The government of Bangladesh has appointed Major General A S M Ridwanur Rahman as the new Director General (DG) of the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS). The appointment was formalized through a notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on Sunday, November 16, assigning his service under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Major General Iftikhar Anis, who previously held the position, has been reassigned to the Bangladesh Army, with his service also placed under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. BIISS is a state-run autonomous national research institute that conducts studies on security, foreign policy, and strategic issues relevant to Bangladesh’s national interests. The leadership change is expected to strengthen the institute’s role in policy research and strategic analysis.

Eight political parties in Bangladesh, led by Jamaat-e-Islami, have announced plans to be active on the streets on Monday, the day the verdict is expected in the war crimes case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others. Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar made the announcement at a joint press conference on Sunday, saying the alliance would not allow any acts of sabotage under the pretext of opposing fascism. The statement came in response to a lockdown called by the banned Awami League. The eight-party alliance also reaffirmed its support for a 'Yes' vote in the upcoming referendum and pledged to continue its movement to achieve its five-point demands. The coalition said that the Chief Adviser’s recent address partially met the public’s expectations for a free and fair election, but further action was needed to fulfill all their demands.

The Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) has issued special traffic instructions for Dhaka Cantonment ahead of Armed Forces Day celebrations on November 21. To ensure smooth movement and avoid congestion, all vehicles except those carrying residents and invited guests are requested to avoid the main road from Shaheed Jahangir Gate to Staff Road between 7 a.m.–11 a.m. and 12 p.m.–7 p.m. The directive aims to facilitate official programs and ceremonies scheduled within the cantonment area. Additionally, in observance of Armed Forces Day 2025, several naval ships will be open to the public from 2 p.m. until sunset at designated locations across Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, Barishal, and Chandpur. These include Sadarghat in Dhaka, Naval Berth/BN RRB in Chattogram, Naval Berth/Rocket Ghat and Digraj Naval Berth in Khulna, BIWTA Ghat in Barishal, and BIWTA Ghat in Chandpur. The public is encouraged to visit and participate in the celebrations.

BNP leader and Noakhali-5 constituency candidate Md. Fakhrul Islam has pledged that if Tarique Rahman becomes the Prime Minister, the river erosion–affected Noakhali district will be transformed into a modern city like Singapore. Speaking at a large election rally in Kabirhat on Saturday, November 15, Fakhrul urged voters to cast their ballots for the BNP’s 'sheaf of paddy' symbol, emphasizing that their support would ensure Tarique Rahman’s leadership. He also promised to create a terror-free, extortion-free, and drug-free environment in the constituency, assuring that jobs would be given based on merit rather than nepotism. Fakhrul further stated that he would remain accessible to the public without favoritism. The rally was chaired by former Kabirhat BNP convener Kamrul Huda Chowdhury Liton and attended by several district BNP leaders, including Mahbub Alamgir Alo, ABM Zakaria, Harunur Rashid Azad, and Mostafizur Rahman Monju.

New York City’s newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has appointed former U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan as vice chair of his transition team. Khan, a Pakistani-British-born Democrat known for her tough antitrust stance, previously led the FTC from June 2021 to January 2025 under President Joe Biden, becoming the youngest chair in the agency’s history. During her tenure, she pursued aggressive antitrust enforcement, challenged major tech mergers, and sought to limit non-compete agreements. As part of Mamdani’s transition team, Khan is reviewing the scope of mayoral powers and helping shape economic and administrative strategies ahead of Mamdani’s assumption of office in January 2026. Her inclusion signals a potentially reformist and regulatory approach to city governance. Analysts suggest that major tech firms with large New York operations, such as Amazon, Meta, and Google, may view her appointment as a warning of stricter oversight or policy scrutiny in the city’s economic environment.

State prosecutor Gazi Monowar Hossain Tamim stated that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will not receive any leniency in sentencing due to her gender in the upcoming verdict of the war crimes case against her. The verdict, scheduled for Monday, November 17, will be broadcast live on Bangladesh Television (BTV) and the official Facebook page of the International Crimes Tribunal to ensure transparency. Tamim clarified that while women, minors, and the ill may receive certain considerations in bail matters under general law, no such privilege exists in sentencing. The tribunal, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumdar, with Justices Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury, will deliver the judgment. The case involves Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, accused of crimes against humanity during the July 2024 coup. Hasina and Kamal have been declared fugitives for failing to appear in court, while Al-Mamun testified as a state witness.

