The Bangladesh government has decided not to grant permission for Indian-born Islamic preacher Dr. Zakir Naik to visit Dhaka at this time, according to a source in the Ministry of Home Affairs. The decision was made during a core law and order committee meeting held on Tuesday (November 4) at the Secretariat, chaired by Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. Other key officials present included Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, International Affairs Envoy Lutfe Siddique, Special Assistant Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Abdul Hafiz, and Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam.

During the meeting, it was revealed that an organization had invited Dr. Naik to attend a two-day program in Dhaka on November 28 and 29, with possible visits outside the capital. However, authorities expressed concern that his arrival could attract massive public gatherings requiring extensive law enforcement deployment—resources currently focused on the upcoming national election. Consequently, it was decided that Dr. Zakir Naik may visit after the election but not before.

Dr. Naik left India after being accused of inciting extremism following the 2016 Holey Artisan attack in Dhaka. He currently resides in Malaysia with permanent resident status.

The interim government of Bangladesh has approved the inclusion of recognized independent Ebtedayi madrasas under the Monthly Pay Order (MPO) scheme, contingent upon meeting four specific conditions. The directive, signed by Mir Tayefa Siddika, Director-7 at the Chief Adviser’s Office, was sent to the Ministry of Education on November 3.

As per the order, madrasas fulfilling all requirements under the 2018 policy on establishment, recognition, management, staffing, and salary structure will be eligible for MPO inclusion in the first phase, following verification through detailed district administration reports. In the next phase, other eligible institutions will gradually be added. Prior to final approval, the Finance Division’s consent is mandatory, and any existing grant-in-aid facilities must be discontinued after MPO enlistment.

This decision came amid ongoing demonstrations by Ebtedayi madrasa teachers demanding nationalization. Although the announcement marks progress, teachers from non-grant madrasas expressed dissatisfaction, vowing to continue protests until all Ebtedayi institutions—whether grant-based or not—are nationalized.

The Canadian government is pursuing new legislative powers that would allow mass cancellation of visas amid rising concerns over fraudulent applications, particularly from Bangladesh and India. Internal documents obtained by CBC News reveal that officials from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) have partnered with U.S. counterparts to form a working group. The group aims to identify fake travel visa applications and enhance enforcement capabilities. These documents refer to Bangladesh and India as “specific challenging countries,” emphasizing the need for stronger authority to revoke visas on a large scale.

Publicly, Immigration Minister Lena Diab has cited emergencies like pandemics or wars as reasons for seeking such powers, without naming specific nations. The proposal, known as Bill C-12, has already raised alarms among over 30 civil society organizations, who fear it could become a tool for mass deportation. Immigration lawyers also question whether the government is using fraud as a pretext to reduce application backlogs. Meanwhile, the IRCC claims the move is part of “firm measures” to curb border misuse and illegal entries, boasting a 97% decline in unauthorized crossings and a 25% rise in visa rejections due to fraud since last year.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has officially announced that it will not nominate any candidate in the constituency of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in the upcoming 13th National Election. The decision was disclosed to the media on Tuesday (November 4) by NCP’s Chief Coordinator and Election Steering Committee Chairman Nasir Uddin Patwary. The announcement comes a day after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) declared its preliminary list of 237 candidates, which includes Khaleda Zia contesting from Feni-1, Dinajpur-3, and Bogura-7 constituencies. By choosing not to contest in Khaleda Zia’s seat, the NCP signaled a gesture of political respect or strategy as election campaigns gain momentum across the country.

In a significant move to address the persistent shortage of basic subject teachers in medical education, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of Bangladesh has issued two official circulars announcing a 70% incentive allowance on the basic salary for eligible teachers. The allowance, categorized as a “non-practicing incentive,” will benefit teachers of basic and certain non-practicing subjects across five medical universities—Bangladesh Medical University (BMU), Rajshahi, Chattogram, Sylhet, and Khulna Medical Universities—as well as 37 government medical colleges, Dhaka Dental College, the Center for Medical Education (CME), and 19 specialized institutes.

The incentive applies to teachers of ten subjects, including Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Forensic Medicine, Community Medicine, Pathology, Microbiology, Virology, and Anesthesiology. Although the last two are not classified as basic subjects, they are included due to their non-practicing nature.

To qualify, teachers must submit an official non-practicing declaration. The scheme will take effect from the 2025–2026 fiscal year, with adherence to financial regulations required. Any violation or malpractice will result in loss of eligibility. This initiative marks a major policy step to improve faculty retention and strengthen the foundation of medical education in Bangladesh.

