At least thirteen people were injured on Friday in separate incidents of violence linked to election campaigning across Bangladesh. In Barishal’s Gouranadi upazila, four supporters of BNP’s rebel independent candidate Engineer Abdus Sobhan were hurt in two attacks allegedly carried out by supporters of BNP’s nominated candidate Zahir Uddin Swapon. Police said the clashes began after disputes over campaign slogans, and the situation was later brought under control.

In Munshiganj’s Gazaria upazila, seven people were injured when supporters of independent candidate Md. Mohiuddin clashed with those of BNP candidate Kamruzzaman Ratan during a rally. Both candidates condemned the incident, while police confirmed they were investigating. In Shariatpur’s Damudya upazila, two people were injured in a scuffle between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami supporters in Char Dhankathi area during campaign activities.

The incidents occurred as political tensions rose nationwide with the intensification of campaigning for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election, prompting police deployment in affected areas to maintain order.

BNP Standing Committee member and Dhaka-8 constituency candidate Mirza Abbas said the lack of adequate playgrounds is leading young people astray and increasing addiction to drugs and social media. Speaking to journalists after a friendly football match at Arambagh Balur Math on Friday afternoon, he stated that he would not make election promises but would work to restore playgrounds to foster youth talent development.

Abbas explained that several playgrounds he had previously built were taken over by what he described as a past autocratic government. As a local resident, he emphasized his commitment to reclaiming these spaces for the community. Earlier in the day, he joined Friday prayers at Shahjahanpur Amtala Mosque and took part in campaign activities in Arambagh, Agrani Club Ideal Zone, and Bank Colony Mosque areas.

Later in the evening, Abbas was scheduled to attend the Saraswati Puja celebration at Dhaka University’s Jagannath Hall and exchange views with Hindu devotees at Ramna Kali Temple.

Rajshahi Warriors, a new franchise in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), won the 2026 season title by defeating Chattogram Royals by 63 runs in the final held in Mirpur. Batting first, Rajshahi scored 174 for 4 in 20 overs, led by Tanzid Hasan Tamim’s century. In reply, Chattogram were bowled out for 111 runs, failing to chase the target against disciplined bowling from Rajshahi.

Tamim’s 100 off 62 balls, featuring six fours and seven sixes, was the third century in a BPL final. Supporting contributions came from Sahibzada Farhan with 30 and Kane Williamson with 24. For Chattogram, Mukidul Islam Mugdho and Shoriful Islam took two wickets each. Shoriful also set a new record for most wickets in a single BPL season with 26.

Sri Lankan pacer Binura Fernando starred with the ball for Rajshahi, taking four wickets for nine runs in three overs, while spinner Hasan Murad claimed three for 15. Their combined effort restricted Chattogram’s batting lineup, securing Rajshahi Warriors their maiden BPL championship.

The Ninth National Pay Commission submitted its report to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus on January 21, three weeks ahead of schedule. Led by Zakir Ahmed Khan, the commission proposed a 20-grade pay structure for government employees, recommending that the minimum salary rise from Tk 8,250 to Tk 20,000 and the maximum from Tk 78,000 to Tk 160,000. Implementing the proposal would require an additional Tk 1.06 trillion, with salaries potentially increasing by 100 to 147 percent and similar adjustments for pensions and allowances.

During a meeting chaired by Dr. Yunus in Tejgaon, members of the interim government’s advisory council discussed the report extensively. Some advisers expressed concern that such a large increase might be inequitable given the current economic conditions and high inflation. They cautioned against placing excessive pressure on the national treasury while many citizens face limited incomes.

Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed confirmed that no committee has yet been formed to oversee implementation. The absence of this committee has raised uncertainty about whether the new pay structure will be enacted during the current government’s tenure.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the NCP’s southern region, said on Friday that he senses the return of fascism in the country. Speaking at an election rally at Dhorokra School field in Chauddagram upazila of Comilla, he urged those planning to seize polling centers to seek their parents’ blessings before leaving home. He emphasized that freedom of expression and the right to dissent must both be preserved.

At the same event, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer and former MP Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher claimed that the government’s family card initiative was fake and violated electoral rules. He alleged that one political party aimed to come to power by compromising national interests with India, which he said the country’s youth would resist. Former Islami Chhatra Shibir president Zahidul Islam called on supporters to learn from the past and hand over troublemakers to the police rather than resorting to violence.

