Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Porwar said that a rival political party has become unsettled after witnessing growing nationwide support for the 'scales' symbol. Speaking on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at an election rally in Chandpur-4 (Faridganj), he accused the rival group of turning fascist and engaging in violence, including the killing of a Quran memorizer. The event was organized for Jamaat and 11-party alliance candidate Maulana Bilal Hossain Miaji.

Porwar alleged that women campaigning for the 'scales' are being attacked and that a local Jamaat secretary in Sherpur was tortured to death. He criticized the three major parties that have ruled Bangladesh over the past 54 years, claiming none were free from corruption or misrule. He said people now seek change.

He added that Jamaat and ten allied parties, including several Islamic groups, the NCP, and LDP, have formed an 11-party alliance free from corruption allegations. If the alliance wins a majority, he pledged to build a just society ensuring equal rights for all religious communities.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman announced that if his party comes to power, Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher will be appointed as a senior member of the cabinet. He made the statement on Saturday around 11:45 a.m. during an election rally in Chauddagram, urging local voters to seize the opportunity by supporting Jamaat in the upcoming election.

During his speech, Dr. Rahman said the party rejects authoritarianism, fascism, and corruption, and aims to build a humane Bangladesh. He emphasized youth participation, noting that 62 percent of Jamaat’s nominated candidates are young people. He also pledged to ensure justice for all, including non-citizens living in the country, and promised that no political party would be allowed to interfere in the judicial process.

The Jamaat chief reiterated his vision of forming an inclusive government that guarantees fairness and justice for every citizen if the party assumes power.

BNP’s nominated candidate for constituency 300, Saching Prue Jerry, has been conducting extensive election campaigns across Lama upazila in Bandarban ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election. Over the past three days, he has held road meetings, public gatherings, and market-based events in the municipality and remote hill areas including Sarai, Gazalia, Rupshipara, Lama Sadar, Fasiakhali, Aziznagar, and Faitong unions. On Friday, he continued his campaign from morning to night in several markets of Fasiakhali and Faitong unions.

During his campaign, Jerry stated that the BNP’s symbol, the paddy sheaf, has become a symbol of public trust and affection. He pledged to implement a 31-point plan and take effective measures to improve communication, healthcare, and education in the neglected hill regions if elected. He also urged voters to support the paddy sheaf to build a non-discriminatory and secular Bangladesh.

Lama Upazila Election Officer Abdul Hamid confirmed that all preparations have been completed for a free, fair, and neutral election on February 12, with 88,829 voters casting ballots across 42 centers. The administration, army, and law enforcement agencies are jointly monitoring to ensure a peaceful electoral environment.

Venezuelan interim president Delcy Rodríguez announced on Friday the introduction of a general amnesty law, marking her first major reform initiative since Nicolás Maduro was removed from power in a U.S.-led operation several weeks ago. Speaking at the Supreme Court in Caracas, Rodríguez said the proposed law would cover all incidents of political violence from 1999 to the present, aiming to heal political divisions, restore the justice system, and ensure good governance.

Rodríguez also declared the start of a national dialogue on judicial reform and the closure of the notorious El Helicoide prison, which human rights groups said had been used to torture political prisoners. The facility will be converted into a sports, cultural, and commercial center. Within four weeks of taking office, Rodríguez has moved quickly to introduce social and economic changes, including legislation opening Venezuela’s vital oil sector to private investment, leading the United States to lift sanctions on the industry.

The new administration’s reforms and release of political prisoners have been praised by U.S. President Donald Trump, and Washington is resuming diplomatic operations in Caracas, with diplomat Laura Doglu set to arrive as chargé d’affaires.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit Sirajganj and Tangail districts today, Saturday, January 31, 2026. On his way from Rangpur to Dhaka, he will speak at an election rally at the BSCIC Industrial Park in Paikpara, Sirajganj Sadar upazila at 2 p.m. During the event, he will introduce BNP’s parliamentary candidates for all constituencies in Sirajganj and Pabna districts.

The visit has generated enthusiasm among party leaders and activists. BNP Standing Committee member and Sirajganj-2 parliamentary candidate Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, along with senior administrative officials, have inspected the rally venue. Saidur Rahman Bacchu, general secretary of Sirajganj district BNP and chief coordinator of the election management committee for six constituencies, said extensive preparations have been made to ensure the success of the rally, which marks Rahman’s return to the area after a long time.

After the Sirajganj rally, Rahman will travel to Tangail, where he is scheduled to address another public gathering at 4 p.m. at an open field near the Darun-Charjana Bypass on the Jamuna Bridge–Tangail–Dhaka highway.

