More than fifty leaders and activists from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jatiya Party formally joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in Jaldhaka upazila of Nilphamari on Tuesday afternoon. The joining took place at a gathering organized by Jamaat in Mondoppora of Shimulbari Union’s Ward No. 2, where former BNP ward president Abdus Sobhan Chinu and Jatiya Party’s Haroa Shimulbari branch president Shukur Ali led the group. They presented Jamaat candidate Obaidullah Salafi with a scarf bearing the party’s scale symbol and received primary membership, being welcomed with flowers by local Jamaat leaders.

In brief remarks, Abdus Sobhan Chinu said he had long been involved in BNP politics but found Jamaat’s ideology and social activities more acceptable, prompting his decision to join. Shukur Ali stated that after twenty years as a Jatiya Party ward president, he was inspired by Jamaat’s activities to switch allegiance. The event was attended by Jamaat’s parliamentary candidate Obaidullah Salafi, acting upazila amir Kamaruzzaman, and other local leaders.

The mass joining signals a local political shift in Jaldhaka ahead of upcoming political activities in the region.

Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam Sarkar stated that the Election Commission believes it has achieved nearly full compliance with the electoral code of conduct ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliament election. He said that fines totaling 905,500 taka have been imposed for 144 violations of the code. Between January 8 and 26, 94 cases were filed for breaches, covering 128 constituencies out of 300.

Speaking to journalists at his office in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Tuesday, the commissioner explained that each nomination paper included pledges from both party leaders and candidates to uphold the code of conduct. Returning officers gathered candidates to reaffirm these commitments, which he said contributed to improved discipline. He noted that compared to previous elections, the current campaign environment appears cleaner and more orderly.

According to the commissioner, the combination of candidate pledges and motivational efforts by returning officers and field officials has resulted in a better electoral atmosphere than in past national elections.

Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (Raksu) General Secretary Salahuddin Ammar alleged that Mirza Abbas is attempting to take control of the Dhaka-8 constituency. Ammar made the claim in a social media post on Tuesday, stating that members of the student wing Chhatra Dal attacked the brother of Nasiruddin Patwari. He further wrote that Abbas is trying to seize the seat informally and reminded that Nasiruddin had contributed to Begum Zia’s release.

According to the report, Mirza Abbas is the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) nominated candidate and a senior member of its standing committee for Dhaka-8. Nasiruddin Patwari, the chief coordinator of the National Citizens Party (NCP), is contesting the same seat as part of an eleven-party alliance. On Tuesday, eggs were thrown at Patwari at Habibullah Bahar University College in Dhaka’s Shantinagar area.

The incident and Ammar’s remarks highlight growing tensions between political groups and candidates ahead of the contest for Dhaka-8.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman experienced an emotional moment on Tuesday while traveling from Mymensingh to Gazipur for an election rally. His motorcade stopped at the Seed Store area in Valuka, where a teenage girl approached him to express her desire to serve people through politics. She told Rahman that politics was in her blood and asked for his blessings to one day meet him again as a member of parliament.

According to eyewitnesses, Rahman personally opened the bus door and listened attentively to the girl. During the brief encounter, she presented him with a photograph of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, which Rahman accepted with appreciation and thanked her. His wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, was also present at the scene.

The girl said she had seen Rahman at the earlier rally but wanted to meet him in person, calling it a long-cherished dream. The meeting added a personal and emotional touch to Rahman’s campaign journey between the two rallies.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam has said that Bangladesh Police will demonstrate full professionalism, neutrality, and responsibility during the upcoming national parliamentary elections. He made the remarks on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, while addressing the 27th BCS (Police) batch ASP probationers at the 'Hall of Integrity' in the Police Headquarters. The probationers were initially selected in 2008, and their appointments were recently finalized after a long delay.

The IGP stated that the police force stands at a critical juncture, working tirelessly to boost morale and restore public confidence. He described the probationers’ appointments as a symbol of rightful recognition rather than mere personal success. Emphasizing the changing nature of policing, he noted that intelligence, global awareness, and technological adaptability are now essential to address cybercrime and social media influence.

Baharul Alam urged the new officers to maintain discipline, punctuality, and strict adherence to regulations during their training at the Bangladesh Police Academy. Senior police officials, including several Additional IGPs, were present at the event.

