European Union Defence and Space Commissioner Andrius Kubilius has warned that Europe remains inadequately prepared to counter Russia’s modern drone attacks. Speaking in Vilnius, Lithuania, he said the continent’s detection, defense, and interception systems are still insufficient, even after Russia’s recent drone strike on Poland. Kubilius emphasized that while Russia is learning from its operations, Europe has yet to adapt effectively. He urged EU nations to learn from Ukraine’s battlefield experience to strengthen their defense capabilities, warning that failure to do so would be a historic mistake that could weaken both Europe and Ukraine. Following intelligence warnings about possible Russian aggression toward NATO members, the EU and NATO have begun reinforcing their eastern defenses, deploying additional troops and expanding anti-drone systems along the alliance’s eastern flank.

The copies of the death sentences handed down to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal will not be sent to relevant government offices today, according to the International Crimes Tribunal-1 administration. The delay is attributed to the illness of the tribunal’s chairman. The verdict, delivered on Monday, sentenced Hasina and Kamal to death for crimes against humanity linked to last year’s July uprising, while former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun received a five-year prison term as a state witness. The Home and Foreign Ministries were scheduled to receive the verdict copies on Tuesday to initiate extradition and Interpol warrant procedures. Hasina and Kamal are currently in India as fugitives. The tribunal found them guilty of multiple charges, including incitement, ordering lethal force against protesters, and killings in Rangpur, Dhaka, and Ashulia.

Supporters of opposition groups including NCP, Chhatra Dal, and Shibir held a celebratory rally and distributed sweets in Raipur, Lakshmipur, following the International Crimes Tribunal’s verdict sentencing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity committed during the July Movement. The event took place on Monday night at Raipur Traffic Mor, where hundreds of activists joined the procession. Family members of victims from the July Movement expressed satisfaction, calling the verdict long-awaited justice. Local BNP and Jamaat-backed candidates also welcomed the ruling, describing it as a reflection of justice. Leaders demanded that Sheikh Hasina be brought back from India to implement the verdict swiftly. The town witnessed a festive atmosphere, while police and RAB maintained heightened security to prevent unrest.

Pakistan’s ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi praised Babar Azam as the 'backbone' of the national team after securing a series victory against Sri Lanka at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. Afridi highlighted the team’s unity as the key to success and lauded Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan for their leadership and consistent performances. He expressed satisfaction at Babar’s return to form with a century and commended Rizwan’s senior role. Afridi also appreciated Wasim Junior’s comeback performance after injury, emphasizing the bowlers’ ability to change the course of matches. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s batting coach Julian Wood acknowledged Pakistan’s superior performance and praised the Rawalpindi crowd’s support. He admitted Sri Lanka’s early batting collapse cost them the final ODI but stressed the importance of focusing on World Cup preparations and adapting strategies for the upcoming T20 tri-series.

A major fire broke out early Tuesday morning in the Bou Bazar area of Tongi, Gazipur, burning down six warehouses storing jute and plastic sacks. According to eyewitnesses, the blaze started suddenly around 6 a.m. and quickly spread to nearby warehouses. Three units of the Fire Service and Civil Defence responded promptly and managed to bring the fire under control after about an hour of effort. Senior Station Officer Shahin Alam of Tongi Fire Service confirmed that no casualties occurred in the incident. All stored goods, including jute and plastic sacks, were completely destroyed. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the fire or assess the extent of the damage, and an investigation is underway to identify the source and evaluate losses.

Indian Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has voiced serious concern over the death sentence handed to Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by the International Crimes Tribunal. The tribunal sentenced Hasina, who fled to India after a popular uprising in August last year, to death on charges of crimes against humanity. Former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal received the same verdict. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Tharoor said he does not believe in capital punishment anywhere and found the ruling deeply distressing. He added that while it is not appropriate to comment on another country’s judiciary, he does not view the development positively and considers it worrying. His remarks followed earlier reactions from Indian political figures, including BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, who alleged that the verdict was influenced by Pakistan. The case has drawn significant attention in both Bangladesh and India.

The BCS Information Association has protested the appointment of two BCS (Administration) cadre officers as First Secretary (Press) in Bangladesh’s foreign missions in Kuala Lumpur and Dubai. In a statement signed by Vice President Mohammad Ali Sarkar and General Secretary Md Mamunur Rashid, the association expressed concern over the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s decision issued on November 16. The association argued that such positions have traditionally been held by officers from the BCS (Information-General) cadre, who are trained in media and public relations. It also cited the ministry’s earlier job circular from January 13, which stated that candidates with experience in media and public communication would be given preference. The association urged the authorities to reconsider and revoke the appointments, emphasizing that the duties of the press wing align with the expertise of the information cadre officers.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, has defended the interim government’s performance, highlighting its achievements over the past fifteen and a half months. In a Facebook post on November 18, Alam responded to widespread criticism and satire on social media that labeled the administration as weak and ineffective. He acknowledged that many view the government as inexperienced and unable to manage protests or implement laws effectively, yet he argued that it has achieved more than any previous administration in such a short time. Despite being dismissed as a transitional authority, Alam described the government as one of the most significant in Bangladesh’s recent history, claiming it fulfilled nearly all its objectives. His remarks come amid ongoing debates about the interim government’s legitimacy, capacity, and long-term impact on Bangladesh’s governance and political stability.

