The National Citizens Party (NCP) has officially announced that it will not nominate any candidate in the constituency of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in the upcoming 13th National Election. The decision was disclosed to the media on Tuesday (November 4) by NCP’s Chief Coordinator and Election Steering Committee Chairman Nasir Uddin Patwary. The announcement comes a day after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) declared its preliminary list of 237 candidates, which includes Khaleda Zia contesting from Feni-1, Dinajpur-3, and Bogura-7 constituencies. By choosing not to contest in Khaleda Zia’s seat, the NCP signaled a gesture of political respect or strategy as election campaigns gain momentum across the country.

In a significant move to address the persistent shortage of basic subject teachers in medical education, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of Bangladesh has issued two official circulars announcing a 70% incentive allowance on the basic salary for eligible teachers. The allowance, categorized as a “non-practicing incentive,” will benefit teachers of basic and certain non-practicing subjects across five medical universities—Bangladesh Medical University (BMU), Rajshahi, Chattogram, Sylhet, and Khulna Medical Universities—as well as 37 government medical colleges, Dhaka Dental College, the Center for Medical Education (CME), and 19 specialized institutes. The incentive applies to teachers of ten subjects, including Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Forensic Medicine, Community Medicine, Pathology, Microbiology, Virology, and Anesthesiology. Although the last two are not classified as basic subjects, they are included due to their non-practicing nature. To qualify, teachers must submit an official non-practicing declaration. The scheme will take effect from the 2025–2026 fiscal year, with adherence to financial regulations required. Any violation or malpractice will result in loss of eligibility. This initiative marks a major policy step to improve faculty retention and strengthen the foundation of medical education in Bangladesh.

Leaders of the “Sada Dal,” a faction of Dhaka University (DU) teachers, have proposed that DU be granted “special institutional status” and that its teachers receive double the salary of their government counterparts. The proposal was formally submitted on November 4 to the Chairman of the National Pay Commission, Zakir Ahmed Khan, through a written 10-point memorandum. The teachers argued that Dhaka University has played an unparalleled role in Bangladesh’s history—from the independence movement to national development—and thus deserves recognition through distinct privileges and pay structures. Their demands include placing senior professors in the super grade, higher academic and administrative allowances (up to 100% of basic pay), research grants of up to Tk 20 lakh, annual academic support allowances of Tk 3 lakh, and interest-free housing loans. They also sought full funding for research publication charges, conference participation, and tax exemptions on professional income. Led by Professor Dr. Abdus Salam, the delegation emphasized that such measures would help retain academic excellence and global competitiveness at the university. The Pay Commission chief reportedly responded positively and assured that the demands would be reviewed.

Mir Mahbubur Rahman Snigdho, twin brother of July Uprising martyr Mir Mugdho, has officially joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). His inclusion was announced Tuesday night through the BNP Media Cell’s social media posts, which featured several photos marking the occasion. Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman attended the event virtually, while Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee members Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Nazrul Islam Khan, and Central Sports Affairs Secretary Aminul Haque were present in person. Snigdho’s entry into the BNP is viewed as a symbolic moment, as his brother’s sacrifice during the July uprising remains a poignant part of Bangladesh’s recent political memory. The move is expected to strengthen BNP’s emotional and grassroots connection ahead of future political mobilizations.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again targeted Representative Ilhan Omar, urging her to leave the United States in a post on his Truth Social platform. Sharing a video of Omar speaking at a public event, Trump wrote that she should “go back,” a remark critics say echoes his previous racially charged rhetoric. The video, whose recording date remains unclear, has been circulating on right-wing social media channels for weeks. Omar, who fled Somalia’s civil war as a child and later gained U.S. citizenship in 2000, represents Minnesota in Congress as a Democrat. Trump’s comments were amplified by his allies, reigniting debates over immigration, national identity, and political boundaries in campaign discourse. This is not the first time Trump has made such remarks — he previously suggested that Somalia’s president might “take back” Omar. In response, Omar said she is unfazed by such comments, describing them as “strange” and insisting that her citizenship cannot be questioned. She added that she is no longer the frightened refugee child she once was, but a grown American raising her children. The renewed exchange highlights the persistent racial and ideological divisions shaping American politics ahead of the 2024 election season.

