Police in Manikganj have arrested Jesmin Akter, a former reserved female councillor of Manikganj Municipality and a local Awami League leader, from her home near Shahid Rafique Road late Wednesday night. According to police sources, the arrest was made in connection with a political case, though details of the charges have not been disclosed. Jesmin Akter, known for her active involvement in local politics and women’s leadership, represented wards 7, 8, and 9 during her tenure. She is currently being interrogated at the police station, and authorities said she will be produced before court on Thursday afternoon following questioning. The arrest has drawn local attention due to her political prominence in the area.

A local office of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Guthia Union, Uzirpur upazila of Barishal, was set ablaze by unidentified miscreants early Thursday morning. According to residents, a group of attackers poured petrol on the office around 3 a.m. and fled after igniting the fire. Despite efforts by locals to extinguish the flames, the office and its contents were completely destroyed. Some locals suspect the attack may be linked to political tensions surrounding a lockdown program announced by the Awami League. Police have visited the scene, and Uzirpur Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Abdus Salam stated that an investigation is underway and legal action will follow based on findings.

Veteran Bangladeshi actor Hasan Masud, known for his roles in television dramas and films, remains under treatment at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka after suffering an ischemic stroke and a mild heart attack on October 27. Despite two weeks of medical care, his condition has not yet fully stabilized, and doctors continue to monitor him closely. The actor’s family and hospital authorities have maintained privacy regarding his exact health status. Hasan Masud had recently returned to acting with the TV series 'Tel Chhara Parota' after a long hiatus, but shooting has been suspended due to his illness. Fans and colleagues have expressed concern and wished him a speedy recovery. The Actors’ Association stated that he will need more time to recover completely.

AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju has proposed a major seat-sharing arrangement between the BNP alliance and the Jamaat alliance ahead of Bangladesh’s next national election. Speaking at a discussion marking the 50th anniversary of National Revolution and Solidarity Day, Monju suggested that out of 300 parliamentary seats, 150 should be shared between the two alliances—100 for the BNP-led bloc and 50 for the Jamaat-led bloc—while the remaining 150 seats would remain open for all parties to contest. He argued that such an understanding could help overcome the current political deadlock and reinforce democratic foundations. Other opposition leaders, including Rashed Khan of Ganadhikar Parishad and Subrata Chowdhury of Gano Forum, also emphasized the need for timely elections and political unity.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh, led by the Pir of Charmonai, is emerging as a strong contender in three key constituencies of the Barishal division—Pirojpur-3, Barishal-5, and Patuakhali-4. The party’s growing influence is bolstered by the inclusion of two former MPs from the BNP and Jatiya Party, along with senior leader Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim. In Pirojpur-3, former MP Dr. Rustam Ali Farazi, known for his shifting political affiliations and grassroots popularity, is contesting under the party’s ‘hand fan’ symbol. In Barishal-5, Faizul Karim himself is competing in a BNP stronghold, while in Patuakhali-4, ex-BNP leader and physician Mustafizur Rahman is drawing support across party lines. Analysts believe Islami Andolan could pose a significant challenge to BNP in these constituencies, potentially reshaping the electoral dynamics in southern Bangladesh.

A 14-year-old boy was detained by police from Dhaka’s Dhanmondi 32 area on Thursday morning for suspicious behavior. According to police, the teenager, originally from Mymensingh’s Bhaluka upazila, was wearing formal clothes and carrying a bag. Officers said his statements were inconsistent, as he alternately claimed to be a student and a member of different political groups. Police found documents in his bag suggesting possible links to a banned organization. The arrest occurred amid heightened security measures in Dhaka following an online call for a ‘Dhaka lockdown’ by a proscribed political group. Authorities have instructed law enforcement to detain anyone suspected of planning subversive activities.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus expressed hope that the 'Notun Kuri' competition will play a significant role in nation building. Speaking at the 'Notun Kuri 2025' award ceremony held at his office on Thursday, he urged everyone to support children's creative development. Dr. Yunus encouraged children to engage not only in music and dance but also in writing, technology, sports, and entrepreneurship. He assured full government support for such initiatives and thanked the ministry for reviving the long-standing competition. During the event, he handed over checks worth 300,000 taka and trophies to two winners from different categories and congratulated all participants for their achievements.

A group of attackers set fire to a sugar-laden truck and vandalized a police vehicle on the Dhaka-Bhanga Expressway near Naodoba in Shibchar upazila on Thursday morning. According to highway police, members of a banned faction of the Chhatra League attempted to block the expressway by placing tree logs, disrupting traffic. The situation escalated when the assailants torched the truck and damaged a police car. Additional police forces were deployed to the scene and brought the situation under control. Shibchar Highway Police Officer-in-Charge Md Zahurul Islam confirmed that the situation is now stable and regular patrols are ongoing to ensure security along the expressway.

