Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that Islamabad may resort to military action if cross-border infiltration from Afghanistan persists. In an interview with Independent Urdu, Asif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful dialogue but stressed that the country would not hesitate to defend itself if hostile activities continue. He urged the Afghan Taliban to prevent their territory from being used for attacks against Pakistan, noting that no written assurance has yet been received. Asif also accused India of exerting influence in Kabul to undermine peace efforts and destabilize Pakistan. Despite regional tensions, he expressed cautious optimism about possible progress in ongoing talks aimed at easing border tensions and restoring stability in the region.

The Bangladesh Police Headquarters has issued a public warning about fraudulent activities involving the misuse of names and photos of government officials and senior officers. According to a statement posted on the police’s official Facebook page Thursday night, scammers have been sending WhatsApp messages impersonating high-ranking officials to demand money. The police cautioned citizens not to respond to such messages or assume that a profile picture of a well-known person confirms the authenticity of the number. Authorities assured that the police remain vigilant and will take strict legal action against anyone involved in such fraudulent schemes.

The central committee of Bangladesh’s opposition student organization, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), has expelled Rahat Hasan Kaiyum, the member secretary of Nakla Upazila JCD in Sherpur, following a violent assault on the local agriculture officer. The incident occurred on Wednesday when Rahat and his associate Fazlu stormed into the office of Upazila Agriculture Officer Shahariar Mursalin Mehedi. They allegedly attacked and verbally abused him after he refused to include their preferred individuals in the list of beneficiaries for government agricultural incentives. A CCTV recording of the attack went viral on social media, sparking widespread condemnation.

In a statement issued on Thursday, signed by JCD’s central office secretary Jahangir Alam, it was confirmed that the expulsion was approved by JCD president Rakibul Islam Rakib and general secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir. The decision strips Rahat of his primary membership and all organizational positions. Meanwhile, police have filed a regular case at Nakla Police Station, naming Rahat and Fazlu as accused. Law enforcement authorities have initiated operations to arrest the culprits. The incident has raised concerns over political interference and violence in public administration offices.

The Trump administration has canceled 80,000 non-immigrant visas in the past nine months as part of its increasingly stringent immigration policy, according to a senior U.S. State Department official cited by Reuters. Following his inauguration on January 20, President Donald Trump took a firm stance against illegal immigration, fulfilling a campaign pledge to make America free of undocumented immigrants. A series of executive orders led to nationwide raids involving police, customs, and paramilitary forces, resulting in thousands of undocumented migrants being detained and deported.

However, many of the 80,000 people affected were not undocumented. Several held valid short-term visas but had them revoked due to various offenses. Around 16,000 visas were canceled for driving under the influence, 12,000 for assault or violent behavior, and 8,000 for theft-related charges. In August alone, 6,000 foreign students lost their visas due to overstaying, breaking laws, or allegedly supporting terrorism. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated in May that the visa revocations would continue as part of ensuring alignment with U.S. foreign policy priorities. The administration emphasized that individuals engaging in conduct contrary to U.S. laws or interests will face strict immigration consequences.

The Bangladesh government has introduced the draft of the Telecommunication (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, proposing strict penalties for using telecom or wireless equipment and digital platforms to spread communal, religious, or ethnic hatred. According to Section 66(k) of the draft, individuals, organizations, or groups found guilty of promoting hate speech that threatens national integrity, public order, or security may face imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to Tk 99 crore—or both.

The ordinance also addresses other serious offenses, including hacking, disruption of satellite or defense communications, data fraud, and AI-based scams. Additionally, Section 69(k) criminalizes the use of telecom tools for transmitting obscene, intimidating, or extortion-related messages, prescribing up to two years’ imprisonment and a Tk 1.5 crore fine. Harassing others through repeated phone calls without valid reason could result in a fine of Tk 1 lakh and up to six months in jail.

The draft ordinance, published by the Posts and Telecommunications Division on Wednesday, is open for public opinion until November 15. Feedback can be sent via email to secretary@ptd.gov.bd or by post to the Bangladesh Secretariat.

The High Court has granted bail to former Textiles and Jute Minister Abdul Latif Siddique in a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act at Shahbagh Police Station in Dhaka. The order was issued by a division bench of the High Court on Thursday, November 6, as confirmed by Assistant Attorney General Ibrahim Khalil. Earlier, on August 29, a Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate’s court sent Siddique and 15 others to jail in connection with the same case.

