Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin has issued a stern warning to political parties over the use of posters in election campaigns, emphasizing that such materials are banned under the electoral code of conduct. Speaking at a meeting with registered political parties at the Election Commission building on Thursday, he urged all parties to remove campaign posters voluntarily, calling it a matter of decency and compliance. The CEC cautioned that failure to do so would prompt strict enforcement actions. He also reiterated the Election Commission’s commitment to ensuring a fair, credible, and participatory election, stressing the need for cooperation from all 54 registered political parties. Nasir Uddin affirmed that all parties are equal before the Commission and urged them to assist before, during, and after the voting process to maintain transparency and trust.

Bangladeshi model and actress Tanjia Zaman Methila has made history by ranking among the top three contestants in the ongoing Miss Universe 2025 competition, currently taking place in Pak Kret, Thailand. Representing Bangladesh, Methila secured over 192,000 votes in the ‘People’s Choice’ category, placing her third behind contestants from the Philippines and Chile. She is also performing strongly in several other categories, including first place in ‘Best National Costume’ and second in both ‘Miss Congeniality’ and ‘Best Evening Gown’. Methila expressed her gratitude to Bangladeshi fans for their overwhelming support and said she is motivated to continue performing well. Voting continues until November 19, with the grand finale scheduled for November 21. This marks Bangladesh’s best-ever performance in the Miss Universe pageant.

Dhaka witnessed normal traffic flow on Thursday morning despite the Awami League’s announcement of a citywide lockdown in connection with the upcoming verdict in a war crimes case involving fugitive Sheikh Hasina and two others. Law enforcement agencies were deployed across key points in the capital, conducting searches on suspicious vehicles as a precautionary measure. Police officials reported no incidents of violence, arson, or demonstrations as of midday, describing the overall situation as stable. Commuters and office-goers were seen heading to their workplaces, with traffic congestion increasing in major areas like Farmgate and Karwan Bazar. Authorities continue to maintain heightened vigilance to prevent any untoward incidents throughout the day.

A sharp drop in temperature has gripped Panchagarh district in northern Bangladesh, with the Tetulia weather station recording a minimum of 13.4°C early Thursday and humidity at 99%. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has warned that a cold wave is likely to hit the region by the end of November as cold Himalayan winds continue to lower temperatures. Local laborers working outdoors, particularly those engaged in sand extraction from the Karatoa River, are struggling to cope with the biting cold. Residents report dense fog in the early mornings and freezing conditions until sunrise, with only slight relief during the day. Meteorologist Jitendranath Roy confirmed that temperatures have been steadily declining over recent days, signaling the onset of the season’s first cold wave.

A sugar truck was set on fire in Jajira, Shariatpur, on Thursday morning following a rally by activists of the banned Awami League and its affiliates. The incident occurred near Naodoba on the Bhanga-Dhaka Expressway, where participants reportedly carried sticks and crude bombs during the procession. Shortly after the rally, unidentified miscreants torched a sugar-laden truck heading from Dhaka to Bhanga, disrupting traffic for over half an hour. Police arrived at the scene, but the perpetrators had fled before their arrival. A 39-second video of the rally was later uploaded to the verified Facebook page of the Bangladesh Chhatra League, showing participants chanting slogans and brandishing weapons. Authorities confirmed that traffic has since returned to normal and security measures have been reinforced to prevent further unrest.

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Colonel (Retd.) Dr. Oli Ahmed has alleged that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former President Hussain Muhammad Ershad were involved in the assassination of former President Ziaur Rahman. In a recent interview with a private television channel, Oli Ahmed claimed that Ziaur Rahman was killed 17 days after Sheikh Hasina’s return to Bangladesh and suggested that both leaders were linked to the incident. He also made controversial remarks about the killing of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s family, claiming that people celebrated the event at the time. Additionally, he criticized Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s leadership and questioned his designation as the Father of the Nation, arguing that the military was too weak to oppose him during his rule.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has initiated a series of dialogues with registered political parties in preparation for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The first day of talks began on Thursday, November 13, involving six parties in the morning session and another six in the afternoon. Among the participants were the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Bangladesh Congress, Bangladesh Muslim League, and the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB). The EC plans to continue the discussions in several phases, with parties such as BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and NCP expected to join later. Currently, the EC has 53 registered political parties, while the registration of the Awami League remains suspended and that of several others has been cancelled. The dialogues aim to gather opinions and build consensus on electoral issues ahead of the national polls.

