Voting for the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) election began on Sunday morning at the Shafiqul Kabir Auditorium in Dhaka. The polling started at 9 a.m. and will continue until 5 p.m. The election involves professional journalists working in Dhaka, who are casting their votes in an orderly manner. The day before the election, the organization held its annual general meeting (AGM). A total of ten candidates are contesting for seven executive member positions, including Al-Amin Azad, Ali Azam, Mahfuz Sadi, Md. Abdul Alim, Md. Akhtar Hossain, Md. Majaharul Islam, Md. Rezaur Rahim, Mohammad Naimuddin, Suman Chowdhury, and Syed Akhtar Siraji. The election is expected to determine the new leadership of one of the most influential journalist organizations in Bangladesh.

Barrister Kaiser Kamal, BNP’s law affairs secretary and candidate for Netrakona-1 constituency, described the party’s 31-point program as a charter of people’s liberation rather than merely a political manifesto. Speaking at a farmers’ rally in Nazipur, Kalmakanda, he emphasized that the 27th point of the plan specifically addresses farmers’ issues, aiming to rebuild the state and secure the nation’s future. Kamal highlighted the historical significance of the nearby ‘Zia Canal,’ dug by late President Ziaur Rahman, and pledged that BNP would initiate new canal excavation projects if it returns to power. He also promised efforts to have Tarique Rahman oversee the re-excavation of the Zia Canal. Stressing his own background as a farmer’s son, Kamal urged the government to set fair prices for agricultural products based on farmers’ input. The rally, attended by hundreds of farmers, featured speeches from local BNP leaders and agricultural experts.

At a public meeting in Boda upazila of Panchagarh, National Citizen Committee (NCP) chief organizer Sarjis Alam declared that the party will stand by minorities and any individuals facing threats, harassment, or oppression from others, regardless of political affiliation. Addressing party workers, he urged them to support good initiatives from any political group and to oppose wrongdoing or injustice, even if committed by powerful figures. During the event, Alam announced the formation of NCP committees for ten unions and one municipality in Boda upazila. The program began with prayers for the recovery and long life of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. Leaders and activists from all five upazilas of Panchagarh district attended the meeting, emphasizing unity and social responsibility across party lines.

Several international media outlets have reported on the critical health condition of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who is currently hospitalized in Dhaka. Al Jazeera, citing her personal physician Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain, described her condition as 'very critical.' Gulf News, Dawn News, and NDTV also published similar reports, emphasizing the seriousness of her illness. Indian outlets such as The Times of India, The Hindu, and Hindustan Times have given the story significant coverage. According to BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, quoted by Arab News, Khaleda Zia’s health remains in a critical state. Her medical team is considering sending her abroad for advanced treatment once the board approves. The former prime minister has been receiving care at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, while her family and supporters have urged the public to pray for her recovery.

Bangladeshi expatriates living in France have shown strong enthusiasm for the newly launched 'Postal Vote BD' app, which allows them to participate in Bangladesh’s upcoming national election through postal ballots for the first time. Registration began on November 26, and expatriates across French cities are signing up in groups. Despite initial technical issues with OTP verification and photo uploads, users report that the process has since become smoother. Refugees without passports can register using only their national ID numbers, expanding participation among the diaspora. Expatriate organizations have welcomed the initiative, calling it a milestone for inclusive democracy. The government will handle the entire postal process, ensuring voters incur no additional costs. Many expatriates describe the move as historic, fulfilling a decades-long demand for voting rights abroad. Observers see it as a significant step linking expatriates not only to the economy but also to Bangladesh’s democratic process, marking a new chapter in the nation’s electoral history.

More than 92,000 Bangladeshi expatriates have registered to vote through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ app for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. According to the Election Commission (EC) website, as of November 30, a total of 92,385 expatriates have signed up, including 77,544 men and 14,841 women. This marks the first time Bangladesh is introducing an IT-supported postal ballot system, enabling expatriates, individuals in legal custody, and election officials on duty to cast their votes remotely. Registration began on November 19 and will continue until December 23. The EC is conducting registration across numerous countries, including South Korea, Japan, the United States, Saudi Arabia, Australia, and several African nations. Registered voters will receive postal ballots by mail, which they must return to the designated returning officer after voting. The EC aims to engage up to five million expatriate voters as part of its broader electoral participation initiative ahead of the election scheduled for early February 2025.

Ariful Islam Talukdar, the South Region Organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has resigned from his post, submitting his resignation letter on November 28 to the party convener. In his letter, Talukdar expressed deep frustration with the party’s internal weaknesses, indecision, and misuse of power. He claimed that despite his key role in the July 2024 mass uprising, the NCP failed to unite the youth forces or uphold the revolutionary spirit that inspired the movement. Talukdar accused some central leaders of accumulating wealth and monopolizing the movement’s achievements, leading to inequality and disunity. He also criticized the interim government’s advisory council for inefficiency and blamed the party for ignoring the majority’s religious sentiments. Citing corruption, bureaucratic dominance, and lack of justice for victims of state violence, Talukdar said he no longer saw a reason to continue with the NCP. He concluded by expressing hope that he might rejoin future movements for national unity and youth-led politics.

