Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s central secretary, Professor Mia Golam Porwar, stated that none of the political parties that governed the country over the past 54 years can claim to be free from corruption. He made the remarks on Friday, January 30, 2026, while addressing an election rally at Maulagang Bazar field in Bancharampur, Brahmanbaria. The event was presided over by Upazila Jamaat president Kazi Abul Bashar and conducted by Upazila secretary Shamim Nur Islam.

Jamaat’s nominated parliamentary candidate for Brahmanbaria-6 (Bancharampur), Md. Mohsin Mia, spoke as the chief speaker, pledging that if Jamaat forms the government, a 25-kilometer marine drive from Ulukandi to South Baherchar will be built to boost the region’s economy. Other central and local Jamaat leaders, including freedom fighter Abdus Sattar and former Islami Chhatra Shibir president Zahidul Islam, also addressed the gathering.

Speakers urged voters to support the party’s scale symbol in the upcoming national election, promising a peaceful, corruption-free, and drug-free Bangladesh if Jamaat wins.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday emphasized the necessity of close coordination and regular dialogue between Iran and Turkey to address regional challenges. Speaking during his visit to Istanbul, Araghchi told Iranian state television that he would discuss bilateral, regional, and international issues with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

Araghchi stated that Iran and Turkey have always maintained close consultations and share strong political, economic, social, and cultural ties. He highlighted the importance of aligning positions in the face of threats from the United States and other parties, reviewing regional developments, and exchanging views on how to confront current challenges.

Commenting on Europe’s move to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, Araghchi called it a major strategic mistake, claiming that Europe is losing its role on the international stage and accelerating its own decline.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit Barishal on February 4 to attend an election rally at the historic Bell’s Park field. The date was confirmed by Bilkis Akhter Jahan Shirin, BNP’s Barishal divisional organizing secretary and former MP, who announced it on her Facebook page. She said Rahman will deliver a speech as the chief guest at noon, and the schedule was finalized after receiving confirmation late on January 29.

According to party sources, Rahman will travel from Jashore to Barishal by air and return to Dhaka by road. The visit details have been communicated to BNP’s nominated candidates for 21 constituencies in Barishal division, as well as divisional and district leaders. Shirin stated that preparations are nearly complete and only awaiting his arrival. She also mentioned that Rahman will meet divisional BNP leaders on Saturday.

Rahman last visited Barishal in 2006 when he was the party’s senior joint secretary general. This will be his first visit as BNP chairperson, and party members view the trip as significant for local politics ahead of the upcoming election.

Independent candidate Dr. Tasnim Jara from Dhaka-9 constituency stated on Friday that change is inevitable, emphasizing her campaign’s 'magic number 5' strategy. In a Facebook post, she said that supporters are reaching out to five acquaintances each, which she believes will disrupt the old political calculations. She urged voters to engage in sincere conversations rather than rely on money, loud campaigning, or illegal posters.

Jara highlighted that democracy is rooted in people’s choice, which cannot be overturned by wealth or noise. She called Friday and Saturday the most crucial days before the election, asking supporters to spend 30 minutes talking to loved ones about her campaign. She also reminded voters that her electoral symbol is the football, clarifying confusion with another symbol.

According to Jara, the people of Dhaka-9 will lead the way in transforming politics, signaling her confidence in a shift away from traditional political practices.

Jamaat-e-Islami candidate and lawyer Shishir Monir from Sunamganj-2 constituency said that without innovation in politics after August 5, the old political culture would return. He made the remarks on Friday, January 30, in Dirai’s Dhal Bazar after an attack on his campaign vehicle. Monir condemned the incident and called for identifying those responsible, describing the attack as an attempt to destroy new political thinking rather than mere vandalism.

He stated that an intolerant attitude was spreading across the country, which he said was undesirable. Monir urged political parties to engage in coordinated discussions and called on the Election Commission to take effective initiatives to stop such incidents. He emphasized that without such action, no qualitative change in politics could be expected.

Monir concluded that immediate steps were necessary to end the ongoing hostility and ensure a constructive political environment in the country.

Bangladesh has confirmed that 57 observers from 16 countries will monitor the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum. In addition to these bilateral observers, several hundred representatives from the European Union, Commonwealth, and international organizations working on democracy and human rights will also participate. Malaysia will send the largest delegation with 14 observers, followed by Turkey with 12. Malaysia’s team will be led by Election Commission Chairman Dato’ Sri Ramlan bin Dato Harun, while Turkey’s delegation will be headed by former Turkish ambassador to Bangladesh Mehmet Vakur Erkul.

