Five prominent British lawyers, including Cherie Blair KC, Philip Sands KC, and Geoffrey Robertson KC, have described the corruption case against UK MP Tulip Siddiq, former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, and others as 'fabricated and unjust.' In a letter to Bangladesh’s ambassador in London, they claimed Siddiq was denied basic legal rights and that the proceedings were politically orchestrated. The Guardian reported that Siddiq’s appointed lawyer was placed under house arrest and her daughter threatened. The case, involving alleged illegal plot allocation in Purbachal, was filed after Hasina’s ouster in August. Siddiq, who denies the allegations, resigned from her ministerial post in January amid criticism in the UK. The lawyers argued that extraditing a sitting British MP without solid evidence would be ethically questionable and that Siddiq deserves fair legal representation.

Samatali Haque, daughter of Bangladeshi poet and intellectual Farhad Mazhar, has been appointed to the transition team of New York’s newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani. Haque, a professor at the City University of New York and a human rights activist, previously worked as a labor attorney before entering academia. She actively participated in Mamdani’s mayoral campaign and is known to have a close professional relationship with him. Born to Farhad Mazhar’s first wife, Haque is married to a Puerto Rican and resides in New York with their two children. The transition team also includes eight other Bangladeshi-origin members, a development that has sparked pride and excitement within the Bangladeshi community in the United States. Mamdani, a Muslim and Democratic Socialist, is set to be sworn in as mayor of New York City on January 1, marking a historic moment for Muslim representation in major Western cities.

In Rangpur-3 constituency, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is facing internal divisions as two rebel candidates, Advocate Mahfuz-un-Nabi Don and Rita Rahman, continue their election campaigns despite the party’s official nomination of Shamsuzzaman Shamu. The discord has created an awkward situation for the BNP nominee and confused grassroots supporters, with factions forming around the rival candidates. Taking advantage of the split, Jamaat-e-Islami’s candidate, Professor Mahbubar Rahman Belal, has gained a stronger foothold in the constituency. While other parties such as the National People's Party (NCP) and Islami Andolon have yet to finalize their candidate lists, BNP, Jamaat, and Islami Andolon have each announced single candidates for all Rangpur seats. Both Don and Rahman claim long-standing loyalty and sacrifices for the party, while Shamu insists there is no division within BNP and that internal competition is part of democratic practice.

Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque has called for the cancellation of the container terminal lease agreement at Chattogram Port, alleging the deal was made secretly with foreign entities and without public consent. Speaking at a discussion organized by his party at the National Press Club in Dhaka, Haque accused the government of acting without a mandate and compared the move to previous controversial agreements such as the one with India’s Adani Group. He argued that the deal compromises Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty, and national security, as it was signed without consultation or transparency. Other political leaders from parties including Gono Forum, BSD, LDP, and Ganosanghati Andolon also criticized the government’s handling of the port agreement, urging greater accountability and public disclosure. The speakers collectively demanded that the government revoke the contract to protect national interests.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed deep concern over the massive fire that broke out at the Korail slum in Dhaka’s Mohakhali area on Tuesday evening. In a statement signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Rahman conveyed his sympathy to the affected families and expressed hope that they would endure this difficult time with patience. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the fire service in controlling the blaze and noted that the extent of the damage was still unclear, though many homes were reported destroyed. Rahman also expressed solidarity with the fire service personnel and local residents for their tireless efforts to extinguish the fire, saying their dedication had inspired the nation. He prayed for the safety of all residents and hoped that the fire would be brought under control soon without any loss of life.

Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has expressed deep concern and sympathy following a devastating fire that swept through Dhaka’s Korail slum, destroying numerous homes and leaving many families homeless. In a statement issued on Tuesday night, he wished a speedy recovery for the injured and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the affected families. Dr. Yunus emphasized that the suffering of those who lost their homes is a collective sorrow for the nation. He assured that the government will provide all necessary assistance for the rehabilitation of the victims. The Chief Adviser also directed authorities to intensify rescue and relief operations immediately and to investigate the cause of the fire to prevent similar incidents in the future. The fire has caused extensive damage, with emergency services working to support displaced residents and assess losses.

Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Lotay Tshering Tobgay have sent gifts and well-wishes to Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, wishing her a speedy recovery. The gifts were received on Tuesday, November 25, by BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan on behalf of Khaleda Zia. The gesture comes after the former Bangladeshi prime minister was admitted to a hospital on Sunday, November 23, where she has been under close medical supervision by a team of specialists. The Bhutanese leaders’ message of goodwill highlights the cordial relations between Bhutan and Bangladesh and reflects regional concern for Khaleda Zia’s health condition, which has drawn significant public attention in Bangladesh.

Islamic scholars and leaders in Manikganj have claimed that certain groups are deliberately trying to destabilize the country ahead of the upcoming elections by creating unrest over the arrest of Baul singer Abul Sarkar. At a press conference on Tuesday, they alleged that political forces are using the issue to heat up the political field, while some quarters are pressuring for Sarkar’s release despite his alleged blasphemous remarks about Allah during a folk performance. Hefazat-e-Islam leaders expressed concern that such pressure could lead to his release on bail, which they believe would undermine Islamic and social values. They also accused Sarkar’s followers of provoking clashes during a recent peaceful rally by Tawhidi Janata. The clerics warned that if religious leaders are harassed or if the case against them continues, they will announce tougher programs after consultation with senior scholars.

