Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has resumed expatriate voter registration through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ mobile app in seven countries—Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Malaysia—after a temporary suspension caused by incorrect or incomplete address entries. The registration restarted at 6 a.m. on Saturday, November 29, following technical and data verification improvements. EC officials emphasized that expatriates must provide accurate English addresses with full postal codes to ensure delivery of postal ballots. Those already registered will be able to correct their addresses within the app. The registration period will continue until December 18, with around 77,974 expatriates already registered as of Friday night. This initiative marks the first time Bangladeshi citizens living abroad will be able to vote in national elections and referendums via postal ballots, a significant step in expanding electoral participation for the diaspora community.

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s health condition remains critical, according to interim government legal adviser Professor Asif Nazrul, who visited her at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka late Friday night. Nazrul stated that her condition is 'not good at all' and urged everyone to pray for her recovery. Earlier, BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan briefed the media after a meeting with the medical board overseeing her treatment, confirming that Khaleda Zia is under intensive observation and receiving the best possible care. Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has also expressed deep concern over her deteriorating health and instructed officials to ensure all necessary medical support. BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman extended gratitude to Dr. Yunus for his humanitarian concern and continued attention to Khaleda Zia’s condition.

Traders of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) Market held a human chain protest at Palashi intersection in Dhaka, accusing Mahabubul Haque, allegedly linked to the Awami League, of long-term extortion, intimidation, and illegal control of the market. The protesters claimed Haque and his associates have dominated the market for 17 years through threats and abuse, depriving ordinary shop owners of safety and fair business opportunities. They alleged that the 2017 market committee election was manipulated under coercion, allowing Haque’s panel to win unopposed. Traders further accused him of amassing wealth through extortion and illegal means, owning multiple shops under family names, and continuing intimidation ahead of the upcoming election. They demanded legal action against Haque, his disqualification from contesting the election, and a fair, transparent voting process. Haque denied all allegations, calling them false and claiming the protesters were not legitimate shop owners.

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia remains under intensive observation at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, according to BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan. Following a meeting with the medical board overseeing her treatment, Dr. Khan stated that doctors are closely monitoring her vital parameters and making decisions based on continuous assessments. He emphasized that the medical team is doing everything possible to stabilize her condition. Earlier, legal adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, and other senior party leaders visited the hospital to inquire about her health. In a separate statement, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus expressed concern over Khaleda Zia’s deteriorating health and urged for proper medical attention. Khaleda Zia has been receiving treatment for multiple health complications, and her condition continues to draw significant political and public attention.

A special prayer gathering was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, seeking the recovery and well-being of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The event took place on Friday, November 28, after the Jumma prayers at Surau Baitul Muqarram in Titiwangsa, organized by Malaysia BNP and its affiliated bodies. The prayer was led by Hafiz Maulana Ikramul Haque, who offered special supplications for Khaleda Zia’s speedy recovery. Senior leaders of Malaysia BNP, including Talha Mahmud, Dr. S. M. Rahman Tonu, and Kazi Salahuddin, attended the event along with several expatriate Bangladeshis. Party leaders stated that both local and expatriate Bangladeshis are praying for Khaleda Zia’s health, and similar prayer events are being held in Bangladesh and abroad. Khaleda Zia is currently under treatment at Evercare Hospital’s Coronary Care Unit (CCU) in Dhaka under the supervision of specialist doctors.

BNP Joint Secretary General Advocate Abdus Salam Azad stated that Bangladesh cannot remain safe under those who exploit religion and the Liberation War for political gain. Speaking at a public prayer event in Louhajang University College field, he emphasized that the BNP era was the safest period for the country, where people of all faiths lived securely. He accused political opponents of using religion for political business and urged citizens to identify and reject such parties through elections. Azad also honored those who sacrificed their lives in BNP-led movements, calling them national pride. He reiterated that late President Ziaur Rahman introduced multiparty democracy, which allowed the Awami League to operate politically, but alleged that the party later conspired against the nation. The event also included prayers for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s recovery and was attended by several local and central BNP leaders.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed gratitude to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus for his concern and humanitarian gesture regarding the critical health condition of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. In a verified Facebook post on Friday, Rahman thanked Yunus for issuing a statement expressing deep concern over Khaleda Zia’s illness and urging the nation to pray for her recovery. According to Rahman, Yunus has been regularly monitoring her health updates and has instructed relevant authorities to ensure all necessary medical support. The Chief Adviser also described Khaleda Zia as a source of inspiration for the nation during its democratic transition and emphasized the importance of her well-being for the country. Rahman extended his sincere appreciation for Yunus’s empathy and courtesy toward the ailing leader, acknowledging the gesture as a reflection of humanitarian values and national unity.

A 24-year-old woman was allegedly sexually harassed and physically assaulted by several unidentified men on a moving bus in Uttara, Dhaka, on Friday, November 28. According to her general diary filed at Uttara West Police Station, the incident occurred when she fell asleep on the bus traveling from Karwan Bazar to Uttara House Building. A male passenger sitting beside her reportedly touched her inappropriately, and when she protested, a group of 9–10 men attacked her, locking the bus doors and beating her. Two elderly passengers who tried to intervene were also threatened. The attackers allegedly issued death threats before leaving the bus. The victim later received primary treatment at Kuwait-Bangladesh Friendship Government Hospital in Azampur. She expressed frustration that women still face such harassment in 2025 and demanded strict punishment for the perpetrators. Police confirmed receiving the complaint and said the case is being taken seriously.

