Brazil’s Supreme Court has ordered former President Jair Bolsonaro to begin serving a 27-year and three-month prison sentence for his role in an attempted coup following his 2022 election defeat. Justice Alexandre de Moraes issued the final ruling, declaring that no further appeals would be allowed. Bolsonaro, aged 70, will serve his sentence in a federal police facility in Brasília, where he has been held since Saturday due to flight risk concerns. He was previously under house arrest and accused of tampering with his ankle monitor. The conviction stems from his alleged involvement in planning to overturn the election results against President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The plot failed to gain military support, but on January 8, 2023, thousands of Bolsonaro supporters stormed government buildings in Brasília, leading to about 1,500 arrests. Bolsonaro, who governed Brazil from 2019 to 2022, remains a deeply polarizing figure in the country’s politics.

The Ministry of Home Affairs of Bangladesh has issued a directive urging all ministries and divisions to refrain from granting entry passes or one-time passwords (OTPs) to unfamiliar visitors seeking access to the Bangladesh Secretariat. The letter, sent to senior secretaries and secretaries, highlights recent incidents where unauthorized individuals obtained OTPs from authorized officials and caused disruptions inside the Secretariat. The ministry warned that such actions disturb the working environment and create confusion among staff. It emphasized the need for heightened caution when issuing passes, ensuring that only verified and known individuals are granted access. Copies of the letter were also sent to the Cabinet Secretary and the Deputy Police Commissioner responsible for Secretariat security, instructing them to strengthen overall security measures to prevent further breaches.

The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) of Bangladesh has made major revisions to secondary-level textbooks for the upcoming academic year. The new editions include a chapter titled 'Mass Uprisings in Independent Bangladesh' that covers events from the 1952 Language Movement to the 2024 July Revolution. The revised content highlights political transitions such as Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s BAKSAL era, Ziaur Rahman’s introduction of multi-party democracy, Ershad’s autocratic rule, and Khaleda Zia’s democratic government. It also includes references to Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, alleged authoritarianism, corruption, and her eventual downfall in 2024. The 7 March speech of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has been removed from the eighth-grade Bangla literature book. NCTB officials said the changes were made following recommendations from a high-level committee after widespread criticism of last year’s textbooks. The new books are printed and ready for distribution at the start of the school year, though they are not yet available online.

The Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) youth wing, Ganatantrik Jubo Dal, has expelled two of its leaders from Chandina upazila in Cumilla over allegations of involvement in drug and dredging businesses. The expulsions were announced through separate press releases on November 24 and 25 by Chandina upazila Jubo Dal president, lecturer Saiful Islam Babor. The expelled leaders are Md. Rasel Parvez, president of the Etbarpur Union Jubo Dal, and Md. Nasir Uddin Molla, joint general secretary of the upazila unit and general secretary of Bataghasi Union Jubo Dal. Rasel Parvez was arrested by police on November 23 with yaba tablets, leading to his expulsion the following day for violating party discipline. Nasir Uddin Molla was expelled on November 25 for allegedly running an illegal dredging business and engaging in local conflicts. Party officials stated that the expulsions followed directives from LDP Secretary General Dr. Redwan Ahmed, who instructed members to avoid any involvement in drugs, illegal businesses, or social disorder.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin has expressed optimism that Bangladesh’s law and order situation will improve following the announcement of the schedule for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. Speaking at an event in Dhaka on Wednesday, November 26, he said the situation is expected to become more stable ahead of the polls. The CEC also warned that strict measures will be taken against anyone attempting to obstruct the election process. He further mentioned that special security arrangements will be implemented in areas identified as vulnerable to ensure a peaceful and fair election environment. His remarks come amid growing political activity and public attention surrounding the forthcoming national election, as the Election Commission prepares to finalize the electoral roadmap.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has expressed deep concern and sympathy following the devastating fire that swept through Dhaka’s Karail slum, leaving many families homeless. In a late-night press statement on Tuesday, November 25, he extended condolences to the affected families and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. Yunus emphasized that the government will ensure all necessary assistance for the rehabilitation of those who lost their homes. He also directed relevant authorities to intensify rescue and relief operations immediately. Additionally, he instructed that a thorough investigation be carried out to determine the cause of the fire and to implement effective measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The government’s commitment aims to provide both immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation for the victims of the tragedy.

Several prominent British lawyers, including former Justice Secretary Robert Buckland KC, have described the corruption case against UK MP Tulip Siddiq as politically motivated and unfair. The case, which also names Sheikh Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana, involves allegations of illegal land plot allocation in Bangladesh, with a verdict expected on December 1. The lawyers wrote to Bangladesh’s High Commissioner in London, Abida Islam, expressing concern that Siddiq has been denied basic legal rights, including access to representation and information about the charges. They also claimed her appointed lawyer has been placed under house arrest and that his family has faced threats. Siddiq, who resigned as City Minister in January following the allegations, denies any wrongdoing. The controversy has sparked diplomatic and political debate over whether the UK could extradite Siddiq to Bangladesh, though the lawyers emphasized she is a British citizen and not a fugitive.

