The Advisory Council has approved the draft of the amendment to the International Crimes Tribunal Ordinance, aimed at addressing cases of genocide and crimes against humanity. If the ordinance is enacted, the tribunal will have the authority to recommend trials for political parties involved in crimes against humanity. On Wednesday (November 20), the draft ordinance was approved during a meeting of the Advisory Council held at the Secretariat. According to the draft, the International Crimes Tribunal will not have the direct authority to punish political parties for crimes committed. However, the tribunal may recommend necessary punitive measures to the relevant authorities. Earlier, for the first time since the formation of the interim government, nearly all advisors, including Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, attended a meeting held at the Secretariat. While regular meetings of the Advisory Council were previously held at the Chief Advisor's residence, Jamuna, or the Chief Advisor's Office, this marked the first time such a meeting was held in the conference room of the Secretariat, the administrative hub of Bangladesh. After the meeting, the Chief Advisor began working at the Secretariat. As a result, security in and around the area has been significantly heightened.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Amir, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, stated that if it is proven beyond doubt that the party made any mistakes during the 1971 Liberation War, they will apologize to the nation. He made this statement on Tuesday (November 19) in response to a question from the press regarding Jamaat’s role during the war, while speaking at a restaurant in East London. Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said, "If we made any mistakes and it is proven beyond doubt, I will apologize to the nation. In the UK court ruling on Chowdhury Mainuddin’s case, the judges here referred to the judgment passed in our country’s War Crimes Tribunal as 'genocide of justice.' For 15 years, we were not allowed to sit in our office, speak, or organize rallies. We were unable to reach the nation through the media." He further stated that due to ethnic disunity and corruption, the nation has not been able to progress as it should. He described corruption as a national shame. He pointed out that the UK, by keeping itself largely free from corruption, has been able to maintain a respected position globally, which Bangladesh has not achieved. He emphasized that a society will not improve unless those in power are honest. Dr. Shafiqur Rahman also criticized the previous government's unchecked corruption, stating that the development that could have been achieved was not. He claimed that while development projects in Bangladesh show inflated costs, similar projects in other countries in the region were completed at a third of the cost. He continued, "In the 24th movement, those who were killed should be recognized as national heroes. People from all walks of life participated in this uprising, including those living abroad who fought with us to the best of their abilities." Jamaat’s Amir also praised the contributions of expatriates, stating, "The diaspora continues to support Bangladesh through remittances. In addition to monetary remittances, I urge expatriates to send 'intellectual remittances' to help the intellectual development of Bangladesh. This will play a huge role in building the Bangladesh of our dreams." The event was attended by Barrister Abubakar Molla, the spokesperson for Jamaat-e-Islami Europe, and over fifty journalists from various Bangladeshi media outlets in the UK.

The Public Administration Reform Commission has invited citizens to provide their opinions on reforms in public administration. Feedback can be submitted online or in person until November 25. To facilitate this, 13 questions have been prepared and published on the Ministry of Public Administration's website (www.mopa.gov.bd), where citizens can directly share their feedback. According to the announcement, the interim government of Bangladesh formed a commission led by Abdul Muid Chowdhury on October 1. The commission has been tasked with submitting a recommendation-laden report to create a people-oriented, efficient, accountable, and neutral public administration. The deadline for the report is 90 days from its inception. The commission has already begun its activities, focusing on gathering public opinion through a questionnaire. Citizens from various professions can express their views by simply ticking options in a concise and straightforward questionnaire. Feedback can also be submitted with detailed suggestions online or offline by November 25. This input is expected to play a crucial role in building a more effective public administration. Key Details of the Questionnaire: The 13 questions allow respondents to select one of three provided answers. Additionally, participants can propose up to three independent suggestions. Questions Include: How would you generally assess the public administration system in Bangladesh? How do you evaluate the neutrality of public administration over the last 15 years? Do you believe reforms are necessary in the country’s public administration? What do you think is the most critical aspect of reforming public administration? What do you see as the main obstacle to making public administration more people-friendly? What is your personal experience with transparency and accountability in public administration? How would you describe the behavior of government officials and employees? What has been your experience in obtaining services from government offices? How can the current Upazila system better serve the people? Do you think the existing District Councils are effective as local government institutions? Do you believe creating multiple provinces in the country could reduce the burden on Dhaka? What measures should be taken to increase public engagement in public administration? What steps do you think are necessary to free public administration from political influence?

