Meta has announced that starting February 10, 2026, Facebook’s Like and Comment buttons will no longer function on external websites such as blogs, news portals, and e-commerce pages. The decision marks the end of an era for one of the internet’s most recognizable icons, introduced in 2009. Meta explained that the move is part of its effort to modernize and simplify developer tools, as the use of these plugins has declined significantly due to stricter privacy laws, evolving data-sharing policies, and the rise of new social media platforms. However, the Like button will remain active within Facebook’s own app and website, allowing users to continue reacting to posts, photos, and videos as usual. The change reflects Meta’s shift toward innovation and privacy-focused development rather than maintaining outdated web integrations.

The Bangladesh government has approved a new three-year project worth Tk 27.82 crore to train young people in basic self-defense skills. The initiative, titled 'Basic Self-Defense Training for Youths,' will be implemented by the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP) under the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Scheduled to run until February 2028, the fully government-funded program aims to train 8,850 participants—8,250 young men and 600 young women—from all 64 districts. Training sessions will be held at BKSP’s main campus in Savar and regional centers in Chattogram, Khulna, Barishal, and Sylhet, with additional facilities in Dhaka and Dinajpur. The project allocates Tk 16.51 crore for training activities and participant support, Tk 7.08 crore for sports equipment, and Tk 2.17 crore for furniture. Officials said the program seeks to enhance youths’ confidence, discipline, and resilience while equipping them with practical self-defense techniques.

BNP leader and former state minister for home affairs Lutfozzaman Babar expressed gratitude after receiving his party’s nomination to contest the upcoming election from Netrakona-4, marking his return to politics after 17 years in prison. Speaking at a reception in his constituency’s Challisha area on Friday, Babar thanked Allah, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, and acting Chairman Tarique Rahman for giving him another chance to serve the people of Bhati Bangla. He also acknowledged the prayers and support of his constituents and pledged lifelong service to them. Referring to the party’s stance on the July certificate issue, Babar said he endorsed the BNP secretary general’s statement and appreciated the chief adviser’s remarks. The Netrakona-4 constituency, comprising Madan, Mohanganj, and Khaliajuri upazilas, has been a BNP stronghold where Babar is now contesting again after nearly two decades.

Pakistan has appointed Field Marshal Asim Munir as the country’s first Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), following the passage of constitutional and military service amendment bills in the National Assembly. The new legislation, signed by President Asif Ali Zardari under the 27th Constitutional Amendment, merges the role of Chief of Army Staff with the new CDF post, abolishing the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee position. The CDF will now serve a five-year term starting from the date of appointment, effectively resetting Munir’s tenure. Munir, who became Army Chief in November 2022 and was promoted to Field Marshal after the May conflict with India, will now continue under this extended framework. The amendments also extend the service terms of the heads of the army, navy, and air force from three to five years, sparking criticism from opposition parties and judicial resignations.

Bangabir Kader Siddiqui, founder of the Krishak Sramik Janata League, stated that arresting individuals for chanting the 'Joy Bangla' slogan is inappropriate. Speaking to journalists after visiting his parents' graves in Tangail’s Kalihati, he criticized the government for acting unilaterally and failing to address damages to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s home. Siddiqui emphasized that one-sided elections would not benefit Bangladesh and urged for broad participation to ensure fair voting. He warned that preplanned election results would pose serious risks to political stability. Former minister Abdul Latif Siddiqui, recently released from jail, added that Bangladesh still lacks a clear state philosophy and that true nation-building requires a coherent vision of governance.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has declared that his party will not allow any imposed law or order to undermine the sovereignty of Bangladesh’s National Parliament in implementing the July National Charter. Speaking at a rally organized by the Women and Child Rights Forum in Dhaka, he emphasized that constitutional amendments or new laws must be enacted only through a duly formed parliament, not by referendum. Ahmed welcomed the interim government’s decision to hold the national election and the referendum on the same day, but warned against any coercive measures. He also criticized attempts to reduce women’s working hours, arguing that such moves would harm female employment opportunities. Other BNP leaders, including Selima Rahman, echoed concerns over rising violence against women and urged continued struggle for women’s rights and dignity.

The admission test for first-year undergraduate programs under the Agriculture Cluster of nine universities in Bangladesh for the 2025–26 academic session will be held on January 3. Gazipur Agricultural University (GAKRUBI) will oversee the examination process this year, including technical and administrative coordination. The test will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. According to Bangladesh Agricultural University Registrar Dr. Helal Uddin, online applications through the ACAS system will open on November 25 and continue until December 15, 2026. Detailed instructions, seat plans, and admit card download information will be published later on the official ACAS website. The cluster includes nine agricultural universities across the country, such as Bangladesh Agricultural University, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, and Sylhet Agricultural University.

