Bipin Jyoti Chakma, the chief coordinator of the Rangamati district coordination committee of the National Citizen Party (NCP), announced his resignation from the party through a Facebook post on Sunday night, November 30. In his post, he cited prolonged mental stress along with personal and family reasons for his decision to withdraw from all party activities effective immediately. He also mentioned that he would soon send his formal resignation letter to the party’s central leadership. Earlier, on November 14, Ujjal Chakma, the joint coordinator of the same district committee, had resigned for similar personal and family reasons. The Rangamati district committee, comprising 24 members, was formed only six months ago under a directive signed by NCP’s chief organizer for the southern region, Hasnat Abdullah, and member secretary Akhtar Hossain. The recent resignations indicate emerging internal divisions within the newly formed committee.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally requested a presidential pardon from President Isaac Herzog to end ongoing corruption trials against him. Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, face allegations of receiving luxury gifts worth over $260,000 from wealthy businessmen in exchange for political favors, as well as seeking favorable media coverage in separate cases. Netanyahu argued that the prolonged legal proceedings are harming both him and the country, citing the burden of frequent court appearances. Herzog’s office confirmed receipt of the pardon request, calling it an extraordinary appeal that will be reviewed carefully. Former U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly sent a letter urging Herzog to grant Netanyahu clemency. The 76-year-old leader, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, has faced criticism for his controversial judicial reform proposals, which triggered mass protests before subsiding amid the Gaza conflict in late 2023.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed stated that BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is not yet registered as a voter. Speaking to reporters at the EC office in Agargaon, Dhaka, Ahmed clarified that Rahman could still be eligible to vote and contest in the upcoming national elections if he applies and the commission approves his eligibility. When asked under what legal provisions such a decision could be made, the secretary referred journalists to the Voter List Registration Act, noting he did not recall the specific section. The statement comes amid ongoing political discussions about the participation of BNP leaders in the next parliamentary polls and the overall electoral environment in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has urged caution in disseminating information about the health condition of its chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. In an official statement, the party said that all verified updates regarding her medical status will be provided by Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain, a member of the BNP Standing Committee and Khaleda Zia’s personal physician. The BNP requested the media to refrain from publishing unverified or misleading information and to rely only on statements from Dr. Zahid or senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. The appeal follows public concern sparked by remarks from a BNP vice-chairman describing Khaleda Zia’s condition as critical. The party emphasized that medical professionals are solely responsible for her treatment decisions and urged the public and media to avoid speculation or politically motivated interpretations of her illness.

A wave of identical interviews with former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina across eight major Indian media outlets has sparked intense debate over journalistic ethics and political messaging. Published within 12 days before Hasina’s death sentence in absentia by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal, the interviews featured nearly identical questions and answers, prompting journalist SNM Abdi to describe them as a coordinated public relations campaign rather than independent journalism. The Bangladesh government summoned India’s Deputy High Commissioner in Dhaka, accusing India of aiding a convicted fugitive, while India’s Press Club demanded an apology after being called ‘bootlickers’ by a Bangladeshi official. Analysts suggest the episode reflects deeper geopolitical tensions, with Hasina’s political fate tied to regional power dynamics involving India, China, and the United States. Abdi argues that the interviews failed to uphold journalism’s democratic role, serving instead as a vehicle for narrative management amid Bangladesh’s volatile political climate.

A newly submitted report by the National Independent Investigation Commission has revealed that the 2009 Pilkhana massacre, carried out under the guise of a BDR mutiny, was a premeditated act involving direct foreign influence and complicity of the then ruling Awami League. The report, handed to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus by commission head Maj. Gen. (Retd.) A. L. M. Fazlur Rahman, accuses several political and military figures, including former MP and later Dhaka South Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, of coordinating the attack with the alleged approval of then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The commission also cited failures by the army, police, and intelligence agencies to act during the crisis. Many involved reportedly fled abroad, and key evidence was destroyed. The findings aim to answer long-standing national questions about the tragedy, which claimed 57 army officers’ lives. The commission recommended measures to prevent similar incidents and ensure justice for victims.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Towhid Hossain expressed optimism that working relations between Bangladesh and India will soon return to normal following the political changes brought by the July uprising. Speaking at a Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Bangladesh (DCAB) event in Dhaka, he noted that India is still adjusting to the new political situation in Bangladesh. Hossain also commented that the government has no official information about BNP leader Tarique Rahman’s status in London, and that it would be unusual for another country to prevent his return. Regarding former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Hossain said Delhi has not provided any official information about his stay in India. He added that Sheikh Hasina’s issue would not hinder Dhaka-Delhi relations, though Bangladesh expects her return as a convicted person. Hossain further criticized the previous government’s ‘warm’ ties with India, saying they benefited governments rather than citizens, and lamented the lack of progress on Teesta water sharing and border killings.

