Russia launched a large-scale combined air assault on Kyiv early Friday, injuring at least 11 people and igniting fires across multiple districts, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Emergency crews battled blazes and cleared debris as officials urged residents to remain in shelters during the ongoing attack. Several residential and nonresidential buildings, as well as medical and educational facilities, were damaged in districts including Darnytskyi, Dniprovskyi, Podilskyi, and Shevchenkivskyi. In the wider Kyiv region, strikes damaged critical infrastructure and private homes, injuring at least one civilian. The assault came amid renewed European Union calls for Ukraine to intensify anti-corruption efforts following a recent graft scandal, while reaffirming continued financial and military support for the country’s defense against Russia’s invasion.

Abu Dhabi-based company LOOD has launched 'Heli,' the UAE’s first hybrid autonomous cargo aircraft, marking a major milestone in the nation’s aviation and logistics innovation. Witnessed by Sheikh Zayed bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the maiden flight took place during Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week. Designed, developed, and manufactured entirely by Emirati engineers, Heli is built for medium-range heavy cargo operations with a 700-kilometre range and a 250-kilogram payload capacity. The aircraft uses a hybrid propulsion system that combines electric motors for vertical takeoff and an internal combustion engine for horizontal flight, optimizing efficiency and range. LOOD CEO Rashid Matar Al Mannaei described Heli as a step toward sustainable and autonomous air logistics, capable of connecting ports and industrial zones without traditional airports. The project underscores the UAE’s ambition to become a global leader in intelligent air mobility solutions.

Serious allegations of irregularities and corruption have surfaced in a Tk 680 crore riverbank protection project in Jhalakathi, implemented by the Bangladesh Water Development Board. The 13.2-kilometer project, aimed at protecting areas along the Sugandha River, reportedly used substandard sand, low-quality geo-bags, and improper cement ratios in block construction. Following complaints, one site officer was withdrawn, and low-quality materials were officially rejected. Despite these actions, locals claim that the rejected sand remains on-site and that geo-bags were not placed in the most erosion-prone areas. Officials admit to manpower shortages and delays in supervision, while contractors cite logistical issues. The project, approved by ECNEC and scheduled for completion in June 2027, has seen work start on only half of its 34 packages, raising concerns about transparency and oversight in public infrastructure spending.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed concern over Bangladesh’s worsening banking sector, burdened by soaring non-performing loans (NPLs). During a meeting with Bangladesh Bank officials, the IMF recommended merging or liquidating banks whose default loan ratios exceed 30%. Currently, 16 banks fall into this category, five of which are already in the process of merger. Following the IMF’s advice, Bangladesh Bank held a meeting with managing directors of 47 banks, instructing them to take urgent measures to reduce NPLs by December through rescheduling, legal action, or other means. The IMF also questioned delays in publishing accurate NPL data and sought explanations for the rising defaults. The crisis stems from years of mismanagement and corruption, prompting the central bank to initiate reforms, including relaxed rescheduling and write-off policies to stabilize the sector.

Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Manch, alleged that he received death and assault threats from individuals linked to the ruling Awami League. In a Facebook post early Friday, Hadi stated that over a three-hour period, he received calls and messages from around 30 foreign numbers threatening to burn his house, harm his family, and kill him. He accused Awami League 'killers' of orchestrating the intimidation ahead of a verdict he referred to as 'Hasina’s judgment' on the 17th. Hadi vowed not to back down from his activism, invoking religious resolve and framing the threats as part of a broader struggle for justice. Authorities have not yet commented on the allegations.

The Awami League’s call for a nationwide lockdown on November 13, coinciding with the announcement of the verdict date in Sheikh Hasina’s war crimes tribunal case, failed to gain public traction. Despite isolated incidents of vandalism, cocktail explosions, and flash protests, normal life in Dhaka and other cities largely continued. Law enforcement agencies intensified patrols, set up checkpoints, and arrested over 150 individuals linked to acts of sabotage. Authorities reported that the attacks followed a similar pattern involving small motorcycle-borne groups. Opposition parties, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and student organizations, held counter-protests condemning the violence and demanding justice. Security forces stated that the situation remained under control, crediting heightened vigilance and public cooperation for thwarting the unrest.

Two senior judges of Pakistan’s Supreme Court, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Athar Minallah, resigned on November 13 following the passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment. The amendment, approved by both the National Assembly and Senate with a two-thirds majority, establishes a new Federal Constitutional Court above the Supreme Court, significantly altering the judicial structure. In his 13-page resignation letter, Justice Shah called the amendment a severe blow to the constitution, claiming it undermines judicial independence and places the judiciary under executive control. Justice Minallah described the constitution as effectively nullified. Analysts say the resignations mark an unprecedented moment in Pakistan’s judicial history, sparking intense debate over the separation of powers and the future of judicial independence in the country.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that the elected parliament will address and resolve the country’s unresolved issues through democratic discussions. Speaking at a seminar titled “National Election 2026: The Need for National Unity” in Dhaka, he emphasized the importance of democratic practice and expressed optimism about the nation’s political future. Fakhrul urged for the swift establishment of an elected government through the upcoming 2026 election. He also paid tribute to those who died in the July uprising, saying their sacrifice paved the way for institutionalizing democracy. Commenting on Interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’s recent address, Fakhrul said it was broadly acceptable though open to differing opinions. Other political figures at the event expressed varied views on democracy, national sovereignty, and regional influence.

