At least 32 people were killed when a temporary bridge collapsed at a copper and cobalt mine in the Lualaba province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The incident occurred at the Kalando mine, where workers reportedly ignored a ban on entry due to heavy rains and landslide risks. The collapse happened as a large group of miners rushed across the makeshift bridge, which gave way under their weight. Conflicting reports suggest the death toll may exceed 40. Witnesses said panic erupted after gunfire was heard, allegedly from soldiers at the site. The mine has long been a source of tension between informal miners, a local cooperative, and the legal operators. Authorities have suspended all operations at the site, while human rights groups have called for an independent investigation into the army’s alleged involvement. The provincial government has yet to release a final casualty figure.

Ahead of the verdict in a war crimes case against ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, several anti-fascist political alliances, including Jamaat-e-Islami, the National Citizens Party (NCP), and the BNP, announced they will remain on the streets to prevent potential unrest. The groups fear that the banned Awami League might attempt acts of sabotage or violence following the ruling. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir warned of nationwide tension and urged political unity to safeguard democracy. Leaders from the eight-party alliance said their activists would guard key installations and religious sites to ensure public safety. While some parties, like the Amar Bangladesh Party, emphasized the legal nature of the verdict, they also pledged to resist any attempt to disrupt justice. The coalition leaders reiterated that maintaining law and order is primarily the government’s responsibility but affirmed their readiness to act if violence erupts.

Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has warned that Awami League supporters will disrupt the upcoming national election scheduled for February if the current ban on the party is not lifted. In an interview with Reuters on November 16, Joy cautioned that the situation could escalate into violence. His remarks came a day before the verdict in war crimes cases against Sheikh Hasina and two others, related to the deadly July uprising that toppled her government. A UN report stated that at least 1,400 people were killed during anti-government protests between July 15 and August 5 last year, marking the deadliest political unrest since Bangladesh’s 1971 independence war. Joy, currently residing in Washington, said India is providing his mother full security in exile in New Delhi. He asserted that no election would be allowed without Awami League’s participation and warned of potential clashes if international actors remain passive.

Bus operations from Barishal’s Nathullabad terminal remained suspended for the second consecutive day on Monday, November 17, following extensive vandalism by students of BM College. The unrest began Saturday night after a dispute over half fares led hundreds of students to storm the terminal, damaging more than 150 buses along with terminal buildings and ticket counters. Bus owners reported that nearly all vehicles were rendered unusable, preventing them from resuming service on 23 local routes. Passengers faced severe travel disruptions, with many resorting to three-wheelers or rented motorcycles to reach their destinations. The Barishal District Bus Owners’ Group stated they have requested compensation from the college authorities and will resume operations only after repairs are completed. However, long-distance routes, including those to Dhaka, continue to operate normally despite the local transport shutdown.

A small explosion occurred at Chobir Haat near Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka’s Shahbagh area on Monday morning. According to Shahbagh Police Station duty officer Sub-Inspector Rajib Chowdhury, the incident took place around 9:55 a.m., and police teams were immediately dispatched to the scene. Local sources reported that a group of unidentified miscreants detonated a homemade explosive, commonly known as a cocktail, before fleeing the area. Fortunately, no injuries or property damage were reported. Authorities have launched an investigation to identify those responsible and determine the motive behind the attack. The incident caused temporary panic among nearby pedestrians and vendors, but the situation was brought under control shortly afterward. Security measures in the area have since been tightened.

Dr. Mofakhkharul Islam Rana, a member of Mymensingh District BNP and a nomination aspirant for the Gafargaon constituency, stated that the family of late President Ziaur Rahman has endured the most persecution over the past 15 years under what he described as a fascist government. Speaking as the chief guest at a courtyard meeting organized by BNP and its affiliated bodies in Maizbari Bazar, Longair Union, he said Begum Khaleda Zia was forced out of her home and imprisoned, while acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman faced persecution and was compelled to live abroad. Several local BNP leaders, including Sheikh Md. Ishaq, Abdul Hamid, and Azaharul Haque, were also present at the event. Rana emphasized that the Zia family’s suffering symbolizes the broader political repression faced by opposition members in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-1, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, is set to deliver its verdict in a case against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others over alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising. Prosecutor Gazi Monowar Hossain Tamim confirmed that Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman, both fugitives, will not be entitled to appeal if convicted. Under the Criminal Procedure Code, only arrested convicts can appeal within thirty days, while fugitives lose that right. The only arrested accused, Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, confessed and testified as an approver, stating that he received direct orders from Hasina through Asaduzzaman to use lethal weapons against anti-discrimination student protesters. The investigation report alleges that under Hasina’s directive, lethal force killed about 1,500 unarmed civilians and injured 30,000 others during July–August 2024. The tribunal emphasized that gender or status will not influence sentencing, which will depend solely on the gravity of the crimes.