Today is the 59th birthday of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, born on November 20, 1965. Tarique Rahman is the eldest son of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. His nickname is Pino. In 2008, amidst the political turmoil during the 1/11 caretaker government period, Tarique Rahman moved to London, where he has been residing with his family ever since. His political career began as a member of the Bogura committee of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), founded by Ziaur Rahman. At just 22, in 1988, he became a member of the Gabtali Thana BNP in Bogura district. During the 2001 elections, Tarique actively campaigned nationwide alongside his mother. On March 19, 2016, during BNP’s sixth council, he was elected Senior Vice Chairman of the party. Since Khaleda Zia's imprisonment (she is now free), he has been serving as the acting chairman of BNP. No Celebrations on Birthday The BNP had previously announced that no events would be held to mark Tarique Rahman’s birthday this year. Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi reiterated this decision. In a press release on Tuesday (November 19), Rizvi reminded party leaders and activists nationwide of the directive. The notice stated that no celebrations or events would take place on November 20 to commemorate the acting chairman’s birthday. The release further warned that strict organizational action would be taken against those who fail to comply with the instructions.

Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor of the interim government, has stated that the nature and scope of reforms will be determined by the political parties, and decisions regarding the speed of elections will be based on their consensus. In a special interview with The Daily Star's editor, Mahfuz Anam, Dr. Yunus mentioned that reforms and elections are entirely a matter of consensus among political parties. He emphasized that if the public's direct opinion is to be sought, a referendum would be required. Regarding elections, he said, "The faster the reforms, the faster the elections. And if the political parties say they do not want reforms, I will hold elections immediately." He outlined his vision for reforms based on reports from the Election Commission, the police, the judiciary, the Anti-Corruption Commission, public administration, and the Constitutional Reform Commission. Dr. Yunus mentioned that the interim government would pave the way for elections through consensus among political parties as swiftly as possible. He emphasized, "We are not imposing anything." He further stated that his administration is only working to facilitate the process. On the election roadmap, Dr. Yunus explained, "We are moving along two parallel tracks. Equal focus and effort are being given to both: one is the election, and the other is reforms." He added, "The Election Commission will be announced within a day or two. The commission will operate independently. It’s not under my control. Everything necessary will be done there." However, he clarified that the Election Commission cannot begin its work until the Reform Commission submits its report. "Once the report is submitted, it cannot be used without political consensus," he noted. Dr. Yunus mentioned that the Reform Commission's report would be available by the end of December. However, implementing it will require political consensus. "Meetings will be held with political parties, and efforts for understanding will continue—what they want, what they don’t. We will impose nothing." He added, "Editorials will be written in the media, opinions will emerge, and we will seek the views of civil society." According to him, the timeline for reforms depends on how quickly political parties can reach a consensus, as elections are not possible without such agreement. He said, "If the political parties tell us they don’t need reforms and want elections as is, we will conduct them as is. It will be ready. How long it takes for reforms to prepare depends on everyone’s consideration. Maybe no one is ready for elections. But if everyone agrees to hold elections before reforms, we will do so. Who are we to prevent that?" When asked about the timeline for reforms, he stated that the commissions’ reports could be available by the end of December, and the government would have sufficient time until next July to reach a consensus on reforms. He emphasized that it depends entirely on the political parties. "There’s no use asking me how long it will take." On how the government would gauge public opinion, he replied that the government would discuss with political parties as representatives of the people. "I don’t think we can directly approach the public. That would require a referendum." When asked whether the Awami League would participate in discussions on reforms, the Nobel laureate said, "It depends entirely on the political parties. If they want the Awami League to participate in this process, that’s what will happen. We are not giving any special opinions." On the issue of cases filed against journalists without specific evidence, the Chief Advisor said, "It was done under old laws, hastily. We later stopped it." Regarding foreign policy, Dr. Yunus stated that although he is closer to Democrats, his government can work with the Trump administration. He explained that when he was awarded the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal, there was bipartisan agreement. "So, if anyone disliked me, they would have said so then," he added. Discussing how Indian media portrayed Bangladesh’s changing situation, Dr. Yunus said he raised the issue during a conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I told him that the allegations of minority persecution are entirely false and propaganda. To see for themselves, Indian journalists should be sent here. It’s an open place; journalists can go wherever they want. No one will stop them. Indian journalists started coming, but the narrative didn’t change." Dr. Yunus said he wanted to revive SAARC because he believed it could enhance cooperation in South Asia and the subcontinent. "Everyone agrees on SAARC. Only India is not keen, which is why progress hasn’t been made. I continue to encourage India," he added. However, the Chief Advisor stressed that the relationship between Bangladesh and India is very friendly. He stated that while differences may exist, they will not define the relationship between the two nations. He remarked, "These two neighboring countries have such a long history and such a position that one cannot truly thrive without friendship with the other." On relations with China, Dr. Yunus referred to his recent experience at the UN General Assembly. While a Chinese delegation wanted to meet him formally, protocol did not allow it. Nevertheless, he had an extensive discussion with the Chinese Foreign Minister. "We didn’t meet formally. We sat in one place," he said. The Chief Advisor added that the Chinese delegation, led by their Foreign Minister, presented a long statement, and he also shared his own views. Both sides discussed ways to collaborate further.

