Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is under growing political pressure following his coalition’s heavy defeat in the Sabah state election. His Pakatan Harapan (PH) alliance won only one of 20 contested seats, down from seven previously, marking what analysts describe as a disastrous outcome. The election, held on November 29, was seen as an early test of public support ahead of the 2028 national polls. Despite PH’s setback, the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition—an ally of Anwar’s government—retained control of the state. However, dissatisfaction over Sabah’s limited autonomy and unfulfilled federal promises remains strong. Analysts suggest local voters prioritized infrastructure, water, electricity, and autonomy issues over national politics. Anwar congratulated GRS leader Hajiji Noor on his re-election as chief minister but avoided direct comment on his coalition’s loss. The result underscores the challenges Anwar faces in addressing Sabah’s long-standing grievances and maintaining national unity.

A national independent investigation commission has found strong evidence implicating the then-ruling Awami League and foreign entities in the 2009 Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) massacre, one of the deadliest mutinies in the country’s history. The commission’s report, submitted to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, identifies former MP Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh as the principal coordinator behind the planned killings. Headed by retired Major General A L M Fazlur Rahman, the commission stated that despite destroyed evidence and missing witnesses, it maintained professional integrity throughout the investigation. The findings suggest that the attack was politically motivated and allegedly received a 'green signal' from then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The report also highlights failures by law enforcement and intelligence agencies, as well as unprofessional media conduct during the crisis. The commission recommended measures to prevent similar incidents and ensure justice for victims.

A video of Banshkhali Upazila Jubo Dal convener Abu Ahmad describing Jamaat-e-Islami as 'more dangerous than the Awami League' has gone viral on social media. The five-minute clip was recorded during an election preparation meeting in support of BNP candidate Mishkatul Islam Chowdhury Pappa in Chittagong’s Chambal Union. In his speech, Ahmad claimed that although the Awami League had oppressed BNP activists, Jamaat posed a greater threat. He urged supporters to secure more votes by mobilizing youth participation and criticized those opposing the BNP’s electoral symbol. In response, Jamaat’s Chittagong South joint secretary and local candidate Maulana Zahirul Islam said that despite past political alliances with BNP, Jamaat would respond peacefully to criticism, emphasizing prayer and restraint. Attempts to reach Abu Ahmad for comment were unsuccessful.

Fifty leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in Sirajganj have resigned in protest against the newly announced district committee, calling it illegal, undemocratic, and non-transparent. The resignations were announced at a press conference held at the Sirajganj Press Club on Sunday. The dissenting leaders accused the central committee of unilaterally forming a 'pocket committee' without dissolving the previous legitimate convening body. They alleged that controversial individuals with records of extortion, unethical behavior, and drug involvement were included in the new committee. The leaders also claimed that the decision was made secretly without following any democratic process, violating the organization’s core principles. The central committee had approved a 204-member convening committee on Friday night, but the announcement sparked widespread criticism on social media, followed by a wave of resignations within 24 hours. The protesting leaders demanded the cancellation of the new committee and the formation of a transparent and democratic body through proper consultation.

Dr. Mohammad Zillur Rahman, the newly appointed Commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP), has pledged to ensure the safety of city residents and develop Rajshahi into a more beautiful and orderly metropolis. Speaking at an introductory and exchange meeting with local journalists at the RMP headquarters on Sunday, he emphasized the importance of effective policing and community cooperation. Earlier in the day, Dr. Rahman officially took charge as the 33rd RMP Commissioner. During the meeting, journalists highlighted key urban issues including drug control, traffic congestion, and law and order challenges. The new commissioner attentively listened to their concerns and assured that necessary measures would be taken. Senior RMP officials, including Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) Nazmul Haque, Deputy Commissioner (Headquarters) Mohammad Khorshed Alam, and Deputy Commissioner (Media) Gaziur Rahman, were also present along with representatives from various print and electronic media outlets.

BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince has stated that party leader Tarique Rahman is formulating a master plan aimed at improving the lives of Bangladesh’s marginalized communities. Speaking at an event in Mymensingh’s Dobaura upazila, organized by the Agricultural Association of Bangladesh and the Veterinary Doctors Association, Prince emphasized that empowering rural populations is key to achieving a self-reliant nation. He also prayed for the recovery of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. Prince accused the ruling Awami League of corruption and undermining democracy, claiming that public anger had led to a mass uprising that ended authoritarian rule. He highlighted that the upcoming February election is crucial for restoring democracy and ensuring people’s rights. Prince further outlined BNP’s future programs, including financial and food incentives for farmers, unemployment benefits, job creation, and universal healthcare if the party wins.

BNP central organizing secretary and Habiganj-3 candidate GK Gaus has alleged that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the ruling Awami League are solely responsible for the deteriorating health of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. Speaking at a prayer and food distribution event in Habiganj, Gaus claimed that Hasina, driven by jealousy over Khaleda’s popularity, imprisoned her on fabricated charges and later used her administration to poison Khaleda’s food during her detention, thereby destroying her immune system through 'slow poisoning'. He asserted that this was a deliberate attempt to end Khaleda’s life. Gaus urged party supporters and citizens to pray for Khaleda’s recovery, expressing faith that divine mercy would restore her health. Several local BNP leaders and activists were present at the event, which was organized at an orphanage in Habiganj town.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and seven like-minded parties held their first divisional rally in Rajshahi, issuing a stern warning to the interim government regarding the scheduling of the national referendum. Leaders demanded that the referendum be held before the national election, criticizing the government’s decision to hold both on the same day. Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar accused the administration of bias and alleged that government officials were being transferred under political influence, undermining fair election prospects. Speakers from allied parties echoed similar concerns, calling for a corruption-free and Islamic values-based governance system. They also criticized major political parties for corruption and repression during their rule. The alliance announced plans to expand its coalition and hold similar rallies across all divisional cities, emphasizing that no national election would be accepted without a separate referendum date.

