Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has revealed that it currently has no spare bearing pads for the metro rail pillars, raising safety concerns following the October 26 accident in Farmgate that killed pedestrian Abul Kalam when a pad fell from a pillar. Each of the 620 pillars has four pads, but none are available for replacement or functional testing. DMTCL Managing Director Faruk Ahmed said the issue arose because the contract documents did not specify the need for spare parts. Temporary safety measures have been taken, and 20 new pads are expected to arrive by January. The investigation committee’s tenure has been extended to November 15, with new experts added. DMTCL has also decided to employ Kalam’s widow as a computer operator and has provided his family with Tk 500,000 in initial compensation.

A new documentary titled 'Trial of July Massacre' has been released under the supervision of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Cultural Affairs. The 21-minute-59-second film, unveiled by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing, focuses on the killings that occurred during the July 2024 uprising, which the film attributes to the then Awami League government. According to the accompanying statement, the release aims to highlight the events as one of the most tragic episodes in world history and to reaffirm Bangladesh’s commitment to ensuring justice for the victims. The documentary seeks to preserve the memory of the uprising and promote accountability for the violence that took place.

Dhaka University witnessed intense student protests on Wednesday night following two crude bomb explosions near the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC), allegedly carried out by members of the banned Chhatra League. The blasts injured Jahangir Alam Chakladar, a government official, and damaged a nearby motorcycle. Witnesses reported conflicting accounts about the source of the explosions, with some suggesting they were thrown from Suhrawardy Udyan. The university’s proctor confirmed that police and campus security teams were investigating CCTV footage. Students gathered at TSC and Raju Sculpture areas, chanting slogans demanding justice and accountability from the administration. Leaders of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) condemned the attack, blaming administrative negligence and calling for immediate arrests. The incident occurred shortly after a documentary screening organized by the Ministry of Culture and DUCSU, which continued despite the explosions.

Recently released emails from convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein suggest that former and current U.S. President Donald Trump may have been aware of Epstein’s victims. The emails, disclosed by Democratic members of the House Oversight Committee, include a 2011 message in which Epstein told Ghislaine Maxwell that Trump spent hours with one of the victims at his home. Another 2019 email to journalist Michael Wolff claimed Trump knew about the girls and had asked Maxwell to stop. The White House and Trump have dismissed the revelations as politically motivated, accusing Democrats of selectively releasing documents to tarnish his image. The emails are part of 23,000 documents from Epstein’s estate, followed by an additional 20,000 pages released by Republicans. The disclosures have reignited debate over Trump’s past ties with Epstein, an issue that has resurfaced multiple times since Epstein’s death.

Police in Nabiganj upazila of Habiganj district have arrested two influential local leaders from the Awami League and Jubo League on allegations of planning sabotage activities along the Dhaka–Sylhet highway. The detainees, Ali Akbar, president of the 3rd ward Awami League, and Ataur Rahman, president of the 3rd ward Jubo League, were apprehended during a special operation led by Officer-in-Charge Sheikh Kamruzzaman on Wednesday night near Goplar Bazar. According to police, the arrests followed intelligence reports suggesting a group was preparing to create unrest in the area. Other suspected members of the group reportedly fled the scene. Authorities confirmed that legal action will be taken against the detainees and that operations to prevent further subversive activities will continue.

Police in Chuadanga have arrested Sirajul Islam Asman, a former joint convener of the district Jubo League, from his residence on Wednesday night. The arrest took place around 9:30 p.m. following a tip-off, led by Officer-in-Charge Khaledur Rahman and Inspector Hossain Ali of Chuadanga Sadar Police Station. Asman, son of the late Jahan Box from the Railpara area of Chuadanga town, is an accused in a case related to an attack on students during an anti-discrimination movement. Authorities stated that he is expected to be presented before the court on Thursday. The arrest follows a series of recent detentions of political activists in the region amid heightened tensions surrounding student protests.

A parked bus belonging to Roni-Rana Paribahan was set on fire by unidentified miscreants on the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway near Mahipal, Feni, on Wednesday night. The incident occurred close to the Palli Bidyut area, damaging the bus’s front and driver’s section but causing no injuries. Locals managed to extinguish the fire before firefighters arrived. Authorities suspect the fire might be an act of sabotage. Police have launched an investigation to determine the motive and identify those responsible. The incident has raised concerns about security along the busy highway, where vehicles are often left parked overnight by drivers returning home.

