Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has expressed deep concern over mild earthquakes felt in Dhaka and Ashulia on November 21 and 22. In a statement issued on Saturday, he urged citizens to remain patient during natural adversities and to place their trust in Allah. Dr. Rahman described the tremors as a divine warning, calling on people to seek divine help to stay safe from disasters. He also emphasized that the government has a responsibility to raise public awareness about disaster preparedness, identify risky buildings, and provide necessary training to minimize damage. His remarks came amid growing public anxiety following consecutive tremors in the capital region, though no major casualties were reported. The Jamaat leader’s message combined religious reflection with a call for practical disaster management measures to ensure public safety.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has declared that his party will not compromise with anyone in its political stance ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national election. Speaking to journalists in Chattogram, he criticized the interim government’s decision to hold the national election and a referendum on the same day, warning that such a move could lead to unrest or even genocide. Dr. Rahman stated that Jamaat will not form a conventional political alliance but will pursue electoral understandings with several parties and groups. Addressing a religious gathering later in the evening, he urged supporters to vote conscientiously, oppose corruption, and remain united under Islamic principles. He reiterated that Jamaat’s mission is to establish a corruption-free Bangladesh under divine guidance and that the party will not stop until that goal is achieved.

BNP Standing Committee member and former minister Dr. Abdul Moin Khan criticized the Awami League and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during an election rally in Kachua, Chandpur. Speaking as the chief guest, Moin Khan accused Hasina of fleeing the country after the August 5 student-people uprising, prioritizing her family’s safety over that of her party members. He questioned why the Awami League, which claims to represent the people, originally chose an Urdu name, and alleged that the party failed to protect even its own supporters. Moin Khan contrasted Hasina’s actions with those of late President Ziaur Rahman, whom he credited with declaring Bangladesh’s independence and fighting the Pakistani army in 1971. The rally, organized by the local BNP, also featured speeches by former state minister A.N.M. Ehsanul Haque Milan and other party leaders, urging voters to support the BNP candidate in the upcoming election.

Former joint convener of Chattogram South BNP, Layekat Ali, has criticized the party’s nomination process, claiming that individuals who remained inactive during the Awami League government are now receiving BNP nominations. Speaking at a rally in Bashkhali on Saturday, November 22, organized under the banner of 'Bashkhali Majlum BNP' to mark Revolution and Solidarity Day, Ali urged BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman to withdraw the current party nomination for Bashkhali, citing the will of local people. He said he had been imprisoned 17 times and suffered political persecution under the Awami League government, yet was denied nomination by his own party. Ali expressed his desire to represent the working class of Chattogram in parliament and vowed to contest the next election with public support. The event was attended by several local BNP and Jubo Dal leaders, including Sarwar Alam, Mostak, and Chowdhury Wahab.

Major General (Retd.) A N M Muniruzzaman, president of the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS), stated that India is legally obliged to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh under the existing bilateral extradition treaty. Speaking at a Bay of Bengal Conversation session in Dhaka, he emphasized that as a friendly neighbor, India should respect Bangladesh’s legal process and return Hasina without delay. Muniruzzaman argued that adherence to international norms and mutual respect for legal systems should guide India’s actions. His comments come after Bangladesh formally requested India to hand over Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity during last year’s uprising. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka warned that sheltering convicted individuals would be considered an unfriendly act and contrary to justice. India has acknowledged receiving Bangladesh’s communication, but the extradition request remains unresolved.

Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro has been arrested at his home in Brasília on charges related to an alleged attempt to stage an illegal political coup. The arrest came just days before his 27-year prison sentence was to begin, following a Supreme Court ruling that found him guilty of trying to overturn the 2022 election results after losing to current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. According to federal police, the preventive arrest was requested by investigators and approved by the Supreme Court. Bolsonaro also faces accusations of being linked to an armed criminal organization that sought to undermine Brazil’s democracy, particularly after his supporters attacked government buildings on January 8, 2023. His eldest son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, reportedly organized a rally outside the former president’s residence shortly before the arrest warrant was issued. Bolsonaro has denied all allegations, calling them politically motivated.

At a memorial event marking the 10th death anniversary of executed BNP leader Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury, his son and BNP-nominated candidate Hummam Quader Chowdhury declared that the upcoming national election will demonstrate his father’s innocence. Speaking emotionally at the gathering in Kadernagar, Rangunia, Hummam claimed that people’s affection and support give him strength, asserting that Salahuddin Quader was a true leader loved by his constituency. The event was attended by family members, senior BNP figures, and Hefazat-e-Islam chief Allama Muhibullah Babunagari, who led prayers and described Salahuddin Quader as a righteous man. Hummam urged voters to support the BNP’s ‘paddy sheaf’ symbol, paying tribute to Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman, and his late father. His remarks come as Bangladesh prepares for the next general election, with the BNP seeking to regain political momentum under a tense political climate.

Two Jamaat-e-Islami nominated candidates from Sunamganj-1 and Sunamganj-4 constituencies organized large-scale motorcycle rallies on Saturday as part of their election campaigns. Advocate Muhammad Shams Uddin, contesting from Sunamganj-4, led a motorcade through major roads before addressing a rally in Bishwambharpur, where he pledged that if Jamaat comes to power, extortion and terrorism would be permanently eliminated. He called for honest leadership to develop neglected regions like Sunamganj Sadar and Bishwambharpur. Meanwhile, Maulana Tofayel Ahmed Khan, Jamaat’s candidate for Sunamganj-1, led a similar rally in Tahirpur, criticizing previous governments for corruption and exploitation. He urged voters to support Jamaat’s ‘Dari-Palla’ (balance) symbol, promising accountability, justice, and real change for ordinary citizens. Senior district Jamaat leaders were also present at both events, emphasizing the party’s commitment to welfare-oriented governance.

