Three students participating in a long march from Charfassion, Bhola, to Dhaka’s Setu Bhaban have fallen ill after swimming across the Padma River when denied permission to cross the Padma Bridge on foot. The march, which began on November 11 with 20 students, aims to press a five-point demand including the construction of the Bhola-Barishal Bridge, residential gas connections for all households in Bhola, establishment of gas-based industries, a public university, and sustainable embankments. As of Thursday evening, the marchers had covered nearly 300 kilometers and reached Abdullahpur in Munshiganj along the Dhaka-Mawa Expressway. The three ill students—Md. Noman Hawlader, Md. Tanjil, and Md. Mehedi—are receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. The remaining participants plan to continue to the National Press Club and later to Setu Bhaban to press their demands.

BNP central sports affairs secretary and Dhaka North convenor Aminul Haque cautioned that using religion as a political tool undermines faith and misleads the public. Speaking at a meeting in Dhaka’s Rupnagar on November 20, he said that trading religion for political gain risks destroying one’s faith. Aminul criticized those who engage in political propaganda in mosques and likened them to clandestine groups lacking real capacity. Citing the 1971 Liberation War, he warned that followers of the anti-liberation forces remain active and must be confronted. He also accused certain groups of trying to disrupt the upcoming national election by spreading misinformation and selling false promises of salvation. Aminul pledged that if the BNP wins, it will build a humane, prosperous, and democratic Bangladesh by strengthening education, healthcare, the judiciary, and the rule of law under Tarique Rahman’s leadership.

BNP’s acting chairman and chief patron of the 'Amra BNP Poribar' initiative, Tarique Rahman, has extended financial assistance to more than fifty underprivileged families. The aid was distributed on Thursday at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) Convention Hall in Dhaka’s Khamarbari area. The beneficiaries included families of martyrs and injured from the 24th uprising, as well as destitute and persecuted families. The event was organized by 'Amra BNP Poribar' and attended by senior BNP leaders, including Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi as the chief guest and convener Atikur Rahman Rummon as chair. Other notable attendees included BNP Joint Secretary General Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie, BNP Treasurer M Rashiduzzaman Millat, and several advisers and party members. The program was jointly conducted by agriculturist Moksedul Momin Mithun and journalist Zahidul Islam Rony.

In Cumilla, two separate groups of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) held peaceful rallies on Thursday evening despite earlier speculation about possible clashes. The events took place in adjacent locations at Kandirpar, where BNP Chairperson’s advisers Haji Aminur Rashid Yasin and Monirul Haque Chowdhury organized separate programs. Yasin’s supporters arranged a prayer gathering for Khaleda Zia’s recovery and Tarique Rahman’s well-being, while Chowdhury, the party’s nominated candidate for Cumilla-6, held an election rally. Authorities had earlier prohibited both groups from using the Town Hall ground due to security concerns and directed them to alternative venues. Additional police, army, RAB, and intelligence personnel were deployed to prevent unrest. The rallies concluded without any untoward incidents, reflecting effective coordination between the administration and law enforcement agencies.

Sujon, a rickshaw driver who gained public attention during the July uprising for saluting protesting students, has purchased a nomination form from the National Citizen Party (NCP) to contest the upcoming national parliamentary election from Dhaka-8 constituency. He collected the form on Thursday evening, accompanied by senior NCP leaders. Sujon expressed optimism about winning the election, citing his popularity and connection with ordinary people. He emphasized that his candidacy demonstrates equal political rights for all citizens, thanking the NCP for allowing him the opportunity. In the same constituency, BNP has nominated its standing committee member Mirza Abbas, Jamaat-e-Islami nominated Advocate Helal Uddin, and Sharif Osman Hadi from Inquilab Manch announced his independent candidacy. The contest in Dhaka-8 is expected to draw attention due to Sujon’s unique background and symbolic representation of grassroots participation in politics.

Bangladesh’s caretaker government has given final approval to establish a separate secretariat for the judiciary, a long-awaited step toward full judicial independence. The new body, to be known as the Supreme Court Secretariat, will operate under the High Court. Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul announced the decision at a press conference following an advisory council meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. The ‘Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance 2025’ is expected to be gazetted next week. This move fulfills a decades-long demand stemming from the landmark Masdar Hossain case, filed in 1995 by members of the BCS Judicial Association seeking separation of the judiciary from the executive. The Supreme Court’s 1999 verdict mandated the establishment of an independent judiciary, but full implementation had been pending for 26 years. Officials described the approval as the final step in ensuring judicial autonomy in Bangladesh.

Senior lawyer Shishir Monir, representing Jamaat-e-Islami in the recent appeal, stated that under the current caretaker government formation, the most recently retired Chief Justice would serve as the head of the interim administration. However, he noted that this provision is not presently in effect. Following the Supreme Court’s historic verdict delivered by a seven-member Appellate Division bench led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, Monir explained that the caretaker government system has been automatically reinstated in the constitution. He added that the upcoming 13th national election will be held under an interim government, while the caretaker system will take effect from the 14th parliamentary election onward. Monir also mentioned that the final structure of the caretaker government could change depending on the outcome of the July Charter referendum and subsequent constitutional reform sessions in the new parliament.

Mahmudur Rahman, editor of the newspaper *Amar Desh*, has called on Bangladesh’s post-election government to act in accordance with the aspirations of the July Revolution. Speaking at a seminar titled “Successes and Failures of Revolutions and Uprisings: From November 7 to August 5” at Rajshahi University, he emphasized that the revolution is ongoing and will continue until its goals are fully realized. Rahman stressed the importance of holding the 13th national parliamentary election on time, warning that any delay could create instability that external forces, particularly Delhi, might exploit. Expressing doubts about the possibility of a free and fair election, he blamed administrative and bureaucratic complications and the influence of ruling party allies. He also criticized the government for failing to conduct a cleansing campaign and for not embracing the revolutionary spirit. Rahman urged the July revolutionaries to remain united, asserting that their unity is essential to keeping Bangladesh on the right path.

