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.

The United States has cleared a $93 million arms package for India, signalling a renewed push in defence cooperation despite earlier friction highlighted in “Exclusive: India pauses plans to buy US arms after Trump's tariffs.” The State Department approved the sale of FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile systems worth $45.7 million and 216 Excalibur tactical projectiles valued at $47.1 million. According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, India requested 100 Javelin missiles, a fly-to-buy missile, 25 command launch units, and the Excalibur rounds, which India already uses with its M-777 howitzers.

DSCA stated the sale will strengthen the India-US strategic relationship, enhance India’s ability to respond to current and emerging threats, and support stability across the Indo-Pacific and South Asia. Analysts note that the deal not only boosts India’s defence capabilities but also aligns with Washington’s regional strategic objectives.

The approval follows the US decision to expand supply of GE fighter jet engines for India’s Tejas programme, further deepening military-industrial cooperation. The prime contractors will be RTX Corporation for Excalibur rounds and a Lockheed Martin joint venture for the Javelin system.

Jamaat-e-Islami is reportedly planning significant changes to its candidate list for Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, signaling a possible seat-sharing arrangement with seven other Islamist-leaning parties. The coalition aims to present the election as participatory by coordinating nominations to maximize winning potential rather than focusing on equal seat distribution. Jamaat had earlier announced candidates for all 300 constituencies, but now intends to leave several seats for allies and influential figures, including former vice-chancellors, student leaders, and prominent Islamic scholars. Party sources suggest that popular preachers like Mizanur Rahman Azhari and Amir Hamza may receive nominations, though official confirmation remains pending. Jamaat leaders emphasize unity among Islamist groups and broader inclusion of professionals and community representatives under a single electoral platform. The move reflects a strategic shift from earlier positions and aims to strengthen the Islamist bloc’s parliamentary presence.

BNP central leader and former minister Advocate M Ruhul Kuddus Talukder Dulu stated that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) does not follow India’s directives in its political activities but works solely for the people of Bangladesh. Speaking at a public rally in Natore’s Kamar Diar area, Dulu emphasized that the people’s trust lies with the BNP and its election symbol, the sheaf of paddy. He criticized the ruling Awami League for what he described as a lack of development in Natore over the past 17 years and urged BNP activists to campaign door-to-door for votes. Earlier, at a meeting with retired bankers and workers, Dulu said the BNP had introduced the caretaker government system to ensure fair elections, which the Awami League later abolished. He welcomed a recent court ruling reinstating the caretaker system, calling it a victory for the people of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s Law Adviser Asif Nazrul announced that the government will finalize the referendum law within the next three to four working days. The Election Commission is currently awaiting the ordinance to proceed with preparations. The move follows Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus’s earlier declaration that a national referendum will be held on the same day as the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, scheduled for the first half of February. Yunus emphasized that the simultaneous referendum and election will not hinder ongoing reforms but will make the process more festive and cost-effective. The law is expected to provide the necessary legal framework for organizing the referendum alongside the general election, marking a significant step in Bangladesh’s political process under the interim administration.

Federal immigration enforcement operations have intensified in New York City as the Trump administration deploys additional ICE agents ahead of incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s January 1 swearing-in. Former border policy chief Tom Homan confirmed that agents are already conducting raids and warned that the administration will take a hard stance against the city’s sanctuary policies. The move follows the city council’s cancellation of an agreement granting ICE access to Rikers Island jail. Meanwhile, reports suggest the administration is considering opening a new immigrant detention center at a Coast Guard facility on Staten Island. New York Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the federal actions, warning they could harm the city’s economy and stability. Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, has pledged $165 million in legal aid for immigrants and initiated talks with the White House to address housing and federal assistance issues. ICE has also ramped up operations in North Carolina, where over 200 arrests were made last weekend, as nationwide deportations surpass 550,000 this year.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman extended heartfelt greetings to all members of the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force on Armed Forces Day. In a message conveyed by senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Tarique Rahman lauded the armed forces for their courage, discipline, and dedication to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty. He highlighted their vital role in peacekeeping missions, which has enhanced Bangladesh’s global reputation. Rahman recalled the formation of the armed forces during the 1971 Liberation War and paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country. He credited former President Ziaur Rahman for initiating modernization programs that transformed the forces into a professional and technologically advanced institution, and noted that former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia further strengthened this progress. Rahman expressed hope that the armed forces would continue their patriotic role in national defense and disaster response, reinforcing their position as a trusted pillar of the nation.

