Youth and Sports Ministry Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiya has clarified that the government’s plan to train nearly 9,000 young men and women aims to strengthen national sovereignty and public defence, not to create any militia or armed force. The project will provide judo, karate, taekwondo, and shooting lessons to participants aged 18–35 at BKSP, with 100 training slots over two years and a budget of Tk 28 crore. Addressing public criticism and rumours, Asif said the training involves air guns, not military weapons, and that participants will return to their normal jobs after completion. He alleged that certain “India-leaning groups” are spreading misinformation to discredit the initiative. Emphasising that the program is a pilot project for crisis readiness, he said it aligns with the government’s policy of empowering citizens to defend the nation if ever needed.

The Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board has issued an urgent directive instructing all educational institutions to refrain from administering any test or pre-selection examinations for the upcoming Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) exam until further notice. The announcement, signed by Professor S. M. Kamal Uddin Haydar, Exam Controller of the Dhaka Board, was released on Sunday, November 9. According to the notice, regular classes for twelfth-grade students preparing for the 2026 HSC examination must continue without interruption. The board emphasized that the date for the selection test will be announced later through an official notification. Institutions have been urged to strictly adhere to this directive, as the matter is considered highly urgent. The decision aims to ensure uniform preparation and avoid confusion among students and educational institutions while the board finalizes further guidelines for the HSC examination framework.

Assistant teachers at all government primary schools across Bangladesh have begun an indefinite work abstention from Sunday, 9 November, resulting in the closure of classes in nearly 65,000 institutions. The strike was announced on Saturday evening at a press conference held at the Central Shaheed Minar by Shamsuddin Masud, convener of the Primary Assistant Teachers’ Organisations Unity Council and president of the Primary School Assistant Teachers’ Association. He stated that teaching would remain suspended until their demands are met, while teachers will continue a sit-in at Shaheed Minar.

The protest escalated following a police crackdown on teachers holding a “pen-down” demonstration at Shahbag, where sound grenades, tear-shells and rubber bullets were reportedly used. More than a hundred teachers were injured, many requiring hospital care, and several sought refuge in the Dhaka University area. Witnesses said the sound grenades caused many to fall ill immediately.

Teachers are pressing three core demands: elevation of assistant teachers’ salary to Grade 10, a permanent resolution of higher-grade complexities, and a guarantee of 100% departmental promotion. According to the Directorate of Primary Education, the country has 65,567 government primary schools with around 384,000 teachers, all affected by the ongoing shutdown. Meanwhile, another teachers’ group has given the government until 15 November before escalating to phased work stoppages and, ultimately, a potential indefinite hunger strike if no progress is achieved.

Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Saturday, November 8, killed three people in two separate attacks, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) as reported by Press TV. Two of the victims were brothers from the town of Shebaa, who were traveling in an SUV along the slopes of Mount Hermon when their vehicle was struck and set ablaze. Lebanon’s Ministry of Health confirmed their deaths and reported another fatality in a separate strike targeting a vehicle in the village of Barashit, which also left four others injured. The Israeli military claimed the attacks were aimed at Hezbollah members, alleging that those killed posed a threat to the 2024 ceasefire agreement between Tel Aviv and Hezbollah. Lebanese sources argue that Israel has repeatedly used such claims to justify renewed attacks since the agreement was signed. Earlier, an Israeli drone strike in Bint Jbeil injured seven people.

A government-run healthcare institution in Dhaka continues to display outdated information on its official website, long after major changes in Bangladesh’s administration. The National Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Referral Center in Agargaon still features the photo of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on its homepage, despite her departure from office following the political unrest of 2024.

The website also lists several former officials as if they remain in their positions. Among them is Zahid Maleque, who served as Health and Family Welfare Minister from 2019 to January 2024, yet is still shown as the current minister. Similarly, former Health Secretary Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain Hawlader and former Director General of Health Services Professor Dr. Abul Bashar Mohammad Khurshid Alam are also inaccurately listed as incumbents.

In reality, Dr. Samanta Lal Sen took office as Health Minister after the January 2024 national election, while Nurjahan Begum currently serves as Health Adviser with the rank of a minister.

The persistence of outdated details on an active public-service website has raised concerns regarding digital governance, information management, and institutional accountability. As the institute provides essential diagnostic services at affordable rates, stakeholders emphasize the importance of accurate, updated information for public trust and operational transparency.

