The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has finalized the sketch of the ‘Shapla Koli’ (water lily bud) symbol for the National Citizens Party (NCP). The newly approved design will appear on ballot papers in the upcoming parliamentary elections. According to NCP officials, the EC confirmed the decision on Wednesday, November 26. The EC’s website lists all registered political parties along with their respective symbols, and the NCP’s symbol sketch has now been added beside its name. However, the Bangladesh Socialist Party (Marxist), which was registered at the same time as NCP, still does not have its symbol sketch displayed on the EC’s site. Earlier, the EC had officially registered both the NCP and the Bangladesh Socialist Party (Marxist), assigning them the ‘Shapla Koli’ and ‘Scissors’ symbols respectively. The update marks a procedural step toward finalizing ballot preparations for the next general election.

Former state minister and BNP executive committee member Professor Md. Rezaul Karim has alleged that former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia was imprisoned under false charges as part of an attempt to kill her. Speaking at a prayer event in Sonargaon, Narayanganj, organized for Khaleda Zia’s recovery, Karim claimed that before the verdict in the fabricated case, efforts were made to send her into exile abroad, which she refused. He further accused the ruling Awami League government of repeatedly obstructing her medical treatment abroad after she fell ill in prison. The event was attended by several BNP leaders, including former MP Mohammad Giasuddin and other local leaders, along with hundreds of party activists, religious scholars, and teachers. The gathering reflected ongoing BNP concerns over Khaleda Zia’s health and the government’s alleged political persecution of opposition figures.

Bangladesh has formally requested India to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity related to the July killings last year. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain confirmed that a diplomatic note, or 'note verbale', was sent through Bangladesh’s mission in New Delhi to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. He stated that no response has yet been received and that Dhaka does not expect an immediate reply, noting that even previous communications remain unanswered. The adviser expressed hope that India would eventually respond, emphasizing that Hasina’s conviction warrants her return to Bangladesh. This is the second such request, following an earlier letter sent in December last year. The issue underscores a sensitive diplomatic matter between the two neighboring countries, with Bangladesh pressing for legal accountability while India maintains silence on the matter.

Dhaka University’s Academic Council has officially canceled the MPhil enrollment of Golam Rabbani, former general secretary of the now-banned Bangladesh Chhatra League and elected general secretary of the 2019 Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU). The decision was made on November 26 following allegations that Rabbani gained admission through fraudulent means. Earlier, the university’s syndicate had temporarily suspended his enrollment pending council review. The council unanimously approved the cancellation after finding preliminary evidence of irregularities. However, the council did not declare Rabbani’s DUCSU position invalid, stating it lacked jurisdiction over electoral matters. A previous investigation committee had recommended annulling his DUCSU post, citing his ineligible student status at the time of election. The issue was originally raised by student leaders Rashed Khan and Sanaullah Haque, who demanded action against those who allegedly gained DUCSU membership through illegal enrollment. Following the council’s decision, Rashed Khan expressed satisfaction on social media, calling it a long-awaited step toward justice.

In Bauphal upazila of Patuakhali, members of Islami Chhatra Shibir organized a special prayer session seeking the recovery and good health of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The event took place on Wednesday at the local office of Jamaat-e-Islami. Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud, a central Jamaat leader and former central president of Chhatra Shibir, attended as the chief guest. The prayer was led by former upazila Jamaat amir Principal Maulana Abdul Gani. The session was presided over by upazila Shibir president Limon Hossain and attended by several local leaders, including district Shibir president Rakibul Islam Nur, upazila Jamaat naib-e-amir Maulana Rafiqul Islam, and secretary Professor Khalidur Rahman. Earlier, Dr. Masud met with local journalists to discuss preparations for the upcoming July Martyrs Memorial Football Match and cultural program scheduled for November 28 at Bauphal Public Ground.

German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Rüdiger Lotz has expressed hope that the upcoming national election in Bangladesh will be free, fair, credible, and participatory. Speaking at an event organized by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) in Dhaka, he emphasized the importance of ensuring all citizens can vote without fear and that all political parties can campaign peacefully. Lotz noted that high voter turnout would enhance the election’s credibility and that post-election dialogue among political parties should continue. He reiterated Germany’s opposition to the death penalty while supporting accountability for abuse of power. The ambassador also highlighted Bangladesh’s progress in governance, transparency, and reforms in the security and labor sectors. He said Bangladesh remains an attractive destination for German investors due to its large middle class and improving business environment. Lotz added that more Bangladeshi students are studying in Germany and encouraged proper documentation for visa applications.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has decided to launch a large-scale, people-oriented campaign ahead of the upcoming national election. In its latest standing committee meeting, chaired virtually by acting chairman Tarique Rahman from London, the party resolved to form constituency-based teams and distribute separate leaflets outlining its 31-point reform agenda. These include commitments on education, employment, healthcare, agriculture, and industry, as well as promises of free primary healthcare, one million new jobs, and digital payment systems like PayPal and Wise for freelancers. The BNP also plans to promote technical and multilingual education, ensure campus safety, and expand youth entrepreneurship programs. Its campaign will emphasize inclusive governance, anti-corruption measures, and national unity under the principle of ‘religion for all, state for everyone.’ The party aims to communicate its vision of a stable, prosperous Bangladesh to every household through coordinated grassroots efforts.

