BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has pledged full support to Monira Khatun and her daughter Afia, who were abandoned by Monira’s husband due to the child’s albinism. Following widespread media coverage of their story, Rahman directed party officials to build a home for Monira and take responsibility for Afia’s education and the family’s welfare. On Friday, BNP’s Khulna divisional acting organizational secretary Anindya Islam Amit visited the family in Jessore and delivered the party’s assistance. Local administration and various organizations have also begun providing legal and social aid to the mother and child. The case has drawn national attention, highlighting social stigma surrounding genetic conditions like albinism and sparking discussions on compassion and inclusion.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Naib-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher has alleged that Bangladesh’s interim government has lost its neutrality and is working to bring a particular party to power through the upcoming election. Speaking at a joint press conference of eight like-minded parties in Moghbazar on Friday, he criticized the chief adviser’s recent address, claiming it prioritized the BNP’s demands. Taher argued that the government cannot ensure a fair election and urged separate dates for the national election and the referendum. He also said the chief adviser ignored the obligations of the July Charter. The eight-party alliance plans to announce new programs after their meeting on Sunday to press their five-point demands.

The Bangladesh Judicial Service Association (BJSA) has warned of a nationwide work stoppage by judges starting Sunday if the government fails to ensure adequate security for all courts, judges’ residences, and their travel routes within 48 hours. The BJSA issued the ultimatum following the brutal killing of a judge’s son and the injury of his wife in Rajshahi. The association demanded immediate deployment of security forces and disciplinary action against police officers accused of negligence and unprofessional conduct in handling the case. Expressing deep shock and anger, the BJSA said the judiciary has long been ignored despite repeated appeals for protection. Judges across the country are reportedly outraged, describing the incident as a reflection of the state’s failure to safeguard those who uphold justice.

Interim government press secretary Shafiqul Alam has strongly criticized certain Bangladeshi media outlets for publishing fabricated and baseless stories. In a verified Facebook post, he singled out the newspaper Manabzamin and its editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, accusing them of disregarding journalistic ethics. Alam compared the situation to the UK, where tabloids face heavy fines for defamation, arguing that in Bangladesh, such accountability is absent. He claimed that some editors hide behind the notion of press freedom to avoid responsibility for false reporting. Alam also stated that since the interim government took office, journalists have enjoyed unprecedented freedom, even to comment critically on the military, but some still exaggerate claims of media repression. He questioned the depth of human rights groups’ investigations into alleged attacks on journalists.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has accused a political group of exploiting religion for political gain and oppressing women in Bangladesh. Speaking at a rally in Dhaka organized by the BNP-affiliated Women and Child Rights Forum, he claimed that the group seeks to confine women to domestic spaces and hinder their progress. Ahmed criticized the misuse of laws and called for stronger enforcement to protect women from violence. He also opposed proposals to reduce women’s working hours, arguing that such measures would harm female employment opportunities. The event, led by Begum Selima Rahman and attended by several BNP leaders, concluded with a silent march from Shahbagh to the Central Shaheed Minar. Ahmed emphasized equal rights for all citizens regardless of religion or gender and announced a 31-point plan for women’s empowerment.

With the onset of winter, Dhaka’s vegetable markets are seeing relief as prices of most vegetables and eggs decline due to increased supply. However, onion prices have sharply risen by up to 50 percent within a week, now selling for Tk 110–120 per kilogram compared to Tk 70–80 earlier. Traders attribute the spike to limited availability of old stock, though they expect prices to fall soon as new onions enter the market. The government is monitoring the situation and may allow limited imports if prices remain unstable, ensuring local farmers are not harmed. Meanwhile, winter vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, beans, radish, and turnip are becoming more abundant, bringing down prices across markets.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus announced that the Awami League will not be allowed to participate in the upcoming national election, as its activities remain suspended under the country’s anti-terrorism law. He made the statement during a meeting with UK Minister for International Development Baroness Jenny Chapman on November 13. According to a press release from the Chief Adviser’s office, the Election Commission has already removed the party from the list of registered political parties. Yunus emphasized that the forthcoming election, expected in early February, will be inclusive and participatory, with around one million new young voters expected to cast their votes. He also referred to the July Charter as a new beginning for Bangladesh, reflecting the aspirations of millions who took part in last year’s mass uprising. The meeting also covered trade expansion, the Rohingya crisis, and cooperation in aviation and maritime sectors.

A passenger bus traveling from Dhaka to Barishal lost control and crashed into a roadside tree in Madaripur’s Kalkini area on Thursday night while trying to avoid an auto-van, killing one person and injuring at least ten others. The accident occurred around 10:30 p.m. on the Dhaka-Barishal Highway near Bhurghata Kundubari. The deceased was identified as the bus helper, though his name remains unknown. Police and fire service personnel conducted rescue operations, freeing trapped passengers and restoring traffic flow after about an hour of disruption. The injured were taken to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal and local health facilities for treatment. Authorities are investigating the incident to determine the exact cause of the crash.

