Jamaat-e-Islami candidate and lawyer Shishir Monir from Sunamganj-2 constituency said that without innovation in politics after August 5, the old political culture would return. He made the remarks on Friday, January 30, in Dirai’s Dhal Bazar after an attack on his campaign vehicle. Monir condemned the incident and called for identifying those responsible, describing the attack as an attempt to destroy new political thinking rather than mere vandalism.

He stated that an intolerant attitude was spreading across the country, which he said was undesirable. Monir urged political parties to engage in coordinated discussions and called on the Election Commission to take effective initiatives to stop such incidents. He emphasized that without such action, no qualitative change in politics could be expected.

Monir concluded that immediate steps were necessary to end the ongoing hostility and ensure a constructive political environment in the country.

Bangladesh has confirmed that 57 observers from 16 countries will monitor the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum. In addition to these bilateral observers, several hundred representatives from the European Union, Commonwealth, and international organizations working on democracy and human rights will also participate. Malaysia will send the largest delegation with 14 observers, followed by Turkey with 12. Malaysia’s team will be led by Election Commission Chairman Dato’ Sri Ramlan bin Dato Harun, while Turkey’s delegation will be headed by former Turkish ambassador to Bangladesh Mehmet Vakur Erkul.

Other confirmed countries include Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Jordan, Iran, Georgia, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and South Africa. Notable participants include Pakistan’s Chief Election Commissioner Mohammad Jalal Sikandar Sultan and Bhutan’s Chief Election Commissioner Deki Pema. Senior Secretary and SDG Coordinator Lamia Morshed stated that around 400 observers have been confirmed so far, with more countries expected to join soon.

The Commonwealth team will be led by former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, while the EU mission will be headed by Latvian MEP Ivars Ijabs. Over 2,000 candidates from more than 50 political parties and independents are contesting 300 parliamentary seats.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has intensified security measures across the Rajshahi division’s border areas ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary election. More than 4,000 BGB personnel will be deployed to maintain law and order and ensure stability. The force has also increased the use of modern technology to curb crime and monitor border conditions. Coordination discussions have been held with India’s Border Security Force (BSF) to keep the situation stable.

At a press conference held on Friday morning near the Rajshahi–Naogaon highway, BGB Rajshahi Sector Commander Colonel Syed Kamal Hossain detailed the security plan. He said the Rajshahi sector, covering seven districts, 62 upazilas, and one city corporation with 37 constituencies, will operate from 65 base camps with 146 mobile and striking platoons. Additionally, each of the 76 border outposts will have 10 striking reserve members ready for deployment.

Colonel Hossain added that helicopters will be kept ready to enable quick response forces to reach any emergency location swiftly. A security drill was conducted on the highway following the press briefing.

A three-year-old child abducted from in front of Mugda Government Medical College Hospital in Dhaka was rescued within 24 hours by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). The main suspect, Md. Chan Mia, aged 41, was arrested during the same operation in Gaibandha district. The child, found unharmed, has been reunited with the family. Law enforcement agencies confirmed that efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest others involved in the abduction.

The abduction occurred on January 28 when the child, visiting the hospital with family for medical care, briefly went out of sight. The abductor took advantage of the moment, carrying the child away from the hospital area. Following the incident, Mugda police and RAB launched a joint search, analyzing CCTV footage and using technology-based tracking to trace the suspect’s movements.

Officials indicated that the abduction was premeditated and possibly involved more individuals. Based on the suspect’s initial confession, investigators are verifying information to locate potential accomplices. Authorities urged parents to remain vigilant in crowded public areas and to report any suspicious activity immediately to nearby police stations.

Azerbaijan has declared that it will never permit its territory or airspace to be used for any attack against neighboring Iran. The statement came from Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov on Thursday during a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, according to a release from Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry. Bayramov expressed concern over the recent rise in regional tensions and emphasized the need for all parties to refrain from actions that could destabilize Iran or its surrounding areas.

He highlighted that Azerbaijan consistently advocates for resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomatic means in accordance with international law and principles. The statement reflects Baku’s cautious stance amid growing geopolitical strains in the region.

Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran that time was running out to reach a deal over its nuclear program, threatening that any future attack would be even more severe than the previous one on Iranian nuclear facilities in June of the previous year.