Despite Donald Trump’s early pledge to swiftly end the Ukraine war and reach a peace deal with Vladimir Putin, tensions between Washington and Moscow have intensified. The United States recently imposed new sanctions on Russian oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil, while Russia tested its nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile and Poseidon underwater drone. A much-anticipated Alaska summit between Trump and Putin yielded no progress, as Putin rejected Trump’s proposal to ease sanctions in exchange for a ceasefire, demanding Ukraine’s surrender and full control of Donbas. Diplomatic efforts by Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff have also failed to bridge deep misunderstandings. Analysts say territorial issues, Ukraine’s political alignment, and security guarantees remain unresolved. With both sides escalating rather than compromising, the prospect of peace appears increasingly remote, and the conflict continues to fuel global instability.

In southern Bangladesh’s Barishal division, Islami Andolan Bangladesh has emerged as a new electoral force, particularly in Pirojpur-3 (Mathbaria), Barishal-5 (Sadar), and Patuakhali-4 (Kalapara–Rangabali). The party’s candidate in Pirojpur-3, former MP Dr. Rustam Ali Farazi, is drawing attention for his long record of switching political affiliations. Farazi previously represented the Jatiya Party, BNP, and also contested as an independent, winning and losing across different elections since 1996. Now running under Islami Andolan’s ‘hand fan’ symbol, he hopes his personal popularity—built through years of free medical service—will translate into votes. However, local BNP leaders argue that his repeated party changes have eroded public trust and that the BNP’s traditional support base remains strong. Analysts say the contest could reshape local political dynamics in these key constituencies.

BNP central leader and former minister Advocate Ruhul Kuddus Talukder Dulu has urged the Election Commission to announce the national election schedule by December, emphasizing that the nation is waiting for a free and fair vote after nearly two decades. Speaking at a BNP-organized rally in Natore, Dulu accused the ruling Awami League of suppressing dissent through killings, abductions, and corruption. He alleged that Awami League leaders, now outside the country, are attempting to destabilize Bangladesh through online propaganda and artificial intelligence-generated videos. Dulu also claimed that Awami League supporters are behind recent arson incidents, while opposition forces are uniting against what he described as fascist rule. The rally was attended by several local BNP leaders, including Rahim Newaz and Kazi Shah Alam.

BNP central organizing secretary and Habiganj-3 candidate GK Gaus stated that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has always stood by the people during national crises and never fled abroad. Speaking at an election campaign meeting in Shayestaganj, he emphasized that BNP was born in Bangladesh and remains committed to serving the nation. Gaus criticized political opponents for attempting to mislead citizens and urged them to face the truth. He also accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of fleeing in the past and said the people would respond through ballots in the upcoming 2026 national election. Gaus called for a free and fair election, asserting that a BNP victory would reflect both local pride and national progress. Other local BNP leaders also addressed the gathering.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that maintaining law and order on the day of the verdict in the war crimes case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is the responsibility of law enforcement agencies, not political parties. Speaking to journalists in Chattogram after inaugurating the 'Medical Value Travel Summit' on November 14, Khasru emphasized that Bangladesh must move away from the culture of expecting political groups to manage public order. The International Crimes Tribunal is set to deliver its verdict on November 17 in the case accusing Hasina of crimes against humanity during the July uprising. Khasru added that the judiciary should be allowed to function independently and that the BNP’s focus remains on ensuring a democratic transition and fair elections in the country.

Mazharul Islam Nipu, the convener of the Agailjhara unit of the National Citizens Party (NCP), has been nominated as the party’s candidate for the Barishal-1 constituency (covering Gournadi and Agailjhara) in Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election. The nomination was officially handed over to him at the NCP central office in Banglamotor on Thursday evening by senior party leaders. During the event, Nipu expressed his commitment to serve the people rather than rule over them, emphasizing the need to end exploitation of the working class. Other political parties have also announced their candidates for the same seat, including BNP’s former MP M. Zahir Uddin Swapan, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Maulana Kamrul Islam Khan, and Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Russell Sardar Mehedi.

A delegation from Bangladesh’s National Citizen Party (NCP) held a policy dialogue with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission team in Dhaka to discuss the country’s economic challenges and reform priorities. The NCP thanked the IMF for its continued support and emphasized that structural reforms are vital for sustainable development. The IMF expressed concerns over GDP growth, revenue collection, distressed assets, and youth employment. NCP representatives reaffirmed their commitment to economic progress through revenue digitalization and financial sector reforms, despite slow implementation. The meeting also addressed issues of past government corruption, governance, transparency, and the need for a peaceful transition from the interim to an elected government. Both sides agreed that Bangladesh’s hardworking citizens remain the driving force behind its resilience and long-term stability.

A new Reuters–Ipsos poll reveals that 58% of Americans disapprove of President Donald Trump’s performance, marking his lowest approval level since taking office. Conducted online over six days among 1,200 adults, the survey found Trump’s approval steady at around 40%, while disapproval rose from 52% in May to 58% in November. The poll also indicates growing enthusiasm among Democrats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, with 44% of Democratic voters saying they are highly motivated to vote compared to 26% of Republicans. Recent Democratic victories in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York have fueled optimism within the party. The survey concluded just before Congress voted to end a record 43-day government shutdown by passing a temporary spending bill extending federal funding until January 30.