Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) will start formal dialogues with political parties from Thursday, November 13, to discuss recent amendments to the Representation of the People Order (RPO) and the updated electoral code of conduct. EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed confirmed the schedule, noting that the list of invited parties has not yet been finalized. The discussions aim to ensure cooperation for a fair election and to hear parties’ own proposals. The revised code bans posters and the use of plastic materials, while allowing festoons, leaflets, and digital displays. Ahmed also clarified that the EC has not received any directive regarding a referendum. Despite a planned lockdown program by the banned Awami League on the same day, the EC intends to proceed with the dialogue as scheduled.

Iran has expressed willingness to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan to defuse escalating tensions along their shared border. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made the offer during a phone conversation with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, according to Iranian media. Araghchi reaffirmed Tehran’s readiness to assist in promoting peace, urging both countries to engage in deeper dialogue and foster mutual understanding for sustainable stability. He noted that the leaders of both nations agreed to continue cooperation aimed at maintaining regional peace and preventing further conflict. The two sides also discussed bilateral relations, regional developments, and broader international issues. Araghchi voiced concern over the deteriorating border situation and emphasized Iran’s commitment to regional diplomacy and constructive engagement to avert further escalation.

A long-standing pillar of American conservative politics—the unwavering support for Israel among Christian evangelicals—is showing signs of erosion. The ongoing Gaza war and public criticism from influential conservative figures such as Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, and Marjorie Taylor Greene have fueled growing anti-Israel sentiment within right-wing circles. Surveys indicate that negative views of Israel among conservatives under 50 have risen from 35% to 50% in three years. Experts warn that this generational shift could reshape US foreign policy and affect military and economic aid to Israel. Researchers note that only 32% of evangelicals aged 18–34 now express sympathy for Israel, signaling a significant change in attitudes that once defined conservative identity.

Bangladesh’s Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan has said that the government will pay USD 100 million to Indian company Adani Power within this month as a partial settlement of outstanding dues. He confirmed that disagreements persist regarding several issues, including coal pricing and delayed payment penalties. A High Court petition alleging corruption in the Adani deal has further complicated the matter, prompting Bangladesh to proceed with an “on protest” partial payment rather than a full settlement. Adani Power recently issued an ultimatum demanding payment of USD 496 million in arrears by 10 November, warning that electricity supply from its Jharkhand-based 1,600 MW plant would be suspended from 11 November if dues remained unpaid. Bangladesh, however, contests the amount, stating the outstanding figure is USD 262 million. The dispute largely stems from differences in coal price calculations—Adani referencing international market rates while Bangladesh insists on Indonesia’s coal index, resulting in significant variation. Adani’s contract allows the company to halt electricity supply if payments are not made on time, while still retaining rights to capacity payments. The power purchase agreement, signed in 2017, commits Bangladesh to buying electricity from the plant for 25 years, but an official investigation has already identified several irregularities. Khan reiterated that the government will cancel the deal if proven flawed.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has implemented a set of strict new regulations, marking the first-ever complete ban on posters in election campaigns. The rules, published in a gazette on Monday night, were formulated in line with recommendations from the Election System Reform Commission and the 2008 Code of Conduct. According to the updated guidelines, the use of posters is prohibited to curb environmental pollution and reduce campaign expenses. Candidates will be allowed no more than 20 billboards, banners, or festoons. The EC has also imposed a total ban on drone usage and any form of overseas campaigning. Additionally, the new regulations introduce tighter oversight on social media activities, explicitly banning the use of artificial intelligence for misleading or manipulative campaign content. Candidates must now submit a written pledge to follow the code of conduct and, for the first time, present election manifestos together on a common platform. Violations may lead to severe penalties, including up to six months’ imprisonment, fines up to Tk 150,000, and even cancellation of candidacy in serious cases.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is reportedly moving toward implementing a policy that could bar transgender women from competing in the female category before the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Multiple sources suggest the policy may be introduced within six to 12 months, driven by new IOC president Kirsty Coventry’s pledge to “protect the female category.” The move would also avoid potential conflict with U.S. President Donald Trump, who earlier signed an executive order restricting transgender women from competing in female sports. However, internal debate continues, especially concerning athletes with differences of sexual development (DSD), who were assigned female at birth but have male chromosomes or testosterone levels. Some sports bodies, including World Athletics, have already excluded such athletes, while FIFA still allows them in women’s competitions. A recent scientific review presented to IOC members highlighted evidence of physical advantages linked to male puberty. Despite growing speculation, the IOC insists no final decision has been made, and the working group is still deliberating, with 2026 seen as a realistic timeline.

A late-night explosion occurred in front of the National Citizen Party (NCP) office on Monday, November 10, around 11 p.m., after two improvised explosive devices, commonly known as cocktails, were hurled toward the building. Witnesses reported that one device detonated while the other remained unexploded. Police personnel already present in the area immediately secured the site and later deployed additional forces. According to NCP Media Cell Secretary Mushfiq Us Salehin, party activists apprehended one of the individuals directly involved in throwing the explosives, capturing him moments after the attack. The detained attacker has been handed over to police, who are now interrogating him to identify motives and determine whether others were involved in planning the incident. The unexploded device has been safely recovered by the bomb disposal unit. While no injuries were reported, the attack has stirred tension and raised concerns about political security in the area.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has welcomed the verdict in the crimes against humanity case involving Sheikh Hasina and two others, calling it a milestone for justice and the end of authoritarianism in the country. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that the ruling symbolizes not only justice for Hasina’s alleged crimes but also the burial of all forms of dictatorship in Bangladesh. Party Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed echoed the sentiment, saying the judgment proves that no fascist or autocratic ruler can escape accountability, regardless of their power or tenure. He acknowledged that the punishment seemed lenient compared to the crimes but emphasized its significance as a precedent for future justice. Ahmed further remarked that the verdict represents hope for restoring the rule of law, democracy, and balanced governance in Bangladesh, pledging BNP’s commitment to building a just and democratic state.

