Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish chief Maulana Mamunul Haque has warned that the interim government’s decision to hold the national election and referendum simultaneously could undermine the constitutional recognition of the July uprising. In a statement issued Thursday, he said combining the two events and including multiple questions in the referendum would confuse voters and compromise its transparency and credibility. Haque argued that holding a party-based election alongside the referendum would divert public attention from crucial issues. He further cautioned that if the government, which came to power through the July uprising, fails to implement the July Charter and ensure an independent referendum, it would be a regrettable step that jeopardizes the ideals and legitimacy of the uprising. He added that the party and the eight-party alliance would soon meet to discuss a detailed response.

A young man drowned in the Turag River on Thursday night while fleeing from a mob after allegedly setting fire to a bus in Dhaka’s Uttor Nababerbag area under Shah Ali police station. According to police, several youths attempted to burn an empty bus by spraying kerosene and recording the act on mobile phones. Locals noticed the incident and chased them, capturing one suspect while two others jumped into the river. One of them, identified as 18-year-old Saiyaf, drowned, while the other escaped. The arrested suspect, Rudra Mohammad Nahiyan Amir Sani, also 18, is under police custody. Authorities suspect the arson attempt was linked to ongoing sabotage during the banned Awami League-declared ‘Dhaka Lockdown’ program. Police have launched a manhunt for the fugitive and are taking legal action against the detained youth.

Former Moulvibazar-3 MP Zillur Rahman, currently residing in the United States, has been accused of sharing fake and provocative videos on Facebook to create instability in Bangladesh. On November 12, he posted several videos and photos claiming protests and lockdown support activities in Moulvibazar, including road blockades and student demonstrations. However, local authorities confirmed the footage was fabricated, with one video traced to Magura. Following the posts, law enforcement—including police, RAB, and army—was deployed to maintain order. Two cases have been filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act in Sadar and Juri upazilas for spreading misinformation and financing related activities. Police have intensified patrols and surveillance to prevent unrest, emphasizing that strict action will be taken against those responsible for incitement and rumor-mongering.

Bihar, India’s youngest and poorest state, is witnessing a surge of Gen Z anger that could significantly influence its two-phase state election. Many young voters, burdened by unemployment, corruption, and failing education systems, feel let down by successive governments. Their frustration intensified after a leaked government job exam dashed the hopes of aspirants like Ajay Kumar, triggering months-long student protests.

Government data reveal that 40% of Bihar’s population is under 18, and nearly a quarter is between 18 and 29, yet the state ranks lowest on key human development indicators. Urban youth unemployment stands at 22%, far above the national average. Many young Biharis migrate for education and work, often facing discrimination in other states.

This election pits the National Democratic Alliance—led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar—against a younger opposition leadership headed by 36-year-old Tejashwi Yadav. While the NDA promises 10 million jobs, the opposition pledges one government job per family within 20 days of taking power.

Political observers believe the results will indicate whether Bihar’s youth still trust Modi’s leadership or whether a generational shift will propel younger opposition leaders into power. Results are set to be announced on November 14.

The murder of a judge’s son in Rajshahi reportedly originated from a series of incidents in Sylhet involving expelled army member Imon alias Limon. According to Sylhet police, Imon had been harassing the judge’s wife, Tasmin Nahar Lucy, for money and making threats after their acquaintance through a meditation course. Despite earlier complaints and a general diary filed at Jalalabad Police Station, no formal case was lodged. Students of Shahjalal University had previously detained Imon for harassment, but he was later released on bail. Police believe the unresolved tensions and repeated harassment culminated in the murder after Imon moved to Rajshahi. The case highlights lapses in preventive action despite prior warnings and reports of threats against the judge’s family.

Jagannath University authorities have suspended all social, cultural, and welfare activities on campus to maintain discipline and a fair environment ahead of the upcoming Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) and hall student council elections. The decision, announced through a notice signed by Acting Registrar Professor Sheikh Gias Uddin, will remain effective from the day before nomination paper distribution until the announcement of election results. According to the election code of conduct, no external individuals or organizations are allowed to participate in campaign activities. However, former students may join campaign efforts with special identity cards approved by the returning officer. Each full panel may have up to 50 authorized campaigners, while partial panels and independent candidates are allowed two each.

Members of Portugal’s former royal family visited the Guardians Cap project site in Salia village, Sylhet Sadar upazila, and inaugurated a newly constructed lake. They were welcomed by CEO Noor Hayat and Chief Patron B.J. Abu Sayeed Mohammad Bakir. A ceremony was later held at the foundation building, attended by dignitaries including Sir Sheikh Aliur Rahman, Sir Asif Niaz Bazlul, Lord Edward Shiu, and others. The foundation’s chairman, Md. Ashiqur Rahman Chowdhury, presented ongoing and upcoming initiatives. CEO Noor Hayat expressed gratitude for the royal visit, emphasizing the foundation’s mission to support underprivileged communities. The project aims to provide British curriculum-based education for students from class three to high school, with facilities for 100–150 learners and trained instructors. About 85% of the project work has been completed, and classes are expected to begin in September 2026.

