On the occasion of the historic National Revolution and Solidarity Day on November 7, BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman emphasized the urgent need to ensure free, fair, and participatory elections along with the protection of citizens’ fundamental human rights as essential conditions for establishing genuine democracy in Bangladesh.

In a message signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Tarique Rahman reflected on the 1975 uprising, describing it as a turning point that safeguarded the nation’s sovereignty and marked the rise of nationalist politics opposing domination and autocracy. He stated that the soldiers and masses united on that day to restore democracy and protect national independence, leading to the release of Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of independence.

Tarique accused successive authoritarian regimes, especially the current Awami government, of undermining democracy through fascist rule, corruption, repression, and suppression of dissent. He reiterated his call for uniting all nationalist forces to rebuild a democratic Bangladesh grounded in justice, good governance, and sovereignty. He also urged citizens to uphold the spirit of November 7 to defend freedom, culture, and national identity.

Bangladesh’s political landscape has witnessed another surprise move as renowned economist and politician Reza Kibria has officially joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Confirming the matter to Jugantor on Wednesday, Kibria said he has already filled out the party’s primary membership form and will formally join within a few days. He also expressed his intention to contest the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election from the Habiganj-1 constituency under BNP’s traditional election symbol, the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’.

Kibria, the son of former finance minister Shah AMS Kibria, previously served as General Secretary of Gono Forum and later as the convener of the Gono Odhikar Parishad, led by former DUCSU VP Nurul Haque Nur. In 2018, he contested the general election as a candidate of the Jatiya Oikya Front alliance under the same symbol. However, in recent years he distanced himself from active politics following internal divisions within his former party. His re-entry into the BNP marks a significant political development ahead of the next national polls.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has permanently expelled its central organizer, Muntasir Mahmud, on charges of repeatedly violating party discipline. The decision was announced on Wednesday night (November 5) in an official statement issued by Sadia Farzana Dina from the party’s office cell. According to the statement, Muntasir was temporarily suspended on October 12 and asked to provide a written explanation as to why he should not be permanently removed. Although he submitted a written response on October 14, the NCP leadership deemed his explanation unsatisfactory. Despite previous warnings and an ongoing disciplinary committee investigation, Muntasir continued to breach party protocols. Consequently, under the directive of the party’s Convener Md. Nahid Islam and Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Muntasir Mahmud was permanently expelled from the organization.

It is noteworthy that following the July uprising, Muntasir had been appointed as Deputy Director of the Red Crescent on a temporary basis. In mid-October, he staged protests at the organization’s Dhaka headquarters against its chairman, defying NCP’s instructions to refrain from such actions. On October 12, the Red Crescent board, which included NCP advisor Mahfuz’s brother Mahbub Alam, decided to terminate Muntasir’s employment after the incident.

Zohra Mamdani, the Democratic candidate, has been elected as the 111th mayor of New York City, defeating Republican Curtis Sliwa and independent Andrew Cuomo. Making history, Mamdani becomes the city’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor—and the youngest in more than a century. Once a relatively unknown politician, Mamdani rose to prominence through his clear stance on livability issues and energetic grassroots campaigning. His platform emphasized housing affordability, rent stabilization, a $30 minimum wage, free public transport, and higher taxes on the wealthy. Despite being repeatedly branded “antisemitic,” Mamdani earned significant Jewish support, with organizations like Jews for Zohra, Jewish Voice for Peace, and Jews for Racial and Economic Justice actively campaigning for him. Supporters such as Jacob Bloomfield cited Mamdani’s commitment to universal access to housing, healthcare, education, and safety as reasons for their trust. Actor and comedian Matt Katai also endorsed him, praising his passion and sincerity. Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Jewish voters supporting Mamdani, calling them “stupid” and threatening to cut federal funding for New York if Mamdani won. Analysts believe his victory under a far-right federal administration marks a new political era for America.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, re-elected for a third consecutive term, visited his birthplace Sylhet on Wednesday, November 5, where he spoke to journalists about his party’s political stance. Dr. Rahman claimed that Jamaat’s internal election under the PR system demonstrated the highest level of public support. Addressing the issue of alliances, he made it clear that Jamaat has no plan to form any political coalition, though it remains open to electoral understandings with like-minded and patriotic parties. According to him, the goal is to build the nation collectively with those committed to integrity and nationalism.
When asked whether “everyone” includes the ruling Awami League, Dr. Rahman responded by questioning the party’s sincerity toward elections, arguing that forcing them into polls would be unjust. He warned that if the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election is not held by February, the country could face instability. During his Sylhet visit, he also discussed issues such as protecting expatriate interests and extending the timeline for the new voter list. Thousands of Jamaat activists in Sylhet welcomed their re-elected leader with a large motorbike and car procession.

