BNP Standing Committee member Professor Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain stated that during Bangladesh’s Liberation War, while many surrendered or fled across the border, Ziaur Rahman did not. Instead, he declared independence and fought with arms. Speaking at a meeting in Dinajpur Sadar-3 constituency regarding Khaleda Zia’s nomination, Zahid highlighted Zia’s contributions to restoring multiparty democracy and promoting economic progress. He emphasized Zia’s vision of ‘Bangladeshi nationalism’ that united people beyond religious divisions. Warning against divisive politics, Zahid urged equitable distribution of development benefits and assured that BNP would not abandon the people if given the chance to govern. The meeting, chaired by district BNP president Mofazzal Hossain Dulal, also assigned Zahid to monitor Khaleda Zia’s campaign activities in the constituency.

Bangladesh has the second-highest rate of diabetes among South Asian countries, with 13.2% of adults aged 20–79 affected, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) 2024 report. Only Pakistan has a higher prevalence at 31.4%. Experts attribute the rise to rapid urbanization, unhealthy diets, reduced physical activity, and stress. They warn that without lifestyle changes, diabetes could lead to serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Currently, 13.9 million Bangladeshis are estimated to have diabetes, though many remain undiagnosed. The IDF projects that by 2045, the number could reach 22.3 million. Health specialists urge nationwide screening, awareness campaigns, and workplace wellness initiatives. This year’s World Diabetes Day theme emphasizes building awareness at workplaces to mitigate lifestyle-related risks.

In Mymensingh’s Bhaluka upazila, over 336 acres of farmland have remained uncultivated for more than 15 years due to severe water pollution caused by industrial waste from nearby textile and dyeing factories, including Multazim Mill and Experience Textile Mill. Farmers report that the contaminated water has destroyed crops, killed aquatic life, and caused skin diseases. A government investigation confirmed the damage, estimating total losses at around Tk 33.28 crore, and recommended that the two mills compensate affected farmers. However, the factories have yet to pay. Local authorities say discussions with mill management are ongoing, while environmental officials note that the mills’ effluent treatment capacity is inadequate and waste is being discharged indiscriminately into nearby water bodies.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin has cautioned that the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election in Bangladesh could face credibility issues if political parties do not cooperate with the Election Commission (EC). Speaking at a dialogue with 12 registered political parties, he emphasized the EC’s role as a neutral referee and urged all parties to assist in ensuring a fair and acceptable election. The CEC also highlighted challenges such as overseas voting, voting arrangements for officials, and the misuse of social media. He warned of strict enforcement of the electoral code of conduct, particularly regarding the ban on posters. Party leaders raised concerns over financial barriers, the limited scope of the ‘no vote’ option, and security issues, while some suggested reforms to make the process more inclusive and transparent.

Dhaka University authorities have temporarily suspended five security guards over allegations of negligence in duty. According to a statement issued on Thursday, November 13, the guards were on duty at various university locations between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. on November 11. During an inspection by the Proctorial Security Mobile Team, the guards were reportedly found neglecting their responsibilities. The suspended guards are Md. Shah Alam and Md. Selim from the Institute of Education and Research (IER), Md. Sangram Hossain from the Faculty of Fine Arts middle gate, Md. Shafiqul Islam from the Department of Nutrition and Food Science, and Md. Ali Ahmed from the back gate of Curzon Hall. The university administration stated that further investigation will determine any additional disciplinary action.

A fire was deliberately set on a railway track in the Bhatsala area of Brahmanbaria’s Akhaura upazila on Thursday night, marking the second such incident in two days. According to Akhaura Railway Police Station Officer-in-Charge SM Shafiqul Islam, miscreants ignited tires, wood, and petrol on the track near the Akhaura-Chinair road. Railway police, security forces, and local police quickly responded, extinguishing the fire before it could disrupt train operations. Authorities have since increased patrols and surveillance around the Akhaura railway junction to prevent further sabotage attempts. The police remain on high alert to ensure the safety of rail infrastructure and passengers following these repeated arson attempts.

The Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) has expressed support for the chief adviser’s recent address, calling it a relatively acceptable solution in the greater interest of the nation. In a statement issued by Chairman Mojibur Rahman and General Secretary Asaduzzaman Fuad, the party said that despite some differences over specific directives, it welcomes the government’s final decisions. These include holding the national election and referendum on the same day, determining upper house seats through proportional representation, and incorporating both agreement and dissent in the referendum ballot. The AB Party emphasized that after extensive debate among political parties, a decisive government resolution was necessary. It urged all political parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, to avoid division and participate in a free, fair, and festive election to ensure democratic stability in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expressed satisfaction over the Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s reaffirmation that the national parliamentary elections will be held in the first half of February, along with a referendum on the same day. The BNP’s National Standing Committee, chaired virtually by acting chairman Tarique Rahman from London, conveyed its gratitude during a meeting at the party’s Gulshan office. Following the meeting, Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the party’s appreciation at a press conference. The BNP also urged the interim government and the Election Commission to hold the referendum on the July National Charter and to ensure timely parliamentary elections. Senior BNP leaders including Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Goyeshwar Chandra Roy, and others attended the meeting.

