In a significant political development in Patuakhali’s Kalapara upazila, more than a hundred leaders and activists from the ruling Awami League have joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The joining ceremony took place on Sunday, November 2, at Champapur Union, where the new members were welcomed with flowers by central BNP Training Affairs Secretary A.B.M. Mosharraf Hossain.

The group was led by Matilal Bhatt, General Secretary of Champapur Union Awami League, and former Union Parishad member Rabindranath Roy. The event was attended by several local BNP leaders, including Upazila BNP President Haji Humayun Sikder, Vice Presidents Mizanur Rahman Tutu Biswas and Jahangir Alam Talukdar, and others.

Addressing the gathering, Mosharraf Hossain stated that the people of Champapur have long supported the Awami League but received nothing in return. He expressed hope that under the BNP, all residents could live in peace and equality. Welcoming the new members, he reaffirmed BNP’s commitment to standing by the people in their struggle for democracy and citizens’ rights.

This large-scale defection signals a shifting political landscape in Kalapara ahead of future national political movements.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has raised serious allegations against Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul, claiming that he extended undue favor to a particular political party regarding amendments to the Representation of the People Order (RPO) and Article 20 of the 1972 Constitution. In an official letter signed by NCP’s member secretary Akhtar Hossain and sent on Sunday (November 2), the party questioned the adviser’s neutrality, emphasizing that as a state adviser, he must remain nonpartisan and avoid actions that suggest political bias.

The NCP argued that Dr. Nazrul’s alleged private assurances to one party undermine the impartiality of the interim government and weaken public trust. The letter outlined three key objections: the misuse of party registration through proxy candidacies, the erosion of voter accountability, and the artificial creation of multiparty representation that benefits dominant political forces. The NCP endorsed the positions of the Election Reform Commission and the Election Commission, urging a clear legal provision to bar any registered party from contesting under another party’s symbol. According to the NCP, such reforms would strengthen genuine pluralism, ensure political accountability, and safeguard the constitutional integrity of democratic processes in Bangladesh.

Police have arrested Tanjidur Rahman Tanjil, a leader of the banned Chhatra League, for allegedly being involved in a nationwide plan of violence and sabotage against Bangladesh’s interim government. The 24-year-old was detained early Sunday (November 2) from Jahangirnagar Housing Society’s Mollanagar area, according to Savar Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Jewel Miah.

Tanjil, son of Rahidul Islam from Daulatpur upazila in Kushtia, was serving as the vice president of the Savar upazila unit of the banned Chhatra League. Recently, he was also appointed president of the humanities department of Savar Model College Chhatra League — a post that sparked controversy on social media due to the organization’s proscription.

Law enforcement officials stated that Tanjil had been directly involved in planning acts of sabotage and creating unrest in support of the “fascist Awami League.” During interrogation, he reportedly confessed to playing an active role in suppressing anti-discrimination movements and revealed crucial information about planned attacks in Savar as part of the group’s wider strategy. Authorities are now reviewing the intelligence gathered from his statements to take immediate legal and security measures. Police plan to seek a 7-day remand for further interrogation.

National Citizens Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam has declared that India cannot be considered a friend of Bangladesh while it continues to shelter former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday (November 2) at the NCP’s central office, Nahid accused India of indirectly supporting the “July massacre” by providing Hasina refuge. He emphasized that unless India changes its stance, Bangladesh–India relations will remain cold and distant.

Nahid also criticized different political groups, saying one faction is disrupting reform efforts while another is trying to delay the election. He stated that if the legal framework of the “July Charter” is established, holding a referendum on the election day would not be problematic. He stressed that his party supports the initial draft that proposed automatic inclusion of reform measures into the constitution after 270 days, warning that any deviation from it might lead them to reconsider their support.

Addressing the party symbol issue, Nahid alleged that the Election Commission is obstructing their activities instead of cooperating. He reiterated their preference for the “Shapla” (water lily) symbol and insisted it should have been approved a month earlier.

