Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, re-elected for a third consecutive term, visited his birthplace Sylhet on Wednesday, November 5, where he spoke to journalists about his party’s political stance. Dr. Rahman claimed that Jamaat’s internal election under the PR system demonstrated the highest level of public support. Addressing the issue of alliances, he made it clear that Jamaat has no plan to form any political coalition, though it remains open to electoral understandings with like-minded and patriotic parties. According to him, the goal is to build the nation collectively with those committed to integrity and nationalism. When asked whether “everyone” includes the ruling Awami League, Dr. Rahman responded by questioning the party’s sincerity toward elections, arguing that forcing them into polls would be unjust. He warned that if the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election is not held by February, the country could face instability. During his Sylhet visit, he also discussed issues such as protecting expatriate interests and extending the timeline for the new voter list. Thousands of Jamaat activists in Sylhet welcomed their re-elected leader with a large motorbike and car procession.

The Government of Bangladesh’s Posts and Telecommunications Division has unveiled the draft of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Ordinance 2025, aiming to modernize the sector and reinforce citizens’ digital rights. The proposed law introduces a landmark ban on internet shutdowns, a measure intended to uphold freedom of connectivity and prevent arbitrary disruption of online access. According to an official press release signed by Muhammad Jasim Uddin on November 5, the draft is now available on the division’s official website for public review and feedback. It also seeks to strengthen transparency, accountability, and governance within the telecommunications industry by updating outdated laws and aligning them with global digital standards. Stakeholders and citizens are invited to submit their opinions via email at secretary@ptd.gov.bd or by post to the ministry by November 15, 2025.

Even as the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas continues in Gaza, humanitarian agencies report that aid deliveries remain severely restricted, worsening an already dire food crisis. According to the UN and the World Food Programme (WFP), only a fraction of the pledged relief has entered the enclave due to limited border openings and ongoing Israeli controls. The WFP says it has distributed food to more than one million people since the truce began on October 10, yet this number remains far below actual needs. Northern Gaza, where famine conditions were identified months ago, remains largely inaccessible. Aid convoys are forced to take long, dangerous routes through the south because northern crossings remain closed. UN officials warn that without full access, Gaza’s population faces a humanitarian catastrophe as winter approaches, with widespread hunger, fuel shortages, and inadequate shelter. Despite the truce, sporadic Israeli attacks continue to claim lives, adding to the despair of displaced civilians. The UN and aid groups have urged Israel to fully open all border crossings and allow unhindered delivery of food, fuel, and medicine to avert mass starvation and further loss of life.

China has announced a suspension of the 24% additional tariffs on U.S. goods following recent discussions between President Xi Jinping and former U.S. President Donald Trump. The decision, declared on Wednesday by China’s State Council Tariff Commission, keeps the existing 10% tariff in place while pausing the extra levy for one year. Officials stated that the move aims to stabilize bilateral trade relations and support global economic recovery after years of tariff disputes. Additionally, China will lift up to 15% of specific tariffs on U.S. agricultural products, effective November 10. Analysts suggest this will boost imports of key commodities such as soybeans, corn, and meat—benefiting both American farmers and Chinese consumers amid rising food prices. Although no major deal emerged from the Xi-Trump meeting, the renewed dialogue is seen as a step toward easing tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

Abdul-Malik Badruddin al-Houthi, leader of Yemen’s Ansarullah movement, has accused the United States, Israel, and their allies of killing nearly three million innocent Muslims in various Islamic countries over the past twenty years. Speaking at Yemen’s Martyrs’ Remembrance Week ceremony on Tuesday, al-Houthi said these deaths reflect the oppressive policies of Western powers aiming to subjugate Muslim nations. He claimed that America itself has admitted responsibility for mass killings, most of the victims being from the Islamic Ummah. The Houthi leader condemned Israel’s ongoing siege and starvation tactics in Gaza, emphasizing that such actions have failed to break Muslim resistance. He asserted that martyrdom is a symbol of strength and protection from humiliation. Al-Houthi also criticized Western efforts to mentally manipulate and enslave Muslim societies through colonization, violence, and psychological warfare.

