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.

Eight political parties, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, organized a protest rally in Netrokona demanding a referendum before the upcoming national election. The demonstration, held on Friday afternoon, began at the Netrokona Central Jame Mosque and ended in front of the district press club. The protesters presented a five-point demand, with the referendum being the central issue. The event was led by Jamaat district secretary Professor Badrul Amin and attended by several local leaders, including Professor Maulana Mahbubur Rahman and representatives from Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis. A separate rally with similar demands was also organized by Bangladesh Islami Andolan in the same city, reflecting growing political pressure for electoral reforms ahead of the national polls.

Nusrat Tabassum, joint convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), has received her party’s nomination to contest the upcoming national parliamentary election from the Kushtia-1 (Daulatpur) constituency under the 'Shapla Koli' symbol. She confirmed the news through a Facebook post, expressing gratitude and seeking prayers and support from well-wishers. Nusrat mentioned her seven to eight years of active involvement in politics, including one year in national politics. Reflecting on her political journey, she recalled past struggles and solidarity with fellow activists against authoritarianism. Her candidacy marks NCP’s effort to strengthen its presence in the upcoming election, with Nusrat emphasizing her commitment to contribute meaningfully to her constituency and the country.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher has accused three government advisers of working in favor of a particular political group and misleading the administration to obstruct a fair election. Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka’s Moghbazar, he alleged that these advisers were influencing the chief adviser, Dr. Yunus, and pushing for partisan appointments within the administration. Dr. Taher demanded their immediate removal and said their names would be submitted to the chief adviser. He also criticized the government’s handling of the July Charter implementation order, claiming it unfairly benefits one party and complicates the referendum process. Additionally, he rejected the idea of holding the referendum and national election on the same day, arguing it would diminish the significance of the referendum and undermine reform efforts.

Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur stated that there is no longer any uncertainty about the upcoming parliamentary election scheduled for February, following the Chief Adviser’s recent speech. Speaking at a press briefing in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar, Nur welcomed the initiative to hold the national election and referendum on the same day. He noted that earlier political divisions over the implementation of the July Charter had created doubts about the election’s feasibility, but the Chief Adviser’s remarks have largely dispelled those concerns. Nur urged all political parties to cooperate with the government to ensure a fair election and warned that associates of Sheikh Hasina were allegedly attempting to sabotage the electoral process through acts of violence.

Vote counting is underway in Bihar’s assembly elections, with early results indicating a decisive lead for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The alliance is ahead in over 200 of the 243 assembly seats, surpassing the 122-seat majority mark required to form the government. The elections were held in two phases on November 6 and 11, with an overall voter turnout of around 67 percent. BJP and its ally Janata Dal (United) have already begun celebrations across the state. Meanwhile, the Congress party faces another major setback, with its leaders acknowledging disappointing results. Pre-election surveys had also predicted a strong NDA victory, which the early trends now confirm.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has pledged full support to Monira Khatun and her daughter Afia, who were abandoned by Monira’s husband due to the child’s albinism. Following widespread media coverage of their story, Rahman directed party officials to build a home for Monira and take responsibility for Afia’s education and the family’s welfare. On Friday, BNP’s Khulna divisional acting organizational secretary Anindya Islam Amit visited the family in Jessore and delivered the party’s assistance. Local administration and various organizations have also begun providing legal and social aid to the mother and child. The case has drawn national attention, highlighting social stigma surrounding genetic conditions like albinism and sparking discussions on compassion and inclusion.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Naib-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher has alleged that Bangladesh’s interim government has lost its neutrality and is working to bring a particular party to power through the upcoming election. Speaking at a joint press conference of eight like-minded parties in Moghbazar on Friday, he criticized the chief adviser’s recent address, claiming it prioritized the BNP’s demands. Taher argued that the government cannot ensure a fair election and urged separate dates for the national election and the referendum. He also said the chief adviser ignored the obligations of the July Charter. The eight-party alliance plans to announce new programs after their meeting on Sunday to press their five-point demands.

Interim government press secretary Shafiqul Alam has strongly criticized certain Bangladeshi media outlets for publishing fabricated and baseless stories. In a verified Facebook post, he singled out the newspaper Manabzamin and its editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, accusing them of disregarding journalistic ethics. Alam compared the situation to the UK, where tabloids face heavy fines for defamation, arguing that in Bangladesh, such accountability is absent. He claimed that some editors hide behind the notion of press freedom to avoid responsibility for false reporting. Alam also stated that since the interim government took office, journalists have enjoyed unprecedented freedom, even to comment critically on the military, but some still exaggerate claims of media repression. He questioned the depth of human rights groups’ investigations into alleged attacks on journalists.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has accused a political group of exploiting religion for political gain and oppressing women in Bangladesh. Speaking at a rally in Dhaka organized by the BNP-affiliated Women and Child Rights Forum, he claimed that the group seeks to confine women to domestic spaces and hinder their progress. Ahmed criticized the misuse of laws and called for stronger enforcement to protect women from violence. He also opposed proposals to reduce women’s working hours, arguing that such measures would harm female employment opportunities. The event, led by Begum Selima Rahman and attended by several BNP leaders, concluded with a silent march from Shahbagh to the Central Shaheed Minar. Ahmed emphasized equal rights for all citizens regardless of religion or gender and announced a 31-point plan for women’s empowerment.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus announced that the Awami League will not be allowed to participate in the upcoming national election, as its activities remain suspended under the country’s anti-terrorism law. He made the statement during a meeting with UK Minister for International Development Baroness Jenny Chapman on November 13. According to a press release from the Chief Adviser’s office, the Election Commission has already removed the party from the list of registered political parties. Yunus emphasized that the forthcoming election, expected in early February, will be inclusive and participatory, with around one million new young voters expected to cast their votes. He also referred to the July Charter as a new beginning for Bangladesh, reflecting the aspirations of millions who took part in last year’s mass uprising. The meeting also covered trade expansion, the Rohingya crisis, and cooperation in aviation and maritime sectors.

The Ministry of Land in Bangladesh has directed that possession of five categories of land must be relinquished by 2025, even if ownership deeds exist. According to recent government circulars, these include sub-kabla deeds made without proper inheritance distribution, invalid hiba deeds, forged documents, properties listed under government khas records, and vested properties held privately. Authorities clarified that the principle of 'land belongs to the deed holder' does not apply in all cases, as some deeds lack legal ownership basis. Legal action will be taken against illegal occupiers, and district administrators have been instructed to recover government lands. The initiative aims to reclaim state property, ensure rightful ownership for legitimate landholders, and increase government revenue. Citizens occupying such lands have been advised to prepare for possible legal proceedings.

Dr. Mirza Galib, former president of the Dhaka University unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir and now an assistant professor at Howard University in the United States, shared his perspective on public understanding of the upcoming referendum. In a verified Facebook post, he said that if citizens believe reform proposals are best handled by 'intelligent' representatives in parliament, they will likely vote 'no'. Conversely, if they think ordinary people and lawmakers have similar judgment or trust the reform initiatives and the government of Dr. Yunus, they may vote 'yes'. Galib added that parties like Jamaat, NCP, and AB Party fully support the reforms, and voters who trust these groups may also favor 'yes'. He emphasized that the issue should not be overcomplicated.