Verizon Communications plans to eliminate about 15,000 jobs, or roughly 15% of its workforce, as part of a sweeping restructuring effort, according to a source familiar with the matter. The layoffs, the largest in the company’s history, will primarily target non-union management positions, affecting more than 20% of that group. The move follows the appointment of former PayPal CEO Dan Schulman as Verizon’s new chief executive in October. Schulman has emphasized the need for aggressive cost transformation and a leaner business model amid slowing subscriber growth and rising competition from AT&T and T-Mobile. Verizon also intends to convert around 180 corporate-owned retail stores into franchised operations. The company’s shares rose 1.7% following the news, reflecting investor optimism about the restructuring’s potential to improve efficiency and profitability.

At least eight people were killed and fifteen others injured in a tragic road accident in Pune, Maharashtra, on Thursday morning. The incident occurred near Navale Bridge when a private car was trapped between two colliding trucks, leaving the vehicle completely destroyed. One of the trucks caught fire, intensifying the disaster and causing heavy traffic congestion on the national highway for several hours. Fire service units rushed to the scene to extinguish the blaze and carry out rescue operations. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed condolences to the victims’ families, announcing financial aid of five lakh rupees for each bereaved family and assuring full medical support for the injured.

A political controversy has emerged in Bhola’s Borhanuddin upazila after reports that 30 leaders and activists of Jamaat-e-Islami joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) at a large rally on Thursday. The event, attended by thousands of BNP supporters, saw the alleged Jamaat members present flowers to former MP and BNP candidate Hafiz Ibrahim. However, the local Jamaat leadership denied the claim through a press release, stating that those individuals were not part of their organization and that the position of 'joint secretary' mentioned does not exist in their structure. BNP leaders, on the other hand, insisted the defection was genuine and visible to all. The conflicting statements have sparked mixed reactions locally, with discussions intensifying as the national election approaches.

At a discussion event organized by the Dinajpur district unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) ahead of the upcoming 13th national election, the most prominent seat on stage was deliberately left empty in honor of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The event, held at Paradise Community Center in Dinajpur suburb, featured senior BNP leaders including Professor Dr. Zahid Hossain and Advocate Mofazzal Hossain Dulal. The central seat bore a nameplate for Khaleda Zia, symbolizing respect for her leadership and lifelong dedication to democracy despite her illness and absence. Local BNP leaders stated that the gesture represented the deep admiration and emotional connection party members and Dinajpur residents feel toward her. Attendees expressed appreciation for the symbolic tribute, which became a focal point of the gathering.

At least 15 people, including a woman, were injured in violent clashes between supporters of the Awami League and the BNP in Araihazar, Narayanganj, early Thursday morning. The confrontation erupted over participation in a lockdown program and escalated into armed fighting, during which six crude bombs were thrown, three of which exploded. Several homes and shops were vandalized and looted in the Kakailmora area. Police arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control, deploying additional forces to prevent further violence. Three seriously injured individuals were admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, while others received local treatment. Authorities reported that no formal complaints had yet been filed, but investigations would proceed if any were submitted.

Residents and animal lovers in Sylhet’s Zindabazar area staged a human chain protest after the disappearance of a beloved neighborhood dog named 'Bojo' and its family from Sitara Mansion. Protesters accused a newly opened restaurant, 'Mehman Restaurant,' of removing or killing the dogs. Locals said the dogs had lived in the area for years, were vaccinated, and cared for by residents. Witnesses claimed restaurant guards admitted to injecting and dumping the animals far away, possibly near the airport. The restaurant authorities have not responded to the allegations, and their phones remain unreachable. Protesters, including environmentalists and journalists, demanded accountability and urged respect for animal welfare, emphasizing that compassion for animals reflects humanity.

Twenty leaders and activists of Jamaat-e-Islami from Damurhuda upazila’s Darshana thana and municipality have joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The formal joining took place at the residence of Chuadanga District BNP President and central BNP Deputy Treasurer Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu in Andulbari village, Jibannagar upazila. Among the new members are Islamic scholar and Bangladesh Quran Education Foundation Vice President Maulana Nazmul Hasan Biplobi and Darshana Municipality Ward-7 Jamaat President Md Abdul Hamid. The event was attended by several BNP and affiliated organization leaders, including local youth and student wing representatives. The move is seen as part of BNP’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its grassroots presence in Chuadanga ahead of future political activities.

Russia’s first domestically produced AI-powered humanoid robot, named AIdol, fell during its public debut at a Moscow tech showcase, highlighting the country’s struggles in robotics amid Western sanctions. The robot, developed by startup Idol, lost balance shortly after walking onstage and was quickly removed by event staff. CEO Vladimir Vitukhin attributed the mishap to calibration issues caused by lighting interference with the robot’s stereo cameras. Despite the fall, AIdol reportedly sustained no damage and later stood upright with assistance. The robot can walk, manipulate objects, and communicate for up to six hours autonomously, with 77% of its components made in Russia. Idol aims to increase domestic content to 93% in future production. The incident underscores Russia’s lag behind global leaders like the U.S. and China in advanced robotics and AI development.

