Pakistan’s leading newspaper Dawn published an editorial commenting on the death sentence handed to former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by a tribunal she had established during her rule. The editorial stated that Hasina, once a dominant political figure, was convicted of crimes against humanity by the International Crimes Tribunal after her government’s violent crackdown on mass protests in 2023. It noted that she fled to India in August 2024, calling the verdict biased and politically motivated. Dawn observed that the same tribunal had previously sentenced many of Hasina’s political opponents, including members of Jamaat-e-Islami and the BNP, to death, drawing criticism for partiality. The editorial further argued that Hasina’s government had become increasingly authoritarian, enriching allies and suppressing dissent, which eventually led to her downfall. It concluded that Bangladesh now faces a critical juncture, with an interim authority tasked with restoring full democratic governance ahead of the next election.

Security forces, including the army, police, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), have been deployed at Dhanmondi 32 in Dhaka after protesters attempted to demolish Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s historic residence on Monday. The incident occurred on the day of the verdict in a war crimes case related to the July uprising. Demonstrators brought two excavators to the site but were stopped by security personnel, leading to several clashes. The protesters eventually left the area around 10 p.m. On Tuesday, police and BGB maintained barricades at the entrance of Road 32, while army vehicles were stationed near the house. Authorities confirmed that the excavators were removed overnight and that security remains tight around the premises. Earlier this year, parts of the house were damaged during previous unrest, including a fire incident on August 5, 2024.

In Sirajdikhan, Munshiganj, members of the banned Awami League-affiliated organizations Jubo League and Chhatra League organized a rally on Tuesday morning under police presence. The procession, led by Sirajdikhan Upazila Jubo League joint convener Zahidul Islam Litu, took place in Imamganj Bazar under the banner of the two prohibited groups. Witnesses said police vehicles accompanied the rally, raising controversy as the event occurred despite a ban on their political activities. The incident followed a day after the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and ex-Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death for alleged crimes related to the 2024 uprising that left over 1,400 people dead. The local police chief confirmed the rally but claimed officers were unaware of the gathering until it dispersed. The public expressed surprise at the open defiance of the ban in front of law enforcement.

Former US President Donald Trump has hinted at the possibility of launching a military strike in Mexico as part of his proposed war on drugs. According to NBC and Reuters, Trump has already prepared a draft plan for the operation, which would target drug labs and cartel members using drone strikes. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump questioned whether he could attack Mexico to stop drug trafficking, later asserting that he could. His remarks have triggered widespread criticism in both the United States and Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has strongly opposed any such action, warning that she would not tolerate attacks on Mexican territory. Analysts, including Jeff Garmany from the University of Melbourne, have noted that such a move could face legal challenges and may not yield significant results, given the entrenched power of Mexico’s drug cartels and the country’s long-standing struggle in its own war on drugs.

Sobhan, a resident of Dumki in Patuakhali, expressed emotional relief after the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity linked to last year’s July–August uprising. His son, Jasim, was shot dead by police during the protests at Mohammadpur intersection in Dhaka. Sobhan described the verdict as ‘true justice,’ saying it would bring peace to his son’s soul. Local residents view his reaction as symbolic of the broader sentiment among families who lost loved ones during the mass movement demanding justice and equality. The tribunal’s ruling marks a significant moment for victims’ families who had long awaited accountability for the violence that occurred during the anti-government uprising.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has expressed serious concern over the death sentence handed to former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal in absentia by the International Crimes Tribunal. In a statement issued from New York on November 17, HRW said the two were tried without being present and were not represented by lawyers of their choice, violating fair trial standards. The organization emphasized that accountability for abuses under Hasina’s administration must follow international justice norms. HRW also noted that former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, the third accused who testified as a prosecution witness, received a reduced five-year sentence. The group urged Bangladesh to ensure impartial investigations and credible trials. HRW further highlighted that the UN and Bangladesh had signed a memorandum to promote human rights, suggesting that a moratorium on executions would align with that commitment.

Bangladesh’s Economic Affairs Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed announced that the government will procure 17,000 shotguns for Ansar forces before the upcoming national elections to replace outdated weapons. The decision was made at a meeting of the Economic Affairs Advisory Committee on November 18. He also stated that the earlier plan to buy 40,000 body-worn cameras for polling centers will be revised, with cameras now to be deployed only at high-risk centers. The procurement process will be conducted transparently, with coordination between the Election Commission and the Ministry of Home Affairs. Additionally, the government approved funds to purchase one crore e-passport books due to rising demand and will procure EPI vaccines amid supply concerns. To stabilize food prices ahead of Ramadan, rice and wheat imports will also be arranged.

Leaders of Bangladesh’s opposition youth wing, Jubo Dal, have alleged that the killing of their leader Golam Kibria was a politically motivated act intended to derail the upcoming February national election and undermine the electoral environment. Speaking at a meeting organized by the South Jubo Dal at the Diploma Engineering Institute in Dhaka, they stated that Kibria’s murder was not an isolated incident but part of a broader attempt to create instability. The leaders urged the government to intensify efforts to arrest the perpetrators and warned that Jubo Dal would take to the streets if provoked. They emphasized the need for a swiftly elected government to steer the country out of crisis and accused certain groups of manipulating the political process to delay the polls. The meeting concluded with a rally from Kakrail to Nayapaltan, where participants pledged to work for the victory of candidates representing the BNP’s electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf.

Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah, widely known across Bangladesh as the 'Humanitarian DC', officially assumed office on Tuesday, November 18, as the 34th Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Chattogram. He took over from Acting DC Md Kamruzzaman in a formal handover ceremony. Previously, Zahidul served successfully as DC in Rajbari and Narayanganj, where he earned national recognition for his compassionate administrative initiatives. His tenure in Narayanganj included extensive welfare programs for underprivileged groups, support for injured activists, and community development projects such as the 'Green and Clean Narayanganj' campaign. Upon taking charge in Chattogram, Zahidul pledged to establish a people-oriented and humane administration, emphasizing professionalism, good governance, and cooperation from all sectors. Born in Tangail in 1979, Zahidul is a 25th BCS officer with academic credentials from the University of Dhaka and the UK. His appointment has been welcomed as a continuation of his reputation for empathy and effective public service.

The copies of the death sentences handed down to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal will not be sent to relevant government offices today, according to the International Crimes Tribunal-1 administration. The delay is attributed to the illness of the tribunal’s chairman. The verdict, delivered on Monday, sentenced Hasina and Kamal to death for crimes against humanity linked to last year’s July uprising, while former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun received a five-year prison term as a state witness. The Home and Foreign Ministries were scheduled to receive the verdict copies on Tuesday to initiate extradition and Interpol warrant procedures. Hasina and Kamal are currently in India as fugitives. The tribunal found them guilty of multiple charges, including incitement, ordering lethal force against protesters, and killings in Rangpur, Dhaka, and Ashulia.

Supporters of opposition groups including NCP, Chhatra Dal, and Shibir held a celebratory rally and distributed sweets in Raipur, Lakshmipur, following the International Crimes Tribunal’s verdict sentencing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity committed during the July Movement. The event took place on Monday night at Raipur Traffic Mor, where hundreds of activists joined the procession. Family members of victims from the July Movement expressed satisfaction, calling the verdict long-awaited justice. Local BNP and Jamaat-backed candidates also welcomed the ruling, describing it as a reflection of justice. Leaders demanded that Sheikh Hasina be brought back from India to implement the verdict swiftly. The town witnessed a festive atmosphere, while police and RAB maintained heightened security to prevent unrest.

Indian Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has voiced serious concern over the death sentence handed to Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by the International Crimes Tribunal. The tribunal sentenced Hasina, who fled to India after a popular uprising in August last year, to death on charges of crimes against humanity. Former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal received the same verdict. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Tharoor said he does not believe in capital punishment anywhere and found the ruling deeply distressing. He added that while it is not appropriate to comment on another country’s judiciary, he does not view the development positively and considers it worrying. His remarks followed earlier reactions from Indian political figures, including BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, who alleged that the verdict was influenced by Pakistan. The case has drawn significant attention in both Bangladesh and India.

The BCS Information Association has protested the appointment of two BCS (Administration) cadre officers as First Secretary (Press) in Bangladesh’s foreign missions in Kuala Lumpur and Dubai. In a statement signed by Vice President Mohammad Ali Sarkar and General Secretary Md Mamunur Rashid, the association expressed concern over the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s decision issued on November 16. The association argued that such positions have traditionally been held by officers from the BCS (Information-General) cadre, who are trained in media and public relations. It also cited the ministry’s earlier job circular from January 13, which stated that candidates with experience in media and public communication would be given preference. The association urged the authorities to reconsider and revoke the appointments, emphasizing that the duties of the press wing align with the expertise of the information cadre officers.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, has defended the interim government’s performance, highlighting its achievements over the past fifteen and a half months. In a Facebook post on November 18, Alam responded to widespread criticism and satire on social media that labeled the administration as weak and ineffective. He acknowledged that many view the government as inexperienced and unable to manage protests or implement laws effectively, yet he argued that it has achieved more than any previous administration in such a short time. Despite being dismissed as a transitional authority, Alam described the government as one of the most significant in Bangladesh’s recent history, claiming it fulfilled nearly all its objectives. His remarks come amid ongoing debates about the interim government’s legitimacy, capacity, and long-term impact on Bangladesh’s governance and political stability.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh is set to hold a dialogue on Wednesday with major political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, as part of its ongoing consultations ahead of the 13th parliamentary election. According to EC’s Public Relations Department Assistant Director Md. Ashadul Haque, the commission has invited 48 political parties over four days—Thursday, Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday—for discussions. On Wednesday morning, the EC will meet with Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh Minority Janata Party (BMJP), Insoniyat Biplob, National Citizens Party (NCP), Ganosanghati Andolon, and National Democratic Movement (NDM). In the afternoon, the BNP, Bangladesh National Party (BJP), Gana Odhikar Parishad (GOP), Nagorik Oikya, Bangladesh Republican Party (BRP), and the Socialist Party of Bangladesh (Marxist) will join the talks. Currently, Bangladesh has 55 registered political parties, including two newly registered ones, while Awami League’s registration remains suspended and three others have been canceled.