Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus called on members of Bangladesh’s armed forces to perform their duties with professionalism and efficiency to ensure a smooth and festive national election. Speaking at a reception marking Armed Forces Day 2025 at Senakunja on Friday, November 21, Yunus emphasized that the upcoming national election would be a significant chapter in the country’s democratic transition. He paid tribute to the martyrs and veterans of the Liberation War, as well as those who sacrificed their lives or were injured during the July–August 2024 student and public uprising. Yunus reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to peaceful coexistence with friendly nations while stressing the need for constant readiness to defend national sovereignty against external aggression. He also highlighted ongoing modernization efforts in the army, navy, and air force, including advanced training and the integration of modern technologies to align with global standards.

BNP central leader and former minister Advocate Ruhul Kuddus Talukder Dulu has said that Bangladesh will be built on the foundation of communal harmony following the 31-point plan announced by BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman. Speaking after visiting a two-day Leela Kirtan event at Radha Gobinda Temple in Natore Sadar on Friday, Dulu emphasized that the BNP believes in harmony among all religions and rejects any form of persecution based on faith. He noted that the 31-point plan envisions a Bangladesh free from religious discrimination, where everyone can practice their faith freely under the principle 'religion is personal, Bangladesh belongs to all.' The event was presided over by Bipul Kumar Ghosh, president of the temple committee, and attended by several local BNP leaders including Rahim Newaz, Saiful Islam Aftab, and former Natore mayor Kazi Shah Alam.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Parwar stated that the nation will reject those who have ruled the country over the past 54 years in the upcoming national election. Speaking at a student rally in Dumuria, Khulna, he accused successive governments of failing to meet public expectations in governance, economy, justice, agriculture, education, and culture. Parwar criticized corruption, extortion, and oppression under previous administrations and claimed that such practices continue even after the political change on August 5. He emphasized Jamaat’s non-involvement in these activities and called for a just and corruption-free state. Addressing the Hindu community, he urged them not to fear and to exercise their voting rights freely. He also highlighted the difficulties faced by expatriate workers and promised administrative reforms and voting rights for them if his party comes to power. Several local and national Jamaat leaders attended the event.

Bangladesh observed Armed Forces Day on November 21 with due honor and enthusiasm at Senakunja in Dhaka. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus exchanged greetings with Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman during the event. BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia attended the ceremony after a year’s absence, sitting beside the Chief Adviser during the reception. She was received by the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force upon arrival. Several senior political figures, including BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Mirza Abbas, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, and others from various parties such as Jatiya Nagarik Party, Nagorik Oikya, Revolutionary Workers Party, BJP, and JSD, were also present. The gathering reflected a moment of political civility amid Bangladesh’s tense political climate.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam met with Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia during an Armed Forces Day event held at Senakunja in Dhaka on Friday afternoon. The meeting was described as a courtesy exchange, according to the Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary, Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. Khaleda Zia arrived at Senakunja around 4:30 p.m. accompanied by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, senior party leaders, and family members, following medical advice. During the brief interaction, Yunus inquired about Khaleda Zia’s health and wished her recovery, while Khaleda expressed gratitude and asked about the health of Yunus’s wife, Afrozi Yunus. The event marked a rare public appearance for Khaleda Zia, who has been in fragile health, and reflected a moment of cordial exchange among key political figures amid Bangladesh’s evolving political landscape.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed profound grief and sympathy over the casualties and destruction caused by a recent earthquake that struck several districts in Bangladesh. In a condolence message issued on Friday, November 21, he said that at least six people were killed and more than two hundred injured as buildings collapsed in Dhaka and other regions. Rahman prayed for the victims and their families, urging the government to strengthen disaster preparedness and management to reduce future losses. He emphasized that Bangladeshis have always shown resilience in the face of natural disasters and expressed confidence that the nation would recover from this tragedy. Rahman also assured that the BNP stands beside the affected people and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured and eternal peace for the deceased.

At the Armed Forces Day reception held at Senakunja in Dhaka Cantonment, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia met with Chief Adviser of the interim government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The two leaders spoke privately for several minutes, during which Dr. Yunus inquired about Khaleda Zia’s health and wished her recovery. In return, Khaleda Zia thanked him and asked about the health of his wife, Afrozi Yunus. Khaleda Zia was accompanied by her family members and senior BNP leaders, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and members of her medical board. Several BNP Standing Committee members, such as Mirza Abbas, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, and Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, also attended the event. The meeting marked a rare public appearance for the former prime minister amid ongoing concerns about her health.