The case was filed by Sub-Inspector Md Amirul Islam of Shahbagh Police Station following a roundtable discussion organized by “Moncho 71” at the Dhaka Reporters Unity on August 28. According to the police report, Siddique allegedly delivered a speech encouraging armed resistance to overthrow the interim government, which authorities interpreted as an act of conspiracy against the state. Sixteen people, including university professors and senior citizens, were arrested during the event.

The defense lawyers argued for bail, while the prosecution opposed it. After hearing both sides, the High Court decided to grant bail to Abdul Latif Siddique, providing temporary relief to the former minister amid ongoing legal proceedings.

Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DU CUSU) Vice-President Sadik Kayem has accused a group he calls "cultural fascists" of running a hateful smear campaign against student leaders AB Zubair and Sarbamitro Chakma. According to his verified Facebook post on the night of Wednesday, November 5, Kayem said the group opposed DU CUSU's operations while increasingly adopting extremist and violent positions. He alleges the group uses culture and art as tools to spread terror and to dehumanize individuals—portraying them as monsters—in response to recent university actions to clear illegal shops and to crack down on drug trafficking. Kayem warned that this dehumanization echoes past political-era tactics and described it as an attempt to make certain people "killable" by vilifying them publicly. He vowed that the student union will continue to fight against what he called "cultural terrorism" and the misuse of artistic expression to justify intimidation. Kayem further cautioned that if these cultural actors pursue a mission to render opponents homicidal rather than contest politics democratically, they will face consequences similar to historical political backlashes. He stressed that the new Bangladesh has no place for cultural terrorism and urged resistance to any attempts to shelter or legitimize such violent rhetoric. Unequivocally.

On the occasion of the historic National Revolution and Solidarity Day on November 7, BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman emphasized the urgent need to ensure free, fair, and participatory elections along with the protection of citizens’ fundamental human rights as essential conditions for establishing genuine democracy in Bangladesh.

In a message signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Tarique Rahman reflected on the 1975 uprising, describing it as a turning point that safeguarded the nation’s sovereignty and marked the rise of nationalist politics opposing domination and autocracy. He stated that the soldiers and masses united on that day to restore democracy and protect national independence, leading to the release of Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of independence.

Tarique accused successive authoritarian regimes, especially the current Awami government, of undermining democracy through fascist rule, corruption, repression, and suppression of dissent. He reiterated his call for uniting all nationalist forces to rebuild a democratic Bangladesh grounded in justice, good governance, and sovereignty. He also urged citizens to uphold the spirit of November 7 to defend freedom, culture, and national identity.

France-based Bangladeshi YouTuber and political commentator Pinaki Bhattacharya says two masked men tried to set his family’s home in Bogura ablaze around 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 4. The attempt reportedly occurred at the front door of the house, known locally as “Shyamapakhi,” beside the Altafunnesa playground in the Jaleshwaritala area. In a post on his verified Facebook page on Wednesday, November 5, Bhattacharya alleged the act was politically motivated, saying assailants lit materials at the entrance while his elderly mother was inside, and vowed he would not be silenced. Neighbors told reporters they believe the individuals were drug users loitering nearby who left behind paraphernalia after trying to start a fire. Police visited the scene following media reports and the social-media post. Mahfuz Alam, the investigation officer at Bogura Sadar Police Station, said CCTV footage showed two young men outside the house around 2 a.m., adding they might be drug abusers, though all angles are being probed. Superintendent of Police Zedan Al Musa said additional personnel were deployed to guard the residence and that officers are analyzing video evidence to identify the suspects and determine motive. No injuries were reported; damage details were not specified, by authorities as yet.

Bangladesh’s political landscape has witnessed another surprise move as renowned economist and politician Reza Kibria has officially joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Confirming the matter to Jugantor on Wednesday, Kibria said he has already filled out the party’s primary membership form and will formally join within a few days. He also expressed his intention to contest the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election from the Habiganj-1 constituency under BNP’s traditional election symbol, the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’.

Kibria, the son of former finance minister Shah AMS Kibria, previously served as General Secretary of Gono Forum and later as the convener of the Gono Odhikar Parishad, led by former DUCSU VP Nurul Haque Nur. In 2018, he contested the general election as a candidate of the Jatiya Oikya Front alliance under the same symbol. However, in recent years he distanced himself from active politics following internal divisions within his former party. His re-entry into the BNP marks a significant political development ahead of the next national polls.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has permanently expelled its central organizer, Muntasir Mahmud, on charges of repeatedly violating party discipline. The decision was announced on Wednesday night (November 5) in an official statement issued by Sadia Farzana Dina from the party’s office cell. According to the statement, Muntasir was temporarily suspended on October 12 and asked to provide a written explanation as to why he should not be permanently removed. Although he submitted a written response on October 14, the NCP leadership deemed his explanation unsatisfactory. Despite previous warnings and an ongoing disciplinary committee investigation, Muntasir continued to breach party protocols. Consequently, under the directive of the party’s Convener Md. Nahid Islam and Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Muntasir Mahmud was permanently expelled from the organization.

