BNP central leader and former minister Advocate Ruhul Kuddus Talukder Dulu claimed that a rival political party has begun conspiring after realizing the likely victory of the BNP’s election symbol, the 'Sheaf of Paddy'. Speaking at a campaign rally in Natore Sadar’s Panditgram Sabina Yasmin Chhobi High School field, Dulu said the nation is waiting for a free and fair election after nearly two decades of limited voting rights. He asserted that if people are allowed to vote freely, the BNP would return to power with a large majority. Dulu urged party activists to remain vigilant against any conspiracies aimed at undermining the electoral process. The rally, organized by the local BNP, was chaired by local leader Zainal Abedin and attended by several district BNP, Jubo Dal, and Chhatra Dal leaders, including Rahim Newaz, Saiful Islam Aftab, and former Natore mayor Kazi Shah Alam.

Former President Donald Trump has signaled a shift in his immigration stance, acknowledging the importance of H-1B visas for specialized labor just months after his administration imposed a $100,000 one-time fee per visa. In a Fox News interview, Trump said the U.S. workforce lacks certain technical skills, despite his earlier claims that foreign workers depress American wages. The fee, introduced in September, has drawn criticism from tech leaders like Y Combinator CEO Gary Tan, who warned it would harm startups. Nearly 400,000 H-1B visas were approved in fiscal 2024, double the number in 2020. Economists caution that Trump’s restrictive immigration policies could shrink the U.S. labor force by 15.7 million and reduce GDP growth by one-third over the next decade. Trump also referenced a recent ICE raid on a Hyundai plant in Georgia, which detained hundreds of South Korean workers and delayed production, admitting that such actions might have unintended economic consequences for U.S. manufacturing and innovation.

The president of the BNP’s Porsha upazila unit in Naogaon, Mozammel Shah Chowdhury, has been temporarily expelled from his position and the party over allegations of spreading false propaganda against a senior leader and violating party discipline. The decision was announced on Saturday, November 15, through a letter signed by district BNP general secretary Mamunur Rahman Ripon. The letter instructed all party members and affiliated organizations to refrain from maintaining any political contact with Chowdhury. In response, Chowdhury denied the allegations, claiming he never engaged in false propaganda or breached party discipline. He also criticized the expulsion process, saying he was not given any prior notice or opportunity to explain himself before the decision was made. The incident highlights ongoing internal tensions within the BNP’s local leadership in Naogaon.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has temporarily suspended senior leader and former Union Minister R.K. Singh, along with party member Ashok Agarwal, following the party’s strong performance in the Bihar Assembly elections, where it won 89 seats as the single largest party. According to official letters, both leaders were suspended for engaging in anti-party activities. The Bihar BJP unit has given them one week to provide a written explanation regarding their conduct. Party insiders told the Hindustan Times that Singh’s suspension was primarily due to his alleged criticism of fellow BJP leaders and his actions during the recent state elections. The move signals the party’s effort to maintain internal discipline and unity after a significant electoral victory.

Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced that law enforcement agencies have completed all necessary preparations to prevent any untoward incidents surrounding the upcoming verdict against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, scheduled for November 17. Speaking to journalists in Patuakhali, he said a special nine-day security operation will be enforced nationwide around the forthcoming national election, covering five days before, election day, and three days after. Approximately 100,000 army personnel will be deployed, alongside 150,000 police, 35,000 Border Guard Bangladesh members, 5,000 navy, 4,000 coast guard, 8,000 Rapid Action Battalion officers, and around 550,000 Ansar members, who will be equipped with weapons and body cameras. Chowdhury assured that the election will be peaceful and that the security forces are fully prepared. He added that the election is expected to take place in early February before Ramadan, with administrative reshuffles to follow the official schedule announcement.

Munatashir Mahmud, a recently expelled central organizer of the Nationalist Citizens Party (NCP), has alleged that his dismissal was orchestrated under pressure from Mahbub Alam, the brother of the party’s information adviser Mahfuz Alam. In a lengthy Facebook post on Saturday, Mahmud claimed that Mahbub used his influence to force NCP convener Nahid Islam to expel him. He further accused Mahbub of having him wrongfully terminated from his job and of threatening him in front of other party members. Mahmud also said he faced character assassination, including false claims about his sexuality, and that police attacked him and his supporters at Mahbub’s direction. He alleged that the party ignored his repeated complaints about corruption and internal injustice. Mahmud warned that he could release call recordings with adviser Mahfuz Alam to expose alleged corruption cover-ups. The NCP leadership has not yet responded publicly to the allegations.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s recent address announcing that Bangladesh’s national election and referendum will be held on the same day has eased long-standing political tensions among major parties. Despite initial reservations, the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) have largely accepted the decision. Analysts say Yunus’s speech successfully balanced the interests of the three parties, clearing obstacles to the February election. The BNP’s demand for a same-day referendum was met, Jamaat’s call for proportional representation in the upper house was acknowledged, and the NCP’s push for a constitutional reform council was accepted. Other parties, including Ganosamhati Andolon and Amar Bangladesh Party, also welcomed the move as a pragmatic solution. Observers believe the announcement has temporarily resolved the political impasse, enabling parties to focus on election preparations. However, they caution that implementing the July Charter, which underpins the referendum, may still face complexities in the coming months.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General and Sirajganj-4 parliamentary candidate Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan has claimed that political parties aligning too closely with India are now facing downfall. Speaking at a rally in Ullapara’s Panchakroshi Union, he alleged that after independence, three main parties ruled Bangladesh, with the Jatiya Party and Awami League both coming to power without fair elections and through 'Indian allegiance.' He said these two parties are now collapsing due to their excessive dependence on foreign influence. Rafiqul Islam Khan further criticized past governments for corruption, extortion, and terrorism, asserting that the public no longer supports them. He pledged that if Jamaat comes to power, it will eliminate corruption and ensure peace and justice. He urged voters to support the Jamaat symbol in the upcoming 13th national election. The event was chaired by local Jamaat leaders and attended by several party officials.