Three judges of the Supreme Court's High Court Division have submitted their resignation letters to the President. They have resigned after being prevented from conducting judicial work for a long time due to allegations of corruption and irregularities.  The three judges who resigned are Justice Salma Masud Chowdhury, Justice Kazi Reza-ul-Haque, and Justice AKM Zahirul Haque. The Ministry of Law issued a notification on Tuesday (November 19) stating that the President Md. Shahabuddin has accepted the resignations of the three judges.

The students have announced the suspension of the agitation after assuring that a committee will be formed within 7 working days to examine whether the government-run Titumir College can be converted into a university. On Tuesday (November 19) afternoon, a delegation of Titumir College students went to the Secretariat. Professor Aminul Islam, Special Assistant to the Education Advisor assured them in this regard. Later, the students left the Secretariat and announced the suspension of the agitation. Matiur Rahman, a member of the Titumir College student delegation who participated in the meeting, said that the government has assured to form a committee regarding the demand to convert Titumir College into a university. Which will be formed within the next seven working days. Based on this, we are announcing the suspension of the agitation. He said that the same committee has informed us that it will investigate the overall issue and submit a report. The delegation members are Mahmud Hasan Muktar, Mosharraf Rabby, Neyek Nur Mohammad, Abdul Hamid, Nuruddin Jisan, Matiur Rahman Joy, Jahangir Sunny, Mehedy Hasan Mal, Aminul Islam, Mohammad Bellal, Al Noman Nirob, Habibullah Rony, Md Toaha, and Kawsar. Earlier, students staged a protest for the second day demanding that the government-run Titumir College be converted into a university. A delegation of 14 students went to the Ministry of Education at the government's request. The rest took up positions in front of the main gate inside the campus around 11 am. It is worth noting that the Titumir College students have made three demands to the university. The demands are- 1. Titumir College should be separated from 7 colleges by canceling its affiliation with Dhaka University. 2. A commission should be formed to convert Titumir College into a university. 3. Titumir should formulate an outline for implementing an independent university.