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.

President Donald Trump has signed a bipartisan bill directing the U.S. Department of Justice to release documents from its investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein within 30 days. The move marks a reversal from Trump’s earlier opposition, as he had warned that disclosing internal records could set a harmful precedent for the presidency. The legislation, which passed both chambers of Congress with broad support, allows the Justice Department to withhold sensitive information about victims and any material that could compromise ongoing investigations. Trump framed the decision as a step toward exposing alleged Democratic ties to Epstein, accusing his political rivals of using the scandal to distract from his administration’s achievements. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that the department will comply with the law while prioritizing transparency. The release is expected to reignite public scrutiny of Epstein’s connections with powerful figures, amid widespread suspicion that the government has concealed key details about his activities and death in custody in 2019.

Bangladesh’s Appellate Division has reinstated the caretaker government system by declaring the 13th constitutional amendment valid, overturning its previous ruling that had annulled the provision. The full bench of seven justices, led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, delivered the unanimous verdict on Thursday, November 20. The court observed that the earlier judgment abolishing the caretaker system was flawed and tainted by multiple errors. According to the ruling, the upcoming 13th parliamentary election will be held under the current interim government, while the restored caretaker government system will be implemented from the 14th parliamentary election onward. Following the verdict, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul stated on social media that the caretaker system will be reintroduced starting with the next parliament. The decision marks a significant constitutional shift, reviving the non-partisan caretaker model originally introduced through the 13th Amendment in 1996.

Bangladesh’s caretaker government system, once seen as a safeguard for fair elections, was abolished following a series of political and legal developments. The system originated after political unrest in the 1990s, when opposition parties demanded neutral oversight of elections. It was formally introduced through the 13th Amendment in 1996, enabling non-partisan interim administrations to oversee elections in 1996 and 2001, both considered relatively fair. However, disputes over the appointment of the chief adviser in 2006 led to political deadlock and the rise of a military-backed caretaker administration, known as the 1/11 government. In 2011, the Supreme Court declared the 13th Amendment unconstitutional, calling the caretaker system undemocratic and inconsistent with the constitution’s basic structure. The 15th Amendment later permanently abolished it. Since then, elections under ruling parties in 2014, 2018, and 2024 have faced widespread criticism from opposition groups and international observers over transparency and credibility concerns.

A 36-hour hartal is underway in Rangamati district protesting alleged quota discrimination in the recruitment of government assistant primary teachers under the Hill District Council. The strike, called by Rangamati Conscious Citizens’ Unity, Anti-Quota Alliance, and local students and residents, began at 6 a.m. Thursday and will continue until 6 p.m. Friday. Due to the hartal, all shops, businesses, and transport services in the district have come to a halt, with no vehicles entering or leaving the town by road or river. Protesters have been seen picketing at key points, while law enforcement agencies have taken strong positions to maintain order. The protest follows controversy over the recently announced recruitment process, with written exams scheduled for November 21. Demonstrators are demanding an end to quota-based discrimination and have vowed to resist the upcoming exam if their demands are not met.

U.S. President Donald Trump verbally attacked ABC News journalist Mary Bruce on Tuesday after she questioned Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about the 2018 killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. Trump criticized Bruce for making their guest 'uncomfortable' and called her question 'terrible' and 'arrogant.' He further disparaged both Bruce and ABC News, suggesting the network’s broadcast license should be revoked. Trump downplayed Khashoggi’s murder, saying such incidents 'sometimes happen,' while the crown prince has denied involvement. The National Press Club condemned Trump’s remarks, calling them a threat to press freedom. Trump has repeatedly clashed with journalists, often using harsh or sexist language, and recently threatened ABC’s license again after a defamation settlement. The confrontation occurred during the crown prince’s first U.S. visit since the Khashoggi killing, which drew global outrage.

As Bangladesh’s 13th national election approaches, the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has released a preliminary list of candidates for 236 constituencies, sparking internal disputes in several areas. The party leadership, led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, has begun meeting with nomination-deprived leaders in Dhaka to ease tensions and ensure unity behind the party’s symbol, the paddy sheaf. Some deprived aspirants have pledged loyalty while requesting reconsideration of candidate selections based on local popularity. Discontent has also arisen over the nomination of elderly candidates in multiple constituencies, with local leaders arguing that such figures lack the energy and connection to appeal to younger voters, who now form a significant portion of the electorate. In response, BNP’s high command is reviewing appeals and may revise nominations in certain seats to reflect grassroots sentiment and strengthen electoral prospects. The party aims to maintain cohesion and avoid public discord ahead of the crucial polls.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Sajjat Ali stated that existing police laws authorize officers to open fire on individuals attempting to hurl explosives or set vehicles ablaze. Speaking at the inauguration of the DMP Cyber Support Center on Thursday, November 20, he emphasized that the new center will operate 24 hours a day to handle cybercrime complaints efficiently. Referring to a recent incident where a police officer was injured by a crude bomb near Pallabi Police Station, the commissioner warned that such attacks could demoralize law enforcement personnel. He urged citizens not to assault or mistreat police officers. Sheikh Sajjat Ali also reminded the public that if police fail to maintain order, people might again have to guard their homes as they did after August 5. His remarks come amid renewed political unrest and violent incidents in Dhaka.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, in a Facebook post marking his birthday, outlined five major commitments aimed at ensuring women’s safety and empowerment in Bangladesh. He emphasized that women must feel secure both online and offline to enable the country’s progress. The proposed priorities include establishing a National Online Safety System for reporting cyber abuse, creating protection protocols for women in public life, integrating digital safety education into schools and universities, strengthening community-level responses against harassment and violence, and launching a national initiative to increase women’s leadership participation. Rahman highlighted that the digital transformation of the world brings both opportunities and threats, urging collective efforts to build a safer and more inclusive future for women and the next generation. His message reflects a broader vision of equality, security, and empowerment as essential elements of Bangladesh’s development.

Nitish Kumar took oath as Bihar’s Chief Minister for the tenth time on Thursday at Gandhi Maidan in Patna. The ceremony was attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several BJP-led state leaders, and NDA allies including Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Kumar was unanimously chosen as the leader of the NDA legislative party in Bihar after a meeting of alliance legislators on Wednesday. Following his selection, he submitted his resignation from the outgoing government and staked claim to form a new one. Critics attribute his political longevity to his adaptability and strategic alliance-building. Currently, Kumar ranks as India’s eighth longest-serving Chief Minister, and if he completes this term, he could surpass Sikkim’s former leader Pawan Kumar Chamling’s record of 24 years in office.