Bangladesh’s National Security Advisor Dr. Khalilur Rahman stated that the country does not want any foreign interference in its internal affairs and reiterated its commitment to combating terrorism. He made the remarks at the Colombo Security Conclave held in New Delhi on November 20. Earlier, Dr. Rahman met with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and invited him to visit Bangladesh. This marks the second visit by a Bangladeshi advisor to India since the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus took office in August last year. The visit comes at a sensitive time, as former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity and is reportedly in India. The interim government has requested her extradition from New Delhi, sparking speculation about whether the issue was discussed during Rahman’s meetings with Indian officials.

President Donald Trump has signed a bipartisan bill directing the U.S. Department of Justice to release documents from its investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein within 30 days. The move marks a reversal from Trump’s earlier opposition, as he had warned that disclosing internal records could set a harmful precedent for the presidency. The legislation, which passed both chambers of Congress with broad support, allows the Justice Department to withhold sensitive information about victims and any material that could compromise ongoing investigations. Trump framed the decision as a step toward exposing alleged Democratic ties to Epstein, accusing his political rivals of using the scandal to distract from his administration’s achievements. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that the department will comply with the law while prioritizing transparency. The release is expected to reignite public scrutiny of Epstein’s connections with powerful figures, amid widespread suspicion that the government has concealed key details about his activities and death in custody in 2019.

Bangladesh’s Appellate Division has reinstated the caretaker government system by declaring the 13th constitutional amendment valid, overturning its previous ruling that had annulled the provision. The full bench of seven justices, led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, delivered the unanimous verdict on Thursday, November 20. The court observed that the earlier judgment abolishing the caretaker system was flawed and tainted by multiple errors. According to the ruling, the upcoming 13th parliamentary election will be held under the current interim government, while the restored caretaker government system will be implemented from the 14th parliamentary election onward. Following the verdict, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul stated on social media that the caretaker system will be reintroduced starting with the next parliament. The decision marks a significant constitutional shift, reviving the non-partisan caretaker model originally introduced through the 13th Amendment in 1996.

Bangladesh’s caretaker government system, once seen as a safeguard for fair elections, was abolished following a series of political and legal developments. The system originated after political unrest in the 1990s, when opposition parties demanded neutral oversight of elections. It was formally introduced through the 13th Amendment in 1996, enabling non-partisan interim administrations to oversee elections in 1996 and 2001, both considered relatively fair. However, disputes over the appointment of the chief adviser in 2006 led to political deadlock and the rise of a military-backed caretaker administration, known as the 1/11 government. In 2011, the Supreme Court declared the 13th Amendment unconstitutional, calling the caretaker system undemocratic and inconsistent with the constitution’s basic structure. The 15th Amendment later permanently abolished it. Since then, elections under ruling parties in 2014, 2018, and 2024 have faced widespread criticism from opposition groups and international observers over transparency and credibility concerns.

A 36-hour hartal is underway in Rangamati district protesting alleged quota discrimination in the recruitment of government assistant primary teachers under the Hill District Council. The strike, called by Rangamati Conscious Citizens’ Unity, Anti-Quota Alliance, and local students and residents, began at 6 a.m. Thursday and will continue until 6 p.m. Friday. Due to the hartal, all shops, businesses, and transport services in the district have come to a halt, with no vehicles entering or leaving the town by road or river. Protesters have been seen picketing at key points, while law enforcement agencies have taken strong positions to maintain order. The protest follows controversy over the recently announced recruitment process, with written exams scheduled for November 21. Demonstrators are demanding an end to quota-based discrimination and have vowed to resist the upcoming exam if their demands are not met.

U.S. President Donald Trump verbally attacked ABC News journalist Mary Bruce on Tuesday after she questioned Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about the 2018 killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. Trump criticized Bruce for making their guest 'uncomfortable' and called her question 'terrible' and 'arrogant.' He further disparaged both Bruce and ABC News, suggesting the network’s broadcast license should be revoked. Trump downplayed Khashoggi’s murder, saying such incidents 'sometimes happen,' while the crown prince has denied involvement. The National Press Club condemned Trump’s remarks, calling them a threat to press freedom. Trump has repeatedly clashed with journalists, often using harsh or sexist language, and recently threatened ABC’s license again after a defamation settlement. The confrontation occurred during the crown prince’s first U.S. visit since the Khashoggi killing, which drew global outrage.

As Bangladesh’s 13th national election approaches, the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has released a preliminary list of candidates for 236 constituencies, sparking internal disputes in several areas. The party leadership, led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, has begun meeting with nomination-deprived leaders in Dhaka to ease tensions and ensure unity behind the party’s symbol, the paddy sheaf. Some deprived aspirants have pledged loyalty while requesting reconsideration of candidate selections based on local popularity. Discontent has also arisen over the nomination of elderly candidates in multiple constituencies, with local leaders arguing that such figures lack the energy and connection to appeal to younger voters, who now form a significant portion of the electorate. In response, BNP’s high command is reviewing appeals and may revise nominations in certain seats to reflect grassroots sentiment and strengthen electoral prospects. The party aims to maintain cohesion and avoid public discord ahead of the crucial polls.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Sajjat Ali stated that existing police laws authorize officers to open fire on individuals attempting to hurl explosives or set vehicles ablaze. Speaking at the inauguration of the DMP Cyber Support Center on Thursday, November 20, he emphasized that the new center will operate 24 hours a day to handle cybercrime complaints efficiently. Referring to a recent incident where a police officer was injured by a crude bomb near Pallabi Police Station, the commissioner warned that such attacks could demoralize law enforcement personnel. He urged citizens not to assault or mistreat police officers. Sheikh Sajjat Ali also reminded the public that if police fail to maintain order, people might again have to guard their homes as they did after August 5. His remarks come amid renewed political unrest and violent incidents in Dhaka.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, in a Facebook post marking his birthday, outlined five major commitments aimed at ensuring women’s safety and empowerment in Bangladesh. He emphasized that women must feel secure both online and offline to enable the country’s progress. The proposed priorities include establishing a National Online Safety System for reporting cyber abuse, creating protection protocols for women in public life, integrating digital safety education into schools and universities, strengthening community-level responses against harassment and violence, and launching a national initiative to increase women’s leadership participation. Rahman highlighted that the digital transformation of the world brings both opportunities and threats, urging collective efforts to build a safer and more inclusive future for women and the next generation. His message reflects a broader vision of equality, security, and empowerment as essential elements of Bangladesh’s development.

