Major General (Retd.) A N M Muniruzzaman, president of the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS), stated that India is legally obliged to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh under the existing bilateral extradition treaty. Speaking at a Bay of Bengal Conversation session in Dhaka, he emphasized that as a friendly neighbor, India should respect Bangladesh’s legal process and return Hasina without delay. Muniruzzaman argued that adherence to international norms and mutual respect for legal systems should guide India’s actions. His comments come after Bangladesh formally requested India to hand over Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity during last year’s uprising. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka warned that sheltering convicted individuals would be considered an unfriendly act and contrary to justice. India has acknowledged receiving Bangladesh’s communication, but the extradition request remains unresolved.

Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro has been arrested at his home in Brasília on charges related to an alleged attempt to stage an illegal political coup. The arrest came just days before his 27-year prison sentence was to begin, following a Supreme Court ruling that found him guilty of trying to overturn the 2022 election results after losing to current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. According to federal police, the preventive arrest was requested by investigators and approved by the Supreme Court. Bolsonaro also faces accusations of being linked to an armed criminal organization that sought to undermine Brazil’s democracy, particularly after his supporters attacked government buildings on January 8, 2023. His eldest son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, reportedly organized a rally outside the former president’s residence shortly before the arrest warrant was issued. Bolsonaro has denied all allegations, calling them politically motivated.

At a memorial event marking the 10th death anniversary of executed BNP leader Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury, his son and BNP-nominated candidate Hummam Quader Chowdhury declared that the upcoming national election will demonstrate his father’s innocence. Speaking emotionally at the gathering in Kadernagar, Rangunia, Hummam claimed that people’s affection and support give him strength, asserting that Salahuddin Quader was a true leader loved by his constituency. The event was attended by family members, senior BNP figures, and Hefazat-e-Islam chief Allama Muhibullah Babunagari, who led prayers and described Salahuddin Quader as a righteous man. Hummam urged voters to support the BNP’s ‘paddy sheaf’ symbol, paying tribute to Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman, and his late father. His remarks come as Bangladesh prepares for the next general election, with the BNP seeking to regain political momentum under a tense political climate.

Australia dominated the opening Ashes Test in Perth, defeating England by eight wickets in a match that lasted only 141.1 overs—barely one and a half days of play. The game produced several remarkable records. It was the first Ashes Test in over a century to finish within two days, the last such instance occurring in 1921 at Trent Bridge. England faced just 405 deliveries across both innings, their third-lowest total in history. The match saw only 847 balls bowled, the fewest ever in an Ashes Test on Australian soil. Travis Head smashed a 69-ball century, equaling the record for the fastest by an opener in Test history. Mitchell Starc claimed 10 wickets for 113 runs, becoming the first Australian since Shane Warne in 2005 to achieve a 10-wicket haul in an Ashes Test. England’s defeat marked their ninth consecutive loss in Perth across both WACA and Perth Stadium venues.

Dhaka University has announced a temporary closure until December 6, 2025, following safety concerns arising from a recent earthquake and subsequent aftershocks. The decision was made during an emergency virtual meeting of the university syndicate chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan. Based on expert opinions from BUET and the university’s engineering and planning departments, authorities concluded that residential halls require thorough inspection and possible renovation to ensure student safety. Consequently, all academic classes and examinations have been suspended, and students have been instructed to vacate residential halls by 5 p.m. on Sunday. The university administration emphasized that the measure is precautionary and aims to safeguard students’ physical and mental well-being. However, all administrative offices will remain open and continue normal operations during this period.

Rafiul Islam Rafi, a 23-year-old medical student from Sir Salimullah Medical College, was killed when a brick fell on his head during an earthquake in Old Dhaka’s Kosaituli area. His mother, Nusrat Jahan Nipa, who was injured in the same incident, bid farewell to her son with prayers, saying they would meet again in heaven. Rafi’s first funeral prayer was held at his college in Dhaka, followed by a second at Bogura’s central Eidgah ground before burial at Namazgarh Anjuman-E Cemetery beside his grandfather and uncle. The tragedy occurred when a railing from a five-story building collapsed during the tremor. Nipa sustained injuries to her hand, shoulder, and eye but is now out of danger, according to doctors. Rafi’s father, Osman Gani Rustam, a principal at a polytechnic institute, rushed from Bogura to Dhaka after hearing the news. The incident has cast deep sorrow over Rafi’s family, friends, and community.

Two Jamaat-e-Islami nominated candidates from Sunamganj-1 and Sunamganj-4 constituencies organized large-scale motorcycle rallies on Saturday as part of their election campaigns. Advocate Muhammad Shams Uddin, contesting from Sunamganj-4, led a motorcade through major roads before addressing a rally in Bishwambharpur, where he pledged that if Jamaat comes to power, extortion and terrorism would be permanently eliminated. He called for honest leadership to develop neglected regions like Sunamganj Sadar and Bishwambharpur. Meanwhile, Maulana Tofayel Ahmed Khan, Jamaat’s candidate for Sunamganj-1, led a similar rally in Tahirpur, criticizing previous governments for corruption and exploitation. He urged voters to support Jamaat’s ‘Dari-Palla’ (balance) symbol, promising accountability, justice, and real change for ordinary citizens. Senior district Jamaat leaders were also present at both events, emphasizing the party’s commitment to welfare-oriented governance.