Thousands of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) activists held a large protest march in Babukhali Union of Magura’s Mohammadpur upazila, demanding the cancellation of Nitai Roy Chowdhury’s nomination as a potential candidate for the Magura-2 constituency. The demonstrators called for former MP Kazi Salimul Haque Kamal to be nominated instead, claiming that Chowdhury is disconnected from grassroots supporters and unpopular among local leaders. The rally, which included members of BNP, Jubo Dal, and Chhatra Dal, paraded through Thakur’s Hat market area before concluding at Dumurshia. Speakers at the event warned that nominating Chowdhury could weaken the party’s position and increase the risk of electoral defeat. Several former local BNP leaders, including former upazila chairmen and union leaders, attended the protest.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has scheduled November 17 for delivering the verdict in a war crimes case against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two former officials. The case relates to alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising. The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumdar, announced the date on November 13. Former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun are co-accused. Hasina and Kamal remain fugitives, while Mamun is in custody and has testified as a witness. Security has been tightened around the Supreme Court and tribunal premises, with army deployment following official correspondence between the Supreme Court and military headquarters. The verdict is expected to have significant political and legal implications for Bangladesh.

Police in Gazipur have heightened security measures to maintain law and order surrounding a banned Awami League program. Mobile patrols, additional checkposts, and increased deployment of officers have been introduced across key city areas including Konabari, Chandna Chowrasta, Bhogra Bypass, and Tongi. Authorities report no untoward incidents so far. Police teams are actively inspecting suspicious vehicles and passengers while maintaining vigilance at bus and truck stands. Despite reduced traffic on highways, businesses, garment factories, and financial institutions remain open. Officials affirmed that the force is fully prepared to prevent any acts of sabotage or unrest linked to the prohibited political activities.

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 in Bangladesh continued the 13th day of witness hearings in the case over the killing of Abu Sayeed, a student of Begum Rokeya University and the first martyr of the July uprising. On Thursday, police constable Abu Bakar Siddique testified as a witness before a three-member panel led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury. The case involves 30 accused, including former vice-chancellor Hasibur Rashid, with six in custody and 24 still absconding. Prosecutors Mizanul Islam and Abdus Sobhan Tarafdar led the state’s case. Previous witnesses included police officers and students who described the shooting incident allegedly carried out under orders from senior officers. The tribunal began formal proceedings on August 27 after charges were framed against the accused earlier in August. A total of 62 witnesses are expected to testify in the case.

Former Home Minister Sohel Taj has raised questions about who is responsible for recent incidents of arson, cocktail explosions, and political violence in Dhaka. In a Facebook post on November 12, he criticized what he described as the autocratic and corrupt rule of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accusing her government of killings, disappearances, corruption, and undermining democracy. Taj urged people to read two books by freedom fighter Matiur Rahman Rentu—'Amar Fashi Chai' and 'Ontoraler Hotyakari Prodhanmontri'—to understand who benefits from such acts of violence. His comments come amid renewed political tension and violence in Bangladesh’s capital, where buses have been set on fire and several explosions reported.

Police have arrested 11 people from different areas of Ashulia as opposition activists from the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and NCP held demonstrations and sit-ins along the Dhaka-Aricha and Nabinagar-Chandra highways. The protests were organized in response to the Awami League’s banned online-announced ‘Dhaka Lockdown’ program. To maintain order, additional police, RAB, and intelligence personnel were deployed, with checkpoints set up at key points and surveillance intensified. Public transport movement was lower than usual, causing inconvenience to commuters. Authorities confirmed that no incidents of violence or sabotage had been reported so far. The arrests were made during overnight and early morning raids across Savar and Ashulia areas.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin has issued a stern warning to political parties over the use of posters in election campaigns, emphasizing that such materials are banned under the electoral code of conduct. Speaking at a meeting with registered political parties at the Election Commission building on Thursday, he urged all parties to remove campaign posters voluntarily, calling it a matter of decency and compliance. The CEC cautioned that failure to do so would prompt strict enforcement actions. He also reiterated the Election Commission’s commitment to ensuring a fair, credible, and participatory election, stressing the need for cooperation from all 54 registered political parties. Nasir Uddin affirmed that all parties are equal before the Commission and urged them to assist before, during, and after the voting process to maintain transparency and trust.