Police recovered a dismembered human body from a plastic drum left on the sidewalk near the National Eidgah ground in Dhaka on Thursday evening, November 13. According to Shahbagh Police Station Officer-in-Charge Khalid Monsur, two plastic drums were found abandoned beside a water pump near the site. Upon opening one drum, officers discovered human body parts, including a head. The identity of the deceased remains unknown, and authorities are working to determine who left the drums and how the victim was killed. The body has been sent for autopsy, and police have launched a detailed investigation to uncover the motive and identify the perpetrators behind the gruesome incident.

New research from William & Mary graduate student Bryce Donaghue suggests that solar farms can support local ecosystems if managed with biodiversity in mind. Donaghue studied bat activity around solar panels and found that vegetation supporting pollinators attracted more insects, which in turn drew bats to feed. Traditional solar farms often have cleared or turf-covered land, limiting insect and bat activity. However, Donaghue’s preliminary data, based on over 70,000 sound recordings, indicate that pollinator-friendly habitats under and around solar panels increase bat presence. The findings could reshape how renewable energy developers design and maintain solar farms, turning them into dual-purpose sites that generate clean energy while supporting wildlife. The study highlights the potential for solar infrastructure to coexist with and even enhance local flora and fauna.

Verizon Communications plans to eliminate about 15,000 jobs, or roughly 15% of its workforce, as part of a sweeping restructuring effort, according to a source familiar with the matter. The layoffs, the largest in the company’s history, will primarily target non-union management positions, affecting more than 20% of that group. The move follows the appointment of former PayPal CEO Dan Schulman as Verizon’s new chief executive in October. Schulman has emphasized the need for aggressive cost transformation and a leaner business model amid slowing subscriber growth and rising competition from AT&T and T-Mobile. Verizon also intends to convert around 180 corporate-owned retail stores into franchised operations. The company’s shares rose 1.7% following the news, reflecting investor optimism about the restructuring’s potential to improve efficiency and profitability.

At least eight people were killed and fifteen others injured in a tragic road accident in Pune, Maharashtra, on Thursday morning. The incident occurred near Navale Bridge when a private car was trapped between two colliding trucks, leaving the vehicle completely destroyed. One of the trucks caught fire, intensifying the disaster and causing heavy traffic congestion on the national highway for several hours. Fire service units rushed to the scene to extinguish the blaze and carry out rescue operations. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed condolences to the victims’ families, announcing financial aid of five lakh rupees for each bereaved family and assuring full medical support for the injured.

A political controversy has emerged in Bhola’s Borhanuddin upazila after reports that 30 leaders and activists of Jamaat-e-Islami joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) at a large rally on Thursday. The event, attended by thousands of BNP supporters, saw the alleged Jamaat members present flowers to former MP and BNP candidate Hafiz Ibrahim. However, the local Jamaat leadership denied the claim through a press release, stating that those individuals were not part of their organization and that the position of 'joint secretary' mentioned does not exist in their structure. BNP leaders, on the other hand, insisted the defection was genuine and visible to all. The conflicting statements have sparked mixed reactions locally, with discussions intensifying as the national election approaches.

At a discussion event organized by the Dinajpur district unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) ahead of the upcoming 13th national election, the most prominent seat on stage was deliberately left empty in honor of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The event, held at Paradise Community Center in Dinajpur suburb, featured senior BNP leaders including Professor Dr. Zahid Hossain and Advocate Mofazzal Hossain Dulal. The central seat bore a nameplate for Khaleda Zia, symbolizing respect for her leadership and lifelong dedication to democracy despite her illness and absence. Local BNP leaders stated that the gesture represented the deep admiration and emotional connection party members and Dinajpur residents feel toward her. Attendees expressed appreciation for the symbolic tribute, which became a focal point of the gathering.

At least 15 people, including a woman, were injured in violent clashes between supporters of the Awami League and the BNP in Araihazar, Narayanganj, early Thursday morning. The confrontation erupted over participation in a lockdown program and escalated into armed fighting, during which six crude bombs were thrown, three of which exploded. Several homes and shops were vandalized and looted in the Kakailmora area. Police arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control, deploying additional forces to prevent further violence. Three seriously injured individuals were admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, while others received local treatment. Authorities reported that no formal complaints had yet been filed, but investigations would proceed if any were submitted.

Residents and animal lovers in Sylhet’s Zindabazar area staged a human chain protest after the disappearance of a beloved neighborhood dog named 'Bojo' and its family from Sitara Mansion. Protesters accused a newly opened restaurant, 'Mehman Restaurant,' of removing or killing the dogs. Locals said the dogs had lived in the area for years, were vaccinated, and cared for by residents. Witnesses claimed restaurant guards admitted to injecting and dumping the animals far away, possibly near the airport. The restaurant authorities have not responded to the allegations, and their phones remain unreachable. Protesters, including environmentalists and journalists, demanded accountability and urged respect for animal welfare, emphasizing that compassion for animals reflects humanity.