Political activities in Sylhet-4 have intensified as BNP and Jamaat candidates ramp up their campaigns ahead of the upcoming election. BNP Chairperson’s adviser and former Sylhet City Mayor Ariful Haque Chowdhury, contesting as the BNP candidate, addressed party activists in Gowainghat, promising that if BNP returns to power, the region’s development landscape will change within a year. He emphasized that the area, rich in mineral resources, has long been deprived of development and employment opportunities. Ariful said he had discussed local development issues with Tarique Rahman, who assured full support. He also warned against attempts to disrupt the election and reaffirmed BNP’s stance against corruption and injustice. The day saw multiple rallies and processions, including a major show of support for Abdul Hakim Chowdhury and a separate march backing BNP aspirant Prolal Uddin Ahmed, signaling growing political momentum in the constituency.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-1 is set to announce today the first verdict in the case against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others over alleged crimes against humanity during the July uprising. The three-member bench, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, will deliver the ruling in Hasina’s absence, as she and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan remain fugitives in India. Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, the only arrested accused, has turned state witness. The prosecution has sought the death penalty for Hasina and Khan, along with confiscation of their assets for victims’ families. The government has imposed tight security around the Supreme Court and tribunal premises, with live broadcast arrangements for transparency. The case marks the first judgment since the tribunal’s reconstitution following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, and is being closely watched both domestically and internationally as a defining moment in Bangladesh’s judicial and political history.

Newly elected New York Mayor Zohra Mamdani has called for a public boycott of Starbucks in solidarity with striking workers demanding a fair union contract. In a post on social media platform X on November 14, Mamdani stated that Starbucks employees are fighting for fair treatment and that he would refrain from purchasing from the chain until the dispute is resolved. The strike, dubbed the 'Red Cup Rebellion,' coincided with Starbucks’ busy Red Cup Day, when customers typically line up for free holiday cups. Organized by Starbucks Workers United, the walkout involved employees from over 25 U.S. cities. The union claims the company has refused to negotiate, warning that the strike could expand if talks stall. Starbucks, however, rejected the union’s demands, asserting that its workers already receive competitive pay and benefits, averaging $19 per hour and over $30 with additional perks.

A Faridpur district Chhatra Dal leader, Khairul Islam Roman, has been expelled from his post after sharing an 11-second viral video showing BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir scolding a man. The central Chhatra Dal announced the decision in a press release on Sunday, citing a breach of organizational discipline. Roman, who served as joint general secretary of the district unit, said he shared the video on Facebook earlier that day but deleted it and apologized after realizing it might harm the party’s image. Despite this, the central leadership approved his expulsion, instructing all members to avoid organizational contact with him. Roman, a resident of Bhanga upazila, had previously contested a student union election in 2018 and recently gained attention for welcoming job candidates with flowers. He expressed disappointment over the decision, emphasizing the need for tolerance and mutual respect within politics.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin has identified combating misinformation and disinformation as the most critical challenge for the upcoming national election in Bangladesh. Speaking at a dialogue with registered political parties at the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, he emphasized the need for political parties to cooperate in maintaining the electoral code of conduct. The CEC noted that misinformation has become a major concern that previous commissions did not face. Representatives from several political parties, including NAP, Khelafat Majlish, Islami Andolan, Bangladesh JASAD, and Ganofront, attended the dialogue. They raised issues such as the timing of consultations, the need for army deployment during elections, the importance of ensuring neutrality, and the separation of referendum and election dates. The CEC reiterated that the commission must remain impartial and cannot favor any party, urging all stakeholders to help ensure a fair and peaceful election process.

Bangladesh’s Supreme Court has requested the army headquarters to deploy troops to ensure security around the International Crimes Tribunal ahead of the November 17 verdict in a war crimes case involving former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others. Authorities fear potential unrest from banned Awami League activists during the announcement. The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumdar, will deliver its ruling on charges of genocide linked to the July coup. The Ministry of Culture plans to broadcast the historic judgment live on large screens across Dhaka. Law enforcement agencies, including the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, have heightened alert levels and will deploy additional forces to prevent sabotage or violence. The Supreme Court administration confirmed that the letter seeking army assistance was sent on Sunday evening, underscoring the government’s concern over maintaining order during the high-profile verdict.

In Barguna’s Bamna upazila, leaders and activists of the banned Awami League and Chhatra League locked four local institutions, including Bamna Government College, late Saturday night in protest related to the verdict against Sheikh Hasina for alleged crimes against humanity. The other affected institutions were Bukabunia Union Parishad office, Bukabunia Land Office, and Bukabunia Adarsha Secondary School. Police reported that the locks were broken on Sunday morning and normal operations have resumed. Local Chhatra League leaders confirmed the incident through Facebook posts, claiming the action was part of their political program. The head teacher of Bukabunia Adarsha Secondary School said he found the school gate locked in the morning and informed the police, who then instructed reopening. Bamna Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Harun-or-Rashid Howlader stated that he visited the scene but found no visible evidence of the incident, though an investigation is ongoing.

