The Bangladesh government has issued a new directive prohibiting real estate developers from charging any fees during the transfer, resale, or registration of land and flats already sold under registered deeds. The Ministry of Housing and Public Works announced the decision on November 12 to reduce harassment and financial exploitation of buyers and sellers. The circular clarifies that any demand for money by developers during name transfers or approvals is illegal. Violators will face action under the Real Estate Development and Management Act, its regulations, and other applicable laws. The move aims to ensure transparency and protect property owners from undue charges often imposed by developers during subsequent ownership transfers.

The Islami Andolan Bangladesh, led by the Pir of Charmonai, is emerging as a formidable contender in three key constituencies of the Barishal region—Barishal-5 (Sadar), Pirojpur-3 (Mathbaria), and Patuakhali-4 (Kalapara-Rangabali). The party’s deputy chief, Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim, is contesting against veteran BNP leader and five-time MP Mojibur Rahman Sarwar in Barishal-5, a traditional BNP stronghold. Analysts suggest that if Jamaat-e-Islami and other Islamist groups unite with Islami Andolan, it could significantly challenge BNP’s dominance. The Islami Andolan has shown growing voter support, securing around 30,000–33,000 votes in recent local elections. Party leaders claim voters will prioritize clean candidates over party loyalty, while BNP leaders remain confident of retaining the seat. Observers see this as one of Sarwar’s toughest political tests.

A teenage gang leader named Fahim Ahmed was killed in a violent turf war between rival youth gangs in Sylhet city. Before dying at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, Fahim recorded a video naming his attackers, which quickly went viral on social media. Police have launched raids based on his statement and collected video evidence to identify those involved. Fahim’s elder brother, Mamun Ahmed, previously led the same gang and is currently in jail facing multiple criminal charges. After Mamun’s arrest, Fahim took control of the group, leading to renewed clashes with rival gangs. Locals claim both groups enjoy political backing, hampering law enforcement efforts. Authorities have increased police presence in Baluchar area amid fears of retaliation and further violence.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a case against former Dhaka South City Corporation mayor Mohammad Sayeed Khokon, his sister Shahana Hanif, and their employee Md Raju Ahmed over allegations of laundering Tk 54.78 crore. The case was lodged at the ACC’s Integrated District Office, Dhaka-1, following an investigation that found preliminary evidence of money laundering through multiple bank accounts. According to the case statement, funds were transferred through seven accounts in City Bank, EXIM Bank, and Premier Bank under the names of Shahana Hanif and Sayeed Khokon Properties Ltd. The ACC alleges that false information was provided while opening the accounts and that the transactions were structured to conceal the illicit origin of the funds. The accused have been charged under sections of the Penal Code, the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the Money Laundering Prevention Act.

Leaders from eight Islamic political parties in Bangladesh accused the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus of failing to confront what they termed 'fascist forces' and their allies. Speaking at a rally in Comilla’s Town Hall, they declared that their parties would not participate in any election without the implementation of the July Charter and a national referendum. The speakers, including senior figures from Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, and Khelafat Majlis, said the people of Bangladesh would not accept elections that disregard these demands. The gathering was organized to protest against alleged acts of sabotage and subversive activities by fascist elements, and to call for stronger resistance against them. The event was chaired by Kazi Din Mohammad, the city chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Comilla.

BNP-nominated candidate for Munshiganj-1 constituency, Sheikh Md. Abdullah, reaffirmed his commitment to remain close to the people as the national election approaches. Speaking on Thursday morning in Patharghata, Sirajdikhan upazila, while assisting farmers in harvesting paddy, he said that true representatives are those who stand by the people. Abdullah pledged that if elected, his party would work to ensure farmers’ rights and overall prosperity. Local BNP and Krishak Dal leaders, including Sirajdikhan BNP General Secretary M. Haidar Ali and Krishak Dal central committee member Advocate Omar Faruk Russell, were present at the event, showing grassroots-level engagement in the election campaign.

Bangladesh’s Home and Agriculture Adviser, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, stated that the country’s law and order situation remains normal, with no major disturbances reported. Speaking to journalists at the Secretariat on Thursday, he said minor incidents were promptly addressed and there is no cause for concern regarding banned political groups. On the agricultural front, he expressed optimism about a bumper Aman rice harvest this season, noting that prices have been fixed at Tk 34 per kg for paddy, Tk 49 for atap rice, and Tk 50 for parboiled rice. He added that vegetable production is strong and prices remain stable, though potato farmers have suffered losses and will receive incentives. He also confirmed that onion imports are unnecessary due to sufficient domestic supply.

