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.

The Ministry of Public Administration in Bangladesh has dismissed three trainee executive magistrates who were undergoing basic training. According to an official notification signed by Senior Secretary Ehsanul Haque on November 29, the dismissed officers are Kazi Arifur Rahman from Faridpur, Anup Kumar Biswas from Bogura, and Nabamita Sarkar from Pirojpur. All three were assistant commissioners from the 43rd BCS administration cadre. The ministry cited Rule 6(2)(a) of the Bangladesh Civil Service Recruitment Rules, 1981, as the legal basis for the decision. The rule allows the government to terminate a probationary officer’s appointment without consulting the Public Service Commission if deemed unsuitable for continued service. However, the notification did not specify the reasons behind their dismissal. The decision underscores the ministry’s authority to enforce disciplinary measures during the probationary period of civil service officers.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that the Supreme Court’s verdict reinstating the caretaker government system will mark a new chapter in Bangladesh’s political landscape and vindicate the BNP’s long-standing movement. Speaking to reporters after attending a free medical and health service program at Dhaka University, he stated that the absence of a caretaker government had forced people to make sacrifices, and its return would pave the way for fair elections. He emphasized that credible elections had previously been held under caretaker administrations and that the system is essential for democracy. Earlier in the day, a seven-member Appellate Division bench led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed declared the 13th Amendment valid, thereby restoring the caretaker government system. The verdict is expected to have significant implications for the country’s upcoming elections and political stability.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is preparing a surprising candidate list for the upcoming elections, aiming to include a diverse range of individuals such as women, non-Muslims, tribal representatives, freedom fighters, and student leaders. Reliable sources indicate that the party’s election team is finalizing the list with a focus on inclusivity and winnability. Jamaat’s Secretary General, Mia Golam Porwar, previously stated that the party is willing to compromise on seat distribution to unite Islamist factions under one umbrella. However, the eight-party alliance has now agreed to nominate candidates based on their chances of victory rather than seat quotas. The party may also nominate several former vice-chancellors and student leaders who were active in the July movement. Jamaat’s recent community outreach, including protection of temples and ensuring safety during religious events, has reportedly increased its popularity among non-Muslim communities, prompting consideration of non-Muslim and tribal candidates for the first time.

Rashed Khan, General Secretary of Ganadhikar Parishad, stated that his party had earlier submitted a memorandum to the Chief Election Commissioner, other commissioners, and the Election Commission secretary, requesting that the Jatiya Party (Japa) and the 14-Party Alliance not be invited to the EC’s dialogue with political parties. In a Facebook post on Thursday, November 20, he said that although the EC’s dialogue with political parties had concluded, no other party except Ganadhikar Parishad had taken an active stance against inviting Japa and the 14-Party Alliance. Khan reiterated that inviting those groups would have been a betrayal of the people’s movement against fascism and urged the EC to act as a force supporting the uprising. He claimed that the decision to exclude Japa and the 14-Party Alliance reflected Ganadhikar Parishad’s firm position and pressure on the Election Commission.

Bangladesh’s Attorney General, A.M. Asaduzzaman, stated that the reinstated caretaker government system will support the country’s democratic process following a landmark Supreme Court ruling. The Appellate Division, led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, declared the previous abolition of the caretaker system unconstitutional and restored it through the validation of the 13th Amendment. Asaduzzaman emphasized that future elections will be more transparent, ensuring no irregularities such as vote-rigging or fraudulent ballots. He noted that the full verdict will clarify who will lead the next caretaker administration and whether it will follow the previous model or the July Charter. The Attorney General also suggested that a new version of the constitution should be printed once the complete judgment is released. According to the ruling, the upcoming 13th national election will be held under an interim government, while the caretaker system will take effect from the 14th national election onward.

Bangladesh’s Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has declared the previous verdict abolishing the caretaker government system illegal and reinstated the system by upholding the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. The full seven-member bench, led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, unanimously ruled that the earlier judgment was 'stained and flawed with multiple errors.' As a result, the constitutional provisions under Part IV, Chapter IIA, related to the non-partisan caretaker government, have been revived and reactivated. However, the restored provisions will take effect only for future applicability, meaning the upcoming 13th National Election will be held under an interim government, while the caretaker system will be implemented from the 14th National Election onward. Legal experts described the ruling as historic, marking the automatic return of the caretaker system to the Constitution. The verdict was announced on Thursday morning following hearings concluded earlier in November.

