Bangladesh’s Labour and Employment and Shipping Affairs Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting social justice nationally, regionally, and globally during the 355th Governing Body session of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva. He highlighted key amendments to the country’s labor law, including reducing the worker requirement for trade union registration from 20 percent to 20 individuals, easing documentation, and prohibiting blacklisting. The revised law also introduces measures against workplace discrimination, violence, harassment, and child labor, while shortening the minimum wage review period from five to three years. Bangladesh has recently ratified ILO Conventions 155, 187, and 190, thereby endorsing all fundamental conventions. Dr. Hossain also noted that all previous cases against trade union leaders have been withdrawn. Additionally, Bangladesh will host the Asia-Pacific Social Justice Forum in Dhaka next March. On the sidelines, he met Pakistan’s Human Resource and Overseas Employment Minister to discuss bilateral cooperation in skill development.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman marked his 61st birthday on November 20, 2024. To commemorate the occasion, former joint convener of Dhaka North Jubo Dal, S.M. Mizanur Rahman Raj, distributed winter blankets among underprivileged people. Tarique Rahman, the elder son of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, began his political career in 1988 as a member of the Gabtoli Thana BNP in Bogura. He played a significant role in national election campaigns in 1991 and 2001 alongside his mother. Over the years, he rose to become the party’s Senior Vice Chairman and, since 2018, has been serving as the acting chairman from the United Kingdom after Khaleda Zia’s imprisonment. Party sources suggest that Tarique Rahman may return to Bangladesh next month after performing Umrah. The blanket distribution event was part of broader celebrations by BNP supporters across the country.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is facing growing internal dissent and grassroots unrest following the release of its preliminary list of candidates for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary elections. Protests, clashes, and even casualties have occurred in several constituencies as local leaders and activists express anger over being denied nominations. Reports suggest that many disgruntled leaders are preparing to contest as independent candidates if their grievances are not addressed. Political analysts warn that unresolved factional disputes could weaken BNP’s electoral prospects. Senior BNP leaders, however, insist the list is provisional and subject to revision by the party’s standing committee. Some nominations have already been suspended, raising hopes among excluded aspirants. In multiple constituencies, including Mymensingh-3, Kushtia-4, Chattogram-4, and Natore-1, local activists have demanded reconsideration of specific nominations. Meanwhile, 63 constituencies remain without declared candidates, fueling further frustration. BNP leaders have pledged to resolve disputes swiftly and maintain party unity ahead of the election.

The Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) has begun distributing nomination forms for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election starting Thursday, November 20, with the process continuing until November 30. According to a press release issued on Wednesday, the party’s central office, Muktibhaban in Dhaka, will serve as the election headquarters where aspirants can collect and submit forms priced at 2,000 taka each. The CPB Presidium meeting held on Tuesday invited applications for all 300 parliamentary constituencies. The announcement also outlined several upcoming political programs, including a nationwide protest on November 23 against irregularities in Chittagong port terminal leases, a demonstration at the Election Commission on November 26 demanding electoral reforms, and a ‘Jamuna Journey’ event on December 4. The initiatives reflect the party’s efforts to mobilize support and advocate for fair, transparent, and participatory elections.

Aid for Men Foundation, a Bangladeshi organization advocating for men’s rights, has called for an end to all forms of legal discrimination against men. The demand was made during a discussion titled 'From False Accusations to Physical Attacks: Men’s Security and Human Rights Crisis' held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity auditorium on November 19. Marking International Men’s Day, the group organized awareness programs including discussions, cycling rallies, and processions to highlight men’s safety and rights issues. The organization’s General Secretary, Saiful Islam Nadim, stated that men in Bangladesh face severe neglect and discrimination, often being victims of false accusations and biased laws. He warned that political parties ignoring men’s rights in their election manifestos would lose their votes. Speakers at the event, including lawyers, writers, and human rights activists, emphasized the need to ensure men’s legal and social protection throughout the year.

In the upcoming Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) election, the Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed panel, named 'Adommo Jobian Oikko', has announced a full 21-member lineup led by Riazul Islam and Abdul Alim Arif. The panel includes four female candidates: Sukhimon Khatun for Science and Technology Secretary, Nowshin Nawar Joya for International Affairs Secretary, and Shanta Akter and Fatema Akter Nowrin for Executive Member positions. Sukhimon, president of the Islami Chhatri Sangstha’s Jagannath University branch, emphasized her goal to work for female students’ welfare. Nowshin, known for her activism in campus reform movements, cited Shibir’s commitment to discipline and student welfare as her reason for joining. Shanta and Fatema expressed confidence that the Shibir panel values women’s participation and aims to ensure a safer campus environment. The panel’s leadership positions include Riazul Islam for Vice President and Abdul Alim Arif for General Secretary, among others.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has officially launched the 'Postal Vote BD' mobile application, allowing expatriate Bangladeshis to register and participate in national elections through a postal voting system. Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin inaugurated the app at the EC headquarters on November 18, describing it as a milestone in democratic inclusion. Registration through the app will begin on November 19 and continue in phases across different regions until December 23. Expatriates from East Asia, North America, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and Oceania will have specific five-day registration windows. The hybrid system combines online registration with manual voting to ensure transparency and accessibility. The EC acknowledged potential technical issues and sought user feedback for improvement. In addition to expatriates, government officials working outside their constituencies and voters under legal custody will also be eligible to vote via postal ballots. The initiative aims to strengthen democratic participation among Bangladeshis worldwide.

