The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) has announced that it will celebrate the Bengali New Year on the first day of Agrahayan instead of the traditional Pahela Baishakh. The event, organized jointly with the cultural group 'Biplobi Sangskritik Oikya', will take place on Sunday, November 16, at the Faculty of Fine Arts. DUCSU’s Literary and Cultural Affairs Secretary, Musaddiq Ibn Ali Mohammad, explained that historically, the New Year was celebrated on Pahela Agrahayan through the 'Nabanna' harvest festival before Emperor Akbar reformed the calendar. The program will feature four segments, including a painting exhibition, a festive procession, cultural performances, and a reception for guests. DUCSU leaders said the initiative aims to revive the forgotten heritage of celebrating the New Year during the harvest season and reconnect younger generations with their cultural roots.

The United States and Russia have taken opposing positions on the future governance of war-torn Gaza. Washington proposed creating an interim governing body called the 'Board of Peace' with a two-year mandate until 2027, alongside an International Stabilization Force (ISF) to disarm non-state armed groups, protect civilians, and secure humanitarian corridors. However, Russia, China, and several Arab nations strongly objected to the plan, effectively stalling the US draft resolution in the UN Security Council. Moscow has presented an alternative proposal emphasizing a balanced and unified approach to ensure a lasting ceasefire. A US mission spokesperson warned that attempts to undermine Washington’s proposal could lead to serious consequences for Palestinians, including the possible collapse of the ceasefire and renewed Israeli attacks. Discussions on the draft’s language and content are still ongoing among the 15 Security Council members.

The Gopalganj district unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) Mahila Dal has expelled Liju Begum, the religious affairs secretary of the Kashiani Upazila unit, for alleged violations of party discipline. The decision was announced on Friday through a statement signed by district president Rowshan Ara Ratna and general secretary Nasrin Akter. The notice stated that Liju Begum was removed from all party positions and her primary membership was revoked. Party leaders cited serious allegations including misuse of her position, filing false cases, extortion, and harassment. They emphasized that such actions tarnish the party’s image and contradict its principles. The expulsion followed a recent news report highlighting local grievances against her alleged misconduct.

An 84-year-old inmate from Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj, identified as Shafiqul Rahman, died after being brought to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) on Friday afternoon. Prison officials said he suddenly fell ill in jail and was rushed to the hospital, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival. The cause of his imprisonment remains unknown. DMCH police camp in-charge Inspector Md Faruk confirmed the death, stating that the body has been kept at the hospital morgue. A magistrate will prepare the inquest report, and the body will be handed over to the family after the autopsy and necessary formalities by prison authorities.

A 22-year-old man named Forhad Hossain Sourav from Sylhet allegedly took his own life while on a video call with his girlfriend during a trip to Cox’s Bazar on Thursday night. Police recovered his body from a hotel in the Kolatoli area. Sourav, a first-year honors student at Sylhet MC College, had traveled with four friends. According to police, the friends were taken into custody for questioning after the incident. One of them said they had gone shopping, leaving Sourav alone in the room, when his girlfriend called to inform them that he had hanged himself. Police confirmed the body was sent for autopsy and later handed over to the family. Authorities stated that further action will depend on the family’s complaint.

Bangladesh Islami Andolan chief Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim expressed disappointment over the announcement of the national election and referendum on the same day, saying it has disheartened the nation. Speaking to reporters after a training workshop in Chandpur, he criticized the country's electoral history, claiming that single-party governments formed through elections often turned authoritarian. He noted that after the 2024 mass uprising, a positive environment had emerged, but the interim government, not elected by the people, failed to prioritize fundamental reforms and visible justice. Karim alleged that the interim administration seemed more focused on facilitating a particular party’s election interests rather than ensuring a level playing field. The event was attended by party leaders, including Sheikh Md Joynal Abedin, the Islami Andolan candidate for Chandpur-3.

A youth named Fahim was killed in a violent clash between rival teenage gangs in Sylhet, Bangladesh, reportedly over territorial dominance. Following the incident, Fahim’s father filed a murder case with Kotwali Police Station, naming seven individuals and several unidentified suspects. Police arrested one accused, Sabuj Ahmed Rehan, from the Tilaghar Eco Park area late Thursday night. Authorities confirmed that Rehan, the fourth accused in the case, has been produced before the court. Fahim, aged 23, was attacked with local weapons on November 10 and later succumbed to his injuries at Sylhet Osmani Medical College Hospital. The killing has raised fresh concerns about the growing influence of teenage gangs in the city.

In Brazil’s Amazonian port city of Belém, around 50,000 visitors have arrived for the UN Climate Conference (COP30), overwhelming the city’s limited hotel capacity of 18,000 rooms. To address the accommodation crisis, the Brazilian government converted two large cruise ships, Costa Diadema and MSC Seaview, into floating hotels anchored at the newly built Outeiro Cruise Terminal. Together, they provide about 4,000 additional rooms for over 10,000 guests. The $45 million terminal upgrade also improved local infrastructure. However, environmentalists criticized the use of diesel-powered ships for a climate summit, citing high fuel consumption and carbon emissions. While some attendees appreciate the unique experience, others complain about small cabins and long commutes to the conference venue. Despite the controversy, the floating hotels remain the only viable solution for the city’s accommodation shortage during the event.

