Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, former Foreign Minister of Bangladesh and ex-MP from Dinajpur-4, passed away at the age of 83 on Thursday evening at BIRDEM Hospital in Dhaka. He had been undergoing treatment in the ICU for kidney-related complications for nearly two weeks. His funeral prayer will be held in front of his Dhanmondi residence, followed by burial at Banani Cemetery. Born in 1943 in Dinajpur’s Khansama upazila, Ali began his career as an economics lecturer at the University of Dhaka before joining the Pakistan Foreign Service in 1966. During the 1971 Liberation War, he played a key diplomatic role in mobilizing international support for Bangladesh. He served as Foreign Minister from 2014 to 2019 and later as Finance Minister after being elected in 2024. He lost his parliamentary seat following the fall of the Awami League government that same year.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (JIB) has announced a major strategic shift ahead of the country’s upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, expected in February. Contrary to earlier expectations of forming an Islamist coalition, Jamaat will not enter any formal electoral alliance. Instead, it plans to reach seat-by-seat understandings with ideologically aligned Islamic parties and independent political figures to avoid contesting against each other in the same constituencies. Party chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman confirmed the approach during a meeting in Sylhet, saying the organization would advance based on local negotiations rather than a structured coalition.
Party sources indicate that unresolved differences over the implementation of Sharia-based laws prevented consensus on a unified platform. Some partner parties favored immediate enforcement, while Jamaat proposed a gradual approach. Analysts suggest this method also helps project an image of a participatory election in the likely absence of the ruling Awami League. Additionally, under the revised Representation of the People Order (RPO), allied parties can no longer share a single electoral symbol, further discouraging formal alliances. The move reflects Jamaat’s pragmatic turn toward flexible coordination instead of rigid bloc politics — aiming to expand influence, maintain ideological coherence, and adapt to Bangladesh’s changing electoral landscape.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has confirmed that it is fully prepared to conduct the 13th National Parliamentary Election, likely to be held in the first or second week of February. Senior Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud told the Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha that all major election preparations, including the arrival of indelible ink from abroad, have been completed. He emphasized that maintaining a peaceful law and order situation is vital not only for the election but also for the nation’s overall stability and development. The EC aims to rebuild public trust following previous irregularities and is committed to ensuring a fair, neutral, and participatory election.

According to the EC Secretariat, procurement of election materials, legal revisions, and voter list updates will be finalized by mid-November, with the election schedule expected in early December. Bangladesh now has 127.6 million registered voters, including 1,230 third-gender voters. A total of 42,761 polling centers and 244,649 booths have been designated across 300 constituencies. For the first time, expatriate Bangladeshis will be able to vote through postal ballots, marking a significant step toward inclusivity and modernization of the electoral process.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) General Secretary Forhad Hossain expressed firm solidarity with the non-MPO teachers demonstrating in front of the National Press Club on Thursday. On the sixth day of their sit-in, he said the teachers’ demands for MPO inclusion are “just and logical,” and called on the government to address them without delay. Teachers participating in the protest warned that they would launch tougher programs if their demands are ignored. Despite being recognized years ago, many educational institutions remain outside the MPO scheme, leaving their teachers and staff deprived of government facilities. Earlier this week, police halted the teachers’ march toward the Jamuna River. Meanwhile, teachers of autistic and special-needs schools continue their own 13-day demonstration at the same venue, demanding recognition, MPO inclusion, disability-friendly facilities, and education stipends.

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) has decided to revoke the lifetime membership of Sheikh Hasina, a position granted to her in 2019 during the second general meeting of that year’s elected council. At that time, the Bangladesh Chhatra League, the student wing of the ruling Awami League, had won a sweeping majority in the DUCSU elections, leading to Hasina’s honorary membership.

Now, in a symbolic reversal, the newly elected DUCSU leaders of 2025 have reached a unanimous, policy-level agreement to nullify that decision. DUCSU Assistant General Secretary (AGS) Mohiuddin Khan confirmed the development, stating that just as the 2019 council’s second general meeting had granted Hasina the membership, the 2025 council’s second general meeting would formally cancel it.