Two students were injured while attempting to swim across the Padma River after authorities denied them permission to walk over the Padma Bridge during a long march from Bhola to Dhaka. The march, now on its ninth day, began on November 11 with around 20 students demanding the construction of the Bhola-Barishal Bridge, residential gas connections, establishment of gas-based industries, a public university, and sustainable embankments. After walking about 260 kilometers, the participants reached the Jajira end of the Padma Bridge but were stopped from crossing on foot. As a result, some tried to swim the roughly six-kilometer stretch of the river, leading to two being hospitalized. Earlier, one other participant had also fallen ill. The marchers plan to continue to Dhaka’s Setu Bhaban to stage a sit-in protest, accusing authorities of ignoring their demands and criticizing the government for failing to address regional infrastructure needs.

An Awami League leader in Shariatpur’s Vedarganj upazila has been accused of threatening voters while campaigning for a BNP candidate. Md. Nazrul Islam Khan, joint general secretary of Kachikata Union Awami League and a former ward member, allegedly warned voters during a courtyard meeting at his home to vote for BNP’s candidate Shafiqul Rahman Kiran under the 'sheaf of paddy' symbol. A video of his remarks went viral on social media, sparking widespread criticism and fear among locals. Khan later claimed he spoke emotionally in favor of local development and admitted his comments were inappropriate. He apologized, saying the video was circulated from abroad. Local BNP leaders alleged that Khan, once active in Awami League, has recently aligned himself with BNP after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, but his actions might be hurting BNP’s support base instead.

BNP central leader and former MP Hasan Uddin Sarkar stated that no conspiracy, domestic or foreign, will be able to halt Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. Speaking at a meeting with BNP and affiliated organization members in Tongi, Gazipur, he urged party activists to remain vigilant against any attempts to disrupt the electoral process. Sarkar also expressed confidence that BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman will return to Bangladesh to lead the party’s election campaign, predicting a major political shift upon his arrival. The event, held at the Ahsan Ullah Sarkar Islamic Foundation premises, was chaired by BNP leader Haji Babar Ali and attended by several other local BNP figures, including Abdur Rahim Khan Kala, Haji Mojibur Haque Dulal, Md. Zahirul Islam, Sheikh Mohammad Suman, and Habibur Rahman Azad.

Tension has escalated in Cumilla city as two rival factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have announced separate gatherings at the Town Hall field on the same day. Supporters of Haji Aminur Rashid Yasin plan to hold a prayer event for the recovery of party chairperson Khaleda Zia and the well-being of acting chairman Tarique Rahman. Meanwhile, supporters of BNP’s nominated candidate for Cumilla-6, Md Monirul Haque Chowdhury, have scheduled a rally at the same venue. Both groups claim to have obtained permission for the field, leading to confusion and rising tension across the city. Police have been deployed in advance to prevent possible clashes. Local residents have expressed concern over potential unrest, while authorities hope the party will resolve the issue internally. Law enforcement officials have stated that necessary measures will be taken to maintain order if tensions escalate further.

The central leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has revoked the expulsion orders of three Narayanganj city BNP leaders—Md. Ataur Rahman Mukul, Shawkat Hashem Shaku, and Md. Golam Nabi Murad. The decision was announced on Wednesday, November 19, through a notice signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. The three leaders had earlier been expelled for alleged violations of party discipline and involvement in activities contrary to party principles. Following a period of observation and upon their formal appeal, the BNP reinstated their primary membership and lifted all disciplinary actions. Mukul previously served as the city BNP’s vice president and is currently a joint convener, while Shaku and Murad are former city committee members and have also served as councillors of Narayanganj City Corporation.

In a tribute article marking Tarique Rahman’s birthday, BNP Vice Chairman and former MP Nurul Islam Moni portrays the exiled BNP leader as a symbol of resilience, democratic ideals, and people-centered politics. The piece highlights Tarique’s evolution from political heir to independent leader, emphasizing his grassroots engagement and vision for a just, inclusive Bangladesh. It recounts his suffering under alleged government persecution, exile, and personal loss, framing these as tests that strengthened his leadership. The author describes Tarique’s political philosophy as rooted in equality, justice, and empowerment of ordinary citizens. The article concludes with a call for his return, portraying it as essential for restoring democracy and the rule of law in Bangladesh. The tone is deeply reverential, blending political commentary with emotional appeal, reflecting BNP’s continued positioning of Tarique Rahman as a central figure in its political narrative.

As Bangladesh’s upcoming national election approaches, political campaigning is gaining momentum across constituencies. Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, the BNP-nominated heavyweight candidate for Pabna-5 and special assistant to the BNP chairperson, has launched extensive voter outreach activities in Pabna Sadar upazila. He is engaging directly with voters through yard meetings, community gatherings, and social initiatives. Supporters are urging residents to vote for the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol. Throughout the day, people from various walks of life visit Biswas’s home to discuss local issues, which he reportedly addresses patiently and promptly. Biswas also continues social welfare programs through the AB Trust, a non-political volunteer organization he founded two decades ago. During a campaign event, he emphasized that true power lies with the people and pledged to work for change and sustainable democracy in Pabna. BNP activists are campaigning energetically across neighborhoods and markets to boost voter support.

BNP central leader and former minister Advocate M Ruhul Kuddus Talukder Dulu has called for bringing back former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh through a prisoner exchange agreement to implement a court verdict against her. Speaking at an election rally in Naldanga upazila of Natore, Dulu compared India’s repatriation of Anup Chetia under a similar agreement and argued that Bangladesh should follow the same process. He also criticized Sheikh Hasina’s rule, describing it as oppressive and unpopular, and claimed that people celebrated the verdict against her. The rally, organized by the local BNP, was attended by several district-level leaders, including Rahim Newaz, Saiful Islam Aftab, and former mayor Kazi Shah Alam. Dulu’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions and ongoing discussions about leadership accountability and justice in Bangladesh’s political landscape.