The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has confirmed that it is fully prepared to conduct the 13th National Parliamentary Election, likely to be held in the first or second week of February. Senior Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud told the Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha that all major election preparations, including the arrival of indelible ink from abroad, have been completed. He emphasized that maintaining a peaceful law and order situation is vital not only for the election but also for the nation’s overall stability and development. The EC aims to rebuild public trust following previous irregularities and is committed to ensuring a fair, neutral, and participatory election. According to the EC Secretariat, procurement of election materials, legal revisions, and voter list updates will be finalized by mid-November, with the election schedule expected in early December. Bangladesh now has 127.6 million registered voters, including 1,230 third-gender voters. A total of 42,761 polling centers and 244,649 booths have been designated across 300 constituencies. For the first time, expatriate Bangladeshis will be able to vote through postal ballots, marking a significant step toward inclusivity and modernization of the electoral process.

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) has decided to revoke the lifetime membership of Sheikh Hasina, a position granted to her in 2019 during the second general meeting of that year’s elected council. At that time, the Bangladesh Chhatra League, the student wing of the ruling Awami League, had won a sweeping majority in the DUCSU elections, leading to Hasina’s honorary membership. Now, in a symbolic reversal, the newly elected DUCSU leaders of 2025 have reached a unanimous, policy-level agreement to nullify that decision. DUCSU Assistant General Secretary (AGS) Mohiuddin Khan confirmed the development, stating that just as the 2019 council’s second general meeting had granted Hasina the membership, the 2025 council’s second general meeting would formally cancel it. According to Mohiuddin, the decision is based on principles of inclusivity and institutional independence, aiming to make DUCSU more representative of students’ voices rather than political affiliations. He added that DUCSU’s ongoing initiatives are divided into two categories—immediate service-based projects and long-term policy reforms—both intended to strengthen student welfare and democratic accountability within the university’s governance.

Israel carried out extensive airstrikes across four cities in southern Lebanon—Ayta al-Jabal, Taybeh, Tair Debba, and Zawtar al-Sharqiya—killing at least one person and injuring nine others. Lebanese officials accused Israel of flagrantly violating the ceasefire agreement brokered in late 2024, following months of border tensions. According to Lebanon’s state news agency, Israeli fighter jets struck civilian areas in Tyre district, contradicting Israel’s claim that the strikes targeted Hezbollah military sites. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the attacks, calling them “a clear breach of international humanitarian law” and evidence that Israel was forcing a new war on Lebanon. Hezbollah reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire but warned it would not remain silent under continued Israeli aggression. The group said it reserved the legitimate right to respond in self-defense. The recent escalation comes despite the 2024 ceasefire, which required Israel to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon by January 2025—a condition that remains unfulfilled. Israel continues to maintain troops in at least five border posts and has conducted near-daily air raids since the truce. Over 4,000 Lebanese have been killed since the conflict reignited in 2024, underscoring the fragility of the region’s security and diplomacy.

Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU) in Dhaka has expelled master’s student Dhanishree Roy from all academic activities for one semester and permanently expelled her from her residential hall for allegedly making religiously provocative comments on social media. The university authority issued the order on Thursday (November 6), signed by Registrar Sheikh Rezaul Karim. According to the notice, Dhanishree Roy, a second-semester master’s student in the Department of Microbiology under the Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, made an “obscene and religiously inflammatory” comment on October 24. Following an investigation, the disciplinary board recommended the punishment, which was implemented immediately. Reports say the controversy began after Dhanishree commented on the BUET student Sreeshant case, labeling him “mentally unstable” and asserting that his alleged actions could not be attributed to his religion. She further criticized communal reactions, saying moral judgment should be based on mentality, not faith. In another comment, she reportedly called anti-rape activists a “bastard generation,” sparking outrage and protests among students across the campus.

Professor Mia Golam Parwar, Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has called on the Chief Adviser to enforce the July Charter immediately and hold a nationwide referendum by mid-November to establish its legal basis. Speaking at a pre-march rally at Shapla Chattar in Motijheel on Thursday, 6 November, he emphasized that failing to fulfill these demands would compromise the respect and trust earned from the public. The rally, organized by eight Islamic political parties including Jamaat-e-Islami, was part of a coordinated movement demanding five key political reforms. Professor Parwar urged the Chief Adviser to act as a neutral mediator, facilitating political unity to ensure a free, fair, and transparent election in February. Highlighting the need to safeguard Bangladesh’s hard-won independence, he warned against delays or conspiracies, urging immediate action to prevent undermining public expectations and the legitimacy of the current state framework.

