Bangladesh’s caretaker government system, once seen as a safeguard for fair elections, was abolished following a series of political and legal developments. The system originated after political unrest in the 1990s, when opposition parties demanded neutral oversight of elections. It was formally introduced through the 13th Amendment in 1996, enabling non-partisan interim administrations to oversee elections in 1996 and 2001, both considered relatively fair. However, disputes over the appointment of the chief adviser in 2006 led to political deadlock and the rise of a military-backed caretaker administration, known as the 1/11 government. In 2011, the Supreme Court declared the 13th Amendment unconstitutional, calling the caretaker system undemocratic and inconsistent with the constitution’s basic structure. The 15th Amendment later permanently abolished it. Since then, elections under ruling parties in 2014, 2018, and 2024 have faced widespread criticism from opposition groups and international observers over transparency and credibility concerns.

Russia has proposed granting India unrestricted access to its fifth-generation Su-57 stealth fighter jet technology ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to New Delhi. Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov stated that Russia will initially supply Su-57 jets built domestically, with plans to gradually shift production to India. Moscow may also offer India its single-engine Su-75 Checkmate stealth fighter. This unprecedented offer includes full technology transfer covering engines, sensors, stealth materials, and artificial intelligence systems. Russian officials emphasized that India would gain the capability to independently develop advanced stealth fighters, a privilege previously denied by Western nations. The proposal also includes licensing for local production and integration of Indian weapon systems. Russia reaffirmed its long-standing defense partnership with India, highlighting continued cooperation despite international sanctions. The move is seen as a major step in strengthening bilateral defense ties and enhancing India’s self-reliance in advanced military aviation technology.

A truck driver named Md. Mostafa Kamal, 40, was killed in a road accident on the Lama-Chakaria road in the West Linejhiri area of Lama upazila, Cox’s Bazar, on Wednesday night. According to local sources, the driver was transporting poultry feed for a company when he lost control of the vehicle, causing it to overturn. Local residents, fire service personnel, and Lama police quickly arrived at the scene and rescued the driver from the truck. He was taken to Lama Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead. Police from Lama station stated that they are investigating the cause of the accident and that legal procedures are underway. The tragic incident highlights recurring road safety issues in the region, where poor road conditions and vehicle control failures often lead to fatal accidents.

The National Pay Commission of Bangladesh is advancing its work to review and recommend a revised salary and allowance structure for government employees. A meeting with secretaries from various ministries and departments is scheduled for November 24 at the Secretariat, chaired by Commission President Zakir Ahmed Khan. The commission aims to finalize recommendations covering government, semi-government, autonomous bodies, state-owned banks, approved universities, and public educational institutions. Earlier, from October 1 to 15, the commission collected public and institutional feedback through online questionnaires. Formed on July 27, the commission plans to submit its final report by December. Economic Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed stated that three reports are being reviewed before final recommendations are made, emphasizing that the current government will lay the groundwork while the next administration will implement the new pay scale, considering fiscal and social spending realities.

Two young men from Muksedpur upazila in Gopalganj, Bangladesh, have died and five others remain missing after a boat carrying migrants capsized in the Mediterranean Sea while traveling from Libya to Italy. The victims, Enamul Sheikh (27) and Anis Sheikh (35), reportedly paid local brokers about 2.1 million taka each to make the illegal journey last October. The accident occurred on November 13 near Libya’s Al-Khums coast, where two boats sank, one carrying 26 Bangladeshis. Four bodies were recovered by rescuers. Survivors described chaotic scenes as one boat collided with another, causing passengers in the middle section to drown. Families in the victims’ villages are mourning, demanding the repatriation of bodies and stricter action against human trafficking networks. Local officials acknowledged the ongoing issue of illegal migration despite government awareness campaigns promoting legal migration routes. Authorities are collecting information and have informed higher authorities for necessary measures.

A 36-hour hartal is underway in Rangamati district protesting alleged quota discrimination in the recruitment of government assistant primary teachers under the Hill District Council. The strike, called by Rangamati Conscious Citizens’ Unity, Anti-Quota Alliance, and local students and residents, began at 6 a.m. Thursday and will continue until 6 p.m. Friday. Due to the hartal, all shops, businesses, and transport services in the district have come to a halt, with no vehicles entering or leaving the town by road or river. Protesters have been seen picketing at key points, while law enforcement agencies have taken strong positions to maintain order. The protest follows controversy over the recently announced recruitment process, with written exams scheduled for November 21. Demonstrators are demanding an end to quota-based discrimination and have vowed to resist the upcoming exam if their demands are not met.

U.S. President Donald Trump verbally attacked ABC News journalist Mary Bruce on Tuesday after she questioned Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about the 2018 killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. Trump criticized Bruce for making their guest 'uncomfortable' and called her question 'terrible' and 'arrogant.' He further disparaged both Bruce and ABC News, suggesting the network’s broadcast license should be revoked. Trump downplayed Khashoggi’s murder, saying such incidents 'sometimes happen,' while the crown prince has denied involvement. The National Press Club condemned Trump’s remarks, calling them a threat to press freedom. Trump has repeatedly clashed with journalists, often using harsh or sexist language, and recently threatened ABC’s license again after a defamation settlement. The confrontation occurred during the crown prince’s first U.S. visit since the Khashoggi killing, which drew global outrage.

