A controversy has erupted at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) after Sanjida Yasmin Itu, a former vice-president of the university’s banned Chhatra League hall committee, was appointed as the house tutor of the newly inaugurated Begum Khaleda Zia Hall. The hall, opened on October 20 to expand accommodation for female students, has drawn criticism from various quarters for assigning a former student leader of the ruling party’s student wing to a hall named after opposition leader Begum Khaleda Zia. Itu, now a lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Chemistry, acknowledged her past position in the student organization but claimed she was never active in politics and that her name was included based on academic merit. The hall’s provost, Professor Dr. Md. Ali Reza Faruk, stated that junior-level teachers are typically appointed as house tutors and that the administration may have made the appointment due to a shortage of eligible candidates, adding that he would review the matter.

BNP Vice Chairman Mohammad Shahjahan described Begum Khaleda Zia as a symbol of national unity during a discussion and prayer meeting at Noakhali Press Club on Saturday. He said Khaleda Zia, currently hospitalized in critical condition, has long been a trusted and respected leader across political and religious lines, leading the nation through multiple crises. Shahjahan urged citizens to pray for her full recovery and long life. Addressing journalists about the upcoming 13th national election, he discussed plans for peace, prosperity, and development in Noakhali, including the demand for a Noakhali Division, infrastructure improvements, and modernization of healthcare and education. He criticized the lack of expected development under previous Awami League governments and emphasized BNP’s commitment to democratic progress following years of struggle against authoritarianism. Several district BNP leaders were present at the event.

Two old phone conversations between former Bangladeshi Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and late writer-intellectual Ahmad Sofa have resurfaced on social media, generating widespread discussion. Facebook user Mohammad Israq offered a political interpretation of these exchanges, which were originally published on the satire site eআরকি. In one call, Sofa reportedly demanded that Khaleda cook for him, citing that Sheikh Hasina had done so, while in another, he reacted angrily when Khaleda’s personal secretary failed to recognize him. Israq’s commentary criticizes Sofa’s behavior as unprofessional and symbolic of elitist arrogance, contrasting it with Khaleda’s humility and professionalism. The discussion has reignited debate about the relationship between Bangladesh’s political leaders and intellectuals, and how cultural elitism shapes public attitudes toward leadership and civic responsibility in the country.

Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury, chairman of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, emphasized that the assurance of justice relies on judges’ personality, competence, impartiality, and courage. Speaking at a day-long workshop in Dhaka organized by the commission with support from the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, he urged judges to uphold constitutional values and treat every case with equal diligence and dedication. He called for building a justice system that earns the trust of all citizens, regardless of their social or economic background. Huma Khan highlighted the importance of judicial impartiality and professionalism in ensuring justice, noting the suffering of victims’ families and the obstacles posed by fear, pressure, and influence. Other speakers included Justice Md Farid Ahmed Shibli, Md Nur Khan, and Law Secretary Liaqat Ali Molla. Around 90 judges and trainees from various courts and tribunals participated in the event.

Teachers and students of Dhaka University held a special prayer session on Saturday for the recovery of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Dhaka. The event, organized by the pro-BNP teachers’ group 'Sada Dal', took place after Asr prayers at the university’s central mosque. The session was presided over by Professor Dr. Morshed Hasan Khan and attended by Vice-Chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan, Pro-VC (Education) Professor Mamun Ahmed, and other senior faculty members. Khaleda Zia, aged 80, remains under the care of a medical board comprising local and foreign specialists. She has been suffering from multiple health complications, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney problems. She was admitted to the hospital’s Coronary Care Unit (CCU) after experiencing breathing difficulties on November 23.

A case has been filed against Mosharraf Hossain, acting general secretary of Bogura District BNP and nominated candidate for Bogura-4 (Kahaloo-Nandigram), for allegedly forging a Bachelor of Social Science (BSS) certificate. The complaint, lodged by Masud Ali of Singra, Natore, accuses Hossain of using his registration number from the 1993–94 academic session to fraudulently obtain a degree from the National University. The Singra Amli Court accepted the case and directed the Natore Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) to submit a report by March 1 next year. Masud claims Hossain used the forged certificate to secure a college managing committee post in December 2024. Hossain, a former MP, denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing his reputation ahead of elections. He stated that he legitimately obtained his degree from the National University and urged his supporters not to be misled by false claims.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that party chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia is not currently in a physical condition suitable for travel abroad for medical treatment. Speaking at a press conference in Gulshan, he said Khaleda Zia remains in critical condition at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where both local and foreign doctors, including specialists from Johns Hopkins and London, are overseeing her care. A medical board met recently to review her treatment plan and concluded that while foreign treatment might eventually be necessary, her current health does not permit travel. Preparations such as visa arrangements and air ambulance logistics are reportedly underway in case her condition stabilizes. The 79-year-old leader suffers from multiple chronic ailments, including arthritis, diabetes, and complications with her kidneys, liver, lungs, and eyes. President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus have expressed concern and asked the nation to pray for her recovery.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of being responsible for the deteriorating health of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, claiming that Hasina viewed Zia as an obstacle to her alleged corruption. Speaking at a BNP family event in Hathazari, Chattogram, Rizvi described the current government as fascist and accused it of conspiring to permanently remove Khaleda Zia from politics. He alleged that Zia was subjected to mistreatment and poisoning during her imprisonment, which led to her current critical condition. Rizvi also praised Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, BNP’s candidate for Chattogram-5, for his dedication to restoring democracy. The event provided financial and medical assistance to families of those injured in recent political movements and concluded with prayers for Khaleda Zia’s recovery.