Other local leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami, Khilafat Majlis, and labor organizations also addressed the rally, which was conducted by Mohammad Yusuf.

Feni-2 constituency’s BNP candidate Zainal Abedin stated that he has not yet taken a clear position regarding the upcoming referendum. Speaking to journalists on Friday, January 23, during his campaign in Feni Municipality’s Wards 1 and 2, the former member of parliament said he does not have a definite idea about whether to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’. He added that the final decision would depend on the party’s central leadership.

Abedin emphasized that there is no personal gain or pressure involved in the referendum issue. He expressed confidence that people would vote for the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol on February 12, claiming that such support could bring a change in the nation’s fate. He also asserted that the BNP would come to power with around 78 percent of the votes.

He recalled his long-standing political involvement in Feni, noting that he served as vice president of Feni Government College before the formation of the Awami League and has always considered Feni-2 his political base.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer and former Member of Parliament Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher alleged that a political party aims to gain power by selling Bangladesh to India. He made the remarks on Friday afternoon at an election rally held at Dhorokra School field in Chauddagram upazila, where he also claimed that the government’s family card program is fake and violates electoral conduct rules.

At the same event, NCP’s southern region chief organizer Hasnat Abdullah emphasized the importance of freedom of expression and dissent, warning of the return of fascism. Former central president of Islami Chhatra Shibir Zahidul Islam urged supporters to learn from the past and hand over troublemakers to the police instead of resorting to violence. Several local Jamaat and allied leaders also addressed the gathering.

The rally reflected Jamaat’s criticism of government initiatives and its call for vigilance among supporters ahead of the upcoming elections.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has pledged that his party will prioritize youth employment, agricultural and infrastructure development, and the rehabilitation of slum dwellers if it returns to power. He made these commitments on Friday night at an election rally in Dhaka’s Vashantek area, emphasizing the need to rebuild national institutions weakened under autocratic rule and to ensure accountability through elected representatives.

Rahman outlined several initiatives, including a special card and easy loan facilities for farmers, as well as training and education programs to develop skilled manpower among youth. He also promised employment opportunities and a family card program for women, alongside effective measures to improve the living standards of slum residents. Addressing the crowd, he urged citizens to elect representatives who would listen to public concerns and work toward solutions.

The rally was attended by senior BNP leaders, including his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman, Nazrul Islam Khan, and other party officials. Before his speech, Rahman spoke with local residents from various professions and assured them that their problems would be addressed if his party came to power.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh has withdrawn from the 11-party alliance, citing fundamental policy differences regarding the implementation of Sharia law. The party’s Amir, Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, announced the decision on Friday afternoon during an election campaign rally at Kanchpur Balur Math in Sonargaon, Narayanganj. He said a self-interested party within the alliance had deceived Islami Andolan with dreams of power but would not establish Sharia-based governance even if it came to power.

Rezaul Karim stated that the party could not compromise on its principles and that true freedom and rights for the people could only be ensured under Sharia rule. He emphasized that Islami Andolan would now move forward independently, without relying on any coalition. During the rally, he urged local voters to support Golam Masih, the Islami Andolan candidate for Narayanganj-3 (Sonargaon-Siddhirganj), and vote for the “hand fan” symbol.

The event was presided over by Faruk Ahmed Munshi, president of Sonargaon Thana Islami Andolan, and attended by district and upazila-level leaders of the party and its affiliated organizations.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch (DB) has arrested another shooter in connection with the killing of volunteer leader Azizur Rahman Mushabbir in Tejgaon. The arrest took place early Friday in Narsingdi district, where the suspect, identified as Abdur Rahim, was detained along with two foreign pistols, two magazines, and 12 rounds of ammunition. DB officials said Rahim admitted during preliminary questioning to directly participating in the murder. With this arrest, a total of five suspects have now been detained in the case.

Earlier, on January 11, DB had arrested three others, including shooter Jinnat and alleged planner Billal. Investigators are currently verifying information provided by the detainees to identify the motive, financial transactions, and those who ordered the killing. According to police, the murder occurred on January 7 around 8 p.m. near Hotel Super Star in West Tejturi Para, when armed assailants on motorcycles opened fire on Mushabbir.