Other confirmed countries include Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Jordan, Iran, Georgia, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and South Africa. Notable participants include Pakistan’s Chief Election Commissioner Mohammad Jalal Sikandar Sultan and Bhutan’s Chief Election Commissioner Deki Pema. Senior Secretary and SDG Coordinator Lamia Morshed stated that around 400 observers have been confirmed so far, with more countries expected to join soon.

The Commonwealth team will be led by former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, while the EU mission will be headed by Latvian MEP Ivars Ijabs. Over 2,000 candidates from more than 50 political parties and independents are contesting 300 parliamentary seats.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has intensified security measures across the Rajshahi division’s border areas ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary election. More than 4,000 BGB personnel will be deployed to maintain law and order and ensure stability. The force has also increased the use of modern technology to curb crime and monitor border conditions. Coordination discussions have been held with India’s Border Security Force (BSF) to keep the situation stable.

At a press conference held on Friday morning near the Rajshahi–Naogaon highway, BGB Rajshahi Sector Commander Colonel Syed Kamal Hossain detailed the security plan. He said the Rajshahi sector, covering seven districts, 62 upazilas, and one city corporation with 37 constituencies, will operate from 65 base camps with 146 mobile and striking platoons. Additionally, each of the 76 border outposts will have 10 striking reserve members ready for deployment.

Colonel Hossain added that helicopters will be kept ready to enable quick response forces to reach any emergency location swiftly. A security drill was conducted on the highway following the press briefing.

Eight platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed across Gopalganj to maintain overall law and order following several recent incidents of crude bomb explosions in the district town. The deployment took place on Thursday, January 29, after explosions near the deputy commissioner’s office, the district judge’s residence, and the gate of Gopalganj University created widespread panic among residents.

According to sources, the move comes as part of heightened security measures ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Law enforcement agencies have identified Gopalganj, along with Madaripur, Shariatpur, and Faridpur, as high-risk areas due to fears of sabotage, violence, and voter intimidation. Police headquarters stated that a special security plan was prepared based on past incidents of political violence and intelligence assessments.

BGB’s TWiC Major Nur Uddin Ahmad said separate camps have been established in Gopalganj Sadar, Kashiani, Kotalipara, Tungipara, and Muksudpur upazilas. Checkposts have been set up on the Dhaka-Khulna highway and other key points to inspect vehicles and strengthen surveillance.

The US Embassy in Dhaka has issued a special security alert for American citizens in Bangladesh ahead of the country’s 13th national parliamentary election and a national referendum scheduled for February 12. The advisory, released on Friday through the embassy’s website and social media platforms, warned of potential political violence or extremist attacks targeting gatherings, polling centers, and religious sites. US citizens were urged to avoid demonstrations, remain vigilant, and exercise extra caution near large crowds.

The embassy’s notice emphasized that even peaceful demonstrations could turn confrontational and lead to violence. It advised citizens to stay aware of their surroundings, monitor local news, and keep communication devices charged. The alert also noted that the Bangladesh government has announced restrictions on motorcycle movement from February 10 and on all transport on February 11 and 12. Consequently, the US Embassy will provide limited in-person services on those two days.

The advisory further recommended that US citizens review personal security plans and prepare alternative travel routes during the election period.

Hasnat Abdullah, the Jamaat-NCP alliance candidate for Cumilla-4 (Debidwar) constituency and chief organizer of NCP’s southern region, made sharp remarks against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during an election march on Friday across Rajamehar and Bhani unions in Debidwar upazila. He claimed no one in the country was a bigger intimidator than Hasina and urged voters to reject corruption and vote manipulation.

During his campaign, Abdullah accused the ruling Awami League of past electoral irregularities, alleging that even deceased individuals had been recorded as voters. He called on residents to ensure only living, eligible voters cast ballots and pledged to work for the people if elected. He also encouraged unity beyond political or religious divisions and urged collective resistance against any attempt at vote rigging, even in the presence of administration.

