Bangladesh and Qatar have signed a long-awaited agreement allowing the deployment of Bangladeshi armed forces personnel to the Qatar Armed Forces. The signing ceremony took place in Doha, where Bangladesh’s Principal Staff Officer Lieutenant General S M Kamrul Hasan and Qatar’s Chief of Staff Lieutenant General (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohammed Al Mannai signed the deal. Initially, around 800 Bangladeshi military members will be sent to Qatar on a three-year deputation, which may be extended to six years based on performance. The agreement is expected to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation, enhance professional exchange, and generate foreign currency earnings for Bangladesh. The initiative follows the visit of Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus to Qatar earlier this year, which helped accelerate the signing process. Officials from both countries, including Bangladesh’s ambassador to Qatar, attended the signing ceremony. The deployment marks a new phase in defense collaboration between the two nations.

Newly elected New York Mayor Zohra Mamdani has called for a public boycott of Starbucks in solidarity with striking workers demanding a fair union contract. In a post on social media platform X on November 14, Mamdani stated that Starbucks employees are fighting for fair treatment and that he would refrain from purchasing from the chain until the dispute is resolved. The strike, dubbed the 'Red Cup Rebellion,' coincided with Starbucks’ busy Red Cup Day, when customers typically line up for free holiday cups. Organized by Starbucks Workers United, the walkout involved employees from over 25 U.S. cities. The union claims the company has refused to negotiate, warning that the strike could expand if talks stall. Starbucks, however, rejected the union’s demands, asserting that its workers already receive competitive pay and benefits, averaging $19 per hour and over $30 with additional perks.

The United States is reportedly preparing for a potential military strike against Venezuela, according to NPR. The Pentagon has announced a five-day naval exercise in Trinidad and Tobago, while the world’s largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, is set to arrive in the northern Caribbean Sea on November 16. Although President Donald Trump has not officially declared a direct attack, reports suggest that military preparations are nearly complete, involving 15,000 troops and 2,000 marines. Trump has hinted at having made a 'mental decision' regarding Venezuela but has not elaborated. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has condemned the U.S. exercises, accusing Washington of preparing for war. The Pentagon insists the operations are aimed at intercepting drug trafficking vessels, though officials have hinted at possible ground operations targeting Venezuela.

Bangladesh’s Supreme Court has requested the army headquarters to deploy troops to ensure security around the International Crimes Tribunal ahead of the November 17 verdict in a war crimes case involving former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others. Authorities fear potential unrest from banned Awami League activists during the announcement. The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumdar, will deliver its ruling on charges of genocide linked to the July coup. The Ministry of Culture plans to broadcast the historic judgment live on large screens across Dhaka. Law enforcement agencies, including the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, have heightened alert levels and will deploy additional forces to prevent sabotage or violence. The Supreme Court administration confirmed that the letter seeking army assistance was sent on Sunday evening, underscoring the government’s concern over maintaining order during the high-profile verdict.

A liquor bar named Bangladesh Media Club Ltd., reportedly owned by fugitive journalist Nayeem Nizam, has sparked controversy over its licensing and operation. According to allegations by Aminur Rahman Khan from Purana Paltan, the bar received its license during the Awami League government under the direction of former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, allegedly bypassing regulations. Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, Nizam went into hiding, yet influential groups are reportedly trying to relocate and reopen the bar despite a Home Ministry order issued on April 15, 2024, prohibiting such transfers. Attempts to secure court approval also failed after the Attorney General’s Office opposed the move. However, reports suggest continued pressure on the Department of Narcotics Control to allow the bar’s operation. Observers have called for a thorough investigation, emphasizing that a fugitive cannot legally run a liquor business under existing laws.

Malaysian immigration authorities detained 123 migrant workers, including 45 Bangladeshi nationals, during an operation named 'Ops Mahir' at a plastic factory in Johor state. The raid, conducted on Saturday evening, followed weeks of surveillance and public complaints about illegal foreign labor employment. Johor Immigration Director Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus said the detainees failed to produce valid work permits and were charged with violating the Immigration Act. The arrested workers include nationals from Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, India, and Pakistan, aged between 20 and 48. One local human resources officer was also detained. During the operation, panic spread among workers, and several attempted to flee before officers sealed all exits. All detainees have been sent to the Setia Tropika Immigration Depot for further questioning, and authorities confirmed that legal proceedings are underway.

In Barguna’s Bamna upazila, leaders and activists of the banned Awami League and Chhatra League locked four local institutions, including Bamna Government College, late Saturday night in protest related to the verdict against Sheikh Hasina for alleged crimes against humanity. The other affected institutions were Bukabunia Union Parishad office, Bukabunia Land Office, and Bukabunia Adarsha Secondary School. Police reported that the locks were broken on Sunday morning and normal operations have resumed. Local Chhatra League leaders confirmed the incident through Facebook posts, claiming the action was part of their political program. The head teacher of Bukabunia Adarsha Secondary School said he found the school gate locked in the morning and informed the police, who then instructed reopening. Bamna Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Harun-or-Rashid Howlader stated that he visited the scene but found no visible evidence of the incident, though an investigation is ongoing.

