Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), warned that any attempt by a neighboring country to interfere in Bangladesh’s democratic or electoral process will be resisted. He made the statement on Saturday, January 31, during an election rally of the 11-party alliance in Chauddagram, Cumilla, where he served as a special guest.

Islam said the upcoming election is not an isolated event but part of a broader democratic aspiration that began with the July uprising. He accused a neighboring country of being involved in conspiracies surrounding the election and claimed it had supported fascism for the past 16 years. He emphasized that only the people of Bangladesh have the right to decide who will form the government and that any hegemonic interference will be confronted by the nation’s citizens.

He added that if the 11-party alliance forms the next government, it will prioritize completing the unfinished tasks of the July uprising, including ensuring justice for its martyrs and the swift trial of Osman Hadi’s killers.

Colonel BM Touhid Hasan, AFWC (PSC), Commander of the Brahmanbaria Sarail Region of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), announced that the force will work actively to maintain peace, law and order, and protect citizens’ voting rights during the upcoming national election and referendum. He made the statement at a press briefing in Madhabpur, Habiganj, on Saturday afternoon.

He said BGB has taken extensive preparations nationwide to ensure overall security so that voters can exercise their rights in a safe and uninterrupted environment. Under the Sarail Region, four battalions from Sylhet, Sreemangal, Cumilla, and Mymensingh will deploy 330 platoons, totaling 6,600 personnel, across 92 upazilas in 56 constituencies of 17 districts. In six border upazilas, BGB will operate independently, while elsewhere it will act as a mobile striking force in coordination with the Bangladesh Army and other law enforcement agencies.

The press briefing was attended by Lieutenant Colonel Tanzilur Rahman, Commander of BGB Battalion 55, along with journalists from print and electronic media working in Habiganj, Madhabpur, and Chunarughat.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that Bangladesh can never be safe in the hands of those who opposed the 1971 Liberation War. He made the remark on Saturday, January 31, during an election campaign event at Paschim Akcha in Thakurgaon-1 constituency. Addressing voters, he criticized a rival party with the symbol of scales, accusing it of not supporting the war and committing atrocities during that time.

Fakhrul urged voters to remain vigilant, warning them not to share mobile payment numbers or believe false promises about religious rewards for voting. He said the country's economy and banking sector had suffered over the past 15–16 years and called for electing honest leaders to recover looted funds and ensure development. Highlighting his own integrity, he said this would be his last election and asked for votes for the BNP’s paddy sheaf symbol.

He also cited BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman’s pledges, including waiving agricultural loans up to 10,000 taka, freeing mothers from NGO debt, introducing family and agriculture cards, and creating one million jobs for educated youth within 18 months if the party comes to power.

BNP National Standing Committee member and Cox’s Bazar-1 (Chakaria-Pekua) candidate Salahuddin Ahmed called on voters to support the 'Sheaf of Paddy' symbol to strengthen democracy in Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Saturday during the eighth day of his election campaign while conducting public outreach across several wards of Chakaria municipality. Ahmed began the day by visiting the grave of scholar Maulana Mahmudur Rahman before meeting residents in areas including Bimanbandar Para, Jalia Para, Hindu Para, Amanarchar, and Halkakara.

Addressing a street rally in Kazi Para, Ahmed said that Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) stands for the people of Bangladesh and aims to establish a strong democratic system where citizens’ voting and human rights cannot be taken away. He emphasized that BNP, founded by late President Ziaur Rahman and led by Begum Khaleda Zia, has played a significant role in education, women’s development, and governance. He urged voters to cast their ballots for the 'Sheaf of Paddy' on February 12 to build a peaceful and democratic Bangladesh.

Local BNP leaders including Nurul Islam Haydar, Professor Mu Fakhruddin Farazi, and M Abdur Rahim were present during the campaign events.

At a meeting with Islamic scholars and clerics in Parshuram, Feni, BNP leaders announced that the party would introduce monthly government allowances for imams, khatibs and muezzins if it forms the next government. The event, held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Parshuram Auditorium, was organized in support of BNP’s Feni-1 candidate Rafiqul Alam Majnu. Abu Taleb, a member of the BNP National Executive Committee and chief coordinator of the local election management committee, attended as the chief guest.

Presided over by Maulana Nurul Islam, principal of Parshuram Islamia Senior Fazil Madrasa, the meeting also featured Abdul Halim Manik, convener of the Upazila BNP, as a special guest. In his speech, Abu Taleb said BNP would never pass any law contrary to the Quran and Sunnah, emphasizing that protecting Islam is a collective duty in a country where 90 percent of the population is Muslim.