According to Mohiuddin, the decision is based on principles of inclusivity and institutional independence, aiming to make DUCSU more representative of students’ voices rather than political affiliations. He added that DUCSU’s ongoing initiatives are divided into two categories—immediate service-based projects and long-term policy reforms—both intended to strengthen student welfare and democratic accountability within the university’s governance.

Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU) in Dhaka has expelled master’s student Dhanishree Roy from all academic activities for one semester and permanently expelled her from her residential hall for allegedly making religiously provocative comments on social media. The university authority issued the order on Thursday (November 6), signed by Registrar Sheikh Rezaul Karim.

According to the notice, Dhanishree Roy, a second-semester master’s student in the Department of Microbiology under the Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, made an “obscene and religiously inflammatory” comment on October 24. Following an investigation, the disciplinary board recommended the punishment, which was implemented immediately.

Reports say the controversy began after Dhanishree commented on the BUET student Sreeshant case, labeling him “mentally unstable” and asserting that his alleged actions could not be attributed to his religion. She further criticized communal reactions, saying moral judgment should be based on mentality, not faith. In another comment, she reportedly called anti-rape activists a “bastard generation,” sparking outrage and protests among students across the campus.

Professor Mia Golam Parwar, Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has called on the Chief Adviser to enforce the July Charter immediately and hold a nationwide referendum by mid-November to establish its legal basis. Speaking at a pre-march rally at Shapla Chattar in Motijheel on Thursday, 6 November, he emphasized that failing to fulfill these demands would compromise the respect and trust earned from the public. The rally, organized by eight Islamic political parties including Jamaat-e-Islami, was part of a coordinated movement demanding five key political reforms. Professor Parwar urged the Chief Adviser to act as a neutral mediator, facilitating political unity to ensure a free, fair, and transparent election in February. Highlighting the need to safeguard Bangladesh’s hard-won independence, he warned against delays or conspiracies, urging immediate action to prevent undermining public expectations and the legitimacy of the current state framework.

Typhoon Kalmaegi has caused widespread devastation across the central Philippines, particularly in Cebu Province, where at least 140 people have been confirmed dead and many others remain missing. The powerful storm destroyed homes, flooded roads with mud, and submerged vehicles, leaving vast areas in ruins. In response to the extensive damage and loss of life, the Philippine government has declared a national state of calamity to expedite relief operations and emergency aid distribution.
Now gaining strength over the South China Sea, Kalmaegi is heading toward central Vietnam, where authorities warn that the ongoing week-long flooding could worsen significantly. Officials in Vietnam have expressed concern that already water-saturated regions may face further disaster if the storm makes landfall at full force. Meanwhile, rescue and recovery efforts have begun in the Philippines, even as the government prepares for another approaching storm, “Wan,” expected to arrive over the weekend.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has issued a stern warning that no one will be spared if they attempt to organize or join rallies in support of the banned Awami League. Speaking at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy on Bailey Road, Dhaka, on Wednesday, he stated that the government has already outlawed all activities of the Awami League and that any demonstrations or gatherings in its favor will face strict legal consequences. Alam also accused former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of being responsible for the deaths of over a hundred people and referred to her as the “Butcher of Bengal.” He added that the government is closely monitoring her actions and communications from India.

Two police constables from Rajshahi’s Durgapur Police Station were beaten by locals after being accused of attempting to extort money from a young man in Shyampur village on Tuesday evening, November 4. The officers, identified as driver Imran Ali of the emergency “999” unit and computer operator Majed Hossain, allegedly demanded a large sum from Sajib Ahmed, claiming he was involved in online gambling. When Sajib refused, they reportedly threatened to arrest him. Locals became suspicious after the pair failed to show identification and detained them following an altercation. Police later arrived and rescued the constables, who have since been withdrawn to the police lines. Investigators have been assigned, and senior officers confirmed departmental action will follow if the allegations are substantiated. One of the accused, Imran Ali, denied the charges, claiming they were falsely implicated and had not gone to arrest anyone.

