A week after announcing a list of 237 potential candidates, Bangladesh’s main opposition party BNP has not yet finalized its seat-sharing arrangements with allied parties, causing dissatisfaction among partners. BNP leaders fear that many of their potential candidates have already begun campaigning in constituencies eyed by allies, which could lead to conflicts or independent candidacies if seats are later reassigned. The BNP’s liaison committee has started formal meetings with alliance partners, including the Nationalist Like-minded Alliance and the 12-Party Alliance, to settle the issue. Preliminary discussions suggest around 22 seats may be allocated to various allied groups such as Ganatantra Mancha, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, and others. Party insiders say some allies have received informal assurances, while BNP may offer organizational roles to those excluded from the final list.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has withdrawn expulsion and suspension orders previously issued against 17 of its leaders for alleged breaches of party discipline and principles. According to a press release signed by Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday, the decision was made following appeals from the affected leaders and consultation with senior party figures. The reinstated members include leaders from Narayanganj, Gazipur, Dinajpur, Habiganj, Bhola, Chapainawabganj, Chattogram, Noakhali, and Cumilla districts. Among them are several thana and upazila-level BNP and Jubo Dal leaders. Additionally, the suspension of the president and general secretary of Habiganj’s Baniachang upazila BNP has also been lifted, restoring their primary and organizational memberships within the party.

Former President Donald Trump defended the use of H-1B visas in a recent Fox News interview, arguing that the United States must bring in foreign workers with specialized skills that some American workers currently lack. He said that while the U.S. has many talented people, certain industries—such as automotive and artificial intelligence—require expertise that cannot always be sourced domestically. Trump’s remarks contrast with his previous hardline immigration stance, which included raising the H-1B visa fee to $100,000. The comments come amid ongoing debate among his allies, including Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk, over balancing immigration restrictions with the need for global talent. Trump also reiterated support for temporary work permits for immigrant farmworkers, citing labor shortages in agriculture.

The government has appointed Professor Ali Riaz, former vice-chairman of the recently expired National Consensus Commission, as the special assistant to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. The Cabinet Division issued a notification on Thursday, signed by Cabinet Secretary Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid, confirming the appointment. In his new role, Riaz will enjoy the status, salary, and privileges equivalent to that of an adviser. Professor Riaz, a distinguished professor of politics and government at Illinois State University in the United States, previously led the Constitutional Reform Commission formed after the July uprising and later served as vice-chairman of the National Consensus Commission. He played a key role in the commission’s dialogues with political parties on reform issues before its term ended on October 31.

Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has called on all members of the Bangladesh Infantry Regiment (BIR) to enhance their capabilities through modern and time-appropriate training to effectively face the complex challenges of the 21st century. Speaking as the chief guest at the 20th Annual Commanders’ Conference 2025 held at the Bangladesh Infantry Regimental Center in Rajshahi, he highlighted the regiment’s proud heritage and contributions to national service. The Army Chief also discussed technological advancement, research, professional skill development, and future planning with BIR officers. Senior military officials from the Army Training and Doctrine Command, the 11th Infantry Division, and Bogura Area Command, along with officers and media representatives, attended the event.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-1 has set November 17 for delivering the verdict in a war crimes case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and ex-IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. The case involves allegations of crimes against humanity during the July uprising. Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam sought the maximum penalty for the accused, while state-appointed defense lawyer Amir Hossain expressed hope that Hasina and her co-accused would be acquitted. The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumdar, heard testimonies from 54 witnesses over 28 working days. Among the accused, only Al-Mamun is in custody and has given a confessional statement. The tribunal had framed five charges of crimes against humanity and genocide against the three on July 10, following an investigation report submitted in May.

Bangladesh’s interim government has approved the July National Charter (Constitution Reform) Implementation Order 2025, signed by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus before being sent to the President. The order outlines plans for a referendum to be held alongside the upcoming national election, covering key constitutional reforms such as a bicameral parliament, expanded women’s representation, and limits on the prime minister’s term. However, the opposition BNP has challenged the legal validity of the order, arguing that the President lacks authority to issue such an order under the constitution. BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed claimed that the Chief Adviser has strayed from the original charter and violated its principles. The party also questioned the formation of the Constitution Reform Council, saying it was not part of the consensus agenda. BNP’s standing committee is set to hold an emergency meeting to discuss the situation.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has reiterated its demand that a national referendum be held before the upcoming general election, rejecting the caretaker government's plan to hold both on the same day. Following Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus’s national address announcing that the referendum would coincide with the election in early February, Jamaat’s Naib-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher said the party still believes the referendum should precede the vote to ensure its significance is not overshadowed. Taher added that some points in the Chief Adviser’s speech require further clarification and that the party will review the address internally before announcing its next steps. The government argues that holding both events together would make the process more festive and cost-effective.

