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.

Islamic scholars and leaders in Manikganj have claimed that certain groups are deliberately trying to destabilize the country ahead of the upcoming elections by creating unrest over the arrest of Baul singer Abul Sarkar. At a press conference on Tuesday, they alleged that political forces are using the issue to heat up the political field, while some quarters are pressuring for Sarkar’s release despite his alleged blasphemous remarks about Allah during a folk performance. Hefazat-e-Islam leaders expressed concern that such pressure could lead to his release on bail, which they believe would undermine Islamic and social values. They also accused Sarkar’s followers of provoking clashes during a recent peaceful rally by Tawhidi Janata. The clerics warned that if religious leaders are harassed or if the case against them continues, they will announce tougher programs after consultation with senior scholars.

Bangladesh’s President has issued the 'Referendum Ordinance, 2025' following approval from the Advisory Council, with the official gazette published by the Ministry of Law’s Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division on November 25. The ordinance outlines that citizens will vote 'yes' or 'no' on whether they support the implementation of the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Order, 2025, and its related proposals. Key reforms include establishing a bicameral parliament, forming a 100-member upper house based on proportional votes, and requiring its majority approval for constitutional amendments. The charter also proposes increasing women’s representation, appointing the deputy speaker and committee chairs from the opposition, ensuring judicial independence, and defining the powers of the prime minister and president. Political parties winning the next national election will be obligated to implement these reforms. The referendum will be held at the same polling centers as the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has issued a show-cause notice to its central executive member and Chattogram-15 (Satkania–Lohagara) candidate, Shahjahan Chowdhury, for making controversial remarks about the administration and law enforcement ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The notice, published on Jamaat’s verified Facebook page on November 25, gives him seven days to explain his comments. During a party conference in Chattogram on November 22, Shahjahan allegedly urged supporters to bring local administrative officials under their influence and direct police actions in their favor. His statements, which also called on teachers to campaign for the party’s election symbol, sparked widespread criticism across the country. In response to the backlash, Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General and Chattogram Zone Chief Muhammad Shahjahan clarified that the party does not endorse Shahjahan Chowdhury’s remarks.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury announced that the party’s future budget will prioritize education and health as key investment sectors. Speaking at a reception for SSC and HSC high achievers in Chattogram, he emphasized that education and healthcare are central to building a prosperous Bangladesh. Khasru highlighted that the BNP’s proposed budget will allocate the largest share of resources to these two sectors, alongside initiatives in environmental protection and other areas. He underscored the growing importance of education in shaping the nation’s political and social future and stressed the need for modern curricula that include technology, languages, and cultural activities. Khasru also pledged free primary healthcare and preventive medical services for all citizens, noting that good health is essential for intellectual development and national progress. The event was organized by Chattogram Metropolitan BNP and attended by several senior party leaders.

Saifullah Sani, the chief organizer of the National Youth Power (Jatiyo Juboshokti) in Bhola district, has resigned from his position citing ideological and religious conflicts within the organization. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Sani stated that despite serving the organization with honesty and dedication for six months, recent internal activities contradicted his personal ideals and Islamic values. He alleged that the party had supported a 'polytheist Baul artist' and tolerated actions disrespectful to Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which he found unacceptable as a Muslim. Emphasizing that his faith and religious principles outweigh any political ideology, Sani announced his immediate and voluntary resignation. He also declared that he would completely withdraw from all organizational activities henceforth.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed optimism that the upcoming national election in Bangladesh will be held peacefully around February 26 without any disruption. Speaking at a meeting with lawyers in Thakurgaon, he said the current law and order situation is stable and conducive to holding elections. Fakhrul emphasized moving beyond political vengeance to build a nation based on love and unity. He discussed the interim government’s initiative under Dr. Muhammad Yunus to restructure the state through six commissions, aiming for a democratic transition from authoritarianism. Fakhrul also supported proposals for a bicameral parliament to ensure checks and balances and limiting the prime minister’s tenure to two terms. Referring to Khaleda Zia’s message of forgiveness, he likened her stance to that of Nelson Mandela. Fakhrul called for embracing the younger generation to lead future national progress, expressing confidence that perseverance will ultimately bring political victory.

BNP’s Dhaka divisional organizing secretary and Gazipur-1 nomination aspirant Kazi Saiyedul Alam Babul stated that after 16 years of being deprived of voting rights, the people of Bangladesh are eager to cast their votes in a festive atmosphere. Speaking at a street rally in Konabari, Gazipur, after distributing leaflets outlining BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s 31-point reform plan, Babul claimed that the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarian government has opened the door for democratic restoration. He accused Awami League loyalists of attempting to create instability and obstruct the election but warned that citizens would resist any such efforts. Babul emphasized that implementing the 31 points would restore fundamental rights and peace in the country. He urged voters to support BNP’s symbol, the paddy sheaf, for the leadership of Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman. The event was attended by several local BNP and affiliated organization leaders.