Bangladesh police have arrested 42 Awami League leaders and activists in Savar, Ashulia, and Dhamrai within 24 hours as part of a special operation to maintain security and prevent sabotage surrounding the party’s banned 'Dhaka Lockdown' program. According to police, 28 were detained in Savar, 11 in Ashulia, and 3 in Dhamrai. Authorities have intensified patrols, set up checkpoints, and deployed additional police, RAB, and intelligence personnel across key points of the Dhaka district. The army and RAB also maintained joint patrols. Despite the heightened security, no untoward incidents were reported in the affected areas. Dhaka District Police stated that the enhanced deployment and surveillance aim to ensure public safety and prevent any potential violence or subversive activities related to the political program.

In Chattogram’s Patiya upazila, banned Chhatra League leader Nurul Islam Rubel, 27, was detained by anti-discrimination movement leader Golam Mawla Mashraf and his associates before being handed over to police on Thursday morning. Mashraf reportedly told the officer-in-charge, 'Sir, here’s your gift,' while delivering Rubel. Rubel, a joint convener of the upazila Chhatra League, faces allegations of planning sabotage and involvement in two drug cases. According to police, he has been shown arrested in a case related to an attack on anti-discrimination activists. The anti-discrimination group stated that they acted to prevent further banned Chhatra League activities and are prepared to continue their campaign against such acts.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s central executive council has declared that the government’s decision to hold the national election and referendum on the same day is not acceptable to the nation. The statement came after a meeting chaired by Naib-e-Ameer and former MP Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher. The council reviewed the chief adviser’s recent speech and expressed disappointment that public demands were ignored. Members discussed the overall political situation, public expectations, and the evolving context ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election. The meeting concluded with a call for unity, public cooperation, and prayers for a peaceful, just, and prosperous Bangladesh.

In Shariatpur’s Gosairhat upazila, the Awami League’s announced lockdown saw little to no participation from party leaders or activists, who reportedly remained in hiding. Despite the call for a shutdown, daily life continued normally with shops, markets, and schools open, and local transport operating as usual. Residents said they noticed no signs of a lockdown, while police maintained heightened vigilance to prevent any untoward incidents. In contrast, BNP activists were seen holding a motorcycle rally in protest against the lockdown, claiming that people had rejected the Awami League’s program. Police officials confirmed that additional forces were deployed across key areas to ensure law and order and to prevent any potential acts of sabotage or unrest.

The Editors’ Council of Bangladesh has elected a new executive committee during its annual general meeting held on Thursday, November 13, at The Daily Star Centre in Dhaka. Nurul Kabir, editor of New Age, was elected as the new president, while Dewan Hanif Mahmud, editor of Bonik Barta, was re-elected as general secretary. The outgoing president, Mahfuz Anam of The Daily Star, presided over the meeting, which was attended by leading editors from major national newspapers. According to the council’s constitution, the newly elected committee will serve for the next two years. Members expressed optimism about strengthening the council’s activities through mutual cooperation. Nurul Kabir pledged to promote free, safe, and independent journalism, while Mahfuz Anam emphasized the council’s continued commitment to responsible and independent media practices.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will release the sixth installment of its loan to Bangladesh after discussions with the country's newly elected government, according to Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed. Speaking after a meeting of the Food Planning and Monitoring Committee, he said an IMF mission will visit Bangladesh in February to assess the situation before making a decision. The government has agreed to the IMF’s proposal to delay the disbursement until after the review. The IMF has advised Bangladesh to increase revenue collection, strengthen social safety nets, and continue banking sector reforms. Dr. Ahmed added that the current administration will prepare a comprehensive package for the next government covering IMF loan terms, reform conditions, and pay commission issues.

Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator of the National Citizens Party (NCP), stated that the July Charter order should be issued by the chief adviser rather than the president to ensure moral legitimacy. Speaking at a discussion organized by the National Farmers’ Force in Dhaka, he argued that although a presidential order would be legally valid, it would lack ethical justification. Patwari also claimed that a disconnect has grown between the government and the people over the past year due to constitutional decisions under Article 106. He further noted that while the public supported the president’s resignation, political parties failed to unite on the issue, allowing the ruling Awami League to take advantage of divisions within the BNP-Jamaat alliance.

In Dinajpur’s Nawabganj upazila, local leaders and activists of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami held a night-long street demonstration opposing an Awami League-declared lockdown. The protest took place around 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 13, in the upazila town center. Participants included the upazila Jamaat Amir, Secretary Rezaul Islam, council member Selim Reza, and Binodnagar Union Amir Azizul Islam, among other local leaders. The demonstrators reportedly organized a procession and sit-in program to express their opposition to the lockdown initiative. No incidents of violence or arrests were reported during the event, but the situation drew attention from local residents and authorities monitoring the area.