Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Kazi Sayedul Alam Babul, the party’s Dhaka divisional organizing secretary and a nomination aspirant for Gazipur-1 constituency, said the party’s top policymakers are prioritizing candidates with a clean image. Speaking at a roadside rally in Kaliakoir’s Mouchak area on Friday, Babul expressed optimism that he is among those being considered for nomination under the leadership of acting chairman Tarique Rahman. During the event, Babul met local traders, farmers, and residents, seeking votes for BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol and distributing leaflets outlining Tarique Rahman’s 31-point program. Highlighting his three-decade political career, Babul recalled his active role in anti-autocracy movements and the personal sacrifices he made, including facing imprisonment and attacks. He emphasized that dedicated party members who endured repression should be prioritized for nominations to ensure the implementation of Tarique Rahman’s reform agenda. Several local BNP and affiliated organization leaders attended the event, which drew participation from thousands of residents.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has criticized Bangladesh’s interim government for allegedly rushing to pass two new laws — a revised Police Commission Act and a law concerning NGOs — ahead of the upcoming national election. In a statement issued Friday night, Fakhrul claimed that the government’s move appears to have ulterior motives that could hinder the country’s democratic transition. He argued that such significant legislation should not be enacted without a public mandate and urged that these laws be debated and passed by the next elected parliament instead. The BNP leader called on the government to refrain from taking hasty steps that might undermine democratic processes or raise questions about the legitimacy of the interim administration’s actions.

Interim government Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating health condition of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. He has been regularly monitoring her medical updates and instructed all concerned authorities to ensure that she receives full medical support without any shortcomings. Emphasizing her significance as a three-time former prime minister and a source of inspiration during the nation’s democratic transition, Yunus called upon citizens across Bangladesh to pray for her speedy recovery. He reiterated that the government stands ready to provide all necessary assistance for her treatment and directed relevant officials to remain fully prepared and coordinated. His remarks reflect both humanitarian concern and a call for national unity during a sensitive political period.

Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government for Local Government, Rural Development, Cooperatives, Youth and Sports, has urged people not to become oppressors after being oppressed. In a Facebook post on Friday, November 28, he wrote, 'Do not turn from the oppressed to the oppressor; do not let fascism rest on your shoulders.' Although he did not specify the context or audience of his message, social media users believe it was a response to recent incidents of violence against Baul singers across the country and an attack at the 'Ganer Artonad' event in Dhaka. His statement has sparked discussion online, with many interpreting it as a call for restraint and resistance against authoritarian tendencies amid growing social and political unrest.

As Bangladesh’s 13th national election approaches, internal conflict has erupted within the BNP’s Patuakhali-1 constituency. Party-nominated candidate and former Air Vice Marshal Altaf Hossain Chowdhury has alleged that several local BNP leaders have launched a Tk 100 crore campaign to remove him from the race. He accused district BNP president Snehangshu Sarkar Kutti, general secretary Mujibur Rahman Toton, and former mayor Mostak Ahmed Pinu of conspiring against him. In response, district BNP leaders held a press conference rejecting his claims as baseless and divisive, arguing that Altaf is out of touch with local realities. They also questioned his leadership decisions and accused him of bypassing the district committee. Altaf countered by accusing the local leaders of weakening the party and attempting to field rival candidates. Despite the escalating tensions, district leaders later stated that Altaf remains the official BNP candidate and that internal misunderstandings will be resolved through discussion.

BNP Vice Chairman and Feni-3 constituency candidate Abdul Awal Mintoo declared that there is no place in the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for those who create disorder or engage in extortion. Speaking during his election campaign in Daganbhuiyan, Feni, Mintoo praised BNP’s founding leader Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, accusing the current government of persecuting them through false cases. He said acting chairman Tarique Rahman has instructed that no corrupt or violent individuals should hold leadership positions in the party. Mintoo also alleged that the ruling Awami League government has harassed him with fabricated cases and attacks on his properties. During his campaign, clashes broke out between rival BNP factions, injuring several activists, though police and army personnel later restored order. Mintoo pledged to work for local development if elected and reaffirmed his loyalty to the party’s central leadership and its principles.

Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has claimed that foreign powers are attempting to orchestrate leadership changes in Bangladesh’s two major political parties, the Awami League and the BNP. In an interview with BBC Bangla, Joy described these efforts as undemocratic and reminiscent of the 'refined party' concept discussed during the 2007 political crisis. He rejected the idea of any foreign-imposed restructuring of the Awami League, asserting that party leadership should be determined democratically by members. Joy also dismissed speculation that he or other members of the Sheikh family would automatically assume leadership after Hasina, emphasizing that the party remains united under her leadership despite its current ban and the imprisonment or exile of many leaders. He further alleged that false cases were being filed against his family to prevent them from contesting elections, while acknowledging past mistakes by the Awami League government during the July protests and calling for transparent investigations.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has pledged that if his party wins the upcoming national election, it will form a government in collaboration with the BNP and other anti-fascist political groups. Speaking at a youth, student, and citizen rally in Dhaka’s Bhashantek area, he emphasized the need to end political division and corruption, asserting that Jamaat has no history of embezzlement or extortion. Dr. Rahman criticized the current political system, saying the people no longer want biased or corrupt governance. He also claimed that despite attempts to destroy Jamaat over the past 15 years, the party has remained steadfast. Highlighting the nomination of ‘untainted’ candidates in all 300 constituencies, he said Jamaat’s goal is to establish a corruption-free society and a government that truly represents the people.