Police in Rangpur have intensified security measures across the city ahead of the verdict involving Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League-declared lockdown following the death of Abu Sayeed, the first martyr of the July Movement. From Sunday evening, law enforcement set up checkpoints at 37 major entry points, conducting searches of vehicles and individuals deemed suspicious. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Majid Ali and other senior officers are personally supervising operations, assuring residents that the measures are preventive, not punitive. Additional plainclothes officers have been deployed, and security has been reinforced in all eight districts of the Rangpur Division. Police have pledged zero tolerance for any acts of sabotage or unrest. Opposition political groups, including BNP, Jamaat, and others, have also announced plans to remain active on the ground to prevent potential violence. Authorities are closely monitoring social media for any signs of incitement or disorder as the situation remains tense but under control.

Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of former Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Hasina, expressed concern that the International Crimes Tribunal may issue a death sentence against his mother in connection with five cases, including charges of crimes against humanity. The verdict is expected today. Hasina, who fled to India in August 2024 following a student-led uprising, is currently living in exile in New Delhi. Joy stated that India is ensuring her safety and that she remains secure under Indian protection. The tribunal’s proceedings stem from violent crackdowns during the 2024 student protests, which, according to a UN report, left around 1,400 people dead and thousands injured. Joy said the outcome of the trial appears predetermined but emphasized that his mother’s safety is guaranteed while she remains in India.

Bangladesh Police have begun wearing a new iron-colored uniform across metropolitan and specialized units, sparking mixed reactions from the public and within the force. Some citizens and officers praised the new design, while others criticized it as unnecessary spending, arguing that changing uniforms will not improve police behavior or public trust. Former Inspector General of Police Mohammad Nurul Huda and other experts stated that uniform changes have no proven link to performance or ethics, emphasizing the need to end political interference and ensure accountability instead. Critics also noted the lack of a formal launch event and confusion with private security uniforms. The police headquarters said distribution is 20% complete and aims to outfit all Dhaka Metropolitan Police members by November 30. Analysts suggested that unless broader institutional reforms follow, the new attire will have little impact on the force’s image or conduct.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-1 is set to deliver its verdict today at 11 a.m. in the high-profile case against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others, accused of genocide and other crimes against humanity during the July uprising. The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder, will announce the judgment, which will be broadcast live on Bangladesh Television (BTV) and shared with other networks, including Reuters. The prosecution, led by Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam and others, has sought the death penalty for Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, while the defense has pleaded for acquittal, claiming innocence. Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, a state witness, has also sought acquittal. A total of 54 witnesses testified in the case, including relatives of victims and key figures from the July movement. The verdict marks a significant moment in Bangladesh’s political and judicial history.

Three crude bombs exploded in two separate locations within a 20-minute span in Manikganj bus stand area on Sunday night, injuring two people identified as rickshaw-puller Sagar and another man named Nabin. The first two explosions occurred near the Adommo 71 Shaheed Memorial, followed by a third blast in front of the municipal super market around 10:30 p.m. The sudden explosions caused panic among locals. Witnesses reported that unidentified miscreants hurled the crude bombs from a distance and fled the scene immediately. Manikganj Sadar Police Station’s investigation officer Aminul Islam confirmed the incident, stating that the injured were given primary treatment at Manikganj 250-bed General Hospital. Police have intensified patrols in the area and launched an investigation to identify those responsible for the attacks.

Bangladesh’s interim government has issued the ‘July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order 2025,’ outlining a detailed formula for forming an election-time caretaker government. The charter specifies a five-member selection committee—comprising the Prime Minister, Opposition Leader, Speaker, Deputy Speaker from the opposition, and a representative from the second-largest opposition party—to nominate the Chief Adviser. The Chief Adviser cannot be over 75 years old or be the sitting President. The caretaker government will serve for 90 days, extendable by 30 days in emergencies. The process includes multiple stages of nomination, consensus, and ranked-choice voting if no agreement is reached. A national referendum will be held alongside the February parliamentary elections to approve the charter’s provisions. The Supreme Court is set to deliver a verdict on November 20 regarding appeals related to restoring the caretaker system. Some political parties, including the BNP, have expressed dissent over parts of the selection process, though all major parties agreed in principle to reintroduce the caretaker system.

Security has been significantly strengthened around the International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka ahead of the verdict in the crimes against humanity case against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and army personnel have been deployed around the Supreme Court and tribunal premises. Similar security measures have been enforced in Gopalganj, Faridpur, and Madaripur due to fears of sabotage. Authorities report that banned Awami League members have recently engaged in sporadic violence, including arson and attacks on government facilities. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner has authorized the use of firearms against those attempting arson or bomb attacks. The Supreme Court administration has also requested military deployment to ensure maximum security. Checkposts, patrols, and vehicle inspections have been intensified at key city entry points and government installations to prevent any organized subversive activities.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-1 is set to deliver its first verdict today, Monday, in the case filed against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others over alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising. The tribunal, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumdar, will announce the verdict at 11 a.m., with proceedings broadcast live on Bangladesh Television (BTV). Co-accused are former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and ex-Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. Hasina and Asaduzzaman are reportedly in India and being tried in absentia. The case includes five charges, such as incitement, orders to use lethal force, and multiple killings of protesters. This marks the first verdict since the tribunal was reconstituted following the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024. The prosecution has sought the death penalty for Hasina and Asaduzzaman, while defense lawyers have requested acquittal for all accused.