The Ganasamhati Andolon has announced its list of potential candidates for 93 parliamentary constituencies ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming national election. The announcement was made on Wednesday at a press conference held at the party’s central office in Hatirpool, Dhaka. Executive Coordinator Abul Hasan Rubel made the declaration in the presence of Chief Coordinator Zunaid Saki and other central leaders. According to the released list, Zunaid Saki will contest from Brahmanbaria-6, while Abul Hasan Rubel himself will run from Pabna-4 and Dhaka-10 constituencies. Taslima Akhter, a member of the party’s political council, is set to contest from Dhaka-12. Other central leaders, including Hasan Maruf Rumi, Dewan Abdur Rashid, and Monir Uddin Pappu, were also present at the event where the party emphasized its commitment to inclusive and progressive politics.

The caretaker government of Bangladesh has given final approval to the ‘Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Remedies Ordinance 2025’, marking a significant step toward justice and human rights protection. Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Shafiqul Alam, announced the decision during a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy on Thursday. The ordinance legally defines “enforced disappearance” and categorizes it as a continuing offense, carrying penalties up to the death sentence. It also criminalizes the establishment and use of secret detention centers, known as Aynaghar, as punishable offenses.

The National Human Rights Commission and the proposed Investigation Commission will be empowered to receive and investigate complaints related to enforced disappearances. The ordinance mandates that tribunals complete trials within 120 days of framing charges and ensures protection, compensation, and legal aid for victims and witnesses. Additionally, a special fund and a national database will be established for prevention and protection efforts.

Officials noted that the law aligns with the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, reflecting Bangladesh’s commitment to preventing state-sponsored abuses and ensuring that no future government can operate secret detention centers or commit such crimes with impunity.

The Supreme Court of Bangladesh has released the complete 59-page verdict acquitting BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, and several others in the long-standing Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case. Delivered on January 15 by a five-member Appellate Division bench led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, the unanimous ruling overturned the earlier convictions handed down by the trial court and the High Court. The full text, published on November 4 on the Supreme Court’s official website, declared that all appellants were found not guilty, effectively nullifying the prior sentences of imprisonment and fines.

The verdict also stated that the prosecution had involved a “malicious misuse of law” and that the ruling applies to others convicted who did not file appeals. The judgment marks a significant legal and political turning point, restoring the reputation of the accused and putting an end to what the court described as unjust proceedings.

The original case was filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in 2008, resulting in a 2018 conviction of Khaleda Zia and others. With this decision, the Supreme Court brings closure to one of Bangladesh’s most politically charged legal battles.

The trial of Sitangshu Kumar (S.K.) Sur, former Deputy Governor of Bangladesh Bank, has officially commenced after a Dhaka court framed charges against him in a corruption case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The case involves allegations that Sur failed to submit a detailed statement of his assets within the stipulated time, as required under the Anti-Corruption Commission Act of 2004.

On Thursday, November 6, Judge Ayesha Nasrin of the Dhaka Special Judge Court-2 read out the charges in the presence of the accused, who pleaded not guilty. The court then fixed January 20 as the date for recording witness testimonies. During the hearing, ACC Prosecutor Shamsuddin Md. Abul Kalam argued in favor of proceeding with the case, while no defense lawyer was present on behalf of the accused.

According to case records, Sur received the ACC directive on October 27 of last year but failed to submit his wealth statement within 21 working days. Following an investigation, the ACC filed the formal charge sheet on August 25 this year. Sur has been in custody since his arrest on January 14 in Segunbagicha, Dhaka.

Nahid Islam, the convener of the newly formed National Citizens Party (NCP), has set a bold political deadline: if the party fails to attain power within the next 10 years, it will withdraw from politics altogether. In a recent media interview, Nahid stated that the NCP aims to establish itself as a major political force in Bangladesh within a decade, with the goal of forming the government and empowering citizens.

Born out of the leadership of the July popular uprising, the NCP entered politics with a long-term vision. Nahid emphasized that their politics is rooted in collective ideology rather than individual ambition, noting that many have sacrificed their lives for this cause. Despite this long-term perspective, he admitted the party has set a clear timeline for achieving its objectives.

Founded on February 28 this year, the NCP has already made notable progress, according to Nahid. He believes the movement’s momentum has propelled them years ahead of traditional political timelines. Confident in their current trajectory, Nahid insists that the next decade will determine the party’s fate — either as a governing power or as a movement that gracefully exits the political arena.