Nadine Ayoub, a 27-year-old model from Ramallah, has made history as the first-ever Palestinian contestant to participate in the Miss Universe pageant. Previously crowned Miss Palestine in 2022, Ayoub also represented Palestine at Miss Earth, where she reached the top five—marking the nation’s first major achievement in an international beauty contest. A psychology and literature graduate from Western University in Canada, Ayoub works as a nutritionist and mental health advocate. She currently resides in Dubai and founded the AI-based ‘Green Olive Academy’ to empower Palestinian women through education and digital media. During the Miss Universe event, Ayoub wore a gown featuring olive tree motifs symbolizing peace and a crown inspired by traditional Palestinian embroidery called ‘shatwa,’ incorporating imagery of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. She dedicated her participation to representing the strength and resilience of Palestinian women and children worldwide.

Federal immigration enforcement operations have intensified in New York City as the Trump administration deploys additional ICE agents ahead of incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s January 1 swearing-in. Former border policy chief Tom Homan confirmed that agents are already conducting raids and warned that the administration will take a hard stance against the city’s sanctuary policies. The move follows the city council’s cancellation of an agreement granting ICE access to Rikers Island jail. Meanwhile, reports suggest the administration is considering opening a new immigrant detention center at a Coast Guard facility on Staten Island. New York Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the federal actions, warning they could harm the city’s economy and stability. Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, has pledged $165 million in legal aid for immigrants and initiated talks with the White House to address housing and federal assistance issues. ICE has also ramped up operations in North Carolina, where over 200 arrests were made last weekend, as nationwide deportations surpass 550,000 this year.

Pakistan is preparing to construct an artificial island in the Arabian Sea, about 30 kilometers off the coast of Sujawal district in Sindh, to facilitate offshore oil and gas exploration. According to Bloomberg, the project is being led by Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), whose general manager Arshad Palekar revealed the plan during an oil and gas conference in Islamabad. The six-foot-high platform will withstand sea waves, allowing continuous drilling operations. Inspired by a similar project in Abu Dhabi, this marks Pakistan’s first artificial island for energy exploration. The construction is expected to be completed by February next year, after which PPL plans to drill 25 wells. The initiative follows renewed interest in Pakistan’s offshore resources, reportedly after comments from former U.S. President Donald Trump about the country’s potential oil reserves. Experts believe the project could enhance Pakistan’s energy supply, provide eco-friendly marine fuel, and improve maritime trade routes.

The United Nations General Assembly’s Third Committee has unanimously adopted a resolution addressing the Rohingya crisis, calling for renewed global efforts to ensure the safe, voluntary, and sustainable repatriation of Rohingya Muslims to Myanmar. The resolution, jointly proposed by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the European Union (EU), was supported by 105 countries. It expressed deep concern over ongoing human rights violations in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, restrictions on humanitarian access, and the continued displacement of Rohingyas into Bangladesh and neighboring nations. The resolution urged sustained international engagement to guarantee the dignified return of the displaced population. Following its adoption, Bangladesh’s delegation thanked member states for their support but voiced frustration over the lack of progress in repatriation efforts over the past eight years. The delegation emphasized that Bangladesh can no longer bear the burden of hosting 1.3 million Rohingya refugees and called for urgent international action to facilitate their return to Myanmar.

Dhaka University has achieved a major milestone by securing the top position in South Asia and ranking 52nd globally in the Times Higher Education Interdisciplinary Science Ranking 2026. The ranking, published by the UK-based Times Higher Education magazine, evaluated 911 universities from 94 countries. This year, 12 Bangladeshi universities—both public and private—made it to the list, with Dhaka University attaining the highest position among them. The interdisciplinary science ranking emphasizes universities’ performance in cross-disciplinary research, assessed through three main frameworks: input (funding and research investment), process (success measurement, facilities, and administrative support), and output (publications, research quality, impact, and reputation). A total of 11 performance indicators were used to determine the final standings. Dhaka University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan, congratulated faculty, students, and staff for their contribution to this achievement, noting the ongoing efforts of a 16-member committee working to improve the university’s global ranking.

Bangladeshi shipbuilder Western Marine Shipyard has exported three newly built landing crafts named Maya, Emi, and Muna to the United Arab Emirates-based Marwan Shipping Limited. The handover ceremony took place on November 20 on the Karnaphuli River in Chattogram. UAE Ambassador Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al Hamoudi praised the collaboration as a sign of strengthening bilateral ties and expressed optimism for future exports from Bangladesh. Abdur Rahim Khan, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, highlighted Western Marine’s contribution to diversifying Bangladesh’s export portfolio. The crafts, each 69 meters long and 16 meters wide, were built under Bureau Veritas classification standards and can operate at 10 nautical miles per hour. Equipped with Yanmar engines, electro-hydraulic ramp winches, and advanced navigation systems, the vessels are designed for heavy equipment and bulk cargo transport. The delivery is part of an eight-ship contract signed in 2023 between Western Marine and Marwan Shipping.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast a drop of 1 to 2 degrees Celsius in nighttime temperatures across the country over the next few days. According to a 120-hour forecast signed by meteorologist Kazi Zebunnesa, a low-pressure area is likely to develop over the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining regions around November 22, which may later intensify. The subcontinental high-pressure ridge currently extends over West Bengal and nearby areas, while the seasonal low lies over the southern Bay of Bengal. Weather across Bangladesh is expected to remain mostly dry with partly cloudy skies through November 24. Both daytime and nighttime temperatures may slightly decrease before stabilizing early next week. The BMD also indicated that no significant weather changes are expected over the next five days.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has summoned national cricketer and former MP Shakib Al Hasan for questioning in connection with a stock market manipulation case. According to an official notice issued on November 20, Shakib has been asked to appear at the ACC headquarters on November 26. The case involves allegations that Md. Abul Khayer alias Hiru and others engaged in irregularities and fraud in the stock market, misleading investors and laundering illicit profits. Shakib is among 15 individuals accused in the case, which alleges embezzlement of over Tk 256 crore. The ACC stated that Shakib will be questioned regarding both the stock market case and a separate inquiry into his alleged accumulation of wealth beyond known sources of income. This summons follows earlier legal troubles involving Shakib, including a murder case and a cheque dishonor case filed earlier this year.