US President Donald Trump has warned that strengthening relations or signing agreements with China would be 'very dangerous' for the United Kingdom. His remarks came in response to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s ongoing four-day visit to China. Trump made the comments on Thursday during the premiere of a documentary about his wife Melania, when asked whether Britain was expanding its business relations with China.

Trump did not elaborate on his concerns about the UK-China relationship but also cautioned Canada, saying that any deal with China would be even more dangerous for that country. Earlier in the week, he had threatened to impose additional tariffs on Canada if it proceeded with an economic agreement with China.

During his visit, Prime Minister Starmer said the UK aims to take bilateral relations with China to an unprecedented level. On the first day of his trip, he held an 80-minute meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, emphasizing the importance of improving ties with the world’s second-largest economy.

Eight platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed across Gopalganj to maintain overall law and order following several recent incidents of crude bomb explosions in the district town. The deployment took place on Thursday, January 29, after explosions near the deputy commissioner’s office, the district judge’s residence, and the gate of Gopalganj University created widespread panic among residents.

According to sources, the move comes as part of heightened security measures ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Law enforcement agencies have identified Gopalganj, along with Madaripur, Shariatpur, and Faridpur, as high-risk areas due to fears of sabotage, violence, and voter intimidation. Police headquarters stated that a special security plan was prepared based on past incidents of political violence and intelligence assessments.

BGB’s TWiC Major Nur Uddin Ahmad said separate camps have been established in Gopalganj Sadar, Kashiani, Kotalipara, Tungipara, and Muksudpur upazilas. Checkposts have been set up on the Dhaka-Khulna highway and other key points to inspect vehicles and strengthen surveillance.

The US Embassy in Dhaka has issued a special security alert for American citizens in Bangladesh ahead of the country’s 13th national parliamentary election and a national referendum scheduled for February 12. The advisory, released on Friday through the embassy’s website and social media platforms, warned of potential political violence or extremist attacks targeting gatherings, polling centers, and religious sites. US citizens were urged to avoid demonstrations, remain vigilant, and exercise extra caution near large crowds.

The embassy’s notice emphasized that even peaceful demonstrations could turn confrontational and lead to violence. It advised citizens to stay aware of their surroundings, monitor local news, and keep communication devices charged. The alert also noted that the Bangladesh government has announced restrictions on motorcycle movement from February 10 and on all transport on February 11 and 12. Consequently, the US Embassy will provide limited in-person services on those two days.

The advisory further recommended that US citizens review personal security plans and prepare alternative travel routes during the election period.

Hasnat Abdullah, the Jamaat-NCP alliance candidate for Cumilla-4 (Debidwar) constituency and chief organizer of NCP’s southern region, made sharp remarks against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during an election march on Friday across Rajamehar and Bhani unions in Debidwar upazila. He claimed no one in the country was a bigger intimidator than Hasina and urged voters to reject corruption and vote manipulation.

During his campaign, Abdullah accused the ruling Awami League of past electoral irregularities, alleging that even deceased individuals had been recorded as voters. He called on residents to ensure only living, eligible voters cast ballots and pledged to work for the people if elected. He also encouraged unity beyond political or religious divisions and urged collective resistance against any attempt at vote rigging, even in the presence of administration.

The campaign event was attended by local leaders from Jamaat and NCP, including Saiful Islam Shahid, Professor Shahidul Islam, Md. Jahangir Alam, and Nahidul Islam Nahid, along with activists from various unions and municipalities.

After a 14-year hiatus, direct air connectivity between Bangladesh and Pakistan resumed as Biman Bangladesh Airlines launched its first Dhaka-Karachi flight on Thursday night. Flight BG-341 departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 8 p.m. and landed in Karachi at 11 p.m. local time, where it received a traditional water cannon salute. The inaugural flight carried 150 passengers, according to Geo News.

The Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka described the resumption as a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral ties, communication, and connectivity between the two nations. Bangladesh’s Adviser for Civil Aviation and Tourism said the new route would enhance regional connectivity, boost tourism, and improve people-to-people contact. He added that flight frequency would gradually increase and fares would be reduced to make travel more accessible.

