The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has initiated efforts to resolve internal disputes among its candidates following protests in several constituencies over the party’s nomination process. Party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has been meeting with nomination-deprived leaders in Dhaka to ease tensions and ensure unity ahead of the upcoming national election. BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has also personally intervened in some cases, urging all factions to work together for the party’s electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf. In addition to managing internal rifts, BNP faces criticism for nominating elderly candidates in several constituencies, with local leaders arguing that such choices weaken the party’s appeal among younger voters. Some local units have formally requested the replacement of older nominees with younger, more active figures. The BNP leadership is reportedly reviewing these concerns while emphasizing discipline and collective effort to strengthen the party’s electoral prospects.

Bangladesh’s national football team climbed three spots to 180th in the latest FIFA rankings, marking its best position in nine years. The improvement follows Bangladesh’s 1–0 victory over India in Dhaka, their first win against the neighboring side in 22 years. Sheikh Morsalin scored the decisive goal in the first half. The win earned Bangladesh 17.13 ranking points, raising their total from 894.06 to 911.19. India, previously ranked 136th, dropped six places to 142nd after losing the same number of points. Bangladesh’s previous best ranking was 177th in February 2016, while their lowest point came in 2018 when they fell to 197th. Among the top-ranked teams, Spain retained the number one position, followed by Argentina, France, and England, with Brazil moving up two spots to fifth place.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland (Shirley Botchwey) arrives in Dhaka today for a four-day visit aimed at strengthening engagement with Bangladesh ahead of the country’s 2026 general election. During her November 20–24 trip, she will meet Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, political leaders, the Chief Election Commissioner, and foreign diplomats to discuss democracy, governance, and long-term prosperity. The visit follows a pre-election assessment mission by the Commonwealth last month and is viewed as a continuation of that process. Botchwey will also present the Commonwealth’s new strategic plan, emphasizing democracy as a core pillar, and explore areas where the organization can provide effective support. In a statement before her visit, she highlighted Bangladesh’s longstanding partnership with the Commonwealth since independence and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting a peaceful, inclusive, and participatory electoral environment. The mission underscores the Commonwealth’s focus on stability and democratic development in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s Labour and Employment and Shipping Affairs Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting social justice nationally, regionally, and globally during the 355th Governing Body session of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva. He highlighted key amendments to the country’s labor law, including reducing the worker requirement for trade union registration from 20 percent to 20 individuals, easing documentation, and prohibiting blacklisting. The revised law also introduces measures against workplace discrimination, violence, harassment, and child labor, while shortening the minimum wage review period from five to three years. Bangladesh has recently ratified ILO Conventions 155, 187, and 190, thereby endorsing all fundamental conventions. Dr. Hossain also noted that all previous cases against trade union leaders have been withdrawn. Additionally, Bangladesh will host the Asia-Pacific Social Justice Forum in Dhaka next March. On the sidelines, he met Pakistan’s Human Resource and Overseas Employment Minister to discuss bilateral cooperation in skill development.

Candidates who passed the preliminary stage of the 47th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examination have launched a sit-in and hunger strike at Dhaka’s Central Shaheed Minar, demanding more preparation time before the written test. The protest began on Wednesday, November 19, with hundreds of participants carrying banners calling for a ‘reasonable schedule’ and denouncing what they describe as an unfairly short preparation period. The Public Service Commission (PSC) has scheduled the written exams to start on November 27 and continue until December 18, allowing only 40 days of preparation, compared to the usual three to six months in previous BCS sessions. Demonstrators argue that the vast syllabus cannot be covered adequately in such a short time. The written exams will take place across eight regional centers, including Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chattogram, Khulna, Barishal, Sylhet, Rangpur, and Mymensingh, with some subject-specific tests held only in Dhaka.

