Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s alliance is leading in the country’s parliamentary election, according to the election commission. Preliminary results show the bloc securing about 1.317 million votes, placing it ahead of rivals. The vote, held on Tuesday, recorded a turnout of 56.11 percent. Sudani, seeking a second term, hopes to consolidate his position through this election. However, many young Iraqis remain disillusioned, viewing the process as dominated by established parties dividing the nation’s oil wealth. With no single party able to form a government alone in Iraq’s 329-seat legislature, coalition negotiations are expected to be complex and prolonged, potentially delaying the formation of a new government for months.

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md. Mahfuz Alam announced that Bangladesh Television (BTV) is being made autonomous as part of ongoing institutional reforms to ensure it does not serve any political party or power. Speaking at the award ceremony of the 'Notun Kuri' competition in Dhaka, he emphasized that BTV will now represent all people and parties, reflecting the diversity of Bangladesh’s culture. Alam highlighted that the new Bangladesh aims to embrace inclusivity, diversity, and creativity, moving away from years of cultural uniformity. He also praised the young winners from across the country for showcasing talent and innovation, describing them as symbols of a just, equal, and progressive Bangladesh born from the July revolution. The adviser reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a culturally rich and pluralistic nation.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam has expressed hope for the maximum punishment for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and ex-Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal in a high-profile crimes against humanity case. The tribunal, reconstituted after the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024, is set to deliver its verdict on November 17. The charges include incitement, ordering lethal force against protesters, and multiple killings during the July uprising. The prosecution earlier sought the death penalty for Hasina and Khan. The case marks the first major trial under the reformed tribunal, with proceedings beginning in October 2023. Chief Prosecutor Islam stated that the verdict would serve as a landmark for justice and accountability in Bangladesh’s history.

Police in Manikganj have arrested Jesmin Akter, a former reserved female councillor of Manikganj Municipality and a local Awami League leader, from her home near Shahid Rafique Road late Wednesday night. According to police sources, the arrest was made in connection with a political case, though details of the charges have not been disclosed. Jesmin Akter, known for her active involvement in local politics and women’s leadership, represented wards 7, 8, and 9 during her tenure. She is currently being interrogated at the police station, and authorities said she will be produced before court on Thursday afternoon following questioning. The arrest has drawn local attention due to her political prominence in the area.

A local office of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Guthia Union, Uzirpur upazila of Barishal, was set ablaze by unidentified miscreants early Thursday morning. According to residents, a group of attackers poured petrol on the office around 3 a.m. and fled after igniting the fire. Despite efforts by locals to extinguish the flames, the office and its contents were completely destroyed. Some locals suspect the attack may be linked to political tensions surrounding a lockdown program announced by the Awami League. Police have visited the scene, and Uzirpur Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Abdus Salam stated that an investigation is underway and legal action will follow based on findings.

AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju has proposed a major seat-sharing arrangement between the BNP alliance and the Jamaat alliance ahead of Bangladesh’s next national election. Speaking at a discussion marking the 50th anniversary of National Revolution and Solidarity Day, Monju suggested that out of 300 parliamentary seats, 150 should be shared between the two alliances—100 for the BNP-led bloc and 50 for the Jamaat-led bloc—while the remaining 150 seats would remain open for all parties to contest. He argued that such an understanding could help overcome the current political deadlock and reinforce democratic foundations. Other opposition leaders, including Rashed Khan of Ganadhikar Parishad and Subrata Chowdhury of Gano Forum, also emphasized the need for timely elections and political unity.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh, led by the Pir of Charmonai, is emerging as a strong contender in three key constituencies of the Barishal division—Pirojpur-3, Barishal-5, and Patuakhali-4. The party’s growing influence is bolstered by the inclusion of two former MPs from the BNP and Jatiya Party, along with senior leader Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim. In Pirojpur-3, former MP Dr. Rustam Ali Farazi, known for his shifting political affiliations and grassroots popularity, is contesting under the party’s ‘hand fan’ symbol. In Barishal-5, Faizul Karim himself is competing in a BNP stronghold, while in Patuakhali-4, ex-BNP leader and physician Mustafizur Rahman is drawing support across party lines. Analysts believe Islami Andolan could pose a significant challenge to BNP in these constituencies, potentially reshaping the electoral dynamics in southern Bangladesh.

