Bangladesh’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has completed the registration process for the 2026 Hajj, confirming that 78,500 Bangladeshi pilgrims will be able to perform the pilgrimage next year. A ministry notice issued on Sunday, signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Md. Tofiqul Islam, stated that registered pilgrims can now verify their information through the official Hajj portal (hajj.gov.bd) using their passport numbers. A dedicated Hajj call center (16136) has also been launched for inquiries and verification. The ministry said that with registration complete, details on Hajj packages, training, and other preparations will be announced in phases. In 2024, Saudi Arabia allowed 127,198 Bangladeshi pilgrims, but only 87,100 registered. Rising costs have led to a reduced quota for 2026. The Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) has announced three private packages ranging from Tk 510,000 to Tk 750,000, while the government has set three packages costing between Tk 467,167 and Tk 690,597. The 2026 Hajj is expected to take place on May 26, subject to moon sighting.

Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque has stated that the July Charter Implementation (Constitution Amendment) Order, issued in the name of the President, has created a serious constitutional crisis even though it has reduced uncertainty surrounding the upcoming elections. Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka’s Segunbagicha, he questioned whether an interim government has the authority to issue such a constitutional order and whether it contradicts the existing constitution. Haque argued that the order exceeds the interim government’s mandate and jurisdiction. He welcomed the decision to hold a referendum alongside the national election in February, aligning with public expectations, but warned that the proposed single-word voting format on multiple complex issues is impractical and risky. He expressed doubts about whether the referendum could achieve its intended purpose under the current structure.

The United Kingdom government is preparing to introduce sweeping reforms to its refugee policy, extending the waiting period for refugees to apply for permanent residency from five years to twenty. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to formally announce the plan on Monday. Under the new system, refugees will initially receive temporary residence permits of two and a half years, down from the current five, with regular reviews of their home country’s safety conditions. If deemed safe, they may be required to return. The policy aims to deter illegal sea crossings and reduce asylum applications, which rose 17% in the past year to over 109,000. Inspired by Denmark’s strict immigration model, the UK’s approach has drawn criticism from refugee advocacy groups, who warn it will impose prolonged uncertainty and psychological strain on asylum seekers. Analysts believe the policy could significantly reshape Britain’s future immigration system.

On the eve of the verdict in the first war crimes case against former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called for full justice and transparency. The International Crimes Tribunal is set to deliver its judgment on Monday, November 17, concerning alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising. Prosecutors have accused Hasina of ordering and inciting violence that led to the deaths of around 1,400 protesters, presenting extensive evidence including witness testimonies, documents, and multimedia materials. The prosecution has sought the death penalty for Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, citing their superior command responsibility and involvement in a joint criminal enterprise. The nation awaits the tribunal’s decision with intense anticipation, particularly families of victims and participants in the anti-fascist movement. The case marks a historic moment in Bangladesh’s political and judicial landscape.

The Bangladesh Road Transport Workers Federation announced that all types of vehicles will operate nationwide on Monday despite the Awami League’s call for a countrywide lockdown. Acting General Secretary Humayun Kabir Khan made the statement at a press conference in Dhaka’s Motijheel on Sunday, emphasizing that transport owners and workers are committed to keeping the communication system functional. He warned that any untoward incidents would be resisted and praised administrative officials for maintaining law and order. The federation condemned the Awami League’s lockdown, calling it an attempt to obstruct the interim government’s election preparations. It also demanded compensation for transport owners and workers affected by recent violence, including arson attacks on about 20 vehicles and the killing of a bus driver in Mymensingh. The Awami League called the lockdown to protest Monday’s scheduled verdict by the International Crimes Tribunal against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others in a case related to crimes against humanity during the July uprising.

The government of Bangladesh has appointed Major General A S M Ridwanur Rahman as the new Director General (DG) of the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS). The appointment was formalized through a notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on Sunday, November 16, assigning his service under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Major General Iftikhar Anis, who previously held the position, has been reassigned to the Bangladesh Army, with his service also placed under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. BIISS is a state-run autonomous national research institute that conducts studies on security, foreign policy, and strategic issues relevant to Bangladesh’s national interests. The leadership change is expected to strengthen the institute’s role in policy research and strategic analysis.

The Dhaka (South) Customs, Excise and VAT Commissionerate has announced recruitment for 99 permanent positions across 13th to 20th grade posts. Eligible permanent residents of Dhaka, Narayanganj, and Munshiganj districts can apply online until November 17, 2025. The available roles include senior data entry/control operator, computer operator, higher-grade assistant, stenographer-cum-computer operator, cashier, office assistant-cum-typist, driver, sepoy, and others. Educational qualifications range from secondary school certificates to university degrees, depending on the post. Applicants must be aged between 18 and 32 years as of October 1, 2025, with age relaxation up to 40 years for departmental candidates in specific categories. Application fees are set at BDT 112 for higher-grade posts and BDT 56 for lower-grade ones, payable through Teletalk within 72 hours of submission. No travel or daily allowances will be provided for written, practical, or oral examinations. The recruitment aims to strengthen administrative and operational efficiency within the customs department.

Eight political parties in Bangladesh, led by Jamaat-e-Islami, have announced plans to be active on the streets on Monday, the day the verdict is expected in the war crimes case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others. Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar made the announcement at a joint press conference on Sunday, saying the alliance would not allow any acts of sabotage under the pretext of opposing fascism. The statement came in response to a lockdown called by the banned Awami League. The eight-party alliance also reaffirmed its support for a 'Yes' vote in the upcoming referendum and pledged to continue its movement to achieve its five-point demands. The coalition said that the Chief Adviser’s recent address partially met the public’s expectations for a free and fair election, but further action was needed to fulfill all their demands.