Bangladesh’s law enforcement agencies are on maximum alert ahead of Monday’s verdict by the International Crimes Tribunal against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and two others accused of crimes against humanity. The banned Awami League has announced a two-day nationwide shutdown starting Sunday, though its impact in Dhaka has been minimal so far. Authorities fear possible violence or sabotage by party activists around the verdict announcement. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has deployed additional forces across the capital and increased intelligence surveillance on roads, railways, and waterways to prevent unrest. Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury confirmed that the verdict will be delivered as scheduled on November 17 and assured that all necessary security measures are in place to maintain order. Police officials stated they are prepared to respond to any attempt at violence or disruption in the interest of public safety.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali has instructed officers to open fire on anyone attempting to set vehicles ablaze or hurl explosives such as cocktails. The directive, issued via radio communication on Sunday, November 16, comes amid heightened security concerns ahead of a tribunal verdict scheduled for Monday against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on charges of crimes against humanity. According to DMP officials, the commissioner emphasized that police have legal authority to use lethal force if lives or property are endangered. The order follows recent violent incidents in Chattogram, where the city’s police commissioner also authorized officers to shoot armed criminals. Authorities fear that banned pro-Awami League groups, including the Awami League itself and its student wing, may attempt to create unrest surrounding the verdict announcement. The directive underscores the government’s zero-tolerance stance toward potential violence and public disorder in the capital.

Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser, retired Lieutenant General Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, stated that the tribunal’s verdict in the ongoing case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be implemented regardless of its outcome on Monday. Speaking to reporters in Barishal after a meeting with law enforcement and administrative officials, he assured that the security forces are fully prepared to prevent any unrest surrounding the verdict. Chowdhury described the current law and order situation as generally satisfactory, though minor disturbances have occurred in some areas. He also emphasized that preparations are underway to ensure a free, fair, and festive national election, instructing the field administration to take all necessary measures. The adviser noted that a fair election depends not only on the administration but also on the Election Commission, political parties, and the public, expressing optimism that the upcoming polls will be conducted peacefully.

In Patuakhali, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) activists wearing white shrouds blocked the motorcade of the party’s senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday, November 16. The protest occurred at Kazirhat Bridge in Sadar Upazila as Rizvi arrived to provide financial aid to a needy family on behalf of acting chairman Tarique Rahman. The demonstrators, members of the district and upazila units of Jubo Dal, demanded the withdrawal of the expulsion order against former district Jubo Dal vice-president and upazila convener Rimanul Islam Rimu. They claimed Rimu was unfairly expelled following an isolated incident after the August 5, 2024 movement. Rizvi later spoke with the protesters, assuring them that the issue would be reviewed by the party. Following his assurance, the activists ended their blockade, and traffic returned to normal.

Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque has stated that the July Charter Implementation (Constitution Amendment) Order, issued in the name of the President, has created a serious constitutional crisis even though it has reduced uncertainty surrounding the upcoming elections. Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka’s Segunbagicha, he questioned whether an interim government has the authority to issue such a constitutional order and whether it contradicts the existing constitution. Haque argued that the order exceeds the interim government’s mandate and jurisdiction. He welcomed the decision to hold a referendum alongside the national election in February, aligning with public expectations, but warned that the proposed single-word voting format on multiple complex issues is impractical and risky. He expressed doubts about whether the referendum could achieve its intended purpose under the current structure.

The United Kingdom government is preparing to introduce sweeping reforms to its refugee policy, extending the waiting period for refugees to apply for permanent residency from five years to twenty. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to formally announce the plan on Monday. Under the new system, refugees will initially receive temporary residence permits of two and a half years, down from the current five, with regular reviews of their home country’s safety conditions. If deemed safe, they may be required to return. The policy aims to deter illegal sea crossings and reduce asylum applications, which rose 17% in the past year to over 109,000. Inspired by Denmark’s strict immigration model, the UK’s approach has drawn criticism from refugee advocacy groups, who warn it will impose prolonged uncertainty and psychological strain on asylum seekers. Analysts believe the policy could significantly reshape Britain’s future immigration system.

On the eve of the verdict in the first war crimes case against former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called for full justice and transparency. The International Crimes Tribunal is set to deliver its judgment on Monday, November 17, concerning alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising. Prosecutors have accused Hasina of ordering and inciting violence that led to the deaths of around 1,400 protesters, presenting extensive evidence including witness testimonies, documents, and multimedia materials. The prosecution has sought the death penalty for Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, citing their superior command responsibility and involvement in a joint criminal enterprise. The nation awaits the tribunal’s decision with intense anticipation, particularly families of victims and participants in the anti-fascist movement. The case marks a historic moment in Bangladesh’s political and judicial landscape.

The Bangladesh Road Transport Workers Federation announced that all types of vehicles will operate nationwide on Monday despite the Awami League’s call for a countrywide lockdown. Acting General Secretary Humayun Kabir Khan made the statement at a press conference in Dhaka’s Motijheel on Sunday, emphasizing that transport owners and workers are committed to keeping the communication system functional. He warned that any untoward incidents would be resisted and praised administrative officials for maintaining law and order. The federation condemned the Awami League’s lockdown, calling it an attempt to obstruct the interim government’s election preparations. It also demanded compensation for transport owners and workers affected by recent violence, including arson attacks on about 20 vehicles and the killing of a bus driver in Mymensingh. The Awami League called the lockdown to protest Monday’s scheduled verdict by the International Crimes Tribunal against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others in a case related to crimes against humanity during the July uprising.