Dhaka has been experiencing severe traffic congestion as several organizations launched simultaneous demonstrations across key areas of the capital. According to a press release signed by DC Muhammad Talebur Rahman of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), the protests include demands from Ebtedayee Madrasa Teachers’ Unity for MPO inclusion, recognition and MPO enrollment for disabled schools, and the inclusion of all non-MPO institutions under government pay structure. Additionally, disabled graduate job seekers and candidates who passed the 43rd BCS examination but were not recruited to cadre positions have blocked major roads demanding fair employment. These demonstrations have caused widespread disruption, leading to heavy gridlock and significant public suffering in many parts of the city. Despite the situation, DMP officers are actively working to ease traffic flow. The police expressed sincere regret for the inconvenience caused to citizens due to the unexpected intensification of traffic jams.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has strongly protested the circulation of fake and fabricated videos using the voice and image of its Secretary General, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. According to a statement issued on Saturday night by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, certain miscreants are spreading edited and AI-generated videos through media platforms to mislead the public. These videos falsely claim that Mirza Fakhrul has announced the final list of party candidates for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The BNP has categorically rejected the authenticity of such content, calling it entirely baseless and imaginary. The party urged citizens, supporters, and nomination seekers not to be deceived by these edited or AI-manipulated videos designed to create confusion and tarnish the party’s image ahead of the national polls.

Bangladesh’s interim government is grappling with a severe financial crisis caused by declining revenue collection, the burden of repaying massive debts inherited from the previous Awami League government, and soaring inflation that has raised the cost of goods and services. Despite adopting austerity measures and cutting development spending, the government is increasingly reliant on borrowing, both from domestic sources and international development partners. Central bank data show that while government sector credit rose by 1.79% during July–August, private sector lending fell slightly, indicating a broader economic slowdown. Revenue collection remains below target despite a 21% year-on-year rise, leaving an 11% shortfall. With shrinking liquidity in banks and reduced business activity, the government’s borrowing space is tightening. Most loans are being used for operational expenses rather than production or job creation, raising concerns about long-term economic stability.

The long-anticipated verdicts in six corruption cases against fugitive former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, and other members of the Sheikh family are now uncertain after a surprising courtroom development. Former RAJUK member (Estate & Land) Mohammad Khurshid Alam, one of the accused, unexpectedly surrendered to a Dhaka court on October 29. His surrender, according to legal observers, could trigger a procedural delay, as the defense may now legally seek to recall witnesses for cross-examination under Sections 540 of the CrPC and 138 of the Evidence Act.
Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) prosecutors fear the move might be part of a calculated strategy to postpone the rulings expected by November. Trials had been nearing completion, with testimonies recorded in most of the six cases that involve alleged irregularities in RAJUK plot allocations to Hasina’s family during the Awami League’s 15-year rule. Despite the potential delay, ACC officials have emphasized that the trials will continue until completion. The courts have so far rejected Khurshid Alam’s bail plea and ordered his imprisonment.

The head of Israel’s military legal branch, Major General Efrat Tomer-Yerushalmi, resigned on October 31 after a video showing Israeli soldiers allegedly abusing a Palestinian prisoner was leaked. She admitted authorizing the video’s release in August 2024. Following the leak, criminal charges were filed against five soldiers. The incident triggered nationwide outrage, with right-wing politicians criticizing the investigation and protesters attacking two military bases when investigators arrived. Security camera footage released by N12 News shows soldiers escorting a prisoner while armed personnel stand nearby, though the events inside the room remain unclear. Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed an ongoing criminal investigation and that Tomer-Yerushalmi had been placed on forced leave. In her resignation letter, she stated she acted to protect the reputation of the military legal division, which she said had become a target of baseless slander during the conflict.

At a regional coordination meeting held in Faridpur on October 31, NCP Joint Convener Sarwar Tushar stated that the party is not being allotted the Shapla (water lily) symbol due to the Election Commission’s ego and the influence of a specific group. He described the Shapla as an alternative to the sinking boat symbol and criticized the National Party for harming the country after the Awami League. Tushar also denounced attempts to establish a new Awami League under the National Party’s banner and called for a public referendum to legally recognize the July Charter. Addressing the BNP, he warned that opposing the charter would lead to public backlash. The meeting was attended by several hundred NCP leaders and activists from Faridpur, Rajbari, Madaripur, and Shariatpur districts.