The health ministry in Gaza reports that Israeli forces continue military strikes in the enclave despite a ceasefire agreement, pushing the death toll since 7 October 2023 to 69,169. According to Al Jazeera, more than 240 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire took effect last month. On Saturday, two more deaths were confirmed following Israeli fire along the northern “yellow line,” a loosely defined boundary that residents say is invisible and unclear. This ambiguity has led to repeated civilian casualties. Explosions from planted devices have also killed children. Local authorities estimate that Israel has dropped nearly 200,000 tons of explosives on Gaza, with around 70,000 tons still unexploded. Environmental and health hazards are worsening, particularly in Sheikh Radwan, where contaminated water is spreading after pumping stations and drainage systems were destroyed. The UN reports severe groundwater pollution. Violence is also rising in the West Bank, where settlers—reportedly backed by Israeli forces—have carried out over 126 attacks in 70 villages since September, burning more than 4,000 olive trees.

Pakistan and Iran are set to collaborate on a major biographical drama depicting the life and legacy of renowned philosopher-poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal. The initiative gained momentum after a detailed meeting in Islamabad between Pakistan’s Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, and senior Iranian media representatives. Officials from Pakistan’s television channels, a film production company, PEMRA, and the Iranian ambassador also attended.
According to Pakistan Press Agency reports, the minister welcomed the proposal, noting that a joint production in Urdu and Persian would symbolize deep cultural ties between the two nations. Iqbal’s poetry—highly influential in both countries—was highlighted as a timeless cultural bridge.
During the meeting, Pakistan and Iran signed five MoUs covering technical cooperation, skill development, and content exchange. The project aligns with earlier plans revealed by Pakistan’s Planning Ministry, which noted Iran’s interest in producing a film and a high-quality TV series ahead of Iqbal’s 150th birth anniversary in 2027. Actor Usman Mukhtar is expected to portray Iqbal in the upcoming series.

The Malaysia unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliated wings observed National Revolution and Solidarity Day with a two-part discussion program at the G-Tower Ballroom in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, November 8. The first session was presided over virtually by Malaysia BNP President Engineer Badlur Rahman Khan Badol, while the proceedings were conducted by Organizational Secretary Mirza Salahuddin and Publicity Secretary Bashir Alam.
Central BNP Treasurer Rashiduzzaman Millat addressed the event virtually as chief guest, saying the spirit of the day inspires renewed commitment to restoring democracy, and urging expatriates in Malaysia to contribute to that goal in future elections.
Special guest and BNP Assistant Secretary for ICT Affairs H.M. Saif Ali Khan praised the long-standing dedication of Malaysia BNP activists and demonstrated the digital membership registration process.
The second session, chaired by Malaysia BNP founding General Secretary and current Vice President Talha Mahmud, featured speeches from several senior leaders and representatives of different BNP wings across Malaysia.

India has quietly withdrawn troops and military equipment from the Ayni airbase in Tajikistan, its only fully operational overseas military facility. For nearly two decades, the base symbolized New Delhi’s strategic footprint in Central Asia, offering proximity to Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor—just 20 kilometers away—and enabling surveillance advantages over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and China’s Xinjiang region. Originally built during the Soviet era, Ayni had deteriorated after the USSR’s collapse. India revived the base in 2002 through an agreement with Tajikistan, investing about $80 million to modernize the infrastructure, including extending the runway to support fighter jets and heavy transport aircraft.

However, in 2022 India began withdrawing personnel when the lease expired. Tajikistan opted not to renew the agreement, reportedly under pressure from Russia and China, both influential players in Central Asia. India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the base was formally handed back to Tajik authorities that year.

Losing Ayni marks a significant strategic setback for India. The base had provided India with vital intelligence advantages and a rare military presence near regions critical to its national security interests. Analysts believe India may now face reduced influence in Central Asia and diminished oversight capabilities over China-Pakistan activities in the region.

A recent study by Vantage Point Counseling Services has found that artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly significant emotional presence in the lives of Americans. According to the research, 54% of participants now view AI as an entity similar to a co-worker, friend, or even a family member, reflecting a major shift in how people perceive digital assistants. Most notably, 28% admitted they are involved in intimate or romantic relationships with AI chatbots, marking a dramatic expansion beyond the traditional use of technology as a tool. Participants described their AI companions in a variety of roles, including platonic friends, business partners, personal trainers, therapists, siblings, and even parental figures. The study identified more than 30 AI platforms being used for such relationships, with GPT ranking as the most popular, followed by Apple’s Siri and Google’s Gemini. Researchers suggest that technology-driven loneliness and weakening human connections are accelerating this rise in AI-based intimacy. Real-life examples underline this trend—such as a man who proposed to his AI partner after nearly 100,000 words of conversation, despite having a partner and child in his real life. Many respondents also revealed they are avoiding new human relationships or struggling with infidelity and emotional detachment.

