At an event in Dhaka’s Bangla Academy, National Citizens’ Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam warned that Bangladesh’s youth are prepared to return to the streets if genuine political and social change remains elusive. Speaking at the launch of the University Teachers’ Forum, Nahid said that without structural transformation, revolts, elections, and consensus commissions will continue to fail. He accused the authorities of preserving a “fascist framework” that prevents true unity, even after supposed reconciliation efforts. Nahid emphasized that eradicating fascism requires a change in individual and collective consciousness. He pledged solidarity with educators, noting that the bond between students and teachers forged during past uprisings continues to drive the struggle for democracy. He called on citizens to stand with teachers in their ongoing fight for democratic principles.

Iran has reportedly approached the United States about lifting sanctions imposed over its alleged nuclear weapons program. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he is open to discussions, expressing readiness to “listen” and explore possibilities for relief. The sanctions, imposed by both the UN and the U.S., have placed severe economic pressure on Iran. Trump claimed recent airstrikes—carried out by Israel and briefly joined by the U.S.—completely destroyed Iran’s nuclear capabilities, though the full extent of the damage remains uncertain. Iran maintains that its nuclear efforts are peaceful. Oman, which previously hosted U.S.–Iran nuclear negotiations, has again called for renewed dialogue aimed at limiting Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. Trump’s remarks have raised hopes of a possible thaw in long-frozen U.S.–Iran relations.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that a fresh conspiracy is underway to undermine democracy in Bangladesh following the mass uprising. Speaking at the grave of late President Ziaur Rahman on National Revolution and Solidarity Day, he said the country must return to Zia’s path of democracy, prosperity, and people’s empowerment. Fakhrul highlighted Zia’s pivotal role in restoring multi-party democracy, press freedom, and judicial independence after the one-party BAKSAL regime. He credited Zia with introducing a free-market economy that laid the foundation for Bangladesh’s development. Senior BNP leaders and affiliated organizations paid tribute to Zia at his grave, pledging to continue his vision of a democratic and prosperous Bangladesh where citizens’ rights and justice prevail.

Iran has issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s recent large-scale military operations in Lebanon, describing them as a grave breach of Lebanese sovereignty and international law. In a statement on Friday, Tehran’s Foreign Ministry called the attacks “heinous crimes” that endanger regional peace and security. Iran urged the United Nations and the international community to intervene immediately to stop what it termed Israel’s “war hysteria.” The statement warned that continued silence could bring dire consequences for the Middle East. According to Tehran, more than a thousand Lebanese civilians have been killed or wounded since the 2025 ceasefire, with major infrastructure destroyed. Iran accused the United States of direct involvement and reaffirmed its support for Lebanon’s government and resistance forces defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The longest government shutdown in U.S. history, now in its 36th day, is severely impacting air travel. The Federal Aviation Administration has mandated a 10% reduction in flights at 40 major airports starting Friday due to staff shortages, with 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 security personnel working without pay. Airlines are adjusting schedules, affecting approximately 1,800 flights and 268,000 seats, though international flights remain unaffected. Major airports including New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Dallas are among those impacted. Passengers are facing delays, cancellations, and uncertainty, with unions and officials emphasizing safety concerns. The shutdown stems from a congressional deadlock over federal spending, leaving government operations paralyzed. Airlines are offering refunds and alternative arrangements, while authorities stress the importance of maintaining safe airspace despite the unprecedented disruption.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has come under sharp questioning from the Supreme Court over his administration’s import tariff policies, which judges say may have violated Congress’s constitutional authority to impose taxes. Both conservative and liberal justices expressed skepticism about the White House’s justification for the tariffs, originally imposed on imports from countries including China, Canada, and Mexico. Solicitor General D. John Sauer argued that the tariffs were regulatory measures, not taxes, but several justices disagreed. Justice Sonia Sotomayor noted that Americans are effectively paying those tariffs, making them functionally taxes. Trump defended the tariffs as essential for national security and for restoring America’s manufacturing base, adding that if the Court strikes them down, his administration has a “backup plan.” He warned that losing the case would be devastating for the U.S. economy but claimed legal confidence, saying most experts believe he stands on firm ground.

