The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released the schedule for the 2025 Under-19 One Day International World Cup, set to begin on January 15 and conclude with the final on February 6. The tournament will feature 16 teams divided into four groups of four. Bangladesh and India have been placed together in Group A, alongside the United States and New Zealand. Notably, archrivals India and Pakistan have been kept in separate groups. Matches will be hosted across venues in Zimbabwe and Namibia, with Harare and Bulawayo among the key locations. Tanzania will make its debut appearance in this edition. The top three teams from each group will advance to the Super Six stage, followed by semifinals and the final. Reserve days have been allocated for both the semifinals and the final to ensure completion in case of weather disruptions.

Rangamati, a hill district in Bangladesh, has become tense over the upcoming recruitment of government assistant teachers under the Rangamati Hill District Council. Allegations of corruption, nepotism, and discriminatory quota policies have sparked widespread protests. Several civic and student groups, including the Conscious Citizens’ Unity and Anti-Quota Alliance, announced a 36-hour strike from Thursday morning to Friday evening to protest the recruitment process and demand cancellation of what they call an illegal quota favoring indigenous candidates. The written exam, rescheduled for November 21 after earlier postponement, has drawn sharp criticism on social media, with opposing groups exchanging heated comments. Protesters accuse the council chairman of ignoring government directives that require 93% merit-based recruitment, while maintaining a 70% quota for indigenous candidates. Many job seekers have expressed frustration and concern that the strike could disrupt the exam process and deepen local divisions.

Bangladesh Bank has issued a new directive removing the previous time restriction on writing off default loans. According to the circular released by the Banking Regulation and Policy Department (BRPD) on November 19, banks can now write off loans classified as bad or loss if recovery is deemed unlikely, without waiting for a specific time period. Previously, only loans classified as bad or loss for two consecutive years were eligible for write-off. The new rules prioritize older classified loans and require banks to notify borrowers at least 10 working days before writing off their loans. The directive, which takes immediate effect, aims to streamline the loan management process and improve the accuracy of banks’ financial statements by clearing long-standing non-performing assets from their books.

US President Donald Trump hosted Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman at the White House with unprecedented pomp, marking the most extravagant reception of Trump’s second term. The visit centered on a proposed $1 trillion trade deal expected to boost US economic interests. The White House was adorned with Saudi and American flags, and the ceremony featured a red carpet, military band, and a flyover by F-35 and F-16 jets. The day concluded with a black-tie candlelight dinner attended by global figures including Elon Musk and Cristiano Ronaldo. This was Prince Salman’s first US visit since the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, an incident that drew widespread criticism. Human rights groups expressed disappointment over the warm welcome, while Trump defended the crown prince, calling him a “very good friend” and praising his leadership. Analysts view the event as a strategic reaffirmation of US-Saudi ties despite lingering controversies.

A 35-year-old man named Razzak Sheikh was beaten to death by locals in South Dhalikandi village of Keraniganj early Wednesday on suspicion of robbery. Police said Razzak and several others allegedly tried to rob a house and attacked a woman with a knife, prompting villagers to catch and beat him to death. However, Razzak’s family denied the robbery allegation, claiming he was killed in a premeditated attack linked to political rivalry. His relatives alleged that several men, including Alamin and Kabir, falsely accused him and prevented family members from rescuing him. Alamin’s family, on the other hand, denied involvement, asserting that Razzak was a known criminal caught during a robbery attempt. Police have detained three people for questioning and emphasized that no one has the right to take the law into their own hands. Authorities said legal proceedings are underway as the case remains under investigation.

Police in Savar have arrested Mojibur Rahman, the youth and sports secretary of the banned Dhamrai Upazila Awami League and chairman of Balia Union Parishad, for alleged involvement in sabotage and anti-government activities. Authorities claim Rahman went into hiding after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5 and was running a pharmacy under a false identity in the Jahangirnagar University Cooperative Housing area. Investigators say he organized flash processions, arson, and violent acts in Savar, Ashulia, and Dhamrai as part of a nationwide sabotage plan by the outlawed Awami League. Police captured him late Tuesday night following a November 6 arson incident linked to his network. Rahman reportedly confessed to coordinating unrest against the interim government. He has been remanded for seven days as police continue their investigation into his alleged role in attacks on student protesters and planning violent conspiracies.

In Moulvibazar’s Juri upazila, middle-class farmer Cherag Ali lost 335 ducks after they consumed poison allegedly spread by unknown miscreants. The incident, which left him financially devastated, was reported in the media on November 13. Upon learning about the tragedy, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman immediately sent a donation of Tk 50,000 to support the affected farmer. Following his directive, the funds were handed over on November 18 by local leaders of the Jubo Dal, including district president Zakir Hossain Uzzal, joint general secretary Haji Nipar Reza, and organizational secretary Hafiz Ahmed Mahfuz. Several local party representatives and student leaders were also present during the handover. Cherag Ali, who has been running his duck farm for over a decade, expressed gratitude for the assistance, saying it gave him hope to restart his livelihood after the devastating loss.

In Nazirpur, Pirojpur, an NGO named 'Rupakalpa-2041' has allegedly fled with millions of taka collected from clients as loan security deposits. The organization had rented a building in the Char Khola area and formed women's groups across several villages in Nazirpur and Pirojpur Sadar, promising loans of up to one lakh taka per person. Each participant was asked to deposit between 5,000 and 10,000 taka as collateral. However, before disbursing any loans, the NGO's staff reportedly vanished overnight on November 18. Victims gathered in front of the NGO’s locked office and filed complaints with the Nazirpur police. The office owner identified one of the NGO’s officers as Kamruzzaman from Narail. Police confirmed receiving complaints and stated that an investigation is underway to take legal action against those responsible.

