Bangladesh has recorded a 17% increase in the import of nine essential consumer goods ahead of the upcoming Ramadan, according to a recent Bangladesh Bank report. The imported items include sugar, soybean oil, pulses, chickpeas, peas, onions, garlic, ginger, and dates. Among these, pea imports surged by 294%, while date imports rose by 231%. In contrast, onion imports dropped by 99%, and garlic and ginger imports declined by 89% and 22%, respectively. The central bank attributed the overall rise in imports to stable dollar supply and policy measures facilitating trade. To ensure adequate supply and price stability during Ramadan, Bangladesh Bank has instructed commercial banks to maintain minimal cash margins for opening letters of credit (LCs) on ten key commodities until March 2026. Officials expect that these measures will prevent shortages and may even lower prices if market monitoring remains effective.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the tragic bus accident in Saudi Arabia that killed 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims, most of whom were from Hyderabad. In a Facebook post on Monday, Modi offered condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. He stated that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are providing all possible assistance and maintaining close contact with Saudi authorities. According to The Indian Express, the accident occurred between Medina and Badr when a bus collided with a tanker truck, causing a fire that led to heavy casualties. Among the deceased were 20 women and 11 children. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also expressed condolences and confirmed that a 24-hour control room has been set up at the Jeddah Consulate to assist families. Indian officials and volunteers are coordinating with Saudi authorities and hospitals to support victims.

A deputy registrar of Dhaka University, Lavlu Molla Shishir, was handed over to Shahbagh police by students after posting a controversial image on Facebook following the death sentence verdict against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal in a war crimes case. The post, featuring Hasina’s photo with the caption 'I don’t care,' triggered strong reactions among students. DUCSU’s Liberation War and Democratic Movement Affairs Secretary Fatima Tasnim Juma confirmed on social media that students turned him over to the police, emphasizing their stance against individuals they consider collaborators. Shahbagh Police Officer-in-Charge Khalid Mansur confirmed receiving Shishir and said legal action is being taken.

Indian opposition leader and BJP politician Suvendu Adhikari has alleged that the death sentence handed to former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was issued under Pakistan’s influence. Speaking to ANI on November 17, Adhikari described Hasina as a progressive Muslim and a figure connected to Bengali culture, asserting that she was never associated with extremists. His remarks came after Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal reportedly sentenced Hasina to death for crimes against humanity. Meanwhile, India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated that it had taken note of the tribunal’s verdict and reiterated India’s commitment to peace, democracy, participation, and stability in Bangladesh. The ministry emphasized that India, as a close neighbor, would continue to work constructively with all parties in Bangladesh to achieve these goals.

A report by the newspaper Amar Desh claims that during Bangladesh’s 2018 national election—widely referred to as the 'night vote' due to alleged irregularities—the then-ruling Awami League created an illicit fund of about Tk 8,000 crore to finance election manipulation. The money was reportedly collected through extortion, fake loans, and tender manipulation from businesses and banks. According to the report, Tk 3,500 crore was distributed among law enforcement and intelligence officials as incentives to ensure control over the election process, while Tk 5,000 crore was allegedly embezzled by four influential figures, including Sheikh Rehana, Salman F Rahman, H.T. Imam, and S. Alam. The report further alleges that senior police and administrative officials received large sums to facilitate vote rigging, with a sophisticated distribution network ensuring the funds reached various police units across the country. The claims, based on unnamed investigative sources, have not been independently verified.

The United Nations Security Council has approved a U.S.-drafted resolution supporting President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza, which includes the creation of an International Stabilization Force (ISF). Thirteen member states, including the United Kingdom, France, and Somalia, voted in favor, while Russia and China abstained. The ISF would be tasked with disarming armed groups such as Hamas, protecting civilians, and ensuring safe humanitarian routes. The United States said several countries have expressed interest in contributing troops but did not name them. Hamas has rejected the proposal, arguing it undermines Palestinian sovereignty and imposes international guardianship over Gaza. The group stated that disarming resistance factions would compromise their right to self-defense and claimed the plan fails to address Palestinian rights. The ISF is expected to coordinate with Israel and Egypt and help form a new Palestinian police force independent of Hamas control.

Prominent Bangladeshi academics and legal experts have described the death sentence handed to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, convicted in absentia for crimes against humanity during the July 2024 uprising, as justified and expected. They argue that the verdict delivers long-awaited justice to the victims and the people of Bangladesh. Political scientist Dr. Dilara Chowdhury said the ruling was based on thorough investigation and clear evidence, while economist and activist Dr. Anu Muhammad emphasized that Hasina’s authoritarian governance and suppression of democracy led to the crisis. He cautioned, however, that justice must not turn into revenge. Other commentators, including MIU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mohammad Abdur Rob, said the judgment demonstrates that no one can escape punishment for oppression and injustice. Legal experts noted that enforcing the verdict will require Hasina’s extradition from India. Many urged future governments to respect democratic rights and avoid authoritarian practices.

