Former U.S. President Donald Trump labeled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as 'ungrateful' in a post on his social media platform Truth Social on November 23. Without naming Zelensky directly, Trump criticized Ukraine’s leadership for showing no appreciation toward U.S. efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. He reiterated that he inherited a conflict that should never have started and described it as a 'losing war' for all, especially for the millions who died unnecessarily. Trump has proposed a 28-point peace plan requiring Ukraine to cede territories, including those still under its control, and to grant amnesty for wartime crimes. He set a November 27 deadline for Ukraine to accept the plan. In response, Zelensky released a video message acknowledging Ukraine’s dire situation, saying the country faces a choice between losing its honor or losing a friend like the United States. The exchange underscores deepening tensions between Kyiv and Washington over the future of the war.

In Kurigram, Bangladesh, Abdul Hai Master, a former teacher and local leader, is conducting an unconventional campaign for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. Representing the Zaker Party in the Kurigram-1 constituency, he walks through neighborhoods carrying a hand microphone and a placard with posters, personally appealing to voters. Known for his humility and dedication, Abdul Hai previously served as union and upazila chairman, often engaging directly in community work such as cleaning drains and roads. Despite financial hardship and mortgaging his home to fund his campaign, he remains committed to public service. His family and local residents express strong support, admiring his sincerity and accessibility. Voters affectionately call him “Pagla Master” for his tireless service. He pledges to focus on women’s development, infrastructure, and economic opportunities if elected. Locals believe that in a fair election, his popularity could lead him to victory.

An Israeli airstrike on a residential building in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, has killed five people, including Hezbollah’s chief of staff Haitham Ali al-Tabatabai. The Israeli military confirmed the strike on Sunday, describing al-Tabatabai as a key operational leader within the group. Arab News identified him as Hezbollah’s second most important figure. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that 28 others were injured in the attack, which targeted the densely populated Dahiyeh district. Hezbollah confirmed the death of its senior commander, accusing Israel of crossing a 'serious red line.' The strike occurred despite an existing ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, brokered by the United States and France in November last year. Israeli officials allege that Hezbollah has been rebuilding its military capacity, smuggling weapons into Lebanon, and increasing the production of explosive drones, raising fears of renewed conflict in the region.

Jatiya Party Chairman Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud has declared that his party will not participate in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election unless false cases against senior leaders and travel bans on many members are withdrawn. He made the statement during a meeting with Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland at a Dhaka hotel on November 23. Mahmud said that a level playing field for elections does not yet exist, citing administrative divisions, mob culture, and poor law and order. The party’s delegation, including Secretary General ABM Ruhul Amin Hawlader and International Affairs Envoy Mashroor Mowla, emphasized that the Jatiya Party remains election-oriented but cannot contest under current conditions. The Commonwealth delegation, consisting of five members, sought clarity on the party’s electoral stance. Mowla later told the media that unless the government lifts the restrictions and withdraws the alleged false cases, the Jatiya Party will abstain from the election.

An Awami League leader, Tariq Rifat, aged 50, died from a heart attack while being transferred from Gaibandha District Jail to the hospital on Sunday, November 23. Jail Superintendent Anwar Hossain confirmed the death, stating that Rifat fell ill shortly after being brought to the jail and was immediately taken to Gaibandha General Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Rifat, son of former chairman Abu Taher Mia from Rajahar Union, was the finance secretary of the local Awami League and convener of the Upazila Awami Muktijoddha Projonmo League. He had been arrested on November 17 in connection with three explosive-related cases, including vandalism and arson at a Jamaat office. Due to health issues, he was treated at Rangpur Medical College Hospital before being sent to jail through court order. His medical certificate indicated pre-existing heart disease and other complications.

In Chattogram’s Lohagara upazila, 41 out of 103 government primary schools currently lack head teachers, forcing assistant teachers to take on dual roles as acting heads. According to the local Primary Education Office, 58 assistant teacher positions also remain vacant, while several schools face legal complications delaying appointments. Acting head teachers report administrative delays and disruptions in classroom teaching, affecting student attendance, discipline, and academic performance. Education officials and teacher associations attribute the crisis to a decade-long stagnation in promotions and recruitment. They warn that the shortage undermines the foundation of primary education and demotivates senior teachers. Authorities have informed higher officials and expect resolution soon, though the issue reflects a nationwide problem. Parents and educators urge immediate recruitment to restore proper academic and administrative functioning in the affected schools.

In Chattogram’s Bakalia area, Farida Begum, mother of murder victim Sajjad, filed a case against 13 individuals, including expelled Jubo Dal leader Emdadul Haque Badsha, accusing them of orchestrating her son’s killing. The case, accepted by the Chattogram Metropolitan Magistrate Court, was set for an order on Sunday. However, Farida Begum unexpectedly applied to withdraw the case, reportedly under pressure from influential quarters. She declined to explain her decision, saying only that she could not disclose the reason. The complaint had alleged that Badsha, a known extortionist and gang leader, had his men lure Sajjad from his home before he was shot dead. Despite repeated appeals, police allegedly ignored Farida’s requests to question key suspects. The court has now scheduled Thursday for an order regarding the withdrawal. The incident has raised concerns about intimidation and the influence of powerful figures in local justice processes.

Bhutan’s Prime Minister Lotay Tshering held a courtesy meeting with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman in Dhaka on Sunday evening, November 23. The meeting took place at the InterContinental Hotel in Shahbagh, where both leaders discussed matters of mutual interest in a cordial atmosphere. Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, and Foreign Affairs Adviser Professor Dr. Mahmudul Hasan were also present during the meeting. The discussion was described as a courtesy call, coinciding with the Bhutanese leader’s official visit to Bangladesh. No official statement was released regarding the specific topics discussed, but the meeting drew attention due to the involvement of a political party not currently registered for elections. The event underscores ongoing diplomatic and political engagements between visiting foreign dignitaries and various political figures in Bangladesh.

