Bangladesh Islami Andolan chief Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim expressed disappointment over the announcement of holding the national election and referendum on the same day. Speaking to reporters after a party training workshop in Chandpur, he said that in the country’s 53-year history, single-party governments formed through elections have often shown authoritarian tendencies. He added that after the 2024 mass uprising, a positive environment had emerged, but the interim government, which was not elected by popular vote, failed to prioritize fundamental reforms and visible justice. Instead, he claimed, they focused more on ensuring participation of a particular political party. Party leaders and activists, including Sheikh Md Joynal Abedin, attended the event.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Gazipur city unit organized a protest rally and gathering on Friday, November 14, demanding the implementation of the July National Charter and a national referendum before the upcoming general election. The demonstration began at Bhogra Bypass intersection and marched along the Dhaka–Gazipur highway before concluding with a rally at Maleker Bari. Gazipur city Jamaat chief Professor Jamal Uddin addressed the event, stating that enforcing the July Charter would help establish a truly democratic environment and that a referendum was essential to reflect public opinion. Several local Jamaat leaders and parliamentary candidates, including Khairul Hasan, Hossain Ali, and Dr. Hafizur Rahman, also spoke at the event. The program was conducted peacefully under the moderation of city Jamaat secretary A S M Faruk.

Students of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) have rejected the administration’s announcement to hold the Shahjalal University Central Students’ Union (ShakSU) election on December 17. Following the declaration by Vice-Chancellor Professor A.M. Sarwaruddin Chowdhury on Friday night, students locked the registrar building and confined the vice-chancellor, pro-vice-chancellor, treasurer, registrar, election commissioner, and proctor inside the office. The protesting students demanded that the election be held on December 8 instead, accusing the administration of favoring certain groups involved in extortion and hall occupation. The vice-chancellor stated that the date was chosen after considering all circumstances to ensure a fair and festive election. Earlier, the announcement was postponed on Thursday, prompting students to stage sit-ins and demonstrations across the campus demanding an immediate election date.

Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police (DB) and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have arrested two suspects in connection with the murder of Rangpur businessman Ashraful Haque. The main accused, Ashraful’s close friend Jarejul Islam alias Jarej, was detained from Daudkandi in Cumilla, while his girlfriend Shamima was also arrested separately. According to DB officials, preliminary investigation suggests the killing was motivated by an extramarital affair. Ashraful had arrived in Dhaka three days before his death, accompanied by friends. Following the discovery of his dismembered body, Ashraful’s sister filed a murder case at Shahbagh Police Station naming Jarej as the prime suspect. Law enforcement agencies have also recovered key evidence related to the crime, and further investigation is underway to determine the full circumstances surrounding the murder.

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) has announced that it will celebrate the Bengali New Year on the first day of Agrahayan instead of the traditional Pahela Baishakh. The event, organized jointly with the cultural group 'Biplobi Sangskritik Oikya', will take place on Sunday, November 16, at the Faculty of Fine Arts. DUCSU’s Literary and Cultural Affairs Secretary, Musaddiq Ibn Ali Mohammad, explained that historically, the New Year was celebrated on Pahela Agrahayan through the 'Nabanna' harvest festival before Emperor Akbar reformed the calendar. The program will feature four segments, including a painting exhibition, a festive procession, cultural performances, and a reception for guests. DUCSU leaders said the initiative aims to revive the forgotten heritage of celebrating the New Year during the harvest season and reconnect younger generations with their cultural roots.

The Gopalganj district unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) Mahila Dal has expelled Liju Begum, the religious affairs secretary of the Kashiani Upazila unit, for alleged violations of party discipline. The decision was announced on Friday through a statement signed by district president Rowshan Ara Ratna and general secretary Nasrin Akter. The notice stated that Liju Begum was removed from all party positions and her primary membership was revoked. Party leaders cited serious allegations including misuse of her position, filing false cases, extortion, and harassment. They emphasized that such actions tarnish the party’s image and contradict its principles. The expulsion followed a recent news report highlighting local grievances against her alleged misconduct.

An 84-year-old inmate from Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj, identified as Shafiqul Rahman, died after being brought to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) on Friday afternoon. Prison officials said he suddenly fell ill in jail and was rushed to the hospital, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival. The cause of his imprisonment remains unknown. DMCH police camp in-charge Inspector Md Faruk confirmed the death, stating that the body has been kept at the hospital morgue. A magistrate will prepare the inquest report, and the body will be handed over to the family after the autopsy and necessary formalities by prison authorities.

A 22-year-old man named Forhad Hossain Sourav from Sylhet allegedly took his own life while on a video call with his girlfriend during a trip to Cox’s Bazar on Thursday night. Police recovered his body from a hotel in the Kolatoli area. Sourav, a first-year honors student at Sylhet MC College, had traveled with four friends. According to police, the friends were taken into custody for questioning after the incident. One of them said they had gone shopping, leaving Sourav alone in the room, when his girlfriend called to inform them that he had hanged himself. Police confirmed the body was sent for autopsy and later handed over to the family. Authorities stated that further action will depend on the family’s complaint.