The Government of Bangladesh’s Posts and Telecommunications Division has unveiled the draft of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Ordinance 2025, aiming to modernize the sector and reinforce citizens’ digital rights. The proposed law introduces a landmark ban on internet shutdowns, a measure intended to uphold freedom of connectivity and prevent arbitrary disruption of online access. According to an official press release signed by Muhammad Jasim Uddin on November 5, the draft is now available on the division’s official website for public review and feedback. It also seeks to strengthen transparency, accountability, and governance within the telecommunications industry by updating outdated laws and aligning them with global digital standards. Stakeholders and citizens are invited to submit their opinions via email at secretary@ptd.gov.bd
or by post to the ministry by November 15, 2025.

China has announced a suspension of the 24% additional tariffs on U.S. goods following recent discussions between President Xi Jinping and former U.S. President Donald Trump. The decision, declared on Wednesday by China’s State Council Tariff Commission, keeps the existing 10% tariff in place while pausing the extra levy for one year. Officials stated that the move aims to stabilize bilateral trade relations and support global economic recovery after years of tariff disputes. Additionally, China will lift up to 15% of specific tariffs on U.S. agricultural products, effective November 10. Analysts suggest this will boost imports of key commodities such as soybeans, corn, and meat—benefiting both American farmers and Chinese consumers amid rising food prices. Although no major deal emerged from the Xi-Trump meeting, the renewed dialogue is seen as a step toward easing tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

Abdul-Malik Badruddin al-Houthi, leader of Yemen’s Ansarullah movement, has accused the United States, Israel, and their allies of killing nearly three million innocent Muslims in various Islamic countries over the past twenty years. Speaking at Yemen’s Martyrs’ Remembrance Week ceremony on Tuesday, al-Houthi said these deaths reflect the oppressive policies of Western powers aiming to subjugate Muslim nations. He claimed that America itself has admitted responsibility for mass killings, most of the victims being from the Islamic Ummah. The Houthi leader condemned Israel’s ongoing siege and starvation tactics in Gaza, emphasizing that such actions have failed to break Muslim resistance. He asserted that martyrdom is a symbol of strength and protection from humiliation. Al-Houthi also criticized Western efforts to mentally manipulate and enslave Muslim societies through colonization, violence, and psychological warfare.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has officially received registration as a political organization from the Election Commission, securing the Shapla Koli (water lily bud) as its electoral symbol. In a video message on Tuesday night, the party’s convener Nahid Islam expressed gratitude to all party members and supporters for their tireless efforts leading to this achievement. He described the NCP as a party “for all citizens” and invited individuals who wish to enter politics with sincerity and a vision for a new Bangladesh to join their movement.

Nahid Islam recounted the party’s journey, noting that it was founded in February following a period of civic activism and that the registration process began in March. Despite initial delays from the Election Commission, the party persisted and ultimately received official recognition. The NCP plans to field candidates in all 300 constituencies under the Shapla Koli symbol. Emphasizing honesty, patriotism, and reform, Nahid stated that the party is preparing for the upcoming national elections and working to build public support nationwide. He concluded by reaffirming the NCP’s commitment to work for people’s rights and establish a fair political culture in Bangladesh.

The Canadian government is pursuing new legislative powers that would allow mass cancellation of visas amid rising concerns over fraudulent applications, particularly from Bangladesh and India. Internal documents obtained by CBC News reveal that officials from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) have partnered with U.S. counterparts to form a working group. The group aims to identify fake travel visa applications and enhance enforcement capabilities. These documents refer to Bangladesh and India as “specific challenging countries,” emphasizing the need for stronger authority to revoke visas on a large scale.

