Bangladesh’s interim government press secretary Shafiqul Alam has questioned why the nation needs validation from a 'genocidal figure' to understand its own political history. Referring to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent statement denying US involvement in the July Revolution, Alam argued that such claims undermine the spontaneous nature of the movement. He described Hasina’s long political career as deeply influenced by personal trauma and post-traumatic stress, noting her frequent references to her family’s assassination. Alam also criticized her tendency to frame political setbacks as foreign conspiracies, citing past claims involving US interests. He further remarked that Hasina’s supporters, including sections of the media and civil society, had elevated her to a quasi-spiritual status during her final years in power, a phenomenon he linked to lingering loyalty among some educated citizens.

The BBC has apologised to former US President Donald Trump for a Panorama episode that misleadingly edited parts of his 6 January 2021 speech, creating the impression he directly called for violence. The broadcaster admitted the error and said it would not re-air the 2024 programme but refused Trump’s $1bn compensation demand, arguing there was no defamation case. The controversy prompted the resignations of BBC director general Tim Davie and head of news Deborah Turness. The BBC said the edit was unintentional and aimed to shorten the speech, not mislead viewers. Trump’s lawyers have threatened legal action unless the BBC issues a full retraction and compensation. The corporation maintains that the programme did not cause harm and that political speech enjoys strong legal protection. A similar editing issue in a 2022 Newsnight broadcast has also come under scrutiny, adding to the BBC’s editorial challenges.

Ukraine’s Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko and Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk resigned on November 12 following President Volodymyr Zelensky’s call for their departure amid a major corruption scandal involving the state nuclear power company Energoatom. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) is investigating alleged kickback schemes linked to Energoatom and several senior officials, including Halushchenko, though no formal charges have been filed against him. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko confirmed submitting their resignation requests to parliament and announced the suspension of Energoatom’s vice president. Zelensky emphasized that the resignations were necessary to restore public trust and pledged sanctions against others implicated. The government also dismissed Energoatom’s supervisory board and ordered a new audit to strengthen oversight. The scandal has intensified scrutiny of corruption within Ukraine’s energy sector as the country continues to face wartime challenges and infrastructure strain.

Bangladesh’s interim government National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman will travel to New Delhi on November 19 to attend the Colombo Security Conclave meeting of Indian Ocean region national security advisers, hosted by India on November 20. The visit comes at the invitation of Indian NSA Ajit Doval. While Dhaka has not confirmed whether Rahman will hold bilateral talks with his Indian counterpart, diplomatic sources suggest a possible meeting amid Bangladesh’s evolving political situation. This will be the second visit to India by an adviser from Bangladesh’s interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus. The Colombo Security Conclave, comprising India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, and Bangladesh, focuses on regional cooperation in maritime security, counterterrorism, cyber defense, and disaster response. Bangladesh became a full member in 2024, marking a step toward deeper regional security collaboration.

Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Manch, alleged that he received death and assault threats from individuals linked to the ruling Awami League. In a Facebook post early Friday, Hadi stated that over a three-hour period, he received calls and messages from around 30 foreign numbers threatening to burn his house, harm his family, and kill him. He accused Awami League 'killers' of orchestrating the intimidation ahead of a verdict he referred to as 'Hasina’s judgment' on the 17th. Hadi vowed not to back down from his activism, invoking religious resolve and framing the threats as part of a broader struggle for justice. Authorities have not yet commented on the allegations.

The Awami League’s call for a nationwide lockdown on November 13, coinciding with the announcement of the verdict date in Sheikh Hasina’s war crimes tribunal case, failed to gain public traction. Despite isolated incidents of vandalism, cocktail explosions, and flash protests, normal life in Dhaka and other cities largely continued. Law enforcement agencies intensified patrols, set up checkpoints, and arrested over 150 individuals linked to acts of sabotage. Authorities reported that the attacks followed a similar pattern involving small motorcycle-borne groups. Opposition parties, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and student organizations, held counter-protests condemning the violence and demanding justice. Security forces stated that the situation remained under control, crediting heightened vigilance and public cooperation for thwarting the unrest.