At a discussion titled “Communal Harmony and a Friendly Bangladesh” held on Saturday (November 1) at the Lalmonirhat Zila Parishad auditorium, Religious Adviser to the Prime Minister, Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain, emphasized that communal harmony is vital for Bangladesh’s progress and global image. He said Bangladesh is a land of peace and religious coexistence, unlike neighboring countries where communal tension often surfaces. Most conflicts in the country, he clarified, are politically motivated rather than communal.

Dr. Hossain reminded that people of all faiths—Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, and ethnic minorities—fought together for independence in 1971 and against autocracy in 1990. Equal rights must be guaranteed for all citizens, he added, and the government is committed to ensuring that no group’s rights are violated.

He warned that without social harmony, no nation can achieve sustainable development, attract foreign investment, or draw tourists. Describing Lalmonirhat as a fertile ground of communal harmony, he urged citizens to strengthen unity, combat drug abuse and youth gangs, and elect capable leaders in the upcoming national election. Citing Hadith, he recalled Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) example of compassion and respect for all communities during warfare.

At least 50 people were injured in violent clashes between supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Jatiya Party (JP) in Bhola on Saturday afternoon. The confrontation broke out around noon in the Notun Bazar area after both parties organized rival programs near their respective offices. According to police and local witnesses, JP-affiliated activists brought out a procession from in front of their party office, marching through several streets before returning to the same spot. Soon afterward, BNP activists also took out a procession from their district office at Mahajanpotti and headed toward Notun Bazar. When the two groups came face to face near the municipal building, brick throwing and stick-wielding clashes erupted, leading to chaos in the area. More than 50 people from both sides sustained injuries. Police rushed to the scene, brought the situation under control, and transported the injured to local hospitals. Additional police forces have since been deployed in the area to prevent further unrest. Authorities are investigating the cause and sequence of the clashes as tensions between the two parties remain high.

The Anti-Discrimination Employees’ Unity Forum has expressed gratitude to the Chief Adviser following the abolition of the “Advisory Committee on Public Administration” by the interim government through a gazette notification on 29 October. According to the forum, the committee was unlawfully formed by some senior advisers and officials who violated the “Rules of Business,” misled the government, and caused administrative disorder. The forum alleged that officials loyal to a particular political party were promoted to high-ranking positions, including secretaries and district commissioners, undermining administrative balance and creating negative public perception. While welcoming the committee’s dissolution, the forum stressed that their demand goes beyond abolition. They urged a judicial investigation, led by a High Court Division judge, into all advisers and officials involved in creating inefficiency and chaos over the past year, as well as those accused of corruption in the media, to ensure accountability and restore integrity in public administration.

Starting November 1, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has enforced a new rule restricting individuals to a maximum of 10 active SIM cards per National ID. Mobile operators have begun deactivating extra SIMs exceeding the limit. Previously, a person could hold up to 15 SIMs. The BTRC had announced the policy earlier in July to ensure its full implementation by December. According to the regulator, the measure aims to establish order in SIM management and prevent fraudulent activities. Citizens can verify the number of SIMs registered under their NID by dialing *16002# or checking online. Data shows Bangladesh currently has about 186.2 million active SIMs, though the actual user base is only around 67.5 million. Over 80% of subscribers use fewer than five SIMs, while just 3% hold more than ten. The deactivation will follow a random selection process, meaning even important SIMs could be deactivated if they exceed the limit.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged the interim government to take immediate steps to resolve the ongoing political crisis surrounding the implementation of the July Charter and the recent referendum controversy. Speaking at the Ganosamhati Andolon conference on Friday (October 31), Mirza Fakhrul blamed both the interim government and the Consensus Commission for creating the current political deadlock.

He emphasized that instead of prolonging political tension, the authorities should focus on resolving the issues so that all parties can move toward elections in a unified manner and work for the welfare of the people. Mirza Fakhrul expressed confidence that the people of Bangladesh will overcome this crisis, as they have never accepted defeat in the face of adversity.

Highlighting the importance of national unity, he called on all political forces to rise above differences for the greater interest of the country. The BNP leader reiterated that his party has cooperated with the interim government in the past and intends to continue doing so in the future, but urged the government to address the problems it has created to restore stability and trust in the political process.