Turkey’s Istanbul Prosecutor’s Office has issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and 36 other senior Israeli officials, accusing them of genocide and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The warrants, released on Friday, November 7, name key figures such as Defense Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, and Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir. Turkish prosecutors allege that Israel’s military actions in Gaza constitute deliberate and systematic genocide. The investigation also includes Israel’s airstrike on the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital in Gaza. Turkey, which previously joined South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, says it aims to uphold international law and accountability. Israel has strongly condemned the move, calling it a “political stunt” by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, while tensions continue amid a fragile ceasefire in Gaza.

Former state minister and BNP leader Lutfozzaman Babar has warned that “dark clouds” continue to loom over the country’s political landscape, claiming that various conspiracies remain active. Speaking via video conference on Saturday at a Mohanganj Municipal BNP gathering in Netrokona, he said the upcoming verdict in Sheikh Hasina’s first case could trigger attempts to disrupt either the judgment or the election. According to him, the ruling Awami League, a neighboring global power, and several political groups are allegedly involved in such efforts.

Babar stated that although the government speaks of neutrality, some advisers are showing clear bias. He urged BNP leaders and activists not to miss any potential political opportunity ahead, emphasizing strict adherence to discipline. He reminded party members that gaining power is uncertain, but hope must be maintained, and actions must remain lawful and ethical.

Addressing the youth, Babar highlighted the importance of technological and technical skills for surviving in today’s competitive era, encouraging them to study attentively and advance through merit.

In a compassionate act of humanity, BNP’s Acting Chairman and chief patron of Amra BNP Poribar, Tarique Rahman, has taken responsibility for two orphaned siblings, Mariam and Ismail, from Khanmarich Union in Bhangura Upazila of Pabna. The two children’s plight recently drew attention on social media, prompting Tarique Rahman to respond immediately. He directed Amra BNP Poribar convener Atikur Rahman Rumman to investigate their situation and ensure necessary support.

On Saturday, November 8, a humanitarian event was held at Madarbariya village, where financial assistance from Tarique Rahman was handed over to the siblings by BNP’s Kisan Dal President, agriculturist Hasan Jafir Tuhin. BNP Chairperson’s Special Assistant, Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, attended as chief guest, expressing solidarity and assuring continued support on behalf of Tarique Rahman.

Additionally, Amra BNP Poribar Member Secretary, agriculturist Moksedul Momin Mithun, announced a monthly scholarship for Mariam and Ismail’s education. The event was attended by several BNP leaders and local representatives, including members of the press and civil society. The initiative reflects the BNP leader’s commitment to standing beside vulnerable citizens in times of distress.

Family members of those killed or injured during the 24th uprising have pledged to work in unity with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). On Saturday evening (8 November), they visited the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan and virtually met the party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, where they made this commitment. Among the attendees were Shafi Alam, father of martyr Wasim; Sabrina Afroze Sebonti, sister of martyr Mahmudur Rahman and reader of the July declaration; Mahbubur Rahman, father of martyr Mahmudur Rahman Soikot; Md. Zakir Hossain, father of martyr Faisal Ahmed Shanto; and Md. Farhan Jamil, who was injured during the July 24 mass movement. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, “Amra BNP Poribar” convener and BNP media cell member Atikur Rahman Rummon, and Mir Mahbubur Rahman Snigdho, younger brother of martyr Mir Mugdho and a recent BNP member, were also present during the event.

Hasnat Abdullah, Chief Organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP) for the southern region, has expressed solidarity with the protesting government primary school teachers demanding the fulfillment of their long-pending rights. In a Facebook post made on Saturday, November 8, at 9:28 PM, Abdullah strongly condemned the police action against the teachers, promising to stand by them until their demands are met. The ongoing protests intensified after police allegedly attacked demonstrators earlier in the day, leading to the arrest of five teachers and injuries to more than a hundred. In response, the Primary Teachers’ Demand Implementation Council announced a nationwide full-day work stoppage in all government primary schools starting Sunday, November 9, along with a continuous sit-in at the Central Shaheed Minar. Leaders of various teacher associations accused the police of brutality and stated that the strike and protest programs would continue indefinitely until a satisfactory resolution is reached.