The National Citizen Party (NCP) has questioned the Election Commission’s (EC) capacity to enforce the electoral code of conduct during its first dialogue with the commission after gaining registration. The discussion, held at the EC headquarters in Dhaka, focused on the new electoral code for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election scheduled for February. NCP leaders, including chief coordinator Nasir Uddin Patwari and joint secretary Jahirul Islam Musa, raised concerns over the rule restricting candidates to use only the current party chief’s image, asking how the EC would respond if BNP candidates used Tarique Rahman’s photo instead of Khaleda Zia’s. They also criticized the practicality of printing campaign materials on cloth or jute, the 60-decibel sound limit, and the unclear definition of the investigation committee. While NCP welcomed provisions for televised debates and public manifesto readings, it urged the EC to ensure neutrality and transparency in election management.

The Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), the student wing of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has donated a range of essential items to the only female dormitory at Jagannath University. According to an official post on JCD’s Facebook page on Wednesday, November 19, the organization handed over the items to the dormitory authorities. The donation includes four bookshelves, five sets of BCS preparation books, Islamic books, 500 plates, 500 mugs, prayer mats, dustbins, 1,200 sanitary napkins, curtains and pipes for the fifth floor, and a first aid box. The initiative aims to support the students residing in the dormitory by improving their living and study environment. University authorities have acknowledged receiving the items, though no official statement has been made regarding further collaboration with the organization.

The Bangladesh High Court has released its full verdict declaring the United Nations Human Rights Commission’s report on the July 2024 uprising as a 'historic document'. The verdict, published on the Supreme Court’s website on November 19, follows an earlier ruling from August last year that recognized the UN report as a significant record of human rights violations during the mass movement. The bench, comprising Justice Fahmida Kader and Justice Syed Zahid Mansur, issued the ruling after hearing a petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Md Tanvir Ahmed. The court also directed that the report be officially gazetted under the title 'July Revolution 2024' and preserved in the National Archives, public libraries, and other state repositories. Additionally, it ordered the government to make the report accessible on official websites to promote public awareness, academic research, and legal reference.

The High Court of Bangladesh has issued an injunction halting arbitration proceedings in Singapore involving India’s Adani Group until the government’s investigation report on the power purchase agreement is submitted. The order was passed by Justices Md Bazlur Rahman and Urmi Rahman on November 19 after hearing a petition filed by senior lawyer Barrister M Abdul Qayum. The petitioner had earlier sought a review or cancellation of the Adani power deal, alleging irregularities in the agreement. Qayum argued that if arbitration proceeded before the investigation report was completed, the inquiry’s significance would be undermined. The court had previously, on November 19 last year, directed the formation of a three-member committee to investigate the deal. The latest order effectively pauses Adani’s attempt to pursue claims in Singapore until the findings of the ongoing probe are made public.

Dhaka University Assistant Proctor and lecturer Shehrin Amin Bhuiyan Monami publicly expressed support for Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) executive member Umme Uswatun Rafia after a video of her argument with police in Dhanmondi went viral. The incident occurred on the day a tribunal announced its verdict against Sheikh Hasina in a war crimes case, sparking widespread criticism of Rafia online. In a Facebook post on November 19, Monami argued that Rafia was being unfairly targeted because she visibly practices her faith and wears hijab. She stated that similar assertiveness from a non-hijabi woman would have been praised as empowerment. Monami also criticized the police’s behavior during the confrontation, calling it unacceptable and abusive. She contended that Rafia’s bold response should be recognized as a form of women’s empowerment, but it is being dismissed due to prevailing narrow definitions of feminism in Bangladesh.

Ganosamhati Andolan’s chief coordinator Jonayed Saki has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh for unilaterally amending electoral laws and regulations without adequate consultation with political stakeholders. Speaking at a meeting with political parties on November 19, Saki urged the EC to act as a truly constitutional and accountable institution, emphasizing that democratic transition and national consensus require open dialogue. He questioned the EC’s process of revising election-related laws and called for inclusive discussions before implementing any changes. Saki also shared his party’s difficulties in obtaining registration due to bureaucratic delays and political interference. Stressing that a fair election depends more on a conducive political environment than on legal frameworks alone, he proposed forming an ‘Election Environment Monitoring Committee’ comprising representatives from major political parties to resolve conflicts promptly. Saki reiterated that cooperation among political parties has historically ensured credible elections in Bangladesh.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has called on the Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh to promptly release the framework for the proposed referendum before the upcoming national elections. NCP’s chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari emphasized that the party is ready to fully cooperate with the EC but stressed the need for transparency regarding how the referendum will be conducted, its timeline, and measures to prevent fraud. Speaking at an EC dialogue on November 19, Patwari also urged the commission to maintain its independence from all political parties. He proposed forming a monitoring cell to ensure women’s safety and prevent cyber harassment during elections, and recommended activating law enforcement to encourage youth participation. Patwari further highlighted the importance of facilitating expatriate voters, ensuring distinct electoral symbols for candidates, and assigning liaison officers to each political party to streamline communication with the EC.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has alleged that some groups are preparing to manipulate the upcoming national elections in Bangladesh through money and influence, warning that the youth will resist any attempt to hijack their votes. Speaking at a gathering in Dhaka’s Kafrul area, he urged young voters to freely choose their candidates and pledged his party’s support in ensuring fair participation. Rahman emphasized Jamaat’s commitment to justice, anti-corruption, and ending extortion, claiming that eliminating extortion would significantly reduce commodity prices and boost economic growth. He also promised to protect businesspeople from extortionists and ensure women’s safety and respect in workplaces, suggesting reduced working hours for women to balance family responsibilities. On foreign policy, he said Jamaat would maintain friendly relations with all nations while rejecting any form of dominance. Rahman further called for restoring the dignity of the judiciary and ensuring that justice is applied equally to all citizens.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar has alleged that recent administrative reshuffles, particularly the transfers of deputy commissioners (DCs) and police officials, are being carried out with a specific political motive ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Speaking during a dialogue with the Election Commission in Dhaka, Parwar claimed that the frequency and timing of the transfers suggest a deliberate design. He reiterated Jamaat’s proposal for a lottery-based transfer system to ensure neutrality and public trust once the election schedule is announced. Parwar also raised concerns about holding the national election and a constitutional referendum on the same day, arguing that it could confuse voters. Additionally, he questioned the lack of clear guidelines for expatriate voting in the referendum and suggested allowing voter registration using passports. He further sought clarification on where political parties should submit their pledges as part of the election process.