A bizarre accident occurred in Jodhpur, India, when a camel collided with a private car and crashed through its roof, leaving both the animal and the driver seriously injured. Eyewitnesses reported that the camel suddenly appeared on the road, giving the driver no time to brake. The impact destroyed the car’s front section, including the bumper, bonnet, and windshield, and caused the camel’s upper body to become trapped inside the vehicle for nearly two hours. Locals rushed to rescue the injured driver, identified as Ramsingh, who was taken to a hospital in Jodhpur after receiving first aid. The camel was later freed using mechanical equipment in a joint effort by local residents and authorities. Images and videos of the incident have gone viral on social media, showing the distressed animal struggling to escape from the wrecked car.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh is set to hold a dialogue on Wednesday with major political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, as part of its ongoing consultations ahead of the 13th parliamentary election. According to EC’s Public Relations Department Assistant Director Md. Ashadul Haque, the commission has invited 48 political parties over four days—Thursday, Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday—for discussions. On Wednesday morning, the EC will meet with Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh Minority Janata Party (BMJP), Insoniyat Biplob, National Citizens Party (NCP), Ganosanghati Andolon, and National Democratic Movement (NDM). In the afternoon, the BNP, Bangladesh National Party (BJP), Gana Odhikar Parishad (GOP), Nagorik Oikya, Bangladesh Republican Party (BRP), and the Socialist Party of Bangladesh (Marxist) will join the talks. Currently, Bangladesh has 55 registered political parties, including two newly registered ones, while Awami League’s registration remains suspended and three others have been canceled.

U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly linking ongoing trade negotiations with Thailand to the fragile ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia. Analysts suggest Trump views the Thai-Cambodia truce as a diplomatic achievement and intends to use trade policy, including a 19 percent tariff on Thai imports, to maintain regional stability and assert U.S. influence. Although Washington and Bangkok announced a framework trade pact last month, the agreement remains unfinished, and a reported letter from the U.S. suspending trade talks has not been publicly confirmed. Experts argue that separating trade discussions from border security issues would contradict Trump’s broader foreign-policy approach, which often merges economic and geopolitical objectives. The White House and the U.S. Trade Representative’s office have not commented publicly on the matter, while tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border continue to simmer following recent military exchanges.

A fish pond in Changsha, Hunan province, China, has gained viral attention after its owners revealed they feed their fish 5,000 kilograms of chilli peppers daily. The pond, co-managed by fish farmer Jiang Sheng and his former classmate Kuang Ke, spans about 10 acres and houses over 2,000 fish. The farmers claim that the capsaicin in the chillies stimulates digestion and nutrient absorption, accelerating fish growth and improving their flavor and appearance. They use common varieties such as cone and millet peppers, asserting that the fish now prefer chillies over grass. The practice reflects the region’s cultural affinity for spicy food and has sparked curiosity online about its effects on aquaculture and food quality. While the owners insist the method is safe and beneficial, experts have yet to confirm any scientific basis for the claims.

Ahead of Bangladesh’s crucial Asian Cup qualifier against India, national football team captain Jamal Bhuyan shared a motivational post on Facebook. He posted a clip from the 2021 World Cup qualifier where Bangladesh lost 2–0 to India after holding them until the 79th minute. The video showed Jamal tackling Indian forward Brandon Fernandes, accompanied by the caption, “Fight for every inch on the field.” The post is seen as an attempt to inspire his teammates and fans before the high-stakes match. Bangladesh have not beaten India in 26 years but have lost only once in their last six encounters since Jamal’s debut. Fellow player Hamza Choudhury also expressed optimism on social media, saying the team is fully prepared and eager to give their best in the match.

Bangladesh’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has filed a money laundering case against Dilip Kumar Agarwala, owner of Diamond World and Diamond World Limited, over alleged illegal transactions worth Tk 678 crore. According to CID officials, the company procured gold and diamonds through smuggling and failed to provide valid documentation for their sources. The Financial Crime Unit launched an investigation in September 2024 after reviewing the company’s financial records and bank accounts. Findings indicated that between 2006 and February 2024, Diamond World legally imported goods worth Tk 38 crore but acquired additional gold and diamonds valued at Tk 678 crore from undocumented sources. CID concluded that these assets were likely obtained through smuggling and used for money laundering. Following approval on November 16, the case was officially filed at Gulshan Police Station, and CID will continue its investigation to verify financial documents, bank transactions, and related evidence.

The United States and Saudi Arabia are preparing to sign a long-term civil nuclear cooperation agreement aimed at supporting Riyadh’s Vision 2030 energy diversification goals. According to Reuters, the deal could be signed at the White House as early as Tuesday, with full details expected later this year. The agreement, known as a '123 Agreement' under US law, would allow the export of nuclear materials and technology for peaceful purposes, provided strict non-proliferation safeguards are met. While Saudi Arabia has not yet accepted all conditions, Washington may impose restrictions on uranium enrichment and prohibit any military use of nuclear technology. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright confirmed that the deal will proceed, while Saudi officials expressed readiness to comply with international nuclear standards. The cooperation reflects both nations’ strategic and economic interests, as the kingdom seeks to reduce carbon emissions and secure sustainable energy sources.