A controversial statement by Jamaat-e-Islami central executive member and former MP Shahjahan Chowdhury has triggered widespread debate in Bangladesh’s political circles and on social media. During a meeting with election coordinators in Chattogram, Shahjahan reportedly urged party workers to bring local administration officials under Jamaat’s influence, sparking criticism and concern over his comments. Many online users condemned his remarks as anti-democratic, while some defended him, claiming his words were misinterpreted. In response, Jamaat-e-Islami issued a statement distancing itself from Shahjahan’s comments, asserting that the party does not endorse his views and that internal measures are being taken. Shahjahan later clarified that his statement was taken out of context, explaining that he meant the administration should act in the interest of the people and the nation, not under partisan control. The controversy continues to fuel heated discussions about political influence and governance ahead of upcoming elections.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump labeled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as 'ungrateful' in a post on his social media platform Truth Social on November 23. Without naming Zelensky directly, Trump criticized Ukraine’s leadership for showing no appreciation toward U.S. efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. He reiterated that he inherited a conflict that should never have started and described it as a 'losing war' for all, especially for the millions who died unnecessarily. Trump has proposed a 28-point peace plan requiring Ukraine to cede territories, including those still under its control, and to grant amnesty for wartime crimes. He set a November 27 deadline for Ukraine to accept the plan. In response, Zelensky released a video message acknowledging Ukraine’s dire situation, saying the country faces a choice between losing its honor or losing a friend like the United States. The exchange underscores deepening tensions between Kyiv and Washington over the future of the war.

In Kurigram, Bangladesh, Abdul Hai Master, a former teacher and local leader, is conducting an unconventional campaign for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. Representing the Zaker Party in the Kurigram-1 constituency, he walks through neighborhoods carrying a hand microphone and a placard with posters, personally appealing to voters. Known for his humility and dedication, Abdul Hai previously served as union and upazila chairman, often engaging directly in community work such as cleaning drains and roads. Despite financial hardship and mortgaging his home to fund his campaign, he remains committed to public service. His family and local residents express strong support, admiring his sincerity and accessibility. Voters affectionately call him “Pagla Master” for his tireless service. He pledges to focus on women’s development, infrastructure, and economic opportunities if elected. Locals believe that in a fair election, his popularity could lead him to victory.

Jatiya Party Chairman Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud has declared that his party will not participate in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election unless false cases against senior leaders and travel bans on many members are withdrawn. He made the statement during a meeting with Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland at a Dhaka hotel on November 23. Mahmud said that a level playing field for elections does not yet exist, citing administrative divisions, mob culture, and poor law and order. The party’s delegation, including Secretary General ABM Ruhul Amin Hawlader and International Affairs Envoy Mashroor Mowla, emphasized that the Jatiya Party remains election-oriented but cannot contest under current conditions. The Commonwealth delegation, consisting of five members, sought clarity on the party’s electoral stance. Mowla later told the media that unless the government lifts the restrictions and withdraws the alleged false cases, the Jatiya Party will abstain from the election.

An Awami League leader, Tariq Rifat, aged 50, died from a heart attack while being transferred from Gaibandha District Jail to the hospital on Sunday, November 23. Jail Superintendent Anwar Hossain confirmed the death, stating that Rifat fell ill shortly after being brought to the jail and was immediately taken to Gaibandha General Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Rifat, son of former chairman Abu Taher Mia from Rajahar Union, was the finance secretary of the local Awami League and convener of the Upazila Awami Muktijoddha Projonmo League. He had been arrested on November 17 in connection with three explosive-related cases, including vandalism and arson at a Jamaat office. Due to health issues, he was treated at Rangpur Medical College Hospital before being sent to jail through court order. His medical certificate indicated pre-existing heart disease and other complications.

Bhutan’s Prime Minister Lotay Tshering held a courtesy meeting with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman in Dhaka on Sunday evening, November 23. The meeting took place at the InterContinental Hotel in Shahbagh, where both leaders discussed matters of mutual interest in a cordial atmosphere. Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, and Foreign Affairs Adviser Professor Dr. Mahmudul Hasan were also present during the meeting. The discussion was described as a courtesy call, coinciding with the Bhutanese leader’s official visit to Bangladesh. No official statement was released regarding the specific topics discussed, but the meeting drew attention due to the involvement of a political party not currently registered for elections. The event underscores ongoing diplomatic and political engagements between visiting foreign dignitaries and various political figures in Bangladesh.

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Dr. Mohammad Moinuddin Momen claimed that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina concealed information about her agricultural property in her 2008 election affidavit, showing only 5.2 acres while ACC investigations found 29 acres. Speaking at a public hearing in Sylhet, he said the commission could not cancel her nomination at that time despite the findings. Momen emphasized that candidates must declare both domestic and foreign assets, warning that failure to disclose unearned wealth would prompt ACC action. During the hearing, he ordered the immediate suspension of MAG Osmani Medical College librarian Shekhar Das over a bribery allegation involving BDT 200,000. Citizens raised 73 complaints against various government offices, including bribery at passport offices and irregularities in gas connections. The ACC chief admitted corruption within the commission itself and urged the media to expose corrupt officials, stressing the need to elect honest leaders to curb corruption.

In Cox’s Bazar’s Pekua upazila, thirty local leaders and activists of the ruling Awami League have joined the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The group, all previously holding ward and union-level positions under the Barabakia Union Awami League, formally switched allegiance on Saturday evening after a local BNP council session. They presented flowers to Upazila BNP General Secretary Iqbal Hossain to mark their entry. The new BNP members said they were inspired by the ideals and contributions of BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, whom they described as a leader of the region’s people. Local BNP leaders, including Iqbal Hossain and Master Yunus, welcomed the new members, saying the move was voluntary and motivated by political conviction. The event was attended by leaders from various BNP-affiliated organizations, including the youth, student, and farmers’ wings, reflecting growing political activity in the area ahead of the next national election.

