Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) will start formal dialogues with political parties from Thursday, November 13, to discuss recent amendments to the Representation of the People Order (RPO) and the updated electoral code of conduct. EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed confirmed the schedule, noting that the list of invited parties has not yet been finalized. The discussions aim to ensure cooperation for a fair election and to hear parties’ own proposals. The revised code bans posters and the use of plastic materials, while allowing festoons, leaflets, and digital displays. Ahmed also clarified that the EC has not received any directive regarding a referendum. Despite a planned lockdown program by the banned Awami League on the same day, the EC intends to proceed with the dialogue as scheduled.

A long-standing pillar of American conservative politics—the unwavering support for Israel among Christian evangelicals—is showing signs of erosion. The ongoing Gaza war and public criticism from influential conservative figures such as Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, and Marjorie Taylor Greene have fueled growing anti-Israel sentiment within right-wing circles. Surveys indicate that negative views of Israel among conservatives under 50 have risen from 35% to 50% in three years. Experts warn that this generational shift could reshape US foreign policy and affect military and economic aid to Israel. Researchers note that only 32% of evangelicals aged 18–34 now express sympathy for Israel, signaling a significant change in attitudes that once defined conservative identity.

Bangladesh’s Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan has said that the government will pay USD 100 million to Indian company Adani Power within this month as a partial settlement of outstanding dues. He confirmed that disagreements persist regarding several issues, including coal pricing and delayed payment penalties. A High Court petition alleging corruption in the Adani deal has further complicated the matter, prompting Bangladesh to proceed with an “on protest” partial payment rather than a full settlement.

Adani Power recently issued an ultimatum demanding payment of USD 496 million in arrears by 10 November, warning that electricity supply from its Jharkhand-based 1,600 MW plant would be suspended from 11 November if dues remained unpaid. Bangladesh, however, contests the amount, stating the outstanding figure is USD 262 million. The dispute largely stems from differences in coal price calculations—Adani referencing international market rates while Bangladesh insists on Indonesia’s coal index, resulting in significant variation.

Adani’s contract allows the company to halt electricity supply if payments are not made on time, while still retaining rights to capacity payments. The power purchase agreement, signed in 2017, commits Bangladesh to buying electricity from the plant for 25 years, but an official investigation has already identified several irregularities. Khan reiterated that the government will cancel the deal if proven flawed.

After weeks of protest demanding salary structure reforms, assistant teachers of government primary schools have decided to withdraw all agitation programs following a meeting with top officials. On Monday, November 10, teacher leaders met with Finance Secretary Md. Khairuzzaman Majumdar and Secretary of the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education Abu Taher Md. Masud Rana at the Secretariat. The teachers had initially demanded implementation of the 10th-grade pay scale, but the Finance Ministry issued a press release assuring them of the 11th-grade salary structure. Khairun Nahar Lipi, convener of the Primary Teachers’ Demand Implementation Council, told reporters that trusting the official assurance, all protest programs will be suspended starting Tuesday. The teachers expressed hope that this step will ensure a smoother implementation of their salary demands and strengthen dialogue with the government.

Super Typhoon Fung-Wong, locally known as Uwan, has caused widespread destruction across northern Philippines, leaving at least four dead and millions affected. Making landfall in Aurora province on Luzon island on Sunday night with winds reaching 185 km/h, the storm knocked out power across vast areas and battered coastal regions. Authorities evacuated over one million people as heavy rain, strong winds, and storm surges swept through densely populated areas. Hundreds of flights were canceled, several airports closed, and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of national emergency. Local agencies continue to assess damage, though major structural destruction has not yet been reported. The typhoon is expected to move northwest toward the Taiwan Strait by Tuesday and may weaken upon reaching western Taiwan by Thursday. The Philippines is still recovering from last week’s Typhoon Kalmagi, which killed more than 200 people.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a record-breaking case against 67 individuals, including prominent Chattogram industrialist Saiful Alam, known as S. Alam, accusing them of embezzling and laundering Tk 10,479 crore from Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited. The case alleges that the accused colluded to secure massive loans under the names of several S. Alam Group companies—S. Alam Refined Sugar Industries, S. Alam Steels, and S. Alam Trading—violating Bangladesh Bank regulations. The ACC investigation revealed manipulation of bank software, approval of loans beyond legal limits, and transfer of large sums to offshore accounts, including Singapore. Former and current top executives of Islami Bank, along with several S. Alam Group officials, are implicated. Officials describe this as the largest financial embezzlement case in Bangladesh’s history, exposing deep-rooted irregularities in the banking sector.