British Labour Party MP Tulip Rizwana Siddiq, niece of Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has been sentenced to two years in prison by a Dhaka court for abusing power in allocating a government plot to her mother, Sheikh Rehana, under the Purbachal New Town Project. The verdict, delivered in absentia by Special Judge Md Rabiul Alam, also includes a fine of 100,000 taka, with an additional six months’ imprisonment in default. This marks the first time a British MP has been convicted by a Bangladeshi court. The case has drawn extensive coverage from major UK media outlets including The Guardian, BBC, Sky News, The Telegraph, and The Independent, all highlighting the unusual cross-border legal implications and Siddiq’s political ties. Siddiq, who resigned earlier this year as the UK’s City Minister amid separate allegations of financial misconduct, has not commented publicly on the ruling. The conviction has sparked renewed debate in both Bangladesh and the UK over political accountability and corruption.

Bangladesh’s primary and mass education ministry adviser Professor Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar announced that the long-standing demand of primary school teachers for an upgrade to the 11th pay grade is expected to be implemented, although the decision remains unofficial. Speaking in Monpura, Bhola, he urged teachers to suspend their protests and resume annual examinations. The adviser noted that the ministry has already communicated the teachers’ demand to the pay commission and is maintaining continuous dialogue with relevant departments. The ministry later issued a statement acknowledging the legitimacy of the teachers’ demand and confirmed that discussions are ongoing with the Finance Division, the Ministry of Public Administration, and the Pay Commission. Once the commission’s report is finalized, the Finance Division will take necessary action. Most teacher organizations have already suspended their movements in anticipation of positive outcomes.

A Bangladeshi court has sentenced British MP Tulip Siddiq, niece of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, to two years in prison for alleged abuse of power in the Purbachal New Town project. The verdict also includes Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana. Siddiq, 43, was accused of using political influence to secure plots for family members and faces a separate investigation over alleged £4 billion embezzlement linked to the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project. The Daily Mail first reported the allegations, prompting Siddiq to resign as City Minister. UK media and legal experts suggest that a confirmed conviction could increase pressure on her to resign as MP for Hampstead and Highgate. Questions have also arisen over a London flat she claimed was a family gift, though a UK government probe found no ministerial code breach. British lawyers have raised concerns about the transparency of the Bangladeshi trial and have written to the Bangladesh High Commission seeking clarification.

At a press conference in Dhaka’s RAOWA Club, Rakin Ahmed Bhuiyan, son of former BDR Director General Major General Shakil Ahmed, alleged that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina orchestrated the 2009 Pilkhana massacre to protect India’s interests and prolong her rule. He claimed the incident was meant to send a warning that any army officer opposing India would face a similar fate. Bhuiyan demanded immediate action against those named in the BDR investigation commission’s report and called for justice for the slain officers. He warned that failure to hold the responsible individuals accountable could lead to another tragedy like Pilkhana. Families of the victims were also present at the event, expressing their continued demand for justice and transparency in the investigation process.

Popular Bangladeshi actress Rukaiya Jahan Chomok has expressed her prayers for the speedy recovery of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who remains in critical condition at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. In a social media post on November 30, Chomok called Khaleda an uncompromising leader and wished her strength and peace. Her message came as BNP leaders confirmed that Khaleda Zia’s health has not improved, with serious infections in her lungs and heart. Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi stated that the medical board overseeing her treatment has not yet recommended sending her abroad. Meanwhile, Chomok recently appeared as a model in singer Luipa’s new music video, which has gained popularity online for her performance and appearance.

Bangladeshi film actor and Film Artistes’ Association general secretary Monowar Hossain Dipjol has called on the public to pray for the recovery of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who remains in critical condition at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. In a social media post, Dipjol urged everyone to pray sincerely for her health and strength. Netizens echoed his sentiments, expressing their hopes for the country’s first female prime minister’s recovery. Khaleda Zia, suffering from multiple chronic illnesses including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney complications, was admitted to the hospital on November 23 after experiencing breathing difficulties. She is currently under the care of a medical board comprising local and foreign specialists. BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi stated that her condition has not improved and that no decision has been made regarding treatment abroad without the board’s recommendation.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that Bangladesh has achieved a conducive environment for holding free and fair elections following a period of political upheaval and public uprising. Speaking at BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s political office in Gulshan, Dhaka, Fakhrul credited the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus for forming several reform commissions and signing reform charters. He mentioned that the interim administration has announced elections for February 2026, and preparations are underway. Fakhrul expressed optimism that citizens will use this opportunity to elect a representative parliament and establish a democratic government. He also highlighted BNP’s governance experience, asserting that the party could build a democratic and prosperous economy if given the mandate. Regarding Khaleda Zia’s health, Fakhrul said she remains seriously ill and under hospital care, with local and foreign doctors involved in her treatment, and requested prayers for her recovery.

Former Bangladesh cricket captain Tamim Iqbal has called on the public and political groups not to view BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s illness through a political lens. Khaleda Zia remains in critical condition at Evercare Hospital’s Coronary Care Unit in Dhaka. Tamim visited her on Sunday night to express his concern and gratitude, recalling that her family had checked on him during his own illness. Speaking to the media afterward, he emphasized the need for compassion and humanity rather than political interpretation. A day earlier, Tamim had posted on Facebook wishing Khaleda Zia a speedy recovery and praising her resilience in facing life’s challenges. His comments come amid heightened political sensitivity surrounding the health of the opposition leader, who has long been a central figure in Bangladesh’s politics.