The Ministry of Education of Bangladesh has directed that in all private schools and colleges where the tenure of ad hoc committees has expired, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) will serve as the acting president at the upazila level, and the Deputy Commissioner (DC) or their representative will assume the role at the district level. The directive was issued through a circular on Saturday, November 15, under Article 69 of the ‘Regulations of Governing Bodies and Managing Committees of Non-Government Educational Institutions, 2024’. The ministry explained that this decision follows a High Court order that temporarily suspended, for three months, an earlier circular issued on September 8 regarding the formation of ad hoc and regular committees under the same regulations. The new instruction aims to ensure uninterrupted administrative and academic operations in affected institutions until further notice.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar announced that his party, along with seven other political groups, will vote 'Yes' in the upcoming referendum aimed at giving legal validity to the July Charter. Speaking at a joint press conference in Dhaka’s Moghbazar on Sunday, Porwar said the alliance will encourage the public to support the reforms. The eight-party coalition, which has been active amid the ongoing political unrest, also warned that their movement would continue if a level playing field is not ensured. Porwar emphasized that their movement seeks to make elections more transparent and accountable, not to disrupt them. Other alliance leaders urged the government to respect the people's aspirations and to clarify potential complications if the national election and referendum are held on the same day. The alliance’s liaison committee will soon decide on the next course of action.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has described Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani as an enduring source of inspiration for the struggle for democracy, human rights, and national sovereignty. In a message marking Bhasani’s 49th death anniversary, Rahman praised the late leader’s lifelong dedication to the oppressed and his fearless stance against imperialism and exploitation. He said Bhasani’s ideals would continue to guide future generations in achieving justice and freedom. Rahman emphasized that Bhasani’s leadership during the anti-colonial movements and his advocacy for farmers, workers, and the underprivileged made him a beacon in Bangladesh’s political history. Highlighting his courage and commitment to the people, Rahman noted that Bhasani’s voice once shook oppressive regimes and earned him the trust of the masses.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has accused the previous Sheikh Hasina-led government of signing agreements with India that were detrimental to Bangladesh’s national interest. Speaking to journalists in Patuakhali, Rizvi questioned why Bangladesh must purchase 34% of the electricity produced by India’s Adani Group in Jharkhand, calling the deal a betrayal of national interest. He also criticized past initiatives to hand over strategic installations like ports to foreign operators, warning that such moves could endanger the country’s sovereignty and security. Rizvi urged the current government under Dr. Muhammad Yunus to review these agreements and ensure that national interests are prioritized. His remarks came while he was providing financial assistance to an elderly couple whose plight had gone viral on social media. Local BNP leaders were also present during the event.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar has accused the government of making recent administrative appointments and transfers to benefit a particular political party ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming national election. Speaking at a joint press conference at Al Falah Auditorium in Dhaka’s Moghbazar, Porwar claimed that these changes were made through secret consultations, undermining a level playing field for the election. He urged the chief adviser to maintain neutrality in overseeing the electoral process. Earlier in the day, top leaders from eight allied parties met under Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman’s leadership to discuss their ongoing movement. Porwar reaffirmed that the alliance would continue its five-point campaign, including demands for a constitutional referendum. He also expressed concern that the simultaneous announcement of the referendum and national election had created public confusion, calling on the government to resolve the uncertainty.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi stated that the party continues to have confidence in the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Speaking in Patuakhali after providing financial aid to a destitute elderly couple, Rizvi emphasized that weakening public trust is not the responsibility of the interim administration. He criticized several agreements made under the previous Sheikh Hasina government, particularly the Adani power deal, arguing that it was not in Bangladesh’s national interest. Rizvi questioned why Bangladesh should purchase 34 percent of electricity produced in Jharkhand by Adani, calling it a betrayal of national interests. He also warned against handing over strategic installations like ports to foreign operators, saying such moves could threaten the country’s sovereignty and security. Rizvi urged the Yunus government to reconsider these decisions and said that widespread dissatisfaction with past governance had driven the public’s demand for change.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has warned that a section is plotting to create unrest across Bangladesh ahead of the verdict in a ‘genocide case’ filed against Awami League President and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Speaking at a discussion marking the 49th death anniversary of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani at the National Press Club, Fakhrul described the current political situation as confusing and abnormal, saying the country is facing deep uncertainty. He reiterated that elections are the only way to restore democracy and expressed hope that polls might be held in February. Fakhrul accused certain groups of trying to delay or disrupt the election process and urged all political parties to unite for democratic restoration. He also warned that the economy and law and order would worsen without an elected government, calling on citizens to resist any attempts to destabilize the nation.

Traffic movement on the Dhaka-Barishal Highway returned to normal after being halted for about two hours on Sunday morning due to protests by activists of the suspended Awami League. The blockade began early in the morning when protesters felled trees, exploded crude bombs, and burned tires at several points between Bhurghata Bus Stand in Kalkini and Bhanga Bridge in Mustafapur, Madaripur. The demonstration caused severe traffic congestion stretching several kilometers, leaving passengers stranded. Fire service units and police personnel worked for hours to clear the road, assisted by local BNP and Jamaat activists. By around 10:30 a.m., vehicle movement resumed. Authorities have deployed additional police forces to maintain order, and officials confirmed that the situation is now under control. The protests were reportedly part of a two-day shutdown announced by the suspended Awami League for November 16 and 17.

A faction of the Islami Oikya Jote, led by Mufti Abul Hasanat Amini, was expelled from a dialogue session with the Election Commission (EC) in Dhaka after objections from another faction of the same party. The incident occurred on Sunday morning at the EC’s conference room in Agargaon, where political parties were invited for discussions. The opposing faction, led by Mufti Sakhawat Hossain Raji, accused Amini’s group of supporting past authoritarian regimes and participating in one-sided elections. When EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed asked both groups to show their invitation letters, Raji’s faction produced theirs, but Amini’s group failed to present a hard copy. Consequently, the EC asked Amini’s delegation to leave the meeting. Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin and other top officials were present during the incident, which highlighted internal divisions within the religious-based political party.