It is noteworthy that following the July uprising, Muntasir had been appointed as Deputy Director of the Red Crescent on a temporary basis. In mid-October, he staged protests at the organization’s Dhaka headquarters against its chairman, defying NCP’s instructions to refrain from such actions. On October 12, the Red Crescent board, which included NCP advisor Mahfuz’s brother Mahbub Alam, decided to terminate Muntasir’s employment after the incident.

The Islamic University (IU) administration has temporarily expelled three students for two semesters following their involvement in the assault of campus journalists. The expelled students — Afsana Parvin Tina, Nahid Hasan, and Riaz Morshed — are all from the Department of Economics, 2020–21 academic session. In addition, nine other students from the same department received formal warnings for their indirect involvement in the incident.

The decision, confirmed through four separate office orders signed by Acting Registrar Prof. Dr. Manjurul Haque on November 5, was based on resolutions adopted at the university’s 271st Syndicate meeting on October 30.

The assault took place on July 12 during an inter-session football match among Economics Department students. When several campus journalists attempted to record a brawl, they were physically attacked, and one journalist’s phone was snatched and later recovered with all data erased. Following the attack, the accused students allegedly tried to cover up the incident by spreading false accusations against the journalists, which were later withdrawn.

University authorities stated that the expulsions aim to maintain discipline on campus and prevent recurrence of such misconduct.

Zohra Mamdani, the Democratic candidate, has been elected as the 111th mayor of New York City, defeating Republican Curtis Sliwa and independent Andrew Cuomo. Making history, Mamdani becomes the city’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor—and the youngest in more than a century. Once a relatively unknown politician, Mamdani rose to prominence through his clear stance on livability issues and energetic grassroots campaigning. His platform emphasized housing affordability, rent stabilization, a $30 minimum wage, free public transport, and higher taxes on the wealthy. Despite being repeatedly branded “antisemitic,” Mamdani earned significant Jewish support, with organizations like Jews for Zohra, Jewish Voice for Peace, and Jews for Racial and Economic Justice actively campaigning for him. Supporters such as Jacob Bloomfield cited Mamdani’s commitment to universal access to housing, healthcare, education, and safety as reasons for their trust. Actor and comedian Matt Katai also endorsed him, praising his passion and sincerity. Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Jewish voters supporting Mamdani, calling them “stupid” and threatening to cut federal funding for New York if Mamdani won. Analysts believe his victory under a far-right federal administration marks a new political era for America.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, re-elected for a third consecutive term, visited his birthplace Sylhet on Wednesday, November 5, where he spoke to journalists about his party’s political stance. Dr. Rahman claimed that Jamaat’s internal election under the PR system demonstrated the highest level of public support. Addressing the issue of alliances, he made it clear that Jamaat has no plan to form any political coalition, though it remains open to electoral understandings with like-minded and patriotic parties. According to him, the goal is to build the nation collectively with those committed to integrity and nationalism.
When asked whether “everyone” includes the ruling Awami League, Dr. Rahman responded by questioning the party’s sincerity toward elections, arguing that forcing them into polls would be unjust. He warned that if the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election is not held by February, the country could face instability. During his Sylhet visit, he also discussed issues such as protecting expatriate interests and extending the timeline for the new voter list. Thousands of Jamaat activists in Sylhet welcomed their re-elected leader with a large motorbike and car procession.

The Government of Bangladesh’s Posts and Telecommunications Division has unveiled the draft of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Ordinance 2025, aiming to modernize the sector and reinforce citizens’ digital rights. The proposed law introduces a landmark ban on internet shutdowns, a measure intended to uphold freedom of connectivity and prevent arbitrary disruption of online access. According to an official press release signed by Muhammad Jasim Uddin on November 5, the draft is now available on the division’s official website for public review and feedback. It also seeks to strengthen transparency, accountability, and governance within the telecommunications industry by updating outdated laws and aligning them with global digital standards. Stakeholders and citizens are invited to submit their opinions via email at secretary@ptd.gov.bd
or by post to the ministry by November 15, 2025.