Tensions flared in Manikganj on Sunday as rival groups clashed over the arrest of Baul singer Abul Sarkar, who faces charges of making derogatory remarks about Islam and Allah. Supporters of Sarkar staged a sit-in demanding his release, while members of the Islamist group Tawhidi Janata held a counter-protest calling for his maximum punishment and a ban on alleged anti-Islamic Baul activities. The confrontation turned violent near the city’s Shaheed Minar area, leaving four people injured, including three Baul followers and one Tawhidi Janata member. Police intervened and took the injured to Manikganj General Hospital. Authorities said the situation escalated suddenly despite initial peaceful demonstrations. Sarkar, president of the Bangladesh Baul Association, was arrested on November 20 following a complaint that he made blasphemous remarks during a musical event on November 1. His bail hearing was scheduled for November 23.

Following four earthquakes in two days that sparked public anxiety, Bangladesh’s Home Ministry has announced plans to develop an early warning mobile application for earthquakes and other natural disasters. Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated that the initiative aims to alert citizens up to 10 seconds before a quake occurs, similar to systems used in other countries. He emphasized the need for public awareness and adherence to building codes to minimize risks, particularly in urban areas where open spaces are limited. Chowdhury also highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the capacity of the Fire Service Department, which has shown competence in handling recent fire incidents. The proposal is currently under consideration as part of broader disaster preparedness measures discussed at a law and order committee meeting held at the Secretariat in Dhaka.

Sir Salimullah Medical College in Old Dhaka has been temporarily closed until November 30 following safety concerns arising from a recent earthquake. The college principal, Dr. Mazharul Islam Shaheen, announced the decision on Sunday, emphasizing that the safety of students is the top priority. All academic activities and examinations have been suspended, and students have been instructed to vacate the dormitories. Despite the directive, some students reportedly remain in the halls. Authorities stated that normal academic operations will resume once the situation stabilizes. The closure reflects broader safety precautions being taken across the country in response to the earthquake’s aftermath, as institutions assess structural safety and ensure the well-being of students and staff.

Bangladesh’s interim government has ordered a temporary suspension of all oil and gas well drilling operations for 48 hours due to earthquake risk concerns. The directive, issued by Energy Adviser Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan on Sunday, follows a meeting at the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources. Petrobangla’s public relations official Tarikul Islam confirmed that while drilling and seismic survey activities will remain suspended until Tuesday, gas supply across the country will continue as usual. Currently, Bangladesh has 29 gas fields, with active drilling at three sites—Srikail in Comilla’s Muradnagar, Habiganj Gas Field, and Kailashtila under Sylhet Gas Field—all of which have halted operations immediately after the earthquake. Authorities emphasized that the measure is precautionary to ensure safety and prevent potential hazards during ongoing seismic instability.

Bangladesh’s National Board of Revenue (NBR) has extended the deadline for individual taxpayers to file their income tax returns for the 2025–26 fiscal year by one month, setting the new deadline at December 31. The announcement was made through a special order issued on Sunday, November 23. The extension applies to all individual taxpayers except companies. The NBR also stated that taxpayers facing difficulties submitting returns online due to registration issues may apply to their respective deputy commissioners by December 15 with valid justification. This year, online filing has been made mandatory for all individual taxpayers except senior citizens aged 65 or above, physically challenged or special-needs taxpayers, Bangladeshis residing abroad, legal representatives of deceased taxpayers, and foreign nationals working in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Judicial Service Commission Secretariat has announced a large-scale recruitment drive to fill 1,152 vacancies in six different positions across district judges’ offices and related courts or tribunals. Both male and female candidates are eligible to apply online through the official BJSC website from November 25, 2025, at 10 a.m. until December 9, 2025, at 5 p.m. The positions are permanent, and applicants must be between 18 and 32 years old as of November 1, 2025, with departmental candidates eligible for an age relaxation up to 40 years. No affidavits will be accepted as proof of age. Application fees are set at 112 taka for positions 1–4 and 56 taka for positions 5–6, payable via Teletalk SIM within 72 hours of submission. Applicants must upload a 300x300 pixel photo and a 300x80 pixel signature scan during the online application process.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has emphasized that politics should remain in the hands of politicians, criticizing the growing influence of non-political actors and greed in society. Speaking at a memorial event for late BNP leader Saiful Islam Patu in Dhaka, Rizvi lamented the loss of natural resources and urban mismanagement, blaming unplanned development and corruption for environmental degradation. He accused the ruling Awami League of protecting land grabbers and corrupt individuals, linking their actions to recent urban disasters such as building collapses and earthquake fatalities. Rizvi also reflected on the moral decay in society, where wealth accumulation is prioritized over ethics, and called for restoring political integrity and environmental responsibility. He urged recognition of dedicated political activists who have sacrificed for democratic movements, warning that failure to value them could lead to a leadership vacuum.