Dr. Rashid Ahmed Hossaini, a director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), stated that the new generation will not preserve the existence of the ruling Awami League in Bangladesh. Speaking to journalists in Laksham-Manoharganj, Cumilla, after distributing leaflets supporting BNP leader Tarique Rahman’s 31-point reform plan, Hossaini criticized the Awami League’s 17-year rule. He alleged that infiltrators within the BNP are damaging the party’s image for personal gain and urged leaders to identify and take legal action against them. Hossaini also dismissed the Awami League’s lockdown initiatives as ineffective attempts to instill fear. The event was attended by several local BNP, Jubo Dal, and Chhatra Dal leaders and activists.

Two madrasa students were killed and two others injured after being hit by a speeding motorcycle on the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway in Mirsarai upazila on Friday evening. The victims, identified as Fakhrul Islam (18) and Md. Kawsar (17), were students of the Kitab department at Masjidia Noyduaria Madrasa. According to local sources, the four students were walking along the highway toward a religious gathering in Mayani when the motorcycle ran them over at the Chararkul area. Two died on the spot, and the injured were taken to a hospital in Barotakia. The madrasa superintendent said the students had just finished Maghrib prayers before heading to the event. Police have detained the motorcycle rider for questioning.

In Rajshahi, Bangladesh, the wife of Metropolitan Sessions Judge Mohammad Abdur Rahman and the attacker, identified as Limon, are now out of danger following a brutal incident at the judge’s rented apartment. Limon allegedly killed the judge’s school-going son, Tawsif, and seriously injured the judge’s wife, Tasmin Nahar Lucy, before being injured himself. Both Lucy and Limon were admitted to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, where doctors confirmed their conditions have stabilized. Lucy underwent surgery for deep knife wounds, while Limon remains under police custody in the hospital. Police have seized a knife and other evidence, and initial statements have been taken from the building caretaker and domestic worker. The motive behind the attack remains unknown as the investigation continues.

Police in Rajshahi have revealed startling information about Limon, the man accused of murdering Tawsif, the son of a judge, inside a rented apartment in the city’s Dabtala area. Investigators said Limon, son of a local BNP leader from Gaibandha, once served in the army but was dismissed in 2018 and later became addicted to drugs. He met the judge’s wife through the Quantum Foundation, where both attended programs, and developed a close relationship with her. Over time, he began demanding money, which strained their relationship. After being reported to police in Sylhet earlier this month, Limon allegedly threatened the family before committing the murder. Police believe the killing was premeditated and are investigating multiple angles, including claims made by Limon in a viral video. Both the judge’s wife and the accused are under treatment and will be questioned once they recover.

Jonayed Saki, chief coordinator of the Ganosamhati Andolon, has urged for a minimum national consensus as the foundation for Bangladesh’s democratic transition. Speaking at a rally in Dhaka marking the party’s tenth anniversary, Saki described the country as being in a severe national crisis, citing economic hardship and institutional instability. He emphasized the need for judicial reform, accountability for killings, and holding a national referendum and election by February to rebuild the state on the basis of justice. Saki warned against fascist politics that promote hatred and division, asserting that the people of Bangladesh will not tolerate any form of authoritarian rule. He also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to sovereignty and equitable international relations, rejecting any form of foreign domination.

A battery-run autorickshaw driver named Delwar Hossain, 40, was allegedly beaten to death following a collision between his vehicle and a motorcycle in Aulia Bazar, Bijoynagar upazila of Brahmanbaria on Friday, November 14. According to local sources, the altercation began when Delwar’s autorickshaw accidentally hit a motorcycle belonging to confectionery shop owner Billal Mia, 45. Billal reportedly attacked Delwar with a stick, causing severe injuries. Delwar was taken to Bijoynagar Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead. Police confirmed the incident, stating that the death occurred after a dispute turned violent. Law enforcement officials have been dispatched to the scene for investigation.

Pakistani security forces have arrested four individuals allegedly involved in this week’s suicide bombing outside a courthouse in Islamabad. The government confirmed on Friday that the attack was orchestrated from Afghanistan and claimed by Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Authorities said the detainees are connected to the TTP and were directed by senior commanders based in Afghanistan. The suicide bomber, identified as Usman alias Kari from Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province, was among those involved. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that the attacker was an Afghan national, noting that Islamabad had largely remained free of major terrorist attacks since December 2022. The government has accused Afghan-based militant groups of fueling renewed violence in Pakistan’s northwest. The Taliban government in Kabul has not officially responded but expressed sorrow and condemnation. Relations between the two neighbors have sharply deteriorated amid recent border clashes and rising tensions.