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.

A Dhaka court has set November 27 as the date for delivering the verdict in a corruption case filed against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 11 others. The case involves allegations of abuse of power in allocating government land under the Purbachal New Town Project. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) accused Hasina and her family members of obtaining plots through misuse of authority and false affidavits, depriving the general public of access. The investigation began in December last year, and in March this year, the ACC prepared charge sheets in six related cases against 23 individuals. The trial proceedings commenced on July 31 in Dhaka’s Fourth and Fifth Special Judge Courts. The case has drawn significant public attention due to the involvement of high-profile political figures and the implications for government land allocation practices.

A Dhaka court has scheduled November 25 for the presentation of arguments in a corruption case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, and 15 others. The case alleges abuse of power in the allocation of a 10-katha government plot in the Purbachal New Town Project. On Sunday, Judge Rabiul Alam of Dhaka’s Special Judge Court-4 fixed the date after one accused, Khurshid Alam, pleaded innocence, while Hasina and 16 others remained absconding. The ACC filed the case on January 13, accusing the defendants of irregularities in land allocation. Following investigation, a charge sheet against 17 individuals, including former officials of the Housing and Public Works Ministry and RAJUK, was submitted on March 10. The court had earlier framed charges on July 31, and 32 witnesses have testified so far. The upcoming hearing will focus on final arguments before the court proceeds toward judgment.

Bangladesh celebrated Mushfiqur Rahim’s 100th Test match with a commanding 217-run victory over Ireland, completing a 2-0 series whitewash. After setting a massive 509-run target, Bangladesh bowled out Ireland for 291 on the fifth day in Mirpur. Taijul Islam became the first Bangladeshi bowler to reach 250 Test wickets, taking four in the innings alongside Hasan Murad, who also claimed four. Curtis Campher’s resilient 71 off 259 balls briefly raised hopes of a draw for Ireland, but Bangladesh’s bowlers wrapped up the match efficiently. Earlier, centuries from Mushfiqur Rahim and Liton Das powered Bangladesh to 476 in the first innings, while Mominul Haque, Shadman Islam, and Mahmudul Hasan Joy all scored fifties in the second. With this victory, Bangladesh secured a clean sweep in the two-match series, underlining their dominance at home and giving Mushfiqur a memorable milestone celebration.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland (Shirley Botchwey) met with Bangladesh’s Chief Election Commissioner A M M Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Sunday, November 23. The meeting focused on preparations for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and a planned referendum. Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Hossain and a six-member Commonwealth delegation also attended the meeting. The Secretary-General arrived in Dhaka on Thursday for a five-day official visit, during which she is scheduled to hold discussions with key political and institutional stakeholders ahead of the February elections. The visit underscores the Commonwealth’s interest in supporting transparent and credible electoral processes in Bangladesh as the country gears up for a crucial national vote.