In a significant ruling, the High Court has directed the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education and the Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) to allow private primary school students to participate in the national primary scholarship examination. The order was issued under the 2008 Primary Scholarship Examination Policy, following a writ petition challenging the government's decision that restricted eligibility to government school students only. On November 3, the bench of Justice Md. Mojibur Rahman Mia and Justice Rezaul Karim declared the previous directive illegal. Earlier, on July 17, the DPE had issued a circular allowing only government school students to take the exam, prompting a legal challenge from 42 petitioners, including the director of Keraniganj Public Laboratory School, teachers, and guardians. After a temporary suspension in September, the court has now made the rule absolute, ensuring equal opportunity for private school students. The ruling restores the earlier practice that was in place from 2005 to 2008, before being discontinued under new guidelines. The DPE’s lawyer, Munta sir Uddin Ahmed, has announced plans to appeal the verdict. The 2025 scholarship exams are scheduled for December 21–24.

Dick Cheney, the former Vice President of the United States and one of the chief architects behind the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, has died at the age of 84. His family confirmed in a statement that Cheney passed away due to pneumonia and complications related to heart and vascular conditions. Cheney’s political career spanned decades, beginning in the Nixon administration in 1969 and including roles such as White House Chief of Staff, Secretary of Defense, and Vice President under George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009. A leading proponent of the neoconservative doctrine, Cheney advocated for America’s global dominance through preemptive military action. As Defense Secretary during the first Gulf War, he oversaw Operation Desert Storm against Iraq. Following the 9/11 attacks, Cheney emerged as a key voice driving the “War on Terror,” supporting regime change in the Middle East and controversial interrogation techniques. His “One Percent Doctrine” argued for striking potential threats even with minimal evidence. Though praised for his strategic influence, Cheney’s legacy remains deeply divisive—viewed by some as a defender of U.S. security, and by others as the mastermind of misguided wars.

Tarek Rahman, member-secretary of Amjanatar Dal, has begun an indefinite hunger strike outside the Election Commission (EC) headquarters in Agargaon after his party failed to receive official registration. He sat at the EC’s main gate from 4:00pm on Tuesday, November 4, and publicised the action on his Facebook page. Tarek alleges the EC granted registration to another group called Destiny, which he claims was formed after defrauding 4.3 million customers, while previously announcing registration for a National League whose approval was later suspended amid leaks. He condemned what he called entrenched bias in the registration process, demanded punishment for officials who proposed the disputed National League registration, and warned that unless authorities act he will continue the hunger strike even at risk of death. He stressed that after years of political work the party remains unregistered, accusing the system of sidelining grassroots voices and demanding transparent impartial EC action now.

The United States is facing unprecedented travel chaos as the government shutdown reaches its 35th day — the longest in the nation’s history. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reported severe staffing shortages, with up to 80% absenteeism among air traffic controllers in New York and half of major control centers operating with limited personnel. The ongoing crisis, caused by unpaid federal employees, has led to over 16,700 delayed flights and 2,282 cancellations from Friday to Sunday, with thousands more affected since Monday. According to the FAA, around 13,000 air traffic controllers are continuing to work without pay since October 1, but increasing absenteeism is forcing authorities to reduce air traffic volume to maintain safety. Major airports such as Chicago O’Hare, Dallas Fort Worth, Denver, and Newark have experienced major disruptions. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that delays will persist as safety remains the top priority, adding that some controllers have taken secondary jobs to survive. Currently, approximately 670,000 civilian federal employees are on forced leave, while another 730,000 are working without pay, underscoring the widespread impact of the shutdown on essential national operations.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has stated that his country will not cooperate with the United States unless Washington withdraws its support for Israel and ceases its intervention in the Middle East. Speaking at a student gathering in Tehran on November 3, Khamenei said that if the U.S. stops backing Israel, removes its military bases from the region, and ends its interference in regional affairs, then Iran could consider cooperation. He accused the United States of arrogance and of only understanding submission. The remarks came during an event marking the anniversary of the 1979 seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, which followed the overthrow of the Western-backed Shah. Relations between Iran and the U.S. have worsened after Israel’s airstrikes in June that triggered a brief regional war involving both nations. The conflict left hundreds dead and disrupted ongoing nuclear negotiations. Although a ceasefire was later brokered through Qatar, tensions remain high. Khamenei emphasized that Iran’s security depends on its strength and the deterrence it poses to enemies. Since the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018, Iran has faced mounting sanctions and economic hardships.

