BanglaFact, the Fact-Check and Media Research Team of the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB), has uncovered a continuous misinformation campaign in several Indian mainstream media outlets falsely alleging that a book presented by Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus contained a “Greater Bangladesh” map. According to BanglaFact, Indian outlets such as Financial Express, Firstpost, India.com, ABP Live, and News18 have repeatedly misrepresented a graffiti image featured on the cover of a book titled Art of Triumph. The book, compiled from spontaneous graffiti drawn by students after the July 2024 mass uprising, was gifted to global leaders and diplomats as a symbolic piece of people’s art — not a geopolitical document. The so-called “Greater Bangladesh” conspiracy theory has resurfaced multiple times in Indian media, despite being debunked earlier. BanglaFact confirmed that the map was simply an artistic, non-official representation that does not include any foreign territory. Similar false claims previously circulated during a cultural event at Dhaka University in 2025. The investigation highlights how certain Indian outlets have distorted visuals and context to fuel baseless political narratives, while BanglaFact continues to combat fake news and ensure factual accuracy.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has blamed President Joe Biden for instigating the ongoing war in Ukraine, asserting that Biden’s decisions led to devastating consequences for the country. Speaking at the White House during a meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on Friday, Trump said Biden “pushed the war to happen,” claiming it was “hard to believe but true.” According to Trump, Biden’s foreign policy failures have caused Ukraine to shrink in size and lose countless lives. This statement follows remarks from Orbán, who revealed that a potential summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump could soon take place in Budapest. Last month, Trump postponed a planned meeting with Putin, citing “insufficient progress,” though both the Kremlin and the White House confirmed that the meeting was delayed, not canceled. Orbán, during an interview with Hungarian media outlet Magyar Nemzet, mentioned that only a few unresolved issues remain between Russia and the United States concerning the Ukraine conflict. He later told Kossuth Radio that he was confident the Trump-Putin meeting would happen in Budapest, although it remains uncertain whether the meeting would bring a final resolution or mark an important step toward peace.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced she will retire from representing San Francisco in Congress at the end of her current term in 2027, ending nearly four decades in U.S. politics. Pelosi, the first female Speaker of the House, gained prominence as one of Donald Trump’s most vocal critics and led two impeachment proceedings against him. During a White House press conference responding to her announcement, Trump called her a “wicked woman” but said her retirement was a “service to the country.” Pelosi also became known for her bold political gestures, including tearing up Trump’s 2020 State of the Union speech, and recently described him as a “disgusting creature” in a CNN interview. Her departure marks the conclusion of a historic career, highlighting her role as one of the most influential women in American politics.

The Bangladesh Army has issued a warning regarding the circulation of false and baseless information on social media related to elections and the Chief of Army Staff, General Waker-uz-Zaman. According to the verified Facebook page of the Bangladesh Army, recent posts and messages have falsely linked the army chief to election activities, creating misleading narratives. The army has called on the public to exercise caution and not fall prey to these fabricated campaigns. In its advisory, the army shared six screenshots of such fake campaigns to illustrate the nature of the misinformation. The warning emphasizes the importance of staying vigilant in the digital age, especially when social media can be a source of rumors and false narratives. Authorities are urging citizens to verify information before sharing it and to avoid spreading unverified content that can mislead others.

During the third round of ongoing talks in Istanbul with the Afghan Taliban government, Pakistan presented a list of “evidence-based, reasonable, and rational” demands aimed at ending cross-border terrorism. The discussions, mediated by Turkey and Qatar, seek to reduce tensions following last month’s deadly border clashes. Pakistan shared proof supporting its claims, which mediators fully backed, and the points are now being discussed with the Afghan delegation. Islamabad dismissed rumors circulating on Afghan social media as speculative or deliberately misleading. Both sides have agreed to maintain a ceasefire, with a monitoring and verification mechanism established to ensure compliance. Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful dialogue and urged Afghanistan to act responsibly, highlighting that the recent border incident was provoked by Afghan forces, and Pakistani forces responded professionally to restore control.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has openly claimed responsibility for Israel’s airstrike on Iran that occurred last June, stating that he was “fully responsible” for the operation. In a statement on November 7, Trump emphasized that Israel’s initial attack was extremely powerful and that his administration oversaw the operation’s execution. While the Washington administration initially sought to distance itself from the strike, Trump now asserts credit for the military outcomes. He likened the decisive action to how his party should move forward politically. The Israeli strike triggered a severe retaliatory response from Iran, which forced the United States and Israel to announce a ceasefire within 12 days. Trump’s comments come amid his push for Republicans in the Senate to pass legislation by simple majority, signaling his continued influence in U.S. political and foreign policy discussions.

