Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin has reaffirmed the Election Commission’s commitment to holding a free, fair, and peaceful national election in Bangladesh. Speaking at a dialogue with political parties at the Election Commission building on Wednesday, he urged all parties to strictly follow the electoral code of conduct and cooperate to ensure a credible election. Nasir Uddin emphasized that adherence to the code is essential for upholding the rule of law and maintaining public trust in the electoral process. He also noted that political parties play a more decisive role than law enforcement agencies in ensuring a successful election. The CEC called on parties to encourage voter turnout through their grassroots workers, stressing that genuine political cooperation would reduce pressure on the Election Commission and help deliver a transparent and participatory vote.

Advocate Al-Fattah Khan, a member of Mymensingh South District BNP and a nomination aspirant for the Gafargaon constituency, stated that if the 31-point reform plan announced by BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is implemented, no fascist regime will emerge in Bangladesh. Speaking as the chief guest at a public rally in Jamtali, Gafargaon, on Tuesday, he emphasized that the proposed structural reforms aim to ensure democracy and accountability in governance. During his speech, Khan also made controversial remarks, claiming that an international tribunal had sentenced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and demanded the execution of that verdict. The event, organized by local BNP and affiliated organizations, was attended by several party leaders, including Amir Uddin Palowan, Abdur Rouf, Dr. Yusuf, and others, who expressed support for the 31-point agenda and called for fair elections and political reform in the country.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has begun discussions with seven political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP), as part of its ongoing dialogue process ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The meeting started at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the EC headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka. Parties participating in the morning session include Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh Minority Janata Party (BMJP), Insaniyat Biplob, NCP, Ganosamhati Andolon, and National Democratic Movement (NDM). Another session is scheduled from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., where the EC will meet with BNP, Bangladesh National Party (BJP), Gano Adhikar Parishad (GOP), Nagorik Oikya, Bangladesh Republican Party (BRP), and the Socialist Party of Bangladesh (Marxist). The EC’s Assistant Director of Public Relations, Md. Asadul Haque, confirmed the meeting earlier this week. The dialogues are part of the commission’s effort to ensure inclusive participation and transparency in the electoral process.

Testimony is scheduled today against former Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman and seven others in a case over the killing of six people during the July-August 1975 uprising in Dhaka’s Chankharpul area. The chief investigating officer, Md Monirul Islam, is set to testify before International Crimes Tribunal-1, marking the final witness session in the case, where 26 witnesses have already testified. Separately, the International Crimes Tribunal-2 will continue hearing testimony for the 18th day in another crimes against humanity case involving the burning of six bodies and the killing of seven people in Ashulia, with former MP Saiful Islam and 15 others accused. The prosecution stated that SI Sheikh Abzalul Haque, who turned state witness, will testify soon. Of the 16 accused in the Ashulia case, eight are currently in custody and were presented before the tribunal this morning.

Hundreds of buyers across Bangladesh have reportedly fallen victim to online fraud schemes involving fake advertisements for Katimon mangoes from Chapainawabganj. Despite the mango season being over, several social media pages have been offering 'juicy and delicious' mangoes year-round, luring customers to pay in advance. One such page, 'BD Official Mango House,' allegedly deceived a buyer from Charghat, Rajshahi, who lost 11,000 taka after being tricked by scammers posing as couriers. Investigations revealed that the page had no physical office in Chapainawabganj as claimed and that the perpetrators were operating from Narail. Victims and local residents have demanded swift action against these fraudulent online businesses. Police have urged consumers to verify sellers before placing online orders and warned against making advance payments until goods are received.

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, convicted of crimes against humanity linked to the July uprising and sentenced to five years in prison, has been transferred to Gazipur’s special jail. Following his conviction, Mamun will lose his Division-1 prison privileges and be downgraded to Division-2 status, as per prison regulations. The Inspector General of Prisons, Brigadier General Syed Motaher Hossain, confirmed that once a prisoner is sentenced, Division-1 privileges are automatically revoked. Mamun may apply to retain certain privileges, but government approval is required. If denied, he will be treated as a regular inmate and must wear the standard prison uniform. Sources indicate that over 150 cases are pending against Mamun in various courts and police stations. A 1982 BCS police cadre officer, Mamun served as Bangladesh’s 29th IGP and previously led the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) before his arrest on September 4, 2024.

Farmers in Saltha upazila of Faridpur district have achieved remarkable success in their first attempt at cultivating jute seeds, marking a significant step toward self-sufficiency in seed production. On 10 acres of land, 93 farmers cultivated local jute seed varieties such as JRO-524 and Sabujsona under the guidance of the Department of Jute. The initiative aims to reduce dependence on imported seeds, most of which currently come from India. Farmers reported earning nearly five times their production costs, with some, like Moktar Molya, earning over 20,000 taka from selling jute leaves alone. Officials noted that favorable weather conditions could further boost yields. Farmers expressed optimism that with additional government incentives for fertilizers and pesticides, they could meet local demand and even export surplus seeds. Faridpur, already the top jute-producing district in Bangladesh, may now emerge as a key source of quality jute seeds if the program expands successfully.

