BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has warned that a certain group is attempting to create unrest in Bangladesh over the upcoming verdict concerning Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Speaking at a discussion marking the 49th death anniversary of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani at the National Press Club on Sunday, he called for unity to resist such attempts. Fakhrul emphasized that without an elected government, the national situation could deteriorate further, asserting that elections remain the only path to restore democracy and fulfill public aspirations. He also noted that the country’s politics is currently mired in confusion and crisis. Referring to the interim government initiative led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Fakhrul questioned how far it has progressed and whether it has gained sufficient support within the political framework.

Awami League activists blocked the Dhaka-Bhanga highway in Faridpur’s Bhanga upazila early Sunday by felling trees and obstructing traffic near the Suyadi bus stand in Algi Union. The blockade, which began around 6 a.m. and lasted for about an hour, was carried out by several party members reportedly armed with local weapons. Law enforcement personnel quickly arrived at the scene, removed the trees, and restored normal traffic flow. Police later arrested 14 individuals from the Suyadi and Munsurabad areas in connection with the incident. Bhanga Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Ashraf Hossain confirmed that five of the detainees were held in Bhanga and that highway patrols have been intensified to prevent further disruptions. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the blockade and assessing potential political implications.

Former minister Abdul Latif Siddiqui appeared before a Dhaka court on Sunday after being released on bail in a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act by Shahbagh Police Station. His younger brother, Krishak Sramik Janata League president Abdul Kader Siddiqui, accompanied him to the court. The case was scheduled for submission of the investigation report, but the investigating officer failed to present it, prompting the court to set December 30 as the next date. Citing Latif Siddiqui’s advanced age of 86 and poor health, his lawyer Rezaul Karim Hiron requested permission for him to appear through legal representation, which the court approved. Earlier, Siddiqui and journalist Manjurul Alam Panna were granted interim bail by the High Court, later upheld by the Appellate Division, leading to their release from prison. The case stems from their arrest on August 28 at a Dhaka Reporters Unity event under anti-terrorism charges.

Dhaka University lecturer and assistant proctor Sheherin Amin Bhuiyan, popularly known as Monami, publicly expressed her support for Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha and an independent candidate contesting from Dhaka-8 in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. In a Facebook post on November 16, Monami praised Hadi for his honesty and determination, saying that Bangladesh needs leaders like him. She also expressed regret for not being able to vote for him due to illness but vowed to shift her voting center to Dhaka-8 in the next election. Hadi, one of the organizers of the July Revolution, began his campaign in September and has been promoting his independent political vision. Monami’s endorsement, accompanied by a photo with Hadi, has drawn attention on social media, highlighting growing youth interest in alternative political leadership in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has urged party leaders and activists not to make indecent or disrespectful comments about Islamic scholars. In a Facebook post on Sunday, November 16, he emphasized that those who truly love Jamaat-e-Islami should refrain from making offensive remarks about any respected religious scholar. He further warned that anyone engaging in such behavior would be considered as not genuinely devoted to the party. The statement comes amid growing online debates involving religious figures, and the party leadership appears keen to maintain discipline and respect in public discourse, particularly on social media platforms. Dr. Rahman’s message highlights the party’s effort to preserve its image and uphold ethical communication among its members.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin has reaffirmed the Election Commission’s commitment to ensuring a level playing field for all political parties ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election. Speaking on Sunday, November 16, during the second day of dialogue with political parties, he urged all parties to adhere strictly to the electoral code of conduct. The CEC emphasized that cooperation from all stakeholders is essential to make the upcoming election fair, transparent, and acceptable. The Election Commission held discussions with six parties in the morning session, including Gano Forum, Ganofront, Islami Front Bangladesh, Islami Oikya Jote, Bangladesh Supreme Party, and Bangladesh National Party. Later in the day, the commission planned to meet another six parties, including Bangladesh JASAD, Bangladesh NAP, Trinamool BNP, Krishak Sramik Janata League, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, and Islami Andolan Bangladesh. Currently, 53 political parties, including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, are registered with the Election Commission.

As Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election approaches, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced its preliminary list of 236 candidates, sparking wide discussion for its emphasis on education and professional background. Among 223 candidates whose educational information was verified, 85% hold higher education degrees. The list includes a significant number of doctors, engineers, and foreign-educated individuals, with about 14% having studied abroad. At least two candidates are Ivy League alumni: former education minister and economist Dr. Osman Farruk, who earned a PhD in Agricultural Economics from Cornell University, and Barrister Muhammad Naushad Zamir, who completed an LLM at Harvard Law School after an MSc in Taxation from Oxford University. Around 40% of the nominees studied at the University of Dhaka or its affiliated colleges. The BNP’s selection strategy appears focused on showcasing candidates with strong academic and professional credentials, reflecting a shift toward technocratic and globally educated leadership within the party.

Bangladesh Television (BTV) will broadcast live the verdict of the International Crimes Tribunal-1 in the case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar with two other judges, set the verdict date earlier on November 13. The prosecution has sought the death penalty for Hasina and Kamal on five charges of crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the July–August 2024 mass uprising. Defense lawyers have pleaded for acquittal, claiming innocence. Abdullah Al-Mamun, who turned state witness, has also sought acquittal through his counsel. A total of 54 witnesses testified, including relatives of victims and prominent figures such as Nahid Islam and Dr Mahmudur Rahman. The case is among several being tried by two international tribunals investigating alleged atrocities during the 2024 uprising.