From today, assistant teachers of government primary schools across Bangladesh have begun an indefinite sit-in protest at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, demanding a three-point reform to their pay scale and promotion system. Organized by the Bangladesh Primary School Assistant Teachers’ Association, the protest calls for placement in the 10th grade of the national pay scale, resolution of higher-grade advancement after 10 and 16 years of service, and 100% departmental promotions. Multiple teachers’ groups, including the Kashem-Shahin and Shahin-Lipi factions, have joined the movement, expecting around 20,000 participants. Teachers have vowed to continue their protest until the government meets their demands. The movement follows a recent government decision to upgrade head teachers’ pay grades, which assistant teachers say failed to address their long-standing grievances. Officials from the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education are reportedly attempting to negotiate with the demonstrators.

Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police have filed charges against seven drug dealers for the murder of Dhaka University student and Chhatra Dal leader Shahriar Alam Samya. Investigators found that Samya was deliberately killed after he tried to stop cannabis sales in Suhrawardy Udyan. The accused — Mehedi Hasan, Md Rabbi (Kabutor Rabbi), Md Ripon (Akash), Nahid Hasan Papel, Md Hridoy Islam, Md Harun-or-Rashid Sohag (Lambu Sohag), and Md Robin — were part of a drug network led by Mehedi. On May 13, Samya confronted Rabbi for carrying a taser gun, sparking a brawl in which Rabbi stabbed him fatally with a switchblade. Police confirmed Mehedi had earlier armed his associates. Four others present were cleared of charges for trying to protect Samya. Investigators concluded that Samya’s murder was premeditated and motivated by his resistance to drug dealing inside the park.

The Philippines, still reeling from Typhoon Kalmegi’s deadly aftermath, is now bracing for another major storm — Typhoon Feng-Wong. Forecasters warn the system could strengthen into a super typhoon before making landfall on Sunday night, unleashing destructive winds and storm surges up to five meters high. Covering a massive 1,500-kilometer span, the storm has already triggered heavy rains and strong gusts across the country’s eastern provinces. Philippine meteorologist Benison Estareja cautioned that the typhoon could impact nearly the entire nation. Kalmegi earlier claimed at least 204 lives in the Philippines and five in Vietnam, displacing thousands and leaving widespread power outages. Vietnam’s disaster agency reported over 2,800 damaged homes and half a million people still without electricity. Experts say both nations’ proximity to the Pacific typhoon belt makes them especially vulnerable, while scientists warn that rising global temperatures are fueling stronger, more destructive cyclones.

The Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board has issued an urgent directive instructing all educational institutions to refrain from administering any test or pre-selection examinations for the upcoming Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) exam until further notice. The announcement, signed by Professor S. M. Kamal Uddin Haydar, Exam Controller of the Dhaka Board, was released on Sunday, November 9. According to the notice, regular classes for twelfth-grade students preparing for the 2026 HSC examination must continue without interruption. The board emphasized that the date for the selection test will be announced later through an official notification. Institutions have been urged to strictly adhere to this directive, as the matter is considered highly urgent. The decision aims to ensure uniform preparation and avoid confusion among students and educational institutions while the board finalizes further guidelines for the HSC examination framework.

A government-run healthcare institution in Dhaka continues to display outdated information on its official website, long after major changes in Bangladesh’s administration. The National Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Referral Center in Agargaon still features the photo of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on its homepage, despite her departure from office following the political unrest of 2024.

The website also lists several former officials as if they remain in their positions. Among them is Zahid Maleque, who served as Health and Family Welfare Minister from 2019 to January 2024, yet is still shown as the current minister. Similarly, former Health Secretary Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain Hawlader and former Director General of Health Services Professor Dr. Abul Bashar Mohammad Khurshid Alam are also inaccurately listed as incumbents.

