Bangladeshi shipbuilder Western Marine Shipyard has exported three newly built landing crafts named Maya, Emi, and Muna to the United Arab Emirates-based Marwan Shipping Limited. The handover ceremony took place on November 20 on the Karnaphuli River in Chattogram. UAE Ambassador Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al Hamoudi praised the collaboration as a sign of strengthening bilateral ties and expressed optimism for future exports from Bangladesh. Abdur Rahim Khan, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, highlighted Western Marine’s contribution to diversifying Bangladesh’s export portfolio. The crafts, each 69 meters long and 16 meters wide, were built under Bureau Veritas classification standards and can operate at 10 nautical miles per hour. Equipped with Yanmar engines, electro-hydraulic ramp winches, and advanced navigation systems, the vessels are designed for heavy equipment and bulk cargo transport. The delivery is part of an eight-ship contract signed in 2023 between Western Marine and Marwan Shipping.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast a drop of 1 to 2 degrees Celsius in nighttime temperatures across the country over the next few days. According to a 120-hour forecast signed by meteorologist Kazi Zebunnesa, a low-pressure area is likely to develop over the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining regions around November 22, which may later intensify. The subcontinental high-pressure ridge currently extends over West Bengal and nearby areas, while the seasonal low lies over the southern Bay of Bengal. Weather across Bangladesh is expected to remain mostly dry with partly cloudy skies through November 24. Both daytime and nighttime temperatures may slightly decrease before stabilizing early next week. The BMD also indicated that no significant weather changes are expected over the next five days.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has summoned national cricketer and former MP Shakib Al Hasan for questioning in connection with a stock market manipulation case. According to an official notice issued on November 20, Shakib has been asked to appear at the ACC headquarters on November 26. The case involves allegations that Md. Abul Khayer alias Hiru and others engaged in irregularities and fraud in the stock market, misleading investors and laundering illicit profits. Shakib is among 15 individuals accused in the case, which alleges embezzlement of over Tk 256 crore. The ACC stated that Shakib will be questioned regarding both the stock market case and a separate inquiry into his alleged accumulation of wealth beyond known sources of income. This summons follows earlier legal troubles involving Shakib, including a murder case and a cheque dishonor case filed earlier this year.

Pakistani pop sensation Atif Aslam is set to return to Dhaka for a live concert on December 13, 2025. The singer confirmed the news himself through a social media post, sharing a photo from one of his previous performances. The event, titled 'Atif Aslam at Main Stage Show', is being organized by Main Stage, the same company bringing him to Bangladesh. The concert will take place at Bashundhara Field, with gates opening at 1 p.m. and the show running from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Ticket sales are expected to begin soon, available in two categories: General and Front VIP. Atif Aslam last performed in Dhaka on November 29, 2024, at the 'Magical Night 2.0' concert, which drew a large audience and featured many of his popular songs. Fans are eagerly anticipating his upcoming performance, marking another major musical event in the city’s entertainment calendar.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) conducted a pre-dawn raid in Moinpur area of Sunamganj Sadar upazila, seizing a large consignment of smuggled goods brought illegally from India. Acting on intelligence, the task force recovered 1,229 Indian saris, 208 three-piece dresses, and 195 cosmetic items from an abandoned warehouse and a boat on the Surma River. The seized items, valued at approximately Tk 15.76 million, were found without any owners present. Lieutenant Colonel A.K.M. Zakaria Kadir, commander of BGB Battalion-28, stated that surveillance and intelligence operations have been intensified along the border to prevent smuggling and illegal crossings. The confiscated goods are being processed for handover to the customs office. Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to continuing strict monitoring to curb cross-border smuggling activities in the region.

The High Court of Bangladesh has upheld the death sentences of former Teknaf Police Station Officer-in-Charge Pradeep Kumar Das and Inspector Md. Liaqat Ali in the high-profile murder case of retired army major Sinha Md. Rashed Khan. The court also confirmed life imprisonment for six other convicts and maintained a fine of 50,000 taka for each. The verdict was delivered by a bench comprising Justice Md. Mostafizur Rahman and Justice Md. Saghir Hossain. The convicts now have 30 days to appeal the decision. Major Sinha was shot dead on July 31, 2020, at a police checkpoint in Cox’s Bazar’s Shamlapur area. His sister later filed a murder case, and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) submitted a charge sheet accusing 15 people, describing the incident as a premeditated killing. The Cox’s Bazar District and Sessions Judge’s Court had earlier sentenced Pradeep and Liaqat to death and six others to life imprisonment in January 2022.

Bangladeshi law enforcement has identified four individuals involved in issuing death threats against three judges and prosecutors of the International Crimes Tribunal following its verdict sentencing Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising. Police have arrested one suspect, a 20-year-old man named Sharif from Lalmohan in Bhola district, while efforts continue to apprehend the others. Prosecutor Tanvir Zohar confirmed that several Facebook pages and individuals were found to have shared images of the judges and prosecutors while making threats. The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, also sentenced former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death and former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun to five years in prison. Authorities are investigating the online networks behind the threats to ensure the safety of judicial officials and uphold the integrity of the tribunal’s proceedings.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman extended heartfelt greetings to all members of the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force on Armed Forces Day. In a message conveyed by senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Tarique Rahman lauded the armed forces for their courage, discipline, and dedication to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty. He highlighted their vital role in peacekeeping missions, which has enhanced Bangladesh’s global reputation. Rahman recalled the formation of the armed forces during the 1971 Liberation War and paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country. He credited former President Ziaur Rahman for initiating modernization programs that transformed the forces into a professional and technologically advanced institution, and noted that former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia further strengthened this progress. Rahman expressed hope that the armed forces would continue their patriotic role in national defense and disaster response, reinforcing their position as a trusted pillar of the nation.

