Dr. Rashid Ahmed Hossaini, a director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), stated that the new generation will not preserve the existence of the ruling Awami League in Bangladesh. Speaking to journalists in Laksham-Manoharganj, Cumilla, after distributing leaflets supporting BNP leader Tarique Rahman’s 31-point reform plan, Hossaini criticized the Awami League’s 17-year rule. He alleged that infiltrators within the BNP are damaging the party’s image for personal gain and urged leaders to identify and take legal action against them. Hossaini also dismissed the Awami League’s lockdown initiatives as ineffective attempts to instill fear. The event was attended by several local BNP, Jubo Dal, and Chhatra Dal leaders and activists.

Jonayed Saki, chief coordinator of the Ganosamhati Andolon, has urged for a minimum national consensus as the foundation for Bangladesh’s democratic transition. Speaking at a rally in Dhaka marking the party’s tenth anniversary, Saki described the country as being in a severe national crisis, citing economic hardship and institutional instability. He emphasized the need for judicial reform, accountability for killings, and holding a national referendum and election by February to rebuild the state on the basis of justice. Saki warned against fascist politics that promote hatred and division, asserting that the people of Bangladesh will not tolerate any form of authoritarian rule. He also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to sovereignty and equitable international relations, rejecting any form of foreign domination.

Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator of the National Citizens Party (NCP), has accused the government of prioritizing political appeasement over public interest in implementing the legal framework of the July Charter. Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka, he alleged that the government’s process was designed to satisfy BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami while ignoring citizens’ needs. Patwari claimed that although the NCP first demanded a legal basis for the charter, the government unilaterally issued an order without consulting them. He described the move as anti-people and influenced by BNP’s agenda. Patwari also criticized legal adviser Asif Nazrul for drafting the order and argued that the government failed to ensure moral legitimacy. The NCP leader reiterated his party’s call for a new constitutional structure that prevents authoritarianism and ensures genuine public representation.

In Bhola, Bangladesh, local residents staged a dramatic protest by lying in front of the cars of three government advisers—Md. Faozul Karim Khan (Power, Energy and Mineral Resources), Adilur Rahman Khan (Industry), and Sheikh Bashir Uddin (Commerce, Textile and Jute)—to press their five-point demand, including the long-awaited Bhola-Barishal bridge. The incident occurred around 5:15 p.m. on Friday in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office, following a meeting on local economic development. Protesters said they were frustrated by the advisers’ vague responses and lack of commitment to start the bridge project. The blockade lasted about five minutes before local BNP leaders intervened and persuaded the demonstrators to withdraw. Protesters later announced plans for a tougher demonstration on Saturday in front of Sundarban Gas Company and Intraco Refueling Station Limited offices.

BNP leader and former state minister for home affairs Lutfozzaman Babar expressed gratitude after receiving his party’s nomination to contest the upcoming election from Netrakona-4, marking his return to politics after 17 years in prison. Speaking at a reception in his constituency’s Challisha area on Friday, Babar thanked Allah, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, and acting Chairman Tarique Rahman for giving him another chance to serve the people of Bhati Bangla. He also acknowledged the prayers and support of his constituents and pledged lifelong service to them. Referring to the party’s stance on the July certificate issue, Babar said he endorsed the BNP secretary general’s statement and appreciated the chief adviser’s remarks. The Netrakona-4 constituency, comprising Madan, Mohanganj, and Khaliajuri upazilas, has been a BNP stronghold where Babar is now contesting again after nearly two decades.

Pakistan has appointed Field Marshal Asim Munir as the country’s first Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), following the passage of constitutional and military service amendment bills in the National Assembly. The new legislation, signed by President Asif Ali Zardari under the 27th Constitutional Amendment, merges the role of Chief of Army Staff with the new CDF post, abolishing the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee position. The CDF will now serve a five-year term starting from the date of appointment, effectively resetting Munir’s tenure. Munir, who became Army Chief in November 2022 and was promoted to Field Marshal after the May conflict with India, will now continue under this extended framework. The amendments also extend the service terms of the heads of the army, navy, and air force from three to five years, sparking criticism from opposition parties and judicial resignations.

Bangabir Kader Siddiqui, founder of the Krishak Sramik Janata League, stated that arresting individuals for chanting the 'Joy Bangla' slogan is inappropriate. Speaking to journalists after visiting his parents' graves in Tangail’s Kalihati, he criticized the government for acting unilaterally and failing to address damages to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s home. Siddiqui emphasized that one-sided elections would not benefit Bangladesh and urged for broad participation to ensure fair voting. He warned that preplanned election results would pose serious risks to political stability. Former minister Abdul Latif Siddiqui, recently released from jail, added that Bangladesh still lacks a clear state philosophy and that true nation-building requires a coherent vision of governance.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has declared that his party will not allow any imposed law or order to undermine the sovereignty of Bangladesh’s National Parliament in implementing the July National Charter. Speaking at a rally organized by the Women and Child Rights Forum in Dhaka, he emphasized that constitutional amendments or new laws must be enacted only through a duly formed parliament, not by referendum. Ahmed welcomed the interim government’s decision to hold the national election and the referendum on the same day, but warned against any coercive measures. He also criticized attempts to reduce women’s working hours, arguing that such moves would harm female employment opportunities. Other BNP leaders, including Selima Rahman, echoed concerns over rising violence against women and urged continued struggle for women’s rights and dignity.

