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.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology has confirmed there will be no return to the outdated telecom licensing system, which was deemed ineffective and obstructive to service growth. The new 'Telecommunication Network and Licensing–2025' policy, now officially gazetted, aims to overhaul the sector by replacing 26 existing license types with a simplified, converged structure. Over 3,000 licenses issued under previous administrations will be reviewed. The ministry clarified that internet prices will not rise under the new framework. The policy emphasizes shifting from a connection-based service model to a digital service–driven economy, promoting competition through four licensing tiers while reducing intermediaries. It also highlights the need for improved fiber connectivity, cybersecurity, and inclusion of emerging sectors such as edtech, fintech, and healthtech. The government expects the reform to expand operational scope for operators, ensure affordable services, and strengthen the foundation for a secure digital economy.

Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed emphasized that in times of uncertainty, the judiciary’s stability, restraint, honesty, and courage can serve as the nation’s most enduring source of confidence. Speaking at the opening session of the three-day international conference 'Bay of Bengal Conversation 2025' organized by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) in Dhaka, he warned that if the judiciary fails, both the state and democracy collapse, silencing the constitution and destroying public hope. He highlighted recent judicial reforms, including institutional restructuring, normalization of career paths, and groundwork for the Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance, describing them as constitutional reconstruction efforts aimed at restoring balance, independence, and administrative discipline. Ahmed also noted that during recent months of national uncertainty, the judiciary remained the only fully functional constitutional organ, maintaining both humility and firmness in its role. The session was chaired by CGS President Zillur Rahman and attended by Foreign Affairs Adviser M. Touhid Hossain and CGS Executive Director Parvez Karim Abbasi.

A group of students participating in the 47th BCS examination have begun a hunger strike demanding an extension of the written exam schedule, arguing that the 40-day preparation period is insufficient. On Saturday evening, Sheikh Mahbubur Rahman Nahiyan, Secretary General of the Islami Chhatra Andolon Bangladesh, visited the Central Shaheed Minar with a delegation to express solidarity with the protesting students. Nahiyan criticized the Public Service Commission’s (PSC) decision to hold the exam on short notice, calling it unfair and detrimental to candidates, especially first-time participants. He emphasized that the PSC has a moral and constitutional duty to ensure a fair and student-friendly examination system. The organization pledged continued support for the students’ peaceful protest until their demands are met. Several other leaders of the Islami Chhatra Andolon, including Imran Hossain Noor and Muhammad Faizul Islam, were also present at the event.

A large-scale National Imam-Khatib Conference is scheduled to be held in Dhaka on Sunday at the China Friendship Conference Center, organized by the Sammilit Imam-Khatib Parishad. The event aims to promote the independent practice of religious duties by imams and khatibs, ensure their social and state recognition, and present a 10-point demand addressing their welfare and national religious issues. Prominent political and religious leaders, including Hefazat-e-Islam’s Amir Allama Shah Muhibbullah Babunagari, BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, and other Islamic leaders, are expected to attend and deliver speeches. Organizers stated that the conference will outline a clear roadmap for protecting national sovereignty, safeguarding Muslim religious rights, ensuring social security and allowances for imams and khatibs, and introducing modern mosque management policies. The gathering is expected to bring together religious scholars from across the country to discuss these national and community concerns.

Dhaka University (DU) has announced the suspension of all internal classes and examinations scheduled for Sunday, November 23, following a series of earthquakes that injured several students and caused widespread panic across the campus. The decision was confirmed in an emergency notice issued by the Controller of Examinations’ office on Saturday, signed by Acting Controller Dr. Himadri Shekhar Chakravarti. The university administration stated that it is closely monitoring the situation and prioritizing student safety. On Saturday evening, another tremor struck Dhaka, injuring three students at Shamsunnahar Hall. A day earlier, a separate earthquake had caused cracks in several DU halls and buildings, injuring 22 students. The incidents have left the campus community anxious, prompting the administration to take precautionary measures. New schedules for the postponed exams will be announced later.

