BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed deep concern over the massive fire that broke out at the Korail slum in Dhaka’s Mohakhali area on Tuesday evening. In a statement signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Rahman conveyed his sympathy to the affected families and expressed hope that they would endure this difficult time with patience. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the fire service in controlling the blaze and noted that the extent of the damage was still unclear, though many homes were reported destroyed. Rahman also expressed solidarity with the fire service personnel and local residents for their tireless efforts to extinguish the fire, saying their dedication had inspired the nation. He prayed for the safety of all residents and hoped that the fire would be brought under control soon without any loss of life.

Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has expressed deep concern and sympathy following a devastating fire that swept through Dhaka’s Korail slum, destroying numerous homes and leaving many families homeless. In a statement issued on Tuesday night, he wished a speedy recovery for the injured and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the affected families. Dr. Yunus emphasized that the suffering of those who lost their homes is a collective sorrow for the nation. He assured that the government will provide all necessary assistance for the rehabilitation of the victims. The Chief Adviser also directed authorities to intensify rescue and relief operations immediately and to investigate the cause of the fire to prevent similar incidents in the future. The fire has caused extensive damage, with emergency services working to support displaced residents and assess losses.

Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Lotay Tshering Tobgay have sent gifts and well-wishes to Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, wishing her a speedy recovery. The gifts were received on Tuesday, November 25, by BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan on behalf of Khaleda Zia. The gesture comes after the former Bangladeshi prime minister was admitted to a hospital on Sunday, November 23, where she has been under close medical supervision by a team of specialists. The Bhutanese leaders’ message of goodwill highlights the cordial relations between Bhutan and Bangladesh and reflects regional concern for Khaleda Zia’s health condition, which has drawn significant public attention in Bangladesh.

Islamic scholars and leaders in Manikganj have claimed that certain groups are deliberately trying to destabilize the country ahead of the upcoming elections by creating unrest over the arrest of Baul singer Abul Sarkar. At a press conference on Tuesday, they alleged that political forces are using the issue to heat up the political field, while some quarters are pressuring for Sarkar’s release despite his alleged blasphemous remarks about Allah during a folk performance. Hefazat-e-Islam leaders expressed concern that such pressure could lead to his release on bail, which they believe would undermine Islamic and social values. They also accused Sarkar’s followers of provoking clashes during a recent peaceful rally by Tawhidi Janata. The clerics warned that if religious leaders are harassed or if the case against them continues, they will announce tougher programs after consultation with senior scholars.

Bangladesh’s President has issued the 'Referendum Ordinance, 2025' following approval from the Advisory Council, with the official gazette published by the Ministry of Law’s Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division on November 25. The ordinance outlines that citizens will vote 'yes' or 'no' on whether they support the implementation of the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Order, 2025, and its related proposals. Key reforms include establishing a bicameral parliament, forming a 100-member upper house based on proportional votes, and requiring its majority approval for constitutional amendments. The charter also proposes increasing women’s representation, appointing the deputy speaker and committee chairs from the opposition, ensuring judicial independence, and defining the powers of the prime minister and president. Political parties winning the next national election will be obligated to implement these reforms. The referendum will be held at the same polling centers as the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election.

Bangladeshi authorities have seized 832 tolas of gold ornaments from two bank lockers belonging to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in exile in India. The operation was conducted on Tuesday night, November 25, under court authorization, in the presence of a magistrate. The joint team from the National Board of Revenue’s Central Intelligence Cell (CIC) and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) opened the lockers at Agrani Bank’s Dilkusha branch in Dhaka. This marks the first time Hasina’s bank lockers have been opened with court approval. The CIC had earlier seized the lockers on September 17 to investigate possible tax evasion. Additionally, on September 10, the CIC had confiscated another locker belonging to Hasina at Pubali Bank’s Motijheel corporate branch. The gold recovery is part of a broader investigation into alleged financial irregularities linked to the former premier.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has issued a show-cause notice to its central executive member and Chattogram-15 (Satkania–Lohagara) candidate, Shahjahan Chowdhury, for making controversial remarks about the administration and law enforcement ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The notice, published on Jamaat’s verified Facebook page on November 25, gives him seven days to explain his comments. During a party conference in Chattogram on November 22, Shahjahan allegedly urged supporters to bring local administrative officials under their influence and direct police actions in their favor. His statements, which also called on teachers to campaign for the party’s election symbol, sparked widespread criticism across the country. In response to the backlash, Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General and Chattogram Zone Chief Muhammad Shahjahan clarified that the party does not endorse Shahjahan Chowdhury’s remarks.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury announced that the party’s future budget will prioritize education and health as key investment sectors. Speaking at a reception for SSC and HSC high achievers in Chattogram, he emphasized that education and healthcare are central to building a prosperous Bangladesh. Khasru highlighted that the BNP’s proposed budget will allocate the largest share of resources to these two sectors, alongside initiatives in environmental protection and other areas. He underscored the growing importance of education in shaping the nation’s political and social future and stressed the need for modern curricula that include technology, languages, and cultural activities. Khasru also pledged free primary healthcare and preventive medical services for all citizens, noting that good health is essential for intellectual development and national progress. The event was organized by Chattogram Metropolitan BNP and attended by several senior party leaders.

