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.

Political activities in Sylhet-4 have intensified as BNP and Jamaat candidates ramp up their campaigns ahead of the upcoming election. BNP Chairperson’s adviser and former Sylhet City Mayor Ariful Haque Chowdhury, contesting as the BNP candidate, addressed party activists in Gowainghat, promising that if BNP returns to power, the region’s development landscape will change within a year. He emphasized that the area, rich in mineral resources, has long been deprived of development and employment opportunities. Ariful said he had discussed local development issues with Tarique Rahman, who assured full support. He also warned against attempts to disrupt the election and reaffirmed BNP’s stance against corruption and injustice. The day saw multiple rallies and processions, including a major show of support for Abdul Hakim Chowdhury and a separate march backing BNP aspirant Prolal Uddin Ahmed, signaling growing political momentum in the constituency.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-1 is set to announce today the first verdict in the case against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others over alleged crimes against humanity during the July uprising. The three-member bench, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, will deliver the ruling in Hasina’s absence, as she and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan remain fugitives in India. Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, the only arrested accused, has turned state witness. The prosecution has sought the death penalty for Hasina and Khan, along with confiscation of their assets for victims’ families. The government has imposed tight security around the Supreme Court and tribunal premises, with live broadcast arrangements for transparency. The case marks the first judgment since the tribunal’s reconstitution following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, and is being closely watched both domestically and internationally as a defining moment in Bangladesh’s judicial and political history.

Newly elected New York Mayor Zohra Mamdani has called for a public boycott of Starbucks in solidarity with striking workers demanding a fair union contract. In a post on social media platform X on November 14, Mamdani stated that Starbucks employees are fighting for fair treatment and that he would refrain from purchasing from the chain until the dispute is resolved. The strike, dubbed the 'Red Cup Rebellion,' coincided with Starbucks’ busy Red Cup Day, when customers typically line up for free holiday cups. Organized by Starbucks Workers United, the walkout involved employees from over 25 U.S. cities. The union claims the company has refused to negotiate, warning that the strike could expand if talks stall. Starbucks, however, rejected the union’s demands, asserting that its workers already receive competitive pay and benefits, averaging $19 per hour and over $30 with additional perks.

A Faridpur district Chhatra Dal leader, Khairul Islam Roman, has been expelled from his post after sharing an 11-second viral video showing BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir scolding a man. The central Chhatra Dal announced the decision in a press release on Sunday, citing a breach of organizational discipline. Roman, who served as joint general secretary of the district unit, said he shared the video on Facebook earlier that day but deleted it and apologized after realizing it might harm the party’s image. Despite this, the central leadership approved his expulsion, instructing all members to avoid organizational contact with him. Roman, a resident of Bhanga upazila, had previously contested a student union election in 2018 and recently gained attention for welcoming job candidates with flowers. He expressed disappointment over the decision, emphasizing the need for tolerance and mutual respect within politics.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin has identified combating misinformation and disinformation as the most critical challenge for the upcoming national election in Bangladesh. Speaking at a dialogue with registered political parties at the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, he emphasized the need for political parties to cooperate in maintaining the electoral code of conduct. The CEC noted that misinformation has become a major concern that previous commissions did not face. Representatives from several political parties, including NAP, Khelafat Majlish, Islami Andolan, Bangladesh JASAD, and Ganofront, attended the dialogue. They raised issues such as the timing of consultations, the need for army deployment during elections, the importance of ensuring neutrality, and the separation of referendum and election dates. The CEC reiterated that the commission must remain impartial and cannot favor any party, urging all stakeholders to help ensure a fair and peaceful election process.

Bangladesh’s Supreme Court has requested the army headquarters to deploy troops to ensure security around the International Crimes Tribunal ahead of the November 17 verdict in a war crimes case involving former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others. Authorities fear potential unrest from banned Awami League activists during the announcement. The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumdar, will deliver its ruling on charges of genocide linked to the July coup. The Ministry of Culture plans to broadcast the historic judgment live on large screens across Dhaka. Law enforcement agencies, including the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, have heightened alert levels and will deploy additional forces to prevent sabotage or violence. The Supreme Court administration confirmed that the letter seeking army assistance was sent on Sunday evening, underscoring the government’s concern over maintaining order during the high-profile verdict.

In Barguna’s Bamna upazila, leaders and activists of the banned Awami League and Chhatra League locked four local institutions, including Bamna Government College, late Saturday night in protest related to the verdict against Sheikh Hasina for alleged crimes against humanity. The other affected institutions were Bukabunia Union Parishad office, Bukabunia Land Office, and Bukabunia Adarsha Secondary School. Police reported that the locks were broken on Sunday morning and normal operations have resumed. Local Chhatra League leaders confirmed the incident through Facebook posts, claiming the action was part of their political program. The head teacher of Bukabunia Adarsha Secondary School said he found the school gate locked in the morning and informed the police, who then instructed reopening. Bamna Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Harun-or-Rashid Howlader stated that he visited the scene but found no visible evidence of the incident, though an investigation is ongoing.

Bangladesh’s law enforcement agencies are on maximum alert ahead of Monday’s verdict by the International Crimes Tribunal against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and two others accused of crimes against humanity. The banned Awami League has announced a two-day nationwide shutdown starting Sunday, though its impact in Dhaka has been minimal so far. Authorities fear possible violence or sabotage by party activists around the verdict announcement. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has deployed additional forces across the capital and increased intelligence surveillance on roads, railways, and waterways to prevent unrest. Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury confirmed that the verdict will be delivered as scheduled on November 17 and assured that all necessary security measures are in place to maintain order. Police officials stated they are prepared to respond to any attempt at violence or disruption in the interest of public safety.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali has instructed officers to open fire on anyone attempting to set vehicles ablaze or hurl explosives such as cocktails. The directive, issued via radio communication on Sunday, November 16, comes amid heightened security concerns ahead of a tribunal verdict scheduled for Monday against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on charges of crimes against humanity. According to DMP officials, the commissioner emphasized that police have legal authority to use lethal force if lives or property are endangered. The order follows recent violent incidents in Chattogram, where the city’s police commissioner also authorized officers to shoot armed criminals. Authorities fear that banned pro-Awami League groups, including the Awami League itself and its student wing, may attempt to create unrest surrounding the verdict announcement. The directive underscores the government’s zero-tolerance stance toward potential violence and public disorder in the capital.

Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser, retired Lieutenant General Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, stated that the tribunal’s verdict in the ongoing case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be implemented regardless of its outcome on Monday. Speaking to reporters in Barishal after a meeting with law enforcement and administrative officials, he assured that the security forces are fully prepared to prevent any unrest surrounding the verdict. Chowdhury described the current law and order situation as generally satisfactory, though minor disturbances have occurred in some areas. He also emphasized that preparations are underway to ensure a free, fair, and festive national election, instructing the field administration to take all necessary measures. The adviser noted that a fair election depends not only on the administration but also on the Election Commission, political parties, and the public, expressing optimism that the upcoming polls will be conducted peacefully.