Bangladesh’s Attorney General, A.M. Asaduzzaman, stated that the reinstated caretaker government system will support the country’s democratic process following a landmark Supreme Court ruling. The Appellate Division, led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, declared the previous abolition of the caretaker system unconstitutional and restored it through the validation of the 13th Amendment. Asaduzzaman emphasized that future elections will be more transparent, ensuring no irregularities such as vote-rigging or fraudulent ballots. He noted that the full verdict will clarify who will lead the next caretaker administration and whether it will follow the previous model or the July Charter. The Attorney General also suggested that a new version of the constitution should be printed once the complete judgment is released. According to the ruling, the upcoming 13th national election will be held under an interim government, while the caretaker system will take effect from the 14th national election onward.

Bangladesh’s Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has declared the previous verdict abolishing the caretaker government system illegal and reinstated the system by upholding the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. The full seven-member bench, led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, unanimously ruled that the earlier judgment was 'stained and flawed with multiple errors.' As a result, the constitutional provisions under Part IV, Chapter IIA, related to the non-partisan caretaker government, have been revived and reactivated. However, the restored provisions will take effect only for future applicability, meaning the upcoming 13th National Election will be held under an interim government, while the caretaker system will be implemented from the 14th National Election onward. Legal experts described the ruling as historic, marking the automatic return of the caretaker system to the Constitution. The verdict was announced on Thursday morning following hearings concluded earlier in November.

Several left-leaning political parties in Bangladesh are preparing to form a new alliance to contest all 300 constituencies in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The coalition, modeled after the historic United Front, is expected to be officially launched on November 29 at a convention in Dhaka’s Engineers Institution auditorium. The alliance aims to combine political activism and electoral participation under a common charter called the 'People’s Charter', focusing on addressing national crises and promoting democratic, secular values. Key initiators include the Left Democratic Alliance—comprising the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Socialist Party of Bangladesh (BASAD), and other left groups—along with Bangladesh JASAD led by Sharif Nurul Ambia. Discussions are ongoing with other progressive and regional organizations, including the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti and Dalit and indigenous groups. The coalition’s final name and structure will be decided at the convention, with proposals such as 'New United Front' or 'Democratic United Front' under consideration.

US President Donald Trump has announced that he will meet with New York City’s newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani, at the White House on Friday, November 21. The announcement was made by Trump on his social media platform, Truth Social, on Wednesday, November 19. Trump stated that both parties agreed to hold the meeting in the Oval Office. Mamdani had earlier hinted at the meeting, saying his team had been in contact with the White House to discuss fulfilling campaign promises made to New York voters. Following Trump’s post, reporters reached out to Mamdani and his team, but they declined to comment. Mamdani recently won the New York City mayoral election with 50 percent of the vote and is scheduled to take office on January 1. The meeting is expected to focus on city–federal cooperation and policy priorities for the upcoming administration.

The recent death sentence handed to former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by the International Crimes Tribunal has sparked intense debate about its potential impact on Bangladesh-India relations. Following the verdict, Bangladesh’s interim government led by Muhammad Yunus announced plans to formally request Hasina’s extradition from India, where she currently resides. India has acknowledged awareness of the ruling but has not indicated any intention to comply. Analysts suggest that the bilateral relationship, already strained since Hasina’s ouster in August last year, may deteriorate further, especially given India’s concerns over security and regional stability. Experts note that India is unlikely to extradite Hasina due to the death penalty and associated human rights implications. With Bangladesh’s elections approaching, observers believe the future of bilateral ties will depend on the new government’s stance, India’s strategic interests, and how both sides manage the politically sensitive ‘Hasina issue’.

The Israeli military is grappling with a serious manpower crisis as hundreds of officers and career soldiers have applied for early retirement, according to Israeli media reports. The wave of resignations comes amid ongoing military operations in Gaza, political unrest, and growing reluctance among citizens to join mandatory service. Around 600 officers, many in key positions, have sought early retirement, leaving the army struggling to fill critical roles since the Gaza conflict escalated in October 2023. Approximately 85 percent of those retiring hold ranks of lieutenant colonel or below, weakening the mid-level command structure. Senior personnel officer Bar Kalifa noted that the Supreme Court’s decision to cancel additional pension benefits for officers has further worsened morale and intensified the crisis. Observers warn that the shortage could undermine the army’s operational capacity during a prolonged conflict.