The Bangladesh government has issued the 2025 gazette amending the Organ Transplantation Act, introducing major reforms to curb fraud and illegal trade. The new law expands the definition of donors to include emotional donors—such as spouses, adopted relatives, or long-term friends—alongside biological and cadaveric donors. It mandates strict verification, psychological evaluation, and ethical approval for emotional donations. The amendment also legalizes swap transplants between mismatched donor-recipient pairs under national registry oversight. For the first time, the law defines 'brain death' medically to facilitate cadaveric donations. A national transplant registry will record all donor-recipient data, hospital authorizations, and ethical committee decisions under the Health Ministry’s supervision. Only government-approved hospitals and surgeons can perform transplants, meeting international standards. The law imposes severe penalties for organ trafficking, coercion, or falsification, including license cancellation and up to ten years’ imprisonment. While cadaveric donation remains voluntary, the law encourages it to build a donation culture respecting ethical and religious values.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman marked his 61st birthday on November 20, 2024. To commemorate the occasion, former joint convener of Dhaka North Jubo Dal, S.M. Mizanur Rahman Raj, distributed winter blankets among underprivileged people. Tarique Rahman, the elder son of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, began his political career in 1988 as a member of the Gabtoli Thana BNP in Bogura. He played a significant role in national election campaigns in 1991 and 2001 alongside his mother. Over the years, he rose to become the party’s Senior Vice Chairman and, since 2018, has been serving as the acting chairman from the United Kingdom after Khaleda Zia’s imprisonment. Party sources suggest that Tarique Rahman may return to Bangladesh next month after performing Umrah. The blanket distribution event was part of broader celebrations by BNP supporters across the country.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is facing growing internal dissent and grassroots unrest following the release of its preliminary list of candidates for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary elections. Protests, clashes, and even casualties have occurred in several constituencies as local leaders and activists express anger over being denied nominations. Reports suggest that many disgruntled leaders are preparing to contest as independent candidates if their grievances are not addressed. Political analysts warn that unresolved factional disputes could weaken BNP’s electoral prospects. Senior BNP leaders, however, insist the list is provisional and subject to revision by the party’s standing committee. Some nominations have already been suspended, raising hopes among excluded aspirants. In multiple constituencies, including Mymensingh-3, Kushtia-4, Chattogram-4, and Natore-1, local activists have demanded reconsideration of specific nominations. Meanwhile, 63 constituencies remain without declared candidates, fueling further frustration. BNP leaders have pledged to resolve disputes swiftly and maintain party unity ahead of the election.

Chattogram Port has set a new record by issuing 6,301 gate passes in a single day, marking the highest number ever recorded. On Tuesday, the port issued 4,734 consignee gate passes and 1,567 off-dock gate passes. The Chattogram Port Authority confirmed the achievement on Wednesday, noting that the milestone reflects the port’s ongoing digital transformation. According to Secretary Md Omar Faruk, the successful use of modern technology, particularly the Terminal Operating System (TOS) app, has made import and export operations more efficient and transparent. He emphasized that Chattogram Port remains the central hub for Bangladesh’s trade and industrial growth, contributing significantly to national revenue and international competitiveness. The authority believes that such advancements will further strengthen the country’s overall trade system and enhance operational efficiency.

The Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) has begun distributing nomination forms for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election starting Thursday, November 20, with the process continuing until November 30. According to a press release issued on Wednesday, the party’s central office, Muktibhaban in Dhaka, will serve as the election headquarters where aspirants can collect and submit forms priced at 2,000 taka each. The CPB Presidium meeting held on Tuesday invited applications for all 300 parliamentary constituencies. The announcement also outlined several upcoming political programs, including a nationwide protest on November 23 against irregularities in Chittagong port terminal leases, a demonstration at the Election Commission on November 26 demanding electoral reforms, and a ‘Jamuna Journey’ event on December 4. The initiatives reflect the party’s efforts to mobilize support and advocate for fair, transparent, and participatory elections.

Aid for Men Foundation, a Bangladeshi organization advocating for men’s rights, has called for an end to all forms of legal discrimination against men. The demand was made during a discussion titled 'From False Accusations to Physical Attacks: Men’s Security and Human Rights Crisis' held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity auditorium on November 19. Marking International Men’s Day, the group organized awareness programs including discussions, cycling rallies, and processions to highlight men’s safety and rights issues. The organization’s General Secretary, Saiful Islam Nadim, stated that men in Bangladesh face severe neglect and discrimination, often being victims of false accusations and biased laws. He warned that political parties ignoring men’s rights in their election manifestos would lose their votes. Speakers at the event, including lawyers, writers, and human rights activists, emphasized the need to ensure men’s legal and social protection throughout the year.

A Victor Classic Paribahan bus caught fire on Wednesday night near the Rampura TV Center area in Dhaka. The incident occurred around 10 p.m., prompting two units of the Fire Service and Civil Defence to rush to the scene and extinguish the flames. Duty officer Rakibul Hasan from the Fire Service control room confirmed the event, stating that the fire was brought under control shortly after their arrival. No casualties or injuries were reported, and the extent of damage remains unknown. Police from the Tejgaon division, led by Commissioner Md. Ibne Mizan, were present at the site and have launched an investigation to determine whether the fire was an act of sabotage or caused by another reason. Authorities are continuing to examine the cause of the blaze.

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.