Candidates who passed the preliminary stage of the 47th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examination have launched a sit-in and hunger strike at Dhaka’s Central Shaheed Minar, demanding more preparation time before the written test. The protest began on Wednesday, November 19, with hundreds of participants carrying banners calling for a ‘reasonable schedule’ and denouncing what they describe as an unfairly short preparation period. The Public Service Commission (PSC) has scheduled the written exams to start on November 27 and continue until December 18, allowing only 40 days of preparation, compared to the usual three to six months in previous BCS sessions. Demonstrators argue that the vast syllabus cannot be covered adequately in such a short time. The written exams will take place across eight regional centers, including Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chattogram, Khulna, Barishal, Sylhet, Rangpur, and Mymensingh, with some subject-specific tests held only in Dhaka.

The Bangladesh government has issued the 2025 gazette amending the Organ Transplantation Act, introducing major reforms to curb fraud and illegal trade. The new law expands the definition of donors to include emotional donors—such as spouses, adopted relatives, or long-term friends—alongside biological and cadaveric donors. It mandates strict verification, psychological evaluation, and ethical approval for emotional donations. The amendment also legalizes swap transplants between mismatched donor-recipient pairs under national registry oversight. For the first time, the law defines 'brain death' medically to facilitate cadaveric donations. A national transplant registry will record all donor-recipient data, hospital authorizations, and ethical committee decisions under the Health Ministry’s supervision. Only government-approved hospitals and surgeons can perform transplants, meeting international standards. The law imposes severe penalties for organ trafficking, coercion, or falsification, including license cancellation and up to ten years’ imprisonment. While cadaveric donation remains voluntary, the law encourages it to build a donation culture respecting ethical and religious values.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman marked his 61st birthday on November 20, 2024. To commemorate the occasion, former joint convener of Dhaka North Jubo Dal, S.M. Mizanur Rahman Raj, distributed winter blankets among underprivileged people. Tarique Rahman, the elder son of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, began his political career in 1988 as a member of the Gabtoli Thana BNP in Bogura. He played a significant role in national election campaigns in 1991 and 2001 alongside his mother. Over the years, he rose to become the party’s Senior Vice Chairman and, since 2018, has been serving as the acting chairman from the United Kingdom after Khaleda Zia’s imprisonment. Party sources suggest that Tarique Rahman may return to Bangladesh next month after performing Umrah. The blanket distribution event was part of broader celebrations by BNP supporters across the country.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is facing growing internal dissent and grassroots unrest following the release of its preliminary list of candidates for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary elections. Protests, clashes, and even casualties have occurred in several constituencies as local leaders and activists express anger over being denied nominations. Reports suggest that many disgruntled leaders are preparing to contest as independent candidates if their grievances are not addressed. Political analysts warn that unresolved factional disputes could weaken BNP’s electoral prospects. Senior BNP leaders, however, insist the list is provisional and subject to revision by the party’s standing committee. Some nominations have already been suspended, raising hopes among excluded aspirants. In multiple constituencies, including Mymensingh-3, Kushtia-4, Chattogram-4, and Natore-1, local activists have demanded reconsideration of specific nominations. Meanwhile, 63 constituencies remain without declared candidates, fueling further frustration. BNP leaders have pledged to resolve disputes swiftly and maintain party unity ahead of the election.

Chattogram Port has set a new record by issuing 6,301 gate passes in a single day, marking the highest number ever recorded. On Tuesday, the port issued 4,734 consignee gate passes and 1,567 off-dock gate passes. The Chattogram Port Authority confirmed the achievement on Wednesday, noting that the milestone reflects the port’s ongoing digital transformation. According to Secretary Md Omar Faruk, the successful use of modern technology, particularly the Terminal Operating System (TOS) app, has made import and export operations more efficient and transparent. He emphasized that Chattogram Port remains the central hub for Bangladesh’s trade and industrial growth, contributing significantly to national revenue and international competitiveness. The authority believes that such advancements will further strengthen the country’s overall trade system and enhance operational efficiency.

The Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) has begun distributing nomination forms for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election starting Thursday, November 20, with the process continuing until November 30. According to a press release issued on Wednesday, the party’s central office, Muktibhaban in Dhaka, will serve as the election headquarters where aspirants can collect and submit forms priced at 2,000 taka each. The CPB Presidium meeting held on Tuesday invited applications for all 300 parliamentary constituencies. The announcement also outlined several upcoming political programs, including a nationwide protest on November 23 against irregularities in Chittagong port terminal leases, a demonstration at the Election Commission on November 26 demanding electoral reforms, and a ‘Jamuna Journey’ event on December 4. The initiatives reflect the party’s efforts to mobilize support and advocate for fair, transparent, and participatory elections.

Aid for Men Foundation, a Bangladeshi organization advocating for men’s rights, has called for an end to all forms of legal discrimination against men. The demand was made during a discussion titled 'From False Accusations to Physical Attacks: Men’s Security and Human Rights Crisis' held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity auditorium on November 19. Marking International Men’s Day, the group organized awareness programs including discussions, cycling rallies, and processions to highlight men’s safety and rights issues. The organization’s General Secretary, Saiful Islam Nadim, stated that men in Bangladesh face severe neglect and discrimination, often being victims of false accusations and biased laws. He warned that political parties ignoring men’s rights in their election manifestos would lose their votes. Speakers at the event, including lawyers, writers, and human rights activists, emphasized the need to ensure men’s legal and social protection throughout the year.

