Eight like-minded Islamist parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolon Bangladesh, organized a protest rally in Manikganj on Thursday morning. The demonstration began at the Manikganj bus stand area and marched through key points of the Dhaka-Aricha highway before turning into a rally in front of the Raj Hotel. District Jamaat leader Hafez Maulana Kamrul Islam and several other local leaders addressed the gathering, accusing the ruling Awami League of resorting to repression to maintain political control. They alleged that the government was conspiring to destabilize the country through unrest and urged citizens to remain vigilant for peace and security. Over a hundred activists from the eight allied parties participated in the event.

Pakistan’s Parliament has passed the 27th constitutional amendment, a highly controversial bill that significantly expands the powers of the country’s army chief and grants him lifelong legal immunity. The amendment also curtails the independence of the Supreme Court, sparking widespread criticism from opposition parties, legal experts, and human rights groups. The bill, passed in the National Assembly with 234 votes in favor and only four against, designates the army chief as the new defense head overseeing all military branches. Critics warn that this move could push Pakistan toward entrenched military rule and weaken its fragile democracy. The amendment will become law after the president’s approval, with analysts describing it as a step toward authoritarianism and the erosion of judicial independence.

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Colonel (Retd.) Dr. Oli Ahmed has alleged that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Awami League leader Sajeda Chowdhury were detained at the Akhaura border while attempting to flee Bangladesh following the assassination of President Ziaur Rahman. In a recent television interview, he claimed Hasina had earlier received training in India after returning from Germany, and that former military ruler Hussain Muhammad Ershad was also involved in Zia’s killing. Oli Ahmed further stated that Zia had no role in the execution of Colonel Taher and criticized India’s interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs, asserting that the country fought for independence to be self-governed, not to become subservient to any foreign power.

Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, is set to issue the long-awaited July Charter Implementation Order today. The order aims to provide a legal framework for constitutional reforms and will be announced following an advisory council meeting that will finalize its approval. Dr. Yunus is expected to address the nation on Thursday afternoon, outlining the details of the order. The government plans to hold a national referendum and parliamentary election on the same day to ensure political balance among rival parties. The July Charter, proposed by the National Consensus Commission, includes 84 reform recommendations, to be implemented through executive orders, ordinances, and constitutional amendments. Political tensions remain high as opposition parties, including BNP and Jamaat, have issued ultimatums demanding immediate implementation, threatening indefinite protests if their demands are not met.

A group of protesters set fire to the banned Awami League’s central office in Dhaka’s Gulistan area on Thursday, November 13, following violent demonstrations linked to the upcoming verdict against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Witnesses reported that activists from Islami Chhatra Shibir vandalized the building while chanting religious slogans. The unrest erupted as Shibir members gathered to oppose the Awami League’s ‘lockdown’ program ahead of the International Crimes Tribunal’s ruling, scheduled for November 17. The tribunal will deliver its verdict against Hasina and two others accused of crimes against humanity during the July–August uprising. Authorities have tightened security across the capital and nationwide to prevent further violence. The Awami League office had previously been attacked during last year’s anti-government protests and was later repurposed by pro-uprising groups.

Despite the banned Awami League’s call for a ‘Dhaka lockdown’ coinciding with the verdict date in the July uprising war crimes case involving Sheikh Hasina and two others, normal activities were observed in the capital on Thursday. Although sporadic incidents of vehicle arson occurred overnight in different parts of the country, no major unrest was reported in the morning. Key commercial areas such as Motijheel, Dilkusha, Paltan, Dainik Bangla, and Fakirapool saw regular office attendance and business operations. Banks and financial institutions reported normal transactions, with customer presence increasing as the day progressed. Senior officials at Sonali Bank confirmed that the lockdown call had no visible impact on banking operations, describing the day as business as usual.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s alliance is leading in the country’s parliamentary election, according to the election commission. Preliminary results show the bloc securing about 1.317 million votes, placing it ahead of rivals. The vote, held on Tuesday, recorded a turnout of 56.11 percent. Sudani, seeking a second term, hopes to consolidate his position through this election. However, many young Iraqis remain disillusioned, viewing the process as dominated by established parties dividing the nation’s oil wealth. With no single party able to form a government alone in Iraq’s 329-seat legislature, coalition negotiations are expected to be complex and prolonged, potentially delaying the formation of a new government for months.

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md. Mahfuz Alam announced that Bangladesh Television (BTV) is being made autonomous as part of ongoing institutional reforms to ensure it does not serve any political party or power. Speaking at the award ceremony of the 'Notun Kuri' competition in Dhaka, he emphasized that BTV will now represent all people and parties, reflecting the diversity of Bangladesh’s culture. Alam highlighted that the new Bangladesh aims to embrace inclusivity, diversity, and creativity, moving away from years of cultural uniformity. He also praised the young winners from across the country for showcasing talent and innovation, describing them as symbols of a just, equal, and progressive Bangladesh born from the July revolution. The adviser reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a culturally rich and pluralistic nation.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam has expressed hope for the maximum punishment for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and ex-Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal in a high-profile crimes against humanity case. The tribunal, reconstituted after the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024, is set to deliver its verdict on November 17. The charges include incitement, ordering lethal force against protesters, and multiple killings during the July uprising. The prosecution earlier sought the death penalty for Hasina and Khan. The case marks the first major trial under the reformed tribunal, with proceedings beginning in October 2023. Chief Prosecutor Islam stated that the verdict would serve as a landmark for justice and accountability in Bangladesh’s history.

Police in Manikganj have arrested Jesmin Akter, a former reserved female councillor of Manikganj Municipality and a local Awami League leader, from her home near Shahid Rafique Road late Wednesday night. According to police sources, the arrest was made in connection with a political case, though details of the charges have not been disclosed. Jesmin Akter, known for her active involvement in local politics and women’s leadership, represented wards 7, 8, and 9 during her tenure. She is currently being interrogated at the police station, and authorities said she will be produced before court on Thursday afternoon following questioning. The arrest has drawn local attention due to her political prominence in the area.

A local office of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Guthia Union, Uzirpur upazila of Barishal, was set ablaze by unidentified miscreants early Thursday morning. According to residents, a group of attackers poured petrol on the office around 3 a.m. and fled after igniting the fire. Despite efforts by locals to extinguish the flames, the office and its contents were completely destroyed. Some locals suspect the attack may be linked to political tensions surrounding a lockdown program announced by the Awami League. Police have visited the scene, and Uzirpur Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Abdus Salam stated that an investigation is underway and legal action will follow based on findings.

AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju has proposed a major seat-sharing arrangement between the BNP alliance and the Jamaat alliance ahead of Bangladesh’s next national election. Speaking at a discussion marking the 50th anniversary of National Revolution and Solidarity Day, Monju suggested that out of 300 parliamentary seats, 150 should be shared between the two alliances—100 for the BNP-led bloc and 50 for the Jamaat-led bloc—while the remaining 150 seats would remain open for all parties to contest. He argued that such an understanding could help overcome the current political deadlock and reinforce democratic foundations. Other opposition leaders, including Rashed Khan of Ganadhikar Parishad and Subrata Chowdhury of Gano Forum, also emphasized the need for timely elections and political unity.

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.