At least 31 people have died and 14 others remain missing in Sri Lanka following severe floods and landslides triggered by continuous heavy rainfall this week, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). The worst-hit area is the hilly Badulla district, where 16 people were killed after being buried by landslides, while four more deaths occurred in nearby Nuwara Eliya. More than 400 homes have been submerged, affecting over 4,000 people across 17 districts. Authorities have evacuated over 1,100 families to temporary shelters and issued red alerts for landslides in eight mountainous districts. The DMC warned that river levels are rising rapidly and urged residents in low-lying areas to move to higher ground. The government has suspended national examinations for two days due to the extreme weather. Meteorologists attribute the intensified rainfall to a low-pressure system over the island’s east, with some regions recording over 300 millimeters of rain. Experts warn that climate change is increasing the frequency of such disasters in the country.

Prominent Bangladeshi lawyer Z I Khan Panna has announced that he will not represent Sheikh Hasina, who has been sentenced to death for crimes against humanity. In a video message posted on his verified Facebook account on Thursday, Panna stated that since Hasina herself has no confidence in the court, he would not argue on her behalf. He added that although the state had appointed him as her defense lawyer, he had not yet received the formal appointment letter. Once he receives it, he plans to formally resign from the position. Panna also mentioned that he would represent his friend, Advocate Fazlur Rahman, in a separate case filed against him. Additionally, he declared his intention to take up legal defense for Sajib Wazed Joy and Saima Wazed Putul, who were convicted in an Anti-Corruption Commission case.

Bangladesh’s interim government has given both policy-level and final approval to four major ordinances aimed at strengthening governance and institutional frameworks. The approval came during the weekly meeting of the Advisory Council held on Thursday (November 27) at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Dhaka, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The approved ordinances include the Anti-Corruption Commission (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, the Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Ordinance 2025, the Capital Development Authority (RAJUK) Ordinance 2025, and the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance 2025. Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced the decisions at a press briefing held later in the day at the Foreign Service Academy. These legislative measures are expected to enhance transparency, urban governance, and human rights protection mechanisms under the interim administration.

The 'Adommo Jobian Oikko' panel, backed by Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, has accused the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) Election Commission of bias, code of conduct violations, and attempting to delay the polls under alleged foreign influence. At a press conference on Thursday, the panel warned that students would not accept any conspiracy to postpone the election. They claimed the commission showed favoritism even before the election schedule was announced and that the Chief Election Commissioner violated neutrality by congratulating a candidate from his own department on social media. The panel also alleged inconsistencies in transport arrangements and selective enforcement of campaign rules, citing incidents where rival candidates were allowed to speak at a concert despite restrictions. They demanded strict enforcement of the election code and timely, fair elections on December 22 as scheduled.

Two of world football’s most celebrated teams, Brazil and Argentina, are set to meet not on the football field but on the cricket pitch. Brazil has traveled to Argentina for a five-match T20 cricket series, marking a rare bilateral encounter between the two South American nations in this sport. The first T20 match will begin tomorrow, followed by the second and third matches on November 28 at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. local time, respectively. The fourth and fifth matches are scheduled for November 30 at the same times. While both countries are globally known for their football rivalry, their cricketing history is limited, making this series a unique event for fans and a potential boost for cricket’s growth in the region.

Bangladesh’s law enforcement agencies have been ordered to conduct a special operation to arrest those responsible for recent attacks on Baul singers in different parts of the country. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced the directive following a meeting of the Advisory Council on Thursday. According to him, police in Manikganj are already acting on the instructions, while similar operations are underway in other affected areas including Thakurgaon and Khulna. The attacks reportedly took place during demonstrations demanding the release of Baul artist Abul Sarkar, who had earlier been detained on allegations of hurting religious sentiments. The government’s move aims to ensure accountability and prevent further violence against the Baul community, which has long been a symbol of Bangladesh’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

Global gold prices fell by 0.5 percent after two weeks of record highs, as investors began profit-taking amid uncertainty over the U.S. Federal Reserve’s future monetary policy. According to a Reuters report published Thursday, spot gold declined to $4,145.08 per ounce, while U.S. gold futures for December delivery dropped 0.6 percent to $4,140.80 per ounce. In Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) also reduced local gold prices by Tk 1,353 per bhori (11.664 grams). The new rate for 22-carat gold now stands at Tk 208,167 per bhori, while 21-carat, 18-carat, and traditional gold are priced at Tk 198,696, Tk 170,318, and Tk 141,648 respectively. BAJUS further stated that a 5 percent government VAT and a minimum 6 percent making charge must be added to the selling price, with variations allowed based on design and quality.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has announced a three-phase deployment plan for law enforcement agencies ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed stated that the deployment will include static forces at polling centers, mobile teams for patrolling and surveillance, and a central reserve unit for rapid response. The plan also includes strike forces capable of swift movement to maintain order. The Ministry of Home Affairs will oversee law enforcement duties, providing policy guidance and operational directives, while the EC will coordinate and monitor overall activities through a central observation cell. The size and composition of this cell are yet to be finalized. The decision was made following a meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner A. M. M. Nasir Uddin, attended by other commissioners, senior EC officials, and representatives from all law enforcement agencies. The EC aims to ensure a peaceful and secure electoral environment across the country.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has reaffirmed the expulsion of two of its former leaders, A K M Faridul Haque (Shahin Sikder), former general secretary of Bhurungamari Upazila BNP in Kurigram, and Mahbub Hasan Piaru, former joint convener of Khulna Metropolitan BNP. The decision was confirmed in a press release signed by the party’s Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday, November 26. Earlier, a separate press release had mistakenly stated that their expulsion orders were withdrawn. The latest statement clarified that the previous expulsion orders remain in effect and that the earlier announcement was issued in error. The BNP leadership emphasized that both individuals remain expelled from all party activities and positions, reaffirming the party’s internal disciplinary stance.