The long-neglected Kurigram-Chilmari road in northern Bangladesh remains in disrepair despite a major renovation project launched by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) in early 2024. The 12-kilometer road, vital for connecting several upazilas to Rangpur, was allocated about Tk 14.5 crore for widening and reconstruction. However, with only six weeks left before the project deadline, nearly 90% of the work remains incomplete. Locals allege that the contractor, Khairul Kabir Rana, abandoned the site after digging trenches along the road, leaving it unsafe and unusable. The neglected condition has caused frequent accidents, especially at night, and led residents to stage protests demanding action. LGED officials say repeated notices have been issued to the contractor and warned of punitive measures if the work is not completed on time.

The Bangladeshi government has issued the 'July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order, 2025', setting the referendum on the same day as the upcoming 13th parliamentary election, scheduled for the first half of February. The referendum will ask voters a single question covering four key reform issues, including the creation of a bicameral parliament with a 100-member upper house based on proportional representation. The reforms also propose limiting the prime minister’s tenure, expanding presidential powers, increasing women’s representation, and strengthening judicial independence. Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus announced the decision, emphasizing efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Analysts, however, warned that combining four complex issues into one question could confuse voters and limit their ability to express nuanced opinions. The order follows months of political debate and aims to implement the July Charter, which was signed by major political parties after extensive negotiations.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has forecast that Bangladesh’s inflation will remain elevated through the current fiscal year, reaching an average of 8.8% in 2025–26, up from 8.2% previously projected. The IMF expects inflation to gradually decline to 5.5% by 2026–27 if monetary tightening continues. Following a 13-day mission in Dhaka, IMF mission chief Chris Papageorgiou praised Bangladesh’s progress in maintaining macroeconomic stability but warned of challenges from weak tax revenue, financial sector vulnerabilities, and persistent inflation. The IMF recommended maintaining a tight monetary policy until inflation falls to 5–6%, strengthening tax administration, reforming subsidies, and expanding social safety nets. It also urged faster action on climate financing and credible strategies to resolve banking sector weaknesses. The next loan review for Bangladesh’s $5.5 billion program is expected by May next year after the new government takes office.

At least 35 passengers were injured when a bus plunged into a roadside ditch following a collision with another bus in Kalukhali upazila of Rajbari district on the Rajbari-Kushtia regional highway. The accident occurred around noon on Tuesday. Police from Pangsha Highway Station, led by Sub-Inspector Sajjad Hossain, visited the scene and confirmed that no fatalities occurred. Injured passengers were rescued and taken to Rajbari and Kalukhali hospitals for treatment, while those critically hurt were transferred to other medical facilities. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash and assessing road safety conditions in the area.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish chief Maulana Mamunul Haque has warned that the interim government’s decision to hold the national election and referendum simultaneously could undermine the constitutional recognition of the July uprising. In a statement issued Thursday, he said combining the two events and including multiple questions in the referendum would confuse voters and compromise its transparency and credibility. Haque argued that holding a party-based election alongside the referendum would divert public attention from crucial issues. He further cautioned that if the government, which came to power through the July uprising, fails to implement the July Charter and ensure an independent referendum, it would be a regrettable step that jeopardizes the ideals and legitimacy of the uprising. He added that the party and the eight-party alliance would soon meet to discuss a detailed response.

A young man drowned in the Turag River on Thursday night while fleeing from a mob after allegedly setting fire to a bus in Dhaka’s Uttor Nababerbag area under Shah Ali police station. According to police, several youths attempted to burn an empty bus by spraying kerosene and recording the act on mobile phones. Locals noticed the incident and chased them, capturing one suspect while two others jumped into the river. One of them, identified as 18-year-old Saiyaf, drowned, while the other escaped. The arrested suspect, Rudra Mohammad Nahiyan Amir Sani, also 18, is under police custody. Authorities suspect the arson attempt was linked to ongoing sabotage during the banned Awami League-declared ‘Dhaka Lockdown’ program. Police have launched a manhunt for the fugitive and are taking legal action against the detained youth.

Former Moulvibazar-3 MP Zillur Rahman, currently residing in the United States, has been accused of sharing fake and provocative videos on Facebook to create instability in Bangladesh. On November 12, he posted several videos and photos claiming protests and lockdown support activities in Moulvibazar, including road blockades and student demonstrations. However, local authorities confirmed the footage was fabricated, with one video traced to Magura. Following the posts, law enforcement—including police, RAB, and army—was deployed to maintain order. Two cases have been filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act in Sadar and Juri upazilas for spreading misinformation and financing related activities. Police have intensified patrols and surveillance to prevent unrest, emphasizing that strict action will be taken against those responsible for incitement and rumor-mongering.