Guinea-Bissau’s military has seized control of the country following a disputed presidential election marked by intense rivalry between incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias. Both contenders had declared victory before official results were announced, prompting unrest and gunfire near key government buildings. On Wednesday, senior military officers appeared on national television, declaring that they had taken 'full control' of the state to restore order. They suspended all electoral activities, closed land, air, and sea borders, and imposed a nighttime curfew. President Embaló confirmed to AFP that he had been ousted and was being held at the military headquarters. Opposition leader Domingos Simões Pereira was also detained. The coup is reportedly led by Presidential Guard chief Denis N’Kanha, who was responsible for Embaló’s security. Internet access has been disrupted as the army consolidates control. Guinea-Bissau, which gained independence from Portugal in 1974, has a long history of coups and political instability.

A Dhaka special court has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to 21 years in prison in three corruption cases related to the illegal allocation of government plots under the Rajuk Purbachal New Town Project. The verdict, delivered by Judge Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun of the Special Judge Court-5, found Hasina and 22 others guilty of abusing power, fraud, and misappropriation of state property. The cases alleged that Hasina and her associates unlawfully obtained government plots using forged documents and administrative influence. Among the co-accused are former housing ministry officials, Rajuk members, and former state minister Sharif Ahmed. This ruling follows a separate International Crimes Tribunal verdict on November 17 that sentenced Hasina to death for crimes against humanity during the July uprising. The latest judgment adds to her mounting legal troubles following her removal from power earlier this year.

Authorities in Dhaka have heightened security around the Special Judge Court-5 as it prepares to deliver verdicts in three separate Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) cases involving former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and daughter Saima Wazed Putul. The cases concern alleged irregularities in the allocation of government plots in the Purbachal New Town Project. Judge Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun is scheduled to announce the verdicts at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 27. The prosecution expects life sentences for Hasina, her children, and 44 others. Former RAJUK member Mohammad Khurshid Alam, the only accused currently in custody, has been brought to court. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and police have been deployed to ensure order. The ACC filed the initial case in January, later submitting a charge sheet against 12 individuals, with 29 witnesses testifying during the trial.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami held a central executive council meeting chaired by party chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman at its Moghbazar headquarters on November 26. The meeting included prayers for the quick recovery of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, as well as Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher. Leaders discussed the need for a free, fair, and fear-free national election and reviewed the current political situation. The council also decided to campaign for public support in favor of the July National Charter referendum and to ensure success of upcoming rallies in seven divisional cities as part of an eight-party alliance movement. Preparations for the organization’s annual Majlis-e-Shura session, scheduled for November 28–29, were also discussed in detail.

Unidentified miscreants set fire to an election arch built for Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis candidate Maulana Mizanur Rahman Molla in Faridpur-4 constituency on Wednesday night. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. near former mayor Fayez Mia’s residence in Bhanga municipality, where the arch had been erected along the Dhaka-Gopalganj highway. Witnesses recorded the burning structure and shared videos on social media, prompting outrage among the candidate’s supporters. Mizanur Rahman condemned the attack, urging law enforcement to identify and arrest those responsible. He warned that such acts could escalate political tensions as the 13th National Parliamentary Election approaches. Bhanga Police Station Officer-in-Charge Ashraf Hossain confirmed that police visited the scene and have launched an investigation into the arson. The incident has raised concerns about election-related violence and security in the region.

A Dhaka court is set to deliver verdicts today in three corruption cases involving former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, her daughter Saima Wazed Putul, and 44 others. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed the cases over alleged irregularities in the allocation of government plots in the Purbachal New Town Project. The Special Judge’s Court-5, led by Judge Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun, will announce the verdicts at 11 a.m. on Thursday. Prosecutors expect life imprisonment for all accused, claiming sufficient evidence was presented to prove the charges. Hasina, Joy, and Putul have been absconding since the beginning of the trial, while former RAJUK member Khurshid Alam remains in custody. The cases, filed separately in January, accuse the defendants of abusing power to obtain 10-katha plots illegally. Investigations concluded in March, and multiple witnesses testified in each case. The verdicts are expected to have significant political and legal implications in Bangladesh.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has finalized and added the sketch of the ‘Shapla Kali’ (water lily bud) symbol for the National Citizen Party (NCP) on its official list of registered political parties. The decision ensures that the symbol will appear on the ballot paper for the upcoming parliamentary elections. According to NCP officials, the EC confirmed the sketch on Wednesday, November 26. Previously, both the NCP and the Bangladesh Socialist Party (Marxist) were granted final registration by the EC, but their symbol boxes on the EC’s website remained empty. With this update, the NCP’s symbol is now visible, while the Bangladesh Socialist Party (Marxist) is still awaiting the addition of its ‘Scissors’ symbol sketch. The EC’s move marks a procedural step toward completing the visual representation of all registered political parties ahead of the national polls.