He added that imams, khatibs and muezzins play a vital role in guiding society through Islamic teachings, and the proposed allowance aims to recognize their contribution.

A total of 330 international observers have been confirmed to monitor Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election and the referendum on the July national charter, scheduled for February 12. The Chief Adviser’s Press Wing announced the figure on Saturday, noting that six international organizations, including the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), will send at least 63 observers. Additionally, the European Union, 16 countries, and 32 individual observers affiliated with various international organizations will participate.

The number of international observers this year is more than double that of the disputed January 7, 2024 election, which saw significantly fewer monitors. Previous elections hosted 158, 125, and only four international observers in the 12th, 11th, and 10th elections respectively. The OIC delegation will be led by Shakir Mahmud Bandar, head of the organization’s election observation unit. Other groups include ANFREL with 28 observers, the Commonwealth Secretariat with 25, IRI with seven, and NDI with one.

Senior Secretary and SDG Coordinator Lamia Morshed said the number may rise as several invited countries, including India, Nepal, Australia, and France, have yet to confirm their delegates.

Prominent Qawmi scholar Mufti Abdur Rahman Rahmani has joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. The joining took place on Saturday afternoon at the party’s Dhaka Metropolitan South office, where he filled out the associate membership form. He was welcomed by Abdus Sabur Fakir, a member of Jamaat’s central Majlish-e-Shura and Naib-e-Ameer of Dhaka Metropolitan South. Other senior leaders, including Advocate Dr. Helal Uddin, Maulana Mosharraf Hossain, and Mufti Nuruzzaman Nomani, were also present.

Rahmani stated that he had not previously been affiliated with any organization but had long been seeking one dedicated to establishing Islamic principles. He said he found Jamaat-e-Islami to embody the spirit of mutual care described in Hadith, unlike many Qawmi-based groups he viewed as lacking structure. He emphasized that Jamaat offered broader opportunities for social and religious work and urged his students and well-wishers to join for the sake of divine satisfaction.

Jamaat leaders described the party as a humanitarian organization committed to social reform and service, rejecting what they called false propaganda against it.

Jaima Rahman, daughter of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, has recently drawn notable attention within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party after returning to the country with her family. Although she holds no official party position, her participation in select events since December 2025 has sparked curiosity among party members and observers. Political analysts suggest that BNP is gradually introducing her to the public eye, possibly signaling a message of leadership continuity within the party.

Some observers believe Jaima’s emergence is part of a broader strategy to attract young and female voters ahead of the next parliamentary election. Her recent public appearances include a policy discussion on women’s role in nation-building, a youth-focused creative competition, and cultural events in Dhaka. Despite her growing visibility, she has yet to appear on the main election campaign stage.

Jaima, a barrister trained in the United Kingdom, has described herself as a communications strategist and corporate lawyer. Her increasing engagement in public and party-related activities has been widely covered by national media and BNP’s official social media channels.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his government is prepared to listen to the problems of the Iranian people. He made the remarks in a televised speech on Saturday, during which he accused former U.S. President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and European countries of inciting recent protests in Iran. Pezeshkian claimed these foreign actors sought to divide the nation and spread hatred among its people.

He stated that normal protests do not involve violence, killings of military personnel, or attacks on ambulances and markets. According to him, the government should sit with demonstrators, hear their concerns, and find solutions. Pezeshkian added that foreign powers exploited Iran’s internal issues to provoke unrest and divide society.

Iranian authorities have acknowledged that more than 3,000 people were killed in the recent protests, saying most victims were security forces or bystanders killed by “rioters.” However, rights groups have claimed the actual death toll is likely much higher.

National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan said there is no alternative to the scale symbol to free the country from corruption and extortion. He made the remarks on Saturday morning at the 'March for Scale' election rally held at Rahim Uddin Degree College field in Adamdighi upazila of Bogura. Bhuiyan urged voters to support the scale symbol and recalled that during a previous authoritarian period, some districts faced regional discrimination based solely on identity. He stated that as an interim government adviser on youth and sports, he decided that no district should face such discrimination for political reasons.

Bhuiyan also outlined development plans for the region, including construction of an underpass in Santahar municipality to ease railway congestion and a flyover in Dupchanchia to reduce traffic. He mentioned plans to establish factories to increase employment and economic stability in the area. The rally was presided over by upazila Jamaat Amir Hafez Atowar Hossain, where Bhuiyan introduced Nur Muhammad Abu Taher as the NCP candidate for Bogura-3 constituency.