Publicly, Immigration Minister Lena Diab has cited emergencies like pandemics or wars as reasons for seeking such powers, without naming specific nations. The proposal, known as Bill C-12, has already raised alarms among over 30 civil society organizations, who fear it could become a tool for mass deportation. Immigration lawyers also question whether the government is using fraud as a pretext to reduce application backlogs. Meanwhile, the IRCC claims the move is part of “firm measures” to curb border misuse and illegal entries, boasting a 97% decline in unauthorized crossings and a 25% rise in visa rejections due to fraud since last year.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has officially announced that it will not nominate any candidate in the constituency of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in the upcoming 13th National Election. The decision was disclosed to the media on Tuesday (November 4) by NCP’s Chief Coordinator and Election Steering Committee Chairman Nasir Uddin Patwary. The announcement comes a day after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) declared its preliminary list of 237 candidates, which includes Khaleda Zia contesting from Feni-1, Dinajpur-3, and Bogura-7 constituencies. By choosing not to contest in Khaleda Zia’s seat, the NCP signaled a gesture of political respect or strategy as election campaigns gain momentum across the country.

Leaders of the “Sada Dal,” a faction of Dhaka University (DU) teachers, have proposed that DU be granted “special institutional status” and that its teachers receive double the salary of their government counterparts. The proposal was formally submitted on November 4 to the Chairman of the National Pay Commission, Zakir Ahmed Khan, through a written 10-point memorandum.

The teachers argued that Dhaka University has played an unparalleled role in Bangladesh’s history—from the independence movement to national development—and thus deserves recognition through distinct privileges and pay structures. Their demands include placing senior professors in the super grade, higher academic and administrative allowances (up to 100% of basic pay), research grants of up to Tk 20 lakh, annual academic support allowances of Tk 3 lakh, and interest-free housing loans. They also sought full funding for research publication charges, conference participation, and tax exemptions on professional income.

Led by Professor Dr. Abdus Salam, the delegation emphasized that such measures would help retain academic excellence and global competitiveness at the university. The Pay Commission chief reportedly responded positively and assured that the demands would be reviewed.

Mir Mahbubur Rahman Snigdho, twin brother of July Uprising martyr Mir Mugdho, has officially joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). His inclusion was announced Tuesday night through the BNP Media Cell’s social media posts, which featured several photos marking the occasion. Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman attended the event virtually, while Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee members Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Nazrul Islam Khan, and Central Sports Affairs Secretary Aminul Haque were present in person. Snigdho’s entry into the BNP is viewed as a symbolic moment, as his brother’s sacrifice during the July uprising remains a poignant part of Bangladesh’s recent political memory. The move is expected to strengthen BNP’s emotional and grassroots connection ahead of future political mobilizations.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again targeted Representative Ilhan Omar, urging her to leave the United States in a post on his Truth Social platform. Sharing a video of Omar speaking at a public event, Trump wrote that she should “go back,” a remark critics say echoes his previous racially charged rhetoric. The video, whose recording date remains unclear, has been circulating on right-wing social media channels for weeks. Omar, who fled Somalia’s civil war as a child and later gained U.S. citizenship in 2000, represents Minnesota in Congress as a Democrat. Trump’s comments were amplified by his allies, reigniting debates over immigration, national identity, and political boundaries in campaign discourse. This is not the first time Trump has made such remarks — he previously suggested that Somalia’s president might “take back” Omar. In response, Omar said she is unfazed by such comments, describing them as “strange” and insisting that her citizenship cannot be questioned. She added that she is no longer the frightened refugee child she once was, but a grown American raising her children. The renewed exchange highlights the persistent racial and ideological divisions shaping American politics ahead of the 2024 election season.

Dick Cheney, the former Vice President of the United States and one of the chief architects behind the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, has died at the age of 84. His family confirmed in a statement that Cheney passed away due to pneumonia and complications related to heart and vascular conditions. Cheney’s political career spanned decades, beginning in the Nixon administration in 1969 and including roles such as White House Chief of Staff, Secretary of Defense, and Vice President under George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009.

A leading proponent of the neoconservative doctrine, Cheney advocated for America’s global dominance through preemptive military action. As Defense Secretary during the first Gulf War, he oversaw Operation Desert Storm against Iraq. Following the 9/11 attacks, Cheney emerged as a key voice driving the “War on Terror,” supporting regime change in the Middle East and controversial interrogation techniques. His “One Percent Doctrine” argued for striking potential threats even with minimal evidence.

Though praised for his strategic influence, Cheney’s legacy remains deeply divisive—viewed by some as a defender of U.S. security, and by others as the mastermind of misguided wars.