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.

A commentary by journalist Elahi Newaz Khan reviews Bangladesh’s long and turbulent electoral history ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for February 12, 2026. The article notes that this election will take place without the participation of the Awami League, which is currently barred from political activity due to crimes against humanity. The author observes that the public is waiting to see how meaningful this election will be in the absence of the country’s dominant political force.

The piece traces key turning points in Bangladesh’s political evolution, from the 1946 provincial election through the 1970 vote that led to independence, and subsequent decades marked by authoritarianism, electoral manipulation, and shifting alliances. It argues that both military and civilian rulers have repeatedly undermined democratic institutions through fraud, repression, and political exclusion.

The author concludes that the current political landscape remains fragile. Rival opposition groups, once united against the Awami League, are now competing among themselves, a division that could weaken their collective strength and potentially allow the Awami League to re-emerge in future politics.

The United States announced sanctions on Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni and several senior Iranian officials, citing their alleged involvement in deadly crackdowns on anti-government protests in recent weeks. The decision was made public on Friday, according to a statement from the U.S. Treasury Department.

The Treasury said Momeni oversees Iran’s Law Enforcement Forces (LEF), which Washington identified as a key agency responsible for the deaths of thousands of peaceful demonstrators. U.S. officials accused Iranian security forces of using widespread violence and repressive tactics during the protests, resulting in a large number of civilian casualties.

According to the U.S. government, the sanctions aim to hold those responsible for human rights abuses accountable and to send a message against the suppression of peaceful dissent in Iran.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) announced a 36-point election manifesto titled “Manifesto of Youth and Dignity” at a hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka, on Friday. The declaration, made in remembrance of the July Revolution, was presented by party convener Nahid Islam. The manifesto outlines commitments to democracy, human rights, economic reform, and state restructuring. It includes pledges to prosecute crimes against humanity, form independent and truth commissions, eliminate extortion, ensure transparency of officials’ assets, raise the minimum wage to Tk 100 per hour, and lower the voting age to 16. It also promises reforms in education and healthcare, creation of one crore jobs, empowerment of women and minorities, environmental protection, and strengthening of defense and renewable energy.

Nahid Islam said the manifesto reflects the party’s long-term struggle for constitutional and structural reform and will be aligned with the 11-party electoral alliance. NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud stated that the manifesto was developed through public consultation and aims to establish an accountable and inclusive state. The event was attended by political leaders, diplomats, and civil society representatives.

If implemented, the manifesto’s commitments could reshape governance, economic policy, and social inclusion in Bangladesh, according to the party’s stated goals.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit Barishal on February 4 after nearly two decades. He will attend an election rally as the chief guest at the historic Bell’s Park field in the city. The visit was confirmed by Bilkis Akter Jahan, the party’s divisional organizing secretary for Barishal, who said Rahman will arrive from Jashore by air and later travel to Dhaka by road. Party sources said preparations for the rally are nearly complete, and enthusiasm among local BNP leaders and activists is high.

Rahman’s visit had previously been planned for January 26 and later rescheduled to January 27 before being postponed again. The new date of February 4 has now been finalized. His last visit to Barishal was in 2006, when he served as the party’s senior joint secretary general. Local BNP leaders and political observers view this visit as significant, especially as it comes at the final stage of the election campaign.

The event is expected to energize BNP supporters in the region and mark a symbolic return of the party’s top leadership to Barishal.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has taken a strict stance against violations of the electoral code of conduct ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election and referendum. On Thursday, mobile court drives across the country resulted in fines totaling Tk 170,000 in 18 separate cases. The information was confirmed by Saiful Islam, member secretary of the Central Coordination Committee for the referendum and parliamentary election.

According to EC sources, the penalties were imposed on candidates and their supporters for offenses including illegal posters and banners, unauthorized processions, misuse of government property, excessive use of loudspeakers, and causing public inconvenience. The drives were conducted in Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, Dhaka, Cumilla, Noakhali, Narayanganj, and Natore. Immediate fines and warnings were issued upon proof of violations.

The EC stated that it will maintain zero tolerance toward any breach of election laws to ensure free, fair, and transparent polls. Field-level monitoring, mobile court operations, and law enforcement activities will be further intensified throughout the campaign period to preserve a peaceful voting environment.

At least seven people were injured in a clash between activists of the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami in Lalmohan upazila of Bhola-3 constituency on Friday morning. The incident occurred around 11 a.m. in Ward No. 11 of Lalmohan municipality, reportedly over election campaign activities. Police and naval personnel arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control.

According to eyewitnesses, an argument between the two groups over campaign activities escalated into a violent confrontation. Lalmohan BNP’s general secretary, Shafiqul Islam Babul, alleged that Jamaat activists led by Mokhles Bokshi, a recently joined former president of the upazila Krishak League, attacked BNP workers during a campaign event, injuring four of them. Jamaat leaders, however, denied the allegation, claiming that BNP supporters initiated the attack.

