Senior leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, attended a dinner hosted by Palestinian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yousef S.Y. Ramadan, on Friday, November 14. According to BNP’s media cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan, the event was attended by several top party figures such as Dr. Enamul Haque Chowdhury, Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir, and Organizing Secretary Shama Obaid. Sources described the gathering as informal, with discussions reportedly covering regional political developments, the ongoing crisis in Palestine, and strategies for garnering international support. The meeting reflects continued diplomatic engagement between the Palestinian mission and major political parties in Bangladesh amid heightened global attention to the Middle East situation.

The Awami League, once Bangladesh’s dominant political party, is facing renewed internal crisis following its collapse on August 5, 2024, after a mass uprising ended its 15-year rule. Despite being banned from political activities, exiled top leaders, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, are reportedly urging supporters to engage in violent protests such as the recent 'Dhaka lockdown' and arson attacks. Analysts and senior party members warn that these actions are deepening the party’s isolation and alienating remaining grassroots activists. Many leaders express frustration over the lack of direction, arguing that only a return to peaceful, reformed politics and public apology for past mistakes can restore credibility. Political experts caution that continued reliance on threats and violence could permanently destroy the party’s chances of revival. Meanwhile, Hasina’s public statements from abroad and calls for confrontation have further divided the party and drawn public disapproval, leaving its future uncertain amid growing despair among loyalists.

Bangabir Kader Siddiqui, president of the Krishak Sramik Janata League, declared that his party members would continue to chant 'Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu' and challenged authorities to arrest him first if saying the slogan is deemed a crime. Speaking at a gathering in Kalihati, Tangail, after visiting his parents’ graves with his recently released brother Abdul Latif Siddiqui, he criticized the interim government for excluding his party from national discussions. Kader Siddiqui emphasized that his party would not participate in any election where the majority of voters are unable to cast their votes, calling for a truly participatory election ensuring every citizen’s right to vote. Latif Siddiqui echoed his brother’s sentiments, expressing relief at being expelled from the Awami League and criticizing the hypocrisy of some political elites. The event drew a large turnout of supporters who accompanied the Siddiqui brothers in a motorcade to the village rally.

Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, issued the July Charter Implementation Order on Thursday, sparking renewed political discord among major parties including the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizens’ Party (NCP). The order, aimed at enacting constitutional reforms, has been met with mixed reactions. The BNP opposed the order’s issuance by the interim government, arguing it lacked constitutional authority, while Jamaat supported it. Disagreements persist over the timing of the referendum, the structure of a proposed upper house, and the procedure for constitutional amendments. The BNP’s demands for proportional seat allocation and specific appointment powers for key institutions like the Anti-Corruption Commission were largely ignored. Meanwhile, the NCP’s call for legal grounding of the charter was partially accepted, though its proposal for automatic constitutional inclusion of reforms was rejected. The order was ultimately issued under President Md. Shahabuddin’s authority, despite NCP objections. Dr. Yunus presented the final version as a compromise to move the reform process forward.

In Bangladesh’s Comilla-9 (Laksam–Monoharganj) constituency, BNP-nominated parliamentary candidate Abul Kalam has received public support and cooperation assurance from his former rival, nomination aspirant Samira Azim Dola. The reconciliation took place on Friday evening at the BNP’s Gulshan office in Dhaka, in the presence of BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed. Earlier, Dola’s motorcade was attacked during a campaign event on November 9, injuring at least 15 people and exposing internal rifts within the party. Following the incident, BNP formed a five-member investigation committee. Dola stated that acting BNP chairman Tarique Rahman had called her, urging unity among party members. Both Kalam and Dola affirmed their commitment to work together to ensure victory for the BNP’s electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf, in the upcoming national election.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (United) (JD-U), is set to return to power in Bihar with a commanding majority. According to the latest official trends, the NDA is leading in 202 out of 243 assembly seats, while the opposition Mahagathbandhan is ahead in only 35. The BJP leads in 90 seats, JD-U in 84, and allies LJP (Ram Vilas), HAM, and RLM in several others. Tejashwi Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) trails far behind, managing leads in just 26 constituencies. Political strategist Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party failed to make an impact, polling fewer votes than NOTA. Meanwhile, Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM surprised observers by leading in six seats in the Seemanchal region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi credited women and youth voters for the victory and suggested that Bihar’s political momentum could influence West Bengal next. Analysts attribute the NDA’s landslide to strong female voter turnout, effective caste alliances, and the enduring popularity of Nitish Kumar and Modi.

A Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami activist, Nur Alam (60), died in a tragic road accident during a motorcycle showdown organized as part of the party’s election campaign in Rangpur’s Gangachara area. The event was held in support of Jamaat’s candidate Raihan Siraji for the Rangpur-1 constituency ahead of the upcoming 13th national election. The accident occurred when Nur Alam lost control of his motorcycle and collided with an electric pole, sustaining severe injuries to his head and chest. He was taken to Rangpur Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Several others were reportedly injured in the incident. Police have confirmed the occurrence of the accident and the death.

