Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland (Shirley Botchwey) met with Bangladesh’s Chief Election Commissioner A M M Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Sunday, November 23. The meeting focused on preparations for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and a planned referendum. Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Hossain and a six-member Commonwealth delegation also attended the meeting. The Secretary-General arrived in Dhaka on Thursday for a five-day official visit, during which she is scheduled to hold discussions with key political and institutional stakeholders ahead of the February elections. The visit underscores the Commonwealth’s interest in supporting transparent and credible electoral processes in Bangladesh as the country gears up for a crucial national vote.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 of Bangladesh has appointed senior Supreme Court lawyer Z I Khan Panna as legal counsel for Sheikh Hasina in two cases involving enforced disappearances and torture, which are being treated as crimes against humanity. The appointment was made on Sunday, November 23, under the leadership of Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar. Earlier that morning, 13 army officers were presented before the tribunal in connection with the same cases, which name a total of 30 accused, including Hasina. Panna, known for his previous expressions of interest in representing Hasina, attended the tribunal session before his formal appointment. The cases relate to allegations of abduction and abuse during the Awami League government’s tenure, marking a significant legal development in Bangladesh’s ongoing accountability proceedings for alleged human rights violations.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has ordered the removal of judges’ photos and related comments circulating on social media following the verdict against Sheikh Hasina, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumdar, issued the directive to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and the Information Secretary. On November 13, the tribunal sentenced Hasina and Kamal to death and Al-Mamun to five years in prison for crimes against humanity committed between July and August. After the verdict, derogatory remarks and images of the judges spread online, prompting the tribunal to act on its own initiative. The court emphasized that freedom of expression must operate within the law and without defamation. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam and other prosecutors represented the state, while defense lawyers and journalists were also present during the proceedings.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has expressed concern that a level playing field is absent ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming national election. Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka on November 23, he alleged that misuse of administration, influence of money, and muscle power continue to dominate the country’s electoral culture. Islam criticized the Election Commission, government, and administration for failing to ensure neutrality and fairness, claiming that some political groups are openly discussing control over administrative mechanisms. Referring to ongoing political negotiations surrounding the so-called ‘July Charter,’ he warned that the election could become a staged or compromised process, harming democracy. Despite these concerns, Islam reaffirmed NCP’s commitment to participate in the election and called for public trust and support, emphasizing that the party’s progress depends on people’s confidence and cooperation.

Rashed Khan, General Secretary of the Gono Odhikar Parishad, has criticized former student leaders who once advocated for nonpartisan or restricted student politics at Dhaka University but are now actively participating in election campaigns for political parties. In a Facebook post, he alleged that those who once sought to ban student politics did so to weaken independent student organizations. Khan expressed surprise that even elected student union leaders, who had pledged to remain free from party influence, are now campaigning under party symbols. He further claimed that the Chhatra Adhikar Parishad, his organization, practiced the least partisan politics but faced obstacles due to its independent stance. Khan reiterated his call for clean and nonpartisan student politics, arguing that student representatives tied to political parties cannot bring meaningful change to university politics or effectively uphold students’ rights.

Former US President Donald Trump has claimed that he prevented five out of eight potential wars by threatening to impose tariffs on other countries. Posting on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said that the United States has earned 'trillions and trillions of dollars' through tariffs and foreign investments, which he described as beneficial to the American economy. He also took aim at his successor, Joe Biden, asserting that inflation is now nearly nonexistent compared to what he called the 'worst in US history' under Biden’s leadership. Trump further boasted that the stock market reached record highs 48 times in just nine months. He added that figures like Leonard Leo, the Koch network, and foreign nations that once used tariffs to harm the US can no longer damage the country. His remarks come as part of his continued effort to highlight his economic and foreign policy record ahead of the upcoming election season.

Bhutanese Prime Minister Shering Tobgay, currently on a two-day official visit to Bangladesh, met with leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) on Sunday morning at the hotel where he is staying. The meeting was attended by NCP convener Nahid Islam and other senior party members, though details of their discussions were not disclosed. Tobgay arrived in Dhaka on Saturday morning for his state visit. Later that day, two memorandums of understanding were signed in the presence of Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus and Prime Minister Tobgay, focusing on cooperation in the health sector and enhancing internet connectivity between the two nations. The visit underscores the growing bilateral engagement between Bangladesh and Bhutan, particularly in areas of technology and public health.

Barrister Kaiser Kamal, Central BNP’s Legal Affairs Secretary, has constructed an 800-meter-long wooden bridge over the Someshwar River in Durgapur, Netrokona, to alleviate long-standing public suffering caused by the absence of a permanent crossing. The bridge, built at a cost of around 1.5 million taka from his personal funds, is suitable for rickshaws, vans, private cars, and motorcycles. The inauguration ceremony took place on Saturday, November 22, attended by local BNP leaders, students, and residents. A small toll will be collected from vehicles using the bridge, and Kamal announced that all proceeds will be used for the development of local mosques, temples, and educational institutions. Locals expressed relief and gratitude, noting that the bridge will significantly improve daily transportation and connectivity in the Shivganj-Durgapur area, which had long suffered from poor accessibility.