Bangladesh is witnessing a severe resurgence of dengue fever, with the mosquito-borne disease claiming lives almost daily despite the onset of cooler weather. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), five people died from dengue in the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll this year to 336. Over 1,100 new patients were hospitalized in the same period, while more than 81,000 have been discharged since January. Experts warn that if the current trend continues, hospitalizations could exceed 30,000 this month. Public health specialist Dr. Mushtaq Hossain of IEDCR emphasized that eliminating Aedes mosquitoes is the only effective way to control the outbreak, warning against treating dengue as a seasonal illness. The persistent spread across all divisions, including Dhaka, Chattogram, and Barishal, highlights the urgent need for sustained mosquito control and public awareness efforts.

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has announced that all mobile handsets currently in use on the country's networks—whether registered, unregistered, or missing from the database—will be automatically registered before December 16, 2024. This move comes ahead of the official launch of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system on the same date. After December 26, all unregistered or illegal mobile devices that have not been automatically registered will be disconnected from the network. The initiative aims to curb the use of illegal handsets and ensure proper tracking of mobile devices across Bangladesh. Users can check their handset’s IMEI number by dialing *#06#. The BTRC’s decision provides relief to users of unregistered phones, allowing them to continue using their devices legally once the NEIR system becomes active.

The Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) has issued special traffic instructions for Dhaka Cantonment ahead of Armed Forces Day celebrations on November 21. To ensure smooth movement and avoid congestion, all vehicles except those carrying residents and invited guests are requested to avoid the main road from Shaheed Jahangir Gate to Staff Road between 7 a.m.–11 a.m. and 12 p.m.–7 p.m. The directive aims to facilitate official programs and ceremonies scheduled within the cantonment area. Additionally, in observance of Armed Forces Day 2025, several naval ships will be open to the public from 2 p.m. until sunset at designated locations across Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, Barishal, and Chandpur. These include Sadarghat in Dhaka, Naval Berth/BN RRB in Chattogram, Naval Berth/Rocket Ghat and Digraj Naval Berth in Khulna, BIWTA Ghat in Barishal, and BIWTA Ghat in Chandpur. The public is encouraged to visit and participate in the celebrations.

Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) hosted 'Innoverse Bangladesh 2025', the country’s largest science and technology festival, organized by Whiteboard Initiatives with support from the ICT Division. The two-day event, inaugurated by ICT Division Secretary Shish Haydar Chowdhury, featured robotics, programming, science and math olympiads, and innovation expos. Around 2,200 participants from 130 educational institutions took part, and nearly 20,000 visitors attended. Forty-five innovative projects and 15 startups were showcased, with top projects receiving the Shaheed Tanvin Innovation Award and InnoVentures Vault Award. Chief Guest Fayez Ahmad Tayyeb emphasized the interim government’s commitment to fostering youth participation in ICT and research. The festival also included seminars and talks organized by She-STEM and the Netherlands Embassy, aiming to highlight Bangladeshi youth innovation on a global stage.

The unloading of a wheat shipment from the United States has begun at Bangladesh’s Mongla Port under a government-to-government (G2G) agreement between the two countries. The vessel ‘MV Weco Tati’ arrived on November 14 carrying 60,875 metric tons of wheat imported by the Bangladesh government. After quality testing confirmed the wheat met required standards, unloading operations started on November 16. Of the total shipment, 35,075 metric tons will be stored in Mongla’s food warehouses, while the remainder will be distributed to Khulna, Barishal, and Rajshahi. Officials stated that due to the vessel’s large size and depth, unloading is being conducted from the fairway. This is the first direct wheat shipment to Mongla under the G2G-1 cash purchase agreement, as previous consignments arrived via Chattogram Port. Under the broader agreement, Bangladesh will import a total of 440,000 metric tons of wheat from the US, with three consignments totaling 178,636 metric tons already received.

BNP leader and Noakhali-5 constituency candidate Md. Fakhrul Islam has pledged that if Tarique Rahman becomes the Prime Minister, the river erosion–affected Noakhali district will be transformed into a modern city like Singapore. Speaking at a large election rally in Kabirhat on Saturday, November 15, Fakhrul urged voters to cast their ballots for the BNP’s 'sheaf of paddy' symbol, emphasizing that their support would ensure Tarique Rahman’s leadership. He also promised to create a terror-free, extortion-free, and drug-free environment in the constituency, assuring that jobs would be given based on merit rather than nepotism. Fakhrul further stated that he would remain accessible to the public without favoritism. The rally was chaired by former Kabirhat BNP convener Kamrul Huda Chowdhury Liton and attended by several district BNP leaders, including Mahbub Alamgir Alo, ABM Zakaria, Harunur Rashid Azad, and Mostafizur Rahman Monju.

New York City’s newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has appointed former U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan as vice chair of his transition team. Khan, a Pakistani-British-born Democrat known for her tough antitrust stance, previously led the FTC from June 2021 to January 2025 under President Joe Biden, becoming the youngest chair in the agency’s history. During her tenure, she pursued aggressive antitrust enforcement, challenged major tech mergers, and sought to limit non-compete agreements. As part of Mamdani’s transition team, Khan is reviewing the scope of mayoral powers and helping shape economic and administrative strategies ahead of Mamdani’s assumption of office in January 2026. Her inclusion signals a potentially reformist and regulatory approach to city governance. Analysts suggest that major tech firms with large New York operations, such as Amazon, Meta, and Google, may view her appointment as a warning of stricter oversight or policy scrutiny in the city’s economic environment.