Assistant teachers of government primary schools in Bangladesh have announced an indefinite work stoppage starting November 30 if their three-point demands are not met by November 29. The announcement came from the 'Primary Teachers’ Demand Implementation Council' during a press conference at the National Press Club on November 21. The teachers are demanding placement in the 10th grade pay scale, resolution of promotion issues after 10 and 16 years of service, and 100% departmental promotion. They also called for state-funded medical treatment for teachers injured during a police clash on November 8 and full pension and compensation for the family of deceased teacher Fatema Akter. The council stated that despite earlier discussions with the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education and the Finance Division, no visible progress has been made toward implementing the agreed decisions.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus expressed confidence that the Bangladesh Armed Forces will continue their vital role in the nation’s reconstruction and democratic progress. Speaking at a reception marking Armed Forces Day 2025 at Dhaka’s Senakunja, he praised the military’s professionalism, patriotism, and sacrifices since the 1971 Liberation War. Yunus honored the martyrs of the war and those who died or were injured during the 2024 student–public uprising, calling their courage a foundation for rebuilding the country. He emphasized the armed forces’ contribution to maintaining public trust and ensuring a peaceful upcoming election, describing it as a key step in Bangladesh’s democratic evolution. Highlighting modernization efforts, Yunus noted ongoing technological upgrades and training across the army, navy, and air force. He also lauded Bangladesh’s global peacekeeping record, citing participation in 63 missions across 43 countries, including significant female representation. The event was attended by military chiefs, veterans, peacekeepers’ families, and international guests.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia attended the Armed Forces Day reception at Senakunja in Dhaka after a year-long absence. Arriving in a wheelchair from her Gulshan residence, she was welcomed by the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The event, broadcast live on Bangladesh Television, was attended by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who delivered a speech honoring the armed forces and the martyrs of the Liberation War. Khaleda Zia was seated next to Dr. Yunus, and the two were seen exchanging smiles and greetings. Several senior BNP leaders, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and members of the party’s standing committee, accompanied her. The event highlighted a rare public appearance of the former prime minister and a cordial interaction between her and the interim government’s chief adviser.

BNP Standing Committee member AZM Zahid Hossain has called on the government to take immediate and coordinated measures to safeguard lives and property following the recent 5.7-magnitude earthquake felt across Bangladesh. Speaking at a discussion at the National Press Club in Dhaka, Zahid warned that the country, especially old Dhaka, faces serious risks if proper structural and geological precautions are not taken. He emphasized that this is the right time for authorities, engineers, and planners to act to minimize potential damage. Zahid also linked the increasing frequency of natural disasters to global climate change, criticizing the inadequate response of developed nations at an ongoing international climate conference in Brazil. He noted that Bangladesh is already experiencing erratic weather patterns, including prolonged winters, intense heat, and frequent flooding in low-lying areas, underscoring the urgent need for national preparedness and environmental resilience.

Former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia attended a reception at Senakunja in Dhaka Cantonment on the occasion of Armed Forces Day. Upon her arrival, she was received by Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman and Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan. According to BNP Standing Committee member and her personal physician Professor AZM Zahid Hossain, Khaleda left her Gulshan residence 'Firoza' at 3:50 p.m. to attend the event. She was accompanied by her daughter-in-law Syeda Shamila Rahman Sithi, wife of her late son Arafat Rahman Koko. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and several senior party leaders, including Mirza Abbas, Goyeshwar Chandra Roy, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, and Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, were also present. The reception, organized by the Chief Adviser’s Office, began at 4 p.m. and was broadcast live by Bangladesh Television.

The chiefs of Bangladesh’s Army, Navy, and Air Force paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Friday ahead of the upcoming Armed Forces Day 2025. According to Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, the meeting took place in the Armed Forces Division at Dhaka Cantonment. Army Chief General Waker‑Uz‑Zaman, Navy Chief Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, and Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan attended the meeting. Before the discussions, Professor Yunus paid tribute to the martyred heroes of the 1971 Liberation War by placing a floral wreath at the Shikha Anirban memorial. The meeting highlighted respect for the nation’s armed forces and their historical contributions, marking the lead-up to the annual celebration honoring Bangladesh’s military services.

U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet newly elected New York City Mayor Zohra Mamdani at the White House on Friday, marking their first meeting since Mamdani’s election victory. The discussion is expected to focus on public safety, cost of living, and economic security, according to Mamdani. The meeting comes after a contentious election campaign during which both leaders exchanged sharp criticisms. Mamdani, 34, recently defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo by nine points, emerging as a new national political figure. Trump referred to Mamdani as a 'communist mayor' in a statement confirming the meeting. Mamdani emphasized that he is willing to collaborate with the president on issues beneficial to New Yorkers but will oppose any agenda that harms the city. His spokesperson described the meeting as a routine process for incoming administrations to engage with the president.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has claimed that Israel would not be able to sustain a war against Iran for even a week without the backing of the United States and NATO. Speaking at a Basij volunteer gathering at Imam Khomeini’s mausoleum, Ghalibaf said Israel and the US were punished during the 12-day conflict in June, asserting that Iran’s strength lies not only in its missile capability but also in the strong support of its people. He alleged that US Vice President JD Vance had attempted to mediate during the conflict and that the Israeli leadership suffered defeat at the hands of Iran’s armed forces and citizens. Ghalibaf emphasized that maintaining public unity behind the Islamic system is the key to Iran’s continued success against its adversaries, accusing Israel and its allies of waging psychological warfare to weaken domestic support.