Two young men, identified as Rana and Shuvo, went missing after a trawler carrying 2,000 bags of cement sank in the Meghna River near Sonamoyee area of Baidyerbazar in Sonargaon, Narayanganj, on Thursday afternoon. The trawler, which departed from Aman Cement Factory bound for Barishal, reportedly developed a crack in its bottom while anchored mid-river, causing it to submerge along with the cargo. Fire Service divers from Sonargaon have launched a search operation to locate the missing men but have yet to find them despite hours of effort. Authorities suspect that water entered through the damaged hull, leading to the vessel’s sinking. Rescue operations are set to resume Friday morning as officials continue to investigate the cause of the accident.

A week before the fatal attack that killed Judge Mohammad Abdur Rahman’s teenage son in Rajshahi, the judge’s wife, Tasmin Nahar Lucy, had filed a general diary (GD) with Jalalabad Police Station in Sylhet, citing threats from the accused, Limon Mia. Lucy reported that Limon, a member of Quantum Foundation and a previous acquaintance, had repeatedly sought financial help from her and began issuing threats when she refused. Despite the GD being filed on November 6, police said the investigation could not begin as court approval was pending. On Thursday, Limon allegedly entered the family’s flat in Rajshahi and attacked Lucy and her son, killing the boy and injuring her. Police confirmed Limon was known to the family and is now under custody while hospitalized. Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has withdrawn the expulsion order against Siddhirganj Thana BNP General Secretary Md. Iqbal Hossain, nearly 11 months after he was removed from the party for alleged misconduct. A notice signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced that Iqbal has been reinstated as a primary member under the party’s constitution. Iqbal was expelled in December last year following an incident involving journalist Minhaj Aman, which was deemed a violation of party discipline. He later appealed for reconsideration, and the BNP leadership decided to restore his membership. Iqbal expressed gratitude for the decision, saying he accepted the earlier punishment and is now committed to working for the party’s success in upcoming elections.

The Bangladesh government has announced new appointments for divisional commissioners in four administrative divisions — Khulna, Rajshahi, Barishal, and Mymensingh. According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on Thursday night, Md. Moktar Hossain, previously the Mymensingh Divisional Commissioner, has been transferred to Khulna. Dr. A.N.M. Bazlur Rashid, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, has been appointed as Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner. Md. Mahfuzur Rahman, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, will serve as Barishal Divisional Commissioner, while Farah Shammi, Chairman of the Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation, has been assigned as Mymensingh Divisional Commissioner. The order was signed by Deputy Secretary Aminul Islam.

The Bangladesh government has issued a new directive prohibiting real estate developers from charging any fees during the transfer, resale, or registration of land and flats already sold under registered deeds. The Ministry of Housing and Public Works announced the decision on November 12 to reduce harassment and financial exploitation of buyers and sellers. The circular clarifies that any demand for money by developers during name transfers or approvals is illegal. Violators will face action under the Real Estate Development and Management Act, its regulations, and other applicable laws. The move aims to ensure transparency and protect property owners from undue charges often imposed by developers during subsequent ownership transfers.

The Islami Andolan Bangladesh, led by the Pir of Charmonai, is emerging as a formidable contender in three key constituencies of the Barishal region—Barishal-5 (Sadar), Pirojpur-3 (Mathbaria), and Patuakhali-4 (Kalapara-Rangabali). The party’s deputy chief, Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim, is contesting against veteran BNP leader and five-time MP Mojibur Rahman Sarwar in Barishal-5, a traditional BNP stronghold. Analysts suggest that if Jamaat-e-Islami and other Islamist groups unite with Islami Andolan, it could significantly challenge BNP’s dominance. The Islami Andolan has shown growing voter support, securing around 30,000–33,000 votes in recent local elections. Party leaders claim voters will prioritize clean candidates over party loyalty, while BNP leaders remain confident of retaining the seat. Observers see this as one of Sarwar’s toughest political tests.

A teenage gang leader named Fahim Ahmed was killed in a violent turf war between rival youth gangs in Sylhet city. Before dying at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, Fahim recorded a video naming his attackers, which quickly went viral on social media. Police have launched raids based on his statement and collected video evidence to identify those involved. Fahim’s elder brother, Mamun Ahmed, previously led the same gang and is currently in jail facing multiple criminal charges. After Mamun’s arrest, Fahim took control of the group, leading to renewed clashes with rival gangs. Locals claim both groups enjoy political backing, hampering law enforcement efforts. Authorities have increased police presence in Baluchar area amid fears of retaliation and further violence.