As Bangladesh’s 13th national election approaches, the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has released a preliminary list of candidates for 236 constituencies, sparking internal disputes in several areas. The party leadership, led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, has begun meeting with nomination-deprived leaders in Dhaka to ease tensions and ensure unity behind the party’s symbol, the paddy sheaf. Some deprived aspirants have pledged loyalty while requesting reconsideration of candidate selections based on local popularity. Discontent has also arisen over the nomination of elderly candidates in multiple constituencies, with local leaders arguing that such figures lack the energy and connection to appeal to younger voters, who now form a significant portion of the electorate. In response, BNP’s high command is reviewing appeals and may revise nominations in certain seats to reflect grassroots sentiment and strengthen electoral prospects. The party aims to maintain cohesion and avoid public discord ahead of the crucial polls.

At least eleven tourists were injured early Thursday when a 'Chander Gari' (locally modified jeep) overturned on the road to Keokradong Hill, one of the main tourist attractions in Ruma upazila of Bandarban. The accident occurred around 6 a.m. at a place known as Papaya Bagan on the Keokradong road. All the injured, residents of Kushtia district, were traveling with a local guide named Swapan Barua. According to local authorities, the vehicle lost control and overturned while heading from Boga Lake toward Keokradong. Locals rescued the injured and took them to the Ruma Health Complex, while two critically injured individuals were later transferred to Bandarban Sadar Hospital. Police confirmed the incident and said the condition of the injured is being monitored closely.

Japan is preparing to restart the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant in Niigata Prefecture, the world’s largest nuclear facility, after more than a decade of inactivity following the 2011 Fukushima disaster. According to local media reports cited by AFP, the plant may receive final approval from the regional governor this week. Governor Hideyo Hanazumi is expected to hold a press conference on Friday to announce the decision. Initially, only one of the plant’s seven reactors will be reactivated. Japan had shut down all its nuclear reactors after the Fukushima incident due to safety concerns, but rising energy import costs and the need for stable power supply have prompted the government to reconsider nuclear energy. The move marks a significant step in Japan’s gradual return to nuclear power despite lingering public anxiety over safety issues.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Sajjat Ali stated that existing police laws authorize officers to open fire on individuals attempting to hurl explosives or set vehicles ablaze. Speaking at the inauguration of the DMP Cyber Support Center on Thursday, November 20, he emphasized that the new center will operate 24 hours a day to handle cybercrime complaints efficiently. Referring to a recent incident where a police officer was injured by a crude bomb near Pallabi Police Station, the commissioner warned that such attacks could demoralize law enforcement personnel. He urged citizens not to assault or mistreat police officers. Sheikh Sajjat Ali also reminded the public that if police fail to maintain order, people might again have to guard their homes as they did after August 5. His remarks come amid renewed political unrest and violent incidents in Dhaka.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, in a Facebook post marking his birthday, outlined five major commitments aimed at ensuring women’s safety and empowerment in Bangladesh. He emphasized that women must feel secure both online and offline to enable the country’s progress. The proposed priorities include establishing a National Online Safety System for reporting cyber abuse, creating protection protocols for women in public life, integrating digital safety education into schools and universities, strengthening community-level responses against harassment and violence, and launching a national initiative to increase women’s leadership participation. Rahman highlighted that the digital transformation of the world brings both opportunities and threats, urging collective efforts to build a safer and more inclusive future for women and the next generation. His message reflects a broader vision of equality, security, and empowerment as essential elements of Bangladesh’s development.

The Australian government has announced a new law requiring Meta to remove all Facebook and Instagram accounts belonging to users under 16 years old by December 10. The move aims to protect children’s mental health and prevent exposure to harmful online content. Meta has expressed concern over the decision but confirmed that it has already started disabling accounts of users aged 13 to 15 in Australia. From December 4, no new accounts will be allowed for users under 16, and existing ones will be deactivated. The government has warned of heavy fines for non-compliance. While Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the law is designed to safeguard young Australians, child rights organizations such as the Australian Child Rights Taskforce have criticized the measure, arguing that it could isolate teenagers from their social circles and communities. The policy also applies to other social media platforms like TikTok.

Bangladesh has achieved a rare feat in Test cricket history during their ongoing match against Ireland, becoming only the third team ever to record century partnerships for the fourth, fifth, and sixth wickets in a single innings. The achievement places Bangladesh alongside India and Pakistan, who previously accomplished this in 1979 and 2023 respectively. Despite a shaky start at 95 for 3, the team recovered through strong partnerships led by Mushfiqur Rahim, Mominul Haque, Liton Das, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Mushfiqur’s 106 and Mominul’s 63 stabilized the innings before Liton and Miraz added another 123-run stand. This is only the third time in Bangladesh’s Test history that they have produced three century partnerships in one innings, the last being 12 years ago against New Zealand. The record underscores Bangladesh’s growing consistency and depth in batting.

Nitish Kumar took oath as Bihar’s Chief Minister for the tenth time on Thursday at Gandhi Maidan in Patna. The ceremony was attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several BJP-led state leaders, and NDA allies including Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Kumar was unanimously chosen as the leader of the NDA legislative party in Bihar after a meeting of alliance legislators on Wednesday. Following his selection, he submitted his resignation from the outgoing government and staked claim to form a new one. Critics attribute his political longevity to his adaptability and strategic alliance-building. Currently, Kumar ranks as India’s eighth longest-serving Chief Minister, and if he completes this term, he could surpass Sikkim’s former leader Pawan Kumar Chamling’s record of 24 years in office.