Leaders of the “Sada Dal,” a faction of Dhaka University (DU) teachers, have proposed that DU be granted “special institutional status” and that its teachers receive double the salary of their government counterparts. The proposal was formally submitted on November 4 to the Chairman of the National Pay Commission, Zakir Ahmed Khan, through a written 10-point memorandum.

The teachers argued that Dhaka University has played an unparalleled role in Bangladesh’s history—from the independence movement to national development—and thus deserves recognition through distinct privileges and pay structures. Their demands include placing senior professors in the super grade, higher academic and administrative allowances (up to 100% of basic pay), research grants of up to Tk 20 lakh, annual academic support allowances of Tk 3 lakh, and interest-free housing loans. They also sought full funding for research publication charges, conference participation, and tax exemptions on professional income.

Led by Professor Dr. Abdus Salam, the delegation emphasized that such measures would help retain academic excellence and global competitiveness at the university. The Pay Commission chief reportedly responded positively and assured that the demands would be reviewed.

Mir Mahbubur Rahman Snigdho, twin brother of July Uprising martyr Mir Mugdho, has officially joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). His inclusion was announced Tuesday night through the BNP Media Cell’s social media posts, which featured several photos marking the occasion. Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman attended the event virtually, while Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee members Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Nazrul Islam Khan, and Central Sports Affairs Secretary Aminul Haque were present in person. Snigdho’s entry into the BNP is viewed as a symbolic moment, as his brother’s sacrifice during the July uprising remains a poignant part of Bangladesh’s recent political memory. The move is expected to strengthen BNP’s emotional and grassroots connection ahead of future political mobilizations.

In a significant ruling, the High Court has directed the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education and the Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) to allow private primary school students to participate in the national primary scholarship examination. The order was issued under the 2008 Primary Scholarship Examination Policy, following a writ petition challenging the government's decision that restricted eligibility to government school students only.

On November 3, the bench of Justice Md. Mojibur Rahman Mia and Justice Rezaul Karim declared the previous directive illegal. Earlier, on July 17, the DPE had issued a circular allowing only government school students to take the exam, prompting a legal challenge from 42 petitioners, including the director of Keraniganj Public Laboratory School, teachers, and guardians.

After a temporary suspension in September, the court has now made the rule absolute, ensuring equal opportunity for private school students. The ruling restores the earlier practice that was in place from 2005 to 2008, before being discontinued under new guidelines.

The DPE’s lawyer, Munta sir Uddin Ahmed, has announced plans to appeal the verdict. The 2025 scholarship exams are scheduled for December 21–24.

Dick Cheney, the former Vice President of the United States and one of the chief architects behind the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, has died at the age of 84. His family confirmed in a statement that Cheney passed away due to pneumonia and complications related to heart and vascular conditions. Cheney’s political career spanned decades, beginning in the Nixon administration in 1969 and including roles such as White House Chief of Staff, Secretary of Defense, and Vice President under George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009.

A leading proponent of the neoconservative doctrine, Cheney advocated for America’s global dominance through preemptive military action. As Defense Secretary during the first Gulf War, he oversaw Operation Desert Storm against Iraq. Following the 9/11 attacks, Cheney emerged as a key voice driving the “War on Terror,” supporting regime change in the Middle East and controversial interrogation techniques. His “One Percent Doctrine” argued for striking potential threats even with minimal evidence.

Though praised for his strategic influence, Cheney’s legacy remains deeply divisive—viewed by some as a defender of U.S. security, and by others as the mastermind of misguided wars.

Tarek Rahman, member-secretary of Amjanatar Dal, has begun an indefinite hunger strike outside the Election Commission (EC) headquarters in Agargaon after his party failed to receive official registration. He sat at the EC’s main gate from 4:00pm on Tuesday, November 4, and publicised the action on his Facebook page. Tarek alleges the EC granted registration to another group called Destiny, which he claims was formed after defrauding 4.3 million customers, while previously announcing registration for a National League whose approval was later suspended amid leaks. He condemned what he called entrenched bias in the registration process, demanded punishment for officials who proposed the disputed National League registration, and warned that unless authorities act he will continue the hunger strike even at risk of death. He stressed that after years of political work the party remains unregistered, accusing the system of sidelining grassroots voices and demanding transparent impartial EC action now.

