The Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has been denied permission by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to call for a second round of tenders for the MRT Line-1 and MRT Line-5 (North) projects, despite contractors quoting significantly higher prices than estimated. The approved cost for MRT Line-1 was Tk 52,561 crore, but bids could raise it to nearly Tk 97,000 crore. Similarly, MRT Line-5’s cost may double from its approved Tk 41,238 crore. Under the loan agreement with JICA, DMTCL cannot renegotiate prices with contractors. Infrastructure experts blame weak loan terms negotiated during the previous Awami League government for the cost escalation, arguing that JICA’s restrictions contradict international practices. DMTCL officials admit the bids are excessively high but say they are exploring alternative financing and local material use to curb costs. The Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges has indicated that discussions with JICA are ongoing to find a solution to the rising expenses.

A new Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS 2025) by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) and UNICEF reveals that cesarean (C-section) deliveries in Bangladesh have surged by 32.7% over the past decade, reaching 51.8% in 2025 compared to 19.1% in 2012–13. The rate is higher in urban areas (56%) than in rural regions (50%), and wealthier women are more likely to undergo C-sections than poorer ones. Experts warn that unnecessary C-sections are driven by private hospitals’ financial incentives, fear of labor pain, and lack of proper medical guidance. UNICEF’s country director Rana Flowers called the trend “abnormal,” noting that 75% of women now deliver in hospitals, many through costly surgical procedures that push families into poverty. Public health experts urge stronger government oversight, ethical medical practices, and awareness campaigns to promote normal deliveries and reduce health risks for mothers and newborns.

Khulna Power Company Limited (KPCL) has signed an asset purchase agreement with Dubai-based Subson Energy FZCO to sell its 40-megawatt power plant located in Noapara, Jashore. According to the Dhaka Stock Exchange, the deal includes provisions for KPCL to either sell the plant or export its generated electricity. This follows a previous agreement with Turkey’s Aksa Enerji Üretim A.S. for the sale of KPCL’s 115MW KPC Unit-2 in Khalishpur, Khulna. KPCL’s financial performance has improved notably, with earnings per share (EPS) rising to Tk 0.25 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025–26, compared to Tk 0.04 a year earlier. The company’s net asset value per share (NAVPS) stood at Tk 19.27 as of September 30, 2025. KPCL attributed the profit growth to higher income and increased contributions from its subsidiaries. For the 2024–25 fiscal year, KPCL declared a 5% cash dividend for general investors, following a 10% payout in the previous two years.

The recently concluded Bihar state assembly elections, held in two phases on November 6 and 11, resulted in a decisive victory for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which secured 202 of the 243 seats. The opposition Mahagathbandhan (MGB) alliance, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), managed to win only 35 seats. Notably, only 10 Muslim candidates were elected to the assembly, marking the lowest Muslim representation since 1990. Despite Muslims constituting about 17.7% of Bihar’s population, both major alliances fielded fewer Muslim candidates compared to the 2020 election. The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), led by Asaduddin Owaisi, contested 25 seats with 23 Muslim candidates and won five, performing strongly in Muslim-majority districts such as Kishanganj, Purnea, Katihar, and Araria. In contrast, the ruling Janata Dal (United) fielded only four Muslim candidates, and the opposition RJD and Congress saw limited success among their Muslim nominees.

Despite a ceasefire declared over a month ago, Israeli forces have continued airstrikes across Gaza, worsening the plight of residents already suffering from severe flooding and cold weather. Heavy rains over the weekend inundated large parts of the enclave, destroying nearly 93% of refugee tents, according to Gaza’s media office. Many displaced Palestinians have sought shelter in bombed-out buildings at risk of collapse. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) urged Israel to allow essential supplies into Gaza to provide shelter materials for those affected. Israel has restricted UNRWA’s operations since last year, alleging links between its staff and Hamas. Recent strikes in Khan Younis, Gaza City, and Rafah killed at least three people, while the Palestinian Health Ministry reported additional casualties and the return of bodies of detainees. Overall, more than 69,000 people have been killed and over 170,000 injured in Gaza during the two-year conflict, as humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate.

A passenger bus parked on the Dhaka-Narayanganj Link Road in Fatullah was set on fire by unidentified miscreants early Sunday night. The incident occurred around 1:45 a.m. near the Narayanganj Income Tax Office in the Isdair area. The driver, Nasir, and his helper, Nayan, who were asleep inside the bus after dropping off garment workers, woke up to the heat and flames. They managed to escape unharmed and, with the help of locals, extinguished the fire before it could spread. Fire service units and police teams from Fatullah Model Police Station arrived shortly after. Authorities confirmed that the fire caused limited damage due to the quick response of the driver and locals. Police have launched an investigation to identify those responsible for the arson attack.

A Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) intelligence team came under indiscriminate gunfire in Narayanganj’s Masdair area on Sunday afternoon while attempting to apprehend alleged terrorist and drug dealer Zahid. According to police and local sources, Zahid and his associates opened fire upon realizing the presence of RAB personnel, injuring a nearby housewife, Joba Akter, 22, who was cooking at home when a bullet struck her in the chest. She was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital in critical condition. Zahid, who is accused in three murder cases, had reportedly attacked a local political leader the previous evening. Law enforcement officials, including RAB-11 and Narayanganj police, have launched an operation to capture Zahid and his accomplices. Authorities confirmed that the suspects fled the scene after the shooting. Police and RAB officials stated that efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest the perpetrators responsible for the attack.

