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.

In Saltha upazila of Bangladesh, political resignations within the ruling Awami League continue as another local leader steps down. Md. Emdad Fakir, general secretary of the Ballavdi Union unit of the labor wing of the Awami League, announced his resignation at a press conference held at his business establishment in Bauskhali on Saturday, November 22. Fakir, who is also a former president of Bauskhali High School, stated that he was leaving all posts within the Awami League and its affiliated organizations due to personal and family reasons. He further expressed admiration for the behavior and ideals of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and declared his intention to work as a BNP activist in the future. The move follows a series of similar resignations in the Saltha area, signaling growing internal shifts within local Awami League leadership.

BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moin Khan has accused the former Awami League government of undermining democracy by holding nighttime voting and forcibly staying in power. Speaking at a campaign rally in Kachua, Chandpur, ahead of the upcoming 13th national election, he alleged that the Awami League had destroyed the country’s education and economy while laundering billions abroad. Moin Khan urged citizens, especially young voters, to participate in the February election to ensure victory for BNP candidates. He claimed that the people of Bangladesh are eager for fair elections and will reject any attempts to derail the process. Referring to the August 5 mass uprising, he said Awami League leaders fled the country amid public outrage over repression, disappearances, and killings. The event was attended by BNP leaders including former state minister for education Dr. A.N.M. Ehsanul Haque Milan and other senior party figures.

The United Kingdom has announced one of its strictest immigration reforms in decades, potentially affecting around 1.7 million legal migrants awaiting permanent residency. Under the new 'settlement' policy introduced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) will be extended from five to ten years for most applicants, and up to 20 or even 30 years for those deemed low-contributing or with criminal records. High earners and essential workers may qualify for a fast-track route. The policy, which applies to migrants entering after 2021, could also impact over one million asylum seekers and thousands of foreign NHS nurses. Critics, including Labour MPs and human rights advocates, have condemned the move as morally wrong and economically flawed, while the government argues it is necessary to ease pressure on housing and public services. The plan faces potential legal challenges and parliamentary debate before implementation, with public consultation open until February 2026.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that his party’s ongoing demand for proportional representation (PR) aims to serve the people’s interest, pledging to implement it if Jamaat comes to power. Speaking to reporters in Chittagong on Saturday, he emphasized that he does not seek Jamaat’s victory but the victory of the people. Rahman criticized the absence of a level playing field in the upcoming election and urged all to work together to ensure fair conditions, warning that failure to hold elections in February could lead to a national crisis. He accused certain groups of exploiting public resources for personal gain while ordinary citizens saw little real development. Stressing unity among all communities, he declared an uncompromising struggle against corruption and injustice, vowing that Jamaat’s movement for true national liberation would continue until its goals are achieved.

The Bangladesh government has formally sent a letter to the Election Commission (EC) requesting that the upcoming 13th parliamentary election and a national referendum be held on the same day. EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed confirmed the development on Saturday. The move follows Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’s November 13 address to the nation, where he announced plans to organize both events simultaneously amid political disagreements over the legal basis of the July Charter and the referendum itself. The Cabinet Division sent the official letter a week after Yunus’s announcement, instructing the EC to prepare accordingly. Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin earlier stated that the EC would take further decisions once it received formal government directives. The EC is expected to announce the election schedule in early December, with voting likely in the first half of February.