The Bangladesh government has issued a major amendment to the Representation of the People Order (RPO) ahead of the 13th National Election, introducing significant new rules and modernized electoral procedures. Under the revised RPO, anyone declared a fugitive by a court will be ineligible to contest parliamentary elections. The amendment also reintroduces the “No Vote” option in single-candidate constituencies, raises the candidate’s security deposit from Tk 20,000 to Tk 50,000, and increases penalties for code of conduct violations to a maximum fine of Tk 1.5 lakh.

The new provisions expand the definition of law enforcement to include the armed forces, allowing greater deployment during elections. IT-supported postal voting is introduced for expatriates, government employees outside their constituencies, and those in custody. False affidavits may result in post-election disqualification, while AI misuse and misinformation are classified as electoral offenses. Additionally, the Election Commission (EC) can now annul results for entire constituencies in case of irregularities.

These comprehensive reforms mark the completion of the EC’s

Masud Saeedi, the Jamaat-e-Islami-nominated candidate for the Pirojpur-1 parliamentary constituency, has alleged that “enemies of the nation” are deliberately trying to create discord between Jamaat-e-Islami and its longtime political ally, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Speaking as the chief guest at a representative assembly in Chandipur Adarsha Secondary School field in Indurkani upazila on Monday, Saeedi said Bangladesh is going through a critical period where unity among like-minded political forces is essential.

He reflected on the success of the July movement, which he claimed led to a major political shift and the fall of fascist forces, emphasizing that unity had been the key to that success. Saeedi warned that if internal disputes arise among former allies, the same oppressive forces could regain influence.

Highlighting the public demand for change, Saeedi asserted that citizens now seek an accountable government and a just, welfare-oriented state. He vowed that if Jamaat is elected, it will work to establish a governance system based on justice and equality. Several local Jamaat leaders, including district and upazila-level officials, were present at the event.

BNP Chairperson’s Adviser and freedom fighter Abdus Salam stated that the BNP does not pursue politics for power but to safeguard Bangladesh’s independence from Indian dominance. Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled “7th November, Revolution and the Role of Martyred President Ziaur Rahman” at the National Press Club on November 3, Salam accused the Awami League of establishing a one-party BAKSAL rule between 1972 and 1975, which allegedly undermined democracy and human rights. He described that era as one of severe political and social chaos, marked by hunger and suppression of journalists.

According to Salam, the November 7 uprising united the military and civilians to free Ziaur Rahman and entrust him with state leadership. Zia, he claimed, restored order and placed Bangladesh on a path to development, transforming it from a “bottomless basket” to a progressing nation. Salam praised Zia as a visionary reformer who strengthened agriculture, promoted manpower export, and made the country self-sufficient in food. He emphasized that BNP’s current movement represents farmers, workers, and journalists striving to preserve national sovereignty and democracy against foreign influence, particularly from India.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has described the plight of the Rohingya community as one of the most tragic humanitarian crises of the present time, stating that they are suffering solely because they are Muslims and have been stripped of citizenship. During a meeting with a Turkish parliamentary delegation led by Mehmet Akif Yilmaz at the State Guest House Jamuna, Yunus discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and humanitarian support. The Turkish delegation highlighted the deep historical and cultural ties between the two nations and shared insights from their recent visit to the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar. Yunus expressed gratitude for Turkey’s continued support for the Rohingya cause and urged Turkish entrepreneurs to invest in Bangladesh. He also emphasized that the prolonged camp life has left Rohingya children with limited educational and future opportunities, warning that such deprivation could lead to despair and instability.

BNP Acting Chairman Tareq Rahman expressed concerns over growing public uncertainty about whether national elections will be held on schedule. Speaking virtually from London at an event inaugurating online payment gateways for renewing BNP memberships and recruiting new members, Rahman criticized the interim government for imposing successive new conditions that, he argues, obstruct the democratic process. He emphasized that under previous autocratic regimes, the public had little interest in elections, but today, even with an interim government, citizens are increasingly questioning whether elections will happen on time. Rahman highlighted BNP’s commitment to opposing authoritarianism, maintaining national unity, and cooperating with democratic parties despite challenges. He also recalled BNP’s historical contributions, including establishing multiparty democracy under Sheikh Zia and transitioning from presidential to parliamentary systems under Khaleda Zia. Criticizing the previous 15-year period under the ruling party as a time of “fascist” governance that destroyed the electoral system, Rahman warned that attempts to prevent BNP’s success persist even in a post-fascist Bangladesh. He called for vigilance and unity among nationalist forces to ensure that no conspiracy can separate BNP from the people. The event was chaired by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and attended by several senior party leaders.