Thousands of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) activists held a large protest march in Babukhali Union of Magura’s Mohammadpur upazila, demanding the cancellation of Nitai Roy Chowdhury’s nomination as a potential candidate for the Magura-2 constituency. The demonstrators called for former MP Kazi Salimul Haque Kamal to be nominated instead, claiming that Chowdhury is disconnected from grassroots supporters and unpopular among local leaders. The rally, which included members of BNP, Jubo Dal, and Chhatra Dal, paraded through Thakur’s Hat market area before concluding at Dumurshia. Speakers at the event warned that nominating Chowdhury could weaken the party’s position and increase the risk of electoral defeat. Several former local BNP leaders, including former upazila chairmen and union leaders, attended the protest.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has scheduled November 17 for delivering the verdict in a war crimes case against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two former officials. The case relates to alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising. The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumdar, announced the date on November 13. Former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun are co-accused. Hasina and Kamal remain fugitives, while Mamun is in custody and has testified as a witness. Security has been tightened around the Supreme Court and tribunal premises, with army deployment following official correspondence between the Supreme Court and military headquarters. The verdict is expected to have significant political and legal implications for Bangladesh.

Police in Gazipur have heightened security measures to maintain law and order surrounding a banned Awami League program. Mobile patrols, additional checkposts, and increased deployment of officers have been introduced across key city areas including Konabari, Chandna Chowrasta, Bhogra Bypass, and Tongi. Authorities report no untoward incidents so far. Police teams are actively inspecting suspicious vehicles and passengers while maintaining vigilance at bus and truck stands. Despite reduced traffic on highways, businesses, garment factories, and financial institutions remain open. Officials affirmed that the force is fully prepared to prevent any acts of sabotage or unrest linked to the prohibited political activities.

Former US President Donald Trump has written to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, requesting a pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently facing corruption and abuse of power charges. Herzog’s office confirmed receipt of the letter on November 12, noting that any pardon request must follow formal procedures. In his letter, Trump described the charges against Netanyahu as politically motivated and unjust, praising him as a long-time ally in confronting adversaries such as Iran. Netanyahu, who has denied all allegations, thanked Trump publicly on social media for his support. The Israeli leader’s trial has faced multiple delays due to the ongoing Gaza conflict, while Trump’s intervention has drawn attention to the close ties between the two politicians.

Former Home Minister Sohel Taj has raised questions about who is responsible for recent incidents of arson, cocktail explosions, and political violence in Dhaka. In a Facebook post on November 12, he criticized what he described as the autocratic and corrupt rule of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accusing her government of killings, disappearances, corruption, and undermining democracy. Taj urged people to read two books by freedom fighter Matiur Rahman Rentu—'Amar Fashi Chai' and 'Ontoraler Hotyakari Prodhanmontri'—to understand who benefits from such acts of violence. His comments come amid renewed political tension and violence in Bangladesh’s capital, where buses have been set on fire and several explosions reported.

Police have arrested 11 people from different areas of Ashulia as opposition activists from the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and NCP held demonstrations and sit-ins along the Dhaka-Aricha and Nabinagar-Chandra highways. The protests were organized in response to the Awami League’s banned online-announced ‘Dhaka Lockdown’ program. To maintain order, additional police, RAB, and intelligence personnel were deployed, with checkpoints set up at key points and surveillance intensified. Public transport movement was lower than usual, causing inconvenience to commuters. Authorities confirmed that no incidents of violence or sabotage had been reported so far. The arrests were made during overnight and early morning raids across Savar and Ashulia areas.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin has issued a stern warning to political parties over the use of posters in election campaigns, emphasizing that such materials are banned under the electoral code of conduct. Speaking at a meeting with registered political parties at the Election Commission building on Thursday, he urged all parties to remove campaign posters voluntarily, calling it a matter of decency and compliance. The CEC cautioned that failure to do so would prompt strict enforcement actions. He also reiterated the Election Commission’s commitment to ensuring a fair, credible, and participatory election, stressing the need for cooperation from all 54 registered political parties. Nasir Uddin affirmed that all parties are equal before the Commission and urged them to assist before, during, and after the voting process to maintain transparency and trust.

Dhaka witnessed normal traffic flow on Thursday morning despite the Awami League’s announcement of a citywide lockdown in connection with the upcoming verdict in a war crimes case involving fugitive Sheikh Hasina and two others. Law enforcement agencies were deployed across key points in the capital, conducting searches on suspicious vehicles as a precautionary measure. Police officials reported no incidents of violence, arson, or demonstrations as of midday, describing the overall situation as stable. Commuters and office-goers were seen heading to their workplaces, with traffic congestion increasing in major areas like Farmgate and Karwan Bazar. Authorities continue to maintain heightened vigilance to prevent any untoward incidents throughout the day.