Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police (DB) and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have arrested two suspects in connection with the murder of Rangpur businessman Ashraful Haque. The main accused, Ashraful’s close friend Jarejul Islam alias Jarej, was detained from Daudkandi in Cumilla, while his girlfriend Shamima was also arrested separately. According to DB officials, preliminary investigation suggests the killing was motivated by an extramarital affair. Ashraful had arrived in Dhaka three days before his death, accompanied by friends. Following the discovery of his dismembered body, Ashraful’s sister filed a murder case at Shahbagh Police Station naming Jarej as the prime suspect. Law enforcement agencies have also recovered key evidence related to the crime, and further investigation is underway to determine the full circumstances surrounding the murder.

The Karnataka government has introduced paid menstrual leave for working women, becoming the first Indian state to implement such a policy across both public and private sectors. Under the new rule, women aged 18 to 52 employed in formal workplaces can take one day of paid leave each month during their menstrual period, without requiring a medical certificate. The policy is expected to benefit around 350,000 to 400,000 women in the formal sector. However, approximately six million women working in informal sectors, such as domestic workers and daily laborers, are excluded. Experts have urged the government to extend the benefit to informal workers as well. Despite its limitations, the initiative is being hailed as a progressive step toward gender-sensitive labor policies in India, aligning Karnataka with countries like Spain, Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia that already offer menstrual leave.

Pakistan’s parliament has passed the 27th constitutional amendment, extending Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s tenure by five years and promoting him to Chief of Defence Forces, giving him command over the army, navy, and air force. The amendment also grants him lifelong immunity from criminal prosecution and allows further extension beyond 2030. The move, signed into law by President Asif Ali Zardari, abolishes the post of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and shifts constitutional case jurisdiction from the Supreme Court to a new Federal Constitutional Court. Two Supreme Court judges resigned in protest, calling the reform a blow to judicial independence. Critics say the amendment consolidates unprecedented power in the military leadership, while the government claims it strengthens national unity. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also declared Pakistan ready for conflict on both eastern and western fronts.

A new Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals that 58% of Americans are dissatisfied with President Donald Trump, marking his lowest approval rating since taking office. Conducted online over six days in November, the survey included 1,200 U.S. adults and found that Trump’s approval remains steady at around 40%. The poll also indicates growing enthusiasm among Democrats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, with 44% of registered Democratic voters saying they are highly motivated to vote, compared to 26% of Republicans. Recent Democratic victories in gubernatorial races in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York have fueled this optimism. The upcoming midterms will decide all 435 House seats and 35 of the 100 Senate seats, both currently controlled by Republicans.

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) has announced that it will celebrate the Bengali New Year on the first day of Agrahayan instead of the traditional Pahela Baishakh. The event, organized jointly with the cultural group 'Biplobi Sangskritik Oikya', will take place on Sunday, November 16, at the Faculty of Fine Arts. DUCSU’s Literary and Cultural Affairs Secretary, Musaddiq Ibn Ali Mohammad, explained that historically, the New Year was celebrated on Pahela Agrahayan through the 'Nabanna' harvest festival before Emperor Akbar reformed the calendar. The program will feature four segments, including a painting exhibition, a festive procession, cultural performances, and a reception for guests. DUCSU leaders said the initiative aims to revive the forgotten heritage of celebrating the New Year during the harvest season and reconnect younger generations with their cultural roots.

The United States and Russia have taken opposing positions on the future governance of war-torn Gaza. Washington proposed creating an interim governing body called the 'Board of Peace' with a two-year mandate until 2027, alongside an International Stabilization Force (ISF) to disarm non-state armed groups, protect civilians, and secure humanitarian corridors. However, Russia, China, and several Arab nations strongly objected to the plan, effectively stalling the US draft resolution in the UN Security Council. Moscow has presented an alternative proposal emphasizing a balanced and unified approach to ensure a lasting ceasefire. A US mission spokesperson warned that attempts to undermine Washington’s proposal could lead to serious consequences for Palestinians, including the possible collapse of the ceasefire and renewed Israeli attacks. Discussions on the draft’s language and content are still ongoing among the 15 Security Council members.

The Gopalganj district unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) Mahila Dal has expelled Liju Begum, the religious affairs secretary of the Kashiani Upazila unit, for alleged violations of party discipline. The decision was announced on Friday through a statement signed by district president Rowshan Ara Ratna and general secretary Nasrin Akter. The notice stated that Liju Begum was removed from all party positions and her primary membership was revoked. Party leaders cited serious allegations including misuse of her position, filing false cases, extortion, and harassment. They emphasized that such actions tarnish the party’s image and contradict its principles. The expulsion followed a recent news report highlighting local grievances against her alleged misconduct.

