Advisor Sharmin S. Murshid emphasized that without structural reform and expansion of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, it will be difficult for Bangladesh to take a strong stance against gender-based and child violence. Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat on Monday, ahead of the International Campaign for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 2025, she said the ministry lacks infrastructure at the upazila and union levels, which limits its ability to address local-level violence. Murshid also noted that the previous authoritarian government had severely damaged institutional structures, making quick reconstruction unrealistic. She stressed the need for a broader and more decentralized ministry to ensure effective protection and support for women and children. The 16-day campaign will be observed nationwide from November 25 to December 10, 2025, to raise awareness and promote preventive measures against violence.

Newly elected leftist New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has reaffirmed his view that U.S. President Donald Trump is a fascist, despite describing their recent White House meeting as cordial and productive. In an interview with NBC News on November 23, Mamdani said his opinion of Trump remains unchanged, even after their discussion focused on cooperation for New York’s future. The two leaders met on November 21, setting aside months of mutual criticism to pledge collaboration on key city issues such as housing costs, childcare, market prices, and utilities. Trump, who has previously criticized Mamdani, publicly praised the mayor during the meeting and expressed support for his leadership. He said the federal government would assist in building a stronger and safer New York. Mamdani emphasized that while the meeting was constructive, his political assessment of Trump’s ideology remains firm.

Bangladesh’s Attorney General, Md. Asaduzzaman, stated that harassment of journalists will not end unless the state’s mindset changes. Speaking at a CGS research report launch on Monday, he emphasized the need to repeal all repressive laws affecting journalists. He expressed hope that the incoming government after the next national election would refrain from using such restrictive laws against the media. Asaduzzaman also urged journalists to change their narrative to preserve their voices. Regarding the Digital Security Act, he argued that it remains necessary to protect both citizens’ and journalists’ rights and to prevent a culture of fear from returning. At the same event, Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Sara Hossain questioned the extent to which freedom of expression for journalists is currently protected in Bangladesh.

The National Identity (NID) correction service in Bangladesh was abruptly suspended on Monday, November 24, without prior notice, leading to widespread public inconvenience. Although the Election Commission had earlier announced that NID corrections would remain open until 4 p.m. that day, the service was unexpectedly halted before noon. Officials had previously stated that all correction activities would be suspended after 4 p.m. to prepare the voter list for the upcoming national elections. Additionally, NID migration services were also suspended until further notice. The Election Commission said further details would be communicated through an official circular. The sudden and unannounced halt left many citizens frustrated, particularly those who had traveled to service centers expecting to complete their NID corrections before the announced deadline.

Newly appointed Moulvibazar Deputy Commissioner (DC) Touhiduzzaman Pavel described the upcoming national and referendum elections as a 'century-defining' event that will determine Bangladesh’s direction for the next hundred years. Speaking at a meeting with local journalists, he emphasized his top priority is to ensure a free, fair, and neutral election process. Drawing an analogy, he compared his role to a football team captain who coordinates and guides rather than commands. Pavel reaffirmed that the district administration, a 250-year-old institution, belongs to the people and will continue to serve them with honesty, competence, and justice. He also announced approval of nine development projects, including the expansion of the district hospital, and vowed to combat drug abuse and improve governance. The DC sought cooperation from journalists to promote transparency and accountability in public service delivery.

Bangladesh’s Legal Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul announced that judicial reforms, including the introduction of e-family courts, are expected to reduce the number of pending cases by 50 percent over the next five years. Speaking at the inauguration of the e-family court system at the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court on November 24, he said that reforms have taken place not only in the constitution but across multiple sectors, with 21 specific reforms implemented within the Ministry of Law alone. The e-family court initiative, launched as a pilot project in Dhaka and Chattogram, will allow litigants to file and process cases entirely online. Dr. Nazrul emphasized that reforms must be realistic and balanced to avoid weakening state institutions. The event was also attended by Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and ICT Adviser Fayez Ahmad Tayyeb. The initiative aims to modernize the justice system and improve accessibility for citizens.

Supporters of S.A. Siddique Saju, a BNP nomination aspirant for Dhaka-14 constituency, organized a torch procession for the second consecutive day, protesting against the party’s preliminary nominee Sanjida Islam Tuli. The demonstration took place on November 23 at Gabtoli, following a similar protest in Mirpur-1 the previous day. Protesters accused Tuli of making controversial remarks about polygamy that they claimed insulted Islam, and demanded her withdrawal from the constituency, urging her to return to Dhaka-12. They also alleged internal conspiracies over the nomination process and chanted slogans against several BNP leaders. Despite facing multiple legal cases, Saju’s supporters praised his loyalty to grassroots activists and warned that if he is not nominated, Jamaat-e-Islami could win the seat. Following the earlier torch procession, Saju was issued a show-cause notice by the BNP. Additionally, 126 local BNP leaders have appealed to acting chairman Tarique Rahman to reconsider Saju’s nomination for Dhaka-14.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) Religion and Harmony Cell has strongly condemned the recent attack and intimidation against supporters of Baul artist Abul Sarkar during a human chain protest in Manikganj. The protest was organized to demand Sarkar’s release following his arrest, which had sparked local tensions. In a statement issued on Monday, the NCP expressed deep concern over the violence, emphasizing that disagreements or allegations should never lead to lawlessness or harassment. The party highlighted the historical and cultural significance of Baul, Sufi, and other spiritual traditions in Bangladesh’s heritage, urging the preservation of diversity and tolerance. It called for dialogue, patience, and wisdom in addressing religious differences and reaffirmed that violence or revenge has no place in faith or society. The NCP also appealed to religious scholars to promote restraint and respect for law, reinforcing that peaceful preaching and knowledge-based discussion are the true paths of religious guidance.

Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed has called a full court meeting involving all judges from both the Appellate and High Court Divisions of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. The meeting is scheduled for November 27 at 3 p.m. in the Supreme Court’s conference room. According to a notice signed by Deputy Registrar (Administration and Justice) Md. Atikus Samad on November 24, the session will address several important issues, including the transfer and promotion of lower court judges. The full court meeting serves as an internal forum for judges to deliberate on policy and administrative matters within the judiciary. Such meetings are significant for shaping judicial governance and ensuring coordination among different levels of the court system.

A controversial statement by Jamaat-e-Islami central executive member and former MP Shahjahan Chowdhury has triggered widespread debate in Bangladesh’s political circles and on social media. During a meeting with election coordinators in Chattogram, Shahjahan reportedly urged party workers to bring local administration officials under Jamaat’s influence, sparking criticism and concern over his comments. Many online users condemned his remarks as anti-democratic, while some defended him, claiming his words were misinterpreted. In response, Jamaat-e-Islami issued a statement distancing itself from Shahjahan’s comments, asserting that the party does not endorse his views and that internal measures are being taken. Shahjahan later clarified that his statement was taken out of context, explaining that he meant the administration should act in the interest of the people and the nation, not under partisan control. The controversy continues to fuel heated discussions about political influence and governance ahead of upcoming elections.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump labeled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as 'ungrateful' in a post on his social media platform Truth Social on November 23. Without naming Zelensky directly, Trump criticized Ukraine’s leadership for showing no appreciation toward U.S. efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. He reiterated that he inherited a conflict that should never have started and described it as a 'losing war' for all, especially for the millions who died unnecessarily. Trump has proposed a 28-point peace plan requiring Ukraine to cede territories, including those still under its control, and to grant amnesty for wartime crimes. He set a November 27 deadline for Ukraine to accept the plan. In response, Zelensky released a video message acknowledging Ukraine’s dire situation, saying the country faces a choice between losing its honor or losing a friend like the United States. The exchange underscores deepening tensions between Kyiv and Washington over the future of the war.

In Kurigram, Bangladesh, Abdul Hai Master, a former teacher and local leader, is conducting an unconventional campaign for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. Representing the Zaker Party in the Kurigram-1 constituency, he walks through neighborhoods carrying a hand microphone and a placard with posters, personally appealing to voters. Known for his humility and dedication, Abdul Hai previously served as union and upazila chairman, often engaging directly in community work such as cleaning drains and roads. Despite financial hardship and mortgaging his home to fund his campaign, he remains committed to public service. His family and local residents express strong support, admiring his sincerity and accessibility. Voters affectionately call him “Pagla Master” for his tireless service. He pledges to focus on women’s development, infrastructure, and economic opportunities if elected. Locals believe that in a fair election, his popularity could lead him to victory.

Jatiya Party Chairman Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud has declared that his party will not participate in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election unless false cases against senior leaders and travel bans on many members are withdrawn. He made the statement during a meeting with Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland at a Dhaka hotel on November 23. Mahmud said that a level playing field for elections does not yet exist, citing administrative divisions, mob culture, and poor law and order. The party’s delegation, including Secretary General ABM Ruhul Amin Hawlader and International Affairs Envoy Mashroor Mowla, emphasized that the Jatiya Party remains election-oriented but cannot contest under current conditions. The Commonwealth delegation, consisting of five members, sought clarity on the party’s electoral stance. Mowla later told the media that unless the government lifts the restrictions and withdraws the alleged false cases, the Jatiya Party will abstain from the election.

An Awami League leader, Tariq Rifat, aged 50, died from a heart attack while being transferred from Gaibandha District Jail to the hospital on Sunday, November 23. Jail Superintendent Anwar Hossain confirmed the death, stating that Rifat fell ill shortly after being brought to the jail and was immediately taken to Gaibandha General Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Rifat, son of former chairman Abu Taher Mia from Rajahar Union, was the finance secretary of the local Awami League and convener of the Upazila Awami Muktijoddha Projonmo League. He had been arrested on November 17 in connection with three explosive-related cases, including vandalism and arson at a Jamaat office. Due to health issues, he was treated at Rangpur Medical College Hospital before being sent to jail through court order. His medical certificate indicated pre-existing heart disease and other complications.

Bhutan’s Prime Minister Lotay Tshering held a courtesy meeting with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman in Dhaka on Sunday evening, November 23. The meeting took place at the InterContinental Hotel in Shahbagh, where both leaders discussed matters of mutual interest in a cordial atmosphere. Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, and Foreign Affairs Adviser Professor Dr. Mahmudul Hasan were also present during the meeting. The discussion was described as a courtesy call, coinciding with the Bhutanese leader’s official visit to Bangladesh. No official statement was released regarding the specific topics discussed, but the meeting drew attention due to the involvement of a political party not currently registered for elections. The event underscores ongoing diplomatic and political engagements between visiting foreign dignitaries and various political figures in Bangladesh.