In the remote hill areas of Rangamati’s Kaukhali and Baghaichhari upazilas, the Bangladesh Army has been conducting free medical camps to provide healthcare to communities cut off from modern medical facilities. The initiative, ongoing since November 10, includes doctors and specialists offering treatment and distributing medicines worth around two lakh taka. However, the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), an armed group opposing the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord, has reportedly been threatening locals not to attend the camps, warning of fines and punishment. Despite initial fear and low turnout, attendance increased later as residents realized the army’s humanitarian intent. The army reaffirmed its commitment to peace, security, and welfare in the hill region, vowing not to be deterred by intimidation. Local leaders and residents praised the army’s efforts and urged continuation of such medical services to address the severe healthcare shortage in the area.

Delhi University has come under fire for allegedly violating academic freedom after canceling a long-running seminar on democracy and directing faculty and students to attend a 'National Cow Conference' on the same day. Critics, including sociology professor Nandini Sundar, accused the administration of promoting a Hindutva agenda and suppressing secular and democratic discourse. The university claimed the seminar was canceled due to lack of prior approval, but organizers argued that such permission had never been required in the event’s 60-year history. The Democratic Teachers’ Front condemned the move as ideological suppression and bias against social sciences. Analysts say the incident reflects a broader trend under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, where universities face growing political pressure, restrictions on academic content, and intolerance toward critical research. The controversy underscores concerns about the erosion of academic autonomy and the increasing politicization of higher education in India.

Three separate incidents of arson occurred within about an hour on Sunday night in Dhaka’s Badda, Dhamrai, and Savar areas, where unidentified miscreants set fire to three buses. The first fire broke out around 10 p.m. in Badda when a northbound passenger bus was torched, though no casualties were reported. Shortly afterward, another bus parked near Dhamrai’s Dhulivita bus stand was set ablaze by three men arriving on two motorcycles, who allegedly used gunpowder to ignite the fire. The blaze destroyed most of the bus’s interior before firefighters extinguished it. About half an hour later, a third bus belonging to Alif Paribahan was burned near Savar’s Birulia embankment area while it was parked. The owner, who had left for dinner, reported losses of around five lakh taka. Police have launched investigations to identify those responsible for the coordinated attacks, though no arrests have been made yet.

A gruesome triple murder shocked Khulna’s Labanchora area on Sunday night when a grandmother and her two young grandchildren were found dead inside their home. The victims, Shahitun Nesa (55), her grandson Mustakim (8), and granddaughter Fatiha (7), were reportedly beaten to death with bricks or sticks. The children’s parents, both working professionals, discovered the bodies after returning home from work. Relatives and locals suspect that a long-standing land dispute may have led to the killings, with the children’s mother alleging that a relative involved in the dispute could be responsible. Police have launched an investigation and are treating the case as a homicide. The bodies were sent to Khulna Medical College Hospital for autopsy, and law enforcement officials have begun operations to locate the suspects. Authorities have yet to confirm any arrests as the investigation continues.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs of Bangladesh has officially completed the registration process for the 2026 Hajj season, confirming that 78,500 Bangladeshi pilgrims will be able to perform the pilgrimage next year. This marks a reduction of 48,698 pilgrims compared to the previous year’s quota, as Saudi Arabia had allowed 127,198 pilgrims in 2024. Rising costs have contributed to lower participation rates, with only about 85,000 pilgrims traveling in 2024 despite a higher quota. Registered pilgrims can now verify their information through the official Hajj portal (hajj.gov.bd) using their passport numbers, while a dedicated call center (16136) has been launched for assistance. The ministry stated that details on Hajj packages, training, and other preparations will be announced in phases. The Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) has introduced three private packages ranging from BDT 510,000 to 750,000, while the government has announced three packages priced between BDT 467,167 and 690,597. The 2026 Hajj is expected to take place on May 26, subject to moon sighting.

A total of 26 journalists from print, online, and electronic media were honored with the Nagad-DRU Best Reporting Award 2025 for their exceptional contributions to investigative journalism. The award ceremony took place on Sunday, November 16, at the International Mother Language Institute in Dhaka, organized by the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) with sponsorship from mobile financial service provider Nagad. Chief guest Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, interim government economic adviser and noted economist, praised journalists for their vital role in providing accurate information during challenging times. He highlighted improvements in Bangladesh’s economic indicators, including reduced inflation and increased foreign reserves. The event was also attended by Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur and Nagad Chairman Kaisser Ahmed Chowdhury. Awards were given across 24 categories, recognizing reports published or broadcast between September 1, 2024, and October 30, 2025. DRU President Abu Saleh Akon presided over the ceremony, congratulating the winners and encouraging others to continue their pursuit of excellence in journalism.

During the second day of dialogues with the Election Commission (EC) ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, representatives from 12 political parties emphasized the need for the EC to act firmly, transparently, and neutrally to ensure a free and credible vote. Parties expressed concern over the influence of 'invisible forces' and urged the EC to prevent any external interference or pressure on the electoral process. They also raised issues regarding the timing and structure of the proposed referendum, the use of CCTV cameras in polling stations, the influence of black money, and the enforcement of electoral codes of conduct. Several parties suggested reducing candidate deposits and holding elections in phases. The EC reaffirmed its commitment to impartiality, warning that those using muscle power or spreading misinformation would face consequences. Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin stated that the EC would act strictly according to the law and not favor any political side.

German Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil is set to visit China for high-level financial talks, marking the first trip by a cabinet minister from the new German government to its key trading partner. The visit comes amid strained relations following Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul’s canceled trip and growing concerns over China’s export controls on rare earths, which have exposed Germany’s economic dependence on Beijing. Klingbeil aims to strike a conciliatory tone, emphasizing dialogue and cooperation while cautioning that any Chinese military action against Taiwan would alter Berlin’s stance. The German parliament recently established a commission to review economic ties and Chinese investments in critical infrastructure. The outcome of Klingbeil’s visit could influence whether Chancellor Friedrich Merz undertakes his own trip to China, as Berlin seeks to balance economic interests with geopolitical caution in an increasingly complex relationship.