The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) is continuing its series of dialogues with registered political parties ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. On Sunday, November 16, the EC met with 12 parties including Gano Forum, Islami Oikya Jote, and Bangladesh Supreme Party between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The discussions focused on ensuring a free, fair, and credible election process. On Monday, November 17, the EC will hold another round of talks with 12 additional parties, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party), and Bangladesh Muslim League. The dialogues are part of Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin’s initiative to engage all stakeholders in preparation for the polls. The EC has over 50 registered political parties and is inviting them in phases to share views and recommendations for improving electoral transparency and participation.

At least four Bangladeshi migrants have died after two boats carrying migrants sank off the coast of Libya near Al-Khums, about 118 kilometers east of Tripoli. The Libyan Red Crescent confirmed the incident on Saturday, reporting that the first boat carried 26 Bangladeshis, of whom four bodies were recovered. The second boat had 69 migrants, including Egyptians, Sudanese, and eight children, though their fate remains uncertain. The Libyan Coast Guard and Al-Khums port security participated in the rescue operation, and the recovered bodies were handed over to authorities under the supervision of the public prosecutor. The tragedy follows a series of deadly migrant boat accidents in Libyan waters in recent months, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis faced by migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe.

Israeli authorities have closed the Ibrahimi Mosque in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron to Muslim worshippers and imposed a curfew in the Old City to facilitate Jewish settlers’ religious celebrations. According to local sources, Israeli forces sealed off military checkpoints, restricted movement, and prevented many Palestinians from returning home. Hundreds of settlers, under heavy military protection, reportedly held provocative marches through the streets. Palestinian officials claim the move is part of Israel’s broader effort to take full control of the mosque and convert it into a synagogue. The Ibrahimi Mosque, already divided since a 1994 massacre, remains heavily guarded by Israeli troops, with most of its area allocated for Jewish worship. The Palestinian Ministry of Religious Affairs said Israel has been increasingly restricting Muslim access since the Gaza war began in October 2023, closing gates and covering windows of the mosque.

According to Swiss-based air quality monitoring organization IQAir, India’s capital Delhi has once again topped the global list of cities with the most polluted air. On the morning of November 16, Delhi recorded an air quality index (AQI) score of 559, placing it in the 'hazardous' category. Kolkata followed in second place with a score of 211, while Pakistan’s Lahore ranked third with the same score. Egypt’s Cairo took the fourth spot with a score of 202, and Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka ranked fifth with a score of 181, categorized as ‘unhealthy’. IQAir’s scale classifies air quality from ‘good’ (0–50) to ‘hazardous’ (above 300). The top ten most polluted cities recorded AQI scores between 160 and 180, reflecting widespread poor air quality across major urban centers in South Asia and beyond.

In Gopalganj’s Kashiani upazila, activists of the banned Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League allegedly attempted to block the Dhaka–Khulna highway by cutting down trees late at night on Sunday, November 16. The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. near Gopalpur Bazar, causing traffic congestion on both sides of the highway. A passenger bus belonging to Hamim Paribahan was damaged during the disruption. Kashiani Police Station Officer-in-Charge Kamal Hossain confirmed the event, stating that unidentified individuals linked to the banned political groups were involved. Police and members of the Raitail Army Camp quickly responded, clearing the felled trees and restoring normal traffic flow. No injuries or arrests were reported immediately following the incident, and authorities are investigating those responsible for the attempted blockade.

In Sylhet-4 constituency (Gowainghat–Companiganj–Jaintapur), two BNP leaders from the influential Chowdhury family staged separate demonstrations on Saturday, signaling an intensifying internal contest for party nomination ahead of the upcoming national election. Former Sylhet City mayor and BNP Chairperson’s adviser Ariful Haque Chowdhury held a meeting at the Gowainghat Upazila auditorium, pledging rapid development if elected. Later, he led a rally and conducted public outreach in nearby areas. Meanwhile, another faction of the local BNP organized a protest march in the evening, demanding that Abdul Hakim Chowdhury be nominated as a local candidate. Hakim argued that only a strong local contender could effectively challenge the Jamaat-e-Islami candidate, Zainal Abedin, who has been active in the area. Locals described the day’s events as a “counter show of strength,” reflecting growing tension and competition within the BNP camp in Sylhet-4.

At a discussion meeting in Jessore, Daily Amar Desh editor Dr. Mahmudur Rahman declared that no political party or individual would be able to come to or remain in power in Bangladesh by acting as an agent of India. Speaking as the chief discussant at an event organized by Prachyasangha Jessore, he emphasized that there would be no compromise on national sovereignty and urged citizens and political parties to unite against any form of Indian influence. Rahman criticized both the government and opposition parties for alleged election manipulation and called for a fair and credible election to restore democracy. He also highlighted the rise of the 'July Generation' as a new political force and stressed the importance of cultural struggle against what he termed 'Hindutva dominance.' Rahman asserted that victory in cultural resistance would lead to political success and claimed that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would not return to power if free elections were held.

The Bangladesh Army detained six Myanmar nationals at the Reicha Army Camp checkpoint in Bandarban on Saturday afternoon during a routine security inspection. According to a press release from the Bandarban Region Headquarters, the detainees were traveling on a Purabi Paribahan passenger bus when they were stopped for questioning. Upon failing to produce national identification, they identified themselves as Rohingya refugees from camps in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar. During preliminary interrogation, the individuals admitted they were traveling illegally to Bandarban to work as construction laborers. Following questioning, they were handed over to the local police station for legal proceedings. The army stated that it remains vigilant and committed to maintaining security in the hill district amid potential threats. Bandarban Sadar Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Masud Parvez confirmed that legal action against the six detainees is underway.

