US President Donald Trump has reportedly given Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro an ultimatum to resign immediately and leave the country, according to BBC and Miami Herald reports. The ultimatum was delivered during a phone call on November 21, confirmed by Trump but without revealing details. Trump allegedly offered Maduro and his family safe passage if he stepped down voluntarily. However, Maduro rejected the offer, demanding international legal protection for himself and his allies while reaffirming control over the military. The conversation was reportedly facilitated by Brazil, Qatar, and Turkey. Washington dismissed Maduro’s counterproposals, insisting he must relinquish power soon. Analysts remain uncertain whether Trump’s warning could lead to military action, though sources suggest Maduro’s camp views the threat as mere rhetoric. The diplomatic standoff underscores persistent US-Venezuela tensions and uncertainty over the future of Maduro’s regime.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to return to Bangladesh soon, according to the party’s Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed. Following a regular committee meeting on Monday, December 1, Salahuddin informed reporters that discussions covered various political issues, including preparations for upcoming elections and the health condition of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. He mentioned that Dr. AZM Zahid would brief the media regarding Khaleda Zia’s health. Earlier, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain stated that there are no legal obstacles preventing Tarique Rahman’s return and that a travel pass could be issued within a day if required. Tarique Rahman has been living abroad for several years, and his potential return is being closely watched amid Bangladesh’s evolving political landscape.

The five-day Jor Ijtema organized by Tabligh Jamaat Bangladesh Shura-e-Nizam concluded on the banks of the Turag River in Tongi with a mass prayer on Tuesday morning. Around 250,000 devotees participated in the concluding prayer, which was led by Maulana Ahmed Batla from Pakistan. According to Habibullah Raihan, the media coordinator of Tabligh Jamaat Bangladesh Shura-e-Nizam, 732 foreign guests from 27 countries attended the event. During the gathering, six devotees passed away. Following the final prayer, several groups of devotees set out for religious outreach activities in preparation for the Khuruj Jor scheduled for January 2–4, 2026. The remaining participants returned to their localities to continue organizational work. Authorities have indicated that the next World Ijtema in Tongi will be held after the upcoming national elections.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam announced that his party will participate in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election as the 'guardian of reforms'. Speaking at a reception in Dhaka for 24 activists recently released from detention in the UAE, Nahid described the election as a turning point for the nation. He urged the government to ensure rehabilitation and employment for the freed expatriates, whom he called 'July warriors'. Nahid emphasized the importance of enabling postal voting for expatriates and accused some political forces of obstructing post-July reform efforts. He warned against campaigns opposing the 'July Charter' and criticized divisive politics based on liberation war and religion. Framing the election as a vote for state reconstruction, Nahid said the NCP would remain uncompromising on core political principles and committed to economic justice, youth employment, democracy, and inclusive governance. He concluded that the NCP is fully prepared to fulfill people's aspirations and ensure the victory of reform.

The National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam University (JKKNIU) in Trishal, Mymensingh, has expelled or suspended 16 individuals, including teachers, officials, and students, for their alleged involvement in obstructing the July–August student movement, attacking protesters, and creating instability on campus. The decision was made during the university’s 90th syndicate meeting on November 27 after reviewing the investigation and disciplinary committee reports. Two teachers and one official were temporarily suspended, while 13 students, including the president and general secretary of the Bangladesh Chhatra League unit, were permanently expelled, with some losing their academic certificates. The syndicate stated that the punishments were imposed for direct or indirect participation in actions that disrupted the movement. University authorities said the measures aim to maintain campus stability and ensure student safety, warning that no leniency will be shown toward future acts of violence or unrest.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating health of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. In a post on social media platform X on Monday night, Modi conveyed his prayers and best wishes for her speedy recovery. He acknowledged Khaleda Zia’s long service to the people of Bangladesh and assured that India stands ready to extend any possible assistance for her treatment. Khaleda Zia, a former prime minister of Bangladesh, has been suffering from multiple health complications, including liver, kidney, and heart problems. She has been receiving treatment for the past four days in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Modi’s message comes amid growing concern in Bangladesh over her condition, drawing attention to the humanitarian aspect of bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries.

A mild earthquake was felt in Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram city, and the surrounding hilly areas just before 1 a.m. on Monday. Residents in Cox’s Bazar, Ukhiya, and Chakaria reported light tremors lasting a few seconds, prompting some to rush outdoors in fear. No casualties or property damage have been reported so far. According to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the quake measured 4.9 in magnitude, with its epicenter located in Natchuang, Sagaing region of Myanmar. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed similar data. This marks the eighth earthquake felt in Bangladesh since November 21, when a 5.2-magnitude quake struck Narsingdi and was felt across the country. Experts note that the recent series of mild tremors may indicate ongoing regional tectonic activity, though no major threat has been identified yet.