Saifullah Sani, the chief organizer of the National Youth Power (Jatiyo Juboshokti) in Bhola district, has resigned from his position citing ideological and religious conflicts within the organization. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Sani stated that despite serving the organization with honesty and dedication for six months, recent internal activities contradicted his personal ideals and Islamic values. He alleged that the party had supported a 'polytheist Baul artist' and tolerated actions disrespectful to Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which he found unacceptable as a Muslim. Emphasizing that his faith and religious principles outweigh any political ideology, Sani announced his immediate and voluntary resignation. He also declared that he would completely withdraw from all organizational activities henceforth.

A major controversy has emerged in Bangladesh after Baul singer Abul Sarkar allegedly made derogatory remarks about Allah during a performance, sparking outrage among conservative religious groups. The comments, described by critics as blasphemous and offensive, have led to demands from Islamic activists and religious scholars for Sarkar’s arrest and punishment. The incident has reignited debates over the boundaries of artistic freedom, religious sensitivity, and the role of Baul traditions in a predominantly Muslim society. Supporters of Sarkar argue that Baul philosophy emphasizes spiritual expression beyond orthodox religious frameworks, while opponents claim such expressions insult Islamic beliefs. The government faces growing pressure from religious groups to take legal action, though some intellectuals and cultural figures have defended the Baul community’s right to free expression. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between Bangladesh’s secular cultural heritage and its strong Islamic identity.

At the closing ceremony of the 'Sustainable Coastal and Marine Fisheries' project in Dhaka, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter emphasized the urgent need for an integrated plan focusing on Bangladesh’s coastal and deep-sea areas. She warned that unplanned fishing has reduced marine fish stocks and that both declining coastal catches and limited deep-sea access are alarming. Akhter highlighted Bangladesh’s vast potential in marine fisheries and stressed the importance of continuing project activities under the government’s revenue budget even after World Bank funding ends on November 28. She also called for greater recognition and inclusion of women fishers, noting that only 4% currently hold fisher cards. Referring to her experience at COP-30, she underscored climate change as a major factor affecting marine fisheries and urged that it be prioritized in future planning. The event was attended by senior officials, including the Director General of the Department of Fisheries and the ministry’s secretary.

Gas supply in Narayanganj returned to normal after nearly 60 hours of disruption caused by a pipeline rupture during bridge foundation work at Shashangaon in Fatullah. The 12-inch diameter Titas Gas pipeline was damaged while boring for the Panchaboti-Muktarpur flyover bridge, forcing authorities to halt supply from Saturday evening until Tuesday morning. The repair was completed around 6 a.m. on Tuesday, after which gas distribution resumed. The interruption severely affected both industrial operations and household users in the area. According to Titas Gas officials, the repair took longer due to the high-risk location—adjacent to a two-story building and an electric pole—and the pipeline being buried 24 feet underground in muddy soil. Extra caution and safety measures were required to prevent further hazards, which extended the repair duration, said Rajib Kumar Saha, Deputy Managing Director of Titas Gas Narayanganj region.

A series of violent clashes broke out between locals and students of Jessore University of Science and Technology (JUST) on Tuesday evening following an incident of harassment involving a female student. The conflict began around 7 p.m. near the Ambottola area on the Jessore-Chowgacha road after a shopkeeper allegedly harassed the student at a photocopy shop. Enraged students assaulted the shopkeeper, prompting other local shopkeepers to retaliate, leading to stone-throwing and street violence that lasted nearly an hour. At least five students were reported injured. Locals later burned tires and benches on the road, causing severe traffic congestion. Law enforcement, including police and army personnel, intervened to restore order. University authorities said an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident, while the situation has since stabilized.

Sharmin S. Murshid, adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government on social welfare and women and children affairs, has expressed concern over the growing insecurity women face in cyberspace. Speaking at a national dialogue on ending online harassment of women, held at the China Friendship Conference Center, she emphasized that while technology advances, societal attitudes will determine its impact. Murshid cited data showing that 59% of women internet users face online harassment, with 90% reporting incidents, but weak enforcement of existing laws allows offenders to act with impunity. She announced that her ministry’s quick response team will reach victims within 24 hours. Senior officials and international representatives from Australia, Sweden, and UN Women stressed the need for stronger laws, institutional coordination, and public awareness. They noted that less than 40% of countries have legal protections against cyber harassment, leaving 1.8 billion women and girls vulnerable. The dialogue was part of the global 16 Days of Activism campaign.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed optimism that the upcoming national election in Bangladesh will be held peacefully around February 26 without any disruption. Speaking at a meeting with lawyers in Thakurgaon, he said the current law and order situation is stable and conducive to holding elections. Fakhrul emphasized moving beyond political vengeance to build a nation based on love and unity. He discussed the interim government’s initiative under Dr. Muhammad Yunus to restructure the state through six commissions, aiming for a democratic transition from authoritarianism. Fakhrul also supported proposals for a bicameral parliament to ensure checks and balances and limiting the prime minister’s tenure to two terms. Referring to Khaleda Zia’s message of forgiveness, he likened her stance to that of Nelson Mandela. Fakhrul called for embracing the younger generation to lead future national progress, expressing confidence that perseverance will ultimately bring political victory.