The Government of Bangladesh has promoted 33 police officers to the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) through two separate notifications issued on Wednesday, November 26. One notification included 31 officers, while the other listed two. The orders were signed by Md. Mahabubur Rahman, Deputy Secretary of the Public Security Division under the Ministry of Home Affairs, on behalf of the President. The promotions were declared effective from the date of joining, as stated in the official circulars. On the same day, the ministry also announced the transfer of Superintendents of Police (SPs) across all 64 districts through a lottery system. The transfer order, issued in the public interest, took immediate effect. These administrative changes are part of ongoing efforts to enhance efficiency and transparency within the Bangladesh Police force.

Bangladesh’s Home Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has clarified that the recent appointment of police superintendents (SPs) in all 64 districts was conducted through a lottery system. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on November 26, he said that the process aimed to ensure fairness and transparency ahead of the upcoming national election. Districts were categorized into three groups—A, B, and C—based on law and order conditions rather than size. Only meritorious officers were considered, and none were excluded from the selection process. The lottery then determined which officer would serve in which district. The adviser, who also oversees the agriculture ministry, noted that 18 SPs were reassigned and replaced with new officers. When asked if similar lotteries would be used for officer-in-charge (OC) postings, he replied, “Inshallah,” suggesting the possibility of extending the system further.

The Ministry of Home Affairs in Bangladesh has announced the transfer and reassignment of Superintendents of Police (SPs) in thirteen districts. The official order, signed by Deputy Secretary Md. Mahbubur Rahman on Wednesday, detailed the new postings for the officers. Among the changes, Moulvibazar Superintendent of Police Jahangir Hossain has been appointed as Special Superintendent of Police at the Special Branch (SB). The reshuffle is part of a routine administrative adjustment aimed at improving efficiency and ensuring effective law enforcement across the country. Such transfers are common in the Bangladesh Police Service and are often implemented to enhance coordination and maintain discipline within the force. The newly assigned officers are expected to assume their respective duties shortly following the official notification.

The interim government of Bangladesh has finalized the appointment of police superintendents (SPs) for all 64 districts ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The selection was conducted through a lottery held at the Chief Adviser’s residence, Jamuna, on Monday, with the official appointment notification issued on Wednesday. Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali, along with senior officials from the Home Ministry and the Chief Adviser’s Office, were present during the process. According to police headquarters sources, officers who had previously served as SPs were excluded from consideration. The final list was prepared from officers of the 25th, 27th, and 28th batches of the police cadre after thorough scrutiny, and 64 officers were selected through the lottery to ensure neutrality and transparency in the election duties.

German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Rüdiger Lotz has expressed optimism that the upcoming national parliamentary elections in Bangladesh will be transparent and participatory. Speaking at a 'DCAB Talk' event organized by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh, at the National Press Club on Wednesday morning, he emphasized the importance of voter turnout and fair participation. The ambassador referred to the chief adviser’s statement predicting a 60 percent voter turnout and said Germany also expects strong participation. His remarks reflect the international community’s continued interest in Bangladesh’s electoral process and its emphasis on democratic practices and transparency. The ambassador’s comments come amid growing discussions about ensuring credibility and inclusiveness in the forthcoming polls, which are being closely watched by foreign diplomats and observers.

The Superior Selection Board (SSB) has recommended 34 police officers for promotion to the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG), sparking widespread discontent within the Bangladesh Police. The list, finalized in a late-night meeting, reportedly favors officers from the 20th batch—many of whom allegedly benefited under the previous Awami League government and were involved in suppressing opposition activities. In contrast, several qualified and long-deprived officers from the 21st batch were excluded, despite having completed all verification and vetting processes. Critics within the force claim the move undermines internal discipline and could affect the neutrality of upcoming national elections. They argue that the selection reflects political favoritism and a continuation of past biases. The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Public Administration have not responded to inquiries regarding the controversy, while calls grow for the list to be reviewed and revised to include deserving officers from the 21st batch.

In a significant milestone for the Bangladeshi diaspora in U.S. politics, ten Bangladeshi-origin individuals have been appointed to the transition team of newly elected New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Among them is Samatali Haque, daughter of renowned Bangladeshi poet and thinker Farhad Mazhar. Haque, a professor at the City University of New York and a human rights activist, previously worked as a labor attorney and was actively involved in Mamdani’s campaign. The other Bangladeshi members include civic leader Kazi Fauzia, community organizer Abdul Aziz Bhuiyan, former police officer Shamsul Haque, labor rights advocate Mohammad Karim Chowdhury, immigrant rights activist Fariha Akhtar, small business leader Arman Chowdhury, social organizers Shahriar Rahman and Tazin Azad, and legal affairs representative Imran Pasha. The 400-member transition team comprises experts and community leaders across 17 committees. This marks the largest-ever representation of Bangladeshis in a New York City mayoral transition team, highlighting their growing influence in local politics.

Brazil’s Supreme Court has ordered former President Jair Bolsonaro to begin serving a 27-year and three-month prison sentence for his role in an attempted coup following his 2022 election defeat. Justice Alexandre de Moraes issued the final ruling, declaring that no further appeals would be allowed. Bolsonaro, aged 70, will serve his sentence in a federal police facility in Brasília, where he has been held since Saturday due to flight risk concerns. He was previously under house arrest and accused of tampering with his ankle monitor. The conviction stems from his alleged involvement in planning to overturn the election results against President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The plot failed to gain military support, but on January 8, 2023, thousands of Bolsonaro supporters stormed government buildings in Brasília, leading to about 1,500 arrests. Bolsonaro, who governed Brazil from 2019 to 2022, remains a deeply polarizing figure in the country’s politics.

