A Dhaka special court is set to deliver its verdict on Monday in a corruption case involving former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, and her niece Tulip Siddiq, along with 14 others, over alleged irregularities in plot allocations under the Purbachal New Town Project. The case, filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in January, accuses the defendants of abusing power to obtain government plots illegally. Judge Md Rabiul Alam of Dhaka Special Judge Court-4 will announce the verdict. The accused include former housing ministry officials and Rajuk executives. Earlier, on July 31, the court framed charges against all accused. This is one of six corruption cases filed against Hasina and her family; verdicts in three were delivered last Thursday, sentencing Hasina to 21 years in prison and her children Sajeeb Wazed Joy and Saima Wazed Putul to five years each. Several former officials also received varying prison terms for their roles.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally requested a pardon from President Isaac Herzog, according to a statement from the president’s office on Sunday, November 3. The move comes as Netanyahu faces three separate corruption cases filed in 2019, involving allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The request follows recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who publicly urged Herzog to pardon Netanyahu during his October visit to Israel and in a subsequent letter sent earlier this month. Herzog’s office confirmed receipt of the pardon request, noting that it carries significant implications and will be reviewed carefully after consulting relevant opinions. The development adds a new dimension to Israel’s political landscape, as Netanyahu continues to lead the government while standing trial, a situation that has stirred debate over ethics, governance, and judicial independence in the country.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain stated that if BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman wishes to return to Bangladesh, the interim government could issue a travel pass within a day. Speaking at a Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Bangladesh (DCAB) event in Dhaka, Hossain mentioned that the government is unaware of Rahman’s current legal status in London but sees no reason any country would prevent his return. He also discussed the evolving Bangladesh-India relationship following the July uprising, noting that India may need time to adjust to the political changes in Dhaka. Hossain expressed optimism that bilateral working relations would normalize soon. Regarding former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal’s presence in India, he said there has been no official communication from Delhi or formal discussion about his return. On Sheikh Hasina’s situation, Hossain remarked that even if India does not return her, it will not hinder Dhaka-Delhi relations, though Bangladesh expects her repatriation due to her conviction.

Political speculation has intensified in Bangladesh over why BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has not yet returned home despite no visible legal or security obstacles. His recent Facebook post hinted that the decision to return is not entirely under his control, sparking debate about possible external influences. The government has publicly stated it has no objection to his return, while BNP leaders have avoided elaborating beyond Rahman’s own remarks. Analysts suggest that geopolitical factors involving the United States and India may be affecting the situation, recalling past controversies such as the 'minus two' formula and earlier commitments made during the 2007–08 caretaker government period. With Khaleda Zia’s health deteriorating and national elections approaching, questions persist about who holds sway over Rahman’s return and whether he will lead the BNP’s campaign once the election schedule is announced.

British MP and former City Minister Tulip Siddiq, niece of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, faces a corruption verdict in Bangladesh on December 1. She, along with Hasina, Sheikh Rehana, and 14 others, is accused of abusing power to obtain plots in the Purbachal New Town project. If convicted, Siddiq could face up to 10 years in prison, potentially jeopardizing her parliamentary position in the UK. She is also under investigation for alleged embezzlement of £4 billion from the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project, first reported by the Daily Mail. The controversy previously forced her to resign as City Minister. British lawyers have raised concerns about the transparency of the Bangladeshi trial, sending a letter to the Bangladesh High Commissioner. Siddiq, MP for Hampstead and Highgate, has also faced scrutiny over a London flat allegedly received as a gift from a pro-Awami League figure, though a UK inquiry found no ministerial rule breach.

As Bangladesh’s political landscape sees attempts to form three separate alliances outside the BNP, party leaders have downplayed any potential pressure from these developments. Islamist parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, are working to create one coalition, while the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Amar Bangladesh Party are leading efforts for another alliance, though internal disagreements have slowed progress. Leftist groups are also exploring a separate coalition. BNP leaders assert that these initiatives will not hinder their electoral momentum, emphasizing that voters in Bangladesh typically choose based on party symbols, with the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ and the ruling Awami League’s ‘boat’ being the most recognized. Political analysts, however, suggest that a strong opposing alliance could psychologically influence voters. BNP leaders maintain that their focus remains on forming a broader anti-government coalition and potentially a national unity government if elected, insisting that smaller alliances will have little impact at the grassroots level.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has postponed its month-long programs planned for December to mark the country's Victory Day, citing the illness of its chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The programs, which were to run from December 1 to 16, included a nationwide 'Victory Torch Road Show' starting in Chattogram and passing through major cities such as Cumilla, Sylhet, Mymensingh, Bogura, Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, and Faridpur. Each division’s event was to feature a prominent freedom fighter and a youth representative carrying the torch. The celebrations were scheduled to conclude with a grand rally at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka on December 16. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the postponement and said a new schedule will be declared later. The decision reflects the party’s concern over Khaleda Zia’s health condition.

The Delhi Police’s Economic Offences Wing has filed a new FIR against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, accusing them of criminal conspiracy in the National Herald money laundering case. The complaint, based on a report from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), names six individuals including Sam Pitroda and three companies—Associated Journals Limited (AJL), Young Indian, and Kolkata-based Dotex Merchandise Pvt Ltd. Authorities allege that Dotex transferred ₹1 crore to Young Indian, a non-profit where Sonia and Rahul Gandhi hold a combined 76% stake. Using this transaction, Young Indian allegedly gained control of AJL, which owns assets worth about ₹2,000 crore, after paying only ₹50 lakh to the Congress party. The FIR was registered on October 3 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Congress has dismissed the case as politically motivated, calling it a vendetta by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The National Herald, founded in 1938 by Jawaharlal Nehru and other freedom fighters, ceased publication in 2008 due to financial distress.

