An Awami League leader, Tariq Rifat, aged 50, died from a heart attack while being transferred from Gaibandha District Jail to the hospital on Sunday, November 23. Jail Superintendent Anwar Hossain confirmed the death, stating that Rifat fell ill shortly after being brought to the jail and was immediately taken to Gaibandha General Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Rifat, son of former chairman Abu Taher Mia from Rajahar Union, was the finance secretary of the local Awami League and convener of the Upazila Awami Muktijoddha Projonmo League. He had been arrested on November 17 in connection with three explosive-related cases, including vandalism and arson at a Jamaat office. Due to health issues, he was treated at Rangpur Medical College Hospital before being sent to jail through court order. His medical certificate indicated pre-existing heart disease and other complications.

Bhutan’s Prime Minister Lotay Tshering held a courtesy meeting with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman in Dhaka on Sunday evening, November 23. The meeting took place at the InterContinental Hotel in Shahbagh, where both leaders discussed matters of mutual interest in a cordial atmosphere. Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, and Foreign Affairs Adviser Professor Dr. Mahmudul Hasan were also present during the meeting. The discussion was described as a courtesy call, coinciding with the Bhutanese leader’s official visit to Bangladesh. No official statement was released regarding the specific topics discussed, but the meeting drew attention due to the involvement of a political party not currently registered for elections. The event underscores ongoing diplomatic and political engagements between visiting foreign dignitaries and various political figures in Bangladesh.

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Dr. Mohammad Moinuddin Momen claimed that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina concealed information about her agricultural property in her 2008 election affidavit, showing only 5.2 acres while ACC investigations found 29 acres. Speaking at a public hearing in Sylhet, he said the commission could not cancel her nomination at that time despite the findings. Momen emphasized that candidates must declare both domestic and foreign assets, warning that failure to disclose unearned wealth would prompt ACC action. During the hearing, he ordered the immediate suspension of MAG Osmani Medical College librarian Shekhar Das over a bribery allegation involving BDT 200,000. Citizens raised 73 complaints against various government offices, including bribery at passport offices and irregularities in gas connections. The ACC chief admitted corruption within the commission itself and urged the media to expose corrupt officials, stressing the need to elect honest leaders to curb corruption.

In Cox’s Bazar’s Pekua upazila, thirty local leaders and activists of the ruling Awami League have joined the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The group, all previously holding ward and union-level positions under the Barabakia Union Awami League, formally switched allegiance on Saturday evening after a local BNP council session. They presented flowers to Upazila BNP General Secretary Iqbal Hossain to mark their entry. The new BNP members said they were inspired by the ideals and contributions of BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, whom they described as a leader of the region’s people. Local BNP leaders, including Iqbal Hossain and Master Yunus, welcomed the new members, saying the move was voluntary and motivated by political conviction. The event was attended by leaders from various BNP-affiliated organizations, including the youth, student, and farmers’ wings, reflecting growing political activity in the area ahead of the next national election.

Former Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General ATM Azharul Islam has alleged that Sheikh Hasina, whom he referred to as a 'convicted killer,' has fled to India and is attempting to carry out subversive activities against Bangladesh from there. Speaking at a meeting with businessmen in Taraganj, Rangpur, on Sunday evening, Azharul Islam claimed that India could never be a true friend of Bangladesh and might even attack the country. He further stated that Hasina had falsely implicated him in crimes against humanity to execute a political vendetta, but he was later acquitted. Urging citizens to remain vigilant against corruption and authoritarianism, he said Jamaat-e-Islami has always worked for public welfare and promised to use taxpayers’ money for the people’s benefit if elected. The event was organized by the Industrialist and Businessmen Welfare Foundation and attended by local Jamaat leaders and business representatives.

Students of Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, along with the university unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir, held a two-hour human chain on Sunday morning demanding the immediate start of the student union election and justice for those who obstructed the July uprising. The protest took place in front of the new administrative building. Student leaders alleged that a key file related to the student union election had gone missing from the University Grants Commission (UGC), accusing certain groups of attempting to delay the election until the national polls. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Jahangir Alam stated that the investigation report on the July incident would be presented at the syndicate meeting on November 27, after which necessary actions would follow. He also confirmed that the file was forwarded to higher authorities and updates would be available soon. The students agreed to suspend their protest until November 27, expecting weekly updates from the administration on election progress.

Information Advisor Mahfuz Alam has cautioned that suppressing diversity of thought and practice in society and the state could lead to the reestablishment of fascism and the failure of the July revolution. In a Facebook post on Sunday evening, Mahfuz expressed frustration over growing intolerance and violence, stating that those who respond to oppression and violence with new forms of the same are responsible for the resurgence of fascism. Although he did not mention any specific incident, his remarks came amid reports of an attack on followers of Baul artist Abul Sarkar in Manikganj earlier that day. Mahfuz urged an end to all forms of persecution against Sufi followers, fakirs, Bauls, and other dissenting groups, emphasizing compassion and justice as alternatives to oppression and violence.

Election campaigns in Bogura’s seven parliamentary constituencies have gained momentum, with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami emerging as the most active contenders. BNP leaders and activists, inspired by Begum Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman’s candidacies, are working tirelessly to secure victory in all seats. Jamaat, meanwhile, is optimistic about winning four constituencies, citing growing voter support, particularly from former Awami League supporters disillusioned by recent political violence and lawsuits. Following the political shift on August 5, thousands of Awami League activists reportedly faced cases and harassment, leading many to flee their homes. Jamaat leaders claim their non-retaliatory stance has boosted their popularity. BNP leaders, however, remain confident, calling Bogura their political stronghold and expecting sweeping victories. Other parties, including Nagorik Oikya, CPB, and Islami Andolon Bangladesh, have also entered the race, but the main contest is expected between BNP and Jamaat candidates across all seven seats.

