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.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP) for the southern region and the 11-party alliance candidate for Comilla-4 (Debidwar), pledged to take strong action against extortionists, drug traders, and loan defaulters if elected. He made the remarks on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at an election rally held at Bonkot Government Primary School field in Gunaighar South Union of Debidwar upazila.

During his speech, Abdullah urged voters not to support extortionists, drug dealers, or tender manipulators, emphasizing that drugs, extortion, and the public cannot coexist. He criticized the political culture of compromise with such groups and accused some local leaders of long-standing involvement with drug lords. He also warned voters to be cautious of candidates who pretend to be pious before elections and alleged that rival activists were issuing threats of post-election violence.

Abdullah called on voters to remain united until results are announced and urged women voters to campaign actively for his symbol, the ‘Shapla Koli’.

A public event featuring rival candidates for the Sunamganj-4 parliamentary constituency was held on Saturday at the premises of the Heritage Museum, organized by Sujan–Citizens for Good Governance, Sunamganj district committee. During the session, candidates responded to various questions from voters and pledged to ensure a fair and peaceful parliamentary election.

The event was presided over by district Sujan president Nurul Haque Afindi and conducted by general secretary Fazlul Karim Saeed. Among the speakers were Sujan advisers Syed Mohibul Islam and Sukhendu Sen, vice president Ali Haider, independent candidate Dewan Zainul Zakerin, Jatiya Party-nominated candidate Advocate Nazmul Huda Himel, and Islami Andolan-nominated candidate Shahidul Islam Palashi. The candidates assured voters of addressing local issues, including infrastructure development in the district town, if elected.

The gathering reflected an effort to promote accountability and transparency in the electoral process through direct engagement between candidates and the electorate.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s central secretary general, Mia Golam Parwar, alleged that two or three political parties have plundered Bangladesh for the past 54 years. Speaking as the chief guest at a rally held at Hasan Ali High School field in Chandpur on January 31, 2026, he said one of those parties now seeks to return to power but has failed the people’s test since August 5. Earlier that day, he also addressed an election gathering in the Chandpur-4 (Faridganj) constituency.

Parwar urged citizens to vote for the “Dhal” (balance scale) symbol on February 12 and support constitutional amendments proposed by Jamaat. He said the party aims to build a zakat-based, interest-free Bangladesh free from extortion and corruption. He accused rival groups of destroying the judiciary and warned that if they regain power, justice would remain elusive.

The event, presided over by Chandpur city Jamaat leader Advocate Shahjahan Khan, featured several speakers from allied Islamist and political organizations, including Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis.

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the Jamaat-e-Islami nominated candidate for the Natore-1 (Lalpur–Bagatipara) parliamentary constituency, urged voters to support the 'Dharipalla' symbol for building a just and fair state. He made the call on Saturday during his election campaign in Fakuaddiard Union of Bagatipara upazila, where he met with local residents and discussed their concerns and expectations. Azad stated that the people's long-standing hopes for development, justice, and a corruption-free administration inspired his commitment to work sincerely toward realizing their aspirations.

Throughout the day, Azad conducted door-to-door visits, street meetings, courtyard gatherings, and public outreach programs across various wards of the union. Local Jamaat leaders, including Anwar Hossain Mujahid, Amjad Hossain, Akbar Hossain, and others, joined the campaign, emphasizing that honest and capable leadership can only be established through public support and unity.

Large numbers of voters reportedly attended the campaign events, reflecting active local engagement ahead of the upcoming election.

BNP-nominated candidate for Dhaka-4 (Shyampur-Kadamtali) and Dhaka South BNP member secretary Tanvir Ahmed Robin announced that his party has planned a 'Family Card' program aimed at ensuring women’s security and economic self-reliance. Speaking at a street rally in Ward 52 under Kadamtali police station on Saturday, he said the initiative is part of eight broader plans the BNP would implement if it forms the next government after the February 12 national election.

Robin explained that the BNP’s plans include introducing an 'Agriculture Card' to support farmers with fertilizer, advice, and bank loans, ensuring no one is deprived due to financial hardship. He also outlined proposals to expand education subsidies, promote multilingual training, and enhance sports and cultural activities for children to prevent drug addiction. The plans further include improving healthcare by establishing free public hospitals under each city corporation and reopening closed mills and factories to create employment opportunities.

He added that creating a pollution-free environment is another key goal, with BNP intending to develop open parks for safe recreation and free intellectual engagement.

The United States federal government has entered a shutdown for the second time in three months due to complications in passing a funding bill. According to AFP, the proposed spending package for various government sectors failed to receive final approval before the deadline. The bill passed the Senate but did not reach the House of Representatives by midnight Saturday, triggering the shutdown.

The political standoff comes amid heightened tensions following the death of a U.S. citizen, Alex Pretty, during an anti-immigration operation in Minnesota. President Donald Trump, in his second term since January 2025, had signed executive orders intensifying immigration crackdowns and increasing the Homeland Security budget, moves strongly opposed by Democrats. Republicans hold a majority in the Senate, while Democrats control the House, where opposition leader Chuck Schumer warned against approving the bill without budget revisions.

Political analysts cited in the report suggest that a bipartisan compromise could be reached within the week, potentially ending the shutdown by next week.