A crude bomb, locally known as a 'cocktail', exploded near the Karwan Bazar SAARC Fountain intersection in Dhaka on Wednesday night. According to witnesses, unidentified assailants threw two explosive devices from a moving motorcycle heading toward Shahbagh shortly after 10 p.m. No injuries or casualties were reported in the incident. Police from both Tejgaon and Kalabagan stations responded to the scene to ensure public safety and begin an investigation. Authorities confirmed that efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack. The explosion caused temporary panic in the busy commercial area but normalcy was soon restored.

A moving CNG-run auto-rickshaw was set on fire by unidentified assailants in the Siddhirganj area of Narayanganj City Corporation’s Ward 9 on Wednesday night. According to police, two unidentified motorcycle riders threw fire at the vehicle near the Youth Development Department office in Jalkuri and quickly fled the scene. The driver was unable to identify the attackers. Siddhirganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Shahinur Alam stated that the identities of the perpetrators remain unknown, but an investigation is underway and legal action will be taken based on the findings.

Three affiliated organizations of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) — Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal — have taken positions at 21 points in Dhaka’s Uttara area from Wednesday night to Thursday noon. Their stated goal is to prevent what they describe as destructive activities carried out under the Awami League’s banned ‘Dhaka Lockdown’ program. Leaders of the groups said they are guarding key installations to ensure public safety and resist any potential attacks. They also accused the Awami League of attempting to undermine recent political changes through violence and sabotage. The BNP activists vowed to remain on the streets until Thursday noon to prevent unrest and protect citizens’ lives and property.

Police in Gazipur’s Sadar upazila detained two leaders of the banned Chhatra League and one leader of the Swechchhasebak League after locals found a petrol bomb in their possession on Tuesday night. The suspects—Noman, 28, president of Bhawalgar Union Chhatra League, Akash, 25, office secretary, and Russell, 35, joint convener of the local Swechchhasebak League—were apprehended by residents who later informed the police. Officers from Joydebpur Police Station took the trio into custody and confirmed that legal proceedings are underway. Authorities are investigating the source of the explosive and the suspects’ possible involvement in subversive activities.

The Election Commission (EC) Secretariat of Bangladesh has created four new positions of Senior Assistant Secretary and reorganized its internal structure to enhance efficiency ahead of the upcoming national elections. According to an official order signed by Deputy Secretary Shah Alam on November 11, four new sub-branches—General Services-1, Election Assistance and Supply, Election Management-2, and Public Relations—have been established. EC sources said the restructuring aims to streamline departmental responsibilities and improve coordination in election-related activities. The new divisions will handle tasks that were previously managed under broader units, ensuring better oversight and preparation for the forthcoming polls.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has cautioned that certain groups are attempting to undermine democracy by exploiting the weakness of the interim government. Speaking virtually at a BNP event marking National Revolution and Solidarity Day in Dhaka, he called on political parties to face the people in the February elections instead of issuing threats. Rahman emphasized the need for national unity to protect democracy and criticized proposals for a costly referendum, suggesting it could mask attempts to revive authoritarianism. He also questioned the motives of former allies creating election complications and criticized Jamaat-e-Islami’s proposal to reduce women’s working hours. Stressing economic priorities, he argued that funds should support farmers and essential sectors rather than be wasted on a referendum.

Bangladesh has summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner Pavan Badhe in Dhaka to express deep concern over former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina being allowed to engage with mainstream Indian media while in India. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh views the move as unhelpful and undesirable for constructive bilateral relations, as Hasina is considered a fugitive facing trial for crimes against humanity. Dhaka requested that India immediately restrict her access to media platforms, arguing that her comments could incite anti-Bangladesh sentiment and promote extremist activities. The ministry urged New Delhi to ensure that such opportunities for Hasina to speak publicly are discontinued to prevent further diplomatic strain.

A fire broke out in an abandoned train coach in Dhaka’s Tejgaon area on Wednesday night, reportedly set by miscreants. Railway police arrested two individuals at the scene in connection with the incident. The fire, which occurred around 9:30 p.m., damaged two seats inside the coach before being brought under control. According to Railway Police Officer-in-Charge Zainal Abedin Bonik, legal action is underway against the suspects. Tejgaon Police Station also deployed officers to assist, though the location falls under the jurisdiction of the Railway Police.