Professor Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar, Adviser to the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, has assured that the long-awaited 11th grade pay scale for primary assistant teachers will be implemented soon. During a visit to three primary schools in Monpura upazila of Bhola on Sunday, he urged teachers to suspend their ongoing protest programs to avoid disrupting students’ education and year-end examinations. Dr. Poddar emphasized that the government fully supports the teachers’ legitimate demands and is working to address them. He also announced plans to recruit new teachers to reduce shortages in remote and island areas and to introduce special allowances for teachers working in hard-to-reach regions. The adviser inspected classrooms and infrastructure, providing guidance on improving educational quality and student attendance in challenging environments. Senior officials from the Directorate of Primary Education and local administration accompanied him during the visit.

Abu Saleh Akon and Mainul Hasan Sohel have been re-elected as president and general secretary of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) for the 2026 executive committee. Voting took place on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the DRU’s Sagar-Runi auditorium in Segunbagicha, Dhaka. Akon received 509 votes, while Sohel secured 752 votes. Other elected office bearers include Mehedi Azad Masum as vice-president with 770 votes, Niaz Mahmud Sohel as finance secretary with 792 votes, M.M. Jasim as organizational secretary with 404 votes, Jannatul Ferdous Panna as women affairs secretary with 729 votes, Mahmud Sohel as IT and training secretary with 750 votes, Omar Faruk Rubel as sports secretary with 810 votes, and Aminul Haque Bhuiyan as hospitality secretary with 851 votes. Several positions, including joint secretary, office secretary, publicity secretary, cultural secretary, and welfare secretary, were filled unopposed. Six members were also elected to the executive committee.

A Dhaka special court is set to deliver its verdict on Monday in a corruption case involving former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, and her niece Tulip Siddiq, along with 14 others, over alleged irregularities in plot allocations under the Purbachal New Town Project. The case, filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in January, accuses the defendants of abusing power to obtain government plots illegally. Judge Md Rabiul Alam of Dhaka Special Judge Court-4 will announce the verdict. The accused include former housing ministry officials and Rajuk executives. Earlier, on July 31, the court framed charges against all accused. This is one of six corruption cases filed against Hasina and her family; verdicts in three were delivered last Thursday, sentencing Hasina to 21 years in prison and her children Sajeeb Wazed Joy and Saima Wazed Putul to five years each. Several former officials also received varying prison terms for their roles.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally requested a pardon from President Isaac Herzog, according to a statement from the president’s office on Sunday, November 3. The move comes as Netanyahu faces three separate corruption cases filed in 2019, involving allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The request follows recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who publicly urged Herzog to pardon Netanyahu during his October visit to Israel and in a subsequent letter sent earlier this month. Herzog’s office confirmed receipt of the pardon request, noting that it carries significant implications and will be reviewed carefully after consulting relevant opinions. The development adds a new dimension to Israel’s political landscape, as Netanyahu continues to lead the government while standing trial, a situation that has stirred debate over ethics, governance, and judicial independence in the country.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain stated that if BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman wishes to return to Bangladesh, the interim government could issue a travel pass within a day. Speaking at a Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Bangladesh (DCAB) event in Dhaka, Hossain mentioned that the government is unaware of Rahman’s current legal status in London but sees no reason any country would prevent his return. He also discussed the evolving Bangladesh-India relationship following the July uprising, noting that India may need time to adjust to the political changes in Dhaka. Hossain expressed optimism that bilateral working relations would normalize soon. Regarding former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal’s presence in India, he said there has been no official communication from Delhi or formal discussion about his return. On Sheikh Hasina’s situation, Hossain remarked that even if India does not return her, it will not hinder Dhaka-Delhi relations, though Bangladesh expects her repatriation due to her conviction.

Political speculation has intensified in Bangladesh over why BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has not yet returned home despite no visible legal or security obstacles. His recent Facebook post hinted that the decision to return is not entirely under his control, sparking debate about possible external influences. The government has publicly stated it has no objection to his return, while BNP leaders have avoided elaborating beyond Rahman’s own remarks. Analysts suggest that geopolitical factors involving the United States and India may be affecting the situation, recalling past controversies such as the 'minus two' formula and earlier commitments made during the 2007–08 caretaker government period. With Khaleda Zia’s health deteriorating and national elections approaching, questions persist about who holds sway over Rahman’s return and whether he will lead the BNP’s campaign once the election schedule is announced.

British MP and former City Minister Tulip Siddiq, niece of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, faces a corruption verdict in Bangladesh on December 1. She, along with Hasina, Sheikh Rehana, and 14 others, is accused of abusing power to obtain plots in the Purbachal New Town project. If convicted, Siddiq could face up to 10 years in prison, potentially jeopardizing her parliamentary position in the UK. She is also under investigation for alleged embezzlement of £4 billion from the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project, first reported by the Daily Mail. The controversy previously forced her to resign as City Minister. British lawyers have raised concerns about the transparency of the Bangladeshi trial, sending a letter to the Bangladesh High Commissioner. Siddiq, MP for Hampstead and Highgate, has also faced scrutiny over a London flat allegedly received as a gift from a pro-Awami League figure, though a UK inquiry found no ministerial rule breach.