The Election Commission of Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur has suspended the central student union (BRUCSU) and hall council elections, citing serious errors and inconsistencies in the voter list provided by the registrar’s office. At a press conference on Monday, the commission alleged that the registrar’s office supplied incomplete and inaccurate data, hindering the fairness and transparency of the election process. Election Commissioner Dr. Mohsina Ahsan suggested that the errors might have been intentional and urged the university administration to investigate. The commission announced that all electoral activities, including nomination distribution, would remain halted until the discrepancies are resolved. Another commissioner, Md. Masud Rana, emphasized that the registrar’s office must urgently correct and verify the list to resume the election. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Md. Shawkat Ali described the incident as unfortunate, promising to issue a show-cause notice to the registrar’s office and urging both sides to resolve the matter promptly.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh has announced that the use of the Customs Bond Management System (CBMS) will become mandatory from January 1 to modernize and digitize the country’s bond management process. According to an official circular, all bonded warehouse license holders must use CBMS for issuing Utilization Permissions (UP) related to duty-free raw material imports. No services will be provided through manual or alternative methods after the deadline. The automated CBMS software, launched earlier with 24 modules, is currently being used on a limited scale in three customs bond commissionerates. NBR stated that the system has been upgraded based on user feedback to make it more user-friendly. The mandatory use of CBMS is expected to enhance service speed, transparency, and accountability, while reducing costs, time, and disputes. The NBR reaffirmed its commitment to continuing digitalization efforts to achieve full automation and transparency in revenue management.

The Bangladesh government has officially declared Begum Khaleda Zia, chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and former three-time prime minister, as a 'Very Important Person' (VIP). The announcement was made through a gazette notification issued on Monday, December 1, under the directive of the President. Mohammad Abdul Wadud Chowdhury, Director General (Administration) of the Chief Adviser’s Office, signed the order. The declaration was made under Section 2(a) of the Special Security Force Act, 2021, and took immediate effect. Khaleda Zia, who has been suffering from multiple age-related health complications, is currently receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. The move formally recognizes her as a state-designated VIP, ensuring enhanced security and protocol measures during her treatment and public engagements.

The concluding prayer (Akheri Munajat) of the five-day Jor Ijtema at Tongi, Gazipur, will be held on Tuesday morning between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m. on the banks of the Turag River. The prayer will be led by Maulana Ahmad Batla from Pakistan. After the Munajat, participating devotees will disperse across the country and abroad for religious preaching activities, returning again during the World Ijtema. Monday marked the fourth day of the gathering, featuring sermons, prayers, and religious discussions led by scholars from India and Bangladesh. However, the event has also seen the deaths of six devotees, including Azizur Rahman from Chapainawabganj, who reportedly died of a stroke near the ablution area on Monday afternoon. The information was confirmed by Habibullah Raihan, media coordinator of the Shura Committee. The Jor Ijtema serves as a preparatory congregation ahead of the annual World Ijtema.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has abruptly suspended its planned rally in Sylhet, citing the critical illness of party chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The event, part of BNP’s 'Victory Torch' campaign, was scheduled for December 4 at Sylhet Government Alia Madrasa ground, where acting chairman Tarique Rahman was to address supporters virtually. The suspension comes as the Jamaat-e-Islami-led eight-party alliance finalizes preparations for its own mass rally at the same venue on the same date. Jamaat leaders said the gathering will focus on implementing the July National Charter, ensuring a level playing field, and securing a 'Yes' victory in a proposed referendum. Meanwhile, U.S. Embassy political officer James A. Stewart met with Sylhet Jamaat leaders to discuss the upcoming national election, party strategies, and bilateral issues. The meeting reportedly took place in a cordial atmosphere, with discussions on electoral fairness and future governance priorities.

The Student Rights Council has announced a partial four-member central committee, appointing Nazmul Hasan as president and Mohammad Sanaullah Haque as general secretary. The other two members are Dewan Khan Bappi, who will serve as senior joint vice-president, and Rafiqul Islam, who has been named senior joint general secretary. The announcement was made on Monday through an official statement signed by Nurul Haque Nur, president of the Gono Odhikar Parishad, along with general secretary Md. Rashed Khan and spokesperson Hasan Al Mamun. The new committee marks a partial restructuring of the student organization under the Gono Odhikar Parishad, signaling continued organizational activity and leadership renewal within the student wing.

Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, stated that if BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia had not maintained her uncompromising political stance, Bangladesh might have come under Indian dominance before the current 15-year rule of the Awami League. Speaking to reporters outside United Hospital in Dhaka after his treatment for heart disease, Taher described Khaleda Zia as a patriotic, democratic, and steadfast leader who represents the people beyond party lines. He expressed deep concern for her health and wished for her recovery. Taher also emphasized the need for greater understanding, unity, and principled cooperation among major political parties ahead of the next national election. He urged political leaders to act with patience and wisdom, prioritizing national interests over partisan agendas. Jamaat’s Dhaka-17 candidate S.M. Khaliduzzaman and other party members were present during his remarks.

The High Court of Bangladesh has issued a rule asking why the provision requiring political parties to contest under their own symbols, even when forming an alliance for the 13th National Parliamentary Election, should not be declared illegal. The bench of Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Fatema Anwar issued the rule on December 1, directing the Election Commission to provide an explanation within ten days. The petition was filed on November 27 by Mominul Amin, Secretary General of the National Democratic Movement (NDM), who argued that the amended Representation of the People Order (RPO) violates constitutional rights and freedom of expression. The writ petition also requested suspension of the provision and reinstatement of the previous rule allowing alliances to use a single electoral symbol. The Law Ministry Secretary and the Election Commission Secretary have been made respondents. Amin further alleged that the amendment was introduced to benefit specific parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami and the National People's Party (NCP).