BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir sharply criticized Jamaat-e-Islami for using religion to gain political advantage, questioning the notion that supporting Jamaat guarantees spiritual reward. Speaking at a discussion organized by the Islamic Foundation Caretaker Welfare Council in Dhaka, Fakhrul said religion should not be misused for political benefit. He recalled that former President Ziaur Rahman had given Jamaat the opportunity to re-enter politics, but lamented that the party has been inactive in anti-government movements over the past decade. Fakhrul also accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of undermining citizens’ rights, including voting and religious freedom, while falsely claiming to defend Islam. Citing Indonesia’s model of religious institutional consultation, he noted Bangladesh lacks such structures. He called for national unity to ensure a fair and credible election that would restore democracy and empower parliament to address national issues.

Salauddin Jamil Saurav, a central member of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has collected and submitted his nomination form to contest from the Dhaka-5 constituency. The constituency, officially numbered 171, covers densely populated areas such as Jatrabari, Donia, and Kajla under the Dhaka South City Corporation. Saurav collected the nomination form from the party’s temporary central office in Banglamotor on Tuesday and submitted it the same day. Speaking to reporters, he said he grew up witnessing the struggles and neglect faced by local residents and aims to ensure basic civic services through sincere effort, visionary planning, and transparent leadership. He emphasized that Bangladesh’s politics is at a turning point, and people now seek leaders who remain connected to citizens beyond power politics. The NCP, he added, is working to build such new leadership for the future.

Advocate Fazlur Rahman, the BNP-nominated candidate for Kishoreganj-4 constituency (Itna-Mithamain-Austagram), declared that he would take poison if Jamaat-e-Islami wins the election and forms a government. Speaking at a BNP workers’ rally in Itna on Friday night, Rahman criticized Jamaat members, calling them ungrateful and accusing them of betraying those who once saved them. He emphasized his ideological stance, stating he seeks votes only from supporters of the Liberation War, BNP, and its leaders, regardless of religion. Rahman also reiterated that Bangladesh’s independence was aimed at establishing a secular state. His remarks come amid heightened political tensions and renewed debates over the role of Jamaat in national politics. Local BNP leaders, including his wife Umme Kulsum Rekha and other party officials, were present at the event.

A large motor rally was held in Faridganj, Chandpur-4 constituency, in support of Jamaat-e-Islami’s nominated parliamentary candidate and district Amir, Maulana Billal Hossain Miahji. Hundreds of motorcycles and vehicles joined the procession, which began from the Faridganj bus stand and paraded through key roads in the upazila. During the rally, Miahji urged voters to support the 'scale' election symbol, pledging to build a peaceful and terrorism-free Bangladesh. He dismissed rumors that Jamaat restricts women’s freedom, asserting the party’s commitment to women’s rights, employment, and empowerment. Miahji emphasized that Jamaat aims to serve the people rather than rule over them. Several local leaders, including Upazila Amir Maulana Yunus Helal, General Secretary Sakhawat Hossain, and other party representatives, participated in the event, which showcased strong organizational discipline and enthusiasm among supporters ahead of the upcoming election.

BNP’s Dhaka-6 parliamentary candidate Ishraq Hossain has declared that the ruling Awami League will no longer be allowed to engage in politics in Bangladesh. Speaking at a rally of freedom fighters and their descendants at the Central Shaheed Minar on Saturday, Ishraq accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of using secret militants to obstruct elections. He urged opposition groups to overcome internal divisions and unite under the spirit of the July movement, warning that disunity could weaken the nation and make it vulnerable to external domination. Ishraq emphasized that Bangladesh must not become a tributary state and called for collective action to protect national sovereignty. His remarks reflect the ongoing political tension between the BNP and the Awami League ahead of potential electoral confrontations.

A large nurses’ rally in Dhaka on Saturday caused severe traffic disruptions as major roads near the National Press Club were closed from 10 a.m. onward. The demonstration, organized by thousands of nurses, led to the shutdown of Topkhana Road between Paltan intersection and Kadam Fountain, forcing vehicles to be diverted through Bijoynagar and Kakrail. The diversion resulted in heavy congestion and long delays, leaving commuters frustrated. Many passengers criticized the lack of prior notice and urged authorities to reconsider the practice of blocking roads for rallies. The nurses gathered to protest against the alleged attempt to dissolve the Directorate of Nursing and Midwifery and demanded the formation of a National Nursing Commission. Police officials said the rally was expected to end by early afternoon, after which normal traffic flow would resume.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has announced that the party will transform the Islamic Foundation into a full-fledged state institution if it comes to power. Speaking at a discussion with mosque-based education caretakers in Dhaka, he criticized widespread corruption, moral decline, and politicization of public institutions under the Awami League government. Fakhrul questioned why moral values have weakened despite the presence of numerous mosques and madrasas in Bangladesh. Citing Indonesia as an example, he emphasized the need for institutional religious consultation in governance. He accused the current administration of undermining democracy, religious freedom, and merit-based appointments. Fakhrul also called for strengthening moral education in families, schools, and madrasas to curb crime and social decay. He reiterated BNP’s commitment to democratic values and institutional reform to restore accountability and ethical governance.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has announced a mass rally in Dhaka on Saturday afternoon demanding that the Awami League be tried as a political party for alleged involvement in the July massacre. According to a press release signed by NCP Joint Member Secretary and Media Cell Editor Mushfiq Us Salehin, the rally will begin at 3:30 p.m. from Banglamotor intersection. NCP Dhaka Metropolitan Unit is organizing the event, with Convener Nahid Islam expected to attend. The party plans to call for the implementation of verdicts against those responsible for the July killings and to demand justice for the Awami League and its coalition partners. Nahid Islam first raised the demand for Awami League’s trial following the death sentence verdict against Sheikh Hasina on November 17. Previously, the NCP had led protests seeking to ban the Awami League, which was later followed by an interim government decision to suspend the party’s activities.

