The interim government of Bangladesh has declared BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia a Very Important Person (VVIP) due to her current health condition and political stature. The decision was made during a special meeting of the Advisory Council held at the State Guest House Jamuna, chaired by the Chief Adviser. The council prayed for Zia’s recovery and urged the nation to do the same. Officials stated that the VVIP status aims to ensure uninterrupted medical care, enhanced security, and logistical support for her treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. The government also mentioned the possibility of arranging advanced medical treatment abroad if necessary. Khaleda Zia’s family and party have been informed of the decision, which takes immediate effect. The move underscores her continued significance in Bangladesh’s political landscape despite her prolonged illness and limited political activity in recent years.

Golam Mortoza, the Press Minister at the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, has requested the Ministry of Information to clarify his entitlement to secretary-level allowances. In a letter dated November 25, 2024, he stated that although he was appointed on a two-year contractual basis as Minister (Press) with the rank of secretary and a basic salary of 78,000 taka, he continues to receive allowances at the joint secretary level. Mortoza argued that this discrepancy has deprived him of benefits corresponding to his official rank. He attached copies of his appointment contract and the Finance Division’s opinion, urging that the allowances be recalculated and disbursed from his joining date. The letter, once circulated on social media, quickly went viral, sparking public discussion about bureaucratic benefits and rank-based entitlements in foreign missions.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has been allowed to join the appeal against the High Court verdict that declared several provisions of Bangladesh’s 15th Constitutional Amendment, including the abolition of the caretaker government system, as unconstitutional. The Appellate Division, headed by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, granted his petition to be a party to the case. Earlier, the Supreme Court had permitted the appeal against the High Court’s ruling, which restored the referendum provision and invalidated certain clauses of the amendment for contradicting the Constitution’s basic structure of democracy. The High Court had observed that free and fair elections under a partisan government had failed to reflect the people’s will, emphasizing that democracy is a fundamental constitutional principle. The 15th Amendment, passed in 2011, abolished the caretaker government system, recognized Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the Father of the Nation, and made several other constitutional changes. The ongoing appeal seeks to annul the entire amendment.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain stated that the Bangladesh government will take necessary steps to send BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia abroad for medical treatment if her party or family formally decides to do so. Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, he clarified that the government has no objection to facilitating her treatment overseas once an official request is made. Hossain also mentioned that BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has not yet applied for a travel pass to return to Bangladesh, but one would be issued if he requests it. The adviser added that the government has not received any formal communication regarding Tarique Rahman’s return to Dhaka. The remarks come amid ongoing discussions about Khaleda Zia’s health condition and possible medical treatment abroad.

The interim government of Bangladesh has declared former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia as a Very Very Important Person (VVIP). The announcement was made on Tuesday, November 2, through a press release from the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing following a special meeting of the Advisory Council at the State Guest House Jamuna. The meeting, presided over by the Chief Adviser, included prayers for Khaleda Zia’s recovery and called upon the nation to pray for her health. The decision took into account her current medical condition, ensuring uninterrupted hospital treatment, and possible arrangements for advanced treatment abroad if necessary. It also emphasized her security, travel convenience, and high national stature. Relevant agencies have been instructed to implement the decision immediately, and her family and political party have been informed of the development.

The Bangladeshi government has postponed a high-level training workshop focused on maintaining law and order ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election. The event, titled “Coordinated Role in Maintaining Law and Order for Fair Elections,” was scheduled to take place on December 3 at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center in Dhaka. A notice issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, signed by Deputy Secretary Md. Shimul Akter, confirmed the cancellation. The workshop was expected to bring together top officials including divisional commissioners, police commissioners, DIGs, judges, district administrators, and election officers. Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed was to attend as chief guest, with Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul as special guest. The sudden postponement has raised uncertainty about coordination efforts for election-time law enforcement preparedness.

Bangladesh’s President has issued the 'Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Remedy Ordinance, 2025', introducing the death penalty and life imprisonment for those found guilty of enforced disappearances. The ordinance, gazetted by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division on December 1, establishes special tribunals at district and divisional levels to handle such cases. It classifies enforced disappearance as a non-bailable and non-compoundable offense. Government officials or law enforcement members who detain, abduct, or conceal a person’s whereabouts, resulting in deprivation of legal protection, will face severe penalties. If the victim dies or remains missing for over five years, the offender may face the death penalty or life imprisonment. The ordinance also prescribes punishment for destroying evidence or maintaining secret detention centers. Senior officers or commanders who order, permit, or fail to prevent such acts will be held equally accountable. Trials may proceed in absentia if the accused is a fugitive, and detainee information may be withheld temporarily for state security reasons.