Tomorrow, eight parties participating in the Joint Movement, including Jamaat-e-Islami, will hold a large-scale public rally in Paltan, Dhaka. Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad expressed hope that the gathering would attract hundreds of thousands of participants from the capital and surrounding areas. The rally is part of the ongoing fifth phase of the movement, focusing on basic public demands. Leaders emphasized that the event is a movement platform, not a coalition. Azad stated that while BNP will not participate, dialogue efforts will continue alongside the movement. The rally will be held from 2 PM to 4 PM to minimize public disruption. He also criticized government adherence to constitutional provisions and highlighted ongoing issues regarding referendum implementation and election timing.

After weeks of protest demanding salary structure reforms, assistant teachers of government primary schools have decided to withdraw all agitation programs following a meeting with top officials. On Monday, November 10, teacher leaders met with Finance Secretary Md. Khairuzzaman Majumdar and Secretary of the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education Abu Taher Md. Masud Rana at the Secretariat. The teachers had initially demanded implementation of the 10th-grade pay scale, but the Finance Ministry issued a press release assuring them of the 11th-grade salary structure. Khairun Nahar Lipi, convener of the Primary Teachers’ Demand Implementation Council, told reporters that trusting the official assurance, all protest programs will be suspended starting Tuesday. The teachers expressed hope that this step will ensure a smoother implementation of their salary demands and strengthen dialogue with the government.

A devastating explosion near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station in New Delhi killed at least eight people on Monday evening and left many others injured, according to fire service and police officials. The blast occurred in a car parked beside the station, and its intensity triggered fires in three to four nearby vehicles, shattered windowpanes, and caused widespread panic in the area. The Delhi Fire Service reported receiving an emergency call at 7:05 p.m., after which seven fire tenders were deployed to control the blaze. Videos and photos from the scene showed plumes of smoke rising from burning vehicles and extensive damage across the vicinity. Eyewitnesses described horrifying scenes, including body parts being thrown into the air by the force of the explosion. One witness told local media that he saw a severed hand lying on the road and felt his ears ringing for minutes after the blast. Others reported feeling the shockwave shake nearby buildings, windows, and doors. Police have cordoned off the area, halted traffic across central Delhi, and launched an investigation into the cause, which remains unclear. Emergency teams transported the injured to LNJP Hospital, where doctors confirmed eight deaths.

After 40 days of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, the Senate has voted to advance a stopgap funding package aimed at reopening federal operations through January. The deal comes after centrist Democrats agreed to back the plan in exchange for a commitment to vote on healthcare subsidies by December. The package secures funding for government sectors including food assistance and the legislative branch until the fiscal year’s end. With around eight Democrats supporting it, the Senate reached the 60-vote threshold to break the impasse. While some, like Senator Tim Kaine, praised the measure for protecting federal workers and ensuring back pay, others, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Bernie Sanders, criticized it for failing to directly increase healthcare subsidies. President Trump expressed optimism and continues pushing to replace ACA subsidies directly to individuals.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has officially launched a fully online VAT refund system, allowing businesses to apply, process, and receive refunds directly in their bank accounts. The new module aims to reduce harassment and delays that traders have long complained about. Integrated with the Finance Division’s iBAS++ platform, the system will automatically transfer approved refund amounts via the Bangladesh Electronic Funds Transfer Network (BEFTN). Businesses can now file refund applications through their VAT returns, eliminating the need for manual paperwork or office visits. NBR officials say this digital shift is part of the agency’s broader automation drive to enhance transparency and accountability. All VAT commissionerate staff have received training, and pending manual applications must be resubmitted through the new IVAS system using Form VAT 9.1.

Bangladesh’s interim government is preparing to take a firm legal stance against India’s Adani Group after the company threatened to stop supplying 1,600 megawatts of electricity from November 11 due to alleged non-payment of USD 496 million by the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB). Officials say a formal warning letter will be sent to Adani Power on November 10, cautioning of possible legal action if the supply is cut. The dispute centers on unpaid bills and disagreements over coal pricing, with BPDB accusing Adani of overcharging by USD 15–20 per ton. Around USD 234 million remains disputed. The interim administration, which took office in August after the fall of the previous government, has vowed to reassess all energy contracts. Observers believe Dhaka may now move to renegotiate terms of the Adani deal in light of the company’s ultimatum.

Former BBC News Controller Craig Oliver has described the BBC as being in disarray and lacking leadership following the resignations of Director General Tim Davie and News Chief Executive Deborah Turness. Both stepped down amid allegations that a Panorama documentary misleadingly edited remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump to imply he incited the 2021 Capitol riot. Oliver told BBC Radio 4 that the corporation is “leaderless and adrift,” and criticized BBC Chairman Samir Shah for not taking stronger action to stabilize the organization. The crisis has deepened as questions grow over editorial bias and accountability within the public broadcaster. Tim Davie admitted “mistakes were made,” while Turness called her resignation a “difficult but necessary” decision. Analysts say the turmoil threatens the BBC’s credibility at a time of global scrutiny.