Sujon, a rickshaw driver who gained public attention during the July uprising for saluting protesting students, has purchased a nomination form from the National Citizen Party (NCP) to contest the upcoming national parliamentary election from Dhaka-8 constituency. He collected the form on Thursday evening, accompanied by senior NCP leaders. Sujon expressed optimism about winning the election, citing his popularity and connection with ordinary people. He emphasized that his candidacy demonstrates equal political rights for all citizens, thanking the NCP for allowing him the opportunity. In the same constituency, BNP has nominated its standing committee member Mirza Abbas, Jamaat-e-Islami nominated Advocate Helal Uddin, and Sharif Osman Hadi from Inquilab Manch announced his independent candidacy. The contest in Dhaka-8 is expected to draw attention due to Sujon’s unique background and symbolic representation of grassroots participation in politics.

Bangladesh’s caretaker government has given final approval to establish a separate secretariat for the judiciary, a long-awaited step toward full judicial independence. The new body, to be known as the Supreme Court Secretariat, will operate under the High Court. Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul announced the decision at a press conference following an advisory council meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. The ‘Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance 2025’ is expected to be gazetted next week. This move fulfills a decades-long demand stemming from the landmark Masdar Hossain case, filed in 1995 by members of the BCS Judicial Association seeking separation of the judiciary from the executive. The Supreme Court’s 1999 verdict mandated the establishment of an independent judiciary, but full implementation had been pending for 26 years. Officials described the approval as the final step in ensuring judicial autonomy in Bangladesh.

Senior lawyer Shishir Monir, representing Jamaat-e-Islami in the recent appeal, stated that under the current caretaker government formation, the most recently retired Chief Justice would serve as the head of the interim administration. However, he noted that this provision is not presently in effect. Following the Supreme Court’s historic verdict delivered by a seven-member Appellate Division bench led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, Monir explained that the caretaker government system has been automatically reinstated in the constitution. He added that the upcoming 13th national election will be held under an interim government, while the caretaker system will take effect from the 14th parliamentary election onward. Monir also mentioned that the final structure of the caretaker government could change depending on the outcome of the July Charter referendum and subsequent constitutional reform sessions in the new parliament.

Mahmudur Rahman, editor of the newspaper *Amar Desh*, has called on Bangladesh’s post-election government to act in accordance with the aspirations of the July Revolution. Speaking at a seminar titled “Successes and Failures of Revolutions and Uprisings: From November 7 to August 5” at Rajshahi University, he emphasized that the revolution is ongoing and will continue until its goals are fully realized. Rahman stressed the importance of holding the 13th national parliamentary election on time, warning that any delay could create instability that external forces, particularly Delhi, might exploit. Expressing doubts about the possibility of a free and fair election, he blamed administrative and bureaucratic complications and the influence of ruling party allies. He also criticized the government for failing to conduct a cleansing campaign and for not embracing the revolutionary spirit. Rahman urged the July revolutionaries to remain united, asserting that their unity is essential to keeping Bangladesh on the right path.

At Jagannath University, the student wings of Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Adhikar Parishad have formed a joint panel named 'Oikyoboddho Nirvik Jobian' for the upcoming central student union (JnUCSU) election. The panel nominated AKM Rakib, president of the university’s Chhatra Adhikar unit, as vice president candidate. Central general secretary Nazmul Hasan of Chhatra Adhikar said Rakib’s inclusion aims to keep Chhatra Dal relevant on campus and ensure broader student benefit. Rakib emphasized that the alliance is electoral, not political, and pledged to work for student rights without external influence. He also criticized the administration for irregular teacher recruitment and delays in scholarship processes. Meanwhile, Jagannath University Chhatra Dal convener Mehedi Hasan Himel clarified that the coalition is inclusive and not based on political ideology, adding that Nazmul Hasan’s remarks reflect his personal opinion. The election alliance highlights both cooperation and underlying tension between the two student organizations.

The High Court of Bangladesh has ordered a halt to all activities related to the contract for the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at Chattogram Port until the ongoing case is resolved. The directive was issued verbally by a bench led by Justice Fatema Najib, with the state counsel assuring compliance with the order. The case stems from a writ petition filed by Mirza Walid Hossain, president of the Bangladesh Young Economists Forum, challenging the legality of handing over the management of the NCT to a foreign company. Earlier, on July 30, the High Court had issued a rule questioning the validity of the agreement between the Chattogram Port Authority and the foreign firm. The court’s latest instruction effectively freezes all contractual and operational activities tied to the terminal pending judicial review.

A 20-year-old student of East West University, identified as B.M. Mushfiquzzaman, was found dead near the university’s main campus in Aftabnagar, Badda, Dhaka, on Thursday evening. Security personnel discovered him unconscious beside the Farauddin Building and rushed him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival. Mushfiquzzaman, a first-year student of Mathematics, Medical, and Physics, was originally from Panchgaon village in Tongibari, Munshiganj, and lived with his family in Khilgaon. His father is associated with the management of the national women’s kabaddi team. Police confirmed the recovery of the body and said it has been sent to the hospital morgue for autopsy. The cause of death remains unknown pending the post-mortem report, and authorities have informed the local police station for further investigation.

