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.

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.

The 49th death anniversary of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani, revered as the 'Majlum Jananeta', was observed across Bangladesh with various programs and tributes. In Santosh, Tangail, thousands of followers, admirers, and political leaders paid homage at his mausoleum from early morning. The Vice-Chancellor of Maulana Bhasani University of Science and Technology, Dr. Md. Anwarul Azim Akhand, along with family members, political groups including NAP Bhasani, Gana Odhikar Parishad, and Ganasanghati Andolon, placed floral wreaths and offered prayers. The BNP organized a discussion meeting at the mausoleum premises, attended by senior leaders such as Shamsuzzaman Dudu and Ahmed Azam Khan. Meanwhile, leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) also paid their respects and spoke to the media. In Barishal, Ganasanghati Andolon and allied organizations honored Bhasani’s legacy by placing wreaths at his portrait and recalling his lifelong struggle for the oppressed.

Relatives of those killed and injured in Bangladesh’s July Movement have demanded the immediate execution of the death sentence handed to fugitive former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by the International Crimes Tribunal-1 for crimes against humanity. Following the verdict, victims’ families expressed relief but insisted that justice would only be complete once Hasina is brought back to the country and the sentence carried out. Many gathered outside the tribunal in Dhaka, chanting slogans and offering prayers of gratitude. Leaders of various activist groups, including Inquilab Mancha and Manch 24, described the verdict as a historic step toward justice and a warning against future authoritarian rule. They also called for cooperation from India to facilitate Hasina’s extradition. Security was tightened around the tribunal area, with heavy deployment of police, RAB, and army personnel. Celebrations were also reported at Dhaka University and Dhanmondi 32, where people distributed sweets and held processions in support of the ruling.

Bangladesh’s Jamaat-e-Islami has called on India not to grant asylum to Sheikh Hasina, who was sentenced to death for crimes against humanity in connection with the July uprising, and to return her to Bangladesh. At a press briefing in Dhaka, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar said the verdict was transparent and fair, adding that any country sheltering a convicted fugitive was supporting criminals. He urged India to hand Hasina over to Bangladeshi authorities as a gesture of good neighborly relations. The Islamist student group Islami Chhatra Shibir also expressed satisfaction with the verdict, urging India to extradite all fugitives convicted of such crimes. Similarly, Khelafat Majlis leaders welcomed the ruling, calling it justice for the victims of past atrocities. Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) leaders present at the tribunal demanded immediate implementation of the verdict through international cooperation, including Interpol assistance.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) of Bangladesh has demanded that the death sentence of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina be executed within one month. NCP convener Md Nahid Islam called on the interim government to bring Hasina back to Bangladesh and carry out the verdict promptly. He also urged that Awami League leaders, including Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, be tried for alleged involvement in killings. NCP leaders criticized the sentence of former IGP Chowdhury Mamun as too lenient and called for a retrial. In a video message, NCP member secretary Akhtar Hossain appealed to the Indian government not to shelter Hasina but to hand her over to Bangladesh’s judiciary. The party organized a rally in Dhaka demanding swift implementation of the verdict and justice against the Awami League as a political entity. NCP leaders described the judgment as a historic victory against oppression and urged its immediate enforcement.

A group of 20–25 people attacked and vandalized the home of former Bangladeshi President Md. Abdul Hamid in Mithamain, Kishoreganj, on Monday night between 10:00 and 11:30 p.m. The incident occurred shortly after the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death in a case related to the July uprising. Following the verdict, the local BNP organized a celebratory procession, during which a faction allegedly broke away and stormed Hamid’s residence. The attackers damaged doors, windows, furniture, and household items, though no family members were present at the time, preventing casualties. Mithamain Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge, Alamgir Kabir, confirmed the incident, stating that the situation is now under control. Law enforcement and army personnel have been deployed to maintain order in the area.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has announced its new Dhaka Metropolitan North convening committee, appointing Ariful Islam Adib as convener and Sardar Amirul Islam as member secretary. The announcement was made through a press release signed by NCP’s member secretary Akhtar Hossain and northern region chief organizer Sarjis Alam. The committee includes Kazi Saiful Islam as senior joint convener, along with several joint conveners and joint member secretaries, including Omar Faruk, Wahid Alam, and Sadia Farzana Dina. Mostak Ahmed Shishir was named organizational secretary, while multiple assistant organizational secretaries and executive members were also appointed. The committee aims to strengthen NCP’s organizational structure in Dhaka North and enhance its political activities in the region. The formation reflects the party’s ongoing efforts to expand its grassroots leadership and prepare for upcoming political engagements.

Ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming parliamentary elections, multiple political parties have urged the Election Commission (EC) to take strict measures against the use of illegal weapons, black money, and muscle power to ensure a fair electoral environment. During a dialogue held at the EC headquarters in Agargaon, party representatives also recommended that the EC enforce the electoral code of conduct rigorously, even cancelling candidacies if necessary. Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin assured that the EC would take all necessary steps to ensure a peaceful and credible election, emphasizing the need for cooperation from political parties. The dialogue involved 11 parties, with some controversies arising over the inclusion of certain figures. Participants also raised issues such as the independence of the EC, the security of postal ballots, and the misuse of artificial intelligence for spreading defamatory content. The EC is scheduled to hold further discussions with BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and other parties on Wednesday.

A school bus driver, Parvez Khan, 45, died three days after suffering severe burns in an arson attack on a school bus in Shibaloy, Manikganj. The incident occurred late Thursday night when unidentified assailants set fire to the parked bus of The Holy Child School and College, where Parvez was sleeping inside for security. He was rescued by highway police and transferred from Manikganj General Hospital to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka, where he succumbed to his injuries on Monday morning. Parvez, the sole breadwinner of his family, leaves behind a devastated household. Following the attack, the bus owner filed a sabotage case against unidentified persons. Police have since arrested Zakaria Alam, 21, an organizational secretary of the local Chhatra League unit, in connection with the case. Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the arson.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has welcomed the International Crimes Tribunal’s death sentence for Sheikh Hasina, describing it as a triumph of justice and a defeat for what it called India’s conspiracy to obstruct the trial of fascists. In a statement issued on Monday, the group’s leaders Allama Muhibullah Babunagari and Allama Sajedur Rahman said the verdict ensured justice for victims and strengthened Bangladesh’s struggle against fascism and dominance. They asserted that the ruling marked the end of impunity for authoritarian forces and urged the government to prosecute those responsible for the July massacre, the Pilkhana killings, and the Shapla Chattar incident. Hefazat also demanded the banning of the Awami League and Jatiya Party, labeling them as collaborators of Indian hegemony. The group further called for the implementation of the July Charter through a national referendum to establish a just and citizen-friendly state. Hefazat praised the tribunal’s prosecutors for ensuring what it termed exemplary justice.

Saudi Arabia has assured the Palestinian Authority that it will not normalize relations with Israel until conditions for establishing an independent Palestinian state are met. A senior Palestinian official told the Times of Israel that Riyadh reaffirmed its commitment to the Palestinian cause during internal meetings, emphasizing that normalization can only proceed based on the 1967 borders. The assurance comes ahead of a meeting between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and U.S. President Donald Trump, where Washington is expected to press Riyadh to advance ties with Israel. Palestinian officials expressed confidence that Saudi Arabia will not shift its stance abruptly. The statement contrasts with the 2020 Abraham Accords, under which four Arab nations normalized relations with Israel. Meanwhile, discussions continue regarding Hamas’s control of Gaza, as both the Palestinian Authority and the Arab League have urged Hamas to disarm, a demand the group has rejected.