In an exclusive interview with NDTV on November 4, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar expressed deep gratitude toward India for standing by Israel during its conflict with Hamas. He stated, “India was by our side, and we will remember that forever.” Sa’ar highlighted that bilateral relations between Israel and India have reached unprecedented strength, driven by cooperation in defense, agriculture, technology, and intelligence. He revealed that both nations are finalizing a new memorandum of understanding on defense collaboration and developing frameworks for intelligence sharing. Sa’ar also commended Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the first world leader to call Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, reinforcing the friendship between the two nations. On the Israel–Palestine issue, Sa’ar rejected the possibility of establishing a Palestinian state that could threaten Israel’s security, emphasizing lessons learned from past mistakes. He reaffirmed Israel’s goal to dismantle Hamas’s military capabilities and end its regime in Gaza. The minister further noted that Israel and India share similar experiences in combating terrorism, and their partnership symbolizes a strong, strategic, and future-oriented alliance.

A proposal has been made to establish a centralized platform in Bangladesh to curb online gambling, betting, and pornography. The platform will integrate key digital and identity infrastructures — including SIM cards, mobile financial service (MFS) accounts, national identity (NID) numbers, and website monitoring systems — under a unified operational framework. The initiative was discussed in a meeting held at the BTRC headquarters in Dhaka, attended by representatives from the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and ICT, BTRC, Bangladesh Bank, Election Commission, law enforcement, intelligence agencies, mobile operators, and MFS providers. The proposed system aims to detect and block illegal gambling transactions, identify suspicious mobile and MFS accounts, and track online activities using advanced verification tools. A joint Subscriber Data Verification Platform (SDVP) between BTRC and Bangladesh Bank is being developed to facilitate this. Authorities are also working on a “crawling engine” to trace gambling-related content. Representatives emphasized coordination, stronger monitoring, and public awareness to prevent youth exploitation and money laundering. The move marks a comprehensive effort to strengthen digital security and social stability through cross-sectoral collaboration.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has officially received registration as a political organization from the Election Commission, securing the Shapla Koli (water lily bud) as its electoral symbol. In a video message on Tuesday night, the party’s convener Nahid Islam expressed gratitude to all party members and supporters for their tireless efforts leading to this achievement. He described the NCP as a party “for all citizens” and invited individuals who wish to enter politics with sincerity and a vision for a new Bangladesh to join their movement. Nahid Islam recounted the party’s journey, noting that it was founded in February following a period of civic activism and that the registration process began in March. Despite initial delays from the Election Commission, the party persisted and ultimately received official recognition. The NCP plans to field candidates in all 300 constituencies under the Shapla Koli symbol. Emphasizing honesty, patriotism, and reform, Nahid stated that the party is preparing for the upcoming national elections and working to build public support nationwide. He concluded by reaffirming the NCP’s commitment to work for people’s rights and establish a fair political culture in Bangladesh.

A UPS cargo plane crashed and exploded shortly after takeoff from Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky on Tuesday evening, killing at least three people and injuring 11 others. Governor Andy Beshear said the numbers are likely to rise as emergency teams continue search and rescue operations amid dangerous conditions. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft, built in 1991, was en route to Honolulu when flames erupted on its left wing around 5:15 p.m. Video footage showed the aircraft briefly lifting off before crashing and bursting into a massive fireball. Nearby structures sustained significant damage, including parts of a roof torn off near the runway. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg cited the large quantity of jet fuel onboard as a major hazard for responders. Authorities have issued a shelter-in-place order for areas north of the airport up to the Ohio River due to possible toxic fumes. Louisville’s UPS hub, one of the world’s largest package handling facilities, has temporarily suspended operations. Officials urge residents to stay indoors and keep emergency routes clear while investigations continue.

The Bangladesh government has decided not to grant permission for Indian-born Islamic preacher Dr. Zakir Naik to visit Dhaka at this time, according to a source in the Ministry of Home Affairs. The decision was made during a core law and order committee meeting held on Tuesday (November 4) at the Secretariat, chaired by Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. Other key officials present included Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, International Affairs Envoy Lutfe Siddique, Special Assistant Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Abdul Hafiz, and Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam. During the meeting, it was revealed that an organization had invited Dr. Naik to attend a two-day program in Dhaka on November 28 and 29, with possible visits outside the capital. However, authorities expressed concern that his arrival could attract massive public gatherings requiring extensive law enforcement deployment—resources currently focused on the upcoming national election. Consequently, it was decided that Dr. Zakir Naik may visit after the election but not before. Dr. Naik left India after being accused of inciting extremism following the 2016 Holey Artisan attack in Dhaka. He currently resides in Malaysia with permanent resident status.

