The Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) has announced that its central student union (ShakSU) election will be held on December 17. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A.M. Sarwaruddin Chowdhury made the announcement during a press conference on Friday night, stating that the date was chosen after multiple discussions with all stakeholders. He expressed hope for a festive and participatory election. The announcement followed student demonstrations demanding the election date, which intensified after a previously scheduled press conference was postponed. Students had locked the registrar building and staged a sit-in near the vice-chancellor’s residence before the final announcement was made.

Dr. Rashid Ahmed Hossaini, a director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), claimed that the new generation will not allow the Awami League to sustain its existence in Bangladesh. Speaking to journalists in Laksam-Manoharganj, Cumilla, after distributing leaflets supporting BNP leader Tarique Rahman’s 31-point reform plan, Hossaini criticized the ruling party’s 17-year rule. He also warned that infiltrators within the BNP were damaging the party’s image and urged leaders to identify and take legal action against them. Hossaini further dismissed the Awami League’s lockdown initiatives as ineffective, saying fear tactics would not work. Several BNP, Jubo Dal, and Chhatra Dal leaders were present during the campaign across local markets.

Bangladesh Islami Andolan chief Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim expressed disappointment over the announcement of holding the national election and referendum on the same day. Speaking to reporters after a party training workshop in Chandpur, he said that in the country’s 53-year history, single-party governments formed through elections have often shown authoritarian tendencies. He added that after the 2024 mass uprising, a positive environment had emerged, but the interim government, which was not elected by popular vote, failed to prioritize fundamental reforms and visible justice. Instead, he claimed, they focused more on ensuring participation of a particular political party. Party leaders and activists, including Sheikh Md Joynal Abedin, attended the event.

The United States and Russia have taken opposing positions on the future governance of war-torn Gaza. Washington proposed forming an international stabilization force to maintain order and protect civilians, but Russia, China, and several Arab nations strongly objected, stalling the US draft resolution at the UN Security Council. The American proposal envisions an interim governing body called the 'Board of Peace' with a two-year mandate until the end of 2027, alongside an International Stabilization Force (ISF) to disarm non-state armed groups and secure humanitarian corridors. Moscow has introduced an alternative draft, emphasizing a balanced and unified approach to ensure a lasting ceasefire. US officials warned that attempts to undermine their proposal could lead to renewed violence and the collapse of the fragile truce in Gaza.

The Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur has stepped in to mediate a dispute involving 172 Bangladeshi workers dismissed from Medisera Sdn Bhd in Nilai, Malaysia. The conflict, ongoing since 2023, escalated after multiple strikes in 2025 led to the termination of the workers. Sixteen have already been repatriated, while others remain in company hostels continuing protests. The High Commission has requested the company to reinstate the dismissed workers and verified complaints through an on-site visit. The company has paid outstanding wages and reimbursed migration costs to 184 workers. Visa renewals for 86 workers have been approved, with 98 still pending. While the workers seek transfer to other employers, the High Commission noted such changes fall under Malaysian law. Both sides have expressed willingness to resolve the issue, with the company open to reinstatement if workers return to duty and immigration clearance is granted.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Gazipur city unit organized a protest rally and gathering on Friday, November 14, demanding the implementation of the July National Charter and a national referendum before the upcoming general election. The demonstration began at Bhogra Bypass intersection and marched along the Dhaka–Gazipur highway before concluding with a rally at Maleker Bari. Gazipur city Jamaat chief Professor Jamal Uddin addressed the event, stating that enforcing the July Charter would help establish a truly democratic environment and that a referendum was essential to reflect public opinion. Several local Jamaat leaders and parliamentary candidates, including Khairul Hasan, Hossain Ali, and Dr. Hafizur Rahman, also spoke at the event. The program was conducted peacefully under the moderation of city Jamaat secretary A S M Faruk.

Students of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) have rejected the administration’s announcement to hold the Shahjalal University Central Students’ Union (ShakSU) election on December 17. Following the declaration by Vice-Chancellor Professor A.M. Sarwaruddin Chowdhury on Friday night, students locked the registrar building and confined the vice-chancellor, pro-vice-chancellor, treasurer, registrar, election commissioner, and proctor inside the office. The protesting students demanded that the election be held on December 8 instead, accusing the administration of favoring certain groups involved in extortion and hall occupation. The vice-chancellor stated that the date was chosen after considering all circumstances to ensure a fair and festive election. Earlier, the announcement was postponed on Thursday, prompting students to stage sit-ins and demonstrations across the campus demanding an immediate election date.

The COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, has faced significant logistical and financial challenges, preventing many delegates from smaller, low-budget nations from attending. Accommodation shortages and skyrocketing hotel prices, reaching up to $60,000 for ten nights, have made participation unaffordable for numerous representatives. Some attendees have been forced to stay more than an hour away from the main venue. To address the shortage, a floating community housing project, known locally as 'Vila da Barca', was created to host around 200 young participants. The absence of several world leaders and senior officials, particularly from major countries, has further reduced attendance. Observers note that the combination of high travel expenses, infrastructure limitations, and declining political engagement has dampened the scale of this year’s global climate gathering.

Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police (DB) and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have arrested two suspects in connection with the murder of Rangpur businessman Ashraful Haque. The main accused, Ashraful’s close friend Jarejul Islam alias Jarej, was detained from Daudkandi in Cumilla, while his girlfriend Shamima was also arrested separately. According to DB officials, preliminary investigation suggests the killing was motivated by an extramarital affair. Ashraful had arrived in Dhaka three days before his death, accompanied by friends. Following the discovery of his dismembered body, Ashraful’s sister filed a murder case at Shahbagh Police Station naming Jarej as the prime suspect. Law enforcement agencies have also recovered key evidence related to the crime, and further investigation is underway to determine the full circumstances surrounding the murder.

The Karnataka government has introduced paid menstrual leave for working women, becoming the first Indian state to implement such a policy across both public and private sectors. Under the new rule, women aged 18 to 52 employed in formal workplaces can take one day of paid leave each month during their menstrual period, without requiring a medical certificate. The policy is expected to benefit around 350,000 to 400,000 women in the formal sector. However, approximately six million women working in informal sectors, such as domestic workers and daily laborers, are excluded. Experts have urged the government to extend the benefit to informal workers as well. Despite its limitations, the initiative is being hailed as a progressive step toward gender-sensitive labor policies in India, aligning Karnataka with countries like Spain, Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia that already offer menstrual leave.

Pakistan’s parliament has passed the 27th constitutional amendment, extending Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s tenure by five years and promoting him to Chief of Defence Forces, giving him command over the army, navy, and air force. The amendment also grants him lifelong immunity from criminal prosecution and allows further extension beyond 2030. The move, signed into law by President Asif Ali Zardari, abolishes the post of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and shifts constitutional case jurisdiction from the Supreme Court to a new Federal Constitutional Court. Two Supreme Court judges resigned in protest, calling the reform a blow to judicial independence. Critics say the amendment consolidates unprecedented power in the military leadership, while the government claims it strengthens national unity. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also declared Pakistan ready for conflict on both eastern and western fronts.

A new Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals that 58% of Americans are dissatisfied with President Donald Trump, marking his lowest approval rating since taking office. Conducted online over six days in November, the survey included 1,200 U.S. adults and found that Trump’s approval remains steady at around 40%. The poll also indicates growing enthusiasm among Democrats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, with 44% of registered Democratic voters saying they are highly motivated to vote, compared to 26% of Republicans. Recent Democratic victories in gubernatorial races in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York have fueled this optimism. The upcoming midterms will decide all 435 House seats and 35 of the 100 Senate seats, both currently controlled by Republicans.

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.