Lalmohan police officer-in-charge Md. Oliul Islam stated that law enforcement responded promptly and controlled the situation. No formal complaint had been filed as of the report’s publication, but authorities said legal action would follow if a complaint is submitted.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has announced a 36-point election manifesto ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election, pledging to make one-month paid paternity leave and six-month paid maternity leave mandatory in all institutions. The manifesto, titled “Manifesto of Youth and Dignity,” was formally unveiled on Friday, January 30, at a hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka.

Divided into 12 chapters, the manifesto outlines strategies and action plans across various sectors. It includes commitments to ensure women’s safety, rights, and empowerment, with provisions for additional leave in cases of childbirth complications. The NCP also proposed introducing one day of optional half-paid “period leave” per month for women in government jobs, later to be made mandatory across all workplaces with possible government subsidies for private sector workers.

Additionally, the manifesto promises mandatory daycare facilities in all government institutions and incentives for private organizations that establish daycare services.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer for the southern region of the National Citizens Party (NCP), declared that if entrusted with responsibility, he would take strict action against extortionists, drug dealers, and loan defaulters. Speaking on Friday, January 30, 2026, at an election rally in Moricha village of Rajamehar Union, Debidwar upazila in Comilla, he warned those involved in drug trade to abandon illegal activities and promised to help them find lawful means of livelihood such as small businesses or cattle rearing.

Abdullah criticized the culture of compromise in politics with drug lords and extortionists, alleging that many senior leaders had long accepted money from drug barons but were now on the run. He also condemned attempts by individuals to misuse photos with him for personal gain, stressing that no one, not even his own family, would receive illegal favors. He emphasized that his campaign was focused on ordinary people rather than corrupt networks.

Highlighting the importance of women voters, Abdullah said he believed mothers, aunts, and sisters would play a decisive role in sending him to parliament.

Twenty-two leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Gazaria upazila of Munshiganj have announced their resignation from the party. The announcement was made on Friday, January 30, 2026, at a press conference held at the party’s temporary office near Rasulpur Ferry Ghat in Imamapur Union. Gazaria upazila BNP member secretary Abdur Rahman Shafiq read a written statement declaring the resignations.

According to the statement, 74 of 78 unit presidents and general secretaries under the Munshiganj-3 constituency had supported a particular candidate, but the party ignored this majority opinion and nominated another. The resigning leaders also expressed anger over the expulsion of 13 popular figures, including district BNP leader Mohiuddin Ahmed and former central Jubo Dal vice president Alhaj Muhammad Mojibur Rahman. They said their resignations were effective immediately.

Among those resigning are district BNP convening committee member Md. Borhan Uddin Bhuiyan, upazila BNP joint conveners Shafik Shikdar and Engineer Mukbul Ahmed Ratan, as well as leaders from union-level BNP, Jubo Dal, and Matsyajibi Dal units.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has pledged to establish Noakhali as a separate administrative division and create a city corporation if his party comes to power. He made the commitment on Friday, January 30, 2026, while addressing an election rally of the 11-party alliance at Noakhali Zilla School ground. Rahman said these demands of the local people would be implemented gradually through justice and fairness.

In his speech, the Jamaat leader also promised measures to prevent river erosion in Hatiya, Companiganj, and Subarnachar, construction of a closure on the Companiganj–Chhoto Feni River, and expansion of a railway line from Sonapur to Hatiya Chairman Ghat. He urged voters to support the alliance’s candidates in all six constituencies of Noakhali and expressed optimism about victory.

Rahman added that people across Bangladesh were rallying for justice and fairness, noting that the youth were eager to see a new Bangladesh from the 13th of the coming month.

BNP National Standing Committee member and Cox’s Bazar-1 (Chakaria-Pekua) candidate Salahuddin Ahmed said those who persecuted Hindus during the 1971 Liberation War have reappeared in new form to contest the election. Speaking at a meeting with Hindu and Buddhist community members in Pekua Sadar’s Bishwashpara on Friday, he questioned whether citizens would be safe under such candidates. His remarks were seen as an indirect reference to Jamaat-e-Islami.

Ahmed stated that during the Liberation War, a religion-based party had inflicted the most suffering on the country’s Hindu community, forcing them to make sacrifices known to their ancestors. He added that those who did not believe in independence were responsible for such persecution. He emphasized that BNP’s founder, President Ziaur Rahman, ensured religious freedom for all and identified everyone living in the country as Bangladeshi.

The meeting, chaired by former Puja Celebration Committee general secretary Chandamoy Bishwas Tilok, was attended by local BNP and community leaders, including Bahadur Shah, Kamran Jadid Mukut, and others.