The Ministry of Home Affairs of Bangladesh has issued a directive urging all ministries and divisions to refrain from granting entry passes or one-time passwords (OTPs) to unfamiliar visitors seeking access to the Bangladesh Secretariat. The letter, sent to senior secretaries and secretaries, highlights recent incidents where unauthorized individuals obtained OTPs from authorized officials and caused disruptions inside the Secretariat. The ministry warned that such actions disturb the working environment and create confusion among staff. It emphasized the need for heightened caution when issuing passes, ensuring that only verified and known individuals are granted access. Copies of the letter were also sent to the Cabinet Secretary and the Deputy Police Commissioner responsible for Secretariat security, instructing them to strengthen overall security measures to prevent further breaches.

The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) of Bangladesh has made major revisions to secondary-level textbooks for the upcoming academic year. The new editions include a chapter titled 'Mass Uprisings in Independent Bangladesh' that covers events from the 1952 Language Movement to the 2024 July Revolution. The revised content highlights political transitions such as Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s BAKSAL era, Ziaur Rahman’s introduction of multi-party democracy, Ershad’s autocratic rule, and Khaleda Zia’s democratic government. It also includes references to Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, alleged authoritarianism, corruption, and her eventual downfall in 2024. The 7 March speech of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has been removed from the eighth-grade Bangla literature book. NCTB officials said the changes were made following recommendations from a high-level committee after widespread criticism of last year’s textbooks. The new books are printed and ready for distribution at the start of the school year, though they are not yet available online.

The Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) youth wing, Ganatantrik Jubo Dal, has expelled two of its leaders from Chandina upazila in Cumilla over allegations of involvement in drug and dredging businesses. The expulsions were announced through separate press releases on November 24 and 25 by Chandina upazila Jubo Dal president, lecturer Saiful Islam Babor. The expelled leaders are Md. Rasel Parvez, president of the Etbarpur Union Jubo Dal, and Md. Nasir Uddin Molla, joint general secretary of the upazila unit and general secretary of Bataghasi Union Jubo Dal. Rasel Parvez was arrested by police on November 23 with yaba tablets, leading to his expulsion the following day for violating party discipline. Nasir Uddin Molla was expelled on November 25 for allegedly running an illegal dredging business and engaging in local conflicts. Party officials stated that the expulsions followed directives from LDP Secretary General Dr. Redwan Ahmed, who instructed members to avoid any involvement in drugs, illegal businesses, or social disorder.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin has expressed optimism that Bangladesh’s law and order situation will improve following the announcement of the schedule for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. Speaking at an event in Dhaka on Wednesday, November 26, he said the situation is expected to become more stable ahead of the polls. The CEC also warned that strict measures will be taken against anyone attempting to obstruct the election process. He further mentioned that special security arrangements will be implemented in areas identified as vulnerable to ensure a peaceful and fair election environment. His remarks come amid growing political activity and public attention surrounding the forthcoming national election, as the Election Commission prepares to finalize the electoral roadmap.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has expressed deep concern and sympathy following the devastating fire that swept through Dhaka’s Karail slum, leaving many families homeless. In a late-night press statement on Tuesday, November 25, he extended condolences to the affected families and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. Yunus emphasized that the government will ensure all necessary assistance for the rehabilitation of those who lost their homes. He also directed relevant authorities to intensify rescue and relief operations immediately. Additionally, he instructed that a thorough investigation be carried out to determine the cause of the fire and to implement effective measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The government’s commitment aims to provide both immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation for the victims of the tragedy.

Several prominent British lawyers, including former Justice Secretary Robert Buckland KC, have described the corruption case against UK MP Tulip Siddiq as politically motivated and unfair. The case, which also names Sheikh Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana, involves allegations of illegal land plot allocation in Bangladesh, with a verdict expected on December 1. The lawyers wrote to Bangladesh’s High Commissioner in London, Abida Islam, expressing concern that Siddiq has been denied basic legal rights, including access to representation and information about the charges. They also claimed her appointed lawyer has been placed under house arrest and that his family has faced threats. Siddiq, who resigned as City Minister in January following the allegations, denies any wrongdoing. The controversy has sparked diplomatic and political debate over whether the UK could extradite Siddiq to Bangladesh, though the lawyers emphasized she is a British citizen and not a fugitive.

Brazil’s Supreme Court has ordered former President Jair Bolsonaro to begin serving a 27-year prison sentence for plotting a coup against his successor, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The court, led by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, finalized the verdict on November 25, instructing Bolsonaro to start his sentence at the Federal Police headquarters in Brasília, where he has been detained since Saturday. Bolsonaro was previously under house arrest for damaging his ankle monitor. The ruling marks a historic moment in Brazil, as it is the first time a former president has been convicted for attempting to overthrow a democratic government. Bolsonaro’s populist and divisive leadership from 2019 to 2022 left Brazil politically polarized. Following his defeat in the 2022 election, he was banned from holding public office. His legal team criticized the court for rushing the trial and vowed to appeal. The verdict has been hailed by many as a victory for Brazilian democracy.