Bangladesh’s request for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India has gained renewed urgency after her conviction by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity. Despite a formal diplomatic note sent in December last year, India has yet to respond officially. Indian officials privately indicate that the 2013 extradition treaty, amended in 2016, contains several clauses allowing India to delay or reject such requests, especially if the charges are deemed politically motivated or if fair trial concerns exist. While Bangladesh argues that the charges—murder, genocide, and enforced disappearance—fall outside the ‘political’ category, India may still invoke provisions citing doubts about judicial fairness. Analysts suggest that although New Delhi may soon face international and domestic pressure to justify sheltering a convicted fugitive, it is unlikely to hand Hasina over, maintaining its stance that the extradition request lacks credible judicial assurance.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death in connection with the July killings, a case that has drawn intense national and international attention. Prosecutors presented several phone call recordings allegedly proving Hasina’s direct orders to law enforcement agencies, including the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), to open fire on student protesters during the July uprising. The tribunal also convicted former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun. According to investigators, the recordings were retrieved from the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre’s database and involved conversations with former Dhaka South Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, former Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Maksud Kamal, and former minister Hasanul Haq Inu. The tribunal described the evidence as conclusive, marking a historic verdict against the exiled former leader currently residing in India.

Bangladesh Bank has announced it will discontinue five public services, including the sale and purchase of savings certificates and prize bonds, starting November 30. Initially, the closure will apply to the central bank’s Motijheel office, with other regional offices following later. The suspended services also include the exchange of damaged notes, treasury challan services, and providing change for challans. Customers will still be able to access these services through commercial banks, which the central bank will closely monitor to ensure smooth operations. The decision is part of a modernization and security enhancement plan involving automated vaults and restricted public access to sensitive areas. Although recent fraud incidents involving savings certificate servers occurred at the Motijheel branch, officials clarified that the closures are primarily driven by security and modernization concerns. Currently, Bangladesh Bank handles a significant portion of the country’s savings certificate transactions, with over 30% processed through its Motijheel office.

A joint security operation in Cox’s Bazar’s Teknaf Rohingya camps led to the arrest of three suspected robbers in possession of a foreign-made pistol, two rounds of ammunition, and a magazine. The coordinated raid involved the Armed Police Battalion (APBn), district police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Ansar Battalion, and the Department of Narcotics Control. Acting on intelligence, the team raided the Noyapara registered camp’s B-block area, where armed men were reportedly preparing for a robbery. The suspects—Mohammad Hasan (25), Md. Nur Kalam (26), and Abdur Razzak (28)—were detained after attempting to flee. Authorities confirmed that the detainees admitted to planning a robbery with 10–12 accomplices. In separate operations, two convicted fugitives were captured, and seven individuals were detained for illegal gambling and penalized by a mobile court. Law enforcement officials stated that further legal actions are underway against those arrested.

Three police officers were injured after unidentified miscreants threw crude bombs, locally known as cocktails, at the Kotalipara police station in Gopalganj on Monday night, November 17. The attack occurred around 10:30 p.m. while the officers were on duty. The injured officers—Constables Irin Nahar (31), Arif Hossain (33), and Nazrul Islam (52)—received primary treatment at the Kotalipara Upazila Health Complex. According to Dr. Kumar Mridul Das, the victims sustained minor splinter injuries but were released after treatment. Officer-in-Charge Khondaker Hafizur Rahman confirmed that a crude bomb was thrown at the police station, while Sub-Inspector Mamun reported that two additional bombs were hurled at the upazila parishad premises. Police have recovered unexploded devices and launched an investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

Social media platforms in Bangladesh witnessed an outpouring of jubilation following the tribunal’s verdict sentencing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity. Supporters of the July Movement, families of victims, and general citizens expressed their reactions through posts, memes, and videos on Facebook, X, and Instagram, using hashtags such as #হাসিনা, #ট্রাইব্যুনাল, and #হ্যাংহাসিনা. Many users described the ruling as a symbol of justice restored after years of alleged oppression and authoritarian rule. Celebrations, including processions and sweet distributions, were reported across the country. Viral posts featured emotional tributes, satire, and historical references to earlier war crimes trials. Analysts noted that the online reactions reflect both public sentiment and potential political implications, as the verdict may reshape the national discourse on justice and accountability. Activists also called for Hasina’s extradition from India under bilateral agreements, urging swift execution of the judgment.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain announced that the government will formally request India to extradite Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal under the existing bilateral extradition treaty. Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, Hossain said both individuals have been convicted and sentenced by Bangladeshi courts, and therefore, the government is obligated to seek their return. He declined to comment on the legal intricacies or the likelihood of India’s response, emphasizing that legal experts would better address those aspects. Hossain added that Bangladesh will communicate officially through diplomatic channels and that the matter could be raised during the upcoming visit of the National Security Adviser to New Delhi if deemed necessary. He reiterated that both convicted individuals must be requested for extradition under the treaty framework.

The International Crisis Group (ICG) is closely monitoring Bangladesh following the International Crimes Tribunal’s death sentence against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. In an analytical commentary, ICG’s senior Bangladesh consultant Thomas Kean stated that Hasina’s return to Bangladesh appears highly unlikely. He noted that the verdict, linked to atrocities during the July–August 2024 protests that left around 1,400 people dead, has been largely welcomed domestically. The tribunal cited recorded conversations and witness testimonies implicating Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan. However, Kean raised concerns about the fairness of the trial held in absentia, reflecting long-standing weaknesses in Bangladesh’s criminal justice system. He described the ruling’s political implications as far-reaching, suggesting that Hasina’s refusal to relinquish control of the Awami League could hinder the party’s political revival. The ICG urged both the interim government and the Awami League to avoid further violence ahead of the upcoming 13th national election.