A Dhaka court has sentenced banker Rezaul Karim Reza to death for murdering his wife, medical student Jannatul Naeem Siddika, whom he met on Facebook. The couple married in October 2020 after a brief courtship, but two years later, during a birthday celebration in August 2022, Reza fatally stabbed Jannatul at a hotel in Panthapath following an argument. Her father filed a murder case the next day at Kalabagan Police Station. The trial began in March 2024, and on Thursday, Judge Md Sabbir Faiz of the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Court delivered the verdict, also imposing a fine of 20,000 taka. Reza, who had been released on bail by the High Court, is currently absconding, and an arrest warrant has been issued to enforce the sentence. No defense lawyer was present during the verdict due to the accused’s absence.

US special envoy Tom Barrack announced that Syria will actively assist the United States in combating ISIS, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hamas, and Hezbollah. The statement followed Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s historic visit to the White House—the first by a Syrian leader since 1946. Syria has now joined the US-led coalition against ISIS as its 90th member. Barrack also met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Turkey’s Hakan Fidan, and Syria’s Asaad al-Shaibani to discuss integrating the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into Syria’s new defense and civic structures. The talks also addressed regional realignments involving Turkey, Israel, and Lebanon. Barrack urged the US Congress to lift sanctions on Syria, emphasizing regional self-driven diplomacy. Despite cooperation with Washington, Sharaa ruled out normalizing ties with Israel, citing US support for a full Israeli withdrawal from Syrian territory.

A shocking incident in Manisa, Turkey, has drawn widespread outrage after a school principal was caught on video pushing a 13-year-old autistic student down a staircase. The footage, which quickly went viral on social media, shows the principal calling the student over before forcefully shoving him. The student sustained serious injuries but reportedly received no immediate medical attention and was sent home alone. His mother later discovered the incident and filed both school and court complaints against the principal, citing previous instances of mistreatment. The Turkish Autism Solidarity and Rights Association has condemned the act, demanding accountability and justice for the victim. The case has reignited public debate over the treatment of children with disabilities in educational institutions.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has criticized the four questions set for the upcoming referendum, calling them coercive and imposed on the public. Speaking in Dhaka’s Gulshan after Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s national address on Thursday, Salahuddin claimed that the proposed Constitutional Reform Council was never discussed in the National Consensus Commission. He questioned the legal validity of the President’s Order and alleged inconsistencies between the July Charter and the Constitution Implementation Order. Salahuddin further accused the Chief Adviser of violating his own signature on the July Charter and warned that the imposed reform ideas could create national division. He also argued that the interim government and the National Consensus Commission have deepened the political crisis rather than resolving it.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has extended the deadline for collecting nomination forms for its aspiring candidates until November 20. Previously, the last date for form collection was set for November 13, following the start of sales on November 6. The extension was announced via the party’s official Facebook page late on November 13. According to the updated schedule, candidates can apply both online and offline. Online applications can be submitted through the website nomination.ncpbd.org, while offline forms can be collected from the NCP central office or through regional organizers and divisional secretaries. The extension aims to accommodate more applicants and ensure a smooth nomination process ahead of upcoming political activities.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus announced that a national referendum will be held on the same day as the upcoming 13th parliamentary election. Voters will cast a single ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote on a question covering four key reform issues under the July National Charter. If the majority votes ‘yes,’ a Constitutional Reform Council will be formed with elected representatives who will also serve as members of parliament. The council will have 180 working days to complete constitutional amendments, after which a 100-member upper house will be established proportionally based on election results. The reforms include introducing a bicameral legislature, limiting the prime minister’s term, expanding women’s representation, strengthening the presidency, and ensuring judicial independence. The July Charter will also be incorporated into the constitution as part of the reform process.

BNP Standing Committee member Professor Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain stated that during Bangladesh’s Liberation War, while many surrendered or fled across the border, Ziaur Rahman did not. Instead, he declared independence and fought with arms. Speaking at a meeting in Dinajpur Sadar-3 constituency regarding Khaleda Zia’s nomination, Zahid highlighted Zia’s contributions to restoring multiparty democracy and promoting economic progress. He emphasized Zia’s vision of ‘Bangladeshi nationalism’ that united people beyond religious divisions. Warning against divisive politics, Zahid urged equitable distribution of development benefits and assured that BNP would not abandon the people if given the chance to govern. The meeting, chaired by district BNP president Mofazzal Hossain Dulal, also assigned Zahid to monitor Khaleda Zia’s campaign activities in the constituency.