Bangladesh Islami Andolan chief Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim expressed disappointment over the announcement of the national election and referendum on the same day, saying it has disheartened the nation. Speaking to reporters after a training workshop in Chandpur, he criticized the country's electoral history, claiming that single-party governments formed through elections often turned authoritarian. He noted that after the 2024 mass uprising, a positive environment had emerged, but the interim government, not elected by the people, failed to prioritize fundamental reforms and visible justice. Karim alleged that the interim administration seemed more focused on facilitating a particular party’s election interests rather than ensuring a level playing field. The event was attended by party leaders, including Sheikh Md Joynal Abedin, the Islami Andolan candidate for Chandpur-3.

A youth named Fahim was killed in a violent clash between rival teenage gangs in Sylhet, Bangladesh, reportedly over territorial dominance. Following the incident, Fahim’s father filed a murder case with Kotwali Police Station, naming seven individuals and several unidentified suspects. Police arrested one accused, Sabuj Ahmed Rehan, from the Tilaghar Eco Park area late Thursday night. Authorities confirmed that Rehan, the fourth accused in the case, has been produced before the court. Fahim, aged 23, was attacked with local weapons on November 10 and later succumbed to his injuries at Sylhet Osmani Medical College Hospital. The killing has raised fresh concerns about the growing influence of teenage gangs in the city.

Dr. Rashid Ahmed Hossaini, a director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), stated that the new generation will not preserve the existence of the ruling Awami League in Bangladesh. Speaking to journalists in Laksham-Manoharganj, Cumilla, after distributing leaflets supporting BNP leader Tarique Rahman’s 31-point reform plan, Hossaini criticized the Awami League’s 17-year rule. He alleged that infiltrators within the BNP are damaging the party’s image for personal gain and urged leaders to identify and take legal action against them. Hossaini also dismissed the Awami League’s lockdown initiatives as ineffective attempts to instill fear. The event was attended by several local BNP, Jubo Dal, and Chhatra Dal leaders and activists.

Two madrasa students were killed and two others injured after being hit by a speeding motorcycle on the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway in Mirsarai upazila on Friday evening. The victims, identified as Fakhrul Islam (18) and Md. Kawsar (17), were students of the Kitab department at Masjidia Noyduaria Madrasa. According to local sources, the four students were walking along the highway toward a religious gathering in Mayani when the motorcycle ran them over at the Chararkul area. Two died on the spot, and the injured were taken to a hospital in Barotakia. The madrasa superintendent said the students had just finished Maghrib prayers before heading to the event. Police have detained the motorcycle rider for questioning.

In Rajshahi, Bangladesh, the wife of Metropolitan Sessions Judge Mohammad Abdur Rahman and the attacker, identified as Limon, are now out of danger following a brutal incident at the judge’s rented apartment. Limon allegedly killed the judge’s school-going son, Tawsif, and seriously injured the judge’s wife, Tasmin Nahar Lucy, before being injured himself. Both Lucy and Limon were admitted to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, where doctors confirmed their conditions have stabilized. Lucy underwent surgery for deep knife wounds, while Limon remains under police custody in the hospital. Police have seized a knife and other evidence, and initial statements have been taken from the building caretaker and domestic worker. The motive behind the attack remains unknown as the investigation continues.

Police in Rajshahi have revealed startling information about Limon, the man accused of murdering Tawsif, the son of a judge, inside a rented apartment in the city’s Dabtala area. Investigators said Limon, son of a local BNP leader from Gaibandha, once served in the army but was dismissed in 2018 and later became addicted to drugs. He met the judge’s wife through the Quantum Foundation, where both attended programs, and developed a close relationship with her. Over time, he began demanding money, which strained their relationship. After being reported to police in Sylhet earlier this month, Limon allegedly threatened the family before committing the murder. Police believe the killing was premeditated and are investigating multiple angles, including claims made by Limon in a viral video. Both the judge’s wife and the accused are under treatment and will be questioned once they recover.

Jonayed Saki, chief coordinator of the Ganosamhati Andolon, has urged for a minimum national consensus as the foundation for Bangladesh’s democratic transition. Speaking at a rally in Dhaka marking the party’s tenth anniversary, Saki described the country as being in a severe national crisis, citing economic hardship and institutional instability. He emphasized the need for judicial reform, accountability for killings, and holding a national referendum and election by February to rebuild the state on the basis of justice. Saki warned against fascist politics that promote hatred and division, asserting that the people of Bangladesh will not tolerate any form of authoritarian rule. He also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to sovereignty and equitable international relations, rejecting any form of foreign domination.