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.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has described the plight of the Rohingya community as one of the most tragic humanitarian crises of the present time, stating that they are suffering solely because they are Muslims and have been stripped of citizenship. During a meeting with a Turkish parliamentary delegation led by Mehmet Akif Yilmaz at the State Guest House Jamuna, Yunus discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and humanitarian support. The Turkish delegation highlighted the deep historical and cultural ties between the two nations and shared insights from their recent visit to the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar. Yunus expressed gratitude for Turkey’s continued support for the Rohingya cause and urged Turkish entrepreneurs to invest in Bangladesh. He also emphasized that the prolonged camp life has left Rohingya children with limited educational and future opportunities, warning that such deprivation could lead to despair and instability.

Since the ceasefire in Gaza began on October 10, Israeli forces have allegedly breached the agreement at least 194 times, according to Palestine’s official media office. Director Ismail al-Thawabteh told Anadolu News Agency that violations include crossing the so-called “yellow line,” military incursions, gunfire, shelling, airstrikes, and obstructing the entry of medical supplies, medicines, tents, and mobile homes into Gaza. He emphasized that, contrary to expectations, the ceasefire has not brought relief to the Palestinian population. The media office reports these violations daily to international mediators. Al-Thawabteh warned civilians against approaching the “yellow line,” noting prior incidents where Israeli forces killed unarmed civilians without warning. Although the ceasefire protocol stipulated the deployment of heavy machinery to recover bodies trapped under rubble, Israel has allowed only limited access for recovering its own casualties. Approximately 9,500 Palestinians remain missing or dead under debris, and around 288,000 families live in open or temporary shelters. Nearly 90% of Gaza’s civilian infrastructure has been destroyed, resulting in estimated damages of $70 billion. The official office further claimed that Israel is deliberately worsening the humanitarian crisis by blocking over 6,000 aid trucks at the Rafah border with Egypt.

BNP Acting Chairman Tareq Rahman expressed concerns over growing public uncertainty about whether national elections will be held on schedule. Speaking virtually from London at an event inaugurating online payment gateways for renewing BNP memberships and recruiting new members, Rahman criticized the interim government for imposing successive new conditions that, he argues, obstruct the democratic process. He emphasized that under previous autocratic regimes, the public had little interest in elections, but today, even with an interim government, citizens are increasingly questioning whether elections will happen on time. Rahman highlighted BNP’s commitment to opposing authoritarianism, maintaining national unity, and cooperating with democratic parties despite challenges. He also recalled BNP’s historical contributions, including establishing multiparty democracy under Sheikh Zia and transitioning from presidential to parliamentary systems under Khaleda Zia. Criticizing the previous 15-year period under the ruling party as a time of “fascist” governance that destroyed the electoral system, Rahman warned that attempts to prevent BNP’s success persist even in a post-fascist Bangladesh. He called for vigilance and unity among nationalist forces to ensure that no conspiracy can separate BNP from the people. The event was chaired by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and attended by several senior party leaders.

The government has made it clear that it will not hesitate to annul contracts with Adani if any corruption or irregularities are proven, according to Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan, Adviser to the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources. Speaking at a press briefing after a meeting with the national committee reviewing agreements under the Rapid Energy Supply Expansion Law, he emphasized that verbal assurances alone will not suffice; proper evidence is required. Committee member Professor Moshtaq Hossain Khan noted that as these are sovereign agreements, cancellation cannot be done arbitrarily, and international courts may impose hefty fines if contracts are terminated. He also highlighted extensive corruption in the power sector, which has contributed to electricity prices being 25% higher than comparable countries. Economist Dr. Zahid Hossain pointed out that while power generation increased fourfold between 2011 and 2024, payments surged over eleven times, indicating the rise was not due to technical factors.

The government has initiated plans to create a new salary structure for public employees. In a recent meeting with the newly formed pay commission, the Bangladesh Government Employees Welfare Federation proposed setting the minimum salary at 35,000 taka and reducing the current 20 pay grades to 12. Federation spokesperson Abdul Malek stated that no new pay scale has been implemented since 2015, leaving employees financially disadvantaged. He added that because the pay scale was not updated in 2020 or 2025, salary increases have stalled, while rising inflation has made everyday living increasingly difficult for ordinary workers. According to the federation’s calculations, a six-member family now needs at least 50,000 taka per month to cover basic expenses, including food, rent, healthcare, and education. Meanwhile, education advisor Professor C. R. Abrar indicated that the pay commission’s proposal could be submitted in January or February, with potential salary increases ranging from 50% to 100%. The new pay structure may become a critical test for maintaining financial balance between the government and its employees.

The government has withdrawn its earlier decision to introduce two new assistant teacher positions — one for music and another for physical education — in government primary schools. The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education issued a revised gazette on Sunday, November 2, canceling the inclusion of these posts in the Government Primary School Teacher Recruitment Rules 2025, which had been announced in August. According to Masud Akhtar Khan, Additional Secretary of the ministry’s School Wing, the new gazette retains only two categories of teachers instead of four. The move follows objections raised by several organizations, which questioned the necessity and practicality of adding specialized teaching roles at the primary level. The cancellation marks a significant policy reversal aimed at maintaining consistency in the existing teacher structure.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has dismissed the possibility of seeking a third term in the 2028 presidential election. In an interview aired Sunday on CBS News’ 60 Minutes, host Norah O’Donnell asked Trump whether he had considered running again. Trump replied that he was “not thinking about it at all,” though he acknowledged that “many people” want him to. When asked about potential successors such as Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump praised both, saying he likes them and several others in his team. He added that the Republican Party now has an “outstanding bench” of future leaders. Under the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, a president can serve a maximum of two terms, preventing Trump from legally running again. His remarks underscore the growing focus on the next generation of Republican leadership.

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to contest the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election from the Bogura-6 constituency. The announcement was made by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at a press conference held on Monday afternoon at the party chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, Dhaka. During the event, Fakhrul unveiled a list of 237 potential candidates across the country, adding that nominations for the remaining constituencies would be announced later, while some seats would be reserved for alliance partners. Earlier in the day, BNP’s highest policymaking body, the Standing Committee, held an emergency meeting chaired virtually from London by Tarique Rahman. The meeting focused on finalizing the party’s candidates and determining strategies amid the current political situation. According to the Election Commission, the national polls are expected in early February next year, with the election schedule likely to be announced in early December.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has unveiled a list of 237 potential candidates for the upcoming 13th National Parliament elections, notably excluding party leader Rumeen Farhana. Her name was expected for the Brahmanbaria-2 (Sarail-Ashuganj) constituency, but the party has yet to announce any nominee for that seat. The list was officially presented on Monday evening at BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan office by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Earlier, acting chairman Tarique Rahman led a meeting of the party’s standing committee to finalize the preliminary list. Fakhrul mentioned that after 16 years, Bangladesh is heading toward a democratic election scheduled for February. He also confirmed that BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will contest from Dinajpur-3, Bogura-7, and Feni-1, while Tarique Rahman will compete in Bogura-6. Senior BNP leaders attended the press conference announcing the list.