The United Nations Security Council has officially lifted sanctions against Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara, paving the way for his scheduled visit to the White House next week. The decision, supported by the United States and backed by a council vote, marks a significant diplomatic shift in the international community’s stance toward Syria. Shara assumed office as interim president in December 2024 after rebel forces ousted Bashar al-Assad, effectively ending the country’s 13-year civil war.
U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz described the vote as a “powerful political message” affirming that Syria has entered a new era beyond Assad’s regime. Shara had previously been under UN sanctions for his leadership of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), once affiliated with al-Qaeda, but the U.S. removed HTS from its terrorist list last July. The Security Council also lifted sanctions on Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab.
According to the BBC, President Shara will meet U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday. Their previous meeting took place in Riyadh in May, where Trump praised Shara as a strong and determined leader. This upcoming visit will be Shara’s second trip to the United States this year.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (JIB) has announced a major strategic shift ahead of the country’s upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, expected in February. Contrary to earlier expectations of forming an Islamist coalition, Jamaat will not enter any formal electoral alliance. Instead, it plans to reach seat-by-seat understandings with ideologically aligned Islamic parties and independent political figures to avoid contesting against each other in the same constituencies. Party chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman confirmed the approach during a meeting in Sylhet, saying the organization would advance based on local negotiations rather than a structured coalition.
Party sources indicate that unresolved differences over the implementation of Sharia-based laws prevented consensus on a unified platform. Some partner parties favored immediate enforcement, while Jamaat proposed a gradual approach. Analysts suggest this method also helps project an image of a participatory election in the likely absence of the ruling Awami League. Additionally, under the revised Representation of the People Order (RPO), allied parties can no longer share a single electoral symbol, further discouraging formal alliances. The move reflects Jamaat’s pragmatic turn toward flexible coordination instead of rigid bloc politics — aiming to expand influence, maintain ideological coherence, and adapt to Bangladesh’s changing electoral landscape.

Professor Mia Golam Parwar, Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has called on the Chief Adviser to enforce the July Charter immediately and hold a nationwide referendum by mid-November to establish its legal basis. Speaking at a pre-march rally at Shapla Chattar in Motijheel on Thursday, 6 November, he emphasized that failing to fulfill these demands would compromise the respect and trust earned from the public. The rally, organized by eight Islamic political parties including Jamaat-e-Islami, was part of a coordinated movement demanding five key political reforms. Professor Parwar urged the Chief Adviser to act as a neutral mediator, facilitating political unity to ensure a free, fair, and transparent election in February. Highlighting the need to safeguard Bangladesh’s hard-won independence, he warned against delays or conspiracies, urging immediate action to prevent undermining public expectations and the legitimacy of the current state framework.

Typhoon Kalmaegi has caused widespread devastation across the central Philippines, particularly in Cebu Province, where at least 140 people have been confirmed dead and many others remain missing. The powerful storm destroyed homes, flooded roads with mud, and submerged vehicles, leaving vast areas in ruins. In response to the extensive damage and loss of life, the Philippine government has declared a national state of calamity to expedite relief operations and emergency aid distribution.
Now gaining strength over the South China Sea, Kalmaegi is heading toward central Vietnam, where authorities warn that the ongoing week-long flooding could worsen significantly. Officials in Vietnam have expressed concern that already water-saturated regions may face further disaster if the storm makes landfall at full force. Meanwhile, rescue and recovery efforts have begun in the Philippines, even as the government prepares for another approaching storm, “Wan,” expected to arrive over the weekend.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has issued a stern warning that no one will be spared if they attempt to organize or join rallies in support of the banned Awami League. Speaking at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy on Bailey Road, Dhaka, on Wednesday, he stated that the government has already outlawed all activities of the Awami League and that any demonstrations or gatherings in its favor will face strict legal consequences. Alam also accused former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of being responsible for the deaths of over a hundred people and referred to her as the “Butcher of Bengal.” He added that the government is closely monitoring her actions and communications from India.

