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.

BNP central leader and former MP Hasan Uddin Sarkar stated that no conspiracy, domestic or foreign, will be able to halt Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. Speaking at a meeting with BNP and affiliated organization members in Tongi, Gazipur, he urged party activists to remain vigilant against any attempts to disrupt the electoral process. Sarkar also expressed confidence that BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman will return to Bangladesh to lead the party’s election campaign, predicting a major political shift upon his arrival. The event, held at the Ahsan Ullah Sarkar Islamic Foundation premises, was chaired by BNP leader Haji Babar Ali and attended by several other local BNP figures, including Abdur Rahim Khan Kala, Haji Mojibur Haque Dulal, Md. Zahirul Islam, Sheikh Mohammad Suman, and Habibur Rahman Azad.

Tension has escalated in Cumilla city as two rival factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have announced separate gatherings at the Town Hall field on the same day. Supporters of Haji Aminur Rashid Yasin plan to hold a prayer event for the recovery of party chairperson Khaleda Zia and the well-being of acting chairman Tarique Rahman. Meanwhile, supporters of BNP’s nominated candidate for Cumilla-6, Md Monirul Haque Chowdhury, have scheduled a rally at the same venue. Both groups claim to have obtained permission for the field, leading to confusion and rising tension across the city. Police have been deployed in advance to prevent possible clashes. Local residents have expressed concern over potential unrest, while authorities hope the party will resolve the issue internally. Law enforcement officials have stated that necessary measures will be taken to maintain order if tensions escalate further.

Authorities at Tongi Tamirul Millat Kamil Madrasa in Gazipur have suspended all academic activities following days of student protests over fee hikes, financial aid demands, and scholarship issues. Tensions escalated after several teachers allegedly assaulted protesting students on November 18, prompting the governing body to expel three teachers—Atiqur Rahman, Sibgatullah, and Kamrul Islam. While the expulsions initially calmed the situation, science students later protested the decision, arguing that one of the expelled teachers was vital to their department. On November 19, hundreds of students gathered demanding the reinstatement of the teachers and launched a signature campaign. In response, the madrasa administration announced through its official Facebook page that all classes from primary to Kamil level and the ongoing Alim second-year exams would remain suspended until further notice. Principal Dr. Hefzur Rahman confirmed the closure, citing the governing body’s directive.

A minor fire incident occurred in front of the Grameen Bank’s Borgaacha branch in Raninagar upazila of Naogaon district late Tuesday night. According to branch manager Md. Lotus Hossain, smoke was noticed early Wednesday morning, and the night guard extinguished the fire, which appeared to have been set intentionally using straw or jute sacks. A video circulating online shows the fire at the bank’s main gate, raising suspicions of deliberate arson. However, no damage to the gate or office was reported. The incident has been reported to higher authorities, but no police complaint has yet been filed. Raninagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abdul Hafiz Md. Raihan stated that the fire might have been caused accidentally by a discarded cigarette, as no evidence of a major fire was found on site.

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested Sagar Pramanik, 33, from Goalbari area of Atrai upazila in Naogaon for his alleged involvement in a mob lynching incident in Bagmara, Rajshahi. The arrest took place late Tuesday night after Sagar had been in hiding since the April 4 incident. The case began when Aminul Islam fatally stabbed Abdur Razzak during a robbery attempt in Ronshibari village. Locals caught Aminul and handed him to police, but an enraged crowd attacked the officers, snatched Aminul from custody, and beat him to death. Seven police officers were injured in the attack. RAB said in a press release on Wednesday that Bagmara police filed a case after the incident, and seven suspects have been arrested so far, including Sagar. Efforts are ongoing to capture the remaining fugitives involved in the violent mob attack.

The central leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has revoked the expulsion orders of three Narayanganj city BNP leaders—Md. Ataur Rahman Mukul, Shawkat Hashem Shaku, and Md. Golam Nabi Murad. The decision was announced on Wednesday, November 19, through a notice signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. The three leaders had earlier been expelled for alleged violations of party discipline and involvement in activities contrary to party principles. Following a period of observation and upon their formal appeal, the BNP reinstated their primary membership and lifted all disciplinary actions. Mukul previously served as the city BNP’s vice president and is currently a joint convener, while Shaku and Murad are former city committee members and have also served as councillors of Narayanganj City Corporation.

Pakistani music star Atif Aslam is set to return to Dhaka for a live concert titled “Main Stage Show Featuring Atif Aslam” on December 13. The event is being organized by Main Stage Inc., whose CEO Kazi Rafsan confirmed that preparations and official permissions are in their final stages. The concert will feature both international and local artists, with strict security measures coordinated with law enforcement and private agencies. Although the exact venue has not been disclosed yet, organizers hinted it will be near Purbachal or Bashundhara Residential Area in the capital. Tickets are already on sale in three categories—‘Pehli Nazar,’ ‘Aadat,’ and ‘Doorie’—priced at 9,999, 4,999, and 2,499 Bangladeshi taka respectively. Atif Aslam, who last performed in Dhaka during the “Magical Night 2.0” concert, previously described Bangladesh as his second home.