Pakistani pop sensation Atif Aslam is set to return to Dhaka for a live concert on December 13, 2025. The singer confirmed the news himself through a social media post, sharing a photo from one of his previous performances. The event, titled 'Atif Aslam at Main Stage Show', is being organized by Main Stage, the same company bringing him to Bangladesh. The concert will take place at Bashundhara Field, with gates opening at 1 p.m. and the show running from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Ticket sales are expected to begin soon, available in two categories: General and Front VIP. Atif Aslam last performed in Dhaka on November 29, 2024, at the 'Magical Night 2.0' concert, which drew a large audience and featured many of his popular songs. Fans are eagerly anticipating his upcoming performance, marking another major musical event in the city’s entertainment calendar.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) conducted a pre-dawn raid in Moinpur area of Sunamganj Sadar upazila, seizing a large consignment of smuggled goods brought illegally from India. Acting on intelligence, the task force recovered 1,229 Indian saris, 208 three-piece dresses, and 195 cosmetic items from an abandoned warehouse and a boat on the Surma River. The seized items, valued at approximately Tk 15.76 million, were found without any owners present. Lieutenant Colonel A.K.M. Zakaria Kadir, commander of BGB Battalion-28, stated that surveillance and intelligence operations have been intensified along the border to prevent smuggling and illegal crossings. The confiscated goods are being processed for handover to the customs office. Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to continuing strict monitoring to curb cross-border smuggling activities in the region.

The High Court of Bangladesh has upheld the death sentences of former Teknaf Police Station Officer-in-Charge Pradeep Kumar Das and Inspector Md. Liaqat Ali in the high-profile murder case of retired army major Sinha Md. Rashed Khan. The court also confirmed life imprisonment for six other convicts and maintained a fine of 50,000 taka for each. The verdict was delivered by a bench comprising Justice Md. Mostafizur Rahman and Justice Md. Saghir Hossain. The convicts now have 30 days to appeal the decision. Major Sinha was shot dead on July 31, 2020, at a police checkpoint in Cox’s Bazar’s Shamlapur area. His sister later filed a murder case, and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) submitted a charge sheet accusing 15 people, describing the incident as a premeditated killing. The Cox’s Bazar District and Sessions Judge’s Court had earlier sentenced Pradeep and Liaqat to death and six others to life imprisonment in January 2022.

Bangladeshi law enforcement has identified four individuals involved in issuing death threats against three judges and prosecutors of the International Crimes Tribunal following its verdict sentencing Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising. Police have arrested one suspect, a 20-year-old man named Sharif from Lalmohan in Bhola district, while efforts continue to apprehend the others. Prosecutor Tanvir Zohar confirmed that several Facebook pages and individuals were found to have shared images of the judges and prosecutors while making threats. The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, also sentenced former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death and former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun to five years in prison. Authorities are investigating the online networks behind the threats to ensure the safety of judicial officials and uphold the integrity of the tribunal’s proceedings.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman extended heartfelt greetings to all members of the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force on Armed Forces Day. In a message conveyed by senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Tarique Rahman lauded the armed forces for their courage, discipline, and dedication to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty. He highlighted their vital role in peacekeeping missions, which has enhanced Bangladesh’s global reputation. Rahman recalled the formation of the armed forces during the 1971 Liberation War and paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country. He credited former President Ziaur Rahman for initiating modernization programs that transformed the forces into a professional and technologically advanced institution, and noted that former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia further strengthened this progress. Rahman expressed hope that the armed forces would continue their patriotic role in national defense and disaster response, reinforcing their position as a trusted pillar of the nation.

Australia has announced its playing XI for the first Ashes Test against England, set to begin on Friday, November 21, in Perth. With regular captain Pat Cummins sidelined due to injury, Steve Smith will lead the side. The team faces several injury setbacks, leaving only Mitchell Starck fully fit among the frontline pacers. Two players—fast bowler Brendan Doggett and opener Jack Weatherald—are set to make their Test debuts. Doggett’s inclusion follows Josh Hazlewood’s injury, while Weatherald earns his spot at the top of the order. Marnus Labuschagne returns to the No. 3 position, and Cameron Green reclaims a place in the top six. This marks the first time since 2019 that two players will debut together for Australia in a Test match, and the first such instance in an Ashes series since the 2010–11 season. The probable XI includes Weatherald, Khawaja, Labuschagne, Smith (captain), Head, Green, Carey (wk), Starc, Lyon, Doggett, and Boland.

Bangladesh’s Supreme Court has reinstated the caretaker government system through a landmark ruling, overturning a previous verdict that had abolished it. Badiul Alam Majumdar, secretary of Citizens for Good Governance (SUJAN) and one of the petitioners, expressed satisfaction, saying the decision paves the way for free and impartial elections. He criticized former Chief Justice A.B.M. Khairul Haque’s earlier judgment that had, in his view, exiled the country’s electoral process and led to three controversial elections. Senior lawyer Sharif Bhuiyan, representing four prominent appellants, confirmed that the court explicitly annulled the earlier ruling, thereby restoring the caretaker system established under the 13th Amendment. Majumdar noted that he had long opposed both the abolition of the caretaker system and the subsequent 15th Amendment. Observers describe the verdict as a historic development in Bangladesh’s constitutional and electoral landscape.