The Ministry of Home Affairs of Bangladesh has issued a directive urging all ministries and divisions to refrain from granting entry passes or one-time passwords (OTPs) to unfamiliar visitors seeking access to the Bangladesh Secretariat. The letter, sent to senior secretaries and secretaries, highlights recent incidents where unauthorized individuals obtained OTPs from authorized officials and caused disruptions inside the Secretariat. The ministry warned that such actions disturb the working environment and create confusion among staff. It emphasized the need for heightened caution when issuing passes, ensuring that only verified and known individuals are granted access. Copies of the letter were also sent to the Cabinet Secretary and the Deputy Police Commissioner responsible for Secretariat security, instructing them to strengthen overall security measures to prevent further breaches.

Pakistan has issued a strong warning to the international community about what it describes as growing Islamophobia and deliberate destruction of Islamic heritage in India. In a statement released on Tuesday, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry expressed deep concern over the recent flag-hoisting ceremony at the newly built Ram Temple in Ayodhya, constructed on the site of the demolished Babri Mosque. Ministry spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said the event reflects a broader trend of pressure on religious minorities under a majoritarian Hindutva ideology. He alleged that several historic mosques in India face threats of desecration or demolition, while Indian Muslims are increasingly marginalized socially, economically, and politically. Pakistan urged the United Nations and other international bodies to play a constructive role in safeguarding Islamic heritage and protecting the religious and cultural rights of all minorities. Islamabad also called on New Delhi to uphold its international human rights obligations and ensure the safety of all religious communities and their places of worship.

Several buildings at the Ghorashal-Palash Urea Fertilizer Factory in Narsingdi have developed cracks following the strong earthquakes on November 21 and 22. The damage has sparked fear among residents and workers of the South Asian fertilizer giant, which is currently undergoing major reconstruction. Contractors Toma Construction and Messrs Jamal & Company were engaged in multi-phase projects worth over Tk 370 crore, with about half the work completed. Officials claim the cracks are superficial and not structural, but residents question construction quality and safety. A committee led by Additional Chemist Saifuddin Mohammad Tarek has been formed to assess the damage and determine whether affected buildings should be declared unsafe. Local authorities have already evacuated some residential blocks deemed risky. The earthquake also damaged nearby infrastructure, including parts of the Ghorashal power plant, a railway bridge, and local government buildings, prompting emergency disaster management meetings to restore public confidence.

At least 21 of the 41 murders committed in Chattogram over the past year are linked to criminal gangs operating through foreign phone numbers and encrypted messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Imo, and Telegram. These networks, reportedly run by masterminds based in India, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Dubai, and Qatar, issue orders for killings, extortion, and abductions remotely. Police admit they lack the technical capacity to trace these encrypted communications, leaving them unable to pinpoint suspects’ locations even when nearby. Intelligence reports identify at least 14 active groups, each backed by expatriate coordinators and hackers skilled in number cloning and fake location generation. Local law enforcement officials say their efforts are hampered by limited access to advanced surveillance tools and dependence on a single military intelligence agency for technical assistance. Experts warn that Chattogram’s underworld has undergone a ‘digital shift,’ urging immediate investment in cyber intelligence, international data-sharing agreements, and modern monitoring systems to prevent virtual criminal networks from becoming uncontrollable.

The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) of Bangladesh has made major revisions to secondary-level textbooks for the upcoming academic year. The new editions include a chapter titled 'Mass Uprisings in Independent Bangladesh' that covers events from the 1952 Language Movement to the 2024 July Revolution. The revised content highlights political transitions such as Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s BAKSAL era, Ziaur Rahman’s introduction of multi-party democracy, Ershad’s autocratic rule, and Khaleda Zia’s democratic government. It also includes references to Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, alleged authoritarianism, corruption, and her eventual downfall in 2024. The 7 March speech of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has been removed from the eighth-grade Bangla literature book. NCTB officials said the changes were made following recommendations from a high-level committee after widespread criticism of last year’s textbooks. The new books are printed and ready for distribution at the start of the school year, though they are not yet available online.