Several local and district-level leaders from NCP and Jamaat addressed the event as special guests, expressing support for the scale symbol and the party’s development agenda.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has alleged widespread attacks, threats, and violations of the electoral code against its campaigners across several districts. At a press conference held on Saturday afternoon at the party’s central office in Moghbazar, Assistant Secretary General and head of the publicity and media department Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair demanded the immediate arrest of those involved in the killing of Jamaat leader Rezaul Karim in Jhenaigati, Sherpur. He said the attacks appeared aimed at spreading fear among voters and warned that fascism, extortion, and terrorism would have no place in the future of Bangladesh.

Zubair stated that information on these incidents had been shared with returning officers and law enforcement agencies, and a memorandum would be submitted to the Election Commission on Sunday. He cited multiple incidents, including the killings of Jamaat figures Sharif Osman Hadi and Shariful Islam, assaults on activists in Gaibandha, Bhola, and other districts, and alleged involvement of BNP members in violent acts. Jamaat warned that failure to arrest identified attackers could jeopardize a fair election and lead to further party action.

The press conference was attended by members of Jamaat’s national election management committee, including Zahidur Rahman and Oliullah Noman.

In the Sunamganj-2 (Dirai-Shalla) parliamentary constituency, election activities have gained momentum ahead of the upcoming national polls. Candidates are holding rallies, market meetings, and door-to-door campaigns from early morning until late night. Family members of the contenders have also joined the field, directly engaging with voters and sharing promises. With paper posters absent this year, digital banners and festoons dominate the streets, while parties compete creatively to attract young voters.

The main contest has emerged between BNP’s veteran politician and former MP Nasir Uddin Chowdhury and the 10-party alliance candidate, Supreme Court lawyer Mohammad Shishir Monir, backed by Jamaat-e-Islami. Despite some health issues, Nasir continues active campaigning across villages, while Shishir focuses on social media outreach and community engagement, including farmers, laborers, expatriates, and third-gender groups. Local residents express divided support, with some praising Nasir’s liberation war legacy and others viewing Shishir as a symbol of development and trust.

As election day approaches, excitement and speculation grow over who will lead Dirai-Shalla next, marking a generational contest between experience and youth.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman addressed an election campaign rally in Sherpur, Bogura, on Saturday, January 31, 2026, while returning to Dhaka from a northern Bangladesh tour. Speaking at the event for BNP candidate Golam Mohammad Siraj in the Bogura-5 (Sherpur-Dhunat) constituency, he expressed gratitude for visiting Bogura after 19 years and called on voters to support the BNP’s 'sheaf of paddy' symbol in the upcoming February 12 election. Rahman said the people of Bangladesh recognize Bogura as a BNP stronghold and urged residents to reaffirm that reputation through their votes.

Thousands of party leaders, activists, and local residents gathered along the Dhunatmor area to welcome Rahman, waving and cheering as his motorcade passed. He stated that whenever the BNP has governed, it has worked for national and local development, promising continued progress if elected again. Several senior BNP leaders from district and upazila levels accompanied him during the visit.

The rally highlighted the party’s effort to consolidate support in Bogura ahead of the February 12 vote.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman appeared on the stage of an election rally at the BSCIC Industrial Park in Sirajganj on Saturday afternoon. He was accompanied by his wife, Zubaida Rahman. As he stepped onto the stage around 3 p.m., party leaders, activists, and supporters greeted him with applause. Rahman responded by waving to the crowd.

According to the report, Tarique Rahman traveled by road from Bogura to Sirajganj earlier in the day. Thousands of BNP leaders and activists from various upazilas of Sirajganj and from Pabna gathered at the venue from the morning to see him. By noon, the rally ground and nearby roads were filled with people.

The event marked a significant campaign appearance by the BNP chairperson ahead of the upcoming election, drawing large participation from party supporters in the region.

In Chattogram-12 (Patiya) constituency, Akibul Haque, son of BNP candidate Enamul Haque Enam, actively campaigned on Friday afternoon seeking votes for the paddy sheaf symbol. The campaign rally, organized by the local BNP at Bypass Road in Bhati Khain Union’s Ward 7, drew a large crowd of party leaders, activists, and residents. Akibul Haque urged voters to support his father, promising to fulfill local demands if elected.

District BNP leader Mofazzal Ahmad Chowdhury attended as chief guest, while Morshedul Shafi Hiru, former joint finance secretary of South District BNP, served as the main speaker. Hiru said the working class would vote for the paddy sheaf symbol, praising Enam’s long struggle and dedication to the party. Enamul Haque Enam stated that BNP believes in non-communal values and is committed to protecting the rights and religious freedom of all communities.

He pledged to make Patiya free from drugs, terrorism, and youth gangs if elected in the upcoming 13th national election, emphasizing good governance, employment creation, and overall development as his main goals.