The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has finalized the list of polling centers and rooms for the upcoming 13th national election and referendum scheduled for February 12. Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed announced the details at the EC headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, confirming that voting will take place at 42,766 centers nationwide, with 247,482 polling rooms. A total of 785,225 officials, including presiding, assistant presiding, and polling officers, will manage the process.

According to the EC, 42,779 presiding officers, 247,482 assistant presiding officers, and 494,964 polling officers have been appointed to ensure smooth voting. The total number of registered voters stands at 127,711,793, comprising 64,825,361 men, 62,885,200 women, and 1,232 transgender voters. The commission stated that all necessary preparations for the election and referendum are in their final stages.

The EC emphasized that adequate manpower has been deployed to conduct the nationwide vote efficiently, marking one of the largest electoral operations in the country’s history.

At least 30 people were injured in a clash between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami supporters over seating arrangements at an election manifesto event in Sherpur-3 constituency (Sreebardi-Jhenaigati) on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred at the Jhenaigati Upazila mini stadium before the program officially began. Several motorcycles were also vandalized during the violence.

According to the local administration, the event was organized by the Jhenaigati Upazila administration to present election manifestos of competing candidates. The altercation began when some BNP and Jamaat supporters argued over front-row seats, escalating into a violent confrontation. Police and army personnel later arrived to bring the situation under control. Injured individuals were taken to the Upazila Health Complex and district hospital.

Jamaat candidate Nuruzzaman Badol accused BNP supporters of a premeditated attack, while BNP candidate Mahmudul Haque Rubel blamed Jamaat activists for inciting chaos. The Upazila Executive Officer Ashraful Alam Russell confirmed the incident and said higher authorities had been informed. Police reported that the situation was now normal and no case had yet been filed.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman condemned reported assaults on women during election campaigning and warned that his party would not remain silent if such incidents continued. Speaking on Wednesday afternoon at a women’s rally organized by the 11-party electoral alliance at Monipur High School and College in Mirpur, Dhaka-15, he urged those responsible to repent and vowed to defend women’s honor at any cost.

Dr. Rahman, also a candidate for Dhaka-15, emphasized that women have the right to participate in election campaigns alongside men. He outlined his vision for a society built on maternal respect and compassion, promising safe transport for women, workplace daycare and breastfeeding facilities, and reduced working hours for mothers. He said these measures would apply to women of all religions.

Calling for a “yes” vote in the February 12 referendum, Rahman linked the outcome to justice and national sovereignty. He urged support for the party’s balance-scale symbol, portraying it as a stand for fairness and humanity across all communities.

NCP leader Asif Mahmud announced that the 11-party alliance would modernize the Qawmi education system if elected. Speaking on Wednesday at a campaign rally at the National Hero Abdul Quddus Makhan Municipal Stage in Brahmanbaria, he said the alliance would introduce technical training for madrasa students to make them self-reliant and ensure they are no longer deprived.

Mahmud, who chairs the NCP election management committee, described Brahmanbaria as a stronghold of democratic movements, noting that 11 people were martyred in the 2017 anti-Modi protests. He alleged that the district had been deprived of development projects due to its role in democratic struggles. He also welcomed the government’s announcement of an interim salary structure for imams and urged its quick implementation.

At the same event, Ataullah, the 11-party alliance candidate for Brahmanbaria-3, promised to improve local education, launch new train services, and ensure justice for the killing of his friend Osman Hadi if elected.

Bangladesh’s interim government foreign affairs adviser Md. Touhid Hossain said he could not find any reason behind India’s decision to recall family members of its diplomats from the Indian mission in Dhaka. Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, January 28, he stated that there was no situation in Bangladesh that posed any danger to Indian officials or their families.

Hossain clarified that there were no security threats or signals indicating any risk, describing the move as India’s internal matter. He added that India had not formally informed Bangladesh of any security concerns or incidents involving its diplomats. According to him, the overall security situation in Bangladesh remained stable, with no disruptions reported.

He further noted that minor scuffles during election periods were not unusual in Bangladesh and that the current situation did not appear worse than in previous elections. Hossain emphasized that India was free to bring back its diplomats’ families if it wished, as Bangladesh had no objection to such a decision.

The 9th Bangladesh–United States Land Forces Talks 2026 concluded successfully at the Army Sports Control Board conference room in Dhaka Cantonment on January 27, following two days of discussions held from January 26 to 27. According to an ISPR press release issued on January 28, the meeting was a continuation of the earlier session held in the United States from September 8 to 10. Representatives from both armies participated in the talks aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation.

