In a tribute article marking Tarique Rahman’s birthday, BNP Vice Chairman and former MP Nurul Islam Moni portrays the exiled BNP leader as a symbol of resilience, democratic ideals, and people-centered politics. The piece highlights Tarique’s evolution from political heir to independent leader, emphasizing his grassroots engagement and vision for a just, inclusive Bangladesh. It recounts his suffering under alleged government persecution, exile, and personal loss, framing these as tests that strengthened his leadership. The author describes Tarique’s political philosophy as rooted in equality, justice, and empowerment of ordinary citizens. The article concludes with a call for his return, portraying it as essential for restoring democracy and the rule of law in Bangladesh. The tone is deeply reverential, blending political commentary with emotional appeal, reflecting BNP’s continued positioning of Tarique Rahman as a central figure in its political narrative.

As Bangladesh’s upcoming national election approaches, political campaigning is gaining momentum across constituencies. Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, the BNP-nominated heavyweight candidate for Pabna-5 and special assistant to the BNP chairperson, has launched extensive voter outreach activities in Pabna Sadar upazila. He is engaging directly with voters through yard meetings, community gatherings, and social initiatives. Supporters are urging residents to vote for the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol. Throughout the day, people from various walks of life visit Biswas’s home to discuss local issues, which he reportedly addresses patiently and promptly. Biswas also continues social welfare programs through the AB Trust, a non-political volunteer organization he founded two decades ago. During a campaign event, he emphasized that true power lies with the people and pledged to work for change and sustainable democracy in Pabna. BNP activists are campaigning energetically across neighborhoods and markets to boost voter support.

BNP central leader and former minister Advocate M Ruhul Kuddus Talukder Dulu has called for bringing back former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh through a prisoner exchange agreement to implement a court verdict against her. Speaking at an election rally in Naldanga upazila of Natore, Dulu compared India’s repatriation of Anup Chetia under a similar agreement and argued that Bangladesh should follow the same process. He also criticized Sheikh Hasina’s rule, describing it as oppressive and unpopular, and claimed that people celebrated the verdict against her. The rally, organized by the local BNP, was attended by several district-level leaders, including Rahim Newaz, Saiful Islam Aftab, and former mayor Kazi Shah Alam. Dulu’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions and ongoing discussions about leadership accountability and justice in Bangladesh’s political landscape.

Rangamati, a hill district in Bangladesh, has become tense over the upcoming recruitment of government assistant teachers under the Rangamati Hill District Council. Allegations of corruption, nepotism, and discriminatory quota policies have sparked widespread protests. Several civic and student groups, including the Conscious Citizens’ Unity and Anti-Quota Alliance, announced a 36-hour strike from Thursday morning to Friday evening to protest the recruitment process and demand cancellation of what they call an illegal quota favoring indigenous candidates. The written exam, rescheduled for November 21 after earlier postponement, has drawn sharp criticism on social media, with opposing groups exchanging heated comments. Protesters accuse the council chairman of ignoring government directives that require 93% merit-based recruitment, while maintaining a 70% quota for indigenous candidates. Many job seekers have expressed frustration and concern that the strike could disrupt the exam process and deepen local divisions.

US President Donald Trump hosted Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman at the White House with unprecedented pomp, marking the most extravagant reception of Trump’s second term. The visit centered on a proposed $1 trillion trade deal expected to boost US economic interests. The White House was adorned with Saudi and American flags, and the ceremony featured a red carpet, military band, and a flyover by F-35 and F-16 jets. The day concluded with a black-tie candlelight dinner attended by global figures including Elon Musk and Cristiano Ronaldo. This was Prince Salman’s first US visit since the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, an incident that drew widespread criticism. Human rights groups expressed disappointment over the warm welcome, while Trump defended the crown prince, calling him a “very good friend” and praising his leadership. Analysts view the event as a strategic reaffirmation of US-Saudi ties despite lingering controversies.

Police in Savar have arrested Mojibur Rahman, the youth and sports secretary of the banned Dhamrai Upazila Awami League and chairman of Balia Union Parishad, for alleged involvement in sabotage and anti-government activities. Authorities claim Rahman went into hiding after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5 and was running a pharmacy under a false identity in the Jahangirnagar University Cooperative Housing area. Investigators say he organized flash processions, arson, and violent acts in Savar, Ashulia, and Dhamrai as part of a nationwide sabotage plan by the outlawed Awami League. Police captured him late Tuesday night following a November 6 arson incident linked to his network. Rahman reportedly confessed to coordinating unrest against the interim government. He has been remanded for seven days as police continue their investigation into his alleged role in attacks on student protesters and planning violent conspiracies.

In Moulvibazar’s Juri upazila, middle-class farmer Cherag Ali lost 335 ducks after they consumed poison allegedly spread by unknown miscreants. The incident, which left him financially devastated, was reported in the media on November 13. Upon learning about the tragedy, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman immediately sent a donation of Tk 50,000 to support the affected farmer. Following his directive, the funds were handed over on November 18 by local leaders of the Jubo Dal, including district president Zakir Hossain Uzzal, joint general secretary Haji Nipar Reza, and organizational secretary Hafiz Ahmed Mahfuz. Several local party representatives and student leaders were also present during the handover. Cherag Ali, who has been running his duck farm for over a decade, expressed gratitude for the assistance, saying it gave him hope to restart his livelihood after the devastating loss.

