Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Parwar has said that Islamic principles are essential for ensuring justice, peace, and equality in society. Speaking at a women voters’ rally in Khulna’s Atra-Gilatala Union, he urged citizens to elect pious and Islam-oriented candidates in the upcoming national election to build a welfare state guided by Islamic law. Responding to critics, Parwar rejected allegations that Jamaat sells 'tickets to heaven,' saying the party only promotes the Quran’s teachings and moral guidance. He accused the BNP of adopting Awami League’s stance by obstructing Jamaat’s religious programs and claimed such actions hinder Islamic awakening. Parwar emphasized the role of women in establishing an Islamic state and called for grassroots campaigning in favor of the 'balance scale' election symbol. He reiterated that Jamaat’s goal is to establish Quranic law through public support and urged unity among Islamic groups ahead of the election.

Mufti Syed Muhammad Fayzul Karim, senior Naib-e-Ameer of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, stated that the reinstatement of the previously abolished non-partisan caretaker government system will bring welfare and a better future for the people of Bangladesh. Speaking at a public rally in Char Samaiya Union, Bhola, on November 20, he said that elections held under caretaker governments have historically been more transparent and acceptable than those under partisan governments. Karim expressed optimism that the upcoming 13th national election would see Islamic parties unite under one electoral symbol. Commenting on the court’s verdict regarding Sheikh Hasina, he said the judgment was delivered according to law and urged the government and law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety and stability. The rally was attended by several Islami Andolan leaders and local representatives.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is facing internal criticism over its decision to nominate several elderly candidates, some aged over 80, in multiple constituencies. Local leaders argue that these senior nominees lack the physical capacity and generational connection needed to appeal to younger voters, particularly Generation Z, who are expected to play a decisive role in the upcoming election. In constituencies such as Brahmanbaria-4, Kushtia-4, Chattogram-13, and Munshiganj-2, local BNP leaders have formally appealed to the party’s high command to reconsider the nominations. They are advocating for younger, more active candidates with stronger grassroots ties and better rapport with youth voters. The appeals highlight growing frustration among local activists who believe that the party’s electoral prospects could be weakened by fielding aged, less-engaged figures. The issue underscores a generational divide within the BNP as it seeks to balance experience with the need for rejuvenation to attract younger segments of the electorate.

BNP central executive committee member and Faridpur divisional organizing secretary Shama Obaid stated that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) does not use religion as a political tool or engage in religious trading for political gain. Speaking at a large women’s rally organized by the Belkuchi Upazila and Municipal Women’s Wing in Sirajganj, she emphasized that BNP has always worked for public welfare since its inception and avoids showy politics. Obaid highlighted the importance of women’s participation in social progress, asserting that BNP respects and values women’s contributions. The event also featured BNP leader Amirul Islam Khan Alim, who reaffirmed the party’s commitment to restoring voting rights, democracy, and women’s empowerment. The rally, attended by local BNP leaders and supporters, saw enthusiastic participation from women of various professions, creating a festive atmosphere in the area.

For the first time, the Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) is allowing expatriate Bangladeshis to vote via postal ballots under the slogan “Tomar Amar Bangladesh-e, Vote Dib Milemishe.” According to the official schedule, Bangladeshi citizens living in Malaysia can register for postal voting from December 9 to 13. Registration must be completed through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ mobile app by verifying mobile numbers, completing face verification, and submitting national ID or passport details along with the current overseas address. Once registration is approved, voters will receive ballot papers by mail. They must follow the instructions to log in, verify their identity, and cast their vote electronically before mailing back the signed declaration and ballot paper to Bangladesh. The EC expects ballots to reach returning officers within 16 to 28 days after dispatch. This initiative aims to include global expatriates in the upcoming national election process.

Three students participating in a long march from Charfassion, Bhola, to Dhaka’s Setu Bhaban have fallen ill after swimming across the Padma River when denied permission to cross the Padma Bridge on foot. The march, which began on November 11 with 20 students, aims to press a five-point demand including the construction of the Bhola-Barishal Bridge, residential gas connections for all households in Bhola, establishment of gas-based industries, a public university, and sustainable embankments. As of Thursday evening, the marchers had covered nearly 300 kilometers and reached Abdullahpur in Munshiganj along the Dhaka-Mawa Expressway. The three ill students—Md. Noman Hawlader, Md. Tanjil, and Md. Mehedi—are receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. The remaining participants plan to continue to the National Press Club and later to Setu Bhaban to press their demands.

BNP central sports affairs secretary and Dhaka North convenor Aminul Haque cautioned that using religion as a political tool undermines faith and misleads the public. Speaking at a meeting in Dhaka’s Rupnagar on November 20, he said that trading religion for political gain risks destroying one’s faith. Aminul criticized those who engage in political propaganda in mosques and likened them to clandestine groups lacking real capacity. Citing the 1971 Liberation War, he warned that followers of the anti-liberation forces remain active and must be confronted. He also accused certain groups of trying to disrupt the upcoming national election by spreading misinformation and selling false promises of salvation. Aminul pledged that if the BNP wins, it will build a humane, prosperous, and democratic Bangladesh by strengthening education, healthcare, the judiciary, and the rule of law under Tarique Rahman’s leadership.

BNP’s acting chairman and chief patron of the 'Amra BNP Poribar' initiative, Tarique Rahman, has extended financial assistance to more than fifty underprivileged families. The aid was distributed on Thursday at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) Convention Hall in Dhaka’s Khamarbari area. The beneficiaries included families of martyrs and injured from the 24th uprising, as well as destitute and persecuted families. The event was organized by 'Amra BNP Poribar' and attended by senior BNP leaders, including Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi as the chief guest and convener Atikur Rahman Rummon as chair. Other notable attendees included BNP Joint Secretary General Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie, BNP Treasurer M Rashiduzzaman Millat, and several advisers and party members. The program was jointly conducted by agriculturist Moksedul Momin Mithun and journalist Zahidul Islam Rony.