Pakistan has described the death sentence handed to former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as an internal matter of Bangladesh. During a weekly press briefing on November 21, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andarabi stated that the people of Bangladesh are capable of resolving their issues through democratic and constitutional means. The comment came after an international crimes tribunal sentenced Hasina to death for allegedly ordering lethal force against student-led protests during the July uprising that toppled her government. The verdict, seen as politically significant ahead of Bangladesh’s national elections scheduled for early February, has drawn attention from neighboring countries. Bangladesh has urged India to extradite Hasina, who fled there after being ousted, citing an existing extradition treaty. However, New Delhi has not agreed, emphasizing its commitment to peace, democracy, and stability in Bangladesh. Pakistan’s cautious stance reflects its intent to avoid involvement in Bangladesh’s internal judicial and political developments.

BNP central sports secretary and Dhaka North convenor Aminul Haque has assured that no extortion will be allowed from rickshaw and autorickshaw drivers in Dhaka. Speaking at a meeting with drivers in Pallabi, he said that for the past 17 years, a syndicate had been collecting illegal fees from them. Haque promised that under a future BNP government, all such syndicates would be dismantled. He also warned that any party member found involved in extortion would face legal action. Additionally, he urged autorickshaw drivers to follow traffic laws, emphasizing that adherence to rules could prevent accidents and reduce traffic congestion. His remarks come as part of his campaign as the BNP candidate for the Dhaka-16 constituency, pledging reforms to protect low-income transport workers from exploitation.

US President Donald Trump met with New York City’s newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani, at the White House on Friday, marking their first face-to-face encounter after months of political hostility. Despite previous clashes—where Trump had threatened Mamdani with deportation and labeled him a ‘communist,’ while Mamdani accused Trump of acting like a dictator—the meeting ended on a conciliatory note. Trump told reporters that he would be happy to see Mamdani succeed and promised federal support for his initiatives. He also noted that many of Mamdani’s ideas align with his own. Mamdani, who will assume office on January 1, expressed eagerness to work with the president to make New York more affordable and livable. Both leaders emphasized cooperation on urban development, public services, and improving residents’ quality of life, signaling a surprising thaw in their previously strained relationship.

Students of Dhaka College staged a road blockade on Friday night demanding renovation of a dormitory building deemed vulnerable to earthquakes. The protest began around 10:30 p.m. when students blocked the Mirpur–New Market road, disrupting traffic for nearly an hour. Police confirmed that the blockade caused severe congestion in the area. The students said that the Akhtaruzzaman Elias Hall had shown signs of structural weakness during the morning’s earthquake, heightening their safety concerns. They have long urged authorities to rebuild or repair the hall, but no action has been taken. Around 11:30 p.m., Dhaka College Principal A.K.M. Elias arrived at the scene and requested the students to clear the road. Following his appeal, the students withdrew their blockade, and traffic movement returned to normal, according to New Market police officials.

The Nurses Association of Bangladesh (NAB) has alleged that a group of pro-Awami League nurses is attempting to create instability in the country by organizing a so-called 'nurses’ grand conference' in front of the National Press Club on November 22. At a press conference held on November 21, NAB President Jahanara Siddiqui claimed that despite discussions about merging the Directorate of Nursing, no official order has been issued yet. She accused certain nurse leaders of exploiting the situation for personal gain, collecting large sums of money from ordinary nurses under the pretext of transfers, promotions, and legal assistance. Siddiqui further stated that these groups previously damaged the profession’s image through disruptive protests. NAB reiterated its demand for the appointment of senior, qualified, and experienced nurses to all positions within the Directorate of Nursing and Midwifery, criticizing the current practice of appointing administrative cadre officials to leadership roles since 2016, which they claim has led to widespread harassment of nurses.

Ali Ahmad Mabrur, son of former Social Welfare Minister and Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid, shared an emotional Facebook post marking his father’s death anniversary. In his post, Mabrur reflected on the immense psychological strain and family distress during Mujahid’s trial and execution. He recalled being shocked upon learning of the possible death sentence and described the unbearable conditions his father faced in prison. Mabrur wrote about their first meeting after the verdict, calling it one of his life’s most painful moments. He praised his father’s steadfastness and optimism even in confinement, noting that Mujahid encouraged his family to remain strong. Ten years after the execution, Mabrur said his father’s sacrifice strengthened Islamic movements in Bangladesh and prayed for divine acceptance of his father’s martyrdom. Recently, Mabrur also called for the Awami League to be declared a terrorist organization, accusing it of violent political activities across the country.

In a public gathering at Sutiyakathi Secondary School field in Nesarabad, Pirojpur-2 constituency, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Shamim Saeedi alleged that the previous Hasina-led government came to power by buying votes instead of ensuring citizens’ voting rights. He warned that repeating such an election process could lead to the creation of more 'Begum Para' settlements abroad. Saeedi emphasized his party’s goal of building a corruption-free and unemployment-free Bangladesh, urging unity among all religious communities. Addressing Hindu voters, he said that both Hindus and Muslims sacrificed their lives in the Liberation War of 1971 and in the 2024 movement, stressing equality and safety for all religious sites. He also recalled the killing of Biswajit near Jagannath University and claimed that no Jamaat MP or minister had ever faced corruption allegations. Jamaat leader Masud Saeedi urged supporters to actively participate in voting for the party’s symbol, the scale.