Bangladesh faces a major diplomatic hurdle in executing the death sentence handed to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by the International Crimes Tribunal, which convicted her in absentia for crimes against humanity linked to the 2024 student-led protests. After being ousted amid mass unrest, Hasina fled to India in August 2024, where she remains under protection. Dhaka has formally requested her extradition, but New Delhi’s reluctance—citing political motivations and legal exceptions in the bilateral extradition treaty—has created a tense standoff. Indian diplomats suggest that Hasina’s pending legal appeals and India’s political considerations make extradition unlikely. The verdict and India’s position have intensified political uncertainty ahead of Bangladesh’s February elections, now overseen by an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. With the Awami League banned and opposition parties regrouping, analysts warn that the crisis marks either the end of an authoritarian era or the beginning of a volatile new chapter in Bangladeshi politics.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has criticized divisions within the journalist community, claiming that internal fragmentation has led some journalists to align themselves with political parties. Speaking at a seminar organized by the Broadcast Journalist Center (BJC) in Dhaka on November 24, he said that multiple journalist unions and their political affiliations have weakened media independence. Fakhrul reiterated BNP’s commitment to ensuring a free and independent press, referencing the party’s 31-point reform agenda that includes forming a media reform commission. He emphasized that if BNP forms the next government through public mandate, it will prioritize media freedom and reform. The seminar, part of a series of consultations by BJC, also featured discussions on past media bias and the need for structural reforms to strengthen journalistic integrity and independence in Bangladesh’s political landscape.

US President Donald Trump announced plans to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization, saying documentation for the move is being finalized. The decision follows Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s declaration labeling both the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as foreign terrorist and international criminal organizations. CAIR, the largest Muslim civil rights group in the US, has filed a lawsuit against Abbott and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in response. CAIR’s legal director Lena Masri stated that the group had previously won cases against Abbott and would continue to resist what it views as politically motivated attacks. Founded nearly a century ago in Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood operates through branches and affiliates across multiple countries. Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have been urging the State Department to ban the group, with Senator Marco Rubio earlier confirming that the designation process was underway.

BNP Standing Committee member and former state minister for communications Salahuddin Ahmed extended financial assistance to families affected by a recent fire in Pekua, Cox’s Bazar. On Monday afternoon, his personal secretary, Md. Safwanul Karim, distributed Tk 50,000 to each of six families whose homes were destroyed in the blaze, totaling Tk 300,000. The fire, which occurred last Friday evening, completely burned down six houses in Sarkarighona village. Local BNP leaders, including Abu Bakkar, Kamran Jadid Mukut, Ahsan Ullah, and Naimur Rahman Hridoy, were present during the aid distribution. Earlier, Pekua Upazila BNP president and chairman Bahadur Shah had also provided financial support to the victims. Additional assistance from the Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal is expected in the coming days. Salahuddin Ahmed urged others to come forward to help the poor and helpless families affected by the tragedy.

The Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JnUSU) has released the preliminary list of candidates for its upcoming election following the verification of nomination papers. The announcement was made on Sunday through a notice signed by Chief Election Commissioner Professor Dr. Mostafa Hasan. According to the notice, any aggrieved candidate may appeal to the president of the central students’ union within one day of the list’s publication. The election commission has clearly specified the appeal deadline. Under the current structure, JnUSU has 21 posts, including president, general secretary, assistant general secretary, 11 secretarial positions, and 7 executive member posts. The preliminary list shows 12 candidates for vice president, 11 for general secretary, and 13 for assistant general secretary. Additionally, multiple candidates have submitted nominations for various secretarial and executive positions, with 28 candidates vying for executive member posts.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has stated that media reform will be a top priority if the party comes to power. Speaking at a discussion on the recommendations of the Media Reform Commission, he emphasized that true reform must come from within and be embraced sincerely. Fakhrul criticized divisions among journalists, alleging that some have aligned themselves with political interests, which in the past contributed to protecting authoritarian tendencies. He reiterated BNP’s commitment to establishing an independent and responsible media environment, referring to the party’s 31-point program that includes the formation of a media reform commission. The BNP leader underscored that ensuring press freedom and professional integrity would be central to the party’s governance agenda.

Bangladesh’s Attorney General, Mohammad Asaduzzaman, has stated that any law that suppresses journalists and restricts freedom of expression should be abolished. Speaking at the launch of a report titled ‘Freedom of the Press in Bangladesh: Experiences with the Digital Security Act’ in Dhaka, he indicated that all cases filed under the Digital Security Act (DSA) could be dismissed by December. Asaduzzaman emphasized that repealing the law alone is not enough; the next government must also abandon repressive practices against the media. He criticized the ruling Awami League for introducing the DSA after repealing Section 57 of the ICT Act, calling it a deception against the public. His remarks reflect growing calls from rights groups and media organizations to ensure genuine press freedom and end the misuse of restrictive laws against journalists.

The Bangladesh Assistant Upazila Education Officers Association has announced plans for intensified protests if their demand to upgrade their position from the 10th to the 9th grade is not met by December 5. At a sit-in held in front of the Directorate of Primary Education in Mirpur, Dhaka, the association’s leaders argued that the promotion would not require additional government expenditure since most officers already receive higher-grade pay through time scale or selection grade benefits. They emphasized that the upgrade would enhance administrative authority, social recognition, and motivation among officers who often serve 25–30 years without promotion. The association highlighted disparities with other equivalent upazila-level officers who have already been promoted to the 9th grade. They warned that failure to implement the upgrade could disrupt administrative discipline and weaken oversight in primary education management. The organization urged the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education to fulfill this long-standing demand to ensure fairness and efficiency in the education system.