The Ganasamhati Andolon has announced its list of potential candidates for 93 parliamentary constituencies ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming national election. The announcement was made on Wednesday at a press conference held at the party’s central office in Hatirpool, Dhaka. Executive Coordinator Abul Hasan Rubel made the declaration in the presence of Chief Coordinator Zunaid Saki and other central leaders. According to the released list, Zunaid Saki will contest from Brahmanbaria-6, while Abul Hasan Rubel himself will run from Pabna-4 and Dhaka-10 constituencies. Taslima Akhter, a member of the party’s political council, is set to contest from Dhaka-12. Other central leaders, including Hasan Maruf Rumi, Dewan Abdur Rashid, and Monir Uddin Pappu, were also present at the event where the party emphasized its commitment to inclusive and progressive politics.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has asserted that Western powers’ efforts to strategically defeat and divide Russia have completely failed. Speaking at a Council on Interethnic Relations meeting on Wednesday, Putin said that so-called international organizations and “pseudo-national centers” operating outside Russia are in fact tools of an ongoing information war against the country. These groups, he claimed, are promoting the idea of “decolonizing Russia” — an attempt to fragment the Russian Federation and push it toward so-called “strategic defeat.”

Putin accused these organizations of advancing the concept of a “post-Russia,” portraying the nation as divided and deprived of sovereignty. He warned that provocations aimed at sowing discord among Russian citizens must stop immediately, alleging that many such operations are orchestrated by foreign intelligence services.

According to Putin, Russia’s adversaries exploit various social and political issues — including migration and daily events — to inflame tensions, even using extremist groups that employ terrorist tactics. Despite centuries of Western attempts to destabilize Russia, he emphasized, all such efforts have failed. Putin also supported the proposal to designate 2026 as the “Year of Unity of Russia’s Peoples,” reaffirming the nation’s resilience and cohesion.

The caretaker government of Bangladesh has given final approval to the ‘Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Remedies Ordinance 2025’, marking a significant step toward justice and human rights protection. Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Shafiqul Alam, announced the decision during a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy on Thursday. The ordinance legally defines “enforced disappearance” and categorizes it as a continuing offense, carrying penalties up to the death sentence. It also criminalizes the establishment and use of secret detention centers, known as Aynaghar, as punishable offenses.

The National Human Rights Commission and the proposed Investigation Commission will be empowered to receive and investigate complaints related to enforced disappearances. The ordinance mandates that tribunals complete trials within 120 days of framing charges and ensures protection, compensation, and legal aid for victims and witnesses. Additionally, a special fund and a national database will be established for prevention and protection efforts.

Officials noted that the law aligns with the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, reflecting Bangladesh’s commitment to preventing state-sponsored abuses and ensuring that no future government can operate secret detention centers or commit such crimes with impunity.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed his ministers and security officials to prepare proposals for possible nuclear weapons testing, warning the United States of a reciprocal response if it resumes nuclear tests. The move follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent order to lift the 1992 moratorium on nuclear testing and instruct the Pentagon to restart tests immediately.

During a Security Council meeting on November 5, Putin said that if the U.S. or any signatory of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty resumes testing, Russia will be compelled to respond in kind. He instructed the Foreign Ministry, Defense Ministry, intelligence agencies, and civilian institutions to collect information and develop coordinated plans prioritizing nuclear readiness.

Defense Minister Andrei Belousov stated that the U.S. move significantly heightens the military threat to Russia, emphasizing the need to maintain Russia’s nuclear deterrence. Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov also warned that delaying action could cost Russia its strategic advantage.

Analysts say the renewed nuclear testing rhetoric between Moscow and Washington—both major nuclear powers—marks a dangerous escalation, threatening to further undermine global arms control efforts already weakened by geopolitical tensions over the Ukraine war and sanctions.