As Bangladesh prepares for its national parliamentary election in February, two advisers—Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan from the Local Government Ministry and Mahfuz Alam from the Information Ministry—are expected to resign soon. Both were key figures in the student-led uprising that gave rise to the National Citizen Party (NCP), and many anticipated their joining the party. However, recent developments suggest that possibility is fading. Former NCP organizer Ariful Islam Talukdar, who recently resigned, publicly questioned why Asif Mahmud is not joining the NCP, hinting at internal ideological conflicts within the party. In a Facebook post, Arif alleged that the NCP’s policymaking circle is dominated by anti-religious elements and claimed he was pressured to choose between his faith and the party. He announced plans to hold a press conference on December 1, 2025, to disclose further details about his resignation and the party’s internal issues.

Several religious organizations, including the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, and the Dhaka Metropolitan Sarbojanin Puja Committee, have expressed concern over the deteriorating health of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Following her recent hospitalization at Evercare Hospital due to respiratory complications, the groups have called for her proper medical care and swift recovery. The Puja Udjapan Parishad announced that a special prayer session will be held at the Dhakeshwari National Temple on Sunday, November 30, at 5 p.m., to pray for her health. Leaders of the participating organizations, including Basudev Dhar, Santosh Sharma, Jayanta Kumar Dev, and Tapas Chandra Pal, signed the joint statement urging national unity and compassion during this critical time for the former leader.

The International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh has summoned BNP leader Fazlur Rahman to appear in person on December 8 to explain his remarks allegedly amounting to contempt of court. The tribunal acted on a petition filed by prosecutor Gazi Monowar Hossain Tamim on November 26, accusing Rahman of making disparaging comments during a television talk show. Rahman reportedly said he did not recognize the tribunal, arguing that it was established solely to try crimes committed during the 1971 Liberation War and should not handle other cases. The prosecution contends that the tribunal has jurisdiction over crimes against humanity, genocide, war crimes, and crimes against peace. The court will hear Rahman’s explanation before deciding on further legal action. The case highlights ongoing tensions between the BNP and judicial institutions over the scope and legitimacy of the war crimes tribunal.

Ariful Islam Talukdar, the southern regional organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has resigned from his post, citing deep disagreements with the party’s leadership. Submitting his resignation on November 28, Talukdar claimed that he was indirectly asked to choose between his political career and his religious beliefs, prompting him to prioritize his faith. The controversy stems from the case of Abul Sarkar, who was arrested for allegedly making remarks offensive to religious sentiments. Talukdar accused the NCP of siding with Sarkar and being influenced by anti-religious elements. He also raised allegations of corruption within the party, including the sale of nomination forms and secret negotiations with the BNP over parliamentary seats. Talukdar announced that he would hold a press conference on December 1, 2025, to reveal further details about internal party dealings and the leadership’s alleged manipulation of political movements. His resignation has sparked debate over ideological divisions within the NCP.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia remains in critical condition at Evercare Hospital’s Coronary Care Unit in Dhaka, according to the party’s Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. Speaking at an emergency press conference on Sunday, Rizvi said there has been no improvement in her health and the medical board has not yet advised on sending her abroad for treatment. Due to her deteriorating health, the BNP has suspended all December programs and urged the public to pray for her recovery. Rizvi also requested party members and supporters not to gather in front of the hospital to avoid disrupting medical activities. Khaleda Zia, 81, has long suffered from multiple health complications including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney issues. She was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 after experiencing breathing difficulties.

Bangladeshi singer and Bangladesh Cricket Board director Asif Akbar made a politically charged Facebook post criticizing what he called the 'fascist' roots of one-party rule in Bangladesh. He claimed that the establishment of BAKSAL marked the birth of fascism in the country and praised late President Ziaur Rahman for introducing multi-party democracy. Referring to Zia’s assassination in 1981, Asif alleged that a 'fascist leader' had expressed satisfaction at the event. He described Khaleda Zia as a symbol of national unity and lamented her current illness, urging prayers for her recovery. Asif also defended Tarique Rahman, calling him one of the most persecuted political figures in Bangladesh’s history, and said he should return home only when it is safe. He warned against emotional reactions and political exploitation of Khaleda Zia’s health situation, emphasizing unity and patience among her supporters.

Following the collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5 last year amid a student and public uprising, former members of parliament fled the country, leaving behind their belongings in the NAM flats reserved for them. Despite multiple letters from the Parliament Secretariat urging them or their families to collect their furniture and personal items, no one has responded. The once-bustling residential complexes in Dhaka’s Nakhalpara and Manik Mia Avenue now remain largely deserted, with most flats locked. Some units have been temporarily allocated to army, Ansar, and law enforcement officials, while a few are occupied by prosecutors from the International Crimes Tribunal. The Parliament Secretariat, now coordinating with the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, plans to renovate the damaged buildings before the upcoming 13th national election scheduled for early February. However, officials remain uncertain about what to do with the abandoned belongings of the former MPs.