Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed deep frustration and anger over the government’s final approval of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Ordinance 2025, which omitted several strategic reform recommendations. In a statement released on Friday, TIB questioned whether the government’s pledge for state reform holds any real meaning or is merely rhetoric. The organization criticized the exclusion of proposals to establish an ACC Reform Commission and a Selection and Review Committee, arguing that this move undermines institutional independence, transparency, and accountability. TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman described the decision as contradictory to the government’s own reform commitments. He claimed that at least seven advisers opposed the proposals despite earlier political consensus. TIB alleged that influential anti-reform elements within the government are obstructing genuine reform efforts, thereby weakening anti-corruption mechanisms. While acknowledging some improvements in the draft ordinance, TIB warned that the omission of key provisions raises serious concerns about the government’s sincerity in combating corruption.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has urged party supporters and well-wishers not to visit the hospital where party chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia is currently receiving treatment. Speaking at an emergency press briefing on Saturday, Rizvi explained that the increasing number of visitors was causing inconvenience to other patients and disrupting Khaleda Zia’s medical care. He requested everyone to pray for her recovery from their own locations instead of gathering at the hospital. Rizvi added that both Khaleda Zia’s family and the BNP leadership had issued similar instructions. Khaleda Zia, who has been suffering from multiple health complications, was admitted to the hospital on November 23 with lung infection and heart issues. She remains under close observation in the CCU under a medical board comprising local and foreign specialists.

Bangladeshi writer and online activist Faham Abdus Salam has expressed deep respect and affection for former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in a Facebook post. He described Khaleda Zia as the most remarkable person he has ever seen in Bangladesh, emphasizing her resilience and dedication to the nation. Faham noted that despite knowing the risks of imprisonment and death, Khaleda Zia returned from London to Bangladesh, choosing not to flee during political turmoil in 2008. He praised her for enduring immense pressure and remaining steadfast in her love for the country and its people. Faham also voiced concern over her deteriorating health and prayed for her recovery. He concluded by stating that Khaleda Zia is the only public figure in Bangladesh he has truly loved and admired throughout his life, declaring that “Khaleda Zia is Bangladesh.”

BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie has called for a united social movement to eradicate drug abuse from Lakshmipur and across Bangladesh. Speaking as chief guest at a scholarship award ceremony organized by Lakshmipur Ideal Foundation, Annie said that drug dealers are few in number but can be eliminated if society raises a collective voice against them. He emphasized that awareness and community participation are essential, as no elected representative can achieve a drug-free society alone. Addressing students, Annie encouraged them to pursue diverse careers such as doctors, engineers, teachers, and civil servants, urging them to think positively and set clear goals. The event also recognized 200 scholarship recipients out of 1,500 participants, with top students receiving laptops and awards. The program was attended by local educators and BNP leaders.

Leaders of Hefazat-e-Islam have called on BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and poet-thinker Farhad Mazhar to publicly apologize for their perceived support of Bauls amid ongoing tensions over religious and cultural issues. Speaking at a protest rally near Baitul Mukarram Mosque in Dhaka, Hefazat leaders warned that if the government does not change its position on the Baul issue, they will launch a larger nationwide movement. Dhaka city Amir Junaid Al Habib criticized both Fakhrul and Mazhar, demanding legal action or even arrest if they refuse to apologize. Other Hefazat leaders accused Baul supporters of undermining Islamic identity and cautioned that those prioritizing Bengali ethnicity over Muslim identity would face political resistance. The rally also demanded the withdrawal of cases against anti-Baul protesters and the arrest of accused Bauls, threatening mosque-based protests if their demands are ignored.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has elected a new prime minister for the first time in 24 years, ending the long rule of Ralph Gonsalves. Godwin Friday, leader of the New Democratic Party, secured a landslide victory by winning 14 of 15 parliamentary seats, defeating Gonsalves’ Unity Labour Party, which managed to retain only one seat. Friday, a 66-year-old historian, campaigned on promises to reduce living costs, provide financial aid to new mothers, create jobs for the unemployed, and support small businesses in the tourism-dependent island nation of about 100,000 people. He was sworn in on November 29. The election took place amid growing U.S. military activity in the Caribbean, officially aimed at combating drug trafficking but viewed by Venezuela as an attempt to undermine President Nicolás Maduro, a close ally of Gonsalves. Friday urged citizens to work together to build a more prosperous future for the nation.

Bangladeshi filmmaker and cultural advisor Mostofa Sarwar Farooki stated on Friday that the prayers and well-wishes being expressed for former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia are not confined to any particular political group. Writing on his verified Facebook page, Farooki described Khaleda Zia as a unifying symbol for the nation, noting that such widespread compassion is a rare achievement for any individual. Khaleda Zia remains in critical condition in the CCU of a Dhaka hospital, suffering from pneumonia, respiratory distress, and long-term complications involving her kidneys, liver, arthritis, and diabetes. Interim government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has requested the nation to pray for her recovery and instructed officials to ensure proper medical care. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also described her condition as extremely grave, recalling her lifelong struggle for democracy and the hardships she endured during imprisonment and political persecution.

UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves is under intense political pressure after allegations that she exaggerated the country's fiscal deficit to justify a planned £30 billion tax increase. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) released details of its discussions with Reeves, revealing that Treasury officials had overstated the deficit in recent weeks to build support for higher taxes. OBR chief Richard Hughes stated that the government never faced a deficit exceeding £2.5 billion and that Reeves had been informed of a £4.2 billion surplus before her public statements suggesting worsening finances. The Treasury accused Hughes of breaching confidentiality by disclosing internal discussions, while Reeves claimed the OBR had not provided accurate data. The dispute has sparked a political storm, with opposition figures calling for Reeves’ resignation, accusing her of misleading the public for political gain. Hughes is set to appear before the Treasury Select Committee next week to explain the controversy, which has drawn comparisons to past fiscal clashes under Liz Truss’s government.

Recent developments surrounding former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s court verdict and the discovery of a large quantity of gold linked to her family have caused significant unease within Bangladesh’s ruling Awami League. Grassroots activists, already facing legal and political pressure, expressed frustration and demoralization over the controversies involving their leader. Analysts suggest that these incidents have exposed deep ethical and accountability issues within the party, undermining its moral authority. Transparency International Bangladesh’s executive director Iftekharuzzaman described the revelations as unsurprising but indicative of long-standing abuse of power and systemic corruption. The situation has reportedly intensified internal debates about leadership direction and the future of the party. Many leaders fear that the accumulation of scandals and lack of clear guidance from the top could further weaken the organization’s unity and credibility, especially as the opposition gains momentum in the political landscape.

The United Nations has called on the United States to maintain access to asylum and ensure due process for migrants after President Donald Trump announced plans to halt migration from so-called 'Third World' countries. The move follows a shooting near the White House that investigators say was carried out by an Afghan national who entered the U.S. in 2021. Speaking in Geneva, U.N. human rights spokesperson Jeremy Laurence emphasized that asylum seekers are entitled to protection under international law. U.N. refugee agency spokesperson Eujin Byun reiterated that individuals seeking protection must be allowed entry and fair asylum procedures, noting that most refugees are law-abiding members of their host communities. The U.N. appeal underscores growing concern over the potential human rights implications of Washington’s proposed migration freeze and its impact on global refugee protection standards.

Bangladesh’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin has indicated that the schedule for the 13th National Parliamentary Election is expected to be announced in the second week of December this year. Speaking to reporters after inspecting a mock voting exercise at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Government Girls’ High School in Dhaka, he said preparations are underway for a joint campaign by the government and the Election Commission to raise public awareness about voting. The CEC noted that law and order has improved compared to previous years, with police, Ansar, BGB, RAB, and the army actively maintaining security. He explained that the mock voting aims to familiarize citizens with the voting process and assess the time required for different ballot types, as many people have not witnessed voting procedures closely in the past 15 years.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam has described Begum Khaleda Zia as a unique inspiration in Bangladesh’s democratic movement. He highlighted her decades-long role in defending the nation’s independence, sovereignty, and democratic values despite continuous political persecution and false cases. Nahid Islam noted that Khaleda Zia’s unwavering courage and uncompromising stance have become a shining example in the country’s democratic history. Referring to her leadership during the 1990 mass uprising and anti-autocracy movements, he said her patriotism and determination have deeply influenced national life. Expressing concern over her current health condition, Nahid conveyed sympathy to her family and prayed for her full recovery. He emphasized that Khaleda Zia’s presence and political experience remain vital for Bangladesh during this critical phase of democratic transition.

Three senior leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) visited BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on Saturday morning to check on her health condition. The delegation, comprising Dr. Tasnim Jara, Nasiruddin Patwari, and Hasnat Abdullah, spoke with doctors about Khaleda Zia’s ongoing treatment. The former prime minister has been under intensive care since Thursday after being admitted to the hospital on November 23 due to a deterioration in her health. Several BNP leaders have also been visiting her regularly to monitor her condition. Legal adviser Asif Nazrul and special assistant Monir Haidar visited the hospital earlier following instructions from the party’s chief adviser. Khaleda Zia, who has long been suffering from multiple health complications, remains under close medical supervision.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh organized a mock voting exercise in Dhaka on Saturday to prepare for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and the national referendum, both scheduled to be held on the same day. The mock voting took place at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Government High School from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., allowing 510 registered male and female voters to participate. EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed stated that the exercise aimed to enhance efficiency and ensure smooth management of the actual election process. The simulation replicated real election conditions, including polling officers, agents, and voters, though the ballot papers contained no party names, candidates, or symbols. Separate polling booths were arranged for men and women, and law enforcement personnel were deployed for security. Participants described the experience as useful but noted that more publicity about the referendum was needed to raise awareness among voters.

Dr. Tasnim Jara, senior joint member secretary of the Nationalist Citizens’ Platform (NCP), has expressed deep concern over the critical health condition of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. In a Facebook post on Saturday, Dr. Jara urged everyone, regardless of political affiliation or ideology, to pray for Khaleda Zia’s recovery. She recalled meeting the BNP leader a week earlier, when Khaleda Zia advised her to stay in the country and work for its people—a message Dr. Jara described as profoundly meaningful given Zia’s lifelong dedication to Bangladesh. Highlighting Khaleda Zia’s endurance through years of suffering, humiliation, and political adversity, Dr. Jara praised her unwavering commitment to her beliefs and the nation. She concluded her message with prayers for divine mercy, healing, and peace for the ailing former leader.