Bangladesh authorities have cautioned citizens against spreading or believing social media rumors about impending earthquakes, describing the phenomenon as an 'earthquake infodemic.' Experts explain that such 'good-intention rumors' often spread when people forward unverified messages to alert others, but these can cause serious harm. The government warns that false alerts lead to three major risks: ignoring real warnings, triggering panic and accidents, and misusing emergency services. Citizens are urged to rely only on official sources such as the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR), and Google Earthquake Alerts for accurate information. The Cyber Security Act allows legal action against those who deliberately spread false information that causes public panic. Authorities emphasize verifying any message before sharing it and following official updates to ensure safety during seismic events.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland (Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey) has called for greater emphasis on election campaigns to rebuild public confidence in Bangladesh’s electoral system. During a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner A. M. M. Nasir Uddin in Dhaka on November 23, she highlighted the importance of transparency and communication in the electoral process. Following the meeting, Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said the Commonwealth chief stressed that trust in the election system is crucial and that effective campaigning plays a key role in achieving it. She also shared experiences on tackling misinformation, disinformation, and fake news, advising the Election Commission to remain vigilant. The EC assured that it is taking necessary steps, regularly informing the public through the media, and plans to further strengthen its outreach efforts ahead of the upcoming national polls.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has invited 80 domestic election observer organizations to participate in a dialogue ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The discussions are scheduled for Tuesday, November 25, at the EC headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka. According to Assistant Director of Public Relations Md. Ashadul Haque, the dialogue will be held in two sessions — the first from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with 40 organizations, and the second from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with another 40. Earlier, on September 14, the EC registered 66 local observer organizations and later invited applications for 16 new registrations. Of these, 15 are expected to receive final approval. The EC plans to engage with all 80 organizations, including the newly registered ones, and may include one additional group following a hearing process.

A magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck Indonesia’s eastern North Maluku province, specifically in the Halmahera region, according to the country’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG). The quake’s epicenter was located about 10 kilometers beneath the surface. Authorities confirmed that no casualties or property damage have been reported so far. Indonesia, situated along the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire,’ frequently experiences earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to its tectonic location. The tremor follows a recent 5.7-magnitude earthquake in Bangladesh that killed at least ten people, with several aftershocks recorded the following day. Experts suggest that the recent seismic activities in the region highlight the ongoing vulnerability of countries located within the Pacific and South Asian seismic belts.

Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated that there is no concern about the law and order situation worsening ahead of the upcoming national elections. Speaking at a press briefing after a meeting of the core committee on law and order at the Secretariat on Sunday, November 23, he acknowledged that political gatherings and rallies are likely to increase as the election approaches but assured that security agencies are prepared to maintain stability. Chowdhury also addressed recent earthquake incidents, warning that unplanned landfilling and lack of open spaces could worsen future risks. He emphasized strict adherence to building codes and urged RAJUK to remain vigilant. Additionally, he noted that Bangladesh currently lacks an early warning system for earthquakes and suggested exploring the development of an app similar to those used in other countries that can provide alerts a few seconds before tremors occur.

Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has assured the Election Commission of the army’s full cooperation in maintaining law and order and ensuring a free and fair election. Speaking at an event marking Armed Forces Day at the Army Multipurpose Complex in Dhaka Cantonment on November 23, he emphasized the army’s commitment to national interest and public welfare, following the ideals of the freedom fighters. During the ceremony, 64 army personnel were awarded medals for bravery and exceptional service, while 75 families of freedom fighters received honors. Among the recipients, nine were awarded the Army Medal, 17 received the Outstanding Service Medal, and 38 were given the Distinguished Service Medal for their contributions in the 2024–2025 and 2025–2026 fiscal years. The army chief reiterated that the Bangladesh Army would continue to work for the nation’s progress and uphold its legacy of dedication and discipline.

Iranian news agency Tasnim has alleged that its Palestinian correspondent, Farah Abu Ayyash, has been subjected to torture and harassment while detained in an Israeli prison. Abu Ayyash, who represents Tasnim in the West Bank city of Hebron, was arrested on August 6 from her home in Beit Ummar, north of Hebron. She was later transferred to the Moscovia Detention Center in northern Jerusalem, where she reportedly faced abuse by prison guards. Tasnim initially refrained from publicizing her case due to legal consultations and concerns for her safety. However, after further discussions with her lawyer and the disclosure of her prison experiences, the agency has now made the case public. The incident has drawn attention to the treatment of journalists detained in conflict zones and raised concerns about press freedom and human rights in Israeli detention facilities.

Police in Comilla have arrested 11 individuals involved in an attack on law enforcement officers during an operation to apprehend a wanted drug suspect. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon in the Dharmapur area when drug dealers reportedly assaulted police personnel and vandalized a pickup van. Later that night, police conducted raids across suburban areas, detaining the suspects. The arrested individuals include both men and women aged between 18 and 55. On Sunday, they were sent to jail through the court. According to Kotwali Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mahinul Islam, operations are ongoing to capture others linked to the assault and property damage. The attack highlights the growing risks faced by law enforcement in tackling narcotics-related crimes in the region.