Pakistan’s High Commissioner Imran Haider recalled that both governments agreed to restore direct flights during the visit of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar to Dhaka in August last year, emphasizing that stronger connectivity was a shared leadership goal.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman paid tribute to the late BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, describing her as a determined fighter against domination. He made the remarks on Friday, January 30, 2026, at a public rally organized by Feni District Jamaat at the Pilot School field in Feni, where he recalled her political stance and expressed respect for her leadership.

During the election rally, Dr. Rahman announced plans to establish government medical colleges in all 36 districts, including Feni, ensuring that no district in Bangladesh would be deprived of such facilities. He also promised to address the unresolved issue of a local dam through discussions with neighboring India and pledged to build an international-standard stadium in Feni, citing the district’s economic contributions and large expatriate population.

The Jamaat chief emphasized his commitment to protecting national interests and serving the people, assuring residents that Feni would receive its due share of development if his party were given the opportunity to serve.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that 'Miya Muslims' should vote in Bangladesh instead of Assam, adding that Muslims should be harassed so they leave the state. He stated that his government is openly against the 'Miya Muslims' and instructed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers to file large numbers of Form 7 objections against suspected foreign nationals during the ongoing voter list revision. According to Sarma, BJP workers have already submitted around 500,000 such forms.

The remarks have triggered strong criticism from opposition parties. Assam Congress leaders have written to India’s Chief Justice protesting the directive to file mass objections, calling it an attempt to target a specific community and interfere in the electoral process. A public interest litigation has also been filed in the Gauhati High Court seeking judicial intervention. Opposition groups including Congress, Raijor Dal, Assam Jatiya Parishad, and CPI(M) have jointly submitted a memorandum to the state’s Chief Electoral Officer.

The controversy comes ahead of Assam’s upcoming assembly elections, with voter list revisions underway as part of pre-election procedures.

A passenger bus caught fire on Friday morning in Dhaka’s Uttara House Building area due to a suspected mechanical fault. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. when a Bhuiyan Paribahan bus, parked by the roadside, suddenly emitted smoke from its engine before bursting into flames. Fire service units from Uttara arrived promptly and brought the blaze under control by 10:12 a.m. No injuries were reported as the bus was empty at the time.

According to police, the bus engine had been left running while the driver and his assistant went to a nearby shop. Preliminary findings suggest the fire originated from a mechanical malfunction or short circuit caused by the prolonged running engine. The interior of the bus was severely damaged, but nearby shops and vehicles were spared thanks to the fire service’s quick response.

Traffic on the busy Dhaka–Mymensingh Highway slowed briefly during the incident. Authorities are investigating whether any other factors contributed to the fire. The situation in the area has since returned to normal.

The NDU Cricket League 2026 is set to begin on Saturday, January 31, at the Notre Dame University field in Dhaka. Organized annually since 2017, the tournament has become a regular sporting event for the university community. This year, four teams—English, Business Administration, CSE, and Law—will compete for the title. The final match is scheduled for February 7.

According to Sami Chishti, the league’s organizing committee co-coordinator, the tournament represents a long-standing tradition of Notre Dame University, aiming to promote healthy competition and shared enjoyment among students. The English Eagles, five-time finalists and three-time champions, will participate again in their signature sky-blue and white jerseys. Fantasy Kingdom is serving as the title sponsor for this year’s event.

Excitement is building across the campus as players complete their final training sessions, preparing for what has become one of the university’s most anticipated annual sports events.

The government of Bangladesh has declared February 11 as a public holiday ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for February 12, which is already a general holiday. With the following Friday and Saturday being weekly holidays, citizens will have a continuous four-day break surrounding the election period. Despite the extended holiday, nationwide restrictions will apply to public transportation and inter-district travel to maintain security and order.

Former Election Commission official Jesmin Tuli told the BBC that voting is not mandatory in Bangladesh, and citizens may travel if they wish. However, entry to certain voting areas may be restricted to prevent external interference or violence. On election day, personal vehicles, long-distance buses, launches, and trains are typically prohibited from operating to reduce unnecessary movement and ensure law and order.

Citizens are encouraged to spend time with family, participate in local social or religious activities, or complete personal tasks. Emergency services such as hospitals, ambulances, fire service, and utilities will remain operational. Authorities emphasize that following election laws and commission guidelines will help ensure a peaceful and safe voting day.