Bangladesh Islami Andolan chief Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim expressed disappointment over the announcement of holding the national election and referendum on the same day. Speaking to reporters after a party training workshop in Chandpur, he said that in the country’s 53-year history, single-party governments formed through elections have often shown authoritarian tendencies. He added that after the 2024 mass uprising, a positive environment had emerged, but the interim government, which was not elected by popular vote, failed to prioritize fundamental reforms and visible justice. Instead, he claimed, they focused more on ensuring participation of a particular political party. Party leaders and activists, including Sheikh Md Joynal Abedin, attended the event.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Gazipur city unit organized a protest rally and gathering on Friday, November 14, demanding the implementation of the July National Charter and a national referendum before the upcoming general election. The demonstration began at Bhogra Bypass intersection and marched along the Dhaka–Gazipur highway before concluding with a rally at Maleker Bari. Gazipur city Jamaat chief Professor Jamal Uddin addressed the event, stating that enforcing the July Charter would help establish a truly democratic environment and that a referendum was essential to reflect public opinion. Several local Jamaat leaders and parliamentary candidates, including Khairul Hasan, Hossain Ali, and Dr. Hafizur Rahman, also spoke at the event. The program was conducted peacefully under the moderation of city Jamaat secretary A S M Faruk.

Students of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) have rejected the administration’s announcement to hold the Shahjalal University Central Students’ Union (ShakSU) election on December 17. Following the declaration by Vice-Chancellor Professor A.M. Sarwaruddin Chowdhury on Friday night, students locked the registrar building and confined the vice-chancellor, pro-vice-chancellor, treasurer, registrar, election commissioner, and proctor inside the office. The protesting students demanded that the election be held on December 8 instead, accusing the administration of favoring certain groups involved in extortion and hall occupation. The vice-chancellor stated that the date was chosen after considering all circumstances to ensure a fair and festive election. Earlier, the announcement was postponed on Thursday, prompting students to stage sit-ins and demonstrations across the campus demanding an immediate election date.

Pakistan’s parliament has passed the 27th constitutional amendment, extending Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s tenure by five years and promoting him to Chief of Defence Forces, giving him command over the army, navy, and air force. The amendment also grants him lifelong immunity from criminal prosecution and allows further extension beyond 2030. The move, signed into law by President Asif Ali Zardari, abolishes the post of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and shifts constitutional case jurisdiction from the Supreme Court to a new Federal Constitutional Court. Two Supreme Court judges resigned in protest, calling the reform a blow to judicial independence. Critics say the amendment consolidates unprecedented power in the military leadership, while the government claims it strengthens national unity. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also declared Pakistan ready for conflict on both eastern and western fronts.

A new Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals that 58% of Americans are dissatisfied with President Donald Trump, marking his lowest approval rating since taking office. Conducted online over six days in November, the survey included 1,200 U.S. adults and found that Trump’s approval remains steady at around 40%. The poll also indicates growing enthusiasm among Democrats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, with 44% of registered Democratic voters saying they are highly motivated to vote, compared to 26% of Republicans. Recent Democratic victories in gubernatorial races in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York have fueled this optimism. The upcoming midterms will decide all 435 House seats and 35 of the 100 Senate seats, both currently controlled by Republicans.

The Gopalganj district unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) Mahila Dal has expelled Liju Begum, the religious affairs secretary of the Kashiani Upazila unit, for alleged violations of party discipline. The decision was announced on Friday through a statement signed by district president Rowshan Ara Ratna and general secretary Nasrin Akter. The notice stated that Liju Begum was removed from all party positions and her primary membership was revoked. Party leaders cited serious allegations including misuse of her position, filing false cases, extortion, and harassment. They emphasized that such actions tarnish the party’s image and contradict its principles. The expulsion followed a recent news report highlighting local grievances against her alleged misconduct.

Bangladesh Islami Andolan chief Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim expressed disappointment over the announcement of the national election and referendum on the same day, saying it has disheartened the nation. Speaking to reporters after a training workshop in Chandpur, he criticized the country's electoral history, claiming that single-party governments formed through elections often turned authoritarian. He noted that after the 2024 mass uprising, a positive environment had emerged, but the interim government, not elected by the people, failed to prioritize fundamental reforms and visible justice. Karim alleged that the interim administration seemed more focused on facilitating a particular party’s election interests rather than ensuring a level playing field. The event was attended by party leaders, including Sheikh Md Joynal Abedin, the Islami Andolan candidate for Chandpur-3.

Dr. Rashid Ahmed Hossaini, a director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), stated that the new generation will not preserve the existence of the ruling Awami League in Bangladesh. Speaking to journalists in Laksham-Manoharganj, Cumilla, after distributing leaflets supporting BNP leader Tarique Rahman’s 31-point reform plan, Hossaini criticized the Awami League’s 17-year rule. He alleged that infiltrators within the BNP are damaging the party’s image for personal gain and urged leaders to identify and take legal action against them. Hossaini also dismissed the Awami League’s lockdown initiatives as ineffective attempts to instill fear. The event was attended by several local BNP, Jubo Dal, and Chhatra Dal leaders and activists.