Officers from the 26th to 31st batches of the Bangladesh Civil Service (General Education) cadre staged a human chain and sit-in on Sunday, November 23, in front of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education, demanding long-overdue promotions from assistant professor to associate professor. The protesters highlighted persistent discrimination and stagnation within the education cadre, claiming that despite being the largest cadre service in Bangladesh, many officers have been deprived of promotions for years. They noted that while other cadres have received promotions up to the 30th batch, education cadre officers from the 26th to 31st batches remain stuck in the same position, some for over a decade. The officers argued that granting these promotions would not impose any additional financial burden on the government, as most are already at the top salary grade. They urged the authorities to address the disparity and restore morale among educators through immediate administrative recognition of their seniority.

In Rajshahi, Bangladesh, internal divisions have intensified within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) as supporters of nomination-deprived leaders continue protests demanding candidate changes in three parliamentary constituencies—Rajshahi-1, Rajshahi-3, and Rajshahi-5. Demonstrations include road blockades, torch processions, and symbolic protests such as lying on roads wrapped in shrouds. The unrest has hindered campaign activities of BNP’s nominated candidates, prompting grassroots leaders to urge central intervention. In Rajshahi-1, followers of Advocate Sultanul Islam Tarek oppose the nomination of retired Major General Sharif Uddin, citing his lack of political experience. In Rajshahi-3, supporters of Rayhanul Haque and Nasir Hossain demand local candidates instead of “outsiders.” In Rajshahi-5, multiple nomination-deprived leaders have united against candidate Nazrul Islam Mondal, threatening to boycott campaign activities unless nominations are reconsidered. Central BNP leaders are reportedly struggling to reconcile factions and maintain unity ahead of the upcoming national election.

A prestige-driven conflict has emerged within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) over the nomination for the Chattogram-12 (Patiya) constituency ahead of the upcoming 13th national election. The party’s provisional nominee, Enamul Haque Enam, faces opposition from his former mentor, Chattogram South District BNP convener Idris Mia, who, along with four other aspirants, has formally appealed to acting BNP chairman Tarique Rahman to reconsider Enam’s nomination. Idris, who originally introduced Enam to politics after 2009, argues that Enam’s candidacy has created internal resentment and local backlash. Despite their past mentor-disciple relationship, Idris insists that changes in several constituencies, including Patiya, may still occur. Enam, however, maintains that anyone can seek nomination and that personal grievances should not override party unity. He emphasizes that all members must ultimately support whoever receives the final nomination. The dispute reflects deeper factional tensions within the BNP’s Chattogram South unit as it prepares for the national polls.

The Islamic University (IU) administration has formed a seven-member review committee to determine the level of punishment for teachers, students, and staff who opposed the July-August mass uprising. According to a notice signed by Acting Registrar Professor Dr. Manjurul Haque on November 23, the committee will also be able to receive new complaints and must submit its report within 15 working days. The committee is headed by Professor Dr. Parvez Azharul Haque from Rajshahi University’s Public Administration Department, who is also the joint general secretary of the Nationalist Teachers’ Forum. Other members include professors from various departments of IU and one from the University of Chittagong. Earlier, based on a previous committee’s report, IU temporarily suspended 30 teachers, officers, and employees, and expelled 33 student leaders involved in anti-uprising activities. The new committee was formed to review and finalize the punishments, with the vice-chancellor authorized to replace any member unwilling to serve.

Former State Minister for Home Affairs Sohel Taj has voiced strong criticism over reported changes in Bangladesh’s school textbooks that allegedly remove the historic March 7 speech of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and include references to the July coup. In a Facebook post on November 23, he warned that depriving the younger generation of the right to know authentic history would endanger the nation’s future. Taj shared an image from an online news outlet highlighting the textbook revision and posted photos of George Orwell’s books 'Animal Farm' and '1984', encouraging readers to study them as lessons on truth, power, and historical manipulation. He emphasized that when those in power distort or conceal history, it misleads the youth and perpetuates corruption and disorder. His remarks come amid ongoing debates about curriculum changes and the representation of Bangladesh’s liberation history in education.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has called upon Islamic scholars, imams, and religious leaders across Bangladesh to offer their prayers and support for the party in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. Speaking virtually from London at the ‘National Imam–Khatib Conference 2025’ held in Dhaka’s Agargaon, Rahman emphasized that BNP’s governance philosophy would be based on justice and fairness inspired by the ideals of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He pledged that if BNP assumes power, the party would introduce honorariums for imams and muezzins and address their legitimate demands. Rahman also urged religious leaders to remain vigilant against divisive interpretations of Islam that could cause social unrest. The event was attended by top Islamic scholars and leaders from various political and religious organizations, including Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolon Bangladesh, highlighting BNP’s efforts to strengthen ties with religious communities ahead of the election.

Religious adviser Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain has warned that separating religion from politics could result in a return to barbarism similar to that of Genghis Khan. Speaking as the chief guest at an Imam-Khatib conference organized by the Shane Sahaba National Khatib Foundation in Cumilla Town Hall on Sunday, he emphasized that religion is essential for maintaining moral and social order. Dr. Hossain stated that without religious values, neither the state nor society can sustain itself, and that religion should inspire all aspects of governance, diplomacy, and social management. He urged responsible authorities to include imams, muezzins, khatibs, and mosque caretakers under the national pay scale with fair salaries and festival allowances. Other speakers at the event included the foundation’s chairman Sheikh Mufti Shamim Majumdar, secretary general Mufti Sharif Ullah Tareki, and Islamic Foundation deputy director Ashekur Rahman.