The longest government shutdown in U.S. history, now in its 36th day, is severely impacting air travel. The Federal Aviation Administration has mandated a 10% reduction in flights at 40 major airports starting Friday due to staff shortages, with 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 security personnel working without pay. Airlines are adjusting schedules, affecting approximately 1,800 flights and 268,000 seats, though international flights remain unaffected. Major airports including New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Dallas are among those impacted. Passengers are facing delays, cancellations, and uncertainty, with unions and officials emphasizing safety concerns. The shutdown stems from a congressional deadlock over federal spending, leaving government operations paralyzed. Airlines are offering refunds and alternative arrangements, while authorities stress the importance of maintaining safe airspace despite the unprecedented disruption.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has come under sharp questioning from the Supreme Court over his administration’s import tariff policies, which judges say may have violated Congress’s constitutional authority to impose taxes. Both conservative and liberal justices expressed skepticism about the White House’s justification for the tariffs, originally imposed on imports from countries including China, Canada, and Mexico. Solicitor General D. John Sauer argued that the tariffs were regulatory measures, not taxes, but several justices disagreed. Justice Sonia Sotomayor noted that Americans are effectively paying those tariffs, making them functionally taxes. Trump defended the tariffs as essential for national security and for restoring America’s manufacturing base, adding that if the Court strikes them down, his administration has a “backup plan.” He warned that losing the case would be devastating for the U.S. economy but claimed legal confidence, saying most experts believe he stands on firm ground.

The United Nations Security Council has officially lifted sanctions against Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara, paving the way for his scheduled visit to the White House next week. The decision, supported by the United States and backed by a council vote, marks a significant diplomatic shift in the international community’s stance toward Syria. Shara assumed office as interim president in December 2024 after rebel forces ousted Bashar al-Assad, effectively ending the country’s 13-year civil war. U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz described the vote as a “powerful political message” affirming that Syria has entered a new era beyond Assad’s regime. Shara had previously been under UN sanctions for his leadership of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), once affiliated with al-Qaeda, but the U.S. removed HTS from its terrorist list last July. The Security Council also lifted sanctions on Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab. According to the BBC, President Shara will meet U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday. Their previous meeting took place in Riyadh in May, where Trump praised Shara as a strong and determined leader. This upcoming visit will be Shara’s second trip to the United States this year.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (JIB) has announced a major strategic shift ahead of the country’s upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, expected in February. Contrary to earlier expectations of forming an Islamist coalition, Jamaat will not enter any formal electoral alliance. Instead, it plans to reach seat-by-seat understandings with ideologically aligned Islamic parties and independent political figures to avoid contesting against each other in the same constituencies. Party chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman confirmed the approach during a meeting in Sylhet, saying the organization would advance based on local negotiations rather than a structured coalition. Party sources indicate that unresolved differences over the implementation of Sharia-based laws prevented consensus on a unified platform. Some partner parties favored immediate enforcement, while Jamaat proposed a gradual approach. Analysts suggest this method also helps project an image of a participatory election in the likely absence of the ruling Awami League. Additionally, under the revised Representation of the People Order (RPO), allied parties can no longer share a single electoral symbol, further discouraging formal alliances. The move reflects Jamaat’s pragmatic turn toward flexible coordination instead of rigid bloc politics — aiming to expand influence, maintain ideological coherence, and adapt to Bangladesh’s changing electoral landscape.

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.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) General Secretary Forhad Hossain expressed firm solidarity with the non-MPO teachers demonstrating in front of the National Press Club on Thursday. On the sixth day of their sit-in, he said the teachers’ demands for MPO inclusion are “just and logical,” and called on the government to address them without delay. Teachers participating in the protest warned that they would launch tougher programs if their demands are ignored. Despite being recognized years ago, many educational institutions remain outside the MPO scheme, leaving their teachers and staff deprived of government facilities. Earlier this week, police halted the teachers’ march toward the Jamuna River. Meanwhile, teachers of autistic and special-needs schools continue their own 13-day demonstration at the same venue, demanding recognition, MPO inclusion, disability-friendly facilities, and education stipends.

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.