Jamaat-e-Islami central working committee member and former MP Shahjahan Chowdhury has called on party leaders to bring local administrative officials under their influence ahead of the upcoming elections. Speaking at a gathering of Jamaat’s election coordinators at the GEC Convention Center in Chattogram on November 22, he said that officials should act according to the party’s directives, including arrests and case filings. Chowdhury emphasized that this election is a rare opportunity for Jamaat and warned against corruption and foreign interference. He urged party members to engage teachers, police, and local officials in promoting Jamaat’s electoral symbol and activities. He also mentioned previous financial support provided to local areas and stressed the need to understand public demands to ensure electoral success. His remarks have drawn attention for suggesting administrative manipulation and political influence over state institutions.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has issued a show-cause notice to S.A. Siddiq Saju, the acting convener of the Darussalam Thana BNP and son of former Member of Parliament S.A. Khalek. The notice, signed by ABMA Razzak, joint convener of Dhaka North BNP, accuses Saju of engaging in activities contrary to the party’s policies and ideals, as well as disobeying organizational decisions. He has been asked to provide a written explanation within three days to the Dhaka North BNP office in Naya Paltan, explaining why disciplinary action should not be taken against him. The party described the matter as urgent, signaling internal tensions and efforts to enforce discipline within its ranks ahead of future political activities.

An investigative report by Bangladeshi newspaper Amar Desh claims that India’s external intelligence agency, RAW, launched a covert operation named 'Operation Delta Seven' to counter the July student-led uprising in Bangladesh. The report alleges that a secret squad, formed under this operation, was involved in violent crackdowns, including sniper attacks and sabotage across Dhaka. Evidence reportedly shows direct communication between the squad members and ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, with messages sent to her personal phone. Forensic analysis of devices belonging to former state minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak and student leader Tanvir Hasan Soikot allegedly confirmed links to the operation. Investigators, including ICT expert Tanvir Hasan Zoha, stated that digital communication data indicate RAW’s involvement in Bangladesh’s internal security matters. Security analyst Irfan Haider described the findings as proof of Indian interference in Bangladesh’s political affairs, asserting that Hasina’s long-standing ties with India facilitated her authoritarian rule. The investigation continues under joint local and international cyber intelligence scrutiny.

The new secondary-level textbooks for Bangladesh’s 2026 academic year include major revisions portraying the Awami League government’s alleged irregularities, corruption, and authoritarian practices. The chapter titled ‘Mass Uprisings in Independent Bangladesh’ in the Bangladesh and Global Studies book highlights the July 2024 student-led uprising, describing it as a response to long-standing political repression and flawed elections under Sheikh Hasina’s rule. The books also discuss the abolition of the caretaker government system in 2011, the controversial elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024, and the eventual fall of the Hasina administration. Additionally, the eighth-grade Bangla textbook has removed Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s historic March 7 speech. The revised curriculum covers key historical events such as the 1952 Language Movement, the 1971 Liberation War, and the 1990 student uprising. The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) confirmed that the changes aim to reflect political transitions, including the restoration of multiparty democracy under Ziaur Rahman and the democratic government led by Khaleda Zia.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has expressed deep concern over mild earthquakes felt in Dhaka and Ashulia on November 21 and 22. In a statement issued on Saturday, he urged citizens to remain patient during natural adversities and to place their trust in Allah. Dr. Rahman described the tremors as a divine warning, calling on people to seek divine help to stay safe from disasters. He also emphasized that the government has a responsibility to raise public awareness about disaster preparedness, identify risky buildings, and provide necessary training to minimize damage. His remarks came amid growing public anxiety following consecutive tremors in the capital region, though no major casualties were reported. The Jamaat leader’s message combined religious reflection with a call for practical disaster management measures to ensure public safety.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has declared that his party will not compromise with anyone in its political stance ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national election. Speaking to journalists in Chattogram, he criticized the interim government’s decision to hold the national election and a referendum on the same day, warning that such a move could lead to unrest or even genocide. Dr. Rahman stated that Jamaat will not form a conventional political alliance but will pursue electoral understandings with several parties and groups. Addressing a religious gathering later in the evening, he urged supporters to vote conscientiously, oppose corruption, and remain united under Islamic principles. He reiterated that Jamaat’s mission is to establish a corruption-free Bangladesh under divine guidance and that the party will not stop until that goal is achieved.

BNP Standing Committee member and former minister Dr. Abdul Moin Khan criticized the Awami League and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during an election rally in Kachua, Chandpur. Speaking as the chief guest, Moin Khan accused Hasina of fleeing the country after the August 5 student-people uprising, prioritizing her family’s safety over that of her party members. He questioned why the Awami League, which claims to represent the people, originally chose an Urdu name, and alleged that the party failed to protect even its own supporters. Moin Khan contrasted Hasina’s actions with those of late President Ziaur Rahman, whom he credited with declaring Bangladesh’s independence and fighting the Pakistani army in 1971. The rally, organized by the local BNP, also featured speeches by former state minister A.N.M. Ehsanul Haque Milan and other party leaders, urging voters to support the BNP candidate in the upcoming election.