Interim government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has urged pro-uprising political parties in Bangladesh to maintain unity ahead of the national election scheduled for February. In a televised address on November 13, Yunus warned that disunity among these parties could lead the nation into a grave crisis. He reminded citizens that after nearly fifteen years of disenfranchisement, people are eager to exercise their voting rights. Referring to the sacrifices made during the July 2024 uprising against authoritarianism, Yunus called for tolerance toward differing opinions and prioritizing national interests over party agendas. He expressed hope that all political groups would accept the interim government’s decisions for implementing the July Charter, paving the way for a festive and inclusive election that would mark the beginning of a “new Bangladesh.”

A US federal judge has ordered the release of 615 people detained under the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown in Illinois. District Judge Jeffrey Cummings ruled in favor of the National Immigration Justice Center and the ACLU, which argued that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement violated a 2022 settlement by conducting warrantless arrests during 'Operation Midway Blitz.' The order applies to detainees without mandatory detention orders or significant public safety risks, requiring their release by November 21. The Department of Homeland Security condemned the decision, calling it dangerous and labeling Cummings an 'activist judge.' DHS has not yet confirmed whether it will appeal, though government attorneys have requested a stay. The ruling highlights ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local jurisdictions over alleged racial profiling and constitutional violations during mass arrests.

Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP), said internal divisions between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami are allowing the Awami League to regain political ground. Speaking at a party event in Dhaka, he criticized both opposition groups for failing to coordinate their movements. Patwari warned that without political reform, Sheikh Hasina’s governance structure could reemerge repeatedly. He also expressed concerns about the Election Commission’s capacity to hold a referendum and national election on the same day, urging the government and political parties to strengthen the commission. Patwari further accused the Awami League of spreading fear and using its past economic gains to destabilize the political environment. He noted that the upcoming November 17 verdict on Sheikh Hasina would mark a new milestone for Bangladesh’s judiciary.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has accused Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus of violating the July Charter through his recent national address. Following Yunus’s speech, Salahuddin claimed that the formation of a new Constitutional Reform Council was not discussed in the Consensus Commission, calling it a deviation from the agreed framework. In his address, Dr. Yunus announced that a referendum on constitutional reform proposals would be held alongside the national election, followed by the formation of a Constitutional Reform Council if the majority votes in favor. The council would complete reforms within 180 working days, and an upper house would be formed based on proportional representation. While BNP had supported holding the referendum on election day, several other parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, had demanded it take place before the polls.

In Raiganj upazila of Sirajganj, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami organized separate protest marches and sit-ins on Thursday morning opposing the Awami League’s alleged anarchy and lockdown program. The BNP rally, led by upazila Jubo Dal president Md. Abdur Razzak Rana, began at 10 a.m. and concluded with a brief assembly at the upazila council premises. Around the same time, Jamaat activists marched from Dhangara Palli Bidyut Mor to the market area before gathering for a short rally chaired by upazila Ameer Md. Ali Murtuza. Speakers at both events condemned the ruling party’s repression, arrests, and political persecution, urging for intensified democratic movements to protect citizens’ rights.

The Bangladesh government has issued the 'National July Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order 2025' following its approval by President Md. Shahabuddin. The Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division under the Ministry of Law published the official gazette on Thursday, November 13. Earlier that day, the advisory council approved the order in a meeting. The order paves the way for a national referendum on the proposed constitutional reforms finalized through discussions among political parties under the mediation of the National Consensus Commission. The commission had earlier submitted two alternative recommendations to the interim government on implementing the July Charter. The charter, signed on October 17 by 24 political parties including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, aims to bring broad constitutional changes through national consensus.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has announced that it will discuss Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s recent national address within the party forum before making any official statement, likely not before Thursday evening. In his speech, Yunus declared that a national referendum will be held on the same day as the upcoming parliamentary election, expected in early February. The referendum will seek public approval for the July National Charter, which includes constitutional reforms such as establishing a bicameral parliament, limiting the prime minister’s tenure, expanding fundamental rights, and strengthening judicial independence. The Chief Adviser emphasized that these reforms aim to make elections more inclusive, cost-effective, and aligned with national consensus. He also noted that political parties have already reached agreement on 30 key constitutional issues through the National Consensus Commission.