The bullet-hit body of 25-year-old woman was recovered from Dhaka-Mawa Expressway in Dogachhi area of Munshiganj on Saturday morning. The deceased was identified as Shahida Begum, daughter of Motaleb Mia. She used to work as domestic help in a house at Dhaka’s Wari area. Being informed by locals, police recovered the body from the expressway and Shahida’s mother Jarina Khatun identified her body in the afternoon. According to locals, Shahida was roaming with a young man in the morning and locked into an altercation with him. Police also recovered five empty bullet shells from the scene. Additional Superintendent of Police (Srinagar Circle) Md. Anisur Rahman said the killer  fled immediately after the shooting the woman. A motorcycle was found near the body. A special team from the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) collected evidence from the site. The body was sent to hospital morgue for autopsy.

Speakers at a roundtable discussion on Saturday explored the evolving dynamics of Bangladesh-India relations, with a focus on identifying opportunities, addressing challenges and charting a constructive path forward. They observed that the relationship is not defined by just a few days or months and remained optimistic that it will improve in the near future. The South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance (SIPG), in collaboration with the Department of Political Science & Sociology (PSS) at North South University (NSU), hosted the discussion titled “Bangladesh-India Relations: Expectations, Challenges, and Future Prospects.” The event, held at NSU’s Syndicate Hall, brought together a panel of experts and stakeholders to discuss the key issues between the two countries. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, while speaking as the chief guest, underscored the critical need for fostering mutual trust and engaging in open, constructive dialogue as a means to overcome the existing challenges and unlock the full potential of Bangladesh-India bilateral cooperation. He emphasised that the true measure of Bangladesh’s success in enhancing bilateral ties with India would be rooted in national consensus and unity, which, he believes, will serve as the litmus test for the country’s future progress in this regard. The discussion featured a panel, including Dr SM Asaduzzaman Ripon, BNP Vice Chairman, Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuaad, joint member secretary of AB Party; Saquib Ali, former diplomat; Lt Gen (retd) Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman, former Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division; and Prof Dr Mohammad Abdur Rob, Vice-Chancellor of Manarat International University. These experts brought a range of perspectives to the discussion, addressing both the challenges and opportunities in strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India. The panel was moderated by Dr M Jashim Uddin, Associate Prof at NSU’s Department of Political Science & Sociology, noted that many Bangladeshis feel that the country has not received the expected support from India following the Liberation War of 1971. He also highlighted the current tensions and challenges in the Bangladesh-India relationship, reflecting on how these historical and contemporary issues have shaped public perceptions and diplomatic efforts. He stated that a much-anticipated national unity is needed, giving the highest priority to our national interests. Australia reiterates commitment to advancing gender equality In his opening remarks, Prof Sk. Tawfique M Haque, Director of SIPG, set the tone for the discussion by providing a comprehensive analysis of the historical, political, and economic factors that have shaped Bangladesh-India relations. He stressed the importance of building a national consensus in Bangladesh to develop a more constructive, forward-looking relationship with India. Barrister Fuaad emphasised the role of lobbying and political maneuvering in shaping Bangladesh-India relations. He argued that external pressures and vested interests have often complicated diplomatic efforts and undermined the spirit of cooperation. Saquib Ali highlighted the lingering effects of colonial trauma as a significant barrier to smoother relations between the two nations. He observed that, historically, Bangladesh’s leadership has often prioritized political party interests over national interests, with the people’s welfare coming second. Lt Gen (retd) Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman brought attention to the growing influence of China in the region, noting that this has placed the Bangladesh-India relationship in a particularly delicate position. Prof Dr Mohammad Abdur Rob echoed similar concerns, stating that India’s regional aspirations and aggressive measures complicate efforts to build a cooperative relationship with Bangladesh. Asaduzzaman Ripon expressed deep concern over the continued use of extremist narratives in Indian media, noting that these narratives, often propagated by previous regimes, continue to shape perceptions in both countries. He also commended the students of North South University, particularly for their role in the July Revolution. In his closing remarks, Prof Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, NSU Vice-Chancellor expressed a hopeful outlook on the future of Bangladesh-India relations. Prof Chowdhury reaffirmed NSU’s commitment to hosting meaningful dialogues that contribute to shaping the political and economic landscape of the region. Acknowledging the deep historical, cultural, and economic ties between Bangladesh and India since 1971, Prof Chowdhury noted that while these connections are significant, it is also essential to address the issue of external interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs.