The Bangladesh Army has found no evidence of a reported cocktail explosion during the election campaign of BNP candidate Ershad Ullah in Boalkhali, Chattogram. After inspecting the site, collecting evidence, and analyzing CCTV footage, the army concluded that the sound initially described as a blast was actually from a small firecracker or ‘chocolate bomb’. Major Md. Rasel, commander of the Boalkhali army camp, confirmed that no explosive residue or aftershock was detected at the scene.

The investigation reviewed four CCTV recordings, which showed a low-intensity sound inconsistent with a cocktail explosion. Although one person’s movements appeared suspicious, neither BNP nor Jamaat leaders could identify him. The army’s findings also cleared those previously accused, including a Jamaat activist whom BNP had blamed for the alleged attack. Footage showed that the accused was sitting at a nearby tea stall when the sound occurred and later ran toward the site with others.

The incident, which took place Monday evening near Purba Kadhurkhil High School, had sparked political tension in Chattogram-8. The army’s investigation determined it was a misunderstanding rather than an explosion.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Sadiq Kayem has alleged that administrative bias and inaction led to a violent attack on Nasiruddin Patwari, the 11-party alliance candidate for the Dhaka-8 parliamentary seat. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, he claimed that instead of ensuring law and order, the administration was effectively working in favor of a particular political party.

Kayem stated that a planned effort was underway across the country to create a conflict-ridden environment ahead of the upcoming election. He cited continuous attacks on female Jamaat activists, provocative incidents involving hijab, threats to opposition candidates, and violent behavior during campaigns as evidence of one party’s attempt to destabilize the political atmosphere. He also criticized parts of the media for allegedly taking sides and indirectly encouraging confrontational politics.

Referring to the attack, Kayem said at least 13 Islami Chhatra Shibir activists were seriously injured and described the incident as a direct threat to Bangladesh’s democratic transition. He urged students and citizens to unite against violence and extortion and called for a “yes” vote in the upcoming referendum to build a just and safe Bangladesh.

Twenty-two activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in Mobarakpur Union of Shibganj, Chapainawabganj. The formal joining took place on Tuesday afternoon at a campaign rally held at the Mobarakpur Union Health and Family Welfare Center. Rajshahi city Ameer and Jamaat candidate for Chapainawabganj-01 constituency, Dr. Maulana Keramat Ali, welcomed the new members with flower garlands.

The former BNP activists stated that they joined Jamaat because they view it as an ideological political party capable of ensuring fair and welfare-oriented governance. They expressed satisfaction with the party’s activities and said this motivated their decision. Dr. Maulana Keramat Ali said the new members were inspired by Jamaat’s ideals and its movement for democracy and people’s rights, joining voluntarily.

The event highlights continued political realignments at the grassroots level in Chapainawabganj ahead of the election campaign period.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s women’s wing is set to hold a ‘protest rally’ at Dhaka’s Suhrawardy Udyan on January 31. JAKSU Assistant General Secretary (Shibir-supported panel) Ayesha Siddika Meghla described the upcoming event as a groundbreaking movement for the party. She expressed her anticipation to hear from the women’s division, making the remarks in a verified Facebook post on January 27.

In her post, Meghla recalled that during Jamaat’s previous grand rally, she had suggested that women should also organize a similar gathering. At that time, many women told her such an event would not be possible due to logistical and social challenges. She noted that Jamaat’s women’s division had previously held an international program, which inspired her belief that a large-scale women’s rally in Bangladesh could also be achieved.

Meghla further commented that the women’s rally represents a historic step for Jamaat-e-Islami, comparing it to the party’s earlier pre-election policy summit that had drawn attention. She said she expects the upcoming event to be similarly significant.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has issued strict directives to ensure security and voter privacy ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliament election and referendum. According to a circular signed by EC Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain, no candidate or supporter will be allowed to set up campaign camps within 400 yards of any polling center. The circular has already been sent to all returning officers for implementation.

The EC instructed that each polling center must have designated secret rooms or marking places to maintain voter confidentiality. These rooms must be constructed to prevent anyone from seeing how a voter casts their ballot, and any windows or open spaces must be covered. As voters will cast two ballots—one for the parliamentary election and one for the referendum—each center should have two secret rooms or additional voting booths where necessary. The EC also directed that transparent ballot boxes be used exclusively, with one box per booth and one extra kept in reserve.