BNP-nominated candidate for Kishoreganj-4 constituency, freedom fighter Advocate Fazlur Rahman, warned voters that if they cast votes for Jamaat-e-Islami, they would find his dead body. Speaking at a workers’ conference organized by local BNP and its affiliated bodies in Mriga Union of Itna upazila, Rahman expressed frustration over what he described as silence from his party and others regarding anti-Liberation remarks. He reaffirmed his commitment to the spirit of the Liberation War and criticized Jamaat for allegedly distorting the history of 1971. Rahman, who referred to himself as 'Faza Pagla', said that those who mock him are anti-Liberation elements. His remarks drew strong reactions from the audience, who responded in unison rejecting Jamaat. The event was attended by local BNP leaders, including his wife Advocate Umme Kulsum Rekha and other district leaders.

Israeli authorities have released Palestinian American teenager Mohammed Ibrahim after more than nine months in detention, following sustained pressure from US lawmakers and civil rights groups. The 16-year-old from Florida was arrested at age 15 during a February raid on his family home in al-Mazraa ash-Sharqiya, near Ramallah, over allegations of throwing rocks at Israeli settlers, which he denied. During his imprisonment, Ibrahim reportedly suffered weight loss and a skin infection, and was denied contact with his family. His relatives alleged he was blindfolded and beaten during his arrest. US officials were the only ones granted access to him, while his family repeatedly appealed to the Trump administration for his release. The campaign for his freedom intensified in recent weeks amid concerns over his deteriorating health, culminating in his release on Thursday. His family expressed immense relief and plans to celebrate his belated 16th birthday at home.

A case has been filed in Bogura against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 292 others over an alleged shooting incident during the July 2024 anti-government protest known as the 'July Movement'. The plaintiff, Nazmul Hossain, a participant in the movement, accused Hasina and her associates of ordering attacks on peaceful demonstrators demanding her resignation. According to the complaint, the attackers hurled crude bombs and fired bullets, injuring Nazmul and several others. Police confirmed the case registration and reported that two accused, Shahin and Jahangir, have been arrested, while operations continue to apprehend others. Among the accused are several senior Awami League leaders, former MPs, and student and youth wing members. The incident has drawn attention amid ongoing political unrest and legal actions following the July protests, which saw violent clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement in various parts of Bangladesh.

The interim government of Bangladesh has clarified that it did not request Google to remove politically critical or media content, following reports citing a rise in takedown requests. In a statement issued by the Chief Adviser’s Office on November 28, the government said its requests to Google were limited to misinformation, propaganda, and defamatory content aimed at character assassination. The statement emphasized that no agency in Bangladesh, including BTRC or NTMCC, has direct authority to remove online content, and any such requests must go through the platforms themselves. According to Google’s Transparency Report, Bangladesh made 279 requests between January and June 2025, significantly fewer than under the previous Awami League government. The government attributed its limited requests to efforts to counter misinformation campaigns and maintain social stability amid internal unrest. It also highlighted Bangladesh’s improved ranking in Freedom House’s 2025 ‘Freedom on the Net’ report, crediting reforms under the interim administration for progress in internet freedom and cyber governance.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the resignation of his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, following a search of Yermak’s home by anticorruption investigators. The move comes as Kyiv faces a widening corruption scandal involving a $100 million kickback scheme at the state nuclear company Energoatom, which has already led to multiple resignations. Yermak, one of Zelenskyy’s closest allies and a key negotiator in talks over a U.S.-backed plan to end Ukraine’s war with Russia, said he was fully cooperating with authorities. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the searches were authorized but did not specify the investigation’s target. The resignation adds to political turbulence as Zelenskyy faces pressure from both Washington and domestic opposition parties. In a video address, Zelenskyy called for unity and vowed continued reform efforts, asserting that Ukraine would not make mistakes under Russian pressure. Analysts say Yermak’s departure marks a significant blow to Zelenskyy’s administration during a critical phase of war and diplomacy.

A 13-year-old girl in St Petersburg, Russia, allegedly killed her mother, Svetlana Cheglyakova, 46, after the woman confiscated her phone due to excessive social media use. Reports claim the teenager slit her mother’s throat, injured herself, and set fire to their apartment before initially claiming an intruder was responsible. Investigators later said she admitted to stabbing her mother following repeated arguments about her online activities and restrictions on her social life. Authorities suspect the girl may have reenacted violent scenarios she had previously role-played in online games such as Roblox. The child, who lived with her mother after her parents’ separation, is currently hospitalized. The Russian Investigative Committee has opened a murder case, but due to her age, she cannot be criminally prosecuted under Russian law.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman announced that candidates from other religions will contest in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary elections under the party’s banner. Speaking at a public rally in Dhaka’s Bhashantek area on Friday, he said the party aims to establish justice, ensure peace, and include all citizens in national development regardless of religion or political affiliation. He emphasized that Jamaat’s governance would be based on fear of God and moral accountability, ensuring citizens’ rights without discrimination. Dr. Rahman also rejected allegations that Jamaat is unsafe for people of other faiths, challenging critics to provide evidence of past wrongdoing. He reaffirmed that Jamaat would not exclude anyone from the nation-building process and that the party remains committed to the country and its people despite political challenges.