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.

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Colonel (Retd.) Dr. Oli Ahmed has alleged that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former President Hussain Muhammad Ershad were involved in the assassination of former President Ziaur Rahman. In a recent interview with a private television channel, Oli Ahmed claimed that Ziaur Rahman was killed 17 days after Sheikh Hasina’s return to Bangladesh and suggested that both leaders were linked to the incident. He also made controversial remarks about the killing of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s family, claiming that people celebrated the event at the time. Additionally, he criticized Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s leadership and questioned his designation as the Father of the Nation, arguing that the military was too weak to oppose him during his rule.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has initiated a series of dialogues with registered political parties in preparation for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The first day of talks began on Thursday, November 13, involving six parties in the morning session and another six in the afternoon. Among the participants were the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Bangladesh Congress, Bangladesh Muslim League, and the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB). The EC plans to continue the discussions in several phases, with parties such as BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and NCP expected to join later. Currently, the EC has 53 registered political parties, while the registration of the Awami League remains suspended and that of several others has been cancelled. The dialogues aim to gather opinions and build consensus on electoral issues ahead of the national polls.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Sadiq Kayem has alleged that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her associates are conspiring against Bangladesh by exploiting the flexibility of the interim government. Speaking to reporters during a student gathering in Dhaka, he claimed that Hasina’s supporters were attempting to destabilize the country ahead of her court verdict. Kayem urged all opposition groups, including BNP, Jamaat, and leftist parties, to unite against the Awami League. He also called on citizens to resist Hasina’s loyalists wherever they are found, asserting that those responsible for past violence and disappearances should face justice. His remarks come amid heightened political tension as the Awami League announced a lockdown in Dhaka before the verdict announcement.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has deployed 14 platoons across Dhaka and nearby districts to ensure law and order amid heightened security concerns. The deployment, confirmed by BGB’s public relations officer Shariful Islam on Thursday, began on Wednesday to strengthen security in key areas. Law enforcement agencies have taken positions at major intersections in Dhaka, conducting searches of suspicious individuals. Several suspects have been detained for attempting acts of sabotage. Security has been tightened at critical infrastructures, including airports, railway and metro stations, and transport terminals. The move follows recent incidents of scattered explosions and covert attacks in parts of Dhaka. Alongside the BGB, police, army, and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) personnel are jointly working to maintain stability and public safety across the capital and its surrounding areas.

The US House of Representatives voted to end the longest government shutdown in American history after 43 days of partial closure. The measure passed with 222 votes in favor and 209 against, with six Democrats joining Republicans to approve the deal. The Senate had already passed the funding bill earlier in the week. President Donald Trump signed the bill into law shortly after the House vote, officially reopening government operations. The shutdown had forced thousands of federal employees to work without pay or take unpaid leave. With the new law, federal workers are expected to return to work and receive back pay, while essential services such as food assistance and air traffic control begin resuming normal operations. However, the timeline for full restoration of all government services remains uncertain.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Sadiq Kayem has stated that the political dominance of the ruling Awami League will end after August 5, 2024. Speaking at the 'Run for July' program held at the university’s Mall Chattar on Thursday morning, he alleged that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her associates would be removed from Bangladesh’s political landscape. Kayem also claimed that his team searched several points on campus the previous night but did not find any members of the Awami League or its student wing, the Chhatra League. He emphasized that the goal of the 'Run for July' initiative is to revive the spirit of July and unite people against autocracy, urging all to overcome divisions and restore unity.