The United States has suspended all immigration applications from Afghan nationals following a deadly shooting near the White House in Washington, where two National Guard soldiers were killed. The suspected gunman, reportedly an Afghan who arrived in the US in September 2021, was taken into custody. In response to the incident, President Donald Trump called for a comprehensive review of all Afghan refugees who entered the country during the Biden administration, labeling the attack a 'terrorist act.' He urged stricter immigration controls and renewed vetting of foreign nationals admitted under previous policies. The decision to halt Afghan immigration processing reflects heightened security concerns and political tensions surrounding refugee admissions and national security in the US.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir visited Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer and former Member of Parliament Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, who is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Dhaka. The visit took place around 1 p.m. on Thursday, November 27. According to a statement signed by Jamaat’s senior secretary of publicity, Mujibul Alam, Mirza Fakhrul inquired about Dr. Taher’s health condition and prayed for his speedy recovery. The meeting highlights ongoing communication between leaders of the two opposition parties, BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, amid the latter’s limited political activity in recent years. No further details about Dr. Taher’s illness or treatment were disclosed by party sources or hospital authorities.

Tensions between India and China have resurfaced after an Indian woman from Arunachal Pradesh was allegedly detained and harassed for 18 hours at Shanghai Pudong Airport. The woman, Prema Wangjam Thongdok, was traveling from the UK to Japan when Chinese authorities questioned the validity of her Indian passport, claiming Arunachal Pradesh is part of China’s ‘South Tibet’. She was reportedly pressured to buy a new ticket and suffered financial losses before being released with help from the Indian consulate. China denied any wrongdoing, asserting it acted within its laws, while India reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of its territory and accused China of violating international transit norms. The incident has reignited long-standing disputes over the McMahon Line and territorial claims dating back to colonial times. Analysts believe the episode may not severely impact bilateral relations, which had shown signs of stabilization since the 2020 Galwan clash, but mutual distrust remains entrenched.

Bangladesh experienced three mild to moderate earthquakes within a span of 13 hours, according to the country's earthquake monitoring center. The first tremor occurred around 3:29 a.m. near Teknaf, originating 118 kilometers offshore in the Bay of Bengal, with a magnitude of 4.0. Just a minute later, at 3:30 a.m., another quake measuring 3.4 struck Sylhet, though most residents did not feel it. The third and final quake was recorded at 4:15 p.m. in Narsingdi’s Ghorashal area, registering a magnitude of 3.6. Officials described all three as minor, causing no reported damage or casualties. The incidents follow a stronger 5.7-magnitude earthquake on November 21 that shook the entire country, killing 10 people and injuring over 600. Authorities continue to monitor seismic activity closely amid rising public concern over frequent tremors in recent weeks.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has failed to form a new political alliance ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national election after a crucial meeting collapsed due to internal disagreements. The proposed coalition was expected to include NCP, Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, Bangladesh Reform Movement, and United Peoples Bangladesh (UP Bangladesh). However, during an emergency meeting on November 27, several NCP leaders opposed including UP Bangladesh in the alliance, leading to the suspension of discussions. NCP sources confirmed that the party’s election committee could not reach consensus, resulting in the postponement of the meeting. Leaders from AB Party and UP Bangladesh stated that discussions are ongoing but no final decision has been made. Journalists who arrived at the scheduled press event in Dhaka found no party representatives present, signaling uncertainty over the alliance’s future. The development highlights growing internal rifts within NCP and the fragile nature of emerging political coalitions ahead of the national polls.

Former Bangladesh cricketer and experienced coach Khaled Mahmud Sujon has been appointed as the head coach of Noakhali Express, the newest franchise to join the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). The announcement, which gained attention on social media on November 26, was later confirmed by Sujon himself. Sujon, who previously coached the Dhaka franchise to a BPL title and several finals, brings extensive domestic coaching experience to the new team. He recently guided Gulshan Cricket Club to a fifth-place finish in the Premier League, exceeding expectations. Currently serving as the head coach of Rajshahi’s Bangla Track Cricket Academy, Sujon stated that he accepted Noakhali’s offer as he is not tied to national team duties. The addition of Noakhali Express has generated excitement among local fans as the franchise prepares for its debut season.