Around fifty farmers in Mymensingh-3 (Gauripur) staged a symbolic protest carrying bundles of rice on their heads, demanding a review of the BNP’s nomination decision for the upcoming 13th national election. The protesters, supporters of local BNP leader Ahmad Tayebur Rahman Hiron, called for reconsideration of the party’s choice after Hiron was replaced by central executive committee member Engineer M. Iqbal Hossain. Farmers argued that Hiron had been active in anti-authoritarian movements and maintained strong ties with grassroots activists. They urged acting BNP chairman Tarique Rahman to re-evaluate the nomination based on public opinion and past contributions. The demonstration, held in Ramgopalpur Union, was organized spontaneously by local farmers, who likened their action to a 'Decision Review System' (DRS) appeal, a term borrowed from cricket to symbolize a request for reconsideration. The event reflects growing internal dissent within the BNP’s local ranks over candidate selection.

Tania Rob, senior vice president of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), has accused rival political groups of seizing public resources such as markets, lands, and housing even before coming to power. Speaking at a street rally in Basurhat Bazar, Noakhali, in support of the party’s ‘Tara’ symbol, she questioned what such groups would do if they actually gained power. Rob emphasized that the people of Bangladesh cherish the spirit of the Liberation War and independence, and that JSD aims to uphold those values. She called for a transparent electoral process, suggesting that administrative officials like OCs, SPs, and DCs be appointed through a lottery system under the Election Commission’s supervision to prevent partisan influence. Rob also criticized corruption, extortion, and misuse of power by former MPs, urging voters to elect competent and honest representatives in the upcoming 13th national election.

At least 30 people were injured in violent clashes between two factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Hatiya, Noakhali, on Saturday evening. The conflict erupted at the Ochkhali Zero Point area between supporters of BNP’s central organizing secretary and nominated candidate Mahbubur Rahman Shamim, and followers of former MP Fazlul Azim. Azim’s supporters had organized a torch procession demanding a change in the party’s nominated candidate for the Noakhali-6 constituency. As they marched toward Ochkhali, Shamim’s supporters allegedly attacked them with bricks, injuring several. In retaliation, Azim’s followers launched a counterattack, leading to further injuries and property damage, including vandalized motorcycles and a house attack. Police confirmed incidents of stone-throwing and chases between the groups but denied receiving reports of injuries. The situation in Ochkhali market remains tense following the confrontation.

For the first time, the Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) is enabling expatriate Bangladeshis to vote through postal ballots. Under the slogan “Tomar Amar Bangladesh-e, Vote Debo Milemishe,” the EC has introduced an app-based registration system called “Postal Vote BD.” Expatriates must register as voters via the app by verifying their mobile number with an OTP, completing face verification, and submitting their national ID and passport details along with their current overseas address. Once verified, they will receive a notification confirming successful registration and later receive a ballot paper by mail. Voters must log in to the app or designated link, verify their identity, set a new PIN, and scan a QR code on the ballot to view their constituency before selecting their preferred candidate. A signed declaration form must accompany the ballot; unsigned ballots will be invalid. The EC has also announced region-wise registration schedules for expatriates across Asia, Europe, North America, Africa, Oceania, and the Middle East.

Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed emphasized that in times of uncertainty, the judiciary’s stability, restraint, honesty, and courage can serve as the nation’s most enduring source of confidence. Speaking at the opening session of the three-day international conference 'Bay of Bengal Conversation 2025' organized by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) in Dhaka, he warned that if the judiciary fails, both the state and democracy collapse, silencing the constitution and destroying public hope. He highlighted recent judicial reforms, including institutional restructuring, normalization of career paths, and groundwork for the Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance, describing them as constitutional reconstruction efforts aimed at restoring balance, independence, and administrative discipline. Ahmed also noted that during recent months of national uncertainty, the judiciary remained the only fully functional constitutional organ, maintaining both humility and firmness in its role. The session was chaired by CGS President Zillur Rahman and attended by Foreign Affairs Adviser M. Touhid Hossain and CGS Executive Director Parvez Karim Abbasi.

A group of students participating in the 47th BCS examination have begun a hunger strike demanding an extension of the written exam schedule, arguing that the 40-day preparation period is insufficient. On Saturday evening, Sheikh Mahbubur Rahman Nahiyan, Secretary General of the Islami Chhatra Andolon Bangladesh, visited the Central Shaheed Minar with a delegation to express solidarity with the protesting students. Nahiyan criticized the Public Service Commission’s (PSC) decision to hold the exam on short notice, calling it unfair and detrimental to candidates, especially first-time participants. He emphasized that the PSC has a moral and constitutional duty to ensure a fair and student-friendly examination system. The organization pledged continued support for the students’ peaceful protest until their demands are met. Several other leaders of the Islami Chhatra Andolon, including Imran Hossain Noor and Muhammad Faizul Islam, were also present at the event.

A large-scale National Imam-Khatib Conference is scheduled to be held in Dhaka on Sunday at the China Friendship Conference Center, organized by the Sammilit Imam-Khatib Parishad. The event aims to promote the independent practice of religious duties by imams and khatibs, ensure their social and state recognition, and present a 10-point demand addressing their welfare and national religious issues. Prominent political and religious leaders, including Hefazat-e-Islam’s Amir Allama Shah Muhibbullah Babunagari, BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, and other Islamic leaders, are expected to attend and deliver speeches. Organizers stated that the conference will outline a clear roadmap for protecting national sovereignty, safeguarding Muslim religious rights, ensuring social security and allowances for imams and khatibs, and introducing modern mosque management policies. The gathering is expected to bring together religious scholars from across the country to discuss these national and community concerns.