A Hamas delegation met with Egypt’s intelligence chief Hassan Rashed in Cairo to discuss the progress of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, ongoing Israeli violations, and the second phase of the truce. According to a Hamas statement, the group reaffirmed its commitment to the first phase of the ceasefire but accused Israel of undermining the deal through continued attacks in the blockaded Gaza Strip. Hamas urged mediators to take concrete steps to document violations and ensure immediate action to halt them. Gaza’s media office reported that since the ceasefire began, Israeli forces have killed 342 Palestinians and injured hundreds more. Israel, meanwhile, stated it will not proceed with the second phase of talks until the bodies of all Israeli hostages are returned. Hamas responded that extensive destruction across Gaza has delayed recovery efforts. The meeting highlights Egypt’s ongoing role as a key mediator in the fragile truce process.

Bangladesh has recorded a strong rise in remittance inflows in November, with expatriates sending $2.135 billion during the first 22 days of the month, according to preliminary data from Bangladesh Bank. This marks a 24.5% increase compared to the same period last year, when remittances totaled $1.715 billion. At an exchange rate of 122 taka per dollar, the remittance amount equals approximately 260.47 billion taka. In just three days, from November 20 to 22, expatriates remitted $127 million. If the current pace continues, total remittances for November could reach around $3 billion. From July 1 to November 22 of the current fiscal year, Bangladesh received $12.284 billion in remittances, up from $10.653 billion during the same period last year. The central bank attributes the growth to improved transfer channels and incentives for sending money through formal banking systems.

Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay’s three-day official visit to Bangladesh from November 22 to 24, at the invitation of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, has strengthened the longstanding friendship between the two nations. A joint statement highlighted discussions on enhancing trade, connectivity, and people-to-people relations. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the implementation of the transit agreement and progress on establishing a Bhutanese special economic zone in Kurigram. Bangladesh offered to supply affordable medicines to Bhutan and proposed additional educational opportunities for Bhutanese students, including seats at BUET and BKSP. Dhaka also reaffirmed support for Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City initiative. Tobgay expressed gratitude for Bangladesh’s hospitality and the increased medical college seats for Bhutanese students. Both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation through SAARC and BIMSTEC frameworks, emphasizing shared values of peace and prosperity. Tobgay invited Yunus to visit Bhutan at a convenient time.

Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed has called a full court meeting involving all judges from both the Appellate and High Court Divisions of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. The meeting is scheduled for November 27 at 3 p.m. in the Supreme Court’s conference room. According to a notice signed by Deputy Registrar (Administration and Justice) Md. Atikus Samad on November 24, the session will address several important issues, including the transfer and promotion of lower court judges. The full court meeting serves as an internal forum for judges to deliberate on policy and administrative matters within the judiciary. Such meetings are significant for shaping judicial governance and ensuring coordination among different levels of the court system.

A Houthi-run court in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, has sentenced 17 people to death for allegedly spying for Israel, the United States, and Saudi Arabia. According to Houthi-controlled media reports cited by The Times of Israel, the Specialized Criminal Court found the defendants guilty of participating in a spy network linked to foreign intelligence agencies. The court ordered execution by firing squad. Additionally, one man and one woman received 10-year prison terms, while another defendant was acquitted. Defense lawyer Abdul Basit Ghazi said the verdicts could be appealed. The charges included communicating with enemy states between 2024 and 2025, gathering intelligence under the direction of foreign agencies such as Mossad, inciting citizens, and aiding hostile forces, which allegedly led to deadly attacks and infrastructure damage. The crackdown on alleged espionage intensified following the reported killing of Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Galeb Nasser al-Rahabi in an Israeli strike.

A controversial statement by Jamaat-e-Islami central executive member and former MP Shahjahan Chowdhury has triggered widespread debate in Bangladesh’s political circles and on social media. During a meeting with election coordinators in Chattogram, Shahjahan reportedly urged party workers to bring local administration officials under Jamaat’s influence, sparking criticism and concern over his comments. Many online users condemned his remarks as anti-democratic, while some defended him, claiming his words were misinterpreted. In response, Jamaat-e-Islami issued a statement distancing itself from Shahjahan’s comments, asserting that the party does not endorse his views and that internal measures are being taken. Shahjahan later clarified that his statement was taken out of context, explaining that he meant the administration should act in the interest of the people and the nation, not under partisan control. The controversy continues to fuel heated discussions about political influence and governance ahead of upcoming elections.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump labeled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as 'ungrateful' in a post on his social media platform Truth Social on November 23. Without naming Zelensky directly, Trump criticized Ukraine’s leadership for showing no appreciation toward U.S. efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. He reiterated that he inherited a conflict that should never have started and described it as a 'losing war' for all, especially for the millions who died unnecessarily. Trump has proposed a 28-point peace plan requiring Ukraine to cede territories, including those still under its control, and to grant amnesty for wartime crimes. He set a November 27 deadline for Ukraine to accept the plan. In response, Zelensky released a video message acknowledging Ukraine’s dire situation, saying the country faces a choice between losing its honor or losing a friend like the United States. The exchange underscores deepening tensions between Kyiv and Washington over the future of the war.

In Kurigram, Bangladesh, Abdul Hai Master, a former teacher and local leader, is conducting an unconventional campaign for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. Representing the Zaker Party in the Kurigram-1 constituency, he walks through neighborhoods carrying a hand microphone and a placard with posters, personally appealing to voters. Known for his humility and dedication, Abdul Hai previously served as union and upazila chairman, often engaging directly in community work such as cleaning drains and roads. Despite financial hardship and mortgaging his home to fund his campaign, he remains committed to public service. His family and local residents express strong support, admiring his sincerity and accessibility. Voters affectionately call him “Pagla Master” for his tireless service. He pledges to focus on women’s development, infrastructure, and economic opportunities if elected. Locals believe that in a fair election, his popularity could lead him to victory.