Bangladesh’s Supreme Court has reinstated the caretaker government system through a landmark ruling, overturning a previous verdict that had abolished it. Badiul Alam Majumdar, secretary of Citizens for Good Governance (SUJAN) and one of the petitioners, expressed satisfaction, saying the decision paves the way for free and impartial elections. He criticized former Chief Justice A.B.M. Khairul Haque’s earlier judgment that had, in his view, exiled the country’s electoral process and led to three controversial elections. Senior lawyer Sharif Bhuiyan, representing four prominent appellants, confirmed that the court explicitly annulled the earlier ruling, thereby restoring the caretaker system established under the 13th Amendment. Majumdar noted that he had long opposed both the abolition of the caretaker system and the subsequent 15th Amendment. Observers describe the verdict as a historic development in Bangladesh’s constitutional and electoral landscape.

Muntasir Mahmud, recently released from his post as a central organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP), stated that Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami would come to power if the upcoming national election were conducted fairly. In a social media post on November 20, Mahmud argued that public sentiment strongly favors Jamaat, asserting that voters across professions are disillusioned with both the Awami League and BNP. He claimed that NCP would not win any seats in a fair election and warned that violence and muscle power could influence the polls. Mahmud also criticized the BNP for failing to promote young leadership and said the party risks collapse if it continues its current course. Although he expressed doubts about Jamaat’s readiness to govern, he emphasized that the party must prepare to protect polling centers from violence and electoral manipulation. Mahmud, who plans to contest from Dhaka-12, said his departure from NCP followed internal disciplinary action.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has issued a circular outlining procedures for overseas voters using postal ballots in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. According to the directive, any postal ballot lacking a properly signed declaration form will be declared invalid by the returning officer without opening the ballot envelope. The circular, signed by Deputy Secretary Monir Hossain, details the process from registration to result compilation. Overseas Bangladeshi voters can register through the 'Postal Vote BD' mobile app, after which their verified information will be used to send postal ballots via the Bangladesh Postal Department. Voters will cast their votes after candidate symbols are allotted and return their ballots by mail. The EC also announced the registration deadline for postal voting, allowing voters to track ballot delivery progress through the app.

Bhutanese Prime Minister Shering Tobgay is set to arrive in Dhaka on November 22 for a three-day official visit at the invitation of Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. During the visit, Tobgay will hold a formal bilateral meeting with the Chief Adviser, preceded by a one-on-one discussion between the two leaders. The talks are expected to cover a wide range of cooperation areas, including trade, investment, connectivity, education, tourism, culture, and sports. Officials anticipate the signing of three agreements or memoranda of understanding to strengthen bilateral relations. Several advisers, including Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain, are scheduled to pay courtesy calls on the Bhutanese leader. Tobgay is expected to depart Dhaka on November 24, concluding his state visit aimed at deepening ties between the two South Asian neighbors.

Bangladesh’s National Security Advisor Dr. Khalilur Rahman stated that the country does not want any foreign interference in its internal affairs and reiterated its commitment to combating terrorism. He made the remarks at the Colombo Security Conclave held in New Delhi on November 20. Earlier, Dr. Rahman met with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and invited him to visit Bangladesh. This marks the second visit by a Bangladeshi advisor to India since the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus took office in August last year. The visit comes at a sensitive time, as former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity and is reportedly in India. The interim government has requested her extradition from New Delhi, sparking speculation about whether the issue was discussed during Rahman’s meetings with Indian officials.