Eight political parties, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, have announced plans to participate in the upcoming national election through a seat-sharing arrangement. The decision was revealed by Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad during a press conference announcing a new joint program of the alliance. The coalition, which includes Jamaat and seven other Islamic-oriented parties, has put forward five key demands, including legal recognition of the July Charter and seat allocation in the upper house based on vote share. The alliance plans to hold rallies in seven divisional cities from November 30 to December 6 to promote their agenda and campaign for a ‘yes’ vote in a proposed referendum. The parties involved are Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Khelafat Majlish, Nezame Islam Party, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan, Bangladesh Development Party, and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party. The move signals a shift in the political landscape following the July upheaval, as these groups prepare to contest separately from the major alliances of the past.

In Jhenaidah, all candidates from the BNP-Jamaat supported Oikya Parishad have been declared elected unopposed in the district lawyers’ association election. The Election Commissioner, Md. Tarikul Alam, officially announced the results on Wednesday, November 19, after no rival candidates submitted nominations within the stipulated time. Kazi Ekramul Haque was elected president, and Shafiul Alam became general secretary. Other key positions, including vice president, joint secretary, auditor, and various departmental secretaries, were also filled by Oikya Parishad nominees. The nomination submission deadline was November 13, and the withdrawal date was November 18, with voting initially scheduled for November 27. As no other nominations were filed, the election commission confirmed the Oikya Parishad panel’s uncontested victory, marking a complete sweep for the BNP-Jamaat backed group in the Jhenaidah District Lawyers’ Association.

During Monday’s (November 17) verdict on the July uprising war crimes case, a Dhaka court sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others to death. As bulldozers were brought to Dhanmondi 32, police used sound grenades to disperse protesters, sparking tension. Among those present was Daksu executive member Umma Uswatun Rafia, who engaged in a heated exchange with police after an officer allegedly asked if she came to 'go viral like Pori Moni.' Rafia reacted angrily, demanding to know who made the comment. Later, she posted on Facebook clarifying she has no political ambitions and criticized ongoing state repression. Rafia stated she would continue to stand against injustice and tyranny, emphasizing that she has no party affiliation or political motive behind her activism.

Newly elected New York City Mayor Zohraan Mamdani has reiterated his commitment to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits the city, citing the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant against him. Mamdani’s statement came shortly after outgoing Mayor Eric Adams met Netanyahu and encouraged him to attend Mamdani’s swearing-in ceremony. Speaking live on ABC7, Mamdani criticized Adams’ meeting, calling it a source of public concern and a reflection of policy disunity. He emphasized that New Yorkers need a government focused on their immediate needs while upholding international law. Referring to New York as a “city of international law,” Mamdani said the ICC warrants must be respected, whether against Netanyahu or Russian President Vladimir Putin. He also reaffirmed his commitment to protect and celebrate the city’s Jewish community, pledging to ensure their safety and inclusion. The ICC had issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant last November over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Barrister Kaiser Kamal, Legal Affairs Secretary of the BNP Central Executive Committee, has built a 180-foot-long and 5-foot-wide wooden bridge over the Bogai River in Kalmakanda upazila of Netrakona. The newly constructed bridge, located in the Dakshin Ranigaon area of Kailati Union, was inaugurated by local students and residents. It replaces a dilapidated makeshift bridge that had become unsafe, causing severe travel difficulties for villagers and students. The new structure now benefits around 10,000 people from 15 villages, including students from two primary schools, two madrasas, and a Dakhil madrasa, as well as worshippers from four mosques. Locals expressed gratitude to Kamal for addressing their long-standing hardship. Kamal stated that he believes in action over words and aims to continue working for public welfare within his means. This is one of several bridges he has previously built in different areas of Kalmakanda.

A special tribunal in Dhaka has sentenced former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and ex-Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan to death for crimes against humanity linked to the deadly 2024 July Uprising. The verdict, delivered in absentia as both fled to India, found them responsible for ordering a violent police crackdown that killed more than 1,400 protesters, including students. Former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah al-Mamun received a five-year sentence after turning state witness. Families of victims welcomed the ruling but insisted justice would only be served if Hasina is extradited and executed in Bangladesh. The verdict sparked nationwide demonstrations and celebrations, with student groups vowing to continue protests until the sentence is enforced. Opposition parties hailed the judgment as a victory for accountability, while the UN and Amnesty International raised concerns about due process and the use of the death penalty. The ruling marks a historic moment in Bangladesh’s political and human rights landscape, though uncertainty remains over Hasina’s extradition from India.

Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser Dr. Khaleelur Rahman met with India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval in New Delhi for a bilateral discussion, according to a statement from the Bangladesh High Commission. The meeting took place during Dr. Rahman’s visit to India to attend the seventh Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) at the NSA level. During the meeting, Dr. Rahman formally invited Ajit Doval to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time. This marks the second visit by an adviser from Bangladesh’s interim government to India since August 5 of the previous year. Earlier, in February, Energy Adviser Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan visited India to participate in the India Energy Week. The latest meeting underscores ongoing cooperation and dialogue between the two neighboring countries on regional and security matters.

Rumors spread across social media claiming that popular Islamic scholar Dr. Mizanur Rahman Azhari had been nominated by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami to contest the upcoming national election from Dhaka-5 (Jatrabari–Demra). The claim quickly gained traction online, prompting widespread discussion and even congratulatory posts. However, multiple senior Jamaat leaders, including Ataur Rahman from Dhaka North, Abdus Sattar Suman from Dhaka South, and Assistant Secretary General Ehsan Mahbub Jubair, have confirmed that the news is false and baseless. They clarified that the party already has a confirmed candidate for the constituency and urged the public to verify political information before sharing. Azhari himself has not commented on the matter. Dhaka-5 remains a politically significant seat, with Jamaat’s candidate Kamal Hossain currently engaged in campaign activities, while BNP has nominated Nabiullah Nabi for the same constituency.