New York City’s newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has appointed former U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan as vice chair of his transition team. Khan, a Pakistani-British-born Democrat known for her tough antitrust stance, previously led the FTC from June 2021 to January 2025 under President Joe Biden, becoming the youngest chair in the agency’s history. During her tenure, she pursued aggressive antitrust enforcement, challenged major tech mergers, and sought to limit non-compete agreements. As part of Mamdani’s transition team, Khan is reviewing the scope of mayoral powers and helping shape economic and administrative strategies ahead of Mamdani’s assumption of office in January 2026. Her inclusion signals a potentially reformist and regulatory approach to city governance. Analysts suggest that major tech firms with large New York operations, such as Amazon, Meta, and Google, may view her appointment as a warning of stricter oversight or policy scrutiny in the city’s economic environment.

State prosecutor Gazi Monowar Hossain Tamim stated that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will not receive any leniency in sentencing due to her gender in the upcoming verdict of the war crimes case against her. The verdict, scheduled for Monday, November 17, will be broadcast live on Bangladesh Television (BTV) and the official Facebook page of the International Crimes Tribunal to ensure transparency. Tamim clarified that while women, minors, and the ill may receive certain considerations in bail matters under general law, no such privilege exists in sentencing. The tribunal, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumdar, with Justices Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury, will deliver the judgment. The case involves Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, accused of crimes against humanity during the July 2024 coup. Hasina and Kamal have been declared fugitives for failing to appear in court, while Al-Mamun testified as a state witness.

The Ministry of Education of Bangladesh has directed that in all private schools and colleges where the tenure of ad hoc committees has expired, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) will serve as the acting president at the upazila level, and the Deputy Commissioner (DC) or their representative will assume the role at the district level. The directive was issued through a circular on Saturday, November 15, under Article 69 of the ‘Regulations of Governing Bodies and Managing Committees of Non-Government Educational Institutions, 2024’. The ministry explained that this decision follows a High Court order that temporarily suspended, for three months, an earlier circular issued on September 8 regarding the formation of ad hoc and regular committees under the same regulations. The new instruction aims to ensure uninterrupted administrative and academic operations in affected institutions until further notice.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar announced that his party, along with seven other political groups, will vote 'Yes' in the upcoming referendum aimed at giving legal validity to the July Charter. Speaking at a joint press conference in Dhaka’s Moghbazar on Sunday, Porwar said the alliance will encourage the public to support the reforms. The eight-party coalition, which has been active amid the ongoing political unrest, also warned that their movement would continue if a level playing field is not ensured. Porwar emphasized that their movement seeks to make elections more transparent and accountable, not to disrupt them. Other alliance leaders urged the government to respect the people's aspirations and to clarify potential complications if the national election and referendum are held on the same day. The alliance’s liaison committee will soon decide on the next course of action.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has described Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani as an enduring source of inspiration for the struggle for democracy, human rights, and national sovereignty. In a message marking Bhasani’s 49th death anniversary, Rahman praised the late leader’s lifelong dedication to the oppressed and his fearless stance against imperialism and exploitation. He said Bhasani’s ideals would continue to guide future generations in achieving justice and freedom. Rahman emphasized that Bhasani’s leadership during the anti-colonial movements and his advocacy for farmers, workers, and the underprivileged made him a beacon in Bangladesh’s political history. Highlighting his courage and commitment to the people, Rahman noted that Bhasani’s voice once shook oppressive regimes and earned him the trust of the masses.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has accused the previous Sheikh Hasina-led government of signing agreements with India that were detrimental to Bangladesh’s national interest. Speaking to journalists in Patuakhali, Rizvi questioned why Bangladesh must purchase 34% of the electricity produced by India’s Adani Group in Jharkhand, calling the deal a betrayal of national interest. He also criticized past initiatives to hand over strategic installations like ports to foreign operators, warning that such moves could endanger the country’s sovereignty and security. Rizvi urged the current government under Dr. Muhammad Yunus to review these agreements and ensure that national interests are prioritized. His remarks came while he was providing financial assistance to an elderly couple whose plight had gone viral on social media. Local BNP leaders were also present during the event.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar has accused the government of making recent administrative appointments and transfers to benefit a particular political party ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming national election. Speaking at a joint press conference at Al Falah Auditorium in Dhaka’s Moghbazar, Porwar claimed that these changes were made through secret consultations, undermining a level playing field for the election. He urged the chief adviser to maintain neutrality in overseeing the electoral process. Earlier in the day, top leaders from eight allied parties met under Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman’s leadership to discuss their ongoing movement. Porwar reaffirmed that the alliance would continue its five-point campaign, including demands for a constitutional referendum. He also expressed concern that the simultaneous announcement of the referendum and national election had created public confusion, calling on the government to resolve the uncertainty.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi stated that the party continues to have confidence in the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Speaking in Patuakhali after providing financial aid to a destitute elderly couple, Rizvi emphasized that weakening public trust is not the responsibility of the interim administration. He criticized several agreements made under the previous Sheikh Hasina government, particularly the Adani power deal, arguing that it was not in Bangladesh’s national interest. Rizvi questioned why Bangladesh should purchase 34 percent of electricity produced in Jharkhand by Adani, calling it a betrayal of national interests. He also warned against handing over strategic installations like ports to foreign operators, saying such moves could threaten the country’s sovereignty and security. Rizvi urged the Yunus government to reconsider these decisions and said that widespread dissatisfaction with past governance had driven the public’s demand for change.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has warned that a section is plotting to create unrest across Bangladesh ahead of the verdict in a ‘genocide case’ filed against Awami League President and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Speaking at a discussion marking the 49th death anniversary of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani at the National Press Club, Fakhrul described the current political situation as confusing and abnormal, saying the country is facing deep uncertainty. He reiterated that elections are the only way to restore democracy and expressed hope that polls might be held in February. Fakhrul accused certain groups of trying to delay or disrupt the election process and urged all political parties to unite for democratic restoration. He also warned that the economy and law and order would worsen without an elected government, calling on citizens to resist any attempts to destabilize the nation.