An 84-year-old inmate from Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj, identified as Shafiqul Rahman, died after being brought to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) on Friday afternoon. Prison officials said he suddenly fell ill in jail and was rushed to the hospital, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival. The cause of his imprisonment remains unknown. DMCH police camp in-charge Inspector Md Faruk confirmed the death, stating that the body has been kept at the hospital morgue. A magistrate will prepare the inquest report, and the body will be handed over to the family after the autopsy and necessary formalities by prison authorities.

A 22-year-old man named Forhad Hossain Sourav from Sylhet allegedly took his own life while on a video call with his girlfriend during a trip to Cox’s Bazar on Thursday night. Police recovered his body from a hotel in the Kolatoli area. Sourav, a first-year honors student at Sylhet MC College, had traveled with four friends. According to police, the friends were taken into custody for questioning after the incident. One of them said they had gone shopping, leaving Sourav alone in the room, when his girlfriend called to inform them that he had hanged himself. Police confirmed the body was sent for autopsy and later handed over to the family. Authorities stated that further action will depend on the family’s complaint.

Bangladesh Islami Andolan chief Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim expressed disappointment over the announcement of the national election and referendum on the same day, saying it has disheartened the nation. Speaking to reporters after a training workshop in Chandpur, he criticized the country's electoral history, claiming that single-party governments formed through elections often turned authoritarian. He noted that after the 2024 mass uprising, a positive environment had emerged, but the interim government, not elected by the people, failed to prioritize fundamental reforms and visible justice. Karim alleged that the interim administration seemed more focused on facilitating a particular party’s election interests rather than ensuring a level playing field. The event was attended by party leaders, including Sheikh Md Joynal Abedin, the Islami Andolan candidate for Chandpur-3.

A youth named Fahim was killed in a violent clash between rival teenage gangs in Sylhet, Bangladesh, reportedly over territorial dominance. Following the incident, Fahim’s father filed a murder case with Kotwali Police Station, naming seven individuals and several unidentified suspects. Police arrested one accused, Sabuj Ahmed Rehan, from the Tilaghar Eco Park area late Thursday night. Authorities confirmed that Rehan, the fourth accused in the case, has been produced before the court. Fahim, aged 23, was attacked with local weapons on November 10 and later succumbed to his injuries at Sylhet Osmani Medical College Hospital. The killing has raised fresh concerns about the growing influence of teenage gangs in the city.

In Brazil’s Amazonian port city of Belém, around 50,000 visitors have arrived for the UN Climate Conference (COP30), overwhelming the city’s limited hotel capacity of 18,000 rooms. To address the accommodation crisis, the Brazilian government converted two large cruise ships, Costa Diadema and MSC Seaview, into floating hotels anchored at the newly built Outeiro Cruise Terminal. Together, they provide about 4,000 additional rooms for over 10,000 guests. The $45 million terminal upgrade also improved local infrastructure. However, environmentalists criticized the use of diesel-powered ships for a climate summit, citing high fuel consumption and carbon emissions. While some attendees appreciate the unique experience, others complain about small cabins and long commutes to the conference venue. Despite the controversy, the floating hotels remain the only viable solution for the city’s accommodation shortage during the event.

Dr. Rashid Ahmed Hossaini, a director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), stated that the new generation will not preserve the existence of the ruling Awami League in Bangladesh. Speaking to journalists in Laksham-Manoharganj, Cumilla, after distributing leaflets supporting BNP leader Tarique Rahman’s 31-point reform plan, Hossaini criticized the Awami League’s 17-year rule. He alleged that infiltrators within the BNP are damaging the party’s image for personal gain and urged leaders to identify and take legal action against them. Hossaini also dismissed the Awami League’s lockdown initiatives as ineffective attempts to instill fear. The event was attended by several local BNP, Jubo Dal, and Chhatra Dal leaders and activists.

Two madrasa students were killed and two others injured after being hit by a speeding motorcycle on the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway in Mirsarai upazila on Friday evening. The victims, identified as Fakhrul Islam (18) and Md. Kawsar (17), were students of the Kitab department at Masjidia Noyduaria Madrasa. According to local sources, the four students were walking along the highway toward a religious gathering in Mayani when the motorcycle ran them over at the Chararkul area. Two died on the spot, and the injured were taken to a hospital in Barotakia. The madrasa superintendent said the students had just finished Maghrib prayers before heading to the event. Police have detained the motorcycle rider for questioning.

In Rajshahi, Bangladesh, the wife of Metropolitan Sessions Judge Mohammad Abdur Rahman and the attacker, identified as Limon, are now out of danger following a brutal incident at the judge’s rented apartment. Limon allegedly killed the judge’s school-going son, Tawsif, and seriously injured the judge’s wife, Tasmin Nahar Lucy, before being injured himself. Both Lucy and Limon were admitted to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, where doctors confirmed their conditions have stabilized. Lucy underwent surgery for deep knife wounds, while Limon remains under police custody in the hospital. Police have seized a knife and other evidence, and initial statements have been taken from the building caretaker and domestic worker. The motive behind the attack remains unknown as the investigation continues.