US President Donald Trump has reportedly given Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro an ultimatum to resign immediately and leave the country, according to BBC and Miami Herald reports. The ultimatum was delivered during a phone call on November 21, confirmed by Trump but without revealing details. Trump allegedly offered Maduro and his family safe passage if he stepped down voluntarily. However, Maduro rejected the offer, demanding international legal protection for himself and his allies while reaffirming control over the military. The conversation was reportedly facilitated by Brazil, Qatar, and Turkey. Washington dismissed Maduro’s counterproposals, insisting he must relinquish power soon. Analysts remain uncertain whether Trump’s warning could lead to military action, though sources suggest Maduro’s camp views the threat as mere rhetoric. The diplomatic standoff underscores persistent US-Venezuela tensions and uncertainty over the future of Maduro’s regime.

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. Following a regular committee meeting on Monday, December 1, Salahuddin informed reporters that discussions covered various political issues, including preparations for upcoming elections and the health condition of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. He mentioned that Dr. AZM Zahid would brief the media regarding Khaleda Zia’s health. Earlier, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain stated that there are no legal obstacles preventing Tarique Rahman’s return and that a travel pass could be issued within a day if required. Tarique Rahman has been living abroad for several years, and his potential return is being closely watched amid Bangladesh’s evolving political landscape.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam announced that his party will participate in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election as the 'guardian of reforms'. Speaking at a reception in Dhaka for 24 activists recently released from detention in the UAE, Nahid described the election as a turning point for the nation. He urged the government to ensure rehabilitation and employment for the freed expatriates, whom he called 'July warriors'. Nahid emphasized the importance of enabling postal voting for expatriates and accused some political forces of obstructing post-July reform efforts. He warned against campaigns opposing the 'July Charter' and criticized divisive politics based on liberation war and religion. Framing the election as a vote for state reconstruction, Nahid said the NCP would remain uncompromising on core political principles and committed to economic justice, youth employment, democracy, and inclusive governance. He concluded that the NCP is fully prepared to fulfill people's aspirations and ensure the victory of reform.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating health of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. In a post on social media platform X on Monday night, Modi conveyed his prayers and best wishes for her speedy recovery. He acknowledged Khaleda Zia’s long service to the people of Bangladesh and assured that India stands ready to extend any possible assistance for her treatment. Khaleda Zia, a former prime minister of Bangladesh, has been suffering from multiple health complications, including liver, kidney, and heart problems. She has been receiving treatment for the past four days in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Modi’s message comes amid growing concern in Bangladesh over her condition, drawing attention to the humanitarian aspect of bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries.

The Election Commission of Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur has suspended the central student union (BRUCSU) and hall council elections, citing serious errors and inconsistencies in the voter list provided by the registrar’s office. At a press conference on Monday, the commission alleged that the registrar’s office supplied incomplete and inaccurate data, hindering the fairness and transparency of the election process. Election Commissioner Dr. Mohsina Ahsan suggested that the errors might have been intentional and urged the university administration to investigate. The commission announced that all electoral activities, including nomination distribution, would remain halted until the discrepancies are resolved. Another commissioner, Md. Masud Rana, emphasized that the registrar’s office must urgently correct and verify the list to resume the election. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Md. Shawkat Ali described the incident as unfortunate, promising to issue a show-cause notice to the registrar’s office and urging both sides to resolve the matter promptly.

The Bangladesh government has officially declared Begum Khaleda Zia, chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and former three-time prime minister, as a 'Very Important Person' (VIP). The announcement was made through a gazette notification issued on Monday, December 1, under the directive of the President. Mohammad Abdul Wadud Chowdhury, Director General (Administration) of the Chief Adviser’s Office, signed the order. The declaration was made under Section 2(a) of the Special Security Force Act, 2021, and took immediate effect. Khaleda Zia, who has been suffering from multiple age-related health complications, is currently receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. The move formally recognizes her as a state-designated VIP, ensuring enhanced security and protocol measures during her treatment and public engagements.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has abruptly suspended its planned rally in Sylhet, citing the critical illness of party chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The event, part of BNP’s 'Victory Torch' campaign, was scheduled for December 4 at Sylhet Government Alia Madrasa ground, where acting chairman Tarique Rahman was to address supporters virtually. The suspension comes as the Jamaat-e-Islami-led eight-party alliance finalizes preparations for its own mass rally at the same venue on the same date. Jamaat leaders said the gathering will focus on implementing the July National Charter, ensuring a level playing field, and securing a 'Yes' victory in a proposed referendum. Meanwhile, U.S. Embassy political officer James A. Stewart met with Sylhet Jamaat leaders to discuss the upcoming national election, party strategies, and bilateral issues. The meeting reportedly took place in a cordial atmosphere, with discussions on electoral fairness and future governance priorities.

The Student Rights Council has announced a partial four-member central committee, appointing Nazmul Hasan as president and Mohammad Sanaullah Haque as general secretary. The other two members are Dewan Khan Bappi, who will serve as senior joint vice-president, and Rafiqul Islam, who has been named senior joint general secretary. The announcement was made on Monday through an official statement signed by Nurul Haque Nur, president of the Gono Odhikar Parishad, along with general secretary Md. Rashed Khan and spokesperson Hasan Al Mamun. The new committee marks a partial restructuring of the student organization under the Gono Odhikar Parishad, signaling continued organizational activity and leadership renewal within the student wing.

Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, stated that if BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia had not maintained her uncompromising political stance, Bangladesh might have come under Indian dominance before the current 15-year rule of the Awami League. Speaking to reporters outside United Hospital in Dhaka after his treatment for heart disease, Taher described Khaleda Zia as a patriotic, democratic, and steadfast leader who represents the people beyond party lines. He expressed deep concern for her health and wished for her recovery. Taher also emphasized the need for greater understanding, unity, and principled cooperation among major political parties ahead of the next national election. He urged political leaders to act with patience and wisdom, prioritizing national interests over partisan agendas. Jamaat’s Dhaka-17 candidate S.M. Khaliduzzaman and other party members were present during his remarks.

The High Court of Bangladesh has issued a rule asking why the provision requiring political parties to contest under their own symbols, even when forming an alliance for the 13th National Parliamentary Election, should not be declared illegal. The bench of Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Fatema Anwar issued the rule on December 1, directing the Election Commission to provide an explanation within ten days. The petition was filed on November 27 by Mominul Amin, Secretary General of the National Democratic Movement (NDM), who argued that the amended Representation of the People Order (RPO) violates constitutional rights and freedom of expression. The writ petition also requested suspension of the provision and reinstatement of the previous rule allowing alliances to use a single electoral symbol. The Law Ministry Secretary and the Election Commission Secretary have been made respondents. Amin further alleged that the amendment was introduced to benefit specific parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami and the National People's Party (NCP).

Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam Sarkar has announced that any candidate violating the electoral code of conduct in the upcoming national parliamentary elections will face immediate disqualification without prior notice. Speaking at a workshop in Bandar Upazila, he emphasized that the Election Commission will take strict measures to ensure fair elections, including fines and imprisonment where necessary. He stated that no posters will be allowed after the election schedule is announced and that a level playing field will be maintained for all candidates. A monitoring cell will oversee law and order at polling centers, coordinating with law enforcement and administration to take swift action when required. Senior officials from the Election Training Institute, Narayanganj district administration, and police were present at the event.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the suspension of asylum applications in the United States will be extended indefinitely following the fatal shooting of a National Guard member in Washington, D.C., allegedly by an Afghan immigrant. Trump said he is also considering a permanent ban on immigration from third world countries. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that the suspension will apply to citizens of 19 countries already under travel restrictions, including Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Iran, and Myanmar. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakhanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan who entered the U.S. in 2021 through a resettlement program, was previously part of a CIA-backed special unit in Afghanistan. Trump blamed the Biden administration’s “weak vetting” during the Afghan airlift for allowing Lakhanwal’s entry and vowed to tighten immigration controls in response to the attack.

BanglaFact, the fact-checking and media research team of the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB), has identified misinformation shared from the Facebook page of Sajib Wazed Joy, son of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Joy reportedly shared an old photo of a grenade recovery operation from November 2024 in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, claiming it depicted a recent incident under the interim Yunus government. BanglaFact’s investigation confirmed that the image was not related to the recent recovery of four grenades in Demra, Dhaka, but rather to a previous joint forces operation that recovered nine grenades in Cox’s Bazar. The organization noted a growing trend of misinformation and propaganda spreading through social media platforms, both domestically and from India, targeting Bangladesh’s interim government and political movements. BanglaFact continues to verify misleading content and promote accurate information in the country’s evolving digital landscape.

A newly submitted report by Bangladesh’s National Independent Investigation Commission has alleged direct involvement of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, ex-Army Chief Moeen U Ahmed, and foreign entities in the 2009 BDR mutiny that killed 57 army officers at Pilkhana, Dhaka. The commission, led by retired Major General A L M Fazlur Rahman, presented its findings to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, revealing that the army’s inaction during the massacre remains a mystery. The report claims the mutiny was premeditated, coordinated by Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, and politically shielded by the then-ruling Awami League. Investigators said evidence was partly destroyed over time and many suspects fled abroad. The commission also cited failures of police, RAB, and intelligence agencies, and criticized some media for unprofessional conduct. It recommended measures to prevent similar incidents and ensure justice for victims’ families. The findings reignite national debate over accountability for one of Bangladesh’s darkest tragedies.

Primary school teachers across Bangladesh have continued their full-day work abstention for a second consecutive day, resulting in the suspension of annual examinations nationwide. The protest, organized by the Primary Teachers’ Demand Implementation Council, aims to press the government to fulfill a three-point demand, including upgrading assistant teachers to the 10th grade pay scale, resolving promotion complexities after 10 and 16 years of service, and ensuring 100% departmental promotion from assistant to head teacher. The council stated that teachers are participating spontaneously and vowed not to let the sacrifice of fellow teacher Fatema Akter go in vain. Despite a Finance Ministry press release promising reforms, the teachers claim there has been no visible progress, prompting them to continue the indefinite strike until their demands are met.