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.

The United States is reportedly preparing new operations in Venezuela, according to four US officials cited by Reuters. The move comes as the Trump administration intensifies pressure on President Nicolás Maduro’s government. Details about the timing or scope of the planned operation remain unclear, and it is not confirmed whether President Donald Trump has made a final decision. Two officials indicated that the first phase could involve a covert mission targeting Maduro. The Pentagon referred inquiries to the White House, while the CIA declined to comment. A senior Trump administration official did not rule out potential actions, saying the president is ready to use all means to curb drug trafficking from Venezuela and ensure accountability. Reports of US military activity in the Caribbean have increased in recent weeks, fueling speculation about possible intervention. The Venezuelan Ministry of Communications has not yet commented on the matter.

A series of earthquakes over two consecutive days in Palash upazila of Narsingdi, Bangladesh, have caused significant damage, including cracks in the historic Ghorashal railway bridge built during the British era. The first tremor occurred on Friday, November 21, at 10:38 a.m., resulting in two fatalities and structural damage to both public and private buildings. Cracks appeared in the bridge’s second and third pillars, raising safety concerns among passengers and residents, as at least 16 pairs of trains use the bridge daily. Following the incident, railway officials and the Palash upazila administration inspected the site on Saturday, November 22. Local residents have urged authorities to take immediate measures to ensure the bridge’s safety. Officials confirmed that the damage has been reported to the railway authorities for further assessment and necessary action.

A violent clash broke out at a trade and cottage industry fair in Shimultali, Gazipur, on Saturday night following an altercation over cigarette pricing. Witnesses reported that a vendor was selling cigarettes at a higher price than usual, leading to an argument when a buyer refused to pay the inflated rate. The situation escalated as the buyer was allegedly assaulted by the vendor and fair authorities. News of the assault quickly spread, prompting local residents to attack the fairgrounds. Several stalls, lottery booths, and offices were vandalized during the ensuing chaos. At least 20 visitors were injured while trying to flee the scene. Law enforcement arrived around 12:30 a.m. and brought the situation under control. Police officials described the incident as a minor dispute that spiraled into violence between locals and fair organizers.

An explosion occurred at the Bashundhara Cement factory in Madanpur, Bandar upazila of Narayanganj on Saturday evening, leaving six workers severely burned. The incident took place while workers were operating the boiler section of the plant. The injured—Tajul Islam (35), Kamal Hossain (45), Nahid (22), Ferdous (35), Atikur Rahman (42), and Torab Ali (55)—were immediately taken to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka. According to resident physician Dr. Shawon Bin Rahman, all six sustained significant burn injuries, with Nahid suffering burns over 40% of his body. Most of the victims have facial burns and respiratory tract damage, complicating their condition. They are currently under intensive observation at the institute. Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the explosion, and an investigation is expected to follow to determine the reason behind the industrial accident.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 of Bangladesh has scheduled hearings for the formation of charges against 13 army officers accused in two cases related to enforced disappearances and torture, considered crimes against humanity. The hearings are set for December 3 and December 7, as decided by a three-member bench led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder. The accused officers were presented before the tribunal earlier, and their lawyers requested permission for virtual appearances in future sessions. The tribunal also directed the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and the Information Secretary to remove judges’ photos and contemptuous comments circulating on social media concerning the verdict in Sheikh Hasina’s case. Previously, on October 8, arrest warrants were issued against 25 current and former army officers in connection with coup-related killings, while 15 officers were later produced before the tribunal and sent to custody.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 of Bangladesh has appointed senior Supreme Court lawyer Z I Khan Panna as legal counsel for Sheikh Hasina in two cases involving enforced disappearances and torture, which are being treated as crimes against humanity. The appointment was made on Sunday, November 23, under the leadership of Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar. Earlier that morning, 13 army officers were presented before the tribunal in connection with the same cases, which name a total of 30 accused, including Hasina. Panna, known for his previous expressions of interest in representing Hasina, attended the tribunal session before his formal appointment. The cases relate to allegations of abduction and abuse during the Awami League government’s tenure, marking a significant legal development in Bangladesh’s ongoing accountability proceedings for alleged human rights violations.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has ordered the removal of judges’ photos and related comments circulating on social media following the verdict against Sheikh Hasina, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumdar, issued the directive to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and the Information Secretary. On November 13, the tribunal sentenced Hasina and Kamal to death and Al-Mamun to five years in prison for crimes against humanity committed between July and August. After the verdict, derogatory remarks and images of the judges spread online, prompting the tribunal to act on its own initiative. The court emphasized that freedom of expression must operate within the law and without defamation. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam and other prosecutors represented the state, while defense lawyers and journalists were also present during the proceedings.