The Bangladeshi delegation, led by Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Badrul Haque from the Army Training Directorate, comprised 22 members, while the U.S. side included four representatives led by Major Michael Jacob Oster from the U.S. Pacific Army Command’s Security Cooperation Division. Brigadier General Md Humayun Kabir, Director of the Army Training Directorate, attended the opening and closing sessions.

Discussions focused on strengthening military collaboration, improving training exchanges, and expanding the use of advanced technology and equipment. Both sides emphasized joint exercises, innovative training methods, and coordinated disaster preparedness. They also agreed on the importance of technical cooperation to address global challenges and contribute to regional peace and security.

Ala Uddin Shikdar, the Jamaat-e-Islami candidate of the 10-party alliance for the Chattogram-3 (Sandwip) constituency, has been served a show-cause notice for allegedly violating the electoral code of conduct. The notice was issued on Wednesday by Md. Helal Uddin, chairman of the Election Inquiry and Adjudication Committee and Joint District and Sessions Judge. The action followed a written complaint filed by Md. Alomgir Hossain, chief agent of BNP candidate Mostafa Kamal Pasha.

According to the notice, Shikdar used PVC-printed banners on campaign vehicles and installed more than 20 digital billboards, in addition to using 12 loudspeakers simultaneously during campaigning. Authorities stated that these actions constitute clear violations of sections 7(b) and 17(1) of the electoral code. The candidate has been asked to explain within a specified time why punitive measures should not be taken or a recommendation sent to the Election Commission.

The Sandwip police officer-in-charge has been instructed to deliver the notice and submit a report, while copies have been sent to the Election Commission Secretariat, the district administrator, and the returning officer.

Bangladesh’s Adviser on Religious Affairs, Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain, stated that all Hajj-related activities are advancing according to the official roadmap. He said the Ministry of Religious Affairs is working tirelessly to finalize one hundred percent of house rental agreements for pilgrims within the stipulated time. The statement came on Wednesday during a meeting at the Secretariat with Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Abdullah Jafar H. Bin Abiyah.

The adviser noted that the process of securing accommodations for Bangladeshi pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah is being closely monitored. Agencies have been instructed to complete all rental agreements within the set deadlines, and a significant number of contracts have already been finalized. The Saudi ambassador expressed satisfaction with the overall progress of Bangladesh’s Hajj preparations and emphasized the importance of adhering to the roadmap for effective management.

During the meeting, both sides discussed strengthening bilateral relations and mutual interests. The adviser also thanked the Saudi ambassador for his role in determining Bangladesh’s Hajj quota for this year.

A South Korean court has sentenced former First Lady Kim Keon Hee to 20 months in prison for accepting bribes from officials of the Unification Church in exchange for political favors. She was found guilty of receiving a handbag and diamond earrings and was fined 12.8 million won. The court also ordered the confiscation of the necklace linked to the case. Kim has been in custody since August during the investigation.

Kim, wife of ousted former president Yoon Suk Yeol, was acquitted of separate charges related to stock manipulation and political funding violations but convicted in this bribery case. Prosecutors plan to appeal the ruling, while Kim’s lawyers said they will review the Seoul Central District Court’s decision before deciding on an appeal. The presiding judge noted that although the First Lady holds no official authority, the position carries symbolic responsibility and should not set a poor example for the public.

Outside the courthouse, supporters of Yoon and Kim celebrated the verdict despite cold weather. The Unification Church denied expecting any benefit from the gifts, and its leader Han Hak-ja, also on trial, rejected allegations of offering bribes.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has announced the deployment of 38 platoons across Dhaka and three surrounding districts to ensure a free, fair, and neutral parliamentary election. The deployment, involving members of BGB’s 5th Battalion, will begin on Thursday. The announcement was made by Lieutenant Colonel Taimur Hasan, commander of the battalion, during a press briefing at the BGB headquarters in Pilkhana, Dhaka.

According to the briefing, 11 platoons will be stationed in five constituencies under Dhaka North City Corporation, six in Savar and Dhamrai, 13 in four constituencies of Faridpur, and eight in three constituencies of Manikganj. Security measures include checkpoints at key entry points to the capital, deployment of K-9 dog squads, and use of body-worn cameras, night vision devices, armored personnel carriers, and advanced communication tools. A monitoring cell has been set up at the battalion headquarters for continuous oversight.

BGB stated that there is no restriction from the Election Commission on entering polling centers. Personnel may enter if requested by presiding officers or in case of violence or suspected vote fraud.