The interim government of Bangladesh has approved the inclusion of recognized independent Ebtedayi madrasas under the Monthly Pay Order (MPO) scheme, contingent upon meeting four specific conditions. The directive, signed by Mir Tayefa Siddika, Director-7 at the Chief Adviser’s Office, was sent to the Ministry of Education on November 3. As per the order, madrasas fulfilling all requirements under the 2018 policy on establishment, recognition, management, staffing, and salary structure will be eligible for MPO inclusion in the first phase, following verification through detailed district administration reports. In the next phase, other eligible institutions will gradually be added. Prior to final approval, the Finance Division’s consent is mandatory, and any existing grant-in-aid facilities must be discontinued after MPO enlistment. This decision came amid ongoing demonstrations by Ebtedayi madrasa teachers demanding nationalization. Although the announcement marks progress, teachers from non-grant madrasas expressed dissatisfaction, vowing to continue protests until all Ebtedayi institutions—whether grant-based or not—are nationalized.

The Canadian government is pursuing new legislative powers that would allow mass cancellation of visas amid rising concerns over fraudulent applications, particularly from Bangladesh and India. Internal documents obtained by CBC News reveal that officials from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) have partnered with U.S. counterparts to form a working group. The group aims to identify fake travel visa applications and enhance enforcement capabilities. These documents refer to Bangladesh and India as “specific challenging countries,” emphasizing the need for stronger authority to revoke visas on a large scale. Publicly, Immigration Minister Lena Diab has cited emergencies like pandemics or wars as reasons for seeking such powers, without naming specific nations. The proposal, known as Bill C-12, has already raised alarms among over 30 civil society organizations, who fear it could become a tool for mass deportation. Immigration lawyers also question whether the government is using fraud as a pretext to reduce application backlogs. Meanwhile, the IRCC claims the move is part of “firm measures” to curb border misuse and illegal entries, boasting a 97% decline in unauthorized crossings and a 25% rise in visa rejections due to fraud since last year.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has officially announced that it will not nominate any candidate in the constituency of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in the upcoming 13th National Election. The decision was disclosed to the media on Tuesday (November 4) by NCP’s Chief Coordinator and Election Steering Committee Chairman Nasir Uddin Patwary. The announcement comes a day after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) declared its preliminary list of 237 candidates, which includes Khaleda Zia contesting from Feni-1, Dinajpur-3, and Bogura-7 constituencies. By choosing not to contest in Khaleda Zia’s seat, the NCP signaled a gesture of political respect or strategy as election campaigns gain momentum across the country.

In a significant move to address the persistent shortage of basic subject teachers in medical education, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of Bangladesh has issued two official circulars announcing a 70% incentive allowance on the basic salary for eligible teachers. The allowance, categorized as a “non-practicing incentive,” will benefit teachers of basic and certain non-practicing subjects across five medical universities—Bangladesh Medical University (BMU), Rajshahi, Chattogram, Sylhet, and Khulna Medical Universities—as well as 37 government medical colleges, Dhaka Dental College, the Center for Medical Education (CME), and 19 specialized institutes. The incentive applies to teachers of ten subjects, including Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Forensic Medicine, Community Medicine, Pathology, Microbiology, Virology, and Anesthesiology. Although the last two are not classified as basic subjects, they are included due to their non-practicing nature. To qualify, teachers must submit an official non-practicing declaration. The scheme will take effect from the 2025–2026 fiscal year, with adherence to financial regulations required. Any violation or malpractice will result in loss of eligibility. This initiative marks a major policy step to improve faculty retention and strengthen the foundation of medical education in Bangladesh.

Leaders of the “Sada Dal,” a faction of Dhaka University (DU) teachers, have proposed that DU be granted “special institutional status” and that its teachers receive double the salary of their government counterparts. The proposal was formally submitted on November 4 to the Chairman of the National Pay Commission, Zakir Ahmed Khan, through a written 10-point memorandum. The teachers argued that Dhaka University has played an unparalleled role in Bangladesh’s history—from the independence movement to national development—and thus deserves recognition through distinct privileges and pay structures. Their demands include placing senior professors in the super grade, higher academic and administrative allowances (up to 100% of basic pay), research grants of up to Tk 20 lakh, annual academic support allowances of Tk 3 lakh, and interest-free housing loans. They also sought full funding for research publication charges, conference participation, and tax exemptions on professional income. Led by Professor Dr. Abdus Salam, the delegation emphasized that such measures would help retain academic excellence and global competitiveness at the university. The Pay Commission chief reportedly responded positively and assured that the demands would be reviewed.