BNP candidate for Sunamganj-5 constituency, Kalim Uddin Ahmed Milon, stated that the people of Bangladesh love Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman, and the BNP’s electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf. Speaking at an election rally in Mollapara Bazar, Islambpur Union, Milon expressed confidence that the BNP would win the upcoming national election with public support. He pledged to deliver more development than the ruling Awami League has achieved in the past 17 years and reiterated his commitment to integrity, claiming that though many cases were filed against him, none involved corruption. Milon also emphasized unity within the local BNP and assured voters of a peaceful election in February. The event, organized by local BNP leaders, included leaflet distribution on the party’s 31-point reform agenda and speeches from several district and upazila-level leaders.

The European Union (EU) has expressed its support for Bangladesh’s ongoing democratic transition under the interim government led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. In a statement shared on social media, the EU reaffirmed its confidence in the country’s leadership and encouraged all political parties to participate constructively in the upcoming electoral process. The EU welcomed Yunus’s leadership as Bangladesh prepares for a participatory, free, and fair election expected to be held in February. The statement also urged political parties to act responsibly and engage in the next stages of the democratic process. The EU’s message reflects its continued interest in Bangladesh’s political stability and democratic development amid the transitional phase.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Porwar cautioned that if the forthcoming national election resembles those of 2014, 2018, or 2024, the nation will face severe hardship. Speaking at a motorcycle rally in Khulna’s Zero Point, Porwar urged the administration to remain neutral and ensure a transparent election where all candidates have equal opportunity. He criticized previous governments for corruption and misrule, calling for a new Bangladesh based on Islamic principles. Porwar emphasized rejecting candidates who misuse wealth or engage in corruption, urging people to vote for the 'balance scale' symbol. The rally, attended by over 500 motorcycles, covered several areas of Khulna and ended at Shiromoni Shaheed Minar. He also highlighted the youth’s role in driving change and expressed optimism that the upcoming election would bring transformation toward a peaceful and just Bangladesh.

Former US President Donald Trump said he is considering a deal to sell F-35 stealth fighter jets, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, to Saudi Arabia. The announcement comes ahead of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s planned visit to the White House, where economic and defense agreements are expected to be discussed. Trump described the upcoming meeting as an occasion to 'honor' Saudi Arabia and expressed hope that Riyadh would eventually join the Abraham Accords. However, a Pentagon intelligence report has reportedly raised concerns that such a sale could risk sensitive technology being accessed by China. The potential deal is part of broader US-Saudi defense talks, with Riyadh seeking security guarantees and access to advanced weaponry. The two nations have long maintained a strategic partnership centered on oil and defense cooperation.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that a certain group is trying to create division within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for its own benefit. Speaking at a gathering in Godagari, Rajshahi, after visiting the grave of late BNP leader Barrister Aminul Haque, Fakhrul urged party leaders and activists to remain vigilant and united. He introduced retired Major General Sharif Uddin, who received BNP’s preliminary nomination for the Rajshahi-1 constituency, and called on members to support him. Fakhrul also criticized another political group that he claimed seeks power but lacks the capacity to restore order or bring meaningful change to the country. He praised Aminul Haque’s contributions to the region and emphasized the importance of unity under the leadership of acting chairman Tarique Rahman. Senior BNP leaders, including Mizanur Rahman Minu and former Rajshahi mayor Mosaddek Hossain Bulbul, were present at the event.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has accused India of exercising undue dominance over Bangladesh in water-sharing agreements, particularly concerning the Ganges and other transboundary rivers. Speaking during a visit to the Mahananda River in Chapainawabganj ahead of a BNP rally themed 'Save the Padma,' Fakhrul said Bangladesh continues to suffer from water scarcity and river erosion due to India’s control of upstream flows. He criticized the Awami League government for failing to secure equitable water distribution and vowed that a future BNP government would prioritize fair water-sharing, revive the Ganges Barrage project, and strengthen the Joint Rivers Commission. Fakhrul also linked river protection to climate resilience, warning that environmental degradation threatens Bangladesh’s ecological balance. He emphasized that only an elected government can effectively defend national interests and pledged to pressure India to stop what he termed 'hegemonic behavior' while maintaining respectful bilateral relations.

Hamas is reasserting its control over Gaza following last month’s ceasefire, despite international calls for it to step aside under a U.S.-backed post-war transition plan. Residents report that Hamas has resumed administrative functions such as regulating prices, levying fees on goods like fuel and cigarettes, and punishing alleged collaborators. While Hamas denies imposing new taxes, it claims to be maintaining order and preparing for a smooth transition to a technocratic administration. The U.S. plan, initiated under President Donald Trump, envisions a multinational security force, Hamas’ disarmament, and reconstruction efforts. However, with Israeli forces still occupying parts of Gaza and no consensus on who will govern, the process has stalled. Analysts say Hamas is using the delay to entrench its authority further. The U.S. State Department insists Hamas “cannot and will not govern” Gaza, while the Palestinian Authority seeks a role in any new administration. Meanwhile, Gazans continue to face severe economic hardship and uncertainty over their political future.