India is currently reviewing Bangladesh’s formal request to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India following a deadly student-led uprising last year. Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed during a press briefing in New Delhi that the request is being examined as part of ongoing judicial and internal legal procedures. He emphasized India’s commitment to peace, democracy, inclusivity, and stability in Bangladesh. Dhaka’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain stated that Bangladesh has yet to receive a response from India after sending the latest diplomatic note through its mission. The request follows a November 17 verdict by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal, which sentenced Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan to death for crimes against humanity committed during the 2023 uprising. This marks the third formal extradition appeal by Bangladesh under the bilateral extradition treaty, as Dhaka awaits New Delhi’s official reply.

Bangladesh is awaiting India’s response to its latest formal request for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was recently sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal-1 for crimes against humanity during the July–August uprising last year. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said on Wednesday that Dhaka does not expect a reply from New Delhi within a week but remains hopeful of receiving one. The request was sent through a note verbale via Bangladesh’s High Commission in New Delhi under the existing extradition treaty between the two countries. The tribunal also sentenced former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death and ex-police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun to five years in prison for aiding the prosecution. Hossain noted that Bangladesh had previously sought Hasina’s return from India without success but emphasized that the current situation differs as the judicial process has concluded and the convictions are final.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has strongly condemned the recent attack on Baul artists, describing it as a ‘heinous act’ perpetrated by religious extremists. Speaking to journalists after inaugurating the Thakurgaon district BNP office, he demanded a fair investigation into the incident and measures to prevent such violence against Bangladesh’s traditional folk culture. Fakhrul also expressed deep concern over the devastating fire in Dhaka’s Korail slum, which destroyed hundreds of homes and left thousands homeless. He urged the government to provide compensation to the affected families and ensure accountability for any negligence that contributed to the disaster. Citing poor enforcement of fire safety laws and institutional negligence, he emphasized the need for stronger legal implementation and preventive measures. The BNP leader further called for a transparent inquiry to identify those responsible for both the attack and the fire.

A group of sub-inspector (SI) and sergeant candidates, who were selected in 2006 but deprived of recruitment in 2007, have appealed to Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser for final approval to join the police service. At a press conference held at the National Press Club in Dhaka, the candidates alleged that their appointments were arbitrarily canceled by then police officials without formal notice. They claimed to have suffered injustice for 18 years under previous governments. A high-level committee comprising officials from the Home, Finance, Public Administration, Law Ministries, and the Police Headquarters has already recommended reinstating their recruitment, including seniority and age relaxation. Despite these recommendations, no final decision has been made in over six months. The candidates urged the Chief Adviser to approve their appointments promptly, citing humanitarian grounds and their prolonged suffering. Many of them are reportedly struggling financially, working in low-income jobs, and unable to support their families or afford medical treatment for their parents.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has reinstated 74 leaders whose previous expulsion orders were withdrawn following a review of their appeals. The leaders had been expelled earlier for alleged involvement in activities deemed contrary to party discipline. The decision was announced in a statement signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday, November 26. According to the statement, the party leadership decided to lift the expulsion orders after considering individual appeals and reviewing the circumstances of each case. The reinstated leaders include former officials from various BNP units across the country, including Gazipur, Sylhet, Khulna, Brahmanbaria, Bogura, Manikganj, and other districts, as well as members of affiliated organizations such as the Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal, and Mohila Dal. The move is seen as part of BNP’s broader effort to strengthen internal unity ahead of future political activities and to bring back experienced organizers into the party’s fold.

Thirteen police superintendents (SPs) from various districts in Bangladesh have not been assigned to any district following a nationwide reshuffle ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Instead, they have been transferred to specialized police units such as the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), Special Branch (SB), Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI), and Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The reshuffle, conducted through a lottery at the Chief Adviser’s residence, aimed to ensure neutrality in law enforcement during the upcoming election. Senior officials from the Home Ministry and the Police Headquarters were present during the process. The Ministry of Home Affairs issued the official order, signed by Deputy Secretary Md. Mahbubur Rahman. Additionally, separate orders reassigned Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mohammad Abu Sufian to the Police Headquarters as DIG, while DMP Traffic Commissioner Zillur Rahman was appointed as the new Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Commissioner. The reshuffle is part of broader measures to maintain transparency and fairness in election-related policing.

BNP leader and senior Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Fazlur Rahman is facing contempt of court allegations after publicly rejecting the authority of Bangladesh’s reconstituted International Crimes Tribunal and questioning its ability to try Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. During a televised talk show on November 23, Rahman declared that he did not recognize the tribunal or its judgments, calling it biased and alleging internal arrangements between the prosecution and judges. The prosecution submitted the show’s footage to the tribunal as evidence, arguing that his statements insulted the judiciary and undermined public confidence in the legal process. A single bench of Tribunal-1, led by retired judge Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury, heard the matter and scheduled further proceedings for November 30. Prosecutors stated that if found guilty, Rahman could face up to one year of imprisonment, a fine of up to 5,000 taka, or both under the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act. The tribunal emphasized that such remarks constitute serious contempt and will be reviewed based on the video evidence.

Fayaz Ifti, the temporarily suspended publicity secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP) Diaspora Alliance in South Korea, has declared that he will not respond to the party’s show-cause notice and instead wants to be permanently expelled. In a Facebook post on November 26, Ifti stated that he no longer wishes to maintain any affiliation with the NCP. He alleged that party members have been harassing him online since his suspension, accusing him of links with Jamaat-Shibir, which he strongly denied. Ifti clarified that his social media posts praising certain activities of Jamaat-Shibir do not make him a supporter of those groups. He emphasized his intention to remain politically neutral and post freely about any political figure whose work he appreciates. Ifti also criticized the NCP for labeling dissenters as extremists and urged the party to stop such practices, asserting his right to express independent opinions.