At Jagannath University, the student wings of Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Adhikar Parishad have formed a joint panel named 'Oikyoboddho Nirvik Jobian' for the upcoming central student union (JnUCSU) election. The panel nominated AKM Rakib, president of the university’s Chhatra Adhikar unit, as vice president candidate. Central general secretary Nazmul Hasan of Chhatra Adhikar said Rakib’s inclusion aims to keep Chhatra Dal relevant on campus and ensure broader student benefit. Rakib emphasized that the alliance is electoral, not political, and pledged to work for student rights without external influence. He also criticized the administration for irregular teacher recruitment and delays in scholarship processes. Meanwhile, Jagannath University Chhatra Dal convener Mehedi Hasan Himel clarified that the coalition is inclusive and not based on political ideology, adding that Nazmul Hasan’s remarks reflect his personal opinion. The election alliance highlights both cooperation and underlying tension between the two student organizations.

The High Court of Bangladesh has ordered a halt to all activities related to the contract for the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at Chattogram Port until the ongoing case is resolved. The directive was issued verbally by a bench led by Justice Fatema Najib, with the state counsel assuring compliance with the order. The case stems from a writ petition filed by Mirza Walid Hossain, president of the Bangladesh Young Economists Forum, challenging the legality of handing over the management of the NCT to a foreign company. Earlier, on July 30, the High Court had issued a rule questioning the validity of the agreement between the Chattogram Port Authority and the foreign firm. The court’s latest instruction effectively freezes all contractual and operational activities tied to the terminal pending judicial review.

The United States has cleared a $93 million arms package for India, signalling a renewed push in defence cooperation despite earlier friction highlighted in “Exclusive: India pauses plans to buy US arms after Trump's tariffs.” The State Department approved the sale of FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile systems worth $45.7 million and 216 Excalibur tactical projectiles valued at $47.1 million. According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, India requested 100 Javelin missiles, a fly-to-buy missile, 25 command launch units, and the Excalibur rounds, which India already uses with its M-777 howitzers.

DSCA stated the sale will strengthen the India-US strategic relationship, enhance India’s ability to respond to current and emerging threats, and support stability across the Indo-Pacific and South Asia. Analysts note that the deal not only boosts India’s defence capabilities but also aligns with Washington’s regional strategic objectives.

The approval follows the US decision to expand supply of GE fighter jet engines for India’s Tejas programme, further deepening military-industrial cooperation. The prime contractors will be RTX Corporation for Excalibur rounds and a Lockheed Martin joint venture for the Javelin system.

Jamaat-e-Islami is reportedly planning significant changes to its candidate list for Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, signaling a possible seat-sharing arrangement with seven other Islamist-leaning parties. The coalition aims to present the election as participatory by coordinating nominations to maximize winning potential rather than focusing on equal seat distribution. Jamaat had earlier announced candidates for all 300 constituencies, but now intends to leave several seats for allies and influential figures, including former vice-chancellors, student leaders, and prominent Islamic scholars. Party sources suggest that popular preachers like Mizanur Rahman Azhari and Amir Hamza may receive nominations, though official confirmation remains pending. Jamaat leaders emphasize unity among Islamist groups and broader inclusion of professionals and community representatives under a single electoral platform. The move reflects a strategic shift from earlier positions and aims to strengthen the Islamist bloc’s parliamentary presence.

BNP central leader and former minister Advocate M Ruhul Kuddus Talukder Dulu stated that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) does not follow India’s directives in its political activities but works solely for the people of Bangladesh. Speaking at a public rally in Natore’s Kamar Diar area, Dulu emphasized that the people’s trust lies with the BNP and its election symbol, the sheaf of paddy. He criticized the ruling Awami League for what he described as a lack of development in Natore over the past 17 years and urged BNP activists to campaign door-to-door for votes. Earlier, at a meeting with retired bankers and workers, Dulu said the BNP had introduced the caretaker government system to ensure fair elections, which the Awami League later abolished. He welcomed a recent court ruling reinstating the caretaker system, calling it a victory for the people of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s Law Adviser Asif Nazrul announced that the government will finalize the referendum law within the next three to four working days. The Election Commission is currently awaiting the ordinance to proceed with preparations. The move follows Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus’s earlier declaration that a national referendum will be held on the same day as the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, scheduled for the first half of February. Yunus emphasized that the simultaneous referendum and election will not hinder ongoing reforms but will make the process more festive and cost-effective. The law is expected to provide the necessary legal framework for organizing the referendum alongside the general election, marking a significant step in Bangladesh’s political process under the interim administration.

Federal immigration enforcement operations have intensified in New York City as the Trump administration deploys additional ICE agents ahead of incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s January 1 swearing-in. Former border policy chief Tom Homan confirmed that agents are already conducting raids and warned that the administration will take a hard stance against the city’s sanctuary policies. The move follows the city council’s cancellation of an agreement granting ICE access to Rikers Island jail. Meanwhile, reports suggest the administration is considering opening a new immigrant detention center at a Coast Guard facility on Staten Island. New York Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the federal actions, warning they could harm the city’s economy and stability. Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, has pledged $165 million in legal aid for immigrants and initiated talks with the White House to address housing and federal assistance issues. ICE has also ramped up operations in North Carolina, where over 200 arrests were made last weekend, as nationwide deportations surpass 550,000 this year.