The Ministry of Land in Bangladesh has directed that possession of five categories of land must be relinquished by 2025, even if ownership deeds exist. According to recent government circulars, these include sub-kabla deeds made without proper inheritance distribution, invalid hiba deeds, forged documents, properties listed under government khas records, and vested properties held privately. Authorities clarified that the principle of 'land belongs to the deed holder' does not apply in all cases, as some deeds lack legal ownership basis. Legal action will be taken against illegal occupiers, and district administrators have been instructed to recover government lands. The initiative aims to reclaim state property, ensure rightful ownership for legitimate landholders, and increase government revenue. Citizens occupying such lands have been advised to prepare for possible legal proceedings.

Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on nearly every district of Kyiv early Friday, killing at least one person and injuring 15 others, according to city officials. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko described the assault as 'massive,' noting that fires broke out in multiple residential buildings across eight of the city’s ten districts. Emergency services rescued more than 40 people from damaged structures. The strikes reportedly targeted key infrastructure, including heating, electricity, and water supply systems. Ukrainian authorities said air defense units were active during the attack. The assault marks one of the most intense bombardments on the Ukrainian capital in recent months, as Russia continues to escalate its offensive against Ukraine’s infrastructure and civilian areas.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast that the country's weather will remain mostly dry with partly cloudy skies over the next five days. The subcontinental high-pressure ridge is currently extending over West Bengal and adjacent areas, while the seasonal low lies over the South Bay of Bengal, stretching northward. According to daily forecasts from Friday through Tuesday, no significant rainfall is expected across the country. Temperatures are likely to remain nearly unchanged for the first two days, with a slight rise expected from Sunday onward. Night temperatures may increase slightly by Tuesday, while daytime temperatures are expected to remain steady. The overall weather pattern suggests stable and dry conditions across Bangladesh during this period.

Two crude bombs, locally known as cocktails, exploded near Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Thursday night, November 13. The first explosion occurred around 10:20 p.m. near the airport’s outgoing gate roundabout, followed shortly by another blast in front of the Jinjiang Restaurant in Uttara Sector 1. No injuries or casualties were reported in either incident. Police suspect the explosives may have been thrown from a nearby flyover. Investigators have collected samples from the scene and are examining possible motives and individuals involved. Authorities have tightened security around the airport area as the investigation continues.

In Valuka upazila of Mymensingh, Bangladesh, over 336 acres of farmland have remained uncultivated for more than 15 years due to severe water pollution from nearby textile dyeing factories. Farmers report that toxic waste from the Multazim and Experience Textile Mills has contaminated local wetlands, killing crops and aquatic life, and causing skin diseases among residents. A government investigation confirmed the damage, estimating total losses at around Tk 332.8 million and recommending that 25% of compensation be paid by Multazim Mill and 75% by Experience Mill. However, the factories have yet to pay. Despite multiple hearings and fines by the Department of Environment, pollution persists, leaving farmers unable to grow rice or access safe water. Local authorities say discussions with mill owners are ongoing to find a solution.

Myanmar’s military junta has launched a renewed offensive to reclaim Rakhine State, where the Arakan Army controls about 90% of the territory. Following Chinese diplomatic and economic pressure, several rebel groups have agreed to ceasefires, enabling the junta to regroup. The military is now preparing coordinated land, naval, and air operations, focusing on southern and central Rakhine, including the strategic Kyaukphyu area, home to major Chinese infrastructure projects. Airstrikes have intensified across Rakhine, reportedly killing civilians despite junta claims of targeting militants. Analysts say the junta’s supply lines remain fragile and its control limited to a few townships. The ongoing blockade has devastated Rakhine’s economy, causing severe shortages of food and medicine. Observers warn that a large-scale offensive could displace thousands more civilians and reshape Myanmar’s internal and regional dynamics.

Once a thriving center for silk production, the Ishwardi Silk Seed Farm in Pabna, Bangladesh, now operates only a limited mulberry sapling production program while all other activities remain suspended. Established in 1962 on 108 bighas of land, the farm once produced silkworm eggs, cocoons, and silk thread for the Rajshahi Silk Factory. Over time, financial constraints and severe manpower shortages led to the closure of most operations. Currently, only one manager oversees the facility, with a few daily laborers and contract workers employed intermittently. The once-bustling compound has turned into an overgrown area with abandoned buildings and neglected mulberry fields. Officials say that with adequate funding and staffing, the farm’s former productivity and heritage could still be restored.