Gas supply in parts of Narayanganj’s Fatullah area has been disrupted after a Titas Gas distribution pipeline burst during construction work on the Panchabati-Muktarpur flyover. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon in the BISIC Shashangao area when workers were laying the foundation for the flyover. According to Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company’s regional deputy general manager Mamunur Rashid, a 12-inch underground pipeline was damaged and requires excavation for repair. Gas supply had already been reduced for maintenance, but full restoration remains uncertain as repair work continues. Authorities have not provided a specific timeline for completion. Similar incidents have occurred previously during the same project, causing inconvenience to residents and affecting production in nearby industries dependent on gas supply.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has expressed concern that a level playing field is absent ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming national election. Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka on November 23, he alleged that misuse of administration, influence of money, and muscle power continue to dominate the country’s electoral culture. Islam criticized the Election Commission, government, and administration for failing to ensure neutrality and fairness, claiming that some political groups are openly discussing control over administrative mechanisms. Referring to ongoing political negotiations surrounding the so-called ‘July Charter,’ he warned that the election could become a staged or compromised process, harming democracy. Despite these concerns, Islam reaffirmed NCP’s commitment to participate in the election and called for public trust and support, emphasizing that the party’s progress depends on people’s confidence and cooperation.

Rashed Khan, General Secretary of the Gono Odhikar Parishad, has criticized former student leaders who once advocated for nonpartisan or restricted student politics at Dhaka University but are now actively participating in election campaigns for political parties. In a Facebook post, he alleged that those who once sought to ban student politics did so to weaken independent student organizations. Khan expressed surprise that even elected student union leaders, who had pledged to remain free from party influence, are now campaigning under party symbols. He further claimed that the Chhatra Adhikar Parishad, his organization, practiced the least partisan politics but faced obstacles due to its independent stance. Khan reiterated his call for clean and nonpartisan student politics, arguing that student representatives tied to political parties cannot bring meaningful change to university politics or effectively uphold students’ rights.

In Dhaka’s Lalbagh area, a major road stretching from Chapra Mosque to the Maternity Hospital intersection has been illegally occupied for decades by hundreds of makeshift and permanent shops. The encroachment has turned the road into a permanent market, causing severe traffic congestion, pollution, and daily suffering for office workers, students, and residents. Locals allege that both the police and Dhaka South City Corporation have failed to take effective action despite repeated complaints and occasional eviction drives that yield only temporary relief. The market, selling everything from tea to fish and vegetables, generates unhygienic waste and fosters an unsafe environment. Residents claim that some political figures and corrupt officials are profiting through extortion. City officials have offered little response, with key officers unavailable for comment. Locals demand immediate clearance of the road and sidewalks to restore normal movement and prevent further deterioration of living conditions in the densely populated neighborhood.

Former US President Donald Trump has claimed that he prevented five out of eight potential wars by threatening to impose tariffs on other countries. Posting on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said that the United States has earned 'trillions and trillions of dollars' through tariffs and foreign investments, which he described as beneficial to the American economy. He also took aim at his successor, Joe Biden, asserting that inflation is now nearly nonexistent compared to what he called the 'worst in US history' under Biden’s leadership. Trump further boasted that the stock market reached record highs 48 times in just nine months. He added that figures like Leonard Leo, the Koch network, and foreign nations that once used tariffs to harm the US can no longer damage the country. His remarks come as part of his continued effort to highlight his economic and foreign policy record ahead of the upcoming election season.