A 70-year-old man named Arfoz Ali was killed and at least 20 others were injured in a violent clash between two groups over a land dispute in Deora village under Shahjadapur Union of Sarail upazila, Brahmanbaria, on Sunday evening. Police and locals reported that the conflict stemmed from a long-standing dispute between the Dhana Mia and Shipon groups over a piece of land in the Magurhati area. During the altercation, both sides used local weapons, resulting in Arfoz Ali’s death and multiple injuries. One of the injured, Faruk Mia, was transferred to Dhaka in critical condition. The injured are receiving treatment at local hospitals. Police later arrived at the scene, brought the situation under control, and sent the body to the district hospital morgue. Legal proceedings are underway, according to Sarail Police Station Officer-in-Charge Morshedul Alam Chowdhury.

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Dr. Mohammad Moinuddin Momen claimed that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina concealed information about her agricultural property in her 2008 election affidavit, showing only 5.2 acres while ACC investigations found 29 acres. Speaking at a public hearing in Sylhet, he said the commission could not cancel her nomination at that time despite the findings. Momen emphasized that candidates must declare both domestic and foreign assets, warning that failure to disclose unearned wealth would prompt ACC action. During the hearing, he ordered the immediate suspension of MAG Osmani Medical College librarian Shekhar Das over a bribery allegation involving BDT 200,000. Citizens raised 73 complaints against various government offices, including bribery at passport offices and irregularities in gas connections. The ACC chief admitted corruption within the commission itself and urged the media to expose corrupt officials, stressing the need to elect honest leaders to curb corruption.

A free medical camp was organized in the Kashipur area of Homna upazila, Cumilla, on Sunday, providing healthcare services to several hundred underprivileged people. The initiative was taken by Monowar Hossain Sarkar, vice president of the UK-based Zia Parishad and a BNP nomination aspirant for the Cumilla-2 constituency. The event was attended by Zia Parishad Secretary General Professor Dr. Md. Emtaz Hossain as the chief guest, with senior joint secretary Abdullahil Masud, organizational secretary Robiul Islam, and Motijheel Thana president Engineer Abu Raihan as speakers. Among the special guests were local BNP leaders, including Monir Hossain and Shariat Ullah. The camp aimed to provide free medical consultations and basic treatment to disadvantaged residents, reflecting ongoing community outreach efforts linked to political and social organizations in the region.

Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU) in Dhaka has announced the closure of the university until December 6 following safety concerns after a recent earthquake. The decision was made during an emergency meeting on November 23, where the administration instructed all students to vacate their residential halls by 5 p.m. on Monday. The move comes after a 5.7-magnitude earthquake on November 21 caused visible cracks in three of the university’s seven dormitories, sparking panic among students. In response, the university authorities inspected the affected buildings and formed a committee to assess their structural integrity. Professor Dr. Md. Ashabul Haque, Director of Student Counseling and Guidance, confirmed the decision, emphasizing that the temporary closure aims to ensure student safety while necessary inspections and repairs are carried out.

In Cox’s Bazar’s Pekua upazila, thirty local leaders and activists of the ruling Awami League have joined the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The group, all previously holding ward and union-level positions under the Barabakia Union Awami League, formally switched allegiance on Saturday evening after a local BNP council session. They presented flowers to Upazila BNP General Secretary Iqbal Hossain to mark their entry. The new BNP members said they were inspired by the ideals and contributions of BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, whom they described as a leader of the region’s people. Local BNP leaders, including Iqbal Hossain and Master Yunus, welcomed the new members, saying the move was voluntary and motivated by political conviction. The event was attended by leaders from various BNP-affiliated organizations, including the youth, student, and farmers’ wings, reflecting growing political activity in the area ahead of the next national election.

Former Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General ATM Azharul Islam has alleged that Sheikh Hasina, whom he referred to as a 'convicted killer,' has fled to India and is attempting to carry out subversive activities against Bangladesh from there. Speaking at a meeting with businessmen in Taraganj, Rangpur, on Sunday evening, Azharul Islam claimed that India could never be a true friend of Bangladesh and might even attack the country. He further stated that Hasina had falsely implicated him in crimes against humanity to execute a political vendetta, but he was later acquitted. Urging citizens to remain vigilant against corruption and authoritarianism, he said Jamaat-e-Islami has always worked for public welfare and promised to use taxpayers’ money for the people’s benefit if elected. The event was organized by the Industrialist and Businessmen Welfare Foundation and attended by local Jamaat leaders and business representatives.

Pakistan continued their impressive form in the ongoing tri-nation T20 series by defeating Zimbabwe convincingly in Rawalpindi to book their place in the final. Batting first after winning the toss, Pakistan posted 195 for 5, thanks to half-centuries from captain Babar Azam (74 off 52) and Sahibzada Farhan (63 off 41). In reply, Zimbabwe struggled against Pakistan’s spin attack, collapsing for just 126 in 19 overs. Usman Tariq starred with the ball, taking 4 wickets for 18 runs in his four overs. Ryan Burl top-scored for Zimbabwe with 67 off 49 balls, but lacked support from the other end. With this victory, Pakistan have won all three of their matches, securing 6 points and a spot in the final. Zimbabwe remain second with 2 points, while Sri Lanka, yet to win a game, must win their next two matches to stay in contention for the final.