National Citizen Party (NCP) member secretary Akhtar Hossain has stated that ensuring fair prices for agricultural products in Bangladesh is impossible without fundamental reforms in the state machinery. Speaking at an event organized by the National Agriculturists Alliance of Bangladesh in Dhaka, he criticized the existing one-party dominance and outdated administrative system, arguing that these prevent solutions to farmers’ and citizens’ problems. Hossain emphasized that agriculture is central to national survival and that policymakers often ignore agricultural experts, leaving farmers deprived of fair prices and entrepreneurs facing obstacles. He accused both major political parties of neglecting farmers’ real issues and said that despite claims of development, many farmers remain trapped in debt while a privileged few profit. He also expressed concern over recent political violence and called for a peaceful, self-reliant, and farmer-friendly Bangladesh. Hossain concluded that only a reformed state structure can guarantee justice and fair prices for farmers.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed gratitude to Australian parliamentarians for their stance in favor of democracy, human rights, and a fair electoral process in Bangladesh. In a Facebook post on Saturday night, Rahman commended the MPs for their principled and conscientious statements, describing them as a reflection of universal democratic values and solidarity with the Bangladeshi people. He noted that many citizens are anxious about political uncertainty, insecurity, and the lack of an environment for free expression ahead of the upcoming national election. Rahman also praised the Bangladeshi diaspora in Australia for responsibly raising these concerns internationally, strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations. His remarks followed Australian MP Abigail Boyd’s motion in the New South Wales Parliament expressing serious concern about Bangladesh’s democratic backsliding, institutional weaknesses, and potential voter disenfranchisement among expatriates before the 2026 election.

Saudi authorities have arrested 22,156 foreigners within a week for violating residency, labor, and border security laws, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Of these, 14,027 were detained for residency violations, 4,781 for attempting to cross borders illegally, and 3,348 for labor-related offenses. Among 1,924 individuals caught trying to enter the country illegally, 62% were Ethiopian, 37% Yemeni, and 1% from other nationalities. Additionally, 32 people were detained while attempting to leave Saudi Arabia illegally, and 31 others were arrested for allegedly transporting or sheltering violators. The Saudi Ministry of Interior warned that anyone found aiding illegal entry could face up to 15 years in prison, fines up to 1 million riyals, and confiscation of vehicles and property. The arrests are part of ongoing nationwide efforts to enforce immigration and labor regulations.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has called on all universities in Bangladesh to declare their campuses plastic-free. Speaking virtually at an event organized by Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology on sustainable marine environments, she emphasized that student involvement, awareness campaigns, and accessible alternatives are key to achieving this goal. Hasan noted that reducing single-use plastic requires long-term institutional commitment and behavioral change among consumers. She highlighted that plastic dependency stems from misconceptions about convenience and cost, while its hidden environmental price is significant. Hasan also warned that recycling, though popular, is energy-intensive and chemically complex. She urged prioritizing reduced plastic use, promoting reusable products, and ensuring producer responsibility. Expressing concern over the Bay of Bengal being the ninth most plastic-polluted marine region, she attributed it to poor waste management and upstream waste flow rather than excessive domestic use.

A new four-star hotel, Best Western Plus Bay Hills, owned by Gold Sands Group, was inaugurated on November 15 in Himchari, Cox’s Bazar. Managed by the American top-grade hotel chain Best Western, the property is uniquely positioned to offer panoramic views of both the hills and the sea from every suite. The grand opening ceremony began with a recitation from the Holy Quran and featured a series of events including a rally, ribbon-cutting, horse carriage promotions, Marine Drive lighting, celebrity and influencer engagements, a musical barbecue night, and a cultural evening. The event was attended by the CEO of Gold Sands Group, Shahadat Hossain Bahar, along with senior company officials, local administrative representatives, and business leaders. In his remarks, the CEO expressed gratitude to all attendees and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to contributing to the growth and development of Bangladesh’s tourism industry.

U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone with the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia following renewed border clashes between the two Southeast Asian neighbors. The conversation, held on Friday, came after both sides accused each other of violating a previously U.S.-brokered ceasefire arranged in Malaysia. The Thai government had suspended the truce last week after a landmine explosion near the border, which reignited hostilities. Cambodia reported that one civilian was killed in the latest exchange of gunfire. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump told reporters he had urged both nations to strengthen their peace commitments, claiming that his threat of tariffs helped halt further escalation. The century-old territorial dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, rooted in colonial-era French maps, continues to fuel periodic violence along their shared frontier. Despite the renewed tension, Trump expressed optimism that both governments would de-escalate and return to dialogue.

The Bangladesh Judicial Service Association (BJSA) has withdrawn its previously announced pen-down strike following assurances from the government to meet their two key demands: immediate deployment of adequate security forces at all courts, judges’ residences, and during their commutes. BJSA President Amirul Islam confirmed the decision after a productive discussion with the legal adviser, who promised to address the concerns. The association had earlier announced the strike in response to the murder of a judge’s son in Rajshahi and alleged negligence in ensuring judicial security. As part of their ongoing protest, judges across the country will wear black badges and hold prayer sessions in all courts on Sunday to mourn the incident. The BJSA had warned of a nationwide work stoppage if the demands were not met within 48 hours. The Rajshahi murder case involves Limon Mia, who allegedly stabbed and killed the 15-year-old son of Judge Mohammad Abdur Rahman and injured the judge’s wife.