Two senior judges of Pakistan’s Supreme Court, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Athar Minallah, resigned on November 13 following the passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment. The amendment, approved by both the National Assembly and Senate with a two-thirds majority, establishes a new Federal Constitutional Court above the Supreme Court, significantly altering the judicial structure. In his 13-page resignation letter, Justice Shah called the amendment a severe blow to the constitution, claiming it undermines judicial independence and places the judiciary under executive control. Justice Minallah described the constitution as effectively nullified. Analysts say the resignations mark an unprecedented moment in Pakistan’s judicial history, sparking intense debate over the separation of powers and the future of judicial independence in the country.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that the elected parliament will address and resolve the country’s unresolved issues through democratic discussions. Speaking at a seminar titled “National Election 2026: The Need for National Unity” in Dhaka, he emphasized the importance of democratic practice and expressed optimism about the nation’s political future. Fakhrul urged for the swift establishment of an elected government through the upcoming 2026 election. He also paid tribute to those who died in the July uprising, saying their sacrifice paved the way for institutionalizing democracy. Commenting on Interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’s recent address, Fakhrul said it was broadly acceptable though open to differing opinions. Other political figures at the event expressed varied views on democracy, national sovereignty, and regional influence.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has criticized the four questions set for the upcoming referendum, calling them coercive and imposed on the public. Speaking in Dhaka’s Gulshan after Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s national address on Thursday, Salahuddin claimed that the proposed Constitutional Reform Council was never discussed in the National Consensus Commission. He questioned the legal validity of the President’s Order and alleged inconsistencies between the July Charter and the Constitution Implementation Order. Salahuddin further accused the Chief Adviser of violating his own signature on the July Charter and warned that the imposed reform ideas could create national division. He also argued that the interim government and the National Consensus Commission have deepened the political crisis rather than resolving it.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has extended the deadline for collecting nomination forms for its aspiring candidates until November 20. Previously, the last date for form collection was set for November 13, following the start of sales on November 6. The extension was announced via the party’s official Facebook page late on November 13. According to the updated schedule, candidates can apply both online and offline. Online applications can be submitted through the website nomination.ncpbd.org, while offline forms can be collected from the NCP central office or through regional organizers and divisional secretaries. The extension aims to accommodate more applicants and ensure a smooth nomination process ahead of upcoming political activities.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus announced that a national referendum will be held on the same day as the upcoming 13th parliamentary election. Voters will cast a single ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote on a question covering four key reform issues under the July National Charter. If the majority votes ‘yes,’ a Constitutional Reform Council will be formed with elected representatives who will also serve as members of parliament. The council will have 180 working days to complete constitutional amendments, after which a 100-member upper house will be established proportionally based on election results. The reforms include introducing a bicameral legislature, limiting the prime minister’s term, expanding women’s representation, strengthening the presidency, and ensuring judicial independence. The July Charter will also be incorporated into the constitution as part of the reform process.

BNP Standing Committee member Professor Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain stated that during Bangladesh’s Liberation War, while many surrendered or fled across the border, Ziaur Rahman did not. Instead, he declared independence and fought with arms. Speaking at a meeting in Dinajpur Sadar-3 constituency regarding Khaleda Zia’s nomination, Zahid highlighted Zia’s contributions to restoring multiparty democracy and promoting economic progress. He emphasized Zia’s vision of ‘Bangladeshi nationalism’ that united people beyond religious divisions. Warning against divisive politics, Zahid urged equitable distribution of development benefits and assured that BNP would not abandon the people if given the chance to govern. The meeting, chaired by district BNP president Mofazzal Hossain Dulal, also assigned Zahid to monitor Khaleda Zia’s campaign activities in the constituency.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin has cautioned that the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election in Bangladesh could face credibility issues if political parties do not cooperate with the Election Commission (EC). Speaking at a dialogue with 12 registered political parties, he emphasized the EC’s role as a neutral referee and urged all parties to assist in ensuring a fair and acceptable election. The CEC also highlighted challenges such as overseas voting, voting arrangements for officials, and the misuse of social media. He warned of strict enforcement of the electoral code of conduct, particularly regarding the ban on posters. Party leaders raised concerns over financial barriers, the limited scope of the ‘no vote’ option, and security issues, while some suggested reforms to make the process more inclusive and transparent.

The Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) has expressed support for the chief adviser’s recent address, calling it a relatively acceptable solution in the greater interest of the nation. In a statement issued by Chairman Mojibur Rahman and General Secretary Asaduzzaman Fuad, the party said that despite some differences over specific directives, it welcomes the government’s final decisions. These include holding the national election and referendum on the same day, determining upper house seats through proportional representation, and incorporating both agreement and dissent in the referendum ballot. The AB Party emphasized that after extensive debate among political parties, a decisive government resolution was necessary. It urged all political parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, to avoid division and participate in a free, fair, and festive election to ensure democratic stability in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expressed satisfaction over the Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s reaffirmation that the national parliamentary elections will be held in the first half of February, along with a referendum on the same day. The BNP’s National Standing Committee, chaired virtually by acting chairman Tarique Rahman from London, conveyed its gratitude during a meeting at the party’s Gulshan office. Following the meeting, Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the party’s appreciation at a press conference. The BNP also urged the interim government and the Election Commission to hold the referendum on the July National Charter and to ensure timely parliamentary elections. Senior BNP leaders including Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Goyeshwar Chandra Roy, and others attended the meeting.