United Nations human rights experts have voiced serious concern over alleged abuses by Indian authorities in Jammu and Kashmir following a militant attack in Pahalgam in April. The experts criticized India's sweeping security operations, arbitrary detentions, torture, property demolitions, and communication restrictions imposed after the attack. They reported that around 2,800 people, including journalists and human rights defenders, were detained under the Public Safety Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, which allow prolonged detention without trial. The experts described these laws as overly broad and vague. Reports also indicated instances of torture, incommunicado detention, and discriminatory treatment of Kashmiri Muslims. The UN experts condemned punitive demolitions and forced evictions carried out without court orders, calling them a form of collective punishment that violates India’s Supreme Court ruling of 2024, which deemed such actions unconstitutional. They urged India to ensure compliance with international human rights law even while addressing security threats.

Despite multiple intelligence and Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) reports confirming serious irregularities, several senior officials loyal to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina remain in powerful positions at Bangladesh Television (BTV). Investigations revealed large-scale corruption, including bribery, project manipulation, and misuse of government funds, yet no disciplinary measures have been taken. Sources claim that a network of ministry and BTV officials has deliberately stalled these reports, keeping them buried in bureaucratic red tape. Key figures such as Senior Engineer Monirul Islam, Executive Producer Safir Hossain, and Controller Mohammad Selim have been accused of embezzlement, document forgery, and abuse of power. Despite ongoing investigations, they continue to hold influential posts, allegedly obstructing further inquiries. Ministry officials, including the secretary and additional secretary, declined to comment when contacted. Insiders fear that the unchecked influence of these officials poses risks of information leaks and continued corruption within the state broadcaster.

The Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) youth wing, Ganatantrik Jubo Dal, has expelled two of its leaders from Chandina upazila in Cumilla over allegations of involvement in drug and dredging businesses. The expulsions were announced through separate press releases on November 24 and 25 by Chandina upazila Jubo Dal president, lecturer Saiful Islam Babor. The expelled leaders are Md. Rasel Parvez, president of the Etbarpur Union Jubo Dal, and Md. Nasir Uddin Molla, joint general secretary of the upazila unit and general secretary of Bataghasi Union Jubo Dal. Rasel Parvez was arrested by police on November 23 with yaba tablets, leading to his expulsion the following day for violating party discipline. Nasir Uddin Molla was expelled on November 25 for allegedly running an illegal dredging business and engaging in local conflicts. Party officials stated that the expulsions followed directives from LDP Secretary General Dr. Redwan Ahmed, who instructed members to avoid any involvement in drugs, illegal businesses, or social disorder.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin has expressed optimism that Bangladesh’s law and order situation will improve following the announcement of the schedule for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. Speaking at an event in Dhaka on Wednesday, November 26, he said the situation is expected to become more stable ahead of the polls. The CEC also warned that strict measures will be taken against anyone attempting to obstruct the election process. He further mentioned that special security arrangements will be implemented in areas identified as vulnerable to ensure a peaceful and fair election environment. His remarks come amid growing political activity and public attention surrounding the forthcoming national election, as the Election Commission prepares to finalize the electoral roadmap.