BNP central executive committee member and former Dhaka University Chhatra Dal president Hasan Al Mamun has announced his intention to contest the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election from Patuakhali-3 (Galachipa-Dashmina), even though he has not received the party’s nomination under the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol. Mamun confirmed his decision to the media and urged local party activists via Facebook to prepare for the election. The BNP has announced candidates for 237 constituencies, leaving 63 seats, including Patuakhali-3, unassigned. Speculation suggests the BNP may leave the seat for Nurul Haque Nur, leader of the Citizens’ Rights Movement. Mamun, however, remains optimistic about receiving the nomination, citing his long-standing dedication and sacrifices for the party. Local BNP leaders reportedly support him, emphasizing that the seat has been out of BNP’s control for 46 years and should not be conceded again. Other candidates in the constituency include Jamaat-e-Islami’s Professor Muhammad Shah-Alam and Islami Andolan’s Hafiz Mufti Abu Bakar Siddiq.

Bangladesh’s Attorney General, Mohammad Asaduzzaman, stated that the state possesses numerous legal provisions that can be used to suppress journalists, beyond the Digital Security Act. Speaking at the ‘Bay of Bengal Conversation 2025’ organized by the Centre for Governance Studies, he emphasized that restrictive laws have long existed, citing the Penal Code, the Special Powers Act of 1974, and sedition laws. He argued that repealing the Digital Security Act alone would not ensure press freedom unless there is a change in the state’s and political leadership’s mindset. Asaduzzaman recalled historical cases of journalist arrests under earlier laws and shared personal experiences highlighting judicial rigidity. He urged journalists to advocate not only for press freedom but also for broader civil rights. The Attorney General called for a balanced approach among the state, citizens, and the media, and expressed his commitment to ensuring freedom of speech as guaranteed by the constitution.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has decided to temporarily suspend all National Identity Card (NID) correction activities starting from 4 PM on Monday. According to EC sources, the suspension is necessary as the commission begins finalizing and printing the voter list in preparation for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. Md. Saiful Islam, Director (Operations) of the National Identity Registration Wing, confirmed the decision, stating that NID correction services will remain halted until further notice. The EC emphasized that the suspension is a temporary measure to ensure smooth and accurate voter list management during the election process. Officials also indicated that the NID correction operations will resume soon after the voter list printing is completed, assuring citizens that the interruption will be brief and aimed at maintaining administrative efficiency during the election period.

Prominent poet and thinker Farhad Mazhar has strongly condemned the arrest of Baul singer Abul Sarkar, declaring that detaining Sarkar is equivalent to arresting him. Speaking at a protest rally in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka on November 24, organized by Sadhu Gurubhakt and Auliya Ashikan Parishad, Mazhar said Sarkar had been part of every movement and protest alongside him. He criticized the government for undermining individual rights, dignity, and freedom of expression since August 5, describing the current situation as a rise of 'religious fascism' following incidents like the destruction of shrines. Mazhar urged the government to uphold its promises made after the mass uprising by ensuring citizens’ cultural and personal rights. Other speakers at the rally demanded the immediate withdrawal of what they called a false case against Abul Sarkar and punishment for those involved in attacks on Baul artists.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has criticized the current interim government, claiming its behavior suggests that poor teachers are not treated as citizens of the country. Speaking at a rally in front of the National Press Club on November 24, Rizvi expressed solidarity with non-MPO teachers who have been protesting for 23 days demanding inclusion under the Monthly Pay Order (MPO) scheme. He stated that while BNP believes the Chief Adviser can ensure a fair election, the conduct of some advisers raises doubts. Teachers from around 4,000 non-MPO educational institutions across Bangladesh have been participating in demonstrations and hunger strikes under the banner of the Combined Non-MPO Teachers Unity Council. Rizvi described their demands as fully justified and urged the government to respond to their grievances promptly.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has sought full cooperation from the Commonwealth to ensure the upcoming national election is conducted fairly and successfully. During a meeting on November 24 at the state guesthouse Jamuna with Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland (Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey), Yunus emphasized the importance of international support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition. The Secretary-General assured that the Commonwealth would provide comprehensive assistance during the election and the post-election period. She highlighted that the 56-member organization, which includes G7 and G20 countries, offers extensive opportunities for mutual cooperation. Botchwey also met with key stakeholders, including the Chief Justice, Legal and Foreign Advisers, and the Chief Election Commissioner, expressing optimism about Bangladesh’s democratic future. The Commonwealth is preparing to send several observer teams ahead of the polls to monitor the electoral process.

Bangladeshi filmmaker and cultural affairs adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki described his first four days in government as 'uncomfortable' following public criticism over the arrest of a Baul singer. In a detailed Facebook post, Farooki said he immediately contacted the Home Ministry after learning of the arrest and was informed about the situation’s sensitivity. He clarified that law enforcement matters fall under the Home Ministry, not his ministry, and urged patience and communal harmony. Addressing critics, Farooki defended his ministry’s inclusive cultural initiatives, such as celebrating Lalon Shah and organizing multi-faith festivals, saying these reflect the vision of a 'new Bangladesh.' He also dismissed accusations of hypocrisy, noting that attacks on Bauls predate the current administration. Responding to mockery over government drone shows, he argued that such displays are now a global norm in major events and part of media evolution. Farooki concluded that his ministry will continue promoting pluralism despite discomfort or criticism.