In Cumilla, two separate groups of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) held peaceful rallies on Thursday evening despite earlier speculation about possible clashes. The events took place in adjacent locations at Kandirpar, where BNP Chairperson’s advisers Haji Aminur Rashid Yasin and Monirul Haque Chowdhury organized separate programs. Yasin’s supporters arranged a prayer gathering for Khaleda Zia’s recovery and Tarique Rahman’s well-being, while Chowdhury, the party’s nominated candidate for Cumilla-6, held an election rally. Authorities had earlier prohibited both groups from using the Town Hall ground due to security concerns and directed them to alternative venues. Additional police, army, RAB, and intelligence personnel were deployed to prevent unrest. The rallies concluded without any untoward incidents, reflecting effective coordination between the administration and law enforcement agencies.

Sujon, a rickshaw driver who gained public attention during the July uprising for saluting protesting students, has purchased a nomination form from the National Citizen Party (NCP) to contest the upcoming national parliamentary election from Dhaka-8 constituency. He collected the form on Thursday evening, accompanied by senior NCP leaders. Sujon expressed optimism about winning the election, citing his popularity and connection with ordinary people. He emphasized that his candidacy demonstrates equal political rights for all citizens, thanking the NCP for allowing him the opportunity. In the same constituency, BNP has nominated its standing committee member Mirza Abbas, Jamaat-e-Islami nominated Advocate Helal Uddin, and Sharif Osman Hadi from Inquilab Manch announced his independent candidacy. The contest in Dhaka-8 is expected to draw attention due to Sujon’s unique background and symbolic representation of grassroots participation in politics.

Bangladesh’s caretaker government has given final approval to establish a separate secretariat for the judiciary, a long-awaited step toward full judicial independence. The new body, to be known as the Supreme Court Secretariat, will operate under the High Court. Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul announced the decision at a press conference following an advisory council meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. The ‘Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance 2025’ is expected to be gazetted next week. This move fulfills a decades-long demand stemming from the landmark Masdar Hossain case, filed in 1995 by members of the BCS Judicial Association seeking separation of the judiciary from the executive. The Supreme Court’s 1999 verdict mandated the establishment of an independent judiciary, but full implementation had been pending for 26 years. Officials described the approval as the final step in ensuring judicial autonomy in Bangladesh.

Senior lawyer Shishir Monir, representing Jamaat-e-Islami in the recent appeal, stated that under the current caretaker government formation, the most recently retired Chief Justice would serve as the head of the interim administration. However, he noted that this provision is not presently in effect. Following the Supreme Court’s historic verdict delivered by a seven-member Appellate Division bench led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, Monir explained that the caretaker government system has been automatically reinstated in the constitution. He added that the upcoming 13th national election will be held under an interim government, while the caretaker system will take effect from the 14th parliamentary election onward. Monir also mentioned that the final structure of the caretaker government could change depending on the outcome of the July Charter referendum and subsequent constitutional reform sessions in the new parliament.

Mahmudur Rahman, editor of the newspaper *Amar Desh*, has called on Bangladesh’s post-election government to act in accordance with the aspirations of the July Revolution. Speaking at a seminar titled “Successes and Failures of Revolutions and Uprisings: From November 7 to August 5” at Rajshahi University, he emphasized that the revolution is ongoing and will continue until its goals are fully realized. Rahman stressed the importance of holding the 13th national parliamentary election on time, warning that any delay could create instability that external forces, particularly Delhi, might exploit. Expressing doubts about the possibility of a free and fair election, he blamed administrative and bureaucratic complications and the influence of ruling party allies. He also criticized the government for failing to conduct a cleansing campaign and for not embracing the revolutionary spirit. Rahman urged the July revolutionaries to remain united, asserting that their unity is essential to keeping Bangladesh on the right path.

At Jagannath University, the student wings of Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Adhikar Parishad have formed a joint panel named 'Oikyoboddho Nirvik Jobian' for the upcoming central student union (JnUCSU) election. The panel nominated AKM Rakib, president of the university’s Chhatra Adhikar unit, as vice president candidate. Central general secretary Nazmul Hasan of Chhatra Adhikar said Rakib’s inclusion aims to keep Chhatra Dal relevant on campus and ensure broader student benefit. Rakib emphasized that the alliance is electoral, not political, and pledged to work for student rights without external influence. He also criticized the administration for irregular teacher recruitment and delays in scholarship processes. Meanwhile, Jagannath University Chhatra Dal convener Mehedi Hasan Himel clarified that the coalition is inclusive and not based on political ideology, adding that Nazmul Hasan’s remarks reflect his personal opinion. The election alliance highlights both cooperation and underlying tension between the two student organizations.

The High Court of Bangladesh has ordered a halt to all activities related to the contract for the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at Chattogram Port until the ongoing case is resolved. The directive was issued verbally by a bench led by Justice Fatema Najib, with the state counsel assuring compliance with the order. The case stems from a writ petition filed by Mirza Walid Hossain, president of the Bangladesh Young Economists Forum, challenging the legality of handing over the management of the NCT to a foreign company. Earlier, on July 30, the High Court had issued a rule questioning the validity of the agreement between the Chattogram Port Authority and the foreign firm. The court’s latest instruction effectively freezes all contractual and operational activities tied to the terminal pending judicial review.