Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has claimed that foreign powers are attempting to orchestrate leadership changes in Bangladesh’s two major political parties, the Awami League and the BNP. In an interview with BBC Bangla, Joy described these efforts as undemocratic and reminiscent of the 'refined party' concept discussed during the 2007 political crisis. He rejected the idea of any foreign-imposed restructuring of the Awami League, asserting that party leadership should be determined democratically by members. Joy also dismissed speculation that he or other members of the Sheikh family would automatically assume leadership after Hasina, emphasizing that the party remains united under her leadership despite its current ban and the imprisonment or exile of many leaders. He further alleged that false cases were being filed against his family to prevent them from contesting elections, while acknowledging past mistakes by the Awami League government during the July protests and calling for transparent investigations.

Ukraine will not surrender any of its territory to Russia in exchange for peace, according to Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelensky. In an interview with The Atlantic, Yermak stated that as long as Zelensky remains president, he will never sign any agreement transferring Ukrainian land to Russia. His remarks came after Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated that Moscow would not halt its offensive unless Ukrainian forces withdrew from regions claimed by the Kremlin. Russia currently controls about one-fifth of Ukraine, including Crimea and parts of Donbas, which remain central obstacles to peace negotiations. Discussions continue around a U.S.-backed peace plan, but Kyiv insists that all occupied territories must be returned. Zelensky has accused Moscow of disregarding genuine efforts to end the war, while Putin continues to push for international recognition of Russia’s annexed regions.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has pledged that if his party wins the upcoming national election, it will form a government in collaboration with the BNP and other anti-fascist political groups. Speaking at a youth, student, and citizen rally in Dhaka’s Bhashantek area, he emphasized the need to end political division and corruption, asserting that Jamaat has no history of embezzlement or extortion. Dr. Rahman criticized the current political system, saying the people no longer want biased or corrupt governance. He also claimed that despite attempts to destroy Jamaat over the past 15 years, the party has remained steadfast. Highlighting the nomination of ‘untainted’ candidates in all 300 constituencies, he said Jamaat’s goal is to establish a corruption-free society and a government that truly represents the people.

In Dhaka’s major markets, the price of green chili has fallen by nearly half over the past week, dropping from Tk 160–200 per kilogram to Tk 80–100. Onion prices have also eased slightly, with regular onions selling for Tk 95–105 and new leafy onions for Tk 70–80 per kilogram. However, vegetable prices remain high despite increased winter supply. Tomatoes, beans, and eggplants are still selling at elevated rates, ranging from Tk 80–140 per kilogram. Other vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, radish, and bottle gourd have seen modest price drops. Meat, fish, eggs, and poultry prices remain stable, with broiler chicken selling at Tk 155–170 per kilogram and eggs at Tk 115–120 per dozen. Retailers report that edible oil prices may rise by Tk 5–6 per liter soon, though supply remains steady. Traders expect vegetable prices to decline further in the coming days as supply improves.

Israeli soldiers shot dead two unarmed Palestinians in Jenin, West Bank, after they had reportedly surrendered during a military raid. Video footage shows the men raising their hands and lifting their shirts to show they were unarmed before being shot. The victims were identified as Al-Muntasir Billah Mahmoud Qasem Abdullah, 26, and Yusuf Ali Yusuf Asa’sa, 37. The Palestinian Authority condemned the killings as a war crime, while Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir defended the soldiers’ actions, saying they acted as expected against 'terrorists.' The Israeli army admitted to the shooting, claiming the men failed to follow orders. Hamas described the incident as part of a broader campaign to eliminate Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. The killings come amid intensified Israeli operations in the region, where over a thousand Palestinians have been killed and thousands arrested in the past two years.

France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom have jointly called on Israel to comply with international law and take immediate measures to protect Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. In a joint statement, the four European nations, known as the E4, expressed deep concern over the sharp rise in violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians, describing it as the highest level in nearly two decades. Citing UN data, the statement noted that 264 attacks were recorded in October, marking the highest monthly figure since 2006. The countries warned that escalating violence threatens to destabilize the West Bank and increase regional tensions. They urged the Israeli government to ensure accountability for perpetrators, address the root causes of violence, and refrain from any annexation, which they said would violate international law.

Bangladesh Under-17 football team continued their impressive run in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualifiers with a 2-1 victory over Bahrain in Chongqing, China. This marks their fourth consecutive win, following dominant victories against Timor-Leste (5-0), Brunei (8-0), and Sri Lanka (5-0). Substitute Bayezid opened the scoring in the 59th minute after a defensive error by Bahrain, while captain Nazmul Huda Faisal set up Manik for a stunning long-range second goal in the 72nd minute. Despite conceding one goal in the 85th minute, Bangladesh held firm to secure the win. The result puts Bangladesh in a strong position to qualify for the final round of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup, needing only a win against hosts China in their final group match on November 30 to top Group A. The young team’s attacking consistency, creative midfield play, and solid defense have drawn praise for their disciplined and confident performance.

In Natore’s Naldanga upazila, a six-kilometer connecting road from Patul Mini Cox’s Bazar to Khajuria, submerged for six months, has been cleared under an initiative by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s local unit. The road, previously covered with water hyacinths and aquatic weeds, had become unusable, causing severe hardship for residents. On Friday morning, the cleanup and recovery program began, inaugurated by Professor Md. Yunus Ali, Jamaat’s nominated candidate for the Natore-2 parliamentary seat. He stated that removing obstacles to public movement is a moral duty and that reopening the road would ease local life. Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Professor Md. Delwar Hossain Khan and district leaders attended as special guests. Locals expressed relief as the long-neglected road became usable again, marking a significant improvement in daily transportation and community access.