Nitish Kumar took oath as Bihar’s Chief Minister for the tenth time on Thursday at Gandhi Maidan in Patna. The ceremony was attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several BJP-led state leaders, and NDA allies including Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Kumar was unanimously chosen as the leader of the NDA legislative party in Bihar after a meeting of alliance legislators on Wednesday. Following his selection, he submitted his resignation from the outgoing government and staked claim to form a new one. Critics attribute his political longevity to his adaptability and strategic alliance-building. Currently, Kumar ranks as India’s eighth longest-serving Chief Minister, and if he completes this term, he could surpass Sikkim’s former leader Pawan Kumar Chamling’s record of 24 years in office.

The Ministry of Public Administration in Bangladesh has dismissed three trainee executive magistrates who were undergoing basic training. According to an official notification signed by Senior Secretary Ehsanul Haque on November 29, the dismissed officers are Kazi Arifur Rahman from Faridpur, Anup Kumar Biswas from Bogura, and Nabamita Sarkar from Pirojpur. All three were assistant commissioners from the 43rd BCS administration cadre. The ministry cited Rule 6(2)(a) of the Bangladesh Civil Service Recruitment Rules, 1981, as the legal basis for the decision. The rule allows the government to terminate a probationary officer’s appointment without consulting the Public Service Commission if deemed unsuitable for continued service. However, the notification did not specify the reasons behind their dismissal. The decision underscores the ministry’s authority to enforce disciplinary measures during the probationary period of civil service officers.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that the Supreme Court’s verdict reinstating the caretaker government system will mark a new chapter in Bangladesh’s political landscape and vindicate the BNP’s long-standing movement. Speaking to reporters after attending a free medical and health service program at Dhaka University, he stated that the absence of a caretaker government had forced people to make sacrifices, and its return would pave the way for fair elections. He emphasized that credible elections had previously been held under caretaker administrations and that the system is essential for democracy. Earlier in the day, a seven-member Appellate Division bench led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed declared the 13th Amendment valid, thereby restoring the caretaker government system. The verdict is expected to have significant implications for the country’s upcoming elections and political stability.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is preparing a surprising candidate list for the upcoming elections, aiming to include a diverse range of individuals such as women, non-Muslims, tribal representatives, freedom fighters, and student leaders. Reliable sources indicate that the party’s election team is finalizing the list with a focus on inclusivity and winnability. Jamaat’s Secretary General, Mia Golam Porwar, previously stated that the party is willing to compromise on seat distribution to unite Islamist factions under one umbrella. However, the eight-party alliance has now agreed to nominate candidates based on their chances of victory rather than seat quotas. The party may also nominate several former vice-chancellors and student leaders who were active in the July movement. Jamaat’s recent community outreach, including protection of temples and ensuring safety during religious events, has reportedly increased its popularity among non-Muslim communities, prompting consideration of non-Muslim and tribal candidates for the first time.

Rashed Khan, General Secretary of Ganadhikar Parishad, stated that his party had earlier submitted a memorandum to the Chief Election Commissioner, other commissioners, and the Election Commission secretary, requesting that the Jatiya Party (Japa) and the 14-Party Alliance not be invited to the EC’s dialogue with political parties. In a Facebook post on Thursday, November 20, he said that although the EC’s dialogue with political parties had concluded, no other party except Ganadhikar Parishad had taken an active stance against inviting Japa and the 14-Party Alliance. Khan reiterated that inviting those groups would have been a betrayal of the people’s movement against fascism and urged the EC to act as a force supporting the uprising. He claimed that the decision to exclude Japa and the 14-Party Alliance reflected Ganadhikar Parishad’s firm position and pressure on the Election Commission.

Bangladesh’s Attorney General, A.M. Asaduzzaman, stated that the reinstated caretaker government system will support the country’s democratic process following a landmark Supreme Court ruling. The Appellate Division, led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, declared the previous abolition of the caretaker system unconstitutional and restored it through the validation of the 13th Amendment. Asaduzzaman emphasized that future elections will be more transparent, ensuring no irregularities such as vote-rigging or fraudulent ballots. He noted that the full verdict will clarify who will lead the next caretaker administration and whether it will follow the previous model or the July Charter. The Attorney General also suggested that a new version of the constitution should be printed once the complete judgment is released. According to the ruling, the upcoming 13th national election will be held under an interim government, while the caretaker system will take effect from the 14th national election onward.