Bangladesh Police Headquarters has confirmed that the process of issuing an Interpol notice against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal is underway. Both were sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) for alleged crimes against humanity during the July 2024 student and public uprising, in which they were accused of ordering indiscriminate killings and suppression. The tribunal also ordered the confiscation of their assets and compensation for victims’ families and the injured. Lawyers have received the full copy of the verdict, delivered by a three-member bench led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar on November 17. Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, who testified as a state witness, received a five-year prison sentence. The Interpol notice aims to facilitate the arrest of the two convicted fugitives who remain at large following the tribunal’s ruling.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has finalized the sketch of the ‘Shapla Koli’ (water lily bud) symbol for the National Citizens Party (NCP). The newly approved design will appear on ballot papers in the upcoming parliamentary elections. According to NCP officials, the EC confirmed the decision on Wednesday, November 26. The EC’s website lists all registered political parties along with their respective symbols, and the NCP’s symbol sketch has now been added beside its name. However, the Bangladesh Socialist Party (Marxist), which was registered at the same time as NCP, still does not have its symbol sketch displayed on the EC’s site. Earlier, the EC had officially registered both the NCP and the Bangladesh Socialist Party (Marxist), assigning them the ‘Shapla Koli’ and ‘Scissors’ symbols respectively. The update marks a procedural step toward finalizing ballot preparations for the next general election.

Former state minister and BNP executive committee member Professor Md. Rezaul Karim has alleged that former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia was imprisoned under false charges as part of an attempt to kill her. Speaking at a prayer event in Sonargaon, Narayanganj, organized for Khaleda Zia’s recovery, Karim claimed that before the verdict in the fabricated case, efforts were made to send her into exile abroad, which she refused. He further accused the ruling Awami League government of repeatedly obstructing her medical treatment abroad after she fell ill in prison. The event was attended by several BNP leaders, including former MP Mohammad Giasuddin and other local leaders, along with hundreds of party activists, religious scholars, and teachers. The gathering reflected ongoing BNP concerns over Khaleda Zia’s health and the government’s alleged political persecution of opposition figures.

Bangladesh has formally requested India to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity related to the July killings last year. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain confirmed that a diplomatic note, or 'note verbale', was sent through Bangladesh’s mission in New Delhi to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. He stated that no response has yet been received and that Dhaka does not expect an immediate reply, noting that even previous communications remain unanswered. The adviser expressed hope that India would eventually respond, emphasizing that Hasina’s conviction warrants her return to Bangladesh. This is the second such request, following an earlier letter sent in December last year. The issue underscores a sensitive diplomatic matter between the two neighboring countries, with Bangladesh pressing for legal accountability while India maintains silence on the matter.

Dhaka University’s Academic Council has officially canceled the MPhil enrollment of Golam Rabbani, former general secretary of the now-banned Bangladesh Chhatra League and elected general secretary of the 2019 Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU). The decision was made on November 26 following allegations that Rabbani gained admission through fraudulent means. Earlier, the university’s syndicate had temporarily suspended his enrollment pending council review. The council unanimously approved the cancellation after finding preliminary evidence of irregularities. However, the council did not declare Rabbani’s DUCSU position invalid, stating it lacked jurisdiction over electoral matters. A previous investigation committee had recommended annulling his DUCSU post, citing his ineligible student status at the time of election. The issue was originally raised by student leaders Rashed Khan and Sanaullah Haque, who demanded action against those who allegedly gained DUCSU membership through illegal enrollment. Following the council’s decision, Rashed Khan expressed satisfaction on social media, calling it a long-awaited step toward justice.

In Bauphal upazila of Patuakhali, members of Islami Chhatra Shibir organized a special prayer session seeking the recovery and good health of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The event took place on Wednesday at the local office of Jamaat-e-Islami. Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud, a central Jamaat leader and former central president of Chhatra Shibir, attended as the chief guest. The prayer was led by former upazila Jamaat amir Principal Maulana Abdul Gani. The session was presided over by upazila Shibir president Limon Hossain and attended by several local leaders, including district Shibir president Rakibul Islam Nur, upazila Jamaat naib-e-amir Maulana Rafiqul Islam, and secretary Professor Khalidur Rahman. Earlier, Dr. Masud met with local journalists to discuss preparations for the upcoming July Martyrs Memorial Football Match and cultural program scheduled for November 28 at Bauphal Public Ground.

German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Rüdiger Lotz has expressed hope that the upcoming national election in Bangladesh will be free, fair, credible, and participatory. Speaking at an event organized by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) in Dhaka, he emphasized the importance of ensuring all citizens can vote without fear and that all political parties can campaign peacefully. Lotz noted that high voter turnout would enhance the election’s credibility and that post-election dialogue among political parties should continue. He reiterated Germany’s opposition to the death penalty while supporting accountability for abuse of power. The ambassador also highlighted Bangladesh’s progress in governance, transparency, and reforms in the security and labor sectors. He said Bangladesh remains an attractive destination for German investors due to its large middle class and improving business environment. Lotz added that more Bangladeshi students are studying in Germany and encouraged proper documentation for visa applications.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has decided to launch a large-scale, people-oriented campaign ahead of the upcoming national election. In its latest standing committee meeting, chaired virtually by acting chairman Tarique Rahman from London, the party resolved to form constituency-based teams and distribute separate leaflets outlining its 31-point reform agenda. These include commitments on education, employment, healthcare, agriculture, and industry, as well as promises of free primary healthcare, one million new jobs, and digital payment systems like PayPal and Wise for freelancers. The BNP also plans to promote technical and multilingual education, ensure campus safety, and expand youth entrepreneurship programs. Its campaign will emphasize inclusive governance, anti-corruption measures, and national unity under the principle of ‘religion for all, state for everyone.’ The party aims to communicate its vision of a stable, prosperous Bangladesh to every household through coordinated grassroots efforts.