Police in Rangpur have intensified security measures across the city ahead of the verdict involving Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League-declared lockdown following the death of Abu Sayeed, the first martyr of the July Movement. From Sunday evening, law enforcement set up checkpoints at 37 major entry points, conducting searches of vehicles and individuals deemed suspicious. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Majid Ali and other senior officers are personally supervising operations, assuring residents that the measures are preventive, not punitive. Additional plainclothes officers have been deployed, and security has been reinforced in all eight districts of the Rangpur Division. Police have pledged zero tolerance for any acts of sabotage or unrest. Opposition political groups, including BNP, Jamaat, and others, have also announced plans to remain active on the ground to prevent potential violence. Authorities are closely monitoring social media for any signs of incitement or disorder as the situation remains tense but under control.

Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of former Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Hasina, expressed concern that the International Crimes Tribunal may issue a death sentence against his mother in connection with five cases, including charges of crimes against humanity. The verdict is expected today. Hasina, who fled to India in August 2024 following a student-led uprising, is currently living in exile in New Delhi. Joy stated that India is ensuring her safety and that she remains secure under Indian protection. The tribunal’s proceedings stem from violent crackdowns during the 2024 student protests, which, according to a UN report, left around 1,400 people dead and thousands injured. Joy said the outcome of the trial appears predetermined but emphasized that his mother’s safety is guaranteed while she remains in India.

Bangladesh Police have begun wearing a new iron-colored uniform across metropolitan and specialized units, sparking mixed reactions from the public and within the force. Some citizens and officers praised the new design, while others criticized it as unnecessary spending, arguing that changing uniforms will not improve police behavior or public trust. Former Inspector General of Police Mohammad Nurul Huda and other experts stated that uniform changes have no proven link to performance or ethics, emphasizing the need to end political interference and ensure accountability instead. Critics also noted the lack of a formal launch event and confusion with private security uniforms. The police headquarters said distribution is 20% complete and aims to outfit all Dhaka Metropolitan Police members by November 30. Analysts suggested that unless broader institutional reforms follow, the new attire will have little impact on the force’s image or conduct.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-1 is set to deliver its verdict today at 11 a.m. in the high-profile case against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others, accused of genocide and other crimes against humanity during the July uprising. The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder, will announce the judgment, which will be broadcast live on Bangladesh Television (BTV) and shared with other networks, including Reuters. The prosecution, led by Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam and others, has sought the death penalty for Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, while the defense has pleaded for acquittal, claiming innocence. Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, a state witness, has also sought acquittal. A total of 54 witnesses testified in the case, including relatives of victims and key figures from the July movement. The verdict marks a significant moment in Bangladesh’s political and judicial history.

Bangladesh’s interim government has issued the ‘July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order 2025,’ outlining a detailed formula for forming an election-time caretaker government. The charter specifies a five-member selection committee—comprising the Prime Minister, Opposition Leader, Speaker, Deputy Speaker from the opposition, and a representative from the second-largest opposition party—to nominate the Chief Adviser. The Chief Adviser cannot be over 75 years old or be the sitting President. The caretaker government will serve for 90 days, extendable by 30 days in emergencies. The process includes multiple stages of nomination, consensus, and ranked-choice voting if no agreement is reached. A national referendum will be held alongside the February parliamentary elections to approve the charter’s provisions. The Supreme Court is set to deliver a verdict on November 20 regarding appeals related to restoring the caretaker system. Some political parties, including the BNP, have expressed dissent over parts of the selection process, though all major parties agreed in principle to reintroduce the caretaker system.

Security has been significantly strengthened around the International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka ahead of the verdict in the crimes against humanity case against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and army personnel have been deployed around the Supreme Court and tribunal premises. Similar security measures have been enforced in Gopalganj, Faridpur, and Madaripur due to fears of sabotage. Authorities report that banned Awami League members have recently engaged in sporadic violence, including arson and attacks on government facilities. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner has authorized the use of firearms against those attempting arson or bomb attacks. The Supreme Court administration has also requested military deployment to ensure maximum security. Checkposts, patrols, and vehicle inspections have been intensified at key city entry points and government installations to prevent any organized subversive activities.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-1 is set to deliver its first verdict today, Monday, in the case filed against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others over alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising. The tribunal, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumdar, will announce the verdict at 11 a.m., with proceedings broadcast live on Bangladesh Television (BTV). Co-accused are former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and ex-Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. Hasina and Asaduzzaman are reportedly in India and being tried in absentia. The case includes five charges, such as incitement, orders to use lethal force, and multiple killings of protesters. This marks the first verdict since the tribunal was reconstituted following the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024. The prosecution has sought the death penalty for Hasina and Asaduzzaman, while defense lawyers have requested acquittal for all accused.

Bangladesh on Monday observed the 49th death anniversary of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, the revered leader known as the 'Majlum Jananeta' for his lifelong struggle for the rights of the oppressed. Various political, social, and cultural organizations, including the Maulana Bhashani Science and Technology University and Bhashani Foundation, organized commemorative programs in Santosh, Tangail, where he is buried. The BNP-led National Committee arranged a two-day program featuring discussions, prayers, and tributes, while the Revolutionary Workers Party hosted a seminar on Bhashani’s political relevance today. A week-long 'Bhashani Mela' is also underway with local products and cultural performances. Political leaders, including BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, paid homage, emphasizing Bhashani’s legacy in anti-imperialist and pro-democracy movements. The National Awami Party (NAP) leaders criticized the state’s neglect of Bhashani’s contributions and demanded official recognition of his anniversary, recalling his pioneering role in advocating autonomy and independence for East Bengal.