Jonayed Saki, chief coordinator of the Ganosamhati Andolon, has urged for a minimum national consensus as the foundation for Bangladesh’s democratic transition. Speaking at a rally in Dhaka marking the party’s tenth anniversary, Saki described the country as being in a severe national crisis, citing economic hardship and institutional instability. He emphasized the need for judicial reform, accountability for killings, and holding a national referendum and election by February to rebuild the state on the basis of justice. Saki warned against fascist politics that promote hatred and division, asserting that the people of Bangladesh will not tolerate any form of authoritarian rule. He also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to sovereignty and equitable international relations, rejecting any form of foreign domination.

Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator of the National Citizens Party (NCP), has accused the government of prioritizing political appeasement over public interest in implementing the legal framework of the July Charter. Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka, he alleged that the government’s process was designed to satisfy BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami while ignoring citizens’ needs. Patwari claimed that although the NCP first demanded a legal basis for the charter, the government unilaterally issued an order without consulting them. He described the move as anti-people and influenced by BNP’s agenda. Patwari also criticized legal adviser Asif Nazrul for drafting the order and argued that the government failed to ensure moral legitimacy. The NCP leader reiterated his party’s call for a new constitutional structure that prevents authoritarianism and ensures genuine public representation.

In Bhola, Bangladesh, local residents staged a dramatic protest by lying in front of the cars of three government advisers—Md. Faozul Karim Khan (Power, Energy and Mineral Resources), Adilur Rahman Khan (Industry), and Sheikh Bashir Uddin (Commerce, Textile and Jute)—to press their five-point demand, including the long-awaited Bhola-Barishal bridge. The incident occurred around 5:15 p.m. on Friday in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office, following a meeting on local economic development. Protesters said they were frustrated by the advisers’ vague responses and lack of commitment to start the bridge project. The blockade lasted about five minutes before local BNP leaders intervened and persuaded the demonstrators to withdraw. Protesters later announced plans for a tougher demonstration on Saturday in front of Sundarban Gas Company and Intraco Refueling Station Limited offices.

BNP leader and former state minister for home affairs Lutfozzaman Babar expressed gratitude after receiving his party’s nomination to contest the upcoming election from Netrakona-4, marking his return to politics after 17 years in prison. Speaking at a reception in his constituency’s Challisha area on Friday, Babar thanked Allah, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, and acting Chairman Tarique Rahman for giving him another chance to serve the people of Bhati Bangla. He also acknowledged the prayers and support of his constituents and pledged lifelong service to them. Referring to the party’s stance on the July certificate issue, Babar said he endorsed the BNP secretary general’s statement and appreciated the chief adviser’s remarks. The Netrakona-4 constituency, comprising Madan, Mohanganj, and Khaliajuri upazilas, has been a BNP stronghold where Babar is now contesting again after nearly two decades.

Pakistan has appointed Field Marshal Asim Munir as the country’s first Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), following the passage of constitutional and military service amendment bills in the National Assembly. The new legislation, signed by President Asif Ali Zardari under the 27th Constitutional Amendment, merges the role of Chief of Army Staff with the new CDF post, abolishing the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee position. The CDF will now serve a five-year term starting from the date of appointment, effectively resetting Munir’s tenure. Munir, who became Army Chief in November 2022 and was promoted to Field Marshal after the May conflict with India, will now continue under this extended framework. The amendments also extend the service terms of the heads of the army, navy, and air force from three to five years, sparking criticism from opposition parties and judicial resignations.

Bangabir Kader Siddiqui, founder of the Krishak Sramik Janata League, stated that arresting individuals for chanting the 'Joy Bangla' slogan is inappropriate. Speaking to journalists after visiting his parents' graves in Tangail’s Kalihati, he criticized the government for acting unilaterally and failing to address damages to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s home. Siddiqui emphasized that one-sided elections would not benefit Bangladesh and urged for broad participation to ensure fair voting. He warned that preplanned election results would pose serious risks to political stability. Former minister Abdul Latif Siddiqui, recently released from jail, added that Bangladesh still lacks a clear state philosophy and that true nation-building requires a coherent vision of governance.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has declared that his party will not allow any imposed law or order to undermine the sovereignty of Bangladesh’s National Parliament in implementing the July National Charter. Speaking at a rally organized by the Women and Child Rights Forum in Dhaka, he emphasized that constitutional amendments or new laws must be enacted only through a duly formed parliament, not by referendum. Ahmed welcomed the interim government’s decision to hold the national election and the referendum on the same day, but warned against any coercive measures. He also criticized attempts to reduce women’s working hours, arguing that such moves would harm female employment opportunities. Other BNP leaders, including Selima Rahman, echoed concerns over rising violence against women and urged continued struggle for women’s rights and dignity.