Bus operations between Barishal and the rest of Bangladesh have been suspended following violent clashes and vandalism at the Nathullabad Central Bus Terminal on Saturday night. The unrest began after an argument over half fares between a BM College student and transport workers escalated, leading hundreds of students to attack the terminal, vandalizing over 150 buses and setting one on fire before firefighters intervened. Transport workers allege that large sums of money were looted and 20–25 workers injured, while students claim workers assaulted them first when they protested the harassment of a fellow student. Although no official strike was declared, bus owners and workers have stopped services citing safety concerns and heavy damage. The suspension has caused severe travel disruptions across the southern region, leaving passengers stranded. Bus owners estimate losses of several crores of taka, with most buses requiring extensive repairs before resuming service.

Bangladesh’s law enforcement agencies are on maximum alert ahead of Monday’s verdict by the International Crimes Tribunal against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and two others accused of crimes against humanity. The banned Awami League has announced a two-day nationwide shutdown starting Sunday, though its impact in Dhaka has been minimal so far. Authorities fear possible violence or sabotage by party activists around the verdict announcement. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has deployed additional forces across the capital and increased intelligence surveillance on roads, railways, and waterways to prevent unrest. Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury confirmed that the verdict will be delivered as scheduled on November 17 and assured that all necessary security measures are in place to maintain order. Police officials stated they are prepared to respond to any attempt at violence or disruption in the interest of public safety.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali has instructed officers to open fire on anyone attempting to set vehicles ablaze or hurl explosives such as cocktails. The directive, issued via radio communication on Sunday, November 16, comes amid heightened security concerns ahead of a tribunal verdict scheduled for Monday against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on charges of crimes against humanity. According to DMP officials, the commissioner emphasized that police have legal authority to use lethal force if lives or property are endangered. The order follows recent violent incidents in Chattogram, where the city’s police commissioner also authorized officers to shoot armed criminals. Authorities fear that banned pro-Awami League groups, including the Awami League itself and its student wing, may attempt to create unrest surrounding the verdict announcement. The directive underscores the government’s zero-tolerance stance toward potential violence and public disorder in the capital.

Bangladesh police have arrested 44 activists of a banned faction of the Chhatra League in Comilla for allegedly planning acts of sabotage reportedly financed by Suchana, daughter of former MP Bahuddin Bahar. The arrests took place between Saturday night and Sunday morning during raids across the city and district. According to police, the group was preparing for a flash procession and possible unrest in key city areas, including Tomchom Bridge, Badurtala, and Dhoromsagorpar. Officers recovered bamboo sticks, banners, and other materials believed to be intended for disruptive activities. Comilla’s Superintendent of Police Mohammad Nazir Ahmed Khan said the detainees face multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit sabotage. Authorities are working to identify additional suspects, and security across the city has been tightened following the incident.

An attempted arson took place at a Grameen Bank branch in the Garidah Bus Stand area of Sherpur upazila, Bogura, late Saturday night. According to police, two unidentified individuals poured petrol on the bank’s outer gate nameplate and set it on fire before fleeing on a motorcycle. The fire quickly extinguished, causing only minor burn marks and no significant damage. CCTV footage from a nearby building captured the incident, but the suspects’ faces were obscured by fog. Bank officials discovered the burn marks the following morning and notified authorities. Police recovered two empty plastic bottles believed to have contained petrol and suspect the act was intended to spread fear. Law enforcement has increased patrols in the area and launched an investigation to identify and arrest those responsible. The Superintendent of Police stated that the attempt appeared to be an act of sabotage, though no formal complaint had been filed as of Sunday afternoon.

Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser, retired Lieutenant General Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, stated that the tribunal’s verdict in the ongoing case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be implemented regardless of its outcome on Monday. Speaking to reporters in Barishal after a meeting with law enforcement and administrative officials, he assured that the security forces are fully prepared to prevent any unrest surrounding the verdict. Chowdhury described the current law and order situation as generally satisfactory, though minor disturbances have occurred in some areas. He also emphasized that preparations are underway to ensure a free, fair, and festive national election, instructing the field administration to take all necessary measures. The adviser noted that a fair election depends not only on the administration but also on the Election Commission, political parties, and the public, expressing optimism that the upcoming polls will be conducted peacefully.

Bangladesh’s economy is gradually recovering due to various government initiatives aimed at revitalizing economic activities, according to Economic Adviser Professor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed. Speaking at the ‘Nagad-DRU Best Reporting Award 2025’ event in Dhaka, he stated that the economy is now in a much better position compared to the challenging period of last August. Dr. Ahmed highlighted positive trends in foreign reserves and exports, noting that major global institutions have recognized Bangladesh’s progress. However, he acknowledged that internal challenges remain and urged greater accountability and restraint in future development projects, citing past mega projects that yielded limited benefits. He emphasized that national development should also focus on education, health, and social security, not just economic growth. Dr. Ahmed also called on journalists to play a responsible role by producing investigative reports and constructive criticism to ensure transparency and improvement.

In Patuakhali, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) activists wearing white shrouds blocked the motorcade of the party’s senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday, November 16. The protest occurred at Kazirhat Bridge in Sadar Upazila as Rizvi arrived to provide financial aid to a needy family on behalf of acting chairman Tarique Rahman. The demonstrators, members of the district and upazila units of Jubo Dal, demanded the withdrawal of the expulsion order against former district Jubo Dal vice-president and upazila convener Rimanul Islam Rimu. They claimed Rimu was unfairly expelled following an isolated incident after the August 5, 2024 movement. Rizvi later spoke with the protesters, assuring them that the issue would be reviewed by the party. Following his assurance, the activists ended their blockade, and traffic returned to normal.