In Saltha upazila of Bangladesh, political resignations within the ruling Awami League continue as another local leader steps down. Md. Emdad Fakir, general secretary of the Ballavdi Union unit of the labor wing of the Awami League, announced his resignation at a press conference held at his business establishment in Bauskhali on Saturday, November 22. Fakir, who is also a former president of Bauskhali High School, stated that he was leaving all posts within the Awami League and its affiliated organizations due to personal and family reasons. He further expressed admiration for the behavior and ideals of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and declared his intention to work as a BNP activist in the future. The move follows a series of similar resignations in the Saltha area, signaling growing internal shifts within local Awami League leadership.

Following Friday’s 5.7-magnitude earthquake, Bangladesh experienced two mild aftershocks on Saturday morning and evening, measuring 3.3 and 4.3 on the Richter scale. According to Md. Mominul Islam, acting director of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), these tremors are aftershocks resulting from the earlier quake. He explained that the region’s weak soil composition caused the shaking to last longer than usual. Islam emphasized that the next 72 hours are critical for monitoring potential aftershocks, which typically register at least one magnitude lower than the main quake. He urged the public to remain calm and stay in safe areas during tremors. The expert also highlighted Bangladesh’s high vulnerability to earthquakes and called for stricter adherence to building codes, preservation of open spaces and parks, and widening of roads near buildings to mitigate future risks.

BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moin Khan has accused the former Awami League government of undermining democracy by holding nighttime voting and forcibly staying in power. Speaking at a campaign rally in Kachua, Chandpur, ahead of the upcoming 13th national election, he alleged that the Awami League had destroyed the country’s education and economy while laundering billions abroad. Moin Khan urged citizens, especially young voters, to participate in the February election to ensure victory for BNP candidates. He claimed that the people of Bangladesh are eager for fair elections and will reject any attempts to derail the process. Referring to the August 5 mass uprising, he said Awami League leaders fled the country amid public outrage over repression, disappearances, and killings. The event was attended by BNP leaders including former state minister for education Dr. A.N.M. Ehsanul Haque Milan and other senior party figures.

The United Kingdom has announced one of its strictest immigration reforms in decades, potentially affecting around 1.7 million legal migrants awaiting permanent residency. Under the new 'settlement' policy introduced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) will be extended from five to ten years for most applicants, and up to 20 or even 30 years for those deemed low-contributing or with criminal records. High earners and essential workers may qualify for a fast-track route. The policy, which applies to migrants entering after 2021, could also impact over one million asylum seekers and thousands of foreign NHS nurses. Critics, including Labour MPs and human rights advocates, have condemned the move as morally wrong and economically flawed, while the government argues it is necessary to ease pressure on housing and public services. The plan faces potential legal challenges and parliamentary debate before implementation, with public consultation open until February 2026.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that his party’s ongoing demand for proportional representation (PR) aims to serve the people’s interest, pledging to implement it if Jamaat comes to power. Speaking to reporters in Chittagong on Saturday, he emphasized that he does not seek Jamaat’s victory but the victory of the people. Rahman criticized the absence of a level playing field in the upcoming election and urged all to work together to ensure fair conditions, warning that failure to hold elections in February could lead to a national crisis. He accused certain groups of exploiting public resources for personal gain while ordinary citizens saw little real development. Stressing unity among all communities, he declared an uncompromising struggle against corruption and injustice, vowing that Jamaat’s movement for true national liberation would continue until its goals are achieved.

The Bangladesh government has formally sent a letter to the Election Commission (EC) requesting that the upcoming 13th parliamentary election and a national referendum be held on the same day. EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed confirmed the development on Saturday. The move follows Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’s November 13 address to the nation, where he announced plans to organize both events simultaneously amid political disagreements over the legal basis of the July Charter and the referendum itself. The Cabinet Division sent the official letter a week after Yunus’s announcement, instructing the EC to prepare accordingly. Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin earlier stated that the EC would take further decisions once it received formal government directives. The EC is expected to announce the election schedule in early December, with voting likely in the first half of February.