Brazil’s Supreme Court has ordered former President Jair Bolsonaro to begin serving a 27-year prison sentence for plotting a coup against his successor, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The court, led by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, finalized the verdict on November 25, instructing Bolsonaro to start his sentence at the Federal Police headquarters in Brasília, where he has been detained since Saturday. Bolsonaro was previously under house arrest for damaging his ankle monitor. The ruling marks a historic moment in Brazil, as it is the first time a former president has been convicted for attempting to overthrow a democratic government. Bolsonaro’s populist and divisive leadership from 2019 to 2022 left Brazil politically polarized. Following his defeat in the 2022 election, he was banned from holding public office. His legal team criticized the court for rushing the trial and vowed to appeal. The verdict has been hailed by many as a victory for Brazilian democracy.

Five prominent British lawyers, including Cherie Blair KC, Philip Sands KC, and Geoffrey Robertson KC, have described the corruption case against UK MP Tulip Siddiq, former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, and others as 'fabricated and unjust.' In a letter to Bangladesh’s ambassador in London, they claimed Siddiq was denied basic legal rights and that the proceedings were politically orchestrated. The Guardian reported that Siddiq’s appointed lawyer was placed under house arrest and her daughter threatened. The case, involving alleged illegal plot allocation in Purbachal, was filed after Hasina’s ouster in August. Siddiq, who denies the allegations, resigned from her ministerial post in January amid criticism in the UK. The lawyers argued that extraditing a sitting British MP without solid evidence would be ethically questionable and that Siddiq deserves fair legal representation.

Samatali Haque, daughter of Bangladeshi poet and intellectual Farhad Mazhar, has been appointed to the transition team of New York’s newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani. Haque, a professor at the City University of New York and a human rights activist, previously worked as a labor attorney before entering academia. She actively participated in Mamdani’s mayoral campaign and is known to have a close professional relationship with him. Born to Farhad Mazhar’s first wife, Haque is married to a Puerto Rican and resides in New York with their two children. The transition team also includes eight other Bangladeshi-origin members, a development that has sparked pride and excitement within the Bangladeshi community in the United States. Mamdani, a Muslim and Democratic Socialist, is set to be sworn in as mayor of New York City on January 1, marking a historic moment for Muslim representation in major Western cities.

In Rangpur-3 constituency, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is facing internal divisions as two rebel candidates, Advocate Mahfuz-un-Nabi Don and Rita Rahman, continue their election campaigns despite the party’s official nomination of Shamsuzzaman Shamu. The discord has created an awkward situation for the BNP nominee and confused grassroots supporters, with factions forming around the rival candidates. Taking advantage of the split, Jamaat-e-Islami’s candidate, Professor Mahbubar Rahman Belal, has gained a stronger foothold in the constituency. While other parties such as the National People's Party (NCP) and Islami Andolon have yet to finalize their candidate lists, BNP, Jamaat, and Islami Andolon have each announced single candidates for all Rangpur seats. Both Don and Rahman claim long-standing loyalty and sacrifices for the party, while Shamu insists there is no division within BNP and that internal competition is part of democratic practice.

Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque has called for the cancellation of the container terminal lease agreement at Chattogram Port, alleging the deal was made secretly with foreign entities and without public consent. Speaking at a discussion organized by his party at the National Press Club in Dhaka, Haque accused the government of acting without a mandate and compared the move to previous controversial agreements such as the one with India’s Adani Group. He argued that the deal compromises Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty, and national security, as it was signed without consultation or transparency. Other political leaders from parties including Gono Forum, BSD, LDP, and Ganosanghati Andolon also criticized the government’s handling of the port agreement, urging greater accountability and public disclosure. The speakers collectively demanded that the government revoke the contract to protect national interests.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed deep concern over the massive fire that broke out at the Korail slum in Dhaka’s Mohakhali area on Tuesday evening. In a statement signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Rahman conveyed his sympathy to the affected families and expressed hope that they would endure this difficult time with patience. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the fire service in controlling the blaze and noted that the extent of the damage was still unclear, though many homes were reported destroyed. Rahman also expressed solidarity with the fire service personnel and local residents for their tireless efforts to extinguish the fire, saying their dedication had inspired the nation. He prayed for the safety of all residents and hoped that the fire would be brought under control soon without any loss of life.

Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has expressed deep concern and sympathy following a devastating fire that swept through Dhaka’s Korail slum, destroying numerous homes and leaving many families homeless. In a statement issued on Tuesday night, he wished a speedy recovery for the injured and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the affected families. Dr. Yunus emphasized that the suffering of those who lost their homes is a collective sorrow for the nation. He assured that the government will provide all necessary assistance for the rehabilitation of the victims. The Chief Adviser also directed authorities to intensify rescue and relief operations immediately and to investigate the cause of the fire to prevent similar incidents in the future. The fire has caused extensive damage, with emergency services working to support displaced residents and assess losses.

Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Lotay Tshering Tobgay have sent gifts and well-wishes to Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, wishing her a speedy recovery. The gifts were received on Tuesday, November 25, by BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan on behalf of Khaleda Zia. The gesture comes after the former Bangladeshi prime minister was admitted to a hospital on Sunday, November 23, where she has been under close medical supervision by a team of specialists. The Bhutanese leaders’ message of goodwill highlights the cordial relations between Bhutan and Bangladesh and reflects regional concern for Khaleda Zia’s health condition, which has drawn significant public attention in Bangladesh.