U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Washington may open discussions with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, signaling a potential shift in U.S. policy toward Caracas amid heightened regional tensions. The remarks came as the U.S. expanded its military presence in the Caribbean, deploying the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford and additional warships as part of an anti-narcotics campaign. Trump also indicated that the U.S. would designate the alleged Venezuelan drug organization Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist group, accusing Maduro of leading it—an allegation he denies. The administration has reportedly held internal meetings to consider possible military actions against Venezuela. Despite suggesting openness to dialogue, Trump emphasized continued pressure on Maduro, citing efforts to curb drug trafficking into the U.S. Human rights groups have criticized recent U.S. strikes on suspected drug boats as unlawful, while allies express concern over potential violations of international law. A recent poll showed limited American support for military intervention in Venezuela.

Bangladesh has deployed heavy security forces across Dhaka ahead of a landmark verdict against deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is being tried in absentia for alleged crimes against humanity linked to last year’s deadly crackdown on student-led protests. The International Crimes Tribunal is expected to announce its decision within hours, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty. Hasina, who fled to India in August 2023 after weeks of violent unrest that toppled her government, denies ordering any violence. Police have set up checkpoints, detained several Awami League supporters, and reported multiple crude bomb explosions in recent days. The proceedings have drawn intense attention both domestically and internationally, with observers warning that any verdict—guilty or acquittal—could trigger fresh unrest. India, where Hasina remains in exile, faces diplomatic pressure over Dhaka’s extradition request. The outcome is seen as pivotal for Bangladesh’s political future and its relations with India.

Bangladesh is on high alert as a special tribunal in Dhaka prepares to deliver its verdict against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is being tried in absentia for crimes against humanity. The 78-year-old leader, along with two senior officials, faces accusations of orchestrating a violent crackdown on student-led protests last year over a controversial government job quota system that left around 1,400 people dead. Arrest warrants were issued in June after Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan failed to appear in court. Formal charges were framed on July 10, and former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun confessed the same day, agreeing to testify for the prosecution. The tribunal heard testimony from August 3 to October 8, followed by final arguments in mid-October. The verdict, scheduled for November 17, is expected to have significant political and social implications for the country.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 of Bangladesh is set to deliver its verdict today in the high-profile case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others for alleged crimes against humanity during the July uprising. The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, will issue the first-ever verdict against a former head of government for genocide in Bangladesh’s history. According to prosecutor Gazi Monowar, Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both fugitives, will not be eligible to appeal the verdict as the right to appeal applies only to convicted persons in custody. The prosecution has demanded the maximum punishment for Hasina and Kamal, while the only detained accused, Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, has turned state witness. Legal experts note that gender or health conditions do not grant any special consideration under the tribunal’s law when determining punishment.

Former US ambassador to Bangladesh James Moriarty described the upcoming verdict concerning ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as highly significant for the country’s political trajectory. Speaking to BBC Bangla, Moriarty noted that the Awami League’s uninterrupted 15-year rule was unprecedented since Bangladesh’s independence. He observed that the party had amended the constitution and altered the legal framework to consolidate power, but the current situation indicates a shift in the political landscape. Moriarty suggested that if Hasina is convicted, limited violence could occur, though it is unlikely to escalate. Conversely, if she is acquitted, he predicted widespread protests due to what he termed a prevailing sense of vengeance in the country. He added that Awami League members now face a critical juncture in determining their future political role as Bangladesh enters a period of uncertainty.

In Gopalganj’s Kashiani upazila, activists of the banned Chhatra League briefly blocked the Dhaka-Khulna highway on Monday morning as part of a shutdown program. The protesters used tree trunks to obstruct traffic near Tilchhara Bazar around 7:45 a.m., causing vehicles to be stranded on both sides of the road for about 20 minutes. Videos of the blockade were later shared on social media. Upon receiving information, police from Kashiani station arrived at the scene, prompting the protesters to flee. Officers then removed the tree trunks and restored normal traffic flow. According to Kashiani Police Officer-in-Charge Kamal Hossain, the group attempted to enforce the blockade but dispersed quickly after noticing police presence, failing to sustain the protest.

BNP leaders and activists in Shibchar, Madaripur, took position on the Dhaka–Bhanga Expressway on Monday to prevent potential unrest and ensure public safety amid political tensions involving the Awami League. Led by district BNP joint convener Sajjad Hossain Siddiqui Lablu, the demonstration aimed to stop any violence or sabotage linked to the verdict in a war crimes case. BNP representatives stated that they would not tolerate instability or arson and were determined to maintain peace. Despite the gathering, traffic on both sides of the highway remained normal, and no untoward incidents were reported until noon. Law enforcement agencies, including the army, police, RAB, and four platoons of BGB, have been deployed across Madaripur to strengthen security and prevent possible violence around the verdict announcement.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal is set to announce its verdict today in a landmark case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others, accused of crimes against humanity during the July 2024 uprising. The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumdar, will convene at 11 a.m. amid heightened national and international attention. The prosecution alleges that Hasina directly ordered security forces and ruling party affiliates to suppress anti-discrimination student protests, resulting in over 1,500 deaths and 25,000 injuries. The charges include conspiracy, incitement, genocide, and systematic persecution. Specific incidents cited include the killing of students in Dhaka’s Chankharpul area and the burning of bodies in Ashulia. This marks the first time in Bangladesh’s history that a head of government faces such charges before the International Crimes Tribunal. Relatives of victims, student leaders, and activists have gathered at the tribunal premises in anticipation of the verdict, which is expected to have far-reaching political and social implications.