The ‘MPO Teachers’ Nationalization Expectation Alliance’ has announced a series of protest programs demanding the issuance of the 9th national pay scale notification and the withdrawal of recent remarks by the energy adviser. According to a statement signed by the alliance’s member secretary, Principal Delwar Hossain Aziz, demonstrations will be held on 29 January at all MPO-affiliated educational institutions, followed by a rally in front of the National Press Club on 30 January. The alliance also warned that if the pay scale notification is not issued by 4 February, human chains will be organized across all districts on 5 February.

The statement noted that since the formation of the National Pay Commission 2025, the cost of living has increased repeatedly, making it difficult for government employees to sustain their families without the new pay scale. The alliance questioned the purpose of forming the commission if the pay scale is not implemented, calling it a waste of public funds. The group expressed solidarity with the ‘Demand Implementation Unity Council,’ which has also called for protests on 28–29 January and a rally on 30 January.

The alliance urged all MPO teachers and staff to participate actively in the upcoming demonstrations and rallies.

An independent delegation from the US Embassy in Dhaka will visit Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, and Khulna on election day to observe the voting process, according to Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed. The announcement followed a meeting between US Ambassador Brent Christensen and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) in Dhaka on Wednesday. After the meeting, the ambassador stated that the United States would not take sides in the election.

Akhtar Ahmed explained that the US Embassy team would not be formal observers but would visit polling areas to see the situation firsthand and later report to the US Senate. He added that the Election Commission had not given any instructions on how the team should conduct its observation, as it was beyond their jurisdiction. The embassy will provide a list of delegates, and the commission will facilitate their movement.

The US ambassador also inquired about the election code of conduct, law and order situation, and travel arrangements during the meeting, according to the Election Commission official.

Bangladesh is preparing for its parliamentary election on February 12, the first since 2008 without Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League. Many young voters, who led the 2024 July uprising, are eager to vote but disillusioned by the lack of new political alternatives. Reuters interviewed over 80 students under 30, most of whom expressed strong interest in voting yet disappointment with the candidates. The main contest is seen between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, while the newly formed National Citizens Party (NCP) has lost credibility after allying with Jamaat.

Analysts note that more than a quarter of Bangladesh’s 128 million voters are under 30, and their participation could shape the outcome. A concurrent referendum will address institutional reforms, including term limits for the prime minister and greater judicial and electoral independence. A youth leadership survey found 97% of voters aged 18–35 intend to vote, split nearly evenly between BNP and Jamaat supporters.

Despite disillusionment, some young activists remain hopeful for long-term political renewal, emphasizing the need for a stable, democratically elected government.

NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan declared that any attempt to seize polling centers must be resisted. Speaking as the chief guest at a street rally organized by Jamaat-e-Islami in Companyganj Bazar, Muradnagar, on Wednesday, he urged voters to support Yusuf Sohel of the Eleven-Party Alliance by voting for the scale symbol. He emphasized protecting local development, women’s dignity, and the community from extortion.

Mahmud, a former adviser, said Muradnagar was his birthplace and that he had worked to address its deprivation. He criticized a rival party’s representatives for allegedly complaining to higher authorities about budget allocations for the area. He called on residents to ensure a fearless voting environment and pledged that if elected, the alliance would upgrade Bangura Bazar to an upazila.

Other speakers, including Jamaat’s Comilla North secretary Saiful Islam Shahid and alliance candidate Yusuf Sohel, echoed calls for fair elections and urged voters to reject corruption and external influence in the upcoming February 12 polls.

Lieutenant Colonel A K M Zakaria Kadir, commander of the 28 Battalion Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in Sunamganj, stated that the force will play an active role in ensuring a peaceful election environment, maintaining law and order, and safeguarding citizens’ voting rights. He made the remarks during a press briefing with local journalists at the battalion’s conference room on Wednesday morning.

He explained that motivational and awareness programs are being conducted to increase public confidence and voter participation. The BGB will operate as a mobile striking force in coordination with the Bangladesh Army and other law enforcement agencies. Given Sunamganj’s haor-surrounded and remote geography, the commander noted that election duties there are particularly challenging. To address this, BGB units will patrol both road and river routes and coordinate with local administration for necessary transport support.

According to the commander, three battalions under Sylhet will deploy 55 BGB platoons across 23 upazilas in 10 parliamentary constituencies of Sylhet and Sunamganj. BGB will independently manage election duties in six border upazilas and jointly operate with other forces in the remaining areas.