The Bangladesh government has issued a major amendment to the Representation of the People Order (RPO) ahead of the 13th National Election, introducing significant new rules and modernized electoral procedures. Under the revised RPO, anyone declared a fugitive by a court will be ineligible to contest parliamentary elections. The amendment also reintroduces the “No Vote” option in single-candidate constituencies, raises the candidate’s security deposit from Tk 20,000 to Tk 50,000, and increases penalties for code of conduct violations to a maximum fine of Tk 1.5 lakh. The new provisions expand the definition of law enforcement to include the armed forces, allowing greater deployment during elections. IT-supported postal voting is introduced for expatriates, government employees outside their constituencies, and those in custody. False affidavits may result in post-election disqualification, while AI misuse and misinformation are classified as electoral offenses. Additionally, the Election Commission (EC) can now annul results for entire constituencies in case of irregularities. These comprehensive reforms mark the completion of the EC’s

At least 40 civilians, including women and children, were killed in a drone strike launched by Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the village of Al-Luayb, east of Al-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan. According to a local official, the attack specifically targeted a tent used for a funeral ceremony, causing mass casualties among mourners. The provincial government condemned the assault as another addition to RSF’s series of crimes against civilians, urging the international community to officially classify the RSF as a terrorist organization. Authorities claim the group continues to commit atrocities against unarmed civilians amid the ongoing conflict with the Sudanese army. The RSF had earlier announced plans to attack Al-Obeid and advised residents to flee through designated corridors. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that around 38,000 people have been displaced from North and South Kordofan since late October due to insecurity. Recently, the RSF captured Bara city in North Kordofan and Al-Fashir in North Darfur, where they were accused of massacring civilians. Analysts warn that such escalating violence could deepen Sudan’s internal divisions and push the nation closer to prolonged fragmentation and instability.

In a move tied to the ongoing ceasefire arrangement, Israel has released five Palestinian prisoners and handed over the bodies of 45 Palestinians, according to a report by Al Jazeera on Tuesday. The freed detainees were taken to Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, for medical checkups and treatment after their release on Monday evening. Human rights organizations report that thousands of Palestinians remain detained in Israeli prisons, many held without formal charges under administrative detention. Gaza’s Health Ministry confirmed that with this latest handover, the total number of returned bodies now stands at 270. Of these, 78 have been identified, while examinations continue for the remaining bodies before their release to families. Some returned corpses reportedly bore signs of torture, with tied hands, blindfolds, and facial disfigurement, raising further concerns about mistreatment. Despite the truce, Israeli attacks persist. Sources from Nasser Medical Complex told Al Jazeera that three Palestinians were killed in an Israeli strike north of Rafah on Monday. Israel’s military claims the attack targeted individuals who crossed the “yellow line,” considered a ceasefire breach. Meanwhile, gunfire in Gaza City injured three more people, including

Masud Saeedi, the Jamaat-e-Islami-nominated candidate for the Pirojpur-1 parliamentary constituency, has alleged that “enemies of the nation” are deliberately trying to create discord between Jamaat-e-Islami and its longtime political ally, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Speaking as the chief guest at a representative assembly in Chandipur Adarsha Secondary School field in Indurkani upazila on Monday, Saeedi said Bangladesh is going through a critical period where unity among like-minded political forces is essential. He reflected on the success of the July movement, which he claimed led to a major political shift and the fall of fascist forces, emphasizing that unity had been the key to that success. Saeedi warned that if internal disputes arise among former allies, the same oppressive forces could regain influence. Highlighting the public demand for change, Saeedi asserted that citizens now seek an accountable government and a just, welfare-oriented state. He vowed that if Jamaat is elected, it will work to establish a governance system based on justice and equality. Several local Jamaat leaders, including district and upazila-level officials, were present at the event.

BNP Chairperson’s Adviser and freedom fighter Abdus Salam stated that the BNP does not pursue politics for power but to safeguard Bangladesh’s independence from Indian dominance. Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled “7th November, Revolution and the Role of Martyred President Ziaur Rahman” at the National Press Club on November 3, Salam accused the Awami League of establishing a one-party BAKSAL rule between 1972 and 1975, which allegedly undermined democracy and human rights. He described that era as one of severe political and social chaos, marked by hunger and suppression of journalists. According to Salam, the November 7 uprising united the military and civilians to free Ziaur Rahman and entrust him with state leadership. Zia, he claimed, restored order and placed Bangladesh on a path to development, transforming it from a “bottomless basket” to a progressing nation. Salam praised Zia as a visionary reformer who strengthened agriculture, promoted manpower export, and made the country self-sufficient in food. He emphasized that BNP’s current movement represents farmers, workers, and journalists striving to preserve national sovereignty and democracy against foreign influence, particularly from India.