The United States has suspended issuing visas to Afghan citizens following a recent shooting incident in Washington, D.C., involving an Afghan national. The U.S. State Department has instructed all embassies and consulates worldwide to stop processing Afghan visa applications immediately. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio announced on social media that the decision was made to prioritize national security and public safety. The move comes after Rahmanullah Laknwal, an Afghan citizen and former CIA agent during the U.S.-NATO operations in Afghanistan, allegedly opened fire on National Guard members, killing one and injuring another. Following the attack, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services canceled all pending Afghan citizenship and residency applications. The new directive, issued under President Trump’s administration, reinforces a stricter immigration stance toward Afghan nationals amid growing security concerns.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has sent a letter to Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, expressing deep concern over her recent illness and wishing her a quick recovery. Earlier, on November 27, the Pakistani Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister had sent floral greetings to convey their best wishes for her health. In his letter, Sharif praised Khaleda Zia’s significant contributions to Bangladesh’s development and her role in strengthening the fraternal ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan. He also prayed for her full recovery so that she could continue to serve as a source of courage and guidance for her party and nation. Khaleda Zia has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka since November 23. According to her personal physician and BNP Standing Committee member Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, her health condition has remained unchanged over the past three days.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia remains in a 'critical but stable' condition, according to Dr. Tasnim Jara, senior joint member secretary of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP). Speaking to reporters after visiting her at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on Saturday, Dr. Jara said Khaleda Zia is conscious, alert, and following doctors’ instructions despite her critical state. She described the former prime minister as a symbol of tolerance who continues to fight with resilience. NCP leaders, including Dr. Jara, Nasiruddin Patwary, and Hasnat Abdullah, met with doctors to discuss her health condition and appealed to the public for prayers. Abdullah expressed hope that Khaleda Zia would witness Bangladesh’s democratic progress and alleged that she had not received adequate medical care under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government. Party leaders reiterated their call for nationwide prayers for her recovery.

BNP Assistant Economic Affairs Secretary Mahmudur Rahman Sumon has announced his decision to contest the upcoming election from the Narayanganj-2 constituency, expressing dissatisfaction with the party’s nomination process. Speaking at a discussion and prayer event in Araihazar, Sumon said the current nomination does not reflect the people's choice and should be changed. He emphasized that the decision ultimately rests with BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, describing him as a symbol of the party’s struggle. Sumon also paid tribute to Begum Khaleda Zia, praising her sacrifices for democracy. Addressing the current political climate, he voiced concern over fear and uncertainty among party activists, saying it contradicts the spirit of democratic change. Sumon concluded by calling for proper nominations to ensure genuine transformation and pledged readiness to make any sacrifice for the people’s victory. The event ended with prayers for Khaleda Zia’s recovery and national peace.

Ganosamhati Andolon’s chief coordinator Zonayed Saki has called for a constitutional reform in Bangladesh based on the recently formulated 'July National Charter'. Speaking at a rally in Uttara, Dhaka, he argued that the current state structure and constitution cannot ensure justice or rights for citizens. Saki emphasized the need for a new democratic power framework and proposed that the next national election should also serve as a constitutional assembly election. He claimed that public unity forced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to step down and highlighted the sacrifices of activists. Advocate Bilkis Nasima Rahman Tuhin, the party’s nominated candidate and rally chair, said their politics aims not at power but at people’s liberation. She criticized past governments for corruption, inequality, and misuse of power, pledging to build a state where citizens hold real authority and accountability prevails. The event was attended by several central and local leaders of the party.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Sadiq Kayem issued a strong warning against foreign and authoritarian influence in Bangladesh during a student and youth gathering in Sylhet’s Companiganj on Saturday. Addressing the rally organized by the youth wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, Kayem declared that Bangladesh must be led by leaders rooted in its soil and people, not by those serving external interests. He criticized what he described as India’s oppression and the previous government’s tolerance of Delhi’s dominance, asserting that such subservience would no longer be accepted in an independent Bangladesh. Kayem also condemned border killings and warned that any further deaths along the frontier would trigger mass protests from the nation’s citizens. The event, held to pray for the recovery of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, was attended by several Jamaat leaders and local political figures.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has called upon citizens across the country to offer prayers for the recovery of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who is currently undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. The appeal was made in a joint statement issued by the organization’s Amir, Allama Muhibullah Babunagari, and Secretary General, Allama Sajedur Rahman, and conveyed to the media by Joint Secretary General Maulana Azizul Haque Islamabadi. The Hefazat leaders praised Khaleda Zia as a patriotic and courageous leader who had previously supported Hefazat’s movement against anti-Islamic elements in 2013. They also highlighted her political struggle against what they described as Indian dominance and authoritarianism, noting her imprisonment and sacrifices. The statement expressed hope for her swift recovery and return to national leadership during what they termed a difficult period for the country.

Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s health condition has remained stable for the past three days, according to her personal physician and BNP Standing Committee member Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain. Speaking at a briefing at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, he said Khaleda Zia is responding to her current treatment and that any decision regarding her transfer abroad will depend on the recommendation of the medical board. The medical team is consulting with doctors in the UK, Saudi Arabia, China, and the United States to ensure the best possible care. BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is overseeing the coordination of her treatment. Dr. Zahid urged party supporters to avoid crowding the hospital to ensure uninterrupted care for all patients. He reassured the public that Khaleda Zia is receiving appropriate medical attention and that further steps will be taken based on medical advice and her condition.