In the upcoming Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) election, the Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed panel, named 'Adommo Jobian Oikko', has announced a full 21-member lineup led by Riazul Islam and Abdul Alim Arif. The panel includes four female candidates: Sukhimon Khatun for Science and Technology Secretary, Nowshin Nawar Joya for International Affairs Secretary, and Shanta Akter and Fatema Akter Nowrin for Executive Member positions. Sukhimon, president of the Islami Chhatri Sangstha’s Jagannath University branch, emphasized her goal to work for female students’ welfare. Nowshin, known for her activism in campus reform movements, cited Shibir’s commitment to discipline and student welfare as her reason for joining. Shanta and Fatema expressed confidence that the Shibir panel values women’s participation and aims to ensure a safer campus environment. The panel’s leadership positions include Riazul Islam for Vice President and Abdul Alim Arif for General Secretary, among others.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has officially launched the 'Postal Vote BD' mobile application, allowing expatriate Bangladeshis to register and participate in national elections through a postal voting system. Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin inaugurated the app at the EC headquarters on November 18, describing it as a milestone in democratic inclusion. Registration through the app will begin on November 19 and continue in phases across different regions until December 23. Expatriates from East Asia, North America, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and Oceania will have specific five-day registration windows. The hybrid system combines online registration with manual voting to ensure transparency and accessibility. The EC acknowledged potential technical issues and sought user feedback for improvement. In addition to expatriates, government officials working outside their constituencies and voters under legal custody will also be eligible to vote via postal ballots. The initiative aims to strengthen democratic participation among Bangladeshis worldwide.

Two students were injured while attempting to swim across the Padma River after authorities denied them permission to walk over the Padma Bridge during a long march from Bhola to Dhaka. The march, now on its ninth day, began on November 11 with around 20 students demanding the construction of the Bhola-Barishal Bridge, residential gas connections, establishment of gas-based industries, a public university, and sustainable embankments. After walking about 260 kilometers, the participants reached the Jajira end of the Padma Bridge but were stopped from crossing on foot. As a result, some tried to swim the roughly six-kilometer stretch of the river, leading to two being hospitalized. Earlier, one other participant had also fallen ill. The marchers plan to continue to Dhaka’s Setu Bhaban to stage a sit-in protest, accusing authorities of ignoring their demands and criticizing the government for failing to address regional infrastructure needs.

An Awami League leader in Shariatpur’s Vedarganj upazila has been accused of threatening voters while campaigning for a BNP candidate. Md. Nazrul Islam Khan, joint general secretary of Kachikata Union Awami League and a former ward member, allegedly warned voters during a courtyard meeting at his home to vote for BNP’s candidate Shafiqul Rahman Kiran under the 'sheaf of paddy' symbol. A video of his remarks went viral on social media, sparking widespread criticism and fear among locals. Khan later claimed he spoke emotionally in favor of local development and admitted his comments were inappropriate. He apologized, saying the video was circulated from abroad. Local BNP leaders alleged that Khan, once active in Awami League, has recently aligned himself with BNP after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, but his actions might be hurting BNP’s support base instead.

BNP central leader and former MP Hasan Uddin Sarkar stated that no conspiracy, domestic or foreign, will be able to halt Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. Speaking at a meeting with BNP and affiliated organization members in Tongi, Gazipur, he urged party activists to remain vigilant against any attempts to disrupt the electoral process. Sarkar also expressed confidence that BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman will return to Bangladesh to lead the party’s election campaign, predicting a major political shift upon his arrival. The event, held at the Ahsan Ullah Sarkar Islamic Foundation premises, was chaired by BNP leader Haji Babar Ali and attended by several other local BNP figures, including Abdur Rahim Khan Kala, Haji Mojibur Haque Dulal, Md. Zahirul Islam, Sheikh Mohammad Suman, and Habibur Rahman Azad.

Tension has escalated in Cumilla city as two rival factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have announced separate gatherings at the Town Hall field on the same day. Supporters of Haji Aminur Rashid Yasin plan to hold a prayer event for the recovery of party chairperson Khaleda Zia and the well-being of acting chairman Tarique Rahman. Meanwhile, supporters of BNP’s nominated candidate for Cumilla-6, Md Monirul Haque Chowdhury, have scheduled a rally at the same venue. Both groups claim to have obtained permission for the field, leading to confusion and rising tension across the city. Police have been deployed in advance to prevent possible clashes. Local residents have expressed concern over potential unrest, while authorities hope the party will resolve the issue internally. Law enforcement officials have stated that necessary measures will be taken to maintain order if tensions escalate further.

The central leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has revoked the expulsion orders of three Narayanganj city BNP leaders—Md. Ataur Rahman Mukul, Shawkat Hashem Shaku, and Md. Golam Nabi Murad. The decision was announced on Wednesday, November 19, through a notice signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. The three leaders had earlier been expelled for alleged violations of party discipline and involvement in activities contrary to party principles. Following a period of observation and upon their formal appeal, the BNP reinstated their primary membership and lifted all disciplinary actions. Mukul previously served as the city BNP’s vice president and is currently a joint convener, while Shaku and Murad are former city committee members and have also served as councillors of Narayanganj City Corporation.

In a tribute article marking Tarique Rahman’s birthday, BNP Vice Chairman and former MP Nurul Islam Moni portrays the exiled BNP leader as a symbol of resilience, democratic ideals, and people-centered politics. The piece highlights Tarique’s evolution from political heir to independent leader, emphasizing his grassroots engagement and vision for a just, inclusive Bangladesh. It recounts his suffering under alleged government persecution, exile, and personal loss, framing these as tests that strengthened his leadership. The author describes Tarique’s political philosophy as rooted in equality, justice, and empowerment of ordinary citizens. The article concludes with a call for his return, portraying it as essential for restoring democracy and the rule of law in Bangladesh. The tone is deeply reverential, blending political commentary with emotional appeal, reflecting BNP’s continued positioning of Tarique Rahman as a central figure in its political narrative.