In a tribute article marking Tarique Rahman’s birthday, BNP Vice Chairman and former MP Nurul Islam Moni portrays the exiled BNP leader as a symbol of resilience, democratic ideals, and people-centered politics. The piece highlights Tarique’s evolution from political heir to independent leader, emphasizing his grassroots engagement and vision for a just, inclusive Bangladesh. It recounts his suffering under alleged government persecution, exile, and personal loss, framing these as tests that strengthened his leadership. The author describes Tarique’s political philosophy as rooted in equality, justice, and empowerment of ordinary citizens. The article concludes with a call for his return, portraying it as essential for restoring democracy and the rule of law in Bangladesh. The tone is deeply reverential, blending political commentary with emotional appeal, reflecting BNP’s continued positioning of Tarique Rahman as a central figure in its political narrative.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard has arrested an NGO worker in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, for alleged drug trafficking involving a luxury vehicle and a large quantity of yaba tablets. The detainee, identified as Md. Kamal Uddin, 48, from South Deilpara in Teknaf Sadar Union, was apprehended during a special operation conducted on Wednesday morning following a tip-off. During the raid near Hwaikong Kanjarpara area, officers searched a suspicious Noah Voxy microbus and discovered approximately 42,000 yaba pills hidden under the bonnet, valued at around 21 million taka. The Coast Guard has seized the vehicle and the drugs, and legal proceedings are underway against the suspect. Officials stated that such operations will continue to protect the youth from the dangers of narcotics and curb drug smuggling along the coastal region.

As Bangladesh’s upcoming national election approaches, political campaigning is gaining momentum across constituencies. Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, the BNP-nominated heavyweight candidate for Pabna-5 and special assistant to the BNP chairperson, has launched extensive voter outreach activities in Pabna Sadar upazila. He is engaging directly with voters through yard meetings, community gatherings, and social initiatives. Supporters are urging residents to vote for the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol. Throughout the day, people from various walks of life visit Biswas’s home to discuss local issues, which he reportedly addresses patiently and promptly. Biswas also continues social welfare programs through the AB Trust, a non-political volunteer organization he founded two decades ago. During a campaign event, he emphasized that true power lies with the people and pledged to work for change and sustainable democracy in Pabna. BNP activists are campaigning energetically across neighborhoods and markets to boost voter support.

Speakers at a reception for the newly elected 2025 executive committee of the Bangladesh Midwifery Society (BMS) emphasized that recognizing and empowering midwives can significantly reduce maternal and newborn mortality in Bangladesh. The event, organized by BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health at BRAC University, highlighted the growing acceptance and importance of midwives in maternal and neonatal care. Officials from the Directorate of Nursing and Midwifery and UNFPA called for expanding midwifery positions and responsibilities nationwide. BRAC University representatives reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening midwifery education, leadership, and professional standards. The new BMS leadership pledged to promote midwife-led care centers, ensure proper protocols in labor rooms, and improve training and career advancement opportunities. Experts agreed that evidence-based practices, safe working environments, and professional recognition are crucial to transforming Bangladesh’s maternal and newborn health services.

A Palestinian political prisoner held in an Israeli detention center has allegedly been subjected to severe torture and sexual abuse, according to his lawyer, Ben Marmareli. In an interview with Canadian journalist Samira Mohieddin, Marmareli stated that his client is systematically abused, and the violence intensifies after each lawyer visit. The lawyer described visible injuries, including shoe marks, bruises, and deep wounds from handcuffs. He specifically mentioned the notorious Sde Teiman military detention center in southern Israel, claiming that all detainees there face sexual violence, which is recorded on surveillance cameras. A leaked video in August 2024 showing soldiers beating a Palestinian detainee sparked outrage and calls from human rights groups for an independent investigation. The controversy led to the resignation of Israeli military prosecutor Ifat Tomer-Yerushalmi in October. Rights organizations argue that these reports reinforce long-standing allegations of systematic abuse and inhumane treatment of Palestinian detainees, particularly those captured from Gaza.

BNP central leader and former minister Advocate M Ruhul Kuddus Talukder Dulu has called for bringing back former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh through a prisoner exchange agreement to implement a court verdict against her. Speaking at an election rally in Naldanga upazila of Natore, Dulu compared India’s repatriation of Anup Chetia under a similar agreement and argued that Bangladesh should follow the same process. He also criticized Sheikh Hasina’s rule, describing it as oppressive and unpopular, and claimed that people celebrated the verdict against her. The rally, organized by the local BNP, was attended by several district-level leaders, including Rahim Newaz, Saiful Islam Aftab, and former mayor Kazi Shah Alam. Dulu’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions and ongoing discussions about leadership accountability and justice in Bangladesh’s political landscape.

A Rohingya refugee was arrested in Magura, Bangladesh, after attempting to obtain a passport using a fake voter ID card allegedly secured through a local syndicate for 30,000 taka. The man, identified as Md. Rias, submitted his application at the Magura Regional Passport Office, where officials initially found his documents valid in the national database. However, inconsistencies in his statements raised suspicion, prompting further verification. Upon questioning, Rias admitted to being a Rohingya and confessed to paying a group linked to the Shreepur Upazila Election Office to create the fraudulent ID. Authorities have launched an investigation into the involvement of election office staff and the local network facilitating such illegal activities. Officials stated that more information could emerge as the inquiry continues, and disciplinary actions will follow based on the findings.