Young people in Bangladesh have called on political parties to include strong commitments to road safety in their manifestos for the upcoming national elections. During an event marking the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, held at Shyamoli Field in Dhaka, participants organized a candlelight vigil and march to honor victims of road crashes. The youths emphasized that road accidents have reached epidemic proportions, disproportionately affecting young people, who are among the most vulnerable road users. They demanded the formulation and effective implementation of a comprehensive road safety law and an integrated management system to prevent further loss of life. The event, organized by Ahsania Mission Youth Forum for Health and Wellbeing, was attended by road crash survivors, their families, and health sector officials. Earlier in the day, a workshop on safe system approaches to road safety was held with participation from around fifty students.

Former State Minister for Home Affairs Sohel Taj has alleged that the ongoing incidents of fire terror and cocktail explosions in Bangladesh are being orchestrated by a single mastermind. In a Facebook post made late Sunday night, he referred to two books by freedom fighter Matiur Rahman Rentu, suggesting that they reveal much about the current situation. Taj accused certain political actors of committing atrocities, corruption, and money laundering, claiming they are now creating chaos to derail the upcoming elections and destroy the country's democratic future. He expressed surprise that some within the Awami League still support these individuals, implying they were beneficiaries of past misdeeds. Sohel Taj, who served as a state minister in 2009 before resigning in 2012, has remained outside active politics since then.

The recently concluded Bihar state assembly elections, held in two phases on November 6 and 11, resulted in a decisive victory for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which secured 202 of the 243 seats. The opposition Mahagathbandhan (MGB) alliance, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), managed to win only 35 seats. Notably, only 10 Muslim candidates were elected to the assembly, marking the lowest Muslim representation since 1990. Despite Muslims constituting about 17.7% of Bihar’s population, both major alliances fielded fewer Muslim candidates compared to the 2020 election. The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), led by Asaduddin Owaisi, contested 25 seats with 23 Muslim candidates and won five, performing strongly in Muslim-majority districts such as Kishanganj, Purnea, Katihar, and Araria. In contrast, the ruling Janata Dal (United) fielded only four Muslim candidates, and the opposition RJD and Congress saw limited success among their Muslim nominees.

Delhi University has come under fire for allegedly violating academic freedom after canceling a long-running seminar on democracy and directing faculty and students to attend a 'National Cow Conference' on the same day. Critics, including sociology professor Nandini Sundar, accused the administration of promoting a Hindutva agenda and suppressing secular and democratic discourse. The university claimed the seminar was canceled due to lack of prior approval, but organizers argued that such permission had never been required in the event’s 60-year history. The Democratic Teachers’ Front condemned the move as ideological suppression and bias against social sciences. Analysts say the incident reflects a broader trend under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, where universities face growing political pressure, restrictions on academic content, and intolerance toward critical research. The controversy underscores concerns about the erosion of academic autonomy and the increasing politicization of higher education in India.

During the second day of dialogues with the Election Commission (EC) ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, representatives from 12 political parties emphasized the need for the EC to act firmly, transparently, and neutrally to ensure a free and credible vote. Parties expressed concern over the influence of 'invisible forces' and urged the EC to prevent any external interference or pressure on the electoral process. They also raised issues regarding the timing and structure of the proposed referendum, the use of CCTV cameras in polling stations, the influence of black money, and the enforcement of electoral codes of conduct. Several parties suggested reducing candidate deposits and holding elections in phases. The EC reaffirmed its commitment to impartiality, warning that those using muscle power or spreading misinformation would face consequences. Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin stated that the EC would act strictly according to the law and not favor any political side.

The Bangladesh government has transferred 36 senior police officers, including the Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner and six district Superintendents of Police (SPs), according to four separate notifications issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Sunday, November 16. The reshuffle includes five Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs), twelve Additional DIGs, and twelve SPs. DIG Md. Israil Howlader of Industrial Police has been appointed as the new Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner. New SPs have been assigned to Gaibandha, Faridpur, Dinajpur, Pabna, Habiganj, and Nilphamari. Several DIGs have been reassigned to key positions in the Highway Police, APBn, and Police Staff College. The reshuffle also includes officers promoted to Additional DIG and SP ranks, with new postings in the CID, PBI, ATU, and various regional police units. The large-scale transfer aims to strengthen administrative efficiency and operational coordination across the police force.

Veteran Bangladeshi politician and former diplomat Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury has announced his retirement from political life, citing health reasons. Currently serving as the chairperson of Trinamool BNP, Chowdhury conveyed his decision in a letter to the party’s secretary general, Taimur Alam Khandaker, stating that his resignation from all party positions will take effect on November 16, 2025. Chowdhury’s career spans military, diplomatic, and political service. He previously served as Foreign Secretary and later as Bangladesh’s ambassador to the United States during the BNP–Jamaat coalition government. After retiring from government service, he joined the BNP, later moving to Bikalpadhara Bangladesh in 2018, and eventually to Trinamool BNP in 2023, where he became chairperson. He contested the 12th national election from Sylhet-6 but lost his deposit. In October 2024, he was arrested in a murder case following the fall of the Awami League government. His retirement marks the end of a long and eventful public career.