Mushabbir, who was the member secretary of Dhaka North Volunteer Team and joint secretary of the central committee, died after being taken to hospital. His companion, Abu Sufian Bepari Masud, was also shot and remains under treatment.

Bangladesh advanced to the Super Four stage of the Under-19 World Cup after defeating the United States by seven wickets in their final group match. The match, held in Harare, saw the U.S. bat first and post 199 runs in 50 overs under pressure from Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling attack. In reply, Bangladesh reached the target in 41.3 overs, losing only three wickets and finishing with 51 balls to spare.

The victory was crucial for Bangladesh, as they needed a win to qualify for the Super Four. Iqbal Hossain Imon led the bowling with three wickets, while three other bowlers took two each. In the chase, openers Jawad Abrar and Rifat Beg built a 78-run partnership before captain Azizul Hakim guided the team home with a composed 64-run innings. Kalam Siddiqui and Rizan remained unbeaten to seal the win.

With this result, Bangladesh’s Under-19 team continues its campaign in the Super Four, maintaining strong momentum from the group stage.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman announced that his party would implement the Teesta mega project in northern Bangladesh if elected in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. He made the declaration on Friday at a campaign rally organized by the 10-party alliance at Rangpur Public Library ground, emphasizing that reviving the Teesta River would restore life to the northern region.

During his speech, Dr. Rahman criticized what he described as 17 years of oppressive rule and alleged widespread corruption, killings, and disappearances. He said Jamaat leaders and activists had been persecuted and vowed to build a corruption-free and just Bangladesh. He also rejected the idea of unemployment allowances, instead promising to create employment opportunities for both men and women based on merit and dignity.

Dr. Rahman outlined three conditions for joining his political movement: zero tolerance for corruption, ensuring justice without interference, and abandoning what he called 54 years of failed politics. He pledged to transform northern Bangladesh into an agro-industrial hub and establish an agricultural university if necessary.

BNP National Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said Bangladesh’s democracy has been freed and people have regained their ownership. Speaking at an election campaign rally in Surajpur-Manikpur Union of Chakaria on January 23, he called on citizens to exercise their voting rights freely on February 12 to strengthen democracy. He warned that fascism must never return and that the rise of undemocratic forces would bring consequences for all.

Ahmed stated that the BNP has long struggled to establish voting rights for the people and remains committed to building a strong democratic Bangladesh in line with the aspirations of martyrs, students, and citizens. He described BNP as the driving force behind the country’s development, progress, and prosperity, urging voters to support the party’s symbol, the paddy sheaf, in the upcoming election.

Later that day, at another rally in Baraithali Union, he criticized the Awami League, calling it a “mafia party” and a force against Bangladesh, and emphasized the importance of farmers and the poor for national strength.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman called on citizens to elect their own representatives through voting to establish democracy and rebuild national institutions. Speaking at an election rally in Vashantek on Friday, January 23, 2026, he said that after the fall of autocracy, the country must now focus on reconstruction. He emphasized accountability and the need for elected representatives to address public problems directly.

Before his speech, Rahman interacted with residents of Vashantek, including rickshaw pullers, homemakers, slum dwellers, and students, discussing local issues. He assured them that if elected and in power, the BNP would work to solve these problems. Rahman outlined plans for special cards and loans for farmers, training and education programs for youth to enhance employment opportunities, and initiatives to empower women through job creation and family cards.

He expressed hope that future representatives would engage directly with citizens, listen to their concerns, and ensure solutions through democratic accountability.

An IT Training and Incubation Center under the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority was inaugurated in Meherpur on Friday. Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant (Consensus) Monir Haidar said the center would be highly effective in developing skilled manpower for the IT sector and open new opportunities for local youth. He urged residents to make the best use of the facility.

Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications and ICT, Fayez Ahmad Tayyeb, stated that the center aims to develop a startup ecosystem. He outlined three main objectives: supporting local entrepreneurs and small IT-based businesses with infrastructure to grow as startups, providing training in freelancing, e-commerce, and ICT skills to create quality employment, and bridging the gap between academia and industry. The center will feature a modern computer lab, startup space, incubation facilities, and a 150-seat auditorium.

All training programs will be verified by the National Skill Development Authority (NSDA) to ensure national and international recognition. The inauguration was attended by officials from government and private institutions, including the Vice-Chancellor of Meherpur University and local dignitaries.