Bangladesh’s President has issued the 'Referendum Ordinance, 2025' following approval from the Advisory Council, with the official gazette published by the Ministry of Law’s Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division on November 25. The ordinance outlines that citizens will vote 'yes' or 'no' on whether they support the implementation of the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Order, 2025, and its related proposals. Key reforms include establishing a bicameral parliament, forming a 100-member upper house based on proportional votes, and requiring its majority approval for constitutional amendments. The charter also proposes increasing women’s representation, appointing the deputy speaker and committee chairs from the opposition, ensuring judicial independence, and defining the powers of the prime minister and president. Political parties winning the next national election will be obligated to implement these reforms. The referendum will be held at the same polling centers as the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has issued a show-cause notice to its central executive member and Chattogram-15 (Satkania–Lohagara) candidate, Shahjahan Chowdhury, for making controversial remarks about the administration and law enforcement ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The notice, published on Jamaat’s verified Facebook page on November 25, gives him seven days to explain his comments. During a party conference in Chattogram on November 22, Shahjahan allegedly urged supporters to bring local administrative officials under their influence and direct police actions in their favor. His statements, which also called on teachers to campaign for the party’s election symbol, sparked widespread criticism across the country. In response to the backlash, Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General and Chattogram Zone Chief Muhammad Shahjahan clarified that the party does not endorse Shahjahan Chowdhury’s remarks.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury announced that the party’s future budget will prioritize education and health as key investment sectors. Speaking at a reception for SSC and HSC high achievers in Chattogram, he emphasized that education and healthcare are central to building a prosperous Bangladesh. Khasru highlighted that the BNP’s proposed budget will allocate the largest share of resources to these two sectors, alongside initiatives in environmental protection and other areas. He underscored the growing importance of education in shaping the nation’s political and social future and stressed the need for modern curricula that include technology, languages, and cultural activities. Khasru also pledged free primary healthcare and preventive medical services for all citizens, noting that good health is essential for intellectual development and national progress. The event was organized by Chattogram Metropolitan BNP and attended by several senior party leaders.

Saifullah Sani, the chief organizer of the National Youth Power (Jatiyo Juboshokti) in Bhola district, has resigned from his position citing ideological and religious conflicts within the organization. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Sani stated that despite serving the organization with honesty and dedication for six months, recent internal activities contradicted his personal ideals and Islamic values. He alleged that the party had supported a 'polytheist Baul artist' and tolerated actions disrespectful to Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which he found unacceptable as a Muslim. Emphasizing that his faith and religious principles outweigh any political ideology, Sani announced his immediate and voluntary resignation. He also declared that he would completely withdraw from all organizational activities henceforth.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed optimism that the upcoming national election in Bangladesh will be held peacefully around February 26 without any disruption. Speaking at a meeting with lawyers in Thakurgaon, he said the current law and order situation is stable and conducive to holding elections. Fakhrul emphasized moving beyond political vengeance to build a nation based on love and unity. He discussed the interim government’s initiative under Dr. Muhammad Yunus to restructure the state through six commissions, aiming for a democratic transition from authoritarianism. Fakhrul also supported proposals for a bicameral parliament to ensure checks and balances and limiting the prime minister’s tenure to two terms. Referring to Khaleda Zia’s message of forgiveness, he likened her stance to that of Nelson Mandela. Fakhrul called for embracing the younger generation to lead future national progress, expressing confidence that perseverance will ultimately bring political victory.

BNP’s Dhaka divisional organizing secretary and Gazipur-1 nomination aspirant Kazi Saiyedul Alam Babul stated that after 16 years of being deprived of voting rights, the people of Bangladesh are eager to cast their votes in a festive atmosphere. Speaking at a street rally in Konabari, Gazipur, after distributing leaflets outlining BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s 31-point reform plan, Babul claimed that the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarian government has opened the door for democratic restoration. He accused Awami League loyalists of attempting to create instability and obstruct the election but warned that citizens would resist any such efforts. Babul emphasized that implementing the 31 points would restore fundamental rights and peace in the country. He urged voters to support BNP’s symbol, the paddy sheaf, for the leadership of Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman. The event was attended by several local BNP and affiliated organization leaders.

Sharmin S Murshid, adviser to the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, emphasized the need to establish a compassionate and inclusive society where the elderly and women receive due respect and care. Speaking on November 25 at a program in Ikarchali Union under the national social safety net initiative, she highlighted the importance of ensuring that state resources are used effectively for public welfare. Murshid acknowledged the financial struggles of elderly allowance recipients and pledged to review the adequacy of the support. She also criticized the large-scale capital flight from the country, noting that such economic mismanagement contributes to poverty and hardship. The event was attended by local government officials including Rangpur’s Deputy Director of Local Government, Zilufa Sultana, and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Rubel Rana.