BNP Chairperson’s adviser and former opposition chief whip Zainul Abdin Farroque has claimed that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman did not want Bangladesh’s independence but instead aimed to become Pakistan’s prime minister. Speaking at a rally organized by the Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal in Senbagh, Noakhali, Farroque said that when student leaders urged Mujib to declare independence, he refused, fearing a treason case. He asserted that it was Ziaur Rahman who first declared Bangladesh’s independence. Farroque also criticized current political maneuvering over election participation and urged BNP activists to remain united under Tarique Rahman’s leadership. He pledged that if BNP wins, Tarique Rahman would become prime minister and create employment for one crore people. Farroque further emphasized party loyalty, urging supporters to vote for the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol regardless of personal preferences.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s central Nayeb-e-Ameer and former MP Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher has claimed that a deep conspiracy is underway concerning Bangladesh’s upcoming national election and the country’s sovereignty. Speaking at a public rally in Chauddagram, Comilla, he criticized the government for allegedly yielding to Indian influence and demanded transparency regarding the national security adviser’s recent visit to India. Dr. Taher warned that accepting India’s unjust demands would have dire consequences for the government. He also accused the interim government of falling into the ruling party’s trap by avoiding electoral reforms and manipulating the proposed referendum process. According to him, if a fair vote on reforms were held before the national election, the majority would support Jamaat’s stance. Other Jamaat leaders and local representatives also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the need for political reform and public accountability.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has announced that it will sign the July Charter only after the interim government provides clear explanations regarding the implementation order, referendum structure, and reform process. At a press conference in Dhaka, NCP’s chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary said ambiguity remains over the government’s proposed four-question referendum package and the roadmap for holding the referendum and national election on the same day. He accused the government of deepening the ongoing political crisis instead of resolving it. Patwary stressed that the reform process and referendum must not serve any political party’s interests. NCP leaders also questioned the moral legitimacy of the new charter, saying that despite its legal basis, its implementation remains uncertain due to lack of clarity and political consensus.

Bangladesh’s Attorney General, Mohammad Asaduzzaman, stated that the victorious force emerging from the recent mass uprising will determine the nature and legitimacy of any future referendum. Speaking at a discussion in Jhenaidah’s Shailkupa upazila on November 14, he emphasized that this outcome will guide the country’s future legal and political direction. Asaduzzaman also declared that the Awami League is now considered a banned entity and that any activities under its name would be treated as criminal offenses, with the law proceeding accordingly. The event, held at poet Golam Mostafa’s ancestral home to mark his birth and death anniversary, was organized by the local administration and attended by several dignitaries, including the vice-chancellor of Islamic University and senior government officials.

Following a deadly explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort that killed 13 people, Indian authorities have launched extensive raids across Jammu and Kashmir, detaining several suspects including doctors and religious figures allegedly linked to banned militant groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind. The investigation has uncovered large quantities of explosives and weapons, prompting claims of an international terror network’s involvement. However, the crackdown has also triggered a surge in Islamophobic and anti-Kashmiri sentiment across India, with reports of police compiling lists of Kashmiri residents and social media users calling for their eviction. Rights activists warn that such actions are heightening fear among Kashmiri students and professionals living outside the region. Analysts say the incident raises new questions about India’s counterinsurgency approach and the government’s earlier claims that militant recruitment in Kashmir had ceased.

Ganosamhati Andolan chief coordinator Zonayed Saki has said Bangladesh is facing a severe national crisis and called for a minimum national consensus as the foundation for democratic transition. Speaking at a rally in Dhaka marking the party’s tenth anniversary, Saki emphasized the need for judicial reform, constitutional amendments, and national elections by February. He welcomed the decision to hold a national referendum and urged citizens to remain united and vigilant against any attempts to create division. Saki criticized authoritarian politics and warned against replacing one form of fascism with another. He also stressed justice for all killings and crimes, economic restructuring for working people, and maintaining Bangladesh’s sovereignty while fostering respectful international relations.

The Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) has announced that its central student union (ShakSU) election will be held on December 17. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A.M. Sarwaruddin Chowdhury made the announcement during a press conference on Friday night, stating that the date was chosen after multiple discussions with all stakeholders. He expressed hope for a festive and participatory election. The announcement followed student demonstrations demanding the election date, which intensified after a previously scheduled press conference was postponed. Students had locked the registrar building and staged a sit-in near the vice-chancellor’s residence before the final announcement was made.

Dr. Rashid Ahmed Hossaini, a director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), claimed that the new generation will not allow the Awami League to sustain its existence in Bangladesh. Speaking to journalists in Laksam-Manoharganj, Cumilla, after distributing leaflets supporting BNP leader Tarique Rahman’s 31-point reform plan, Hossaini criticized the ruling party’s 17-year rule. He also warned that infiltrators within the BNP were damaging the party’s image and urged leaders to identify and take legal action against them. Hossaini further dismissed the Awami League’s lockdown initiatives as ineffective, saying fear tactics would not work. Several BNP, Jubo Dal, and Chhatra Dal leaders were present during the campaign across local markets.