The article explores the historical and philosophical evolution of the slogan ‘Inquilab Zindabad’ and its renewed prominence in Bangladesh’s recent political landscape. It notes that during the July uprising against the Awami League government, the slogan gained popularity among young protesters and was later echoed at the launch of the National Citizens Party (NCP), where leaders concluded speeches with the same phrase. The slogan, meaning ‘Long Live the Revolution,’ symbolizes resistance against oppression and the pursuit of justice and freedom.

Tracing its origins, the report cites Indian historian Irfan Habib, who wrote that Maulana Hasrat Mohani first used the slogan in 1921, later popularized by Bhagat Singh during India’s independence movement. The piece also highlights the slogan’s philosophical depth, linking it to leftist ideals and its use in various anti-colonial and social movements across South Asia. In Bangladesh, figures such as activist Pinaki Bhattacharya and martyr Osman Hadi have helped revive its relevance.

Analyst Mohiuddin Ahmed clarifies that the NCP’s use of the slogan reflects a centrist rather than communist ideology, emphasizing continuity with the spirit of revolution rather than ideological alignment.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman declared that his party aims to change what he described as a corrupt and destructive political culture that has persisted for 54 years. Speaking as the chief guest at an 11-party alliance election rally held at Nimsar Junab Ali Degree College field in Burichang upazila of Comilla at 1 p.m., he said they want to build a humane and dignified Bangladesh that stands proudly on the global stage.

Dr. Rahman stated that the youth had long aspired to resist fascism and had sacrificed for freedom and independence. He pledged that if the 11-party alliance is elected, they would never act unjustly toward the people. The rally was presided over by Advocate Mobarak Hossain, Jamaat’s candidate for Comilla-5, and attended by Assistant Secretary General A.T.M. Masum, former Daksu VP Sadiq Kayem, and Islami Chhatra Shibir’s central secretary Sigbatullah.

The event highlighted Jamaat’s call for political reform and its effort to mobilize support for the alliance ahead of upcoming elections.

BNP Chairperson’s adviser and chief coordinator of the party’s election committee for Dhaka-17, Bir Muktijoddha Abdus Salam, has warned that a wrong decision in the upcoming January 12 election could put Bangladesh’s independence at risk. He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon during campaign activities and a meeting with former army officers in the capital’s Vashantek and Cantonment areas.

Salam said Bangladesh has faced crises before but is now going through an especially difficult period. Referring to the country’s past, he stated that if the nation had not gained independence in 1971 or if Ziaur Rahman had not taken charge after 1975, the country would have gone astray. He emphasized that this election is crucial for the nation’s future and urged everyone to act in the country’s interest.

He also alleged that a conspiracy has been ongoing since the Hasina administration to prevent the election from taking place. Former army officers and BNP leaders and activists from different levels were present at the event.

Khaled Saifullah, Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s candidate for Lakshmipur-4 (Ramgati-Kamalnagar) in the 13th National Parliamentary Election, stated that his party fully believes in implementing Allah’s law. Speaking at a press briefing on Saturday morning at the Kamalnagar upazila office, he said a broader Islamic alliance could still form if Jamaat-e-Islami supports Sharia law, even a day before the election. However, he noted that Islami Andolan could not agree with Jamaat because it has not implemented Sharia law and has nominated a Hindu candidate under its party symbol.

Saifullah emphasized that to eliminate corruption, major offenders must first be brought under the law to set an example. He asserted that Islami Andolan Bangladesh is the only Islamic party with complete faith in divine law and that any group wishing to ally with them must be committed to building an Islamic state. Those seeking power without adhering to Sharia, he warned, would not be accepted by the Muslim state.

The event was attended by local Islami Andolan leaders, including Maulana Abdur Rahman Mahmudee and Mufti Shariful Islam.

Nahid Islam, convenor of the National Citizen Party (NCP), alleged that a neighboring country has been conspiring against Bangladesh for the past 54 years and interfering in every election. He made the remarks on Saturday at 11 a.m. while speaking as a special guest at an election rally of the 11-party alliance in Chauddagram, Cumilla. Islam claimed that the same foreign interference is being attempted again in the current election.

He described the ongoing election as a continuation of the July uprising, emphasizing that it was achieved through the sacrifices of hundreds of martyrs. According to him, this election is not an isolated event but the result of a 17-year struggle. He warned that no conspiracy would be tolerated and asserted that only the people of Bangladesh would decide which party forms the government.

Islam urged citizens to vote for the 11-party alliance candidates, promising that their victory would ensure national independence, justice for the July uprising victims, and the establishment of a corruption-free and equitable state.

The Election Inquiry and Judicial Committee has issued a show-cause notice to BNP alliance candidate Nurul Haque Nur for alleged violations of the electoral code of conduct in the Patuakhali-3 (Dashmina–Galachipa) constituency. The order was issued by Civil Judge Sabbir Md Khalid based on a complaint filed by Advocate Enamul Haque with the Dashmina Upazila Assistant Returning Officer. The complaint accuses Nur of spreading false and misleading information on social media about independent candidate Hasan Mamun and of his supporters attacking Mamun’s campaign office on January 26, injuring several workers.

The committee directed Nur to appear in person or through a representative before the temporary office of the 13th National Parliamentary Election Inquiry and Judicial Committee in Dashmina on February 3 to submit a written explanation before further legal action is taken or the matter is referred to the Election Commission.

In response, Nur, who is also the president of Gana Adhikar Parishad and a former DUCSU vice president, told Amader Desh that he has not yet received any official legal notice but will appear and respond within the stipulated time once he does.