Typhoon Kalmaegi has caused widespread devastation across the central Philippines, particularly in Cebu Province, where at least 140 people have been confirmed dead and many others remain missing. The powerful storm destroyed homes, flooded roads with mud, and submerged vehicles, leaving vast areas in ruins. In response to the extensive damage and loss of life, the Philippine government has declared a national state of calamity to expedite relief operations and emergency aid distribution. Now gaining strength over the South China Sea, Kalmaegi is heading toward central Vietnam, where authorities warn that the ongoing week-long flooding could worsen significantly. Officials in Vietnam have expressed concern that already water-saturated regions may face further disaster if the storm makes landfall at full force. Meanwhile, rescue and recovery efforts have begun in the Philippines, even as the government prepares for another approaching storm, “Wan,” expected to arrive over the weekend.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has issued a stern warning that no one will be spared if they attempt to organize or join rallies in support of the banned Awami League. Speaking at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy on Bailey Road, Dhaka, on Wednesday, he stated that the government has already outlawed all activities of the Awami League and that any demonstrations or gatherings in its favor will face strict legal consequences. Alam also accused former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of being responsible for the deaths of over a hundred people and referred to her as the “Butcher of Bengal.” He added that the government is closely monitoring her actions and communications from India.

Two police constables from Rajshahi’s Durgapur Police Station were beaten by locals after being accused of attempting to extort money from a young man in Shyampur village on Tuesday evening, November 4. The officers, identified as driver Imran Ali of the emergency “999” unit and computer operator Majed Hossain, allegedly demanded a large sum from Sajib Ahmed, claiming he was involved in online gambling. When Sajib refused, they reportedly threatened to arrest him. Locals became suspicious after the pair failed to show identification and detained them following an altercation. Police later arrived and rescued the constables, who have since been withdrawn to the police lines. Investigators have been assigned, and senior officers confirmed departmental action will follow if the allegations are substantiated. One of the accused, Imran Ali, denied the charges, claiming they were falsely implicated and had not gone to arrest anyone.

The Ganasamhati Andolon has announced its list of potential candidates for 93 parliamentary constituencies ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming national election. The announcement was made on Wednesday at a press conference held at the party’s central office in Hatirpool, Dhaka. Executive Coordinator Abul Hasan Rubel made the declaration in the presence of Chief Coordinator Zunaid Saki and other central leaders. According to the released list, Zunaid Saki will contest from Brahmanbaria-6, while Abul Hasan Rubel himself will run from Pabna-4 and Dhaka-10 constituencies. Taslima Akhter, a member of the party’s political council, is set to contest from Dhaka-12. Other central leaders, including Hasan Maruf Rumi, Dewan Abdur Rashid, and Monir Uddin Pappu, were also present at the event where the party emphasized its commitment to inclusive and progressive politics.

Gabriele Nunziati, an Italian journalist based in Brussels for the Rome-based Nova News Agency, has been dismissed from his position after asking a question about Gaza’s reconstruction during a European Commission press conference. The incident occurred on October 13, when Nunziati directly asked European Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho whether Israel should bear the financial responsibility for rebuilding Gaza, drawing a parallel with the EU’s stance that Russia must pay for Ukraine’s reconstruction. Pinho replied that it was an “interesting question” but declined to comment further. The exchange quickly went viral online, shared widely by various media outlets. Two weeks later, on October 27, Nunziati received an email informing him that Nova News would no longer collaborate with him. In an interview with The Intercept, he confirmed that his dismissal was linked to his Gaza-related question. Nova News spokesperson Francesco Civita also acknowledged the decision, stating the organization would not maintain ties with Nunziati. Italian MP Anna Laura Orrico criticized the move, calling it a “shameful act” if proven true, and highlighting concerns about press freedom and journalistic independence within European media.

