From Jail for Wife-Beating to DC: Controversial Appointment Sparks Outrage
A man who once served jail time for beating his wife over dowry demands has now been appointed by the government as the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Barishal ahead of the election. The Deputy Commissioner is responsible for overseeing overall district administration, including law and order and land affairs. The role demands prestige and integrity. However, officials in the administration have expressed astonishment at the appointment of an officer who himself lacks personal ethics. His name is Khairul Alam Suman, a 29th batch officer. He has recently been made the DC of Barishal.
Bus Arson and a Series of Cocktail Blasts Hit Dhaka and Two Nearby Districts
A series of bus fires and consecutive crude bomb (cocktail) explosions in Dhaka, Narayanganj’s Siddhirganj, and Gazipur has created nationwide unrest and concern. From Saturday (15 November) morning until late night, at least three buses were set on fire and more than 15 cocktail explosions occurred in different areas of the capital. Although no casualties were reported, questions have arisen among the public regarding the law and order situation.
Boat Carrying 26 Bangladeshis Sinks off Libya Coast; 4 Bodies Recovered
Four Bangladeshis have died after two boats carrying about 100 migrants sank off the Al-Khums coast in northwestern Libya. The Libyan Red Crescent confirmed the information on Saturday, following the capsizing of the two vessels on Thursday night.
“We Won’t Hand Over the Port to Foreigners”: SKOP Leads Torch Procession in Chattogram
A torch procession has been held at the initiative of the Chattogram District Committee of the Workers-Employees Unity Council (SKOP) in protest against the possible process of handing over Chattogram Port to foreign companies.
More Than 50 Injured in Worker–Student Clash in Barishal
A clash has occurred between students and bus workers in Barishal over the refusal to allow half fare. Workers claimed that more than fifty buses were vandalized during the incident. At least 60 people from both sides were reportedly injured during the clash.
Dhaka Sees Three Separate Cocktail Blasts; Motorcycle Burns in Hatirjheel
Explosions of crude bombs (cocktails) occurred in Mirpur, Pallabi, and Hatirjheel in the capital. In the Hatirjheel blast, a motorcycle caught fire.
NCTB Claims Textbooks Will Be Delivered in January, Stakeholders Express Uncertainty
Although there are some problems with printing free textbooks at the secondary level, the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) has claimed that all students will receive their textbooks next January. However, leaders of the Bangladesh Mudran Shilpa Samity (BMSS) say that if the government shows sincerity and effort, it will be possible to distribute the textbooks in January. Otherwise, it will not be possible to distribute all books in January.
Protests Called Against Leasing Laldia and Pangaon Ports to Foreign Companies
The Left Democratic Alliance believes that the country has been turned into a pawn of imperialist conspiracies. According to the alliance, the interim government is now implementing the previous autocratic government’s plan to lease out ports. They claim the government is attempting to portray foreign investment as development through such activities.
Awami League Calls for Nationwide Shutdown on 16–17 November
The Awami League has announced a nationwide shutdown on 16–17 November following what it called the “successful lockdown” on 13 November. The program was declared to demand the resignation of interim government chief adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, an end to the “farcical trial,” and the restoration of democracy. The announcement has raised concerns about unrest, security risks, and a potential paralysis of public life across the country.
Sheikh Hasina Tells BBC She Is Not Guilty of Crimes Against Humanity
Bangladesh’s former prime minister Sheikh Hasina has rejected allegations of committing crimes against humanity during the deadly crackdown on last year’s uprising that led to her ouster. Her remarks come just days before the special tribunal handling her case is expected to announce its verdict.