BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that the elected parliament will address and resolve the country’s unresolved issues through democratic discussions. Speaking at a seminar titled “National Election 2026: The Need for National Unity” in Dhaka, he emphasized the importance of democratic practice and expressed optimism about the nation’s political future. Fakhrul urged for the swift establishment of an elected government through the upcoming 2026 election. He also paid tribute to those who died in the July uprising, saying their sacrifice paved the way for institutionalizing democracy. Commenting on Interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’s recent address, Fakhrul said it was broadly acceptable though open to differing opinions. Other political figures at the event expressed varied views on democracy, national sovereignty, and regional influence.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has criticized the four questions set for the upcoming referendum, calling them coercive and imposed on the public. Speaking in Dhaka’s Gulshan after Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s national address on Thursday, Salahuddin claimed that the proposed Constitutional Reform Council was never discussed in the National Consensus Commission. He questioned the legal validity of the President’s Order and alleged inconsistencies between the July Charter and the Constitution Implementation Order. Salahuddin further accused the Chief Adviser of violating his own signature on the July Charter and warned that the imposed reform ideas could create national division. He also argued that the interim government and the National Consensus Commission have deepened the political crisis rather than resolving it.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has extended the deadline for collecting nomination forms for its aspiring candidates until November 20. Previously, the last date for form collection was set for November 13, following the start of sales on November 6. The extension was announced via the party’s official Facebook page late on November 13. According to the updated schedule, candidates can apply both online and offline. Online applications can be submitted through the website nomination.ncpbd.org, while offline forms can be collected from the NCP central office or through regional organizers and divisional secretaries. The extension aims to accommodate more applicants and ensure a smooth nomination process ahead of upcoming political activities.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus announced that a national referendum will be held on the same day as the upcoming 13th parliamentary election. Voters will cast a single ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote on a question covering four key reform issues under the July National Charter. If the majority votes ‘yes,’ a Constitutional Reform Council will be formed with elected representatives who will also serve as members of parliament. The council will have 180 working days to complete constitutional amendments, after which a 100-member upper house will be established proportionally based on election results. The reforms include introducing a bicameral legislature, limiting the prime minister’s term, expanding women’s representation, strengthening the presidency, and ensuring judicial independence. The July Charter will also be incorporated into the constitution as part of the reform process.

BNP Standing Committee member Professor Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain stated that during Bangladesh’s Liberation War, while many surrendered or fled across the border, Ziaur Rahman did not. Instead, he declared independence and fought with arms. Speaking at a meeting in Dinajpur Sadar-3 constituency regarding Khaleda Zia’s nomination, Zahid highlighted Zia’s contributions to restoring multiparty democracy and promoting economic progress. He emphasized Zia’s vision of ‘Bangladeshi nationalism’ that united people beyond religious divisions. Warning against divisive politics, Zahid urged equitable distribution of development benefits and assured that BNP would not abandon the people if given the chance to govern. The meeting, chaired by district BNP president Mofazzal Hossain Dulal, also assigned Zahid to monitor Khaleda Zia’s campaign activities in the constituency.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin has cautioned that the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election in Bangladesh could face credibility issues if political parties do not cooperate with the Election Commission (EC). Speaking at a dialogue with 12 registered political parties, he emphasized the EC’s role as a neutral referee and urged all parties to assist in ensuring a fair and acceptable election. The CEC also highlighted challenges such as overseas voting, voting arrangements for officials, and the misuse of social media. He warned of strict enforcement of the electoral code of conduct, particularly regarding the ban on posters. Party leaders raised concerns over financial barriers, the limited scope of the ‘no vote’ option, and security issues, while some suggested reforms to make the process more inclusive and transparent.

The Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) has expressed support for the chief adviser’s recent address, calling it a relatively acceptable solution in the greater interest of the nation. In a statement issued by Chairman Mojibur Rahman and General Secretary Asaduzzaman Fuad, the party said that despite some differences over specific directives, it welcomes the government’s final decisions. These include holding the national election and referendum on the same day, determining upper house seats through proportional representation, and incorporating both agreement and dissent in the referendum ballot. The AB Party emphasized that after extensive debate among political parties, a decisive government resolution was necessary. It urged all political parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, to avoid division and participate in a free, fair, and festive election to ensure democratic stability in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expressed satisfaction over the Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s reaffirmation that the national parliamentary elections will be held in the first half of February, along with a referendum on the same day. The BNP’s National Standing Committee, chaired virtually by acting chairman Tarique Rahman from London, conveyed its gratitude during a meeting at the party’s Gulshan office. Following the meeting, Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the party’s appreciation at a press conference. The BNP also urged the interim government and the Election Commission to hold the referendum on the July National Charter and to ensure timely parliamentary elections. Senior BNP leaders including Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Goyeshwar Chandra Roy, and others attended the meeting.