The Vatican has issued new guidance reaffirming that Catholics should have only one spouse, emphasizing monogamy as central to a happy and faithful life. Approved by Pope Leo, the directive from the Church’s top theological office urges its 1.4 billion followers worldwide to commit to a single partner and avoid multiple sexual relationships. The statement criticizes the practice of polygamy, particularly prevalent among some Catholic communities in Africa, asserting that marriage is a lifelong union between one man and one woman based on equality and mutual commitment. The document does not address same-sex marriage but highlights the 'beauty and sacredness' of traditional marriage. The guidance follows heated debates at Vatican conferences in 2023 and 2024, where bishops and cardinals discussed how to uphold Catholic teachings amid changing cultural norms. The Church reiterated that while marriage is indissoluble, annulments may be granted if a union was invalid, and no one should remain in abusive relationships.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has expressed deep concern and sympathy following the devastating fire that swept through Dhaka’s Karail slum, leaving many families homeless. In a late-night press statement on Tuesday, November 25, he extended condolences to the affected families and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. Yunus emphasized that the government will ensure all necessary assistance for the rehabilitation of those who lost their homes. He also directed relevant authorities to intensify rescue and relief operations immediately. Additionally, he instructed that a thorough investigation be carried out to determine the cause of the fire and to implement effective measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The government’s commitment aims to provide both immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation for the victims of the tragedy.

England’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach has come under scrutiny after their heavy defeat to Australia in just one and a half days in the first Ashes Test at Perth. With the team trailing 1–0, questions are being raised about whether captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum will reconsider their attacking philosophy. McCullum, known for his fearless style as both player and coach, remains committed to positive cricket, as does Stokes, his trusted on-field ally. Despite England’s poor record of recovering from early losses in Australia, the duo believe in their ability to bounce back, citing past comebacks against South Africa and in the 2023 Ashes. Critics, however, argue that Australia’s pace and bounce could expose the risks of Bazball over a five-Test series. Former Australian captain Greg Chappell suggested the Perth match might mark either a new era for Test cricket or the collapse of Bazball under Australian conditions. The upcoming day-night Test in Brisbane will be crucial in determining whether England’s bold approach can survive the challenge.

Several prominent British lawyers, including former Justice Secretary Robert Buckland KC, have described the corruption case against UK MP Tulip Siddiq as politically motivated and unfair. The case, which also names Sheikh Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana, involves allegations of illegal land plot allocation in Bangladesh, with a verdict expected on December 1. The lawyers wrote to Bangladesh’s High Commissioner in London, Abida Islam, expressing concern that Siddiq has been denied basic legal rights, including access to representation and information about the charges. They also claimed her appointed lawyer has been placed under house arrest and that his family has faced threats. Siddiq, who resigned as City Minister in January following the allegations, denies any wrongdoing. The controversy has sparked diplomatic and political debate over whether the UK could extradite Siddiq to Bangladesh, though the lawyers emphasized she is a British citizen and not a fugitive.

Brazil’s Supreme Court has ordered former President Jair Bolsonaro to begin serving a 27-year prison sentence for plotting a coup against his successor, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The court, led by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, finalized the verdict on November 25, instructing Bolsonaro to start his sentence at the Federal Police headquarters in Brasília, where he has been detained since Saturday. Bolsonaro was previously under house arrest for damaging his ankle monitor. The ruling marks a historic moment in Brazil, as it is the first time a former president has been convicted for attempting to overthrow a democratic government. Bolsonaro’s populist and divisive leadership from 2019 to 2022 left Brazil politically polarized. Following his defeat in the 2022 election, he was banned from holding public office. His legal team criticized the court for rushing the trial and vowed to appeal. The verdict has been hailed by many as a victory for Brazilian democracy.

Five prominent British lawyers, including Cherie Blair KC, Philip Sands KC, and Geoffrey Robertson KC, have described the corruption case against UK MP Tulip Siddiq, former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, and others as 'fabricated and unjust.' In a letter to Bangladesh’s ambassador in London, they claimed Siddiq was denied basic legal rights and that the proceedings were politically orchestrated. The Guardian reported that Siddiq’s appointed lawyer was placed under house arrest and her daughter threatened. The case, involving alleged illegal plot allocation in Purbachal, was filed after Hasina’s ouster in August. Siddiq, who denies the allegations, resigned from her ministerial post in January amid criticism in the UK. The lawyers argued that extraditing a sitting British MP without solid evidence would be ethically questionable and that Siddiq deserves fair legal representation.