Former Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General ATM Azharul Islam has alleged that Sheikh Hasina, whom he referred to as a 'convicted killer,' has fled to India and is attempting to carry out subversive activities against Bangladesh from there. Speaking at a meeting with businessmen in Taraganj, Rangpur, on Sunday evening, Azharul Islam claimed that India could never be a true friend of Bangladesh and might even attack the country. He further stated that Hasina had falsely implicated him in crimes against humanity to execute a political vendetta, but he was later acquitted. Urging citizens to remain vigilant against corruption and authoritarianism, he said Jamaat-e-Islami has always worked for public welfare and promised to use taxpayers’ money for the people’s benefit if elected. The event was organized by the Industrialist and Businessmen Welfare Foundation and attended by local Jamaat leaders and business representatives.

Students of Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, along with the university unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir, held a two-hour human chain on Sunday morning demanding the immediate start of the student union election and justice for those who obstructed the July uprising. The protest took place in front of the new administrative building. Student leaders alleged that a key file related to the student union election had gone missing from the University Grants Commission (UGC), accusing certain groups of attempting to delay the election until the national polls. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Jahangir Alam stated that the investigation report on the July incident would be presented at the syndicate meeting on November 27, after which necessary actions would follow. He also confirmed that the file was forwarded to higher authorities and updates would be available soon. The students agreed to suspend their protest until November 27, expecting weekly updates from the administration on election progress.

Information Advisor Mahfuz Alam has cautioned that suppressing diversity of thought and practice in society and the state could lead to the reestablishment of fascism and the failure of the July revolution. In a Facebook post on Sunday evening, Mahfuz expressed frustration over growing intolerance and violence, stating that those who respond to oppression and violence with new forms of the same are responsible for the resurgence of fascism. Although he did not mention any specific incident, his remarks came amid reports of an attack on followers of Baul artist Abul Sarkar in Manikganj earlier that day. Mahfuz urged an end to all forms of persecution against Sufi followers, fakirs, Bauls, and other dissenting groups, emphasizing compassion and justice as alternatives to oppression and violence.

Election campaigns in Bogura’s seven parliamentary constituencies have gained momentum, with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami emerging as the most active contenders. BNP leaders and activists, inspired by Begum Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman’s candidacies, are working tirelessly to secure victory in all seats. Jamaat, meanwhile, is optimistic about winning four constituencies, citing growing voter support, particularly from former Awami League supporters disillusioned by recent political violence and lawsuits. Following the political shift on August 5, thousands of Awami League activists reportedly faced cases and harassment, leading many to flee their homes. Jamaat leaders claim their non-retaliatory stance has boosted their popularity. BNP leaders, however, remain confident, calling Bogura their political stronghold and expecting sweeping victories. Other parties, including Nagorik Oikya, CPB, and Islami Andolon Bangladesh, have also entered the race, but the main contest is expected between BNP and Jamaat candidates across all seven seats.

Officers from the 26th to 31st batches of the Bangladesh Civil Service (General Education) cadre staged a human chain and sit-in on Sunday, November 23, in front of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education, demanding long-overdue promotions from assistant professor to associate professor. The protesters highlighted persistent discrimination and stagnation within the education cadre, claiming that despite being the largest cadre service in Bangladesh, many officers have been deprived of promotions for years. They noted that while other cadres have received promotions up to the 30th batch, education cadre officers from the 26th to 31st batches remain stuck in the same position, some for over a decade. The officers argued that granting these promotions would not impose any additional financial burden on the government, as most are already at the top salary grade. They urged the authorities to address the disparity and restore morale among educators through immediate administrative recognition of their seniority.

In Rajshahi, Bangladesh, internal divisions have intensified within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) as supporters of nomination-deprived leaders continue protests demanding candidate changes in three parliamentary constituencies—Rajshahi-1, Rajshahi-3, and Rajshahi-5. Demonstrations include road blockades, torch processions, and symbolic protests such as lying on roads wrapped in shrouds. The unrest has hindered campaign activities of BNP’s nominated candidates, prompting grassroots leaders to urge central intervention. In Rajshahi-1, followers of Advocate Sultanul Islam Tarek oppose the nomination of retired Major General Sharif Uddin, citing his lack of political experience. In Rajshahi-3, supporters of Rayhanul Haque and Nasir Hossain demand local candidates instead of “outsiders.” In Rajshahi-5, multiple nomination-deprived leaders have united against candidate Nazrul Islam Mondal, threatening to boycott campaign activities unless nominations are reconsidered. Central BNP leaders are reportedly struggling to reconcile factions and maintain unity ahead of the upcoming national election.

A prestige-driven conflict has emerged within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) over the nomination for the Chattogram-12 (Patiya) constituency ahead of the upcoming 13th national election. The party’s provisional nominee, Enamul Haque Enam, faces opposition from his former mentor, Chattogram South District BNP convener Idris Mia, who, along with four other aspirants, has formally appealed to acting BNP chairman Tarique Rahman to reconsider Enam’s nomination. Idris, who originally introduced Enam to politics after 2009, argues that Enam’s candidacy has created internal resentment and local backlash. Despite their past mentor-disciple relationship, Idris insists that changes in several constituencies, including Patiya, may still occur. Enam, however, maintains that anyone can seek nomination and that personal grievances should not override party unity. He emphasizes that all members must ultimately support whoever receives the final nomination. The dispute reflects deeper factional tensions within the BNP’s Chattogram South unit as it prepares for the national polls.