The Bangladeshi government has issued the 'July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order, 2025', setting the referendum on the same day as the upcoming 13th parliamentary election, scheduled for the first half of February. The referendum will ask voters a single question covering four key reform issues, including the creation of a bicameral parliament with a 100-member upper house based on proportional representation. The reforms also propose limiting the prime minister’s tenure, expanding presidential powers, increasing women’s representation, and strengthening judicial independence. Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus announced the decision, emphasizing efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Analysts, however, warned that combining four complex issues into one question could confuse voters and limit their ability to express nuanced opinions. The order follows months of political debate and aims to implement the July Charter, which was signed by major political parties after extensive negotiations.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish chief Maulana Mamunul Haque has warned that the interim government’s decision to hold the national election and referendum simultaneously could undermine the constitutional recognition of the July uprising. In a statement issued Thursday, he said combining the two events and including multiple questions in the referendum would confuse voters and compromise its transparency and credibility. Haque argued that holding a party-based election alongside the referendum would divert public attention from crucial issues. He further cautioned that if the government, which came to power through the July uprising, fails to implement the July Charter and ensure an independent referendum, it would be a regrettable step that jeopardizes the ideals and legitimacy of the uprising. He added that the party and the eight-party alliance would soon meet to discuss a detailed response.

Former Moulvibazar-3 MP Zillur Rahman, currently residing in the United States, has been accused of sharing fake and provocative videos on Facebook to create instability in Bangladesh. On November 12, he posted several videos and photos claiming protests and lockdown support activities in Moulvibazar, including road blockades and student demonstrations. However, local authorities confirmed the footage was fabricated, with one video traced to Magura. Following the posts, law enforcement—including police, RAB, and army—was deployed to maintain order. Two cases have been filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act in Sadar and Juri upazilas for spreading misinformation and financing related activities. Police have intensified patrols and surveillance to prevent unrest, emphasizing that strict action will be taken against those responsible for incitement and rumor-mongering.

Bihar, India’s youngest and poorest state, is witnessing a surge of Gen Z anger that could significantly influence its two-phase state election. Many young voters, burdened by unemployment, corruption, and failing education systems, feel let down by successive governments. Their frustration intensified after a leaked government job exam dashed the hopes of aspirants like Ajay Kumar, triggering months-long student protests.

Government data reveal that 40% of Bihar’s population is under 18, and nearly a quarter is between 18 and 29, yet the state ranks lowest on key human development indicators. Urban youth unemployment stands at 22%, far above the national average. Many young Biharis migrate for education and work, often facing discrimination in other states.

This election pits the National Democratic Alliance—led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar—against a younger opposition leadership headed by 36-year-old Tejashwi Yadav. While the NDA promises 10 million jobs, the opposition pledges one government job per family within 20 days of taking power.

Political observers believe the results will indicate whether Bihar’s youth still trust Modi’s leadership or whether a generational shift will propel younger opposition leaders into power. Results are set to be announced on November 14.

Jagannath University authorities have suspended all social, cultural, and welfare activities on campus to maintain discipline and a fair environment ahead of the upcoming Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) and hall student council elections. The decision, announced through a notice signed by Acting Registrar Professor Sheikh Gias Uddin, will remain effective from the day before nomination paper distribution until the announcement of election results. According to the election code of conduct, no external individuals or organizations are allowed to participate in campaign activities. However, former students may join campaign efforts with special identity cards approved by the returning officer. Each full panel may have up to 50 authorized campaigners, while partial panels and independent candidates are allowed two each.

A political controversy has emerged in Bhola’s Borhanuddin upazila after reports that 30 leaders and activists of Jamaat-e-Islami joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) at a large rally on Thursday. The event, attended by thousands of BNP supporters, saw the alleged Jamaat members present flowers to former MP and BNP candidate Hafiz Ibrahim. However, the local Jamaat leadership denied the claim through a press release, stating that those individuals were not part of their organization and that the position of 'joint secretary' mentioned does not exist in their structure. BNP leaders, on the other hand, insisted the defection was genuine and visible to all. The conflicting statements have sparked mixed reactions locally, with discussions intensifying as the national election approaches.

At a discussion event organized by the Dinajpur district unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) ahead of the upcoming 13th national election, the most prominent seat on stage was deliberately left empty in honor of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The event, held at Paradise Community Center in Dinajpur suburb, featured senior BNP leaders including Professor Dr. Zahid Hossain and Advocate Mofazzal Hossain Dulal. The central seat bore a nameplate for Khaleda Zia, symbolizing respect for her leadership and lifelong dedication to democracy despite her illness and absence. Local BNP leaders stated that the gesture represented the deep admiration and emotional connection party members and Dinajpur residents feel toward her. Attendees expressed appreciation for the symbolic tribute, which became a focal point of the gathering.