Australia has announced its playing XI for the first Ashes Test against England, set to begin on Friday, November 21, in Perth. With regular captain Pat Cummins sidelined due to injury, Steve Smith will lead the side. The team faces several injury setbacks, leaving only Mitchell Starck fully fit among the frontline pacers. Two players—fast bowler Brendan Doggett and opener Jack Weatherald—are set to make their Test debuts. Doggett’s inclusion follows Josh Hazlewood’s injury, while Weatherald earns his spot at the top of the order. Marnus Labuschagne returns to the No. 3 position, and Cameron Green reclaims a place in the top six. This marks the first time since 2019 that two players will debut together for Australia in a Test match, and the first such instance in an Ashes series since the 2010–11 season. The probable XI includes Weatherald, Khawaja, Labuschagne, Smith (captain), Head, Green, Carey (wk), Starc, Lyon, Doggett, and Boland.

Bangladesh’s Supreme Court has reinstated the caretaker government system through a landmark ruling, overturning a previous verdict that had abolished it. Badiul Alam Majumdar, secretary of Citizens for Good Governance (SUJAN) and one of the petitioners, expressed satisfaction, saying the decision paves the way for free and impartial elections. He criticized former Chief Justice A.B.M. Khairul Haque’s earlier judgment that had, in his view, exiled the country’s electoral process and led to three controversial elections. Senior lawyer Sharif Bhuiyan, representing four prominent appellants, confirmed that the court explicitly annulled the earlier ruling, thereby restoring the caretaker system established under the 13th Amendment. Majumdar noted that he had long opposed both the abolition of the caretaker system and the subsequent 15th Amendment. Observers describe the verdict as a historic development in Bangladesh’s constitutional and electoral landscape.

Muntasir Mahmud, recently released from his post as a central organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP), stated that Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami would come to power if the upcoming national election were conducted fairly. In a social media post on November 20, Mahmud argued that public sentiment strongly favors Jamaat, asserting that voters across professions are disillusioned with both the Awami League and BNP. He claimed that NCP would not win any seats in a fair election and warned that violence and muscle power could influence the polls. Mahmud also criticized the BNP for failing to promote young leadership and said the party risks collapse if it continues its current course. Although he expressed doubts about Jamaat’s readiness to govern, he emphasized that the party must prepare to protect polling centers from violence and electoral manipulation. Mahmud, who plans to contest from Dhaka-12, said his departure from NCP followed internal disciplinary action.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has issued a circular outlining procedures for overseas voters using postal ballots in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. According to the directive, any postal ballot lacking a properly signed declaration form will be declared invalid by the returning officer without opening the ballot envelope. The circular, signed by Deputy Secretary Monir Hossain, details the process from registration to result compilation. Overseas Bangladeshi voters can register through the 'Postal Vote BD' mobile app, after which their verified information will be used to send postal ballots via the Bangladesh Postal Department. Voters will cast their votes after candidate symbols are allotted and return their ballots by mail. The EC also announced the registration deadline for postal voting, allowing voters to track ballot delivery progress through the app.

Bhutanese Prime Minister Shering Tobgay is set to arrive in Dhaka on November 22 for a three-day official visit at the invitation of Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. During the visit, Tobgay will hold a formal bilateral meeting with the Chief Adviser, preceded by a one-on-one discussion between the two leaders. The talks are expected to cover a wide range of cooperation areas, including trade, investment, connectivity, education, tourism, culture, and sports. Officials anticipate the signing of three agreements or memoranda of understanding to strengthen bilateral relations. Several advisers, including Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain, are scheduled to pay courtesy calls on the Bhutanese leader. Tobgay is expected to depart Dhaka on November 24, concluding his state visit aimed at deepening ties between the two South Asian neighbors.

Bangladesh’s National Security Advisor Dr. Khalilur Rahman stated that the country does not want any foreign interference in its internal affairs and reiterated its commitment to combating terrorism. He made the remarks at the Colombo Security Conclave held in New Delhi on November 20. Earlier, Dr. Rahman met with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and invited him to visit Bangladesh. This marks the second visit by a Bangladeshi advisor to India since the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus took office in August last year. The visit comes at a sensitive time, as former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity and is reportedly in India. The interim government has requested her extradition from New Delhi, sparking speculation about whether the issue was discussed during Rahman’s meetings with Indian officials.

President Donald Trump has signed a bipartisan bill directing the U.S. Department of Justice to release documents from its investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein within 30 days. The move marks a reversal from Trump’s earlier opposition, as he had warned that disclosing internal records could set a harmful precedent for the presidency. The legislation, which passed both chambers of Congress with broad support, allows the Justice Department to withhold sensitive information about victims and any material that could compromise ongoing investigations. Trump framed the decision as a step toward exposing alleged Democratic ties to Epstein, accusing his political rivals of using the scandal to distract from his administration’s achievements. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that the department will comply with the law while prioritizing transparency. The release is expected to reignite public scrutiny of Epstein’s connections with powerful figures, amid widespread suspicion that the government has concealed key details about his activities and death in custody in 2019.