An Israeli airstrike on a residential building in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, has killed five people, including Hezbollah’s chief of staff Haitham Ali al-Tabatabai. The Israeli military confirmed the strike on Sunday, describing al-Tabatabai as a key operational leader within the group. Arab News identified him as Hezbollah’s second most important figure. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that 28 others were injured in the attack, which targeted the densely populated Dahiyeh district. Hezbollah confirmed the death of its senior commander, accusing Israel of crossing a 'serious red line.' The strike occurred despite an existing ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, brokered by the United States and France in November last year. Israeli officials allege that Hezbollah has been rebuilding its military capacity, smuggling weapons into Lebanon, and increasing the production of explosive drones, raising fears of renewed conflict in the region.

Following a 5.7-magnitude earthquake that shook Dhaka, several of Dhaka University’s aging dormitories developed cracks and falling plaster, injuring around 30 students and sparking panic. The university administration has closed the campus for 15 days and ordered all residential students to vacate by November 23. Students, however, criticized the sudden move, arguing that the crisis stems from years of neglect rather than a new emergency. Dormitories including Ziaur Rahman Hall, Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall, Fazlul Huq Muslim Hall, and Shamsunnahar Hall were found to be in critical condition, with some structures reportedly leaning. BUET experts will inspect all old buildings and assess structural risks. Vice-Chancellor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan announced a Tk 149 crore renovation project starting in December and a larger Tk 2,841 crore development plan to build new dormitories by 2026. Student protests briefly erupted demanding safer accommodation and suspension of the closure order.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 in Bangladesh has rejected a plea by defense lawyers seeking permission for several army officers accused in enforced disappearance cases to appear virtually during hearings. The tribunal emphasized that all citizens are equal before the law and that no special consideration was warranted. The hearings, related to crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the Awami League’s 15-year rule, are scheduled for December 3 and 7. Among the 28 accused are former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, now reportedly in India, former security adviser Major General (Retd.) Tariq Ahmed Siddiq, and several former DGFI directors. The tribunal also appointed lawyer Z.I. Khan Panna as state defense counsel for Hasina. Additionally, it ordered the removal of distorted images and satirical content targeting tribunal judges from social media and media outlets. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam confirmed full cooperation from the Bangladesh Army in producing the accused officers before the court.

Pakistan defeated Bangladesh in a thrilling final of the Emerging Asia Cup, winning their third title after a dramatic Super Over. Chasing 126, Bangladesh collapsed to 96 for 9 before tailenders Abdul Gaffar Saklain and Ripon Mondol staged a stunning fightback, hitting crucial sixes to tie the match. Bangladesh needed two runs off the last ball but managed only one, forcing the game into a Super Over. Pakistan easily chased down the seven-run target in the Super Over to secure victory. Earlier, Pakistan posted 126 all out, with Saad Masood scoring 38 and Arafat Minhas 25. Ripon took three wickets for Bangladesh, while Rakibul Hasan claimed two. Despite Bangladesh’s bowlers performing well, their batting faltered again in a final, marking their third consecutive defeat in the tournament’s title match. Pakistan, meanwhile, became the first team to win the Emerging Asia Cup three times, having previously triumphed in 2019 and 2023.

Bangladesh’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested two members of a gang accused of impersonating law enforcement officers to carry out abductions and extortion in Dhaka. The suspects, Hasanuzzaman (35) and Alamgir Shikari (46), were detained near the High Court area on Saturday evening. According to CID, the gang targeted victims through religious gatherings such as Tabligh Jamaat, gaining trust before luring them into financial traps. One victim, identified as Jamal (pseudonym), was abducted on October 14 along with a colleague after being confronted by men posing as CID officers. They were taken to a house in Hasnabad, where the gang demanded Tk 5 crore and coerced Jamal into paying Tk 1.1 crore in cash and bank transfers. The abductors also filmed compromising footage to blackmail the victims further. Following a police complaint filed on November 6, CID launched an investigation and arrested the two suspects, who have confessed to their involvement. Efforts to apprehend other gang members are ongoing.

A teacher at Feni Government College in Bangladesh has been accused of making inappropriate comments toward a female student because she wore a hijab. The incident allegedly occurred on Sunday afternoon when the student, Fatima Aiman Ruhi, was returning to her dormitory. In a Facebook post, she claimed that Biplob Kumar Shil, head of the zoology department, questioned her appearance and implied that her attire was unsuitable for a literature student. Ruhi confronted him, suspecting the remarks were directed at her hijab. The teacher reportedly denied this but continued the conversation in a manner the student found offensive. Attempts to reach Shil for comment were unsuccessful. The college principal, Md. Enamul Haque Khondaker, confirmed hearing about the matter but said no formal complaint had been filed yet. The incident has sparked discussions on campus about respect for religious attire and teacher-student boundaries.

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has instructed its member factories to conduct immediate structural inspections of their buildings following a powerful earthquake that struck the country on November 21. The association warned of possible aftershocks and urged factory owners to strengthen safety measures to protect workers and assets. In a circular, BGMEA emphasized that large earthquakes can be followed by additional tremors posing serious risks to life and property. It recommended that qualified engineers examine factory structures, lifts, boiler rooms, generator rooms, and substations for any damage. The organization noted that Bangladesh’s garment sector employs a vast workforce, making structural integrity crucial for worker safety. BGMEA also highlighted that factory equipment such as lifts and generators produce regular vibrations, which could worsen existing structural weaknesses. The association called on all members to remain vigilant and take preventive measures to avoid potential accidents and casualties.