Tensions between Japan and China have intensified following remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggesting that Japan could deploy its Self-Defense Forces if China attacks Taiwan. Beijing summoned Japan’s ambassador to lodge a strong protest and urged Chinese citizens to avoid traveling to Japan. The dispute began after Takaichi’s comments during a parliamentary session, where she said that the use of force near Taiwan could be considered a 'threat to Japan’s survival' under its 2015 security law. In response, a Chinese diplomat made a controversial social media post implying violent rhetoric against Takaichi, which Tokyo condemned as offensive. Both governments have since exchanged formal protests. Despite the backlash, Takaichi refused to retract her statement, asserting it aligns with Japan’s long-standing policy. China later warned Japan to stop 'playing with fire' over Taiwan, calling any interference in the Taiwan Strait an act of aggression. The episode has reignited historical animosities and raised concerns about shifting regional stability.

Dhaka University lecturer and assistant proctor Sheherin Amin Bhuiyan, popularly known as Monami, publicly expressed her support for Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha and an independent candidate contesting from Dhaka-8 in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. In a Facebook post on November 16, Monami praised Hadi for his honesty and determination, saying that Bangladesh needs leaders like him. She also expressed regret for not being able to vote for him due to illness but vowed to shift her voting center to Dhaka-8 in the next election. Hadi, one of the organizers of the July Revolution, began his campaign in September and has been promoting his independent political vision. Monami’s endorsement, accompanied by a photo with Hadi, has drawn attention on social media, highlighting growing youth interest in alternative political leadership in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur stated that merging five financially weak Sharia-based banks was unavoidable to ensure stability in the banking sector. Speaking at the Bangladesh Islamic Finance Summit in Dhaka on November 16, he emphasized that transparency and good governance are essential for strengthening the financial system. The five banks—EXIM Bank, Social Islami Bank, First Security Islami Bank, Union Bank, and Global Islami Bank—were declared non-functional on November 5, with administrators appointed to oversee their operations. On November 9, the central bank’s board, chaired by Dr. Mansur, granted a preliminary license to a new state-owned Sharia-based bank named ‘Sammilit Islami Bank’ to manage the merged institutions. The governor expressed optimism that the merger would bring positive outcomes for the economy if proper governance is maintained.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone conversation focused on key Middle East issues, the Kremlin announced. The discussion covered the ongoing situation in Gaza, Iran’s nuclear program, and developments in Syria. According to the Kremlin, Putin initiated the call, while Netanyahu’s office confirmed it was part of a series of recent communications between the two leaders. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office described the talks as addressing regional matters but did not provide further details. The conversation reflects ongoing diplomatic engagement between Moscow and Jerusalem amid heightened tensions and shifting alliances in the Middle East. Both leaders have maintained periodic contact to coordinate positions on regional security and strategic concerns, particularly regarding Iran and Syria, where Russia plays a major role.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has urged party leaders and activists not to make indecent or disrespectful comments about Islamic scholars. In a Facebook post on Sunday, November 16, he emphasized that those who truly love Jamaat-e-Islami should refrain from making offensive remarks about any respected religious scholar. He further warned that anyone engaging in such behavior would be considered as not genuinely devoted to the party. The statement comes amid growing online debates involving religious figures, and the party leadership appears keen to maintain discipline and respect in public discourse, particularly on social media platforms. Dr. Rahman’s message highlights the party’s effort to preserve its image and uphold ethical communication among its members.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin has reaffirmed the Election Commission’s commitment to ensuring a level playing field for all political parties ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election. Speaking on Sunday, November 16, during the second day of dialogue with political parties, he urged all parties to adhere strictly to the electoral code of conduct. The CEC emphasized that cooperation from all stakeholders is essential to make the upcoming election fair, transparent, and acceptable. The Election Commission held discussions with six parties in the morning session, including Gano Forum, Ganofront, Islami Front Bangladesh, Islami Oikya Jote, Bangladesh Supreme Party, and Bangladesh National Party. Later in the day, the commission planned to meet another six parties, including Bangladesh JASAD, Bangladesh NAP, Trinamool BNP, Krishak Sramik Janata League, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, and Islami Andolan Bangladesh. Currently, 53 political parties, including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, are registered with the Election Commission.

As Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election approaches, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced its preliminary list of 236 candidates, sparking wide discussion for its emphasis on education and professional background. Among 223 candidates whose educational information was verified, 85% hold higher education degrees. The list includes a significant number of doctors, engineers, and foreign-educated individuals, with about 14% having studied abroad. At least two candidates are Ivy League alumni: former education minister and economist Dr. Osman Farruk, who earned a PhD in Agricultural Economics from Cornell University, and Barrister Muhammad Naushad Zamir, who completed an LLM at Harvard Law School after an MSc in Taxation from Oxford University. Around 40% of the nominees studied at the University of Dhaka or its affiliated colleges. The BNP’s selection strategy appears focused on showcasing candidates with strong academic and professional credentials, reflecting a shift toward technocratic and globally educated leadership within the party.