Three more deaths were reported from dengue in 24 hours till Saturday morning, raising the number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 488 this year. The recent fatalities occurred in the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). During the period, 675 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). More research on dementia needed, says Health Adviser Of them, 157 dengue patients were admitted in hospital under Dhaka North City Corporation while 155 were hospitalised in Dhaka South City Corporation. As of now, 3,102 patients are receiving treatment in hospitals across the country. Since January 1, 2024, a total of 91,469 dengue cases have been reported. BRAC launches mental health hotline ‘Moner Jotno’ Last year, dengue claimed the lives of 1,705 people, making it the deadliest year on record. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), there were 321,179 dengue cases and 318,749 recoveries in 2023.

An ordinance has been promulgated repealing the Quick Enhancement of Electricity and Energy Supply (Special Provision) Act 2010. After the approval of the Advisory Council, the President promulgated the ordinance repealing the law on Thursday (Nov 28). Earlier, on November 20, the Advisory Council endorsed the policy and gave the final approval to promulgate the 'Quick Enhancement of Electricity and Energy (Special Provisions) (Repeal) Ordinance, 2024'. ICT (amendment) ordinance receives approval to shield trials from scrutiny Although the law has been repealed, any contract or measure taken under it before the repeal will remain valid. The ongoing activities under such contracts must be continued or concluded as if the law had not been repealed, it said. The government reserves the right to review any activities conducted under the law in the public interest and may take any necessary action regarding those activities. The High Court (HC) on November 14 declared the immunity provision in Section 9 of the Quick Enhancement of Electricity and Energy Supply (Special Provision) Act-2010 as “illegal and unconstitutional.” Draft ordinance for repealing security for family of Father of the Nation approved According to Section 9 of the act, no question can be raised before any court regarding the validity of any action, or any action deemed to have been done, any action taken and any order or direction given under this act. Section 6(2) of the act reads that any planning or proposal related to the buying or investment decisions has to be approved by the energy minister and sent to the cabinet committee for approval after communicating and bargaining with one or more institutions following Section 7 of the act.

Gas supply will remain suspended for 10 hours on Sunday in different areas in the capital for emergency works in gas pipeline. According to Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company PLC, the areas where gas supply will remain off from 10 am to 8 pm on Sunday include Uttarkhan, Dakkhin Kan, Ashkona and Faidabad. Gas supply to remain off for 12 hrs in Dhaka EPZ, adjacent areas The adjoining areas may experience low pressure during the period, said the Titas Gas regretting the temporary inconvenience to its consumers.

Gias Uddin Zoarder, a newly appointed member of Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), has resigned against the backdrop of media reports on his alleged involvement in corruption. According to official sources, Gias Uddin Zoarder, a former top official of the Dhaka Power Distribution Company (DPDC) PLC, submitted his resignation letter to the Secretary of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division on November 29 citing personal ground. Newly appointed CEC, commissioners likely to take oath Sunday Earlier, the government appointed four new members including Gias Uddin in the BERC on November 26 through separate notifications.

The Traffic Division of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) filed 2,683 cases during operations against traffic rule violators in the last two days in various areas of the capital. Talebur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner (Media) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, shared this information in a media release on Saturday afternoon. Joint Forces arrest 12 men with arms in Dhaka's Geneva Camp During the operations, 34 vehicles were impounded, and 93 others were towed. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) carried out the operations on Thursday and Friday (November 28 and 29). The DMP's drives will continue to enforce traffic regulations in the Dhaka metropolitan area, he added.