Eight political parties, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, have announced plans to participate in the upcoming national election through a seat-sharing arrangement. The decision was revealed by Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad during a press conference announcing a new joint program of the alliance. The coalition, which includes Jamaat and seven other Islamic-oriented parties, has put forward five key demands, including legal recognition of the July Charter and seat allocation in the upper house based on vote share. The alliance plans to hold rallies in seven divisional cities from November 30 to December 6 to promote their agenda and campaign for a ‘yes’ vote in a proposed referendum. The parties involved are Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Khelafat Majlish, Nezame Islam Party, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan, Bangladesh Development Party, and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party. The move signals a shift in the political landscape following the July upheaval, as these groups prepare to contest separately from the major alliances of the past.

In Jhenaidah, all candidates from the BNP-Jamaat supported Oikya Parishad have been declared elected unopposed in the district lawyers’ association election. The Election Commissioner, Md. Tarikul Alam, officially announced the results on Wednesday, November 19, after no rival candidates submitted nominations within the stipulated time. Kazi Ekramul Haque was elected president, and Shafiul Alam became general secretary. Other key positions, including vice president, joint secretary, auditor, and various departmental secretaries, were also filled by Oikya Parishad nominees. The nomination submission deadline was November 13, and the withdrawal date was November 18, with voting initially scheduled for November 27. As no other nominations were filed, the election commission confirmed the Oikya Parishad panel’s uncontested victory, marking a complete sweep for the BNP-Jamaat backed group in the Jhenaidah District Lawyers’ Association.

During Monday’s (November 17) verdict on the July uprising war crimes case, a Dhaka court sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others to death. As bulldozers were brought to Dhanmondi 32, police used sound grenades to disperse protesters, sparking tension. Among those present was Daksu executive member Umma Uswatun Rafia, who engaged in a heated exchange with police after an officer allegedly asked if she came to 'go viral like Pori Moni.' Rafia reacted angrily, demanding to know who made the comment. Later, she posted on Facebook clarifying she has no political ambitions and criticized ongoing state repression. Rafia stated she would continue to stand against injustice and tyranny, emphasizing that she has no party affiliation or political motive behind her activism.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced a 12-member squad for the first Ashes Test against Australia, scheduled to begin on Friday in Perth. The squad includes off-spinner Shoaib Bashir and four frontline pace bowlers, emphasizing England’s focus on pace-friendly conditions. Mark Wood, who recently recovered from an injury, has been retained after proving his fitness in the nets, while Josh Tongue has been left out. Brydon Carse earns a place in the squad, and Ollie Pope is set to bat at number three, replacing Jacob Bethell. England’s pace attack will feature Carse, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, and Wood, with Ben Stokes leading the side. The squad aims to balance experience and youth as England looks to start the Ashes series strongly in Australian conditions.

Saif Rafid, a 22-year-old student and one of the leading activists of the July Revolution in Pirgacha, died in a lift accident in Dhaka’s Nayanbazar area early Tuesday. Rafid, the only son of the late Asaduzzaman Badol and his wife, was studying at a private university in Dhaka. His parents had both passed away within the last two years, leaving him as the sole surviving member of the family. The accident occurred late at night when Rafid reportedly fell into a lift shaft. Friends and witnesses rushed him to several hospitals, but doctors declared him dead upon arrival. His sudden death has cast a pall of grief over Pirgacha, where he was widely known for his leadership during the July movement. Friends and well-wishers have expressed their sorrow and shared emotional tributes on social media, remembering him as a passionate, humble, and dedicated young activist.

Newly elected New York City Mayor Zohraan Mamdani has reiterated his commitment to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits the city, citing the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant against him. Mamdani’s statement came shortly after outgoing Mayor Eric Adams met Netanyahu and encouraged him to attend Mamdani’s swearing-in ceremony. Speaking live on ABC7, Mamdani criticized Adams’ meeting, calling it a source of public concern and a reflection of policy disunity. He emphasized that New Yorkers need a government focused on their immediate needs while upholding international law. Referring to New York as a “city of international law,” Mamdani said the ICC warrants must be respected, whether against Netanyahu or Russian President Vladimir Putin. He also reaffirmed his commitment to protect and celebrate the city’s Jewish community, pledging to ensure their safety and inclusion. The ICC had issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant last November over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Indonesia’s Mount Semeru, the tallest volcano on Java island, erupted on Wednesday, prompting authorities to raise its alert level to the highest. The eruption sent ash plumes soaring up to 5.6 kilometers into the sky and unleashed fast-moving pyroclastic flows reaching seven kilometers from the summit. The country’s volcanology agency has urged residents to stay at least 2.5 kilometers away from the crater due to ongoing risks. Located on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire', Mount Semeru stands at 3,676 meters and is among Indonesia’s most active volcanoes. The region, densely populated and prone to seismic activity, faces potential threats to nearby communities, transport routes, and aviation. Semeru, also known as Mahameru, has a long history of eruptions, including a deadly one in 2021 that killed 62 people and buried several villages in ash. Indonesia, with nearly 130 active volcanoes, continues to monitor Semeru closely for further activity.