The circular further prohibits campaign materials such as posters and leaflets within the restricted area and bans the use of vehicles by candidates or their representatives to transport voters on election day.

At a press conference in Rangpur’s July-36 Square on Tuesday, National Citizen Party (NCP) district convener Al Mamun accused Jatiya Party chairman GM Quader of campaigning for the 'No' vote and adopting a fascist stance. He alleged that Quader’s activities align with the agenda of neighboring India and go against the democratic aspirations of the country.

Al Mamun stated that those who supported the July Movement are backing the 'Yes' vote, while those who opposed it are supporting the 'No' vote. He claimed that GM Quader is the only political leader openly conducting large-scale campaigns for the 'No' vote, thereby presenting himself as a supporter of fascism. Mamun further said that a victory for the 'Yes' vote would prevent the return of fascism and block the re-establishment of one-man rule.

The press conference was attended by several NCP city leaders, including Abdul Malek, Shanti Kaderi, Sharif Hossain, Khalilur Rahman, Mahfuzur Rahman, Mahfuz Shah, Niaz Morshed, and Sheikh Rezwan.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said the party would not seek revenge against anyone if it wins the upcoming election, promising forgiveness for all. Speaking as the chief guest at a campaign rally on Tuesday, January 27, at Satkhira Government Boys’ School field, he warned that those involved in corruption or black money dealings would be firmly resisted.

Dr. Rahman stated that if Jamaat comes to power, extortion and business syndicates would be dismantled, and a society based on justice and fairness would be established. He emphasized that no one would be allowed to exploit people’s wealth or dignity and that the party would not bow to any form of dominance. He also criticized the alleged harassment of female party workers, questioning the inconsistency between government welfare promises and disrespect toward women.

Calling for unity ahead of the February 12 election, Dr. Rahman urged citizens to stand for the “yes vote” campaign to rebuild the nation. Several party leaders and local candidates also addressed the rally under the chairmanship of Satkhira district Jamaat chief Shahidul Islam Mukul.

Women activists of Jamaat-e-Islami in Gopalpur upazila, Tangail, held a protest march on Tuesday demanding justice for an alleged assault by BNP supporters. The incident reportedly occurred on Monday in Suti Nayapara village of Gopalpur municipality’s Ward No. 7, where several women Jamaat workers were attacked while campaigning for Maulana Humayun Kabir, the Jamaat candidate for Tangail-2 constituency. The attackers were identified as followers of local BNP activists.

In response, the women’s wing of Jamaat organized a protest procession starting from Gohata Jame Mosque premises at 11 a.m., which marched through various streets of the municipal area and ended with a human chain and rally in front of Gopalpur Police Station. The event was presided over by Gopalpur upazila Jamaat Amir Habibur Rahman Talukdar, with speeches from Maulana Humayun Kabir and several district-level women leaders including Nasrin Sultana and Rahima Sultana.

The protesters demanded accountability for those involved in the attack and called for fair treatment of their activists during the election campaign.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has imposed strict nationwide restrictions on vehicle movement ahead of the 13th National Election and referendum. According to a letter signed by Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain on January 27, motorcycles will be banned from February 10 midnight to February 13 midnight, while taxis, pickups, microbuses, and trucks will be restricted for 24 hours on February 12, the polling day. The directive was sent to the Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division.

The EC circular allows limited exemptions for essential and authorized vehicles, including those of law enforcement, armed forces, administration, election observers, ambulances, emergency services, and media transport. Vehicles carrying medicines, health supplies, newspapers, and passengers with valid air tickets are also exempt. Candidates and their agents may use one vehicle each with returning officer approval and visible stickers. Telecommunications service vehicles under BTRC are classified as emergency transport.

Local administrations, including district magistrates and metropolitan police commissioners, have been empowered to relax or extend restrictions based on local needs and conditions.

Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has called on army personnel to perform their election duties with professionalism, neutrality, patience, and citizen-friendly behavior. He made the appeal during a meeting at the Rajshahi Cantonment, where troops have been deployed under the 'In Aid to the Civil Power' framework for the upcoming National Election and Referendum 2026. The Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) provided this information to the media.

According to ISPR, the Army Chief observed the activities of deployed personnel on the ground and gave necessary directives. He also held discussions with the civil administration