As Bangladesh’s upcoming national election approaches, political campaigning is gaining momentum across constituencies. Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, the BNP-nominated heavyweight candidate for Pabna-5 and special assistant to the BNP chairperson, has launched extensive voter outreach activities in Pabna Sadar upazila. He is engaging directly with voters through yard meetings, community gatherings, and social initiatives. Supporters are urging residents to vote for the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol. Throughout the day, people from various walks of life visit Biswas’s home to discuss local issues, which he reportedly addresses patiently and promptly. Biswas also continues social welfare programs through the AB Trust, a non-political volunteer organization he founded two decades ago. During a campaign event, he emphasized that true power lies with the people and pledged to work for change and sustainable democracy in Pabna. BNP activists are campaigning energetically across neighborhoods and markets to boost voter support.

BNP central leader and former minister Advocate M Ruhul Kuddus Talukder Dulu has called for bringing back former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh through a prisoner exchange agreement to implement a court verdict against her. Speaking at an election rally in Naldanga upazila of Natore, Dulu compared India’s repatriation of Anup Chetia under a similar agreement and argued that Bangladesh should follow the same process. He also criticized Sheikh Hasina’s rule, describing it as oppressive and unpopular, and claimed that people celebrated the verdict against her. The rally, organized by the local BNP, was attended by several district-level leaders, including Rahim Newaz, Saiful Islam Aftab, and former mayor Kazi Shah Alam. Dulu’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions and ongoing discussions about leadership accountability and justice in Bangladesh’s political landscape.

Rangamati, a hill district in Bangladesh, has become tense over the upcoming recruitment of government assistant teachers under the Rangamati Hill District Council. Allegations of corruption, nepotism, and discriminatory quota policies have sparked widespread protests. Several civic and student groups, including the Conscious Citizens’ Unity and Anti-Quota Alliance, announced a 36-hour strike from Thursday morning to Friday evening to protest the recruitment process and demand cancellation of what they call an illegal quota favoring indigenous candidates. The written exam, rescheduled for November 21 after earlier postponement, has drawn sharp criticism on social media, with opposing groups exchanging heated comments. Protesters accuse the council chairman of ignoring government directives that require 93% merit-based recruitment, while maintaining a 70% quota for indigenous candidates. Many job seekers have expressed frustration and concern that the strike could disrupt the exam process and deepen local divisions.

US President Donald Trump hosted Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman at the White House with unprecedented pomp, marking the most extravagant reception of Trump’s second term. The visit centered on a proposed $1 trillion trade deal expected to boost US economic interests. The White House was adorned with Saudi and American flags, and the ceremony featured a red carpet, military band, and a flyover by F-35 and F-16 jets. The day concluded with a black-tie candlelight dinner attended by global figures including Elon Musk and Cristiano Ronaldo. This was Prince Salman’s first US visit since the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, an incident that drew widespread criticism. Human rights groups expressed disappointment over the warm welcome, while Trump defended the crown prince, calling him a “very good friend” and praising his leadership. Analysts view the event as a strategic reaffirmation of US-Saudi ties despite lingering controversies.

Police in Savar have arrested Mojibur Rahman, the youth and sports secretary of the banned Dhamrai Upazila Awami League and chairman of Balia Union Parishad, for alleged involvement in sabotage and anti-government activities. Authorities claim Rahman went into hiding after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5 and was running a pharmacy under a false identity in the Jahangirnagar University Cooperative Housing area. Investigators say he organized flash processions, arson, and violent acts in Savar, Ashulia, and Dhamrai as part of a nationwide sabotage plan by the outlawed Awami League. Police captured him late Tuesday night following a November 6 arson incident linked to his network. Rahman reportedly confessed to coordinating unrest against the interim government. He has been remanded for seven days as police continue their investigation into his alleged role in attacks on student protesters and planning violent conspiracies.

In Moulvibazar’s Juri upazila, middle-class farmer Cherag Ali lost 335 ducks after they consumed poison allegedly spread by unknown miscreants. The incident, which left him financially devastated, was reported in the media on November 13. Upon learning about the tragedy, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman immediately sent a donation of Tk 50,000 to support the affected farmer. Following his directive, the funds were handed over on November 18 by local leaders of the Jubo Dal, including district president Zakir Hossain Uzzal, joint general secretary Haji Nipar Reza, and organizational secretary Hafiz Ahmed Mahfuz. Several local party representatives and student leaders were also present during the handover. Cherag Ali, who has been running his duck farm for over a decade, expressed gratitude for the assistance, saying it gave him hope to restart his livelihood after the devastating loss.

Eight political parties, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, have announced plans to participate in the upcoming national election through a seat-sharing arrangement. The decision was revealed by Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad during a press conference announcing a new joint program of the alliance. The coalition, which includes Jamaat and seven other Islamic-oriented parties, has put forward five key demands, including legal recognition of the July Charter and seat allocation in the upper house based on vote share. The alliance plans to hold rallies in seven divisional cities from November 30 to December 6 to promote their agenda and campaign for a ‘yes’ vote in a proposed referendum. The parties involved are Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Khelafat Majlish, Nezame Islam Party, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan, Bangladesh Development Party, and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party. The move signals a shift in the political landscape following the July upheaval, as these groups prepare to contest separately from the major alliances of the past.