In Natore’s Naldanga upazila, a six-kilometer connecting road from Patul Mini Cox’s Bazar to Khajuria, submerged for six months, has been cleared under an initiative by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s local unit. The road, previously covered with water hyacinths and aquatic weeds, had become unusable, causing severe hardship for residents. On Friday morning, the cleanup and recovery program began, inaugurated by Professor Md. Yunus Ali, Jamaat’s nominated candidate for the Natore-2 parliamentary seat. He stated that removing obstacles to public movement is a moral duty and that reopening the road would ease local life. Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Professor Md. Delwar Hossain Khan and district leaders attended as special guests. Locals expressed relief as the long-neglected road became usable again, marking a significant improvement in daily transportation and community access.

In Pabna-3 constituency, encompassing Chatmohar, Bhangura, and Faridpur upazilas, three siblings from the family of late BNP leader Haji Akkas Ali Master have taken divergent political paths ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national election. Hasanul Islam Raja, a BNP cultural wing adviser, has announced his independent candidacy after the party nominated agriculturist Hasan Zafir Tuhin. His brother, former upazila chairman and BNP leader Hasanul Islam Hira, has also protested the nomination, organizing torch processions demanding a local candidate. Their sister, advocate Arifa Sultana Ruma, a long-time BNP activist, has chosen to support the official BNP nominee and campaign for the party symbol. The internal split has sparked visible divisions within local BNP ranks, with former MP KM Anwarul Islam joining Hira’s protest. Election officials report 481,962 registered voters in the constituency. Analysts suggest that if independent or local candidates contest, the electoral balance could shift, potentially benefiting Jamaat-e-Islami’s candidate Professor Ali Asgar.

More than 200 leaders and activists of the Awami League, whose activities were previously banned in Dhaka’s Demra area, have joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The formal joining took place on Friday morning at the Demra Thana BNP office, where the new members were welcomed by BNP leaders SM Reza Selim and Anisuzzaman. The group, led by freedom fighter and former Awami League leader Maulana Shahadat Hossain, pledged to work together for the upcoming national elections. Shahadat Hossain stated that he had earlier been a follower of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman but was compelled to join the Awami League under pressure. He expressed renewed confidence in BNP leadership. BNP leaders emphasized that their party practices constructive politics and is moving forward under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, welcoming the new members as part of a broader political unity effort in Dhaka-5 constituency.

Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the National Board of Revenue’s Central Intelligence Cell (CIC) have launched investigations into alleged undisclosed assets belonging to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her family. Following her departure to India on August 5 last year amid a mass uprising, authorities reportedly uncovered properties worth hundreds of crores of taka registered under family members’ names across Dhaka, including in Gulshan, Baridhara, and Segunbagicha. Official tax filings show discrepancies, with undeclared bank lockers and undervalued properties. ACC Chairman Dr. Mohammad Abdul Momen stated that Hasina’s 2008 election affidavit contained inconsistencies regarding agricultural land ownership, revealing 29 acres instead of the declared 5.2 acres. The investigation also highlights income sources from agriculture, royalties, and financial instruments, but suggests significant underreporting of real estate and jewelry holdings. The findings have intensified scrutiny over the former premier’s wealth declarations and potential misuse of power during her tenure.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is reported to be in a 'very critical' health condition, according to party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Speaking after Friday prayers at a special prayer gathering in Dhaka’s Naya Paltan, Fakhrul said Khaleda Zia has long contributed to the country’s democratic movement and has endured imprisonment and hardship for her political stance. He urged people across Bangladesh to pray for her recovery. The 80-year-old former leader, suffering from multiple chronic conditions including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney complications, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 after experiencing breathing difficulties. She had previously been hospitalized in October for medical tests. Khaleda Zia returned from London in May after receiving medical treatment abroad earlier this year.

US President Donald Trump announced plans to suspend immigration from all so-called 'Third World countries' following the identification of an Afghan national as a suspect in the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, DC. The move expands his administration’s tightening of immigration policies, including a directive to re-examine all green card applications from 19 'countries of concern' such as Afghanistan, Iran, and Venezuela. Trump stated that the suspension aims to protect national security and end what he called 'Biden’s illegal admissions.' He also pledged to revoke federal benefits for noncitizens and denaturalize migrants deemed threats to public order. US Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Joseph Edlow confirmed a comprehensive review of all green card cases from the listed nations. The announcement follows ongoing reviews of refugee admissions under the Biden administration, with approximately 200,000 cases under scrutiny. The policy marks one of the most restrictive immigration measures since 1980, further limiting refugee and migrant entry into the United States.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has emphasized the importance of respecting differing opinions and ensuring freedom of expression as Bangladesh approaches its upcoming national election, expected in February. Speaking at the biennial conference of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) in Dhaka, Fakhrul said the nation is eager to return to a democratic system through the polls. He criticized the current political culture where dissenters are often treated as enemies and subjected to misinformation campaigns. Fakhrul also urged journalists to remain independent and focus on their professional responsibilities rather than aligning with political parties. He accused the government of systematically undermining media freedom over the past 15 years. The conference was attended by representatives from 18 affiliated journalist unions across the country, with discussions focusing on organizational and professional issues within the media sector.