National Citizens Party (NCP) senior joint convener Samanta Sharmin has claimed that Bangladesh’s economy and governance have transformed into a 'mafia system' and 'gangster rule' over the past 53 years. Speaking at an event organized by the National Agriculturists Alliance of Bangladesh in Dhaka, she alleged that syndicates and monopolies dominate key sectors, creating an economic stalemate. Sharmin criticized the continued use of colonial-era laws, arguing that they were designed to suppress citizens and are incompatible with an independent nation. She accused past political parties of fostering dominance, extortion, and violence, which have harmed all sectors. Emphasizing a new political vision, she said the NCP aims to build a system where even qualified farmers can participate in lawmaking, promoting inclusive and democratic governance rooted in national values.

At least 120 people, mostly police officers, were injured during a Gen-Z organized protest in Mexico City against President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government. The demonstration, which began peacefully, turned violent after a group of participants clashed with police. The protest was reportedly organized through social media to denounce drug-related violence and Sheinbaum’s security policies. Authorities confirmed that around 100 police officers were injured, with 40 requiring hospital treatment, while 20 protesters were also hurt. Security chief Pablo Vázquez stated that 20 people were arrested for crimes including robbery and assault. The unrest comes as Sheinbaum, who took office in October 2024 with strong popularity ratings, faces growing criticism over her handling of security amid a series of high-profile murders. A journalist was also reportedly attacked during the clashes.

Suspended Awami League activists blocked the Dhaka-Barishal highway in Gopalpur area of Dasar upazila, Madaripur, early Sunday by placing tree trunks across several points. The protest was organized to press for the implementation of a shutdown program. Demonstrators also burned tires during the blockade, causing severe traffic congestion and suffering for passengers. Police and fire service personnel promptly began clearing the road and working to prevent further sabotage. According to local fire service officer Khokon Jamadar, efforts to remove the tree trunks from the highway started at dawn with police assistance and continued throughout the morning to restore normal traffic flow.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) is continuing its series of dialogues with registered political parties ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. On Sunday, November 16, the EC met with 12 parties including Gano Forum, Islami Oikya Jote, and Bangladesh Supreme Party between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The discussions focused on ensuring a free, fair, and credible election process. On Monday, November 17, the EC will hold another round of talks with 12 additional parties, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party), and Bangladesh Muslim League. The dialogues are part of Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin’s initiative to engage all stakeholders in preparation for the polls. The EC has over 50 registered political parties and is inviting them in phases to share views and recommendations for improving electoral transparency and participation.

In Sylhet-4 constituency (Gowainghat–Companiganj–Jaintapur), two BNP leaders from the influential Chowdhury family staged separate demonstrations on Saturday, signaling an intensifying internal contest for party nomination ahead of the upcoming national election. Former Sylhet City mayor and BNP Chairperson’s adviser Ariful Haque Chowdhury held a meeting at the Gowainghat Upazila auditorium, pledging rapid development if elected. Later, he led a rally and conducted public outreach in nearby areas. Meanwhile, another faction of the local BNP organized a protest march in the evening, demanding that Abdul Hakim Chowdhury be nominated as a local candidate. Hakim argued that only a strong local contender could effectively challenge the Jamaat-e-Islami candidate, Zainal Abedin, who has been active in the area. Locals described the day’s events as a “counter show of strength,” reflecting growing tension and competition within the BNP camp in Sylhet-4.

At a discussion meeting in Jessore, Daily Amar Desh editor Dr. Mahmudur Rahman declared that no political party or individual would be able to come to or remain in power in Bangladesh by acting as an agent of India. Speaking as the chief discussant at an event organized by Prachyasangha Jessore, he emphasized that there would be no compromise on national sovereignty and urged citizens and political parties to unite against any form of Indian influence. Rahman criticized both the government and opposition parties for alleged election manipulation and called for a fair and credible election to restore democracy. He also highlighted the rise of the 'July Generation' as a new political force and stressed the importance of cultural struggle against what he termed 'Hindutva dominance.' Rahman asserted that victory in cultural resistance would lead to political success and claimed that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would not return to power if free elections were held.

National Citizen Party (NCP) member secretary Akhtar Hossain has stated that ensuring fair prices for agricultural products in Bangladesh is impossible without fundamental reforms in the state machinery. Speaking at an event organized by the National Agriculturists Alliance of Bangladesh in Dhaka, he criticized the existing one-party dominance and outdated administrative system, arguing that these prevent solutions to farmers’ and citizens’ problems. Hossain emphasized that agriculture is central to national survival and that policymakers often ignore agricultural experts, leaving farmers deprived of fair prices and entrepreneurs facing obstacles. He accused both major political parties of neglecting farmers’ real issues and said that despite claims of development, many farmers remain trapped in debt while a privileged few profit. He also expressed concern over recent political violence and called for a peaceful, self-reliant, and farmer-friendly Bangladesh. Hossain concluded that only a reformed state structure can guarantee justice and fair prices for farmers.