediate structural inspections of their buildings following a powerful earthquake that struck the country on November 21. The association warned of possible aftershocks and urged factory owners to strengthen safety measures to protect workers and assets. In a circular, BGMEA emphasized that large earthquakes can be followed by additional tremors posing serious risks to life and property. It recommended that qualified engineers examine factory structures, lifts, boiler rooms, generator rooms, and substations for any damage. The organization noted that Bangladesh’s garment sector employs a vast workforce, making structural integrity crucial for worker safety. BGMEA also highlighted that factory equipment such as lifts and generators produce regular vibrations, which could worsen existing structural weaknesses. The association called on all members to remain vigilant and take preventive measures to avoid potential accidents and casualties.

Jatiya Party Chairman Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud has declared that his party will not participate in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election unless false cases against senior leaders and travel bans on many members are withdrawn. He made the statement during a meeting with Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland at a Dhaka hotel on November 23. Mahmud said that a level playing field for elections does not yet exist, citing administrative divisions, mob culture, and poor law and order. The party’s delegation, including Secretary General ABM Ruhul Amin Hawlader and International Affairs Envoy Mashroor Mowla, emphasized that the Jatiya Party remains election-oriented but cannot contest under current conditions. The Commonwealth delegation, consisting of five members, sought clarity on the party’s electoral stance. Mowla later told the media that unless the government lifts the restrictions and withdraws the alleged false cases, the Jatiya Party will abstain from the election.

An Awami League leader, Tariq Rifat, aged 50, died from a heart attack while being transferred from Gaibandha District Jail to the hospital on Sunday, November 23. Jail Superintendent Anwar Hossain confirmed the death, stating that Rifat fell ill shortly after being brought to the jail and was immediately taken to Gaibandha General Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Rifat, son of former chairman Abu Taher Mia from Rajahar Union, was the finance secretary of the local Awami League and convener of the Upazila Awami Muktijoddha Projonmo League. He had been arrested on November 17 in connection with three explosive-related cases, including vandalism and arson at a Jamaat office. Due to health issues, he was treated at Rangpur Medical College Hospital before being sent to jail through court order. His medical certificate indicated pre-existing heart disease and other complications.

In Chattogram’s Lohagara upazila, 41 out of 103 government primary schools currently lack head teachers, forcing assistant teachers to take on dual roles as acting heads. According to the local Primary Education Office, 58 assistant teacher positions also remain vacant, while several schools face legal complications delaying appointments. Acting head teachers report administrative delays and disruptions in classroom teaching, affecting student attendance, discipline, and academic performance. Education officials and teacher associations attribute the crisis to a decade-long stagnation in promotions and recruitment. They warn that the shortage undermines the foundation of primary education and demotivates senior teachers. Authorities have informed higher officials and expect resolution soon, though the issue reflects a nationwide problem. Parents and educators urge immediate recruitment to restore proper academic and administrative functioning in the affected schools.

In Chattogram’s Bakalia area, Farida Begum, mother of murder victim Sajjad, filed a case against 13 individuals, including expelled Jubo Dal leader Emdadul Haque Badsha, accusing them of orchestrating her son’s killing. The case, accepted by the Chattogram Metropolitan Magistrate Court, was set for an order on Sunday. However, Farida Begum unexpectedly applied to withdraw the case, reportedly under pressure from influential quarters. She declined to explain her decision, saying only that she could not disclose the reason. The complaint had alleged that Badsha, a known extortionist and gang leader, had his men lure Sajjad from his home before he was shot dead. Despite repeated appeals, police allegedly ignored Farida’s requests to question key suspects. The court has now scheduled Thursday for an order regarding the withdrawal. The incident has raised concerns about intimidation and the influence of powerful figures in local justice processes.

Bhutan’s Prime Minister Lotay Tshering held a courtesy meeting with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman in Dhaka on Sunday evening, November 23. The meeting took place at the InterContinental Hotel in Shahbagh, where both leaders discussed matters of mutual interest in a cordial atmosphere. Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, and Foreign Affairs Adviser Professor Dr. Mahmudul Hasan were also present during the meeting. The discussion was described as a courtesy call, coinciding with the Bhutanese leader’s official visit to Bangladesh. No official statement was released regarding the specific topics discussed, but the meeting drew attention due to the involvement of a political party not currently registered for elections. The event underscores ongoing diplomatic and political engagements between visiting foreign dignitaries and various political figures in Bangladesh.