A joint survey by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) and UNICEF has found that 40% of Bangladeshi children have unsafe levels of lead in their blood, posing a serious threat to brain development and public health. The Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2025, presented in Dhaka, revealed that 38% of children aged 12–59 months and 8% of pregnant women have lead levels exceeding safety limits, with Dhaka showing the highest contamination rates. The report also highlighted widespread water contamination, with over 80% of household water containing E. coli bacteria, despite high sanitation coverage. Additionally, child marriage and domestic violence remain prevalent, and child labor has risen to 9.2% among children aged 5–17. Experts at the seminar called for urgent inter-ministerial coordination to address lead pollution, water safety, and child protection, warning that these issues pose a ‘red flag’ for Bangladesh’s development.

Bangladesh Television (BTV) will broadcast live the verdict of the International Crimes Tribunal-1 in the case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar with two other judges, set the verdict date earlier on November 13. The prosecution has sought the death penalty for Hasina and Kamal on five charges of crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the July–August 2024 mass uprising. Defense lawyers have pleaded for acquittal, claiming innocence. Abdullah Al-Mamun, who turned state witness, has also sought acquittal through his counsel. A total of 54 witnesses testified, including relatives of victims and prominent figures such as Nahid Islam and Dr Mahmudur Rahman. The case is among several being tried by two international tribunals investigating alleged atrocities during the 2024 uprising.

US President Donald Trump said he contacted the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia to strengthen a peace deal he co-signed last month, following renewed border clashes between the two Southeast Asian nations. The truce, signed on October 26 in Kuala Lumpur during Trump’s Asia tour, was suspended earlier this week by Thailand after an alleged landmine explosion. Both countries have since exchanged accusations over new fighting that reportedly left one civilian dead. Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he used the threat of tariffs to help stop further escalation, expressing optimism that the situation would stabilize. The White House confirmed that Malaysia, which has been mediating the conflict, remains involved in efforts to maintain the ceasefire. The long-running dispute centers on overlapping territorial claims dating back to French colonial-era border maps and has previously caused deadly confrontations and mass displacements along the frontier.

At least four people died after a migrant boat capsized off the coast of San Diego, California, late Friday night, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Four others were hospitalized, and one person was taken into Border Patrol custody. The small vessel, identified as a 'panga' boat, is commonly used by smugglers to transport migrants from Mexico to California across the Pacific Ocean. The incident occurred around 11:40 p.m. local time amid rough sea conditions. Rescue operations continued on Saturday near Imperial Beach as authorities searched for more survivors. Some of the passengers identified themselves as Mexican nationals, though several others remain unidentified. The Coast Guard and Border Patrol are investigating the cause of the accident and the identities of those involved, highlighting ongoing risks faced by migrants attempting dangerous sea crossings into the United States.

ICB Islamic Bank Limited has announced a job opening for the position of Assistant Vice President (Head of Internal Control and Compliance). The application process began on November 12 and will continue until November 20, 2025. Both male and female candidates with an MBA or postgraduate degree are eligible to apply online. Applicants must have proven experience and skills in the banking sector. The position is contractual and office-based, with a maximum age limit of 50 years. Salary, bonuses, and other benefits will be provided as per the bank’s policy. This recruitment drive aims to strengthen the bank’s internal control and compliance functions, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and operational efficiency.

At least 10 people were killed and 31 others injured when an interstate bus collided head-on with a truck on the N-8 highway between Bloemfontein and Botshabelo in South Africa’s Free State province early Saturday, November 15. Among the deceased were seven men and three women. According to Sifiso Toya, chairperson of the Free State Road Incident Management, six of the injured are in critical condition and all have been taken to the Pelonomi Trauma Unit for treatment. The crash occurred about five kilometers from Mandela View, causing severe damage to both vehicles and disrupting traffic on the busy route. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident, which is one of the deadliest road incidents in the region this year.

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 in Bangladesh is set to hear testimony today in the murder case of Abu Sayeed, a student of Begum Rokeya University and the first martyr of the July uprising. The case involves 30 accused, including former vice-chancellor Hasibur Rashid, facing charges of crimes against humanity. The tribunal, led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, will hear the 14th day of witness statements. Police constable Abu Bakar Siddique’s cross-examination is expected to continue, while a new witness may also testify. Earlier witnesses included students and police officers who were present during the killing. Six of the accused are in custody, while 24 remain absconding. The formal trial began on August 27 after the tribunal framed charges on August 6. A total of 62 witnesses are scheduled to testify in the case, which has seen multiple adjournments due to witness unavailability.

Australia’s top intelligence official has warned that the country faces a growing threat of large-scale cyberattacks allegedly linked to China. Mike Burgess, head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), said hackers associated with the Chinese government and military have been targeting critical infrastructure, including water, transport, telecommunications, and energy networks. He described the situation as an unprecedented level of espionage that could lead to sabotage within the next five years. Burgess also revealed that espionage activities cost Australia about 8.2 billion US dollars in 2023–24, with around 2 billion dollars’ worth of trade secrets and intellectual property stolen from companies. Attempts to contact the Chinese embassy for comment were unsuccessful. Burgess warned that authoritarian regimes are increasingly willing to create chaos and conduct sabotage operations through cyber means, posing a serious challenge to Australia’s national security.