In southern Bangladesh’s Barishal division, Islami Andolan Bangladesh has emerged as a new electoral force, particularly in Pirojpur-3 (Mathbaria), Barishal-5 (Sadar), and Patuakhali-4 (Kalapara–Rangabali). The party’s candidate in Pirojpur-3, former MP Dr. Rustam Ali Farazi, is drawing attention for his long record of switching political affiliations. Farazi previously represented the Jatiya Party, BNP, and also contested as an independent, winning and losing across different elections since 1996. Now running under Islami Andolan’s ‘hand fan’ symbol, he hopes his personal popularity—built through years of free medical service—will translate into votes. However, local BNP leaders argue that his repeated party changes have eroded public trust and that the BNP’s traditional support base remains strong. Analysts say the contest could reshape local political dynamics in these key constituencies.

BNP central leader and former minister Advocate Ruhul Kuddus Talukder Dulu has urged the Election Commission to announce the national election schedule by December, emphasizing that the nation is waiting for a free and fair vote after nearly two decades. Speaking at a BNP-organized rally in Natore, Dulu accused the ruling Awami League of suppressing dissent through killings, abductions, and corruption. He alleged that Awami League leaders, now outside the country, are attempting to destabilize Bangladesh through online propaganda and artificial intelligence-generated videos. Dulu also claimed that Awami League supporters are behind recent arson incidents, while opposition forces are uniting against what he described as fascist rule. The rally was attended by several local BNP leaders, including Rahim Newaz and Kazi Shah Alam.

BNP central organizing secretary and Habiganj-3 candidate GK Gaus stated that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has always stood by the people during national crises and never fled abroad. Speaking at an election campaign meeting in Shayestaganj, he emphasized that BNP was born in Bangladesh and remains committed to serving the nation. Gaus criticized political opponents for attempting to mislead citizens and urged them to face the truth. He also accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of fleeing in the past and said the people would respond through ballots in the upcoming 2026 national election. Gaus called for a free and fair election, asserting that a BNP victory would reflect both local pride and national progress. Other local BNP leaders also addressed the gathering.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that maintaining law and order on the day of the verdict in the war crimes case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is the responsibility of law enforcement agencies, not political parties. Speaking to journalists in Chattogram after inaugurating the 'Medical Value Travel Summit' on November 14, Khasru emphasized that Bangladesh must move away from the culture of expecting political groups to manage public order. The International Crimes Tribunal is set to deliver its verdict on November 17 in the case accusing Hasina of crimes against humanity during the July uprising. Khasru added that the judiciary should be allowed to function independently and that the BNP’s focus remains on ensuring a democratic transition and fair elections in the country.

Mazharul Islam Nipu, the convener of the Agailjhara unit of the National Citizens Party (NCP), has been nominated as the party’s candidate for the Barishal-1 constituency (covering Gournadi and Agailjhara) in Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election. The nomination was officially handed over to him at the NCP central office in Banglamotor on Thursday evening by senior party leaders. During the event, Nipu expressed his commitment to serve the people rather than rule over them, emphasizing the need to end exploitation of the working class. Other political parties have also announced their candidates for the same seat, including BNP’s former MP M. Zahir Uddin Swapan, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Maulana Kamrul Islam Khan, and Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Russell Sardar Mehedi.

A new Reuters–Ipsos poll reveals that 58% of Americans disapprove of President Donald Trump’s performance, marking his lowest approval level since taking office. Conducted online over six days among 1,200 adults, the survey found Trump’s approval steady at around 40%, while disapproval rose from 52% in May to 58% in November. The poll also indicates growing enthusiasm among Democrats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, with 44% of Democratic voters saying they are highly motivated to vote compared to 26% of Republicans. Recent Democratic victories in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York have fueled optimism within the party. The survey concluded just before Congress voted to end a record 43-day government shutdown by passing a temporary spending bill extending federal funding until January 30.

The Bangladesh government has transferred and appointed 29 new deputy commissioners (DCs) across various districts, sparking renewed debate over neutrality, competence, and political loyalty within the civil administration. Critics allege that many of the new appointees are politically aligned with the ruling Awami League, raising concerns about fairness and transparency in the run-up to the national election. Several officials with limited field experience, including members of the Economic Cadre, have been given key administrative roles, prompting fears of inefficiency and bias. Notably, some appointees have faced corruption allegations or have publicly expressed political affiliations on social media. Former senior bureaucrats and governance experts warn that such politically influenced appointments could undermine administrative neutrality and erode public trust during the election period, urging the Public Administration Ministry to review its selection process.