BNP central leader and Natore-2 constituency candidate Advocate Ruhul Kuddus Talukder Dulu has accused the ruling Awami League of destroying Bangladesh’s education system during its 17 years in power. Speaking at a freshman reception at Dr. Nasir Uddin Talukder College in Naldanga, Dulu alleged that the government, under Education Minister Dipu Moni, introduced policies that devalued academic standards, including automatic pass systems and inflated GPA scores. He claimed that India prefers Bangladesh to remain weak and that the Awami League serves Indian interests. Dulu contrasted this with the BNP’s record, saying that during its tenure, the education sector was made free of exam malpractice under State Minister Ehsanul Haque Milon. He reiterated BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s pledge to prioritize education and health if the party returns to power. Dulu also sought prayers for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, calling her a symbol of national unity and democracy.

The Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) has expressed concern over the health of Begum Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first female and three-time former prime minister, currently undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. In a statement signed by General Secretary Mazharul Islam, JAKSU described Khaleda Zia as a living symbol of democracy who consistently opposed injustice, extrajudicial killings, and political oppression. The statement highlighted her leadership in various democratic movements and her efforts to promote national unity despite political differences. JAKSU emphasized that her recovery is vital for Bangladesh’s sovereignty, anti-hegemonic spirit, and political coexistence, and extended wishes for her speedy recovery.

The interim government of Bangladesh has clarified that there are no restrictions or objections to BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman returning to the country. The statement came from Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, through a verified Facebook post on Saturday, November 29. Alam stated that the government has imposed no legal or administrative barriers to Rahman’s return. The clarification followed Tarique Rahman’s own social media post from the United Kingdom, where he mentioned that his decision to return is not entirely within his control due to the current political realities. He also expressed a strong desire to be with his ailing mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Chief Adviser Yunus has reportedly expressed deep concern over Khaleda Zia’s health and requested prayers from the nation for her recovery.

At a general meeting of the Bangladesh Field Administration Administrative Officers Welfare Association held at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, officials from divisional, district, and upazila administration offices reiterated their demand for the creation and implementation of 9th-grade first-class posts. The proposal aims to allow promotion opportunities for 10th-grade second-class administrative officers, who currently lack a clear career advancement path. Despite multiple appeals to the Ministry of Public Administration, the Cabinet Division, and the Finance Division since 2018, the proposal has not been implemented due to repeated disapproval from the Finance Division. The 2025 Deputy Commissioners’ Conference reaffirmed the decision to create these posts and instructed the Ministry of Public Administration to resubmit the proposal. The meeting also discussed the need for a detailed and updated Charter of Duties for administrative officers, which remains pending despite earlier requests. Senior officials, including the Dhaka Divisional Commissioner, attended the event.

The family of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is reportedly preparing to take her to London for advanced medical treatment once her health shows some improvement. According to Mahdi Amin, adviser to BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, Khaleda Zia is currently receiving care at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka under the supervision of both local and foreign medical specialists. Tarique Rahman and his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman are coordinating her treatment from London, maintaining constant communication with the medical team. Dr. Zubaida is also serving as a key member of the medical board overseeing Khaleda’s care. Preparations are underway to arrange a specialized air ambulance and contact the London hospital where she previously received successful treatment. Supporters continue to gather outside the hospital, though access to the CCU remains restricted due to infection risks. Mahdi Amin expressed hope for Khaleda Zia’s recovery and her eventual return to political life.

Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque has alleged that political groups fearing defeat in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election are attempting to disrupt the voting process and extend the tenure of the unelected government. Speaking at a shadow parliament session organized by Debate for Democracy on November 29, Haque criticized advisers who, he said, should have resigned earlier to ensure neutrality. He also expressed concern over the Election Commission’s inaction against the influence of black money and the growing use of religion in politics. Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron, who also spoke at the event, stated that isolated incidents of violence, such as arson or militant processions, would not be able to significantly hinder the electoral process. The discussion reflected rising political tension and questions over fairness and law enforcement ahead of the national polls.

BNP Chairperson and former three-time Prime Minister Khaleda Zia remains under close observation in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Party leaders have stated that her condition is still critical though she is conscious and able to recognize people around her. The 80-year-old leader, suffering from multiple health complications, was admitted on November 23 after developing lung infection and cardiac issues. A medical board comprising local and foreign specialists is overseeing her treatment. Across Bangladesh, BNP supporters and citizens are holding prayers and gatherings for her recovery, while social media is filled with messages recalling her political legacy. Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus is reportedly monitoring her condition and has instructed authorities to ensure all necessary medical support. BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman expressed gratitude for the government’s assistance. Party leaders have urged supporters not to crowd the hospital premises.