Sharmin S Murshid, adviser to the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, emphasized the need to establish a compassionate and inclusive society where the elderly and women receive due respect and care. Speaking on November 25 at a program in Ikarchali Union under the national social safety net initiative, she highlighted the importance of ensuring that state resources are used effectively for public welfare. Murshid acknowledged the financial struggles of elderly allowance recipients and pledged to review the adequacy of the support. She also criticized the large-scale capital flight from the country, noting that such economic mismanagement contributes to poverty and hardship. The event was attended by local government officials including Rangpur’s Deputy Director of Local Government, Zilufa Sultana, and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Rubel Rana.

A mass signature campaign demanding the construction of the Bhola-Barishal Bridge has drawn strong public support across various professions, including students, teachers, journalists, and lawyers. Organized by United Peoples Bangladesh, the campaign began at Bangla School Mor in Bhola district, where over 500 people signed on the first day. The organizers plan to collect more than 5,000 signatures before submitting the petition to the Chief Adviser. Supporters argue that the bridge, originally scheduled for completion by 2025, remains unbuilt, intensifying the movement into a widespread public demand. Activists claim that the bridge would establish an economic zone in the Bhola-Barishal region, attract industries, and facilitate the transport of goods nationwide. Alongside the local campaign, a parallel group in Dhaka held a sit-in, while candlelight vigils were planned at Shaheed Minars across the country to press for the demand.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish chief Maulana Mamunul Haque has accused the ruling political party of attempting to re-establish a one-party fascist system by excluding other political forces from participation. Speaking at a public rally in Katiadi, Kishoreganj, he claimed that some groups aim to monopolize power for another 15 years under the guise of political change. Haque declared that the people of Bengal have shed blood to defeat fascism and will not allow its return. He emphasized that the future Bangladesh should be built on Islamic principles and guided by the July National Charter. The rally, organized by the Khelafat Majlish Katiadi unit, also featured several central and local leaders from Khelafat Majlish, Jamaat-e-Islami, and Islami Andolon, who echoed demands for a fair electoral environment, legal recognition of the July Charter, and the establishment of an Islamic governance system.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh announced that the upcoming national parliamentary election and the referendum will be held on the same day, with the referendum ballots printed in color for easy distinction. EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed stated during a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka that both elections will allow postal ballots. The parliamentary election ballots will be printed on white paper with black symbols, while the referendum ballots will use colored paper with visible ink. The voter list is expected to be finalized by December 5, after which election preparations will proceed. The EC has also initiated communication with the government press regarding ballot paper printing. Additionally, expatriate Bangladeshis will be able to participate in the referendum, ensuring broader voter inclusion.

Six leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Sakhipur upazila of Tangail have resigned from their party positions, accusing BNP’s Tangail-8 (Basail-Sakhipur) candidate and central vice-chairman Ahmed Azam Khan of rehabilitating Awami League activists within the party. The resignations, submitted between November 21 and 25, were shared on social media, sparking widespread discussion. The resigning leaders, including freedom fighters Abdul Bashed Master and Shahjahan Saju, claimed Khan acted in an authoritarian and undisciplined manner, alienating long-time BNP activists. Internal conflict within the local BNP has reportedly deepened since Khan’s nomination, with some leaders refusing to join his campaign. Khan denied all allegations, calling them false and politically motivated, and claimed that a conspiratorial group coerced some leaders into signing resignation letters. District BNP leaders described the incident as a misunderstanding and expressed hope for party unity ahead of the election.

Bangladesh’s Legal Adviser Asif Nazrul announced that the upcoming national referendum will feature ballots of a different color to help voters distinguish them from those used in the national election. The referendum ordinance was approved at a meeting of the advisory council on Tuesday, November 25, and the official gazette is expected to be published within a day or two. The referendum will include a single question requiring a 'yes' or 'no' response, and it will be held simultaneously with the 13th National Parliamentary Election. The same officials appointed for the parliamentary election—returning, assistant returning, presiding, and polling officers—will also oversee the referendum process. The government has decided to hold the referendum to seek public opinion on 30 reform proposals recommended by the National Consensus Commission. The winning party will be obligated to implement these agreed-upon reforms. The referendum law was initially approved on November 20, and the ordinance is now set for final approval.