Traffic movement on the Dhaka-Barishal Highway returned to normal after being halted for about two hours on Sunday morning due to protests by activists of the suspended Awami League. The blockade began early in the morning when protesters felled trees, exploded crude bombs, and burned tires at several points between Bhurghata Bus Stand in Kalkini and Bhanga Bridge in Mustafapur, Madaripur. The demonstration caused severe traffic congestion stretching several kilometers, leaving passengers stranded. Fire service units and police personnel worked for hours to clear the road, assisted by local BNP and Jamaat activists. By around 10:30 a.m., vehicle movement resumed. Authorities have deployed additional police forces to maintain order, and officials confirmed that the situation is now under control. The protests were reportedly part of a two-day shutdown announced by the suspended Awami League for November 16 and 17.

A faction of the Islami Oikya Jote, led by Mufti Abul Hasanat Amini, was expelled from a dialogue session with the Election Commission (EC) in Dhaka after objections from another faction of the same party. The incident occurred on Sunday morning at the EC’s conference room in Agargaon, where political parties were invited for discussions. The opposing faction, led by Mufti Sakhawat Hossain Raji, accused Amini’s group of supporting past authoritarian regimes and participating in one-sided elections. When EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed asked both groups to show their invitation letters, Raji’s faction produced theirs, but Amini’s group failed to present a hard copy. Consequently, the EC asked Amini’s delegation to leave the meeting. Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin and other top officials were present during the incident, which highlighted internal divisions within the religious-based political party.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been deployed in Dhaka, Gopalganj, Faridpur, and Madaripur to help maintain law and order following a series of violent incidents in the capital. According to BGB’s public relations officer Md Shariful Islam, the force is working alongside other law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety and stability. Over the past week, Dhaka has witnessed multiple crude bomb explosions and arson attacks on buses and other vehicles, raising security concerns. In response, the government has intensified security measures across key districts to prevent further unrest. The BGB’s deployment aims to restore normalcy and reassure citizens amid growing fears of political or criminal unrest. Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with security forces as operations continue to stabilize the situation.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has called for strengthening relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan, emphasizing shared faith and unity among Muslims of both nations. Speaking at the International Khatm-e-Nabuwwat Conference in Dhaka’s Suhrawardy Udyan on November 15, Rehman said Pakistan’s delegation came not only to attend the event but also to convey goodwill from the Pakistani people to their Bangladeshi brothers. He highlighted that the two nations share deep religious and cultural bonds that cannot be erased. Rehman stressed the importance of maintaining stability and ideological continuity in faith-based movements rather than resorting to violence. Expressing optimism, he stated that if Bangladesh takes one step forward, Pakistan will take two, reflecting a desire for enhanced cooperation and friendship across various sectors. His remarks signal a renewed push for diplomatic and religious engagement between the two South Asian countries.

In Madaripur’s Gopalpur area, a group of Awami League activists, led by former upazila chairman Mir Golam Faruk, blocked the Dhaka-Barishal highway early Sunday by burning tires and placing trees across the road. The blockade caused severe traffic disruption and suffering for passengers and drivers. According to police, the activists fled upon sensing law enforcement’s presence. Later, local BNP-Jamaat leaders, along with the fire service and highway police, removed the trees and cleared the road, restoring normal traffic flow by around 7:30 a.m. The incident followed earlier threats from Awami League members to paralyze the southern region if the verdict in Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s case was announced on November 17. Authorities confirmed that the situation was brought under control without major clashes or casualties.

The prosecution has filed a petition seeking the confiscation of assets belonging to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other accused individuals to provide compensation to the families of those killed and injured during the July Movement. Prosecutor Gazi Mohammad Monowar Hossain Tamim confirmed the submission on Sunday morning. He also stated that following the verdict, an application would be made to issue fresh arrest warrants through Interpol against Hasina and the other accused. The International Crimes Tribunal-1, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, is scheduled to deliver its verdict on Monday, November 17, in the case concerning alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July–August Movement. Bangladesh Television (BTV) will broadcast the verdict live, while a foreign news agency has also sought permission for live coverage.