Israeli settlers allegedly set fire to the Hajjah Hamida Mosque in Deir Istiya village near Salfit in the occupied West Bank early Thursday, burning several copies of the Quran and damaging parts of the building. Graffiti with anti-Palestinian and racist slogans was found on the mosque walls. The attack comes amid escalating settler violence against Palestinians across the West Bank. The Palestinian Ministry of Religious Affairs condemned the incident as a heinous crime, while the UN, Jordan, and Switzerland expressed deep concern and denounced the act. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric reiterated that attacks on places of worship are unacceptable and urged Israel, as the occupying power, to protect civilians and hold perpetrators accountable. The incident adds to growing international criticism of Israel’s settlement policies and violence in occupied Palestinian territories.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s central Nayeb-e-Ameer and former MP Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher has claimed that a deep conspiracy is underway concerning Bangladesh’s upcoming national election and the country’s sovereignty. Speaking at a public rally in Chauddagram, Comilla, he criticized the government for allegedly yielding to Indian influence and demanded transparency regarding the national security adviser’s recent visit to India. Dr. Taher warned that accepting India’s unjust demands would have dire consequences for the government. He also accused the interim government of falling into the ruling party’s trap by avoiding electoral reforms and manipulating the proposed referendum process. According to him, if a fair vote on reforms were held before the national election, the majority would support Jamaat’s stance. Other Jamaat leaders and local representatives also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the need for political reform and public accountability.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has announced that it will sign the July Charter only after the interim government provides clear explanations regarding the implementation order, referendum structure, and reform process. At a press conference in Dhaka, NCP’s chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary said ambiguity remains over the government’s proposed four-question referendum package and the roadmap for holding the referendum and national election on the same day. He accused the government of deepening the ongoing political crisis instead of resolving it. Patwary stressed that the reform process and referendum must not serve any political party’s interests. NCP leaders also questioned the moral legitimacy of the new charter, saying that despite its legal basis, its implementation remains uncertain due to lack of clarity and political consensus.

Bangladesh’s Attorney General, Mohammad Asaduzzaman, stated that the victorious force emerging from the recent mass uprising will determine the nature and legitimacy of any future referendum. Speaking at a discussion in Jhenaidah’s Shailkupa upazila on November 14, he emphasized that this outcome will guide the country’s future legal and political direction. Asaduzzaman also declared that the Awami League is now considered a banned entity and that any activities under its name would be treated as criminal offenses, with the law proceeding accordingly. The event, held at poet Golam Mostafa’s ancestral home to mark his birth and death anniversary, was organized by the local administration and attended by several dignitaries, including the vice-chancellor of Islamic University and senior government officials.

The Bangladesh Semiconductor Industry Association (BSIA) concluded a three-day roadshow in Penang, Malaysia, from November 11 to 13, 2025, aimed at promoting Bangladesh’s growing semiconductor capabilities and strengthening bilateral collaboration. The event was inaugurated by Penang’s Deputy Chief Minister Jagdeep Singh Deo, who praised Bangladesh’s progress in the sector. Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury, attended as a special guest. Professor Dr. Mostafa Hossain of Purdue University presented a keynote on potential cooperation opportunities. Six Bangladeshi semiconductor firms showcased their technological strengths. A 15-member BSIA delegation also visited Malaysian semiconductor companies to exchange knowledge and explore partnerships. The initiative is expected to enhance investment, technology transfer, and long-term cooperation between the two nations in the semiconductor industry.

Following a deadly explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort that killed 13 people, Indian authorities have launched extensive raids across Jammu and Kashmir, detaining several suspects including doctors and religious figures allegedly linked to banned militant groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind. The investigation has uncovered large quantities of explosives and weapons, prompting claims of an international terror network’s involvement. However, the crackdown has also triggered a surge in Islamophobic and anti-Kashmiri sentiment across India, with reports of police compiling lists of Kashmiri residents and social media users calling for their eviction. Rights activists warn that such actions are heightening fear among Kashmiri students and professionals living outside the region. Analysts say the incident raises new questions about India’s counterinsurgency approach and the government’s earlier claims that militant recruitment in Kashmir had ceased.

Ganosamhati Andolan chief coordinator Zonayed Saki has said Bangladesh is facing a severe national crisis and called for a minimum national consensus as the foundation for democratic transition. Speaking at a rally in Dhaka marking the party’s tenth anniversary, Saki emphasized the need for judicial reform, constitutional amendments, and national elections by February. He welcomed the decision to hold a national referendum and urged citizens to remain united and vigilant against any attempts to create division. Saki criticized authoritarian politics and warned against replacing one form of fascism with another. He also stressed justice for all killings and crimes, economic restructuring for working people, and maintaining Bangladesh’s sovereignty while fostering respectful international relations.

The Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) has announced that its central student union (ShakSU) election will be held on December 17. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A.M. Sarwaruddin Chowdhury made the announcement during a press conference on Friday night, stating that the date was chosen after multiple discussions with all stakeholders. He expressed hope for a festive and participatory election. The announcement followed student demonstrations demanding the election date, which intensified after a previously scheduled press conference was postponed. Students had locked the registrar building and staged a sit-in near the vice-chancellor’s residence before the final announcement was made.

Dr. Rashid Ahmed Hossaini, a director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), claimed that the new generation will not allow the Awami League to sustain its existence in Bangladesh. Speaking to journalists in Laksam-Manoharganj, Cumilla, after distributing leaflets supporting BNP leader Tarique Rahman’s 31-point reform plan, Hossaini criticized the ruling party’s 17-year rule. He also warned that infiltrators within the BNP were damaging the party’s image and urged leaders to identify and take legal action against them. Hossaini further dismissed the Awami League’s lockdown initiatives as ineffective, saying fear tactics would not work. Several BNP, Jubo Dal, and Chhatra Dal leaders were present during the campaign across local markets.

Bangladesh Islami Andolan chief Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim expressed disappointment over the announcement of holding the national election and referendum on the same day. Speaking to reporters after a party training workshop in Chandpur, he said that in the country’s 53-year history, single-party governments formed through elections have often shown authoritarian tendencies. He added that after the 2024 mass uprising, a positive environment had emerged, but the interim government, which was not elected by popular vote, failed to prioritize fundamental reforms and visible justice. Instead, he claimed, they focused more on ensuring participation of a particular political party. Party leaders and activists, including Sheikh Md Joynal Abedin, attended the event.

The United States and Russia have taken opposing positions on the future governance of war-torn Gaza. Washington proposed forming an international stabilization force to maintain order and protect civilians, but Russia, China, and several Arab nations strongly objected, stalling the US draft resolution at the UN Security Council. The American proposal envisions an interim governing body called the 'Board of Peace' with a two-year mandate until the end of 2027, alongside an International Stabilization Force (ISF) to disarm non-state armed groups and secure humanitarian corridors. Moscow has introduced an alternative draft, emphasizing a balanced and unified approach to ensure a lasting ceasefire. US officials warned that attempts to undermine their proposal could lead to renewed violence and the collapse of the fragile truce in Gaza.

The Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur has stepped in to mediate a dispute involving 172 Bangladeshi workers dismissed from Medisera Sdn Bhd in Nilai, Malaysia. The conflict, ongoing since 2023, escalated after multiple strikes in 2025 led to the termination of the workers. Sixteen have already been repatriated, while others remain in company hostels continuing protests. The High Commission has requested the company to reinstate the dismissed workers and verified complaints through an on-site visit. The company has paid outstanding wages and reimbursed migration costs to 184 workers. Visa renewals for 86 workers have been approved, with 98 still pending. While the workers seek transfer to other employers, the High Commission noted such changes fall under Malaysian law. Both sides have expressed willingness to resolve the issue, with the company open to reinstatement if workers return to duty and immigration clearance is granted.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Gazipur city unit organized a protest rally and gathering on Friday, November 14, demanding the implementation of the July National Charter and a national referendum before the upcoming general election. The demonstration began at Bhogra Bypass intersection and marched along the Dhaka–Gazipur highway before concluding with a rally at Maleker Bari. Gazipur city Jamaat chief Professor Jamal Uddin addressed the event, stating that enforcing the July Charter would help establish a truly democratic environment and that a referendum was essential to reflect public opinion. Several local Jamaat leaders and parliamentary candidates, including Khairul Hasan, Hossain Ali, and Dr. Hafizur Rahman, also spoke at the event. The program was conducted peacefully under the moderation of city Jamaat secretary A S M Faruk.

Students of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) have rejected the administration’s announcement to hold the Shahjalal University Central Students’ Union (ShakSU) election on December 17. Following the declaration by Vice-Chancellor Professor A.M. Sarwaruddin Chowdhury on Friday night, students locked the registrar building and confined the vice-chancellor, pro-vice-chancellor, treasurer, registrar, election commissioner, and proctor inside the office. The protesting students demanded that the election be held on December 8 instead, accusing the administration of favoring certain groups involved in extortion and hall occupation. The vice-chancellor stated that the date was chosen after considering all circumstances to ensure a fair and festive election. Earlier, the announcement was postponed on Thursday, prompting students to stage sit-ins and demonstrations across the campus demanding an immediate election date.

The COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, has faced significant logistical and financial challenges, preventing many delegates from smaller, low-budget nations from attending. Accommodation shortages and skyrocketing hotel prices, reaching up to $60,000 for ten nights, have made participation unaffordable for numerous representatives. Some attendees have been forced to stay more than an hour away from the main venue. To address the shortage, a floating community housing project, known locally as 'Vila da Barca', was created to host around 200 young participants. The absence of several world leaders and senior officials, particularly from major countries, has further reduced attendance. Observers note that the combination of high travel expenses, infrastructure limitations, and declining political engagement has dampened the scale of this year’s global climate gathering.