At least twelve activists were injured in a series of clashes between members of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance in Borhanuddin upazila of Bhola. The incident occurred early Saturday morning after Fajr prayers in the Moniram Bazar area of Tobgi Union. Two of the injured were sent to Bhola Sadar Hospital, while the others were admitted to Borhanuddin Upazila Health Complex.

Eyewitnesses said several Jamaat activists were conducting election campaigning in Tobgi Ward No. 7 when they visited the house of a BNP leader. BNP supporters present there allegedly obstructed their campaign and verbally abused them, leading to a physical altercation that escalated into a violent clash. The injured included both BNP and Jamaat workers.

Borhanuddin Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Moniruzzaman stated that no formal complaint had been filed yet, but legal action would be taken if one is received. Upazila Executive Officer and Assistant Returning Officer Manoranjan Barman confirmed that both sides had informed him verbally but had not submitted written complaints.

In Rajshahi, women voters have become the most influential factor in determining the outcome of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th parliamentary election. With over half of the district’s 2.26 million registered voters being women, political parties including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami are intensifying efforts to win their support through promises of empowerment, safety, and economic opportunity. Election data show 1.14 million female voters, slightly outnumbering male voters.

Women across rural and urban areas are voicing expectations for fair wages, safety, and access to education and healthcare. Female farmers and entrepreneurs alike seek technical training, financial inclusion, and gender-friendly work environments. Jamaat’s female activists are reportedly more visible in door-to-door campaigns, while BNP’s outreach appears weaker. Party leaders from both groups claim positive responses from women voters.

Analysts note that Jamaat has built a separate organizational structure to target women voters, while BNP’s efforts remain less organized. Experts emphasize that beyond campaign promises, women expect tangible post-election action ensuring security, equal rights, and sustainable development.

Several thousand members of the Hindu and Buddhist communities held a human chain and protest rally in Ukhiya upazila of Cox’s Bazar on Friday afternoon, demanding the withdrawal of what they called a false case against Haldiyapalong Union Parishad Chairman Imrul Kayes Chowdhury and several journalists. The demonstration took place beside the Cox’s Bazar–Teknaf highway at Morichya Guramia Garage area, with participants from various parts of Haldiyapalong Union.

Speakers at the rally alleged that a local BNP leader, Monjur Alam Member, had obstructed the construction of a market at the Morichya Bazar Central Jame Mosque. To divert attention, they claimed, a Hindu woman named Shilpi Karmakar was made the plaintiff in a case filed on January 28 at Ukhiya Police Station against the chairman, journalists, and others. They demanded the case be withdrawn within 48 hours, warning of larger protests if not addressed.

Community leaders described Imrul Kayes as a non-communal leader who maintained harmony among all faiths and urged Shilpi Karmakar to withdraw the case immediately.

Reformist candidate Nathaphong Ruengpaniyaut of the People’s Party is leading public opinion polls ahead of Thailand’s general election scheduled for February 8. A Suan Dusit University survey released on Friday showed Nathaphong receiving support from 35.1 percent of respondents, ahead of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of the conservative Bhumjaithai Party with 16.1 percent, and Pheu Thai Party candidate Yosanan Wongsawat with 21.5 percent. The poll was conducted between January 16 and 28 among 26,621 participants.

The People’s Party is the successor to the Move Forward Party, which won the 2023 election but was blocked from forming a government by conservative lawmakers. Prime Minister Anutin, who succeeded former leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, called an early election on December 12, less than 100 days after taking office, amid a tense border conflict with Cambodia.

A separate poll by the National Institute of Development Administration also placed Nathaphong ahead, with 29 percent support compared to 22.2 percent for Anutin, indicating growing momentum for the reformist bloc before the vote.

At a street rally in Gauripur, Mymensingh, held late Friday night, Rakibul Islam Rakib, president of the central committee of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, called on voters to support the ‘paddy sheaf’ symbol candidate, M. Iqbal Hossain, in the upcoming parliamentary election. He said that to build a Gauripur free from extortion, terrorism, and illegal occupation, there was no alternative to Iqbal Hossain, describing him as a clean-image candidate. Rakib expressed hope that on February 12, Gauripur would celebrate a historic victory for the ‘paddy sheaf’ symbol, in line with the rest of the country.

The rally took place at the Station Road intersection in Gauripur’s North Bazar area and was conducted by Mymensingh North District Chhatra Dal president Nuruzzaman Sohel. M. Iqbal Hossain, the BNP candidate for Mymensingh-3 (Gauripur), also addressed the gathering. Senior leaders from the north and south district units of Chhatra Dal, along with members of BNP, Jubo Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal, attended the event alongside local residents.