The United States faces growing chaos as the ongoing federal government shutdown — now the longest in the nation’s history at 36 days — begins to disrupt air travel on a massive scale. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that, starting Friday, 10 percent of flights will be cut across 40 major airports if the shutdown continues. The decision comes amid a severe shortage of air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff, many of whom have been working without pay for weeks. Although the government has not released the full list of affected airports, the measure is expected to impact busy hubs including New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Dallas. Industry analysts at Cirium estimate the cuts could reduce around 1,800 flights and 268,000 seats daily. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned that stricter controls might follow if the crisis persists. Airlines and trade groups such as Airlines for America are coordinating with the government to minimize disruptions for passengers and cargo transport. Since the shutdown began, over 3.2 million travelers have faced flight delays or cancellations, and more than 2,100 flights were delayed on Wednesday alone.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has asserted that Western powers’ efforts to strategically defeat and divide Russia have completely failed. Speaking at a Council on Interethnic Relations meeting on Wednesday, Putin said that so-called international organizations and “pseudo-national centers” operating outside Russia are in fact tools of an ongoing information war against the country. These groups, he claimed, are promoting the idea of “decolonizing Russia” — an attempt to fragment the Russian Federation and push it toward so-called “strategic defeat.” Putin accused these organizations of advancing the concept of a “post-Russia,” portraying the nation as divided and deprived of sovereignty. He warned that provocations aimed at sowing discord among Russian citizens must stop immediately, alleging that many such operations are orchestrated by foreign intelligence services. According to Putin, Russia’s adversaries exploit various social and political issues — including migration and daily events — to inflame tensions, even using extremist groups that employ terrorist tactics. Despite centuries of Western attempts to destabilize Russia, he emphasized, all such efforts have failed. Putin also supported the proposal to designate 2026 as the “Year of Unity of Russia’s Peoples,” reaffirming the nation’s resilience and cohesion.

The caretaker government of Bangladesh has given final approval to the ‘Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Remedies Ordinance 2025’, marking a significant step toward justice and human rights protection. Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Shafiqul Alam, announced the decision during a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy on Thursday. The ordinance legally defines “enforced disappearance” and categorizes it as a continuing offense, carrying penalties up to the death sentence. It also criminalizes the establishment and use of secret detention centers, known as Aynaghar, as punishable offenses. The National Human Rights Commission and the proposed Investigation Commission will be empowered to receive and investigate complaints related to enforced disappearances. The ordinance mandates that tribunals complete trials within 120 days of framing charges and ensures protection, compensation, and legal aid for victims and witnesses. Additionally, a special fund and a national database will be established for prevention and protection efforts. Officials noted that the law aligns with the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, reflecting Bangladesh’s commitment to preventing state-sponsored abuses and ensuring that no future government can operate secret detention centers or commit such crimes with impunity.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed his ministers and security officials to prepare proposals for possible nuclear weapons testing, warning the United States of a reciprocal response if it resumes nuclear tests. The move follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent order to lift the 1992 moratorium on nuclear testing and instruct the Pentagon to restart tests immediately. During a Security Council meeting on November 5, Putin said that if the U.S. or any signatory of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty resumes testing, Russia will be compelled to respond in kind. He instructed the Foreign Ministry, Defense Ministry, intelligence agencies, and civilian institutions to collect information and develop coordinated plans prioritizing nuclear readiness. Defense Minister Andrei Belousov stated that the U.S. move significantly heightens the military threat to Russia, emphasizing the need to maintain Russia’s nuclear deterrence. Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov also warned that delaying action could cost Russia its strategic advantage. Analysts say the renewed nuclear testing rhetoric between Moscow and Washington—both major nuclear powers—marks a dangerous escalation, threatening to further undermine global arms control efforts already weakened by geopolitical tensions over the Ukraine war and sanctions.

The Supreme Court of Bangladesh has released the complete 59-page verdict acquitting BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, and several others in the long-standing Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case. Delivered on January 15 by a five-member Appellate Division bench led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, the unanimous ruling overturned the earlier convictions handed down by the trial court and the High Court. The full text, published on November 4 on the Supreme Court’s official website, declared that all appellants were found not guilty, effectively nullifying the prior sentences of imprisonment and fines. The verdict also stated that the prosecution had involved a “malicious misuse of law” and that the ruling applies to others convicted who did not file appeals. The judgment marks a significant legal and political turning point, restoring the reputation of the accused and putting an end to what the court described as unjust proceedings. The original case was filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in 2008, resulting in a 2018 conviction of Khaleda Zia and others. With this decision, the Supreme Court brings closure to one of Bangladesh’s most politically charged legal battles.