In reality, Dr. Samanta Lal Sen took office as Health Minister after the January 2024 national election, while Nurjahan Begum currently serves as Health Adviser with the rank of a minister.

The persistence of outdated details on an active public-service website has raised concerns regarding digital governance, information management, and institutional accountability. As the institute provides essential diagnostic services at affordable rates, stakeholders emphasize the importance of accurate, updated information for public trust and operational transparency.

Pakistan and Iran are set to collaborate on a major biographical drama depicting the life and legacy of renowned philosopher-poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal. The initiative gained momentum after a detailed meeting in Islamabad between Pakistan’s Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, and senior Iranian media representatives. Officials from Pakistan’s television channels, a film production company, PEMRA, and the Iranian ambassador also attended.
According to Pakistan Press Agency reports, the minister welcomed the proposal, noting that a joint production in Urdu and Persian would symbolize deep cultural ties between the two nations. Iqbal’s poetry—highly influential in both countries—was highlighted as a timeless cultural bridge.
During the meeting, Pakistan and Iran signed five MoUs covering technical cooperation, skill development, and content exchange. The project aligns with earlier plans revealed by Pakistan’s Planning Ministry, which noted Iran’s interest in producing a film and a high-quality TV series ahead of Iqbal’s 150th birth anniversary in 2027. Actor Usman Mukhtar is expected to portray Iqbal in the upcoming series.

In a compassionate act of humanity, BNP’s Acting Chairman and chief patron of Amra BNP Poribar, Tarique Rahman, has taken responsibility for two orphaned siblings, Mariam and Ismail, from Khanmarich Union in Bhangura Upazila of Pabna. The two children’s plight recently drew attention on social media, prompting Tarique Rahman to respond immediately. He directed Amra BNP Poribar convener Atikur Rahman Rumman to investigate their situation and ensure necessary support.

On Saturday, November 8, a humanitarian event was held at Madarbariya village, where financial assistance from Tarique Rahman was handed over to the siblings by BNP’s Kisan Dal President, agriculturist Hasan Jafir Tuhin. BNP Chairperson’s Special Assistant, Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, attended as chief guest, expressing solidarity and assuring continued support on behalf of Tarique Rahman.

Additionally, Amra BNP Poribar Member Secretary, agriculturist Moksedul Momin Mithun, announced a monthly scholarship for Mariam and Ismail’s education. The event was attended by several BNP leaders and local representatives, including members of the press and civil society. The initiative reflects the BNP leader’s commitment to standing beside vulnerable citizens in times of distress.

Hasnat Abdullah, Chief Organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP) for the southern region, has expressed solidarity with the protesting government primary school teachers demanding the fulfillment of their long-pending rights. In a Facebook post made on Saturday, November 8, at 9:28 PM, Abdullah strongly condemned the police action against the teachers, promising to stand by them until their demands are met. The ongoing protests intensified after police allegedly attacked demonstrators earlier in the day, leading to the arrest of five teachers and injuries to more than a hundred. In response, the Primary Teachers’ Demand Implementation Council announced a nationwide full-day work stoppage in all government primary schools starting Sunday, November 9, along with a continuous sit-in at the Central Shaheed Minar. Leaders of various teacher associations accused the police of brutality and stated that the strike and protest programs would continue indefinitely until a satisfactory resolution is reached.

The New York Times Company has reported robust third-quarter results driven by strong growth in digital subscriptions and online advertising. The media giant added 460,000 new digital-only subscribers between July and September — its biggest quarterly increase in recent years — fueled by the success of its multi-product bundle strategy. Over half of its total 12.33 million subscribers now use more than one of its products, which include News, Cooking, Games, Wirecutter, and The Athletic. While digital revenue soared, print subscriptions dropped by 50,000 to 570,000, reducing print income by 3% to $127.2 million. Despite higher operating expenses of $596 million, up 5.8% year-over-year, overall profitability climbed 26.1%. CEO Meredith Kopit Levien expressed confidence in the company’s ability to expand its loyal readership and announced a target of 15 million subscribers by the end of 2027. The Athletic, acquired in 2022 for $550 million, turned profitable for the first time this quarter. The company closed September with $1.1 billion in cash and marketable securities, signaling strong financial stability as it continues its digital transformation.