Several left-leaning political parties in Bangladesh are preparing to form a new alliance to contest all 300 constituencies in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The coalition, modeled after the historic United Front, is expected to be officially launched on November 29 at a convention in Dhaka’s Engineers Institution auditorium. The alliance aims to combine political activism and electoral participation under a common charter called the 'People’s Charter', focusing on addressing national crises and promoting democratic, secular values. Key initiators include the Left Democratic Alliance—comprising the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Socialist Party of Bangladesh (BASAD), and other left groups—along with Bangladesh JASAD led by Sharif Nurul Ambia. Discussions are ongoing with other progressive and regional organizations, including the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti and Dalit and indigenous groups. The coalition’s final name and structure will be decided at the convention, with proposals such as 'New United Front' or 'Democratic United Front' under consideration.

US President Donald Trump has announced that he will meet with New York City’s newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani, at the White House on Friday, November 21. The announcement was made by Trump on his social media platform, Truth Social, on Wednesday, November 19. Trump stated that both parties agreed to hold the meeting in the Oval Office. Mamdani had earlier hinted at the meeting, saying his team had been in contact with the White House to discuss fulfilling campaign promises made to New York voters. Following Trump’s post, reporters reached out to Mamdani and his team, but they declined to comment. Mamdani recently won the New York City mayoral election with 50 percent of the vote and is scheduled to take office on January 1. The meeting is expected to focus on city–federal cooperation and policy priorities for the upcoming administration.

The recent death sentence handed to former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by the International Crimes Tribunal has sparked intense debate about its potential impact on Bangladesh-India relations. Following the verdict, Bangladesh’s interim government led by Muhammad Yunus announced plans to formally request Hasina’s extradition from India, where she currently resides. India has acknowledged awareness of the ruling but has not indicated any intention to comply. Analysts suggest that the bilateral relationship, already strained since Hasina’s ouster in August last year, may deteriorate further, especially given India’s concerns over security and regional stability. Experts note that India is unlikely to extradite Hasina due to the death penalty and associated human rights implications. With Bangladesh’s elections approaching, observers believe the future of bilateral ties will depend on the new government’s stance, India’s strategic interests, and how both sides manage the politically sensitive ‘Hasina issue’.

The Israeli military is grappling with a serious manpower crisis as hundreds of officers and career soldiers have applied for early retirement, according to Israeli media reports. The wave of resignations comes amid ongoing military operations in Gaza, political unrest, and growing reluctance among citizens to join mandatory service. Around 600 officers, many in key positions, have sought early retirement, leaving the army struggling to fill critical roles since the Gaza conflict escalated in October 2023. Approximately 85 percent of those retiring hold ranks of lieutenant colonel or below, weakening the mid-level command structure. Senior personnel officer Bar Kalifa noted that the Supreme Court’s decision to cancel additional pension benefits for officers has further worsened morale and intensified the crisis. Observers warn that the shortage could undermine the army’s operational capacity during a prolonged conflict.

Formerly strained ties between U.S. President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk appear to be improving. During a White House dinner attended by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Trump praised Musk several times and jokingly asked if Musk had ever properly thanked him. Musk later posted on X, expressing gratitude to Trump for his contributions to America and global progress, sharing photos with Trump, bin Salman, and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. The renewed warmth follows a period of tension after Musk’s criticism of Trump’s budget and policy plans upon leaving his post as head of the Department of Government Efficiency. Reports from The New York Times suggest that Musk’s former colleagues are planning a reunion in Austin, which Musk may attend. Analysts view these developments as signs of a potential political and business rapprochement between the two influential figures.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman announced that the party is considering implementing five urgent measures to enhance women’s safety and empowerment in Bangladesh. In a Facebook post on November 20, Rahman emphasized the growing challenges women face both online and offline, including harassment and violence. The proposed initiatives include a national online safety system with a hotline and reporting portal, protection protocols for women in public life, digital safety education in schools and universities, community-level responses to harassment, and nationwide efforts to increase women’s leadership and participation. Rahman stressed that women must feel safe in all spheres of life and that Bangladesh’s progress depends on their empowerment. He called for unity across political and social lines to build a safer, more supportive environment for women. The post also featured a family photo with his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman and daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has called on Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) to promptly request government directives regarding the organization of the upcoming national referendum, which is scheduled to coincide with the parliamentary elections in February. During its first dialogue with the EC after gaining registration, NCP’s chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari emphasized the lack of clear implementation guidelines and the urgency of time. He urged the EC to maintain neutrality and independence, pledging full cooperation if the commission remains impartial. The NCP also praised the amendment allowing coalition candidates to contest under their own party symbols and urged the EC to uphold this decision. Additionally, the party raised concerns over cyber harassment of female members, called for a monitoring cell, and suggested extending the registration period for expatriate voters. The NCP clarified that its comments about the use of political leaders’ images in campaign posters were misrepresented in the media and were made based on existing laws.