The campaign event was attended by local leaders from Jamaat and NCP, including Saiful Islam Shahid, Professor Shahidul Islam, Md. Jahangir Alam, and Nahidul Islam Nahid, along with activists from various unions and municipalities.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman paid tribute to the late BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, describing her as a determined fighter against domination. He made the remarks on Friday, January 30, 2026, at a public rally organized by Feni District Jamaat at the Pilot School field in Feni, where he recalled her political stance and expressed respect for her leadership.

During the election rally, Dr. Rahman announced plans to establish government medical colleges in all 36 districts, including Feni, ensuring that no district in Bangladesh would be deprived of such facilities. He also promised to address the unresolved issue of a local dam through discussions with neighboring India and pledged to build an international-standard stadium in Feni, citing the district’s economic contributions and large expatriate population.

The Jamaat chief emphasized his commitment to protecting national interests and serving the people, assuring residents that Feni would receive its due share of development if his party were given the opportunity to serve.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that 'Miya Muslims' should vote in Bangladesh instead of Assam, adding that Muslims should be harassed so they leave the state. He stated that his government is openly against the 'Miya Muslims' and instructed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers to file large numbers of Form 7 objections against suspected foreign nationals during the ongoing voter list revision. According to Sarma, BJP workers have already submitted around 500,000 such forms.

The remarks have triggered strong criticism from opposition parties. Assam Congress leaders have written to India’s Chief Justice protesting the directive to file mass objections, calling it an attempt to target a specific community and interfere in the electoral process. A public interest litigation has also been filed in the Gauhati High Court seeking judicial intervention. Opposition groups including Congress, Raijor Dal, Assam Jatiya Parishad, and CPI(M) have jointly submitted a memorandum to the state’s Chief Electoral Officer.

The controversy comes ahead of Assam’s upcoming assembly elections, with voter list revisions underway as part of pre-election procedures.

The government of Bangladesh has declared February 11 as a public holiday ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for February 12, which is already a general holiday. With the following Friday and Saturday being weekly holidays, citizens will have a continuous four-day break surrounding the election period. Despite the extended holiday, nationwide restrictions will apply to public transportation and inter-district travel to maintain security and order.

Former Election Commission official Jesmin Tuli told the BBC that voting is not mandatory in Bangladesh, and citizens may travel if they wish. However, entry to certain voting areas may be restricted to prevent external interference or violence. On election day, personal vehicles, long-distance buses, launches, and trains are typically prohibited from operating to reduce unnecessary movement and ensure law and order.

Citizens are encouraged to spend time with family, participate in local social or religious activities, or complete personal tasks. Emergency services such as hospitals, ambulances, fire service, and utilities will remain operational. Authorities emphasize that following election laws and commission guidelines will help ensure a peaceful and safe voting day.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) announced its 36-point election manifesto at an event held on Friday, November 30, at the Lakeshore Grand Hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka. NCP Convener Nahid Islam stated that although the party has joined an 11-party electoral alliance, its struggle for a new political arrangement continues. Representatives from various political parties, civil society, and diplomats attended the event, where party spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan and other central leaders also spoke.

Nahid Islam described the occasion as a historic moment for the NCP, which emerged in the aftermath of a mass uprising following 2024. He explained that the party’s leadership and ideology were shaped by that movement, emphasizing the need to abolish fascist systems and establish a new political order. He noted that the NCP’s agenda focuses on youth empowerment and restoring citizens’ dignity, which he said had been repeatedly undermined over the past 16 years.

The NCP’s manifesto and alliance participation signal its intent to pursue democratic reforms and engage younger generations in Bangladesh’s political, economic, and social transformation.

Government employees in Bangladesh are set to enjoy a four-day holiday at the beginning of February 2026. According to the Islamic Foundation, the holy Shab-e-Barat will be observed on the night of Tuesday, February 3. Following this, the government has declared Wednesday, February 4, as a public holiday through an executive order. By taking an additional day off on Thursday, February 5, employees can extend their break to four consecutive days, as Friday and Saturday (February 6 and 7) are regular weekends.

The Ministry of Public Administration’s 2026 holiday notification lists 14 general holidays and 14 holidays by executive order, with nine of them coinciding with weekends. The schedule also includes five holidays for Muslim festivals, nine for Hindu festivals, eight for Christian festivals, seven for Buddhist festivals, and two optional holidays for employees from small ethnic groups.

This arrangement provides government workers with an early opportunity in the year to plan extended personal or family time without using many leave days.