A Victor Classic Paribahan bus caught fire on Wednesday night near the Rampura TV Center area in Dhaka. The incident occurred around 10 p.m., prompting two units of the Fire Service and Civil Defence to rush to the scene and extinguish the flames. Duty officer Rakibul Hasan from the Fire Service control room confirmed the event, stating that the fire was brought under control shortly after their arrival. No casualties or injuries were reported, and the extent of damage remains unknown. Police from the Tejgaon division, led by Commissioner Md. Ibne Mizan, were present at the site and have launched an investigation to determine whether the fire was an act of sabotage or caused by another reason. Authorities are continuing to examine the cause of the blaze.

In the upcoming Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) election, the Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed panel, named 'Adommo Jobian Oikko', has announced a full 21-member lineup led by Riazul Islam and Abdul Alim Arif. The panel includes four female candidates: Sukhimon Khatun for Science and Technology Secretary, Nowshin Nawar Joya for International Affairs Secretary, and Shanta Akter and Fatema Akter Nowrin for Executive Member positions. Sukhimon, president of the Islami Chhatri Sangstha’s Jagannath University branch, emphasized her goal to work for female students’ welfare. Nowshin, known for her activism in campus reform movements, cited Shibir’s commitment to discipline and student welfare as her reason for joining. Shanta and Fatema expressed confidence that the Shibir panel values women’s participation and aims to ensure a safer campus environment. The panel’s leadership positions include Riazul Islam for Vice President and Abdul Alim Arif for General Secretary, among others.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has officially launched the 'Postal Vote BD' mobile application, allowing expatriate Bangladeshis to register and participate in national elections through a postal voting system. Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin inaugurated the app at the EC headquarters on November 18, describing it as a milestone in democratic inclusion. Registration through the app will begin on November 19 and continue in phases across different regions until December 23. Expatriates from East Asia, North America, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and Oceania will have specific five-day registration windows. The hybrid system combines online registration with manual voting to ensure transparency and accessibility. The EC acknowledged potential technical issues and sought user feedback for improvement. In addition to expatriates, government officials working outside their constituencies and voters under legal custody will also be eligible to vote via postal ballots. The initiative aims to strengthen democratic participation among Bangladeshis worldwide.

Seven Maoist insurgents were killed in a gun battle with security forces in Andhra Pradesh’s Alluri Sitarama Raju district, police confirmed on Wednesday. Among the dead were four men and three women, including senior Maoist leader Metturi Joga Rao, also known as Tech Shankar, who was a central committee member of the CPI (Maoist) and oversaw technical operations in the Andhra-Odisha border region. This marks the second such encounter in the state within 24 hours, following another clash near Maredumilli that resulted in the death of top Maoist leader Madvi Hidma. Authorities said intensified operations are underway in Maoist-affected areas. Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma urged Maoists to surrender and opt for government rehabilitation programs, emphasizing that the administration is ready to provide dignified reintegration opportunities for those willing to abandon armed rebellion.

Two students were injured while attempting to swim across the Padma River after authorities denied them permission to walk over the Padma Bridge during a long march from Bhola to Dhaka. The march, now on its ninth day, began on November 11 with around 20 students demanding the construction of the Bhola-Barishal Bridge, residential gas connections, establishment of gas-based industries, a public university, and sustainable embankments. After walking about 260 kilometers, the participants reached the Jajira end of the Padma Bridge but were stopped from crossing on foot. As a result, some tried to swim the roughly six-kilometer stretch of the river, leading to two being hospitalized. Earlier, one other participant had also fallen ill. The marchers plan to continue to Dhaka’s Setu Bhaban to stage a sit-in protest, accusing authorities of ignoring their demands and criticizing the government for failing to address regional infrastructure needs.

An Awami League leader in Shariatpur’s Vedarganj upazila has been accused of threatening voters while campaigning for a BNP candidate. Md. Nazrul Islam Khan, joint general secretary of Kachikata Union Awami League and a former ward member, allegedly warned voters during a courtyard meeting at his home to vote for BNP’s candidate Shafiqul Rahman Kiran under the 'sheaf of paddy' symbol. A video of his remarks went viral on social media, sparking widespread criticism and fear among locals. Khan later claimed he spoke emotionally in favor of local development and admitted his comments were inappropriate. He apologized, saying the video was circulated from abroad. Local BNP leaders alleged that Khan, once active in Awami League, has recently aligned himself with BNP after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, but his actions might be hurting BNP’s support base instead.

Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed played a key role in Northern Warriors’ four-run victory over Saif Hassan’s Asprin Stallions in the Abu Dhabi T10 League. Batting first after losing the toss, Northern Warriors posted 114 for 1 in 10 overs, powered by Johnson Charles’ 55 off 34 balls and Colin Munro’s unbeaten 38 off 21. In reply, the Stallions fell short, finishing on 110 runs. Taskin Ahmed claimed two wickets for 21 runs in his two overs, while Shahnawaz Dahani took three wickets to seal the win. Saif Hassan, playing his first T10 League match, struggled both with bat and ball, conceding 17 runs in one over and scoring only 15 off 11 balls. The Warriors’ disciplined bowling attack ensured their narrow but crucial win in the day’s opening match.

A tragic incident occurred in the Mucharia Pathar area of Gozaria Union, Sakhipur upazila of Tangail, where Shahinaz Begum, 58, allegedly strangled her 26-year-old disabled daughter Sajeda to death before taking her own life by hanging. The incident took place late Tuesday night, and police recovered the bodies on Wednesday, sending them to Tangail General Hospital for autopsy. According to local sources, Shahinaz had been suffering from kidney disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses, while her daughter was also seriously ill. Locals and officials suspect that prolonged illness, mental distress, and financial hardship may have driven the mother to commit the act. Sakhipur Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Abul Kalam Bhuiyan said preliminary investigations suggest both mother and daughter were under severe physical and psychological pressure. Legal steps will follow after the autopsy report.