Rakibul Islam Rakib and Iqbal Hossain also held similar campaign events in several other areas, including Shyamganj, Kaurat, and Gobindpur, seeking voter support for the ‘paddy sheaf’ symbol.

Former Chattogram City Corporation mayor M Manjur Alam, once affiliated with both Awami League and BNP, has reappeared in active politics by campaigning for BNP candidate Aslam Chowdhury in Chattogram-4. The campaign event took place last Thursday in the city’s Kattoli area, attended by local BNP leaders. Manjur, who previously served as mayor from BNP’s nomination in 2010, had later announced retirement from politics and was seen supporting Awami League activities in subsequent years.

Following the July political changes, Manjur renamed a stadium previously dedicated to Sheikh Russel and organized a memorial for late BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia. His supporters claim he may formally rejoin BNP if the party wins the election and could contest the next city polls under its banner. However, BNP’s Chattogram leaders clarified that while Manjur is helping their campaign, he has not rejoined the party.

Manjur stated that his involvement stems from gratitude toward Khaleda Zia and a sense of responsibility to help BNP return to power, denying any formal political comeback plans at this stage.

At an election rally of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami held on January 30 at Comilla Town Hall, Hasanath Abdullah, the chief coordinator of the NCP’s southern region and candidate for Comilla-4, accused several television channels of political bias. Speaking as a special guest, he alleged that certain media outlets had previously supported the Awami League and were now aligned with the BNP. He specifically named Somoy TV, Ekattor TV, and DBC, claiming they had long portrayed Tarique Rahman negatively and were now acting as his allies. Abdullah declared that his party would wage a renewed battle against what he called “brokered media.”

He also criticized a political party for promising support to women while its activists allegedly threatened them and forced the removal of hijabs. Addressing government officials, Abdullah urged them to restore public trust through a fair election, emphasizing that they should act as servants of the people rather than any political party.

The rally was attended by Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman and other senior leaders from Jamaat and allied parties, including JAGPA and NCP.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said his country is ready for 'fair and balanced' talks with the United States amid escalating tensions. Speaking to reporters during a visit to Turkey on Friday, Araghchi emphasized that Iran has no problem with dialogue but will not negotiate under threats. He made the remarks at a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Ankara.

Araghchi firmly stated that Iran’s missile and defense capabilities will never be part of any negotiation. He added that the security of the Iranian people is not a matter for others and that Iran will continue to preserve and expand its defense capacity as needed. He stressed that no country compromises on its security, saying Iran is prepared both for dialogue and for war.

Tensions between Tehran and Washington have intensified in recent weeks following U.S. threats over Iran’s nuclear program and its crackdown on anti-government protests. U.S. President Donald Trump warned that a powerful naval fleet is heading toward Iran and cautioned Tehran to return to nuclear talks or face severe measures.

A report from Bangladesh highlights growing concerns over violence surrounding the upcoming parliamentary election. Since the start of campaign activities, incidents of clashes, attacks on candidates, and social media provocation have been reported in at least ten districts, including a fatal confrontation in Sherpur’s Jhenaigati area. The unrest has raised public anxiety and cast doubt on the credibility of the electoral process.

Authorities initially observed a calm environment after law enforcement met with candidates to emphasize adherence to the electoral code of conduct. However, tensions have since escalated, with reports of obstruction in campaigns, mutual accusations, and violent outbreaks linked to online agitation. The situation is described as particularly alarming given the election’s significance following a long struggle to restore democratic governance.

The report calls for all pro-Bangladesh political forces to act responsibly, urging party leaders to take firm stances against violence regardless of affiliation. It also stresses the need for a more visible and effective Election Commission, impartial law enforcement, and strict monitoring of social media to curb misinformation and incitement.

Bangladesh’s diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations with India have reached their lowest point following the 2024 mass uprising that toppled Sheikh Hasina and led to her flight to India. The article states that India’s dominance over Bangladesh has weakened, and bilateral ties have deteriorated sharply, with visa processes nearly halted and exports of essential goods facing obstacles. The author claims India has engaged in propaganda and conspiracies against Bangladesh’s interim government, while an attack on Bangladesh’s deputy high commission in Agartala by a Hindu nationalist group violated diplomatic norms.

The analysis argues that India’s growing mistrust with its neighbors stems from security fears, Hindutva politics, and aggressive leadership. It notes that Bangladesh, under Dr. Muhammad Yunus, is pursuing a neutral foreign policy and strengthening defense ties with Turkey, Pakistan, and China. These include potential deals for air defense systems, drones, and fighter jets.

The author recommends reviving SAARC, drafting a national security doctrine, and adopting a balanced foreign policy to restore regional stability and protect Bangladesh’s sovereignty.