The United States has cleared a $93 million arms package for India, signalling a renewed push in defence cooperation despite earlier friction highlighted in “Exclusive: India pauses plans to buy US arms after Trump's tariffs.” The State Department approved the sale of FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile systems worth $45.7 million and 216 Excalibur tactical projectiles valued at $47.1 million. According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, India requested 100 Javelin missiles, a fly-to-buy missile, 25 command launch units, and the Excalibur rounds, which India already uses with its M-777 howitzers. DSCA stated the sale will strengthen the India-US strategic relationship, enhance India’s ability to respond to current and emerging threats, and support stability across the Indo-Pacific and South Asia. Analysts note that the deal not only boosts India’s defence capabilities but also aligns with Washington’s regional strategic objectives. The approval follows the US decision to expand supply of GE fighter jet engines for India’s Tejas programme, further deepening military-industrial cooperation. The prime contractors will be RTX Corporation for Excalibur rounds and a Lockheed Martin joint venture for the Javelin system.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali has warned that attempts to weaken police morale through acts of sabotage, including recent cocktail attacks, could endanger public safety. Speaking at the inauguration of the DMP’s new Cyber Support Center, he emphasized that if police morale collapses, citizens may have to protect their own homes. The commissioner highlighted that the newly launched center is designed to combat evolving cybercrimes such as online fraud, digital harassment, defamation, and gambling. Equipped with advanced laboratories, digital forensic experts, and a 24-hour response team, the center aims to provide faster and more effective services, particularly to protect women and youth from online abuse. Citizens can report cybercrime incidents through the center’s official Facebook page or email. Addressing questions about alleged shoot-to-kill orders against attackers, Sajjat clarified that he issued no new directives, only reminded officers of existing laws.

Jamaat-e-Islami is reportedly planning significant changes to its candidate list for Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, signaling a possible seat-sharing arrangement with seven other Islamist-leaning parties. The coalition aims to present the election as participatory by coordinating nominations to maximize winning potential rather than focusing on equal seat distribution. Jamaat had earlier announced candidates for all 300 constituencies, but now intends to leave several seats for allies and influential figures, including former vice-chancellors, student leaders, and prominent Islamic scholars. Party sources suggest that popular preachers like Mizanur Rahman Azhari and Amir Hamza may receive nominations, though official confirmation remains pending. Jamaat leaders emphasize unity among Islamist groups and broader inclusion of professionals and community representatives under a single electoral platform. The move reflects a strategic shift from earlier positions and aims to strengthen the Islamist bloc’s parliamentary presence.

A fatal accident occurred on Thursday afternoon in Chattogram’s port area when a private car veered off the elevated expressway and fell onto the ground below. The incident, which took place around 4 p.m., left one person dead and at least four others seriously injured. According to Sirajul Islam, the investigating officer of Bandar Police Station, the car was traveling from Patenga toward the city when it lost control and plunged off the expressway. A pedestrian named Shafik, aged 55 and reportedly a port worker, sustained critical injuries and later died after being taken to a hospital. The four injured individuals were rescued and transported to Islami Bank Hospital in Agrabad for treatment. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, which has raised concerns about road safety on the newly constructed elevated expressway in the port city.

A fire and crude bomb explosion occurred early Thursday morning at the residence of Umme Uswatun Rafia, an executive member of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Daksu). The incident was confirmed by Daksu’s Liberation War and Democratic Movement Secretary Fatima Tasnim Juma. According to a Facebook post by Daksu’s Literature and Cultural Secretary Musaddiq Ali Ibn Mohammad, the attack involved gunpowder and was allegedly carried out by a group referred to as 'Jongi League'. Authorities have yet to confirm the motive or identify the perpetrators. No casualties were immediately reported, but the event has raised concerns over the safety of student leaders and the growing tension within student politics at Dhaka University.

Twelve-year-old Aryan Afif, who suffered severe burns in the Uttara Milestone School and College plane crash in Dhaka, has finally returned home after 122 days of intensive treatment. Admitted to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery with 40% burns, Aryan underwent 34 surgeries and spent multiple periods in the ICU, including three days on life support. Doctors initially feared for his survival, but Aryan’s determination and the relentless efforts of medical staff led to his remarkable recovery. On November 20, he was discharged and reunited with his mother, who expressed deep gratitude and emotion. Institute Director Dr. Mohammad Nasir Uddin described Aryan’s case as one of the most challenging in their careers, emphasizing both physical and psychological healing. The institute will continue to provide follow-up care, while Dr. Uddin urged society to support Aryan’s long-term rehabilitation.

Australia has begun enforcing a new law that bans children under 16 from using social media platforms such as Facebook and TikTok. The legislation, passed last year, requires companies to delete accounts belonging to users aged 13 to 15. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, announced it will start removing such accounts from December 4 and has already begun sending access restriction warnings. The government warned that platforms failing to comply by December 10 could face fines of up to 32 million dollars. Meta stated it supports the government’s goal of online safety but expressed concern that isolating teens from their communities is not a viable solution. Users mistakenly flagged as underage will be able to verify their age using video selfies or national IDs. The move has drawn global attention, with New Zealand and the Netherlands considering similar measures to address social media risks for minors.

Pakistan has extended its airspace restrictions on Indian aircraft until December 24, according to a notice issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) on Thursday, November 20. The updated ban took effect on November 19 at 2:50 p.m. and will remain in force until 4:59 a.m. on December 24. The restriction applies to all aircraft registered in India, as well as any operated, leased, or owned by Indian airlines, including military planes. The airspace ban was first imposed following a deadly militant attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, in late April, which sharply escalated tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The incident led to a brief but intense military confrontation, after which Pakistan restricted Indian flights from using its airspace. The latest extension underscores the continuing strain in bilateral relations and the absence of diplomatic progress toward normalization.