At a BJP rally in Purulia, actor-turned-politician Mithun Chakraborty issued a stark warning that the party must win the 2026 assembly elections, or risk losing its very existence in West Bengal. Speaking before senior leaders Rahul Sinha and MP Jyotirmoy Singh Mahato, Mithun urged party workers to set aside internal differences and stay united, emphasizing that defeat would mark the end of BJP’s relevance in the state. Analysts say his comments reflect deeper issues within the party, including declining grassroots support, leadership gaps, and Trinamool Congress’s growing organizational strength. While some see his remarks as a motivational tactic, others interpret them as an honest expression of frustration. The statement has sparked wide debate across Bengal’s political circles, highlighting BJP’s uphill battle to regain voter trust ahead of the crucial 2026 elections.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union Vice President Sadiq Kayem has strongly condemned the exploitation of the Liberation War for business, stating that in the new Bangladesh, no such industry will be tolerated. Speaking at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre during a reception organized by Islami Chhatra Shibir, he emphasized that only politics guided by the aspirations of July and the goal of building a new, justice-based Bangladesh will prevail. Kayem highlighted the sacrifices of martyrs and freedom fighters as the foundation of the nation and warned against corruption, extortion, and fascist politics. He also criticized the interim government for failing to deliver justice to the July martyrs and stressed that all political parties and student organizations must uphold the spirit of July to ensure equality, welfare, and principled politics.

Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the chief adviser, has denied claims that Dr. Ali Riaz, vice-chairman of the National Unity Commission, fled the country after spending BDT 830 million over nine months. Speaking at a media interaction in Netrokona Circuit House, Alam said the source of such figures is unclear and that spreading false information has become a means for some to gain popularity. He criticized local media for inviting individuals who propagate falsehoods to TV talk shows, stating it misleads the public and spreads nationwide. Alam also highlighted ongoing misinformation concerning Milestone, Saint Martin, citizenship issues of advisers, ministries, and the military, urging society to move past these false narratives. The meeting was attended by top local officials, including the district commissioner and police superintendent.

A new political rift has emerged between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami over the implementation of the July National Charter and the proposed referendum. Amid the growing tension, Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher formally called BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir to invite him to join talks. However, Fakhrul reaffirmed that the BNP’s position had already been clearly stated following the party’s Standing Committee meeting, which emphasized lawful implementation of the Charter and timely national elections. The BNP urged all parties not to create new issues or crises that could hinder the democratic process. Jamaat, meanwhile, expressed hopes for dialogue and hinted at future cooperation among several parties. As the seven-day deadline for political consultations nears its end, uncertainty remains over whether formal talks will take place to resolve the impasse.

At an event in Dhaka’s Bangla Academy, National Citizens’ Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam warned that Bangladesh’s youth are prepared to return to the streets if genuine political and social change remains elusive. Speaking at the launch of the University Teachers’ Forum, Nahid said that without structural transformation, revolts, elections, and consensus commissions will continue to fail. He accused the authorities of preserving a “fascist framework” that prevents true unity, even after supposed reconciliation efforts. Nahid emphasized that eradicating fascism requires a change in individual and collective consciousness. He pledged solidarity with educators, noting that the bond between students and teachers forged during past uprisings continues to drive the struggle for democracy. He called on citizens to stand with teachers in their ongoing fight for democratic principles.

Iran has reportedly approached the United States about lifting sanctions imposed over its alleged nuclear weapons program. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he is open to discussions, expressing readiness to “listen” and explore possibilities for relief. The sanctions, imposed by both the UN and the U.S., have placed severe economic pressure on Iran. Trump claimed recent airstrikes—carried out by Israel and briefly joined by the U.S.—completely destroyed Iran’s nuclear capabilities, though the full extent of the damage remains uncertain. Iran maintains that its nuclear efforts are peaceful. Oman, which previously hosted U.S.–Iran nuclear negotiations, has again called for renewed dialogue aimed at limiting Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. Trump’s remarks have raised hopes of a possible thaw in long-frozen U.S.–Iran relations.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that a fresh conspiracy is underway to undermine democracy in Bangladesh following the mass uprising. Speaking at the grave of late President Ziaur Rahman on National Revolution and Solidarity Day, he said the country must return to Zia’s path of democracy, prosperity, and people’s empowerment. Fakhrul highlighted Zia’s pivotal role in restoring multi-party democracy, press freedom, and judicial independence after the one-party BAKSAL regime. He credited Zia with introducing a free-market economy that laid the foundation for Bangladesh’s development. Senior BNP leaders and affiliated organizations paid tribute to Zia at his grave, pledging to continue his vision of a democratic and prosperous Bangladesh where citizens’ rights and justice prevail.

Iran has issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s recent large-scale military operations in Lebanon, describing them as a grave breach of Lebanese sovereignty and international law. In a statement on Friday, Tehran’s Foreign Ministry called the attacks “heinous crimes” that endanger regional peace and security. Iran urged the United Nations and the international community to intervene immediately to stop what it termed Israel’s “war hysteria.” The statement warned that continued silence could bring dire consequences for the Middle East. According to Tehran, more than a thousand Lebanese civilians have been killed or wounded since the 2025 ceasefire, with major infrastructure destroyed. Iran accused the United States of direct involvement and reaffirmed its support for Lebanon’s government and resistance forces defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The longest government shutdown in U.S. history, now in its 36th day, is severely impacting air travel. The Federal Aviation Administration has mandated a 10% reduction in flights at 40 major airports starting Friday due to staff shortages, with 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 security personnel working without pay. Airlines are adjusting schedules, affecting approximately 1,800 flights and 268,000 seats, though international flights remain unaffected. Major airports including New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Dallas are among those impacted. Passengers are facing delays, cancellations, and uncertainty, with unions and officials emphasizing safety concerns. The shutdown stems from a congressional deadlock over federal spending, leaving government operations paralyzed. Airlines are offering refunds and alternative arrangements, while authorities stress the importance of maintaining safe airspace despite the unprecedented disruption.