Religious Affairs Adviser A.F.M. Khalid Hossain has said that a group both inside and outside the country is attempting to disrupt the communal harmony and unity of the nation but all such conspiracies would be thwarted . “With the support of people, all conspiracies would be thwarted and no conspiracy will be allowed to succeed,” he said while addressing as the chief guest at the Talented people and Meritorious Student Reception organised by the Baufal Foundation Dhaka at the Multipurpose Hall of the Institution of Diploma Engineers Bangladesh (IDEB) in Kakrail Saturday morning. "In our beloved country people of various religions, castes, and communities coexist. As per the Constitution everyone has equal rights. People of all religions have been practicing and disseminating their faiths with dignity, and they will continue to do so without any hindrance in the future." No more IPP in power sector with govt guarantee to buy electricity: Adviser He aid whether individuals or groups are involved in conspiracies the government will investigate and bring them to justice. “Those involved in criminal activities will be given exemplary punishment through the judicial process.” Khalid also said all necessary measures will be taken to ensure a free, fair, and impartial election. He said the elections will be held on the date announced by the Chief Adviser and after 15-16 years the people would have the opportunity to vote for their preferred candidates. Twenty talented people, 120 meritorious students and six martyr families were given reception at the event.

The government will not allow any more independent power producer (IPP) plants to be set up in the private sector as the private sector will have to set up power plants under merchant power plant policy (MPPP) from which the government will purchase a maximum 10-20 percent power from the plant. Power and Energy Adviser Dr Fouzul Kabir Khan said this while addressing a seminar titled ‘Rapid Transition to Renewables: Role of Domestic Financial Institution’, organised by Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) at its auditorium on Saturday. Currently, the government provides a guarantee to buy the total electricity of an IPP power plant, set up under private power generation policy. under the new policy, the adviser said, the private producer has to sell electricity through his own buyer through the government grid system by paying a wheeling charge. During the previous Awami League regime, banks have financed many projects seeking the faces of the people, not based on the assets of the investors, he added. Future projects to prioritise feasibility, people’s welfare: Adviser Fauzul The adviser went on to say, “Now, when these loans are defaulting, the banks are checking their balance sheets like those of S Alam and Beximco and finding the balance sheets are empty and there is no asset.” Fouzul Kabir said the interim government’s focus on promoting renewable energy (RE) and stressed that there is no alternative to RE to get electricity as it has been a compulsion for the country’s export-oriented garment sector. Held with ERF President Mohammad Refayet Ullah Mirdha in the chair, the seminar was also addressed by Centre for Policy Dialogue’s research director Dr Khondaker Golam Moazzem, the City Bank’s business country manager Ashanur Rahman and chief executive officer of CLEAN Hasan Mehedi. Chairperson of Centre for Environment and Participatory Research (CEPR) Gouranga Nandy made a presentation on the topic of the seminar and ERF general secretary Abul Kashem conducted the event. Rooftop solar can reduce reliance on grid electricity: Energy Adviser Dr Kabir said that is not true the scarcity of land has been the main bottleneck in promotion of the solar power projects, and noted that there are huge lands in different government departments that remain unutilised and empty. “Those thousands acres of land could be utilised for the solar power plants.” The adviser opposed the idea of tax exemption for importing different components of solar power like inverter, panel and structures saying that these should not be imported from abroad. Rather, these should be produced locally like those are in India, he added. Dr Kabir also opposed the demand for reconsidering the cancelled 37 solar power plants which were selected on the basis of Speed Increase of Power and Energy Supply (Special Provision) Act 2010 and issued letter of intent (ILO) by the previous regime. “There is no scope for reconsidering those projects as the High Court has already scrapped the Law.” Fouzul Kabir urged the businesspeople to invest in different sectors including power and energy on the basis of business competition. “The government has opened up all businesses for all businessmen to get jobs through competition. Now the days of obtaining business through favour and faces have gone.” Energy sector contracts will be free from political influence: Adviser Dr Khondaker Golam Moazzem said that the local banks often are not interested in financing the RE projects as those are long-term ones and banks collect deposits on a short-term basis. So, there is a risk in financing the long term projects and the central bank takes initiative to cover the risk, he added. Gouranga Nandy said that though the banks are doing green financing to implement renewable energy projects, there is no upward trend in the investment in solar energy as there is no specific guideline for the banks to invest in the sector.    

A 45-year-old woman died after being hit by a train on Harian rail crossing in Poba upazila of Rajshahi  on Saturday morning. The identity of the deceased could not be known yet. 4 killed in separate road accidents in Natore Gopal Karmakar, Officer-in-Charge of Rajshahi Railway Police Station, said  Madhumati Express train left Rajshahi for Dhaka around 7am and hit the woman when she was passing the level crossing. Authorities informed the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to assist in identifying the victim.