Education Adviser Professor Dr. C.R. Abrar issued a stern warning to secondary school teachers who have suspended student examinations as part of their ongoing protests. In an interview with the national news agency BSS on December 1, he stated that such actions violate government service regulations and that those responsible will face disciplinary measures. Dr. Abrar criticized the teachers’ demand for promotion to the ninth grade, calling it unjustified since their employment terms placed them in the tenth grade. He emphasized that the ninth grade is reserved for BCS administration cadre officers and that any change would require inter-ministerial coordination. The adviser condemned the teachers for using students as leverage in their movement, labeling it unethical and harmful to students and parents. He reiterated the government’s firm stance that examinations must continue without interruption and instructed all teachers to resume exams immediately or face punishment under civil service rules.

BNP Standing Committee member Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain has urged the public not to believe rumors regarding the health condition of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, he stated that Khaleda Zia is receiving treatment as per the recommendations of her medical board and that any decision about taking her abroad for further treatment will depend solely on the board’s advice. Dr. Zahid confirmed that foreign specialists are also scheduled to examine her condition. He emphasized that all necessary preparations are in place, but no steps can be taken beyond the board’s guidance. He also acknowledged that the government is cooperating in her treatment and requested prayers from the people for her recovery, expressing hope that she will improve soon.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed deep gratitude to the people of Bangladesh and well-wishers worldwide for their prayers and support for party chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who remains under treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Rahman described the collective support of the nation as the source of his family’s strength and inspiration. He acknowledged the concern shown by foreign leaders, diplomats, and friends, as well as the affection and prayers of Bangladeshi citizens. Khaleda Zia’s condition is reported to be stable but shows little improvement, according to doctors who continue to monitor her closely. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other senior leaders visited the hospital late Monday night to discuss her latest condition with the medical team. Rahman called for unity, compassion, and solidarity during this difficult time.

A fact-checking investigation has uncovered more than 100 fake Facebook pages operating under the names of Barrister Zaima Rahman and Dr. Zubaida Rahman, daughter and wife of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman. The discovery followed heightened online activity after former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s critical illness and hospitalization in Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital. Despite claims of authenticity, BNP’s senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi confirmed on June 5, 2025, that neither Zaima nor Zubaida Rahman has any official Facebook account. The fake pages, some with hundreds of thousands of followers, have been spreading political content and misinformation in favor of the BNP. Page transparency data shows all are managed from Bangladesh, while both women reside in London. Many users have mistakenly engaged with these pages, believing them to be genuine. BNP sources indicated that an official social media account for Zaima Rahman may be launched in the future.

A political debate has intensified in Bangladesh after Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain stated that BNP’s acting chairman Tareque Rahman could be issued a travel pass within a day if he wishes to return home. The comment sparked speculation that Rahman currently lacks a valid Bangladeshi passport. The Election Commission confirmed that Rahman is not yet registered as a voter, though he could become one upon returning. BNP leaders, including Salahuddin Ahmed, downplayed the issue, saying there would be no obstacle regarding a passport or travel pass. Legal adviser Asif Nazrul also clarified that there are no legal restrictions preventing Rahman’s return. The discussion follows Rahman’s recent social media post suggesting that his decision to return is not entirely under his control. Rahman, who has lived in London since 2008 after being released from prison, was expected to return before the upcoming national elections but uncertainty now surrounds his plans.

Security has been strengthened at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is receiving medical treatment. Police set up barricades at the hospital’s main gate early Monday night, restricting public access and allowing only authorized personnel to enter. Hospital authorities stated that the measures aim to ensure smooth movement for patients and their families, prevent crowding, and enhance the safety of Khaleda Zia. The government recently declared her a 'Very Important Person' (VIP), prompting additional security arrangements. The 80-year-old politician has been suffering from multiple health complications, including liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, and issues related to her kidneys, lungs, heart, and eyes. She was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 after developing infections in her heart and lungs, and a team of local and foreign doctors continues to oversee her treatment.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to return to Bangladesh soon, according to the party’s Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed. Speaking to journalists after a committee meeting on Monday, Ahmed said the meeting discussed several issues including the health of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, current political developments, and preparations for upcoming elections. He added that Dr. AZM Zahid would brief the media about Khaleda Zia’s health condition. Earlier, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain stated that there are no legal obstacles preventing Tarique Rahman from returning to the country and that a travel pass could be issued within a day if necessary. Tarique Rahman, who has been living in exile in the United Kingdom for years, remains a central figure in BNP’s leadership and political strategy.

Pakistan is witnessing heightened tension following rumors about the death of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The government and Adiala Jail authorities have not provided any information on his whereabouts, and his family members reportedly have not been allowed to meet him for an extended period. In response, Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), called for protests in Rawalpindi demanding proof of his safety and whereabouts. To prevent demonstrations, the local administration has imposed Section 144, banning all public gatherings from December 1 to 3. Rawalpindi’s Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema stated that the decision was made to maintain public safety, peace, and stability amid growing unrest and speculation surrounding Khan’s condition.