A passenger bus of Bangla Star Paribahan was set on fire by unidentified miscreants on the Dhaka-Tangail Highway near Baikhola in Basail around midnight on Wednesday, November 12. The incident caused a major traffic jam stretching several kilometers. Fire service personnel later brought the blaze under control, and no casualties were reported as the driver, helper, and passengers managed to evacuate safely. Police also reported that similar arson attempts occurred in the same area and at Pauli on the Dhaka-Tangail-Jamuna Bridge Highway, where tires were set ablaze. Authorities have not confirmed whether petrol bombs were used, and investigations are underway to identify those responsible.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Sadiq Kayem has alleged that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her associates are conspiring against Bangladesh by exploiting the flexibility of the interim government. Speaking to reporters during a student gathering in Dhaka, he claimed that Hasina’s supporters were attempting to destabilize the country ahead of her court verdict. Kayem urged all opposition groups, including BNP, Jamaat, and leftist parties, to unite against the Awami League. He also called on citizens to resist Hasina’s loyalists wherever they are found, asserting that those responsible for past violence and disappearances should face justice. His remarks come amid heightened political tension as the Awami League announced a lockdown in Dhaka before the verdict announcement.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has deployed 14 platoons across Dhaka and nearby districts to ensure law and order amid heightened security concerns. The deployment, confirmed by BGB’s public relations officer Shariful Islam on Thursday, began on Wednesday to strengthen security in key areas. Law enforcement agencies have taken positions at major intersections in Dhaka, conducting searches of suspicious individuals. Several suspects have been detained for attempting acts of sabotage. Security has been tightened at critical infrastructures, including airports, railway and metro stations, and transport terminals. The move follows recent incidents of scattered explosions and covert attacks in parts of Dhaka. Alongside the BGB, police, army, and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) personnel are jointly working to maintain stability and public safety across the capital and its surrounding areas.

The US House of Representatives voted to end the longest government shutdown in American history after 43 days of partial closure. The measure passed with 222 votes in favor and 209 against, with six Democrats joining Republicans to approve the deal. The Senate had already passed the funding bill earlier in the week. President Donald Trump signed the bill into law shortly after the House vote, officially reopening government operations. The shutdown had forced thousands of federal employees to work without pay or take unpaid leave. With the new law, federal workers are expected to return to work and receive back pay, while essential services such as food assistance and air traffic control begin resuming normal operations. However, the timeline for full restoration of all government services remains uncertain.

Afghanistan’s Taliban government has imposed a strict ban on the import of medicines from Pakistan, citing poor quality and frequent trade disruptions. The decision, announced by state media Alemarah News, directs Afghan traders to terminate existing contracts with Pakistani suppliers within three months and to seek alternative sources from other countries. Officials said the move aims to protect Afghanistan’s economic interests and safeguard the rights of local businesses. Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Ghani Baradar urged business leaders in Kabul to reduce dependence on Pakistan and explore new trade routes. The ban comes amid deteriorating relations between the two neighbors. Afghanistan currently imports pharmaceuticals from Pakistan, India, Turkey, and Bangladesh, with an estimated annual import value of around one billion dollars before the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.

Train services on the Dhaka-Chattogram route were disrupted for about an hour after miscreants set fire to the railway track in Brahmanbaria early Wednesday. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. in the Dubla area of Sadar upazila, causing several passenger trains, including the Turna Nishitha Express and Bijoy Express, to remain stranded at Brahmanbaria station. Railway officials said the fire was quickly brought under control by police and railway staff, preventing any major damage or casualties. According to Akhaura Railway Police Station’s officer-in-charge SM Shafiqul Islam, the perpetrators ignited plastic pipes on the track before fleeing. Train operations resumed around 3 a.m., and services have since returned to normal.

At least 37 people were killed when a passenger bus plunged into a ravine in the Arequipa region of southern Peru, local authorities confirmed on Wednesday. The accident occurred on the Panamericana Sur highway near the Ocoña district. According to Arequipa’s regional health chief, Walther Oporto, 36 people died at the scene and one more succumbed to injuries in hospital. The bus reportedly collided with a van before veering off the road and falling into the ravine. Rescue teams and firefighters responded quickly, and 26 injured passengers were taken to nearby hospitals, three of whom are in critical condition. The Arequipa regional government said it is providing medical assistance to the victims, while an initial highway patrol report confirmed at least 16 deaths before the full toll was verified.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Sadiq Kayem has stated that the political dominance of the ruling Awami League will end after August 5, 2024. Speaking at the 'Run for July' program held at the university’s Mall Chattar on Thursday morning, he alleged that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her associates would be removed from Bangladesh’s political landscape. Kayem also claimed that his team searched several points on campus the previous night but did not find any members of the Awami League or its student wing, the Chhatra League. He emphasized that the goal of the 'Run for July' initiative is to revive the spirit of July and unite people against autocracy, urging all to overcome divisions and restore unity.