Sharmin S Morshed, adviser to the Ministry of Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs, called on young people to take a stand against violence towards women and children and to lead the rebuilding of a democratic Bangladesh. Speaking as the chief guest at the 'Bangladesh Through the Eyes of Youth' inter-college debate festival organized by Youth Forum of Bangladesh at the Bangladesh Shishu Academy auditorium on November 18, she reflected on the spirit of the 1971 Liberation War and compared it to the youth activism seen during the 'July 2024 war'. Morshed emphasized that the courage and energy of the new generation must be harnessed to create a just, safe, and inclusive nation. She lamented the country’s lost democratic roots and the rise of authoritarianism but expressed hope that the unity shown by the youth in 2024 would not be broken. The event concluded with a collective pledge to rebuild Bangladesh with equality, justice, and good governance.

Former opposition chief whip Zainul Abedin Faruq has called on all political and social groups to set aside divisions and work together for the welfare of the people of Bangladesh. Speaking as the chief guest at an event marking Senbagh Liberation Day, organized by the Senbagh Upazila Muktijoddha Sangsad Command Council, Faruq emphasized that despite differing opinions on various issues, unity is essential for national progress. He suggested that implementing Tarique Rahman’s 31-point plan could help resolve long-standing administrative problems and ensure a fair and beautiful election in the future. The event, chaired by Abdul Azim Chowdhury, was attended by several freedom fighters and local BNP leaders, including Abul Kalam Azad, Golam Mostafa Bhuiyan, and Abu Taher. Faruq’s remarks reflected a call for reconciliation and collective effort in addressing the country’s ongoing challenges.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has emphasized that establishing democracy in Bangladesh requires moving away from mob violence and fostering unity among democratic forces. Speaking at a book launch and documentary screening titled 'BNP in the Uprising of 2024' in Dhaka’s Gulshan, Fakhrul criticized what he described as attempts to divert attention from the International Crimes Tribunal’s verdict against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by inciting mob unrest. He urged political parties to investigate such developments and called for collective efforts to rebuild democratic institutions. Fakhrul said Bangladesh must return to the path of democracy to avoid becoming a failed state, stressing the need for an independent judiciary, parliament, media, and administration. He also noted that the country is in a transitional period ahead of elections and that true democracy requires building a democratic culture beyond the polls. Several senior BNP leaders and allied political figures attended the event.

Police in Narayanganj’s Bandar area arrested two local Awami League leaders during a special operation on Tuesday night, November 18. The detainees were identified as Moshior Rahman Suju, 48, general secretary of the ruling party’s 23rd Ward unit under Narayanganj City Corporation, and Abdullah Babu, 65, vice president of the Bandar Upazila Awami League. Suju is a resident of Kadamrasul area, while Babu hails from Kalyandi. According to Bandar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Liaquat Ali, both men were apprehended from their respective neighborhoods and were sent to court on Wednesday. The reasons behind their arrests were not immediately disclosed by the authorities. The incident has drawn attention locally, as both individuals hold significant positions within the party’s grassroots leadership in the industrial district of Narayanganj.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has requested the Election Commission (EC) to deploy at least five army personnel at every polling center, arguing that a single soldier per center would not ensure adequate security or influence. The party’s Secretary General, Mia Golam Porwar, made the appeal during a dialogue with the EC in Agargaon, Dhaka. Jamaat also proposed that administrative reshuffles be conducted through a lottery system to ensure neutrality. Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad urged the EC to act courageously, recommending the use of CCTV cameras and the recovery of illegal weapons. Barrister Shishir Monir raised concerns about ambiguities in the electoral code of conduct, including unclear punishment procedures for violations and the lack of specified timelines for resolving complaints. The party emphasized the need for transparency in voter lists and clarity on where political commitment documents should be submitted.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission has released the final voter list for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, confirming a total of 127,695,183 eligible voters. The announcement was made by Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed at the Election Commission office in Agargaon on Tuesday, November 18. According to the data, there are 64,814,907 male voters, 62,879,042 female voters, and 1,234 third-gender voters. The male voter growth rate stands at 2.29 percent, while female voter growth is higher at 4.16 percent. The finalized list includes citizens who turned 18 by October 31, 2025, making many first-time voters eligible to participate in the upcoming election. The earlier draft list, published on November 3, recorded slightly fewer voters. The finalization marks a key step in the country’s preparations for the next general election.