In Pabna-3 constituency, encompassing Chatmohar, Bhangura, and Faridpur upazilas, three siblings from the family of late BNP leader Haji Akkas Ali Master have taken divergent political paths ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national election. Hasanul Islam Raja, a BNP cultural wing adviser, has announced his independent candidacy after the party nominated agriculturist Hasan Zafir Tuhin. His brother, former upazila chairman and BNP leader Hasanul Islam Hira, has also protested the nomination, organizing torch processions demanding a local candidate. Their sister, advocate Arifa Sultana Ruma, a long-time BNP activist, has chosen to support the official BNP nominee and campaign for the party symbol. The internal split has sparked visible divisions within local BNP ranks, with former MP KM Anwarul Islam joining Hira’s protest. Election officials report 481,962 registered voters in the constituency. Analysts suggest that if independent or local candidates contest, the electoral balance could shift, potentially benefiting Jamaat-e-Islami’s candidate Professor Ali Asgar.

More than 200 leaders and activists of the Awami League, whose activities were previously banned in Dhaka’s Demra area, have joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The formal joining took place on Friday morning at the Demra Thana BNP office, where the new members were welcomed by BNP leaders SM Reza Selim and Anisuzzaman. The group, led by freedom fighter and former Awami League leader Maulana Shahadat Hossain, pledged to work together for the upcoming national elections. Shahadat Hossain stated that he had earlier been a follower of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman but was compelled to join the Awami League under pressure. He expressed renewed confidence in BNP leadership. BNP leaders emphasized that their party practices constructive politics and is moving forward under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, welcoming the new members as part of a broader political unity effort in Dhaka-5 constituency.

Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the National Board of Revenue’s Central Intelligence Cell (CIC) have launched investigations into alleged undisclosed assets belonging to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her family. Following her departure to India on August 5 last year amid a mass uprising, authorities reportedly uncovered properties worth hundreds of crores of taka registered under family members’ names across Dhaka, including in Gulshan, Baridhara, and Segunbagicha. Official tax filings show discrepancies, with undeclared bank lockers and undervalued properties. ACC Chairman Dr. Mohammad Abdul Momen stated that Hasina’s 2008 election affidavit contained inconsistencies regarding agricultural land ownership, revealing 29 acres instead of the declared 5.2 acres. The investigation also highlights income sources from agriculture, royalties, and financial instruments, but suggests significant underreporting of real estate and jewelry holdings. The findings have intensified scrutiny over the former premier’s wealth declarations and potential misuse of power during her tenure.

An Indian national in Adelaide’s Para Hills area has faced public outrage after a video showing him allegedly defecating in an open space went viral on social media. The footage, captured by a local resident named Carter, shows the man crouching near a bush outside a house. When confronted, the man claimed he was only urinating, but Carter insisted it appeared to be defecation. Carter later posted the video on Facebook, questioning whether such behavior had become normal. The post quickly spread, triggering widespread reactions ranging from anger to disgust, and some users used offensive language, which itself drew criticism. According to NDTV, public urination or defecation is illegal in most Australian states, including South Australia, where offenders can face fines of up to 250 Australian dollars. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether any legal action has been taken against the individual involved.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is reported to be in a 'very critical' health condition, according to party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Speaking after Friday prayers at a special prayer gathering in Dhaka’s Naya Paltan, Fakhrul said Khaleda Zia has long contributed to the country’s democratic movement and has endured imprisonment and hardship for her political stance. He urged people across Bangladesh to pray for her recovery. The 80-year-old former leader, suffering from multiple chronic conditions including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney complications, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 after experiencing breathing difficulties. She had previously been hospitalized in October for medical tests. Khaleda Zia returned from London in May after receiving medical treatment abroad earlier this year.

India’s onion export industry is facing a sharp downturn as key buyers Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia reduce imports and turn to alternative suppliers like Pakistan and China. According to The Economic Times, India’s repeated export bans to control domestic prices have pushed traditional buyers to seek new sources and even develop self-sufficiency using Indian onion seeds. Experts note that Bangladesh, once importing nearly three-quarters of India’s total onion exports, has drastically cut purchases in the past eight months despite high domestic prices. Saudi Arabia has also limited imports for nearly a year, preferring cheaper onions from Yemen and Iran. Exporters say India’s absence from the global market during export bans allowed competitors to capture market share. Officials warn that India’s dominance in the global onion trade is weakening as former buyers become producers themselves, posing long-term risks to Indian farmers and exporters.

At least 84 people have been killed and dozens remain missing after severe floods and landslides struck Indonesia’s Sumatra island this week. Rescue teams confirmed the toll on Friday, with North Sumatra province reporting 62 deaths and 95 injuries, while West Sumatra recorded 22 deaths and 12 missing persons. The city of Sibolga has been among the hardest hit, with over 30 fatalities. Ongoing heavy rains have hampered rescue operations, cutting off access to several areas. Authorities are focusing on evacuating residents and delivering relief supplies, though poor weather and damaged infrastructure have slowed progress. In Aceh province, about 1,500 people have been displaced and power outages reported after flooding and landslides. Indonesia’s state electricity company is working to restore power after a transmission tower collapse. Experts warn that climate change is intensifying monsoon storms, prolonging rainy seasons, and increasing the frequency of flash floods across the region.