Around fifty farmers in Mymensingh-3 (Gauripur) staged a symbolic protest carrying bundles of rice on their heads, demanding a review of the BNP’s nomination decision for the upcoming 13th national election. The protesters, supporters of local BNP leader Ahmad Tayebur Rahman Hiron, called for reconsideration of the party’s choice after Hiron was replaced by central executive committee member Engineer M. Iqbal Hossain. Farmers argued that Hiron had been active in anti-authoritarian movements and maintained strong ties with grassroots activists. They urged acting BNP chairman Tarique Rahman to re-evaluate the nomination based on public opinion and past contributions. The demonstration, held in Ramgopalpur Union, was organized spontaneously by local farmers, who likened their action to a 'Decision Review System' (DRS) appeal, a term borrowed from cricket to symbolize a request for reconsideration. The event reflects growing internal dissent within the BNP’s local ranks over candidate selection.

Tania Rob, senior vice president of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), has accused rival political groups of seizing public resources such as markets, lands, and housing even before coming to power. Speaking at a street rally in Basurhat Bazar, Noakhali, in support of the party’s ‘Tara’ symbol, she questioned what such groups would do if they actually gained power. Rob emphasized that the people of Bangladesh cherish the spirit of the Liberation War and independence, and that JSD aims to uphold those values. She called for a transparent electoral process, suggesting that administrative officials like OCs, SPs, and DCs be appointed through a lottery system under the Election Commission’s supervision to prevent partisan influence. Rob also criticized corruption, extortion, and misuse of power by former MPs, urging voters to elect competent and honest representatives in the upcoming 13th national election.

At least 30 people were injured in violent clashes between two factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Hatiya, Noakhali, on Saturday evening. The conflict erupted at the Ochkhali Zero Point area between supporters of BNP’s central organizing secretary and nominated candidate Mahbubur Rahman Shamim, and followers of former MP Fazlul Azim. Azim’s supporters had organized a torch procession demanding a change in the party’s nominated candidate for the Noakhali-6 constituency. As they marched toward Ochkhali, Shamim’s supporters allegedly attacked them with bricks, injuring several. In retaliation, Azim’s followers launched a counterattack, leading to further injuries and property damage, including vandalized motorcycles and a house attack. Police confirmed incidents of stone-throwing and chases between the groups but denied receiving reports of injuries. The situation in Ochkhali market remains tense following the confrontation.

After a long wait, tourist trips to Saint Martin Island in the Bay of Bengal will resume on December 1. Ships will depart from Cox’s Bazar’s Nuniachhara Jetty at 7 a.m. and return the following day at 3 p.m., allowing visitors to stay overnight on the island for the first time this season. Authorities have set a daily visitor limit of 2,000 and prepared seven ships for continuous operation over two months. Although the island reopened to tourists on November 1, the absence of overnight facilities kept visitors away. The Sea Cruise Operators Association reported increased interest following the announcement of overnight stays. The Department of Environment in Cox’s Bazar stated that strict monitoring will be enforced for tourist movement. Tickets will be available through the Bangladesh Tourism Board’s online portal, featuring travel passes and QR codes. Officials emphasized that all visitors must comply with environmental protection regulations during their stay.

The first batch of a 15-day self-defense basic training program for young women, organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and conducted by BKSP, concluded in Dhaka. Colonel Md. Golam Mabud Hasan, Director (Training) of BKSP and Project Director, attended the closing ceremony as chief guest and distributed certificates and stipends to participants. The program aims to empower youth through training in judo, karate, taekwondo, and air gun shooting, enhancing confidence, discipline, and physical fitness. The initiative, inaugurated on November 9 by Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, targets Bangladeshi citizens aged 18–35 who are physically and mentally fit. A total of 8,850 participants—8,250 men in 102 batches and 600 women in 12 batches—will receive training in phases. The ministry expects the program to help build a strong, self-reliant youth community capable of facing national challenges and emergencies.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appealed to G20 nations to help stop the ongoing violence and killings in Sudan. Speaking at a press conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, Guterres emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access. He urged external actors to halt the supply of weapons and fighters to Sudan and called on the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to engage in dialogue. Guterres also highlighted conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo between the government and M23 rebels, stressing the need for lasting solutions that respect sovereignty and regional integrity. Additionally, he warned of rising insecurity in West Africa’s Sahel region, where armed groups exploit weak governance. Referring to crises from Haiti to Yemen and Myanmar, Guterres underscored the importance of pursuing peace under international law.

For the first time, the Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) is enabling expatriate Bangladeshis to vote through postal ballots. Under the slogan “Tomar Amar Bangladesh-e, Vote Debo Milemishe,” the EC has introduced an app-based registration system called “Postal Vote BD.” Expatriates must register as voters via the app by verifying their mobile number with an OTP, completing face verification, and submitting their national ID and passport details along with their current overseas address. Once verified, they will receive a notification confirming successful registration and later receive a ballot paper by mail. Voters must log in to the app or designated link, verify their identity, set a new PIN, and scan a QR code on the ballot to view their constituency before selecting their preferred candidate. A signed declaration form must accompany the ballot; unsigned ballots will be invalid. The EC has also announced region-wise registration schedules for expatriates across Asia, Europe, North America, Africa, Oceania, and the Middle East.

The Daily Mail’s parent company, Daily Mail and General Trust (DMGT), has announced a £500 million agreement to acquire The Telegraph newspaper from the US-UAE consortium RedBird IMI. The deal, confirmed in a press release from DMGT, marks a significant consolidation in the British media landscape. Founded 170 years ago, The Telegraph has long been one of the UK’s leading conservative newspapers and a direct rival to the Daily Mail. By securing this acquisition, DMGT is set to become one of the largest right-leaning media groups in the United Kingdom. The move underscores ongoing shifts in ownership within the UK press industry, as traditional media houses seek to strengthen their influence amid changing readership and digital transformation trends.