Formerly strained ties between U.S. President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk appear to be improving. During a White House dinner attended by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Trump praised Musk several times and jokingly asked if Musk had ever properly thanked him. Musk later posted on X, expressing gratitude to Trump for his contributions to America and global progress, sharing photos with Trump, bin Salman, and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. The renewed warmth follows a period of tension after Musk’s criticism of Trump’s budget and policy plans upon leaving his post as head of the Department of Government Efficiency. Reports from The New York Times suggest that Musk’s former colleagues are planning a reunion in Austin, which Musk may attend. Analysts view these developments as signs of a potential political and business rapprochement between the two influential figures.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman announced that the party is considering implementing five urgent measures to enhance women’s safety and empowerment in Bangladesh. In a Facebook post on November 20, Rahman emphasized the growing challenges women face both online and offline, including harassment and violence. The proposed initiatives include a national online safety system with a hotline and reporting portal, protection protocols for women in public life, digital safety education in schools and universities, community-level responses to harassment, and nationwide efforts to increase women’s leadership and participation. Rahman stressed that women must feel safe in all spheres of life and that Bangladesh’s progress depends on their empowerment. He called for unity across political and social lines to build a safer, more supportive environment for women. The post also featured a family photo with his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman and daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has called on Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) to promptly request government directives regarding the organization of the upcoming national referendum, which is scheduled to coincide with the parliamentary elections in February. During its first dialogue with the EC after gaining registration, NCP’s chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari emphasized the lack of clear implementation guidelines and the urgency of time. He urged the EC to maintain neutrality and independence, pledging full cooperation if the commission remains impartial. The NCP also praised the amendment allowing coalition candidates to contest under their own party symbols and urged the EC to uphold this decision. Additionally, the party raised concerns over cyber harassment of female members, called for a monitoring cell, and suggested extending the registration period for expatriate voters. The NCP clarified that its comments about the use of political leaders’ images in campaign posters were misrepresented in the media and were made based on existing laws.

President Donald Trump announced that he will meet New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani on Friday in the Oval Office, marking their first in-person encounter since Mamdani’s election earlier this month. The meeting follows months of sharp exchanges between the two, with Trump repeatedly labeling Mamdani a 'communist' and threatening to cut federal funding to New York City if he won. Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, confirmed his team requested the meeting to discuss public safety, economic security, and affordability issues affecting New Yorkers. Despite their political differences, both sides have expressed a willingness to cooperate for the city’s benefit. The meeting is expected to focus on federal support for New York and the city’s cost-of-living challenges. Trump’s decision to host Mamdani comes after he previously backed Andrew Cuomo in an unsuccessful attempt to block Mamdani’s rise. The Oval Office discussion could signal a tentative thaw in relations between the White House and New York City’s incoming leadership.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus said Bangladesh was able to overcome recent crises and restore national stability due to unity and the support of the armed forces. Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) Course 2025 in Mirpur Cantonment, he emphasized the importance of solidarity in achieving the nation’s aspirations. Addressing foreign officers, Yunus highlighted Bangladesh’s growing global defense ties. He reaffirmed the interim government’s commitment to reforms and justice for crimes committed during last year’s student uprising. Yunus called on the military, police, and law enforcement agencies to ensure that the upcoming national election, scheduled for early February, is peaceful and festive. The DSCSC Course 2025 saw 311 officers graduate, including 58 from 24 foreign countries and 14 women officers, reflecting progress in inclusion and empowerment within the defense sector.

Bangladesh’s Supreme Court has reinstated the long-debated non-partisan caretaker government system for overseeing national elections, overturning parts of the 15th constitutional amendment that had abolished it in 2011. The verdict was delivered by a seven-member Appellate Division bench led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed after ten days of hearings. However, constitutional experts and senior lawyers clarified that the upcoming 13th parliamentary election, expected by February, cannot be held under this system due to procedural and constitutional constraints. They indicated that the caretaker mechanism could only apply from the 14th general election onward. The ruling follows a 2023 High Court decision that declared sections 20 and 21 of the 15th amendment unconstitutional, paving the way for the system’s return. Legal representatives from various political parties, including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, participated in the hearings, while the Attorney General represented the state. The decision marks a significant shift in Bangladesh’s electoral framework and political landscape.

Bangladesh’s Supreme Court is set to announce its verdict today on the appeal concerning the 13th constitutional amendment, which had introduced the caretaker government system in 1996 to ensure free and fair elections. The system oversaw three national polls before being annulled by the apex court in 2011, leading to its removal through the 15th amendment. Following the ouster of the Awami League government in July last year, the issue resurfaced in the judiciary. A seven-member Appellate Division bench, headed by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, will deliver the ruling. The verdict is expected to clarify whether the caretaker government system will be reinstated and under what conditions. The appeal hearings concluded in November after extensive arguments from lawyers representing civil society figures, political parties including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, and the state. The outcome could have significant implications for Bangladesh’s electoral framework and political stability.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman marks his 61st birthday today, November 20, 2024. Born in 1965 to former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, Tarique has been a key figure in the party since the late 1980s. However, BNP leadership has directed all party units across Bangladesh, including Dhaka, not to hold any celebratory events such as cake cutting, poster displays, or discussion meetings. Instead, members have been encouraged to donate money that would have been spent on such festivities. The decision follows Tarique Rahman’s own instruction to maintain simplicity. Currently residing in the United Kingdom, he has been serving as the party’s acting chairman since 2018, after Khaleda Zia’s imprisonment. Party sources indicate that he is expected to return to Bangladesh next month following Umrah pilgrimage.

The Bangladesh High Court has officially recognized the July 2024 mass uprising as the 'July Revolution' and declared the United Nations Human Rights Office’s investigative report on the events as a 'historic document'. The full verdict, published on the Supreme Court’s website, directs the Ministry of Law to issue a gazette notification within three months and submit a progress report to the court. The ruling came after a petition by Supreme Court lawyer Tanvir Ahmed, who sought justice for killings and torture during the July–August 2024 protests. The UN report, released in February 2024, documented the killing of around 1,400 people, including 12–13% children, and accused the former Awami League government and its security forces of severe human rights violations. The High Court has kept the case as a continuous mandamus to ensure follow-up action on the investigation and prosecution of those responsible.