Zakaria Pintoo, the first captain of the Swadhin Bangla Football Team and a pioneering figure in Bangladesh’s sporting history, appears to have been largely forgotten just one year after his passing on November 18 last year. Despite his immense contributions to football and national pride, no significant tributes or commemorations were observed on his first death anniversary. Pintoo, who captained the team that symbolized Bangladesh’s independence struggle in 1971, had an illustrious career with clubs like Mohammedan SC and even represented Pakistan before independence. He later served as a senior official in the Bangladesh Football Federation and the National Sports Council. Honored with the Independence Award and National Sports Award, Pintoo’s legacy remains unmatched. However, his family expressed deep disappointment that neither football officials nor players remembered him, reflecting a broader neglect of the nation’s sports heroes.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh is continuing its series of dialogues with political parties ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. On Tuesday, November 19, the EC will meet with leaders from 12 parties, including the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizen Party (NCP), at the Election Building in Agargaon, Dhaka. The first session, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., will include Jamaat, Bangladesh Minority Janata Party (BMJP), Insoniyat Biplob, NCP, Ganasanghati Andolon, and the National Democratic Movement (NDM). The second session, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., will involve BNP, Bangladesh National Party (BJP), Gana Odhikar Parishad (GOP), Nagorik Oikya, Bangladesh Republican Party (BRP), and the Socialist Party of Bangladesh (Marxist). Earlier, the EC held discussions with 36 registered political parties over three days. With two newly registered parties, Bangladesh now has 55 registered political parties, while the Awami League’s registration remains suspended and three others have been deregistered.

A major fertilizer smuggling operation has been uncovered in Khulna, Bangladesh, involving urea imported under the supervision of the Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC). Following the seizure of around 20 tons of fertilizer in Chuadanga, authorities have begun investigating allegations that a powerful syndicate, including warehouse officials and transport operators, is diverting government fertilizer to the black market. The fertilizers, meant for farmers, are reportedly sold illegally at lower prices for massive profits. Summit Associates, the official distributor, and its subcontractor Jewel Transport are under scrutiny after one of their trucks was caught transporting smuggled fertilizer. Despite evidence of systemic irregularities, BCIC officials have been accused of ignoring the issue. The scandal has raised concerns about corruption in fertilizer distribution and its damaging impact on farmers and agricultural productivity in the region.

Gono Odhikar Parishad President and former DUCSU VP Nurul Haque Nur has announced his candidacy for the upcoming national election from Patuakhali-3 (Dashmina-Golachipa) constituency. Speaking at a rally organized by the local Gono Odhikar Parishad, Nur said he would contest under the 'truck' symbol and called for public support. He emphasized forming a national government to restore political stability and fulfill the people's aspirations. Nur pledged to use his national and international recognition to drive development in Patuakhali-3. Referring to recent political developments, he urged parties to learn from past mistakes and warned against the resurgence of authoritarianism. He advocated for an inclusive election with participation from all political parties and proposed seat-sharing based on mutual understanding. Nur also promised to work with leaders from various parties, including Jamaat, BNP, and Islami Andolan, to improve infrastructure and living standards in the neglected char areas of his constituency.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has officially registered two new political parties — the National Citizens Party (NCP) and the Socialist Party of Bangladesh (Marxist). According to separate gazette notifications signed by Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, the registration was granted under Chapter VIA of the Representation of the People Order, 1972, after both parties fulfilled the required conditions. The NCP’s headquarters is located at Rupayan Trade Center, Banglamotor, Dhaka, with the reserved electoral symbol ‘Shapla Kali’ and registration number 58. The Socialist Party of Bangladesh (Marxist) is based at Topkhana Road, Dhaka, with the reserved symbol ‘Scissors’ and registration number 59. The notifications were published on the BG Press website on Tuesday. With these additions, the total number of registered political parties in Bangladesh now stands at 59, as per the Election Commission’s latest update.

The Port Protection Council in Chittagong has staged a torch procession and road blockade demanding that no part of the Chittagong port, including the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) and Chittagong Container Terminal (CCT), be handed over to foreign entities. The protest took place on Tuesday evening at the Port Connecting Road in the city’s Bara Pol area. Speakers at the rally, including Hasan Maruf Rumi of the Ganosamhati Andolon, alleged that the government was conspiring to lease out profitable port facilities to foreign companies under the guise of development. They claimed the port’s revenue had already increased by 21 percent, proving its efficiency. The council gave the authorities 40 hours to withdraw any such decision, warning that otherwise, they would announce tougher programs at a press conference on November 20. Protesters emphasized that while they support foreign investment in new projects like the Bay Terminal, they strongly oppose foreign control over existing profitable terminals like NCT and CCT.

The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs of Bangladesh has revoked the official gazette recognition of 53 individuals listed as 'July Fighters' from the Rangpur Division due to allegations of irregularities and inconsistencies in the list. The decision, signed by Deputy Secretary (Gazette) Haridas Thakur on November 17, includes eight individuals from Pirgachha upazila. The cancellation was made under the authority of the July Uprising Martyrs’ Family and Fighters’ Welfare and Rehabilitation Ordinance, 2025, and the Rules of Business 1996. This marks the first time the ministry has taken such an action since the recognition of July Fighters began. Currently, the number of recognized martyrs stands at 836, while the total number of wounded or July Fighters in three categories—severely injured, moderately injured, and injured—remains at 13,800. The order takes immediate effect, signaling a stricter verification process for official recognition of July Fighters.

Murad Hossain, a 65-year-old Awami League leader and former commissioner of Mirpur’s Ward 12, died on Tuesday after falling ill at Gazipur’s Kashimpur High-Security Central Jail. Prison officials said he was an undertrial prisoner facing three murder cases. Around 3:15 p.m., Hossain suddenly became ill, prompting authorities to transfer him first to Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj and then to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). He was declared dead by on-duty doctors at approximately 4:30 p.m. Inspector Md Faruk, in charge of the DMCH police outpost, confirmed the death. The body has been kept at the hospital morgue for autopsy in the presence of an executive magistrate. After the post-mortem examination, prison authorities will formally hand over the body to his family. The cause of death has not yet been officially determined.