Two bulldozers were seen being taken toward Dhanmondi 32 through the road in front of Dhaka City College, accompanied by a group of young people identifying themselves as members of various student organizations. The movement comes ahead of the International Crimes Tribunal’s scheduled verdict on Monday, November 17, in a war crimes case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others. Law enforcement agencies have intensified security across the capital, setting up additional checkpoints and deploying personnel at key intersections. Reports indicate a noticeable reduction in private vehicles on the roads, while recent incidents of crude bomb explosions and bus arson have heightened public anxiety. Authorities have restricted movement near the High Court, the tribunal area, and Doel Chattar, conducting searches and questioning suspicious individuals to prevent possible unrest surrounding the verdict announcement.

A Dhaka court has ordered the freezing of 57 bank accounts belonging to former state minister and Awami League leader Jahangir Kabir Nanak, his wife Syeda Arjuman Banu, and their daughter S. Amreen Rakhi. The accounts reportedly contain around Tk 2.89 crore. The order was issued by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Sabbir Foyez on November 17 following a petition from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). According to the ACC’s application, investigations revealed suspicious transactions totaling Tk 32.18 crore across various accounts, including deposits of Tk 17.55 crore and withdrawals of Tk 14.62 crore. The ACC suspects the funds may have originated from corruption and bribery, indicating possible money laundering. The commission also noted attempts to transfer or conceal the funds, prompting the court to freeze the accounts to ensure a fair investigation.

A tragic road accident near Medina, Saudi Arabia, claimed the lives of 42 Umrah pilgrims when a passenger bus collided with a diesel tanker early Monday morning. According to local media reports cited by NDTV, most of the victims were Indian nationals, primarily from Hyderabad in Telangana. The bus was traveling from Mecca to Medina when the collision occurred near the Mufrihat area around 2 a.m. Bangladesh time. The impact caused the bus to catch fire, trapping many passengers who were asleep at the time. Among the deceased were at least 11 women and 10 children, though authorities are still verifying the exact numbers. Rescue teams reported that the bus was completely burned, making identification of victims extremely difficult. One survivor, identified as Mohammad Abdul Shuaib, has been hospitalized. The Telangana government is coordinating with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh to assist with the aftermath and repatriation efforts.

Gono Adhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan stated that people who did not receive compassion from former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should not show sympathy toward her. In a Facebook post on November 17, he wrote that Hasina should face the death penalty if found guilty of crimes related to the 2024 mass uprising, which left around 1,400 people dead and 25,000 injured. The International Crimes Tribunal-1, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar, is set to deliver its verdict today in the case against Hasina. The case accuses her of responsibility for the casualties during the nationwide protests. Khan’s remarks come amid heightened anticipation across Bangladesh as citizens await the tribunal’s decision, which could have significant political and social repercussions.

Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has warned that any future aggression against Pakistan will be met with a swift and strong response. Speaking during a luncheon in honor of Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Munir emphasized that Pakistan’s military victory in May was due to divine blessing, not personal achievement. He described the Pakistan Army as 'Allah’s army,' fighting in the name of God. The remarks come after a recent conflict in May, when India launched attacks following a deadly terrorist incident in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam area that killed 28 people. Pakistan claimed to have downed seven Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales, during the confrontation. India blamed Pakistan for the Pahalgam attack without presenting concrete evidence, which Islamabad denied. Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace but stressed that any future aggression would be met with decisive military retaliation.

In Kishoreganj upazila of Nilphamari district, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami organized a sit-in program on Monday to prevent possible acts of sabotage following the court verdict against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two other accused in a case related to crimes against humanity. The demonstration began at 10 a.m. at key locations including Jharna Mor and the local press club area. Upazila Nayeb-e-Ameer Akhtaruzzaman Badol, Assistant Secretary Shibbir Ahmed, and Upazila Workers’ Party President Manjurul Islam Ratan addressed the gathering. The party stated that the program aimed to maintain peace and order in the area amid heightened political tension. Local authorities monitored the situation closely to ensure no violence occurred during the event.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has alleged that Awami League-linked 'terrorists' are using money looted from banks and financial institutions to carry out acts of arson and explosions in Dhaka. Speaking at an emergency press conference at the BNP’s central office in Naya Paltan on Monday, Rizvi claimed that funds embezzled from Bangladesh Bank, BASIC Bank, and other financial institutions, as well as alleged corruption linked to the Padma Bridge project, are being used to finance these violent incidents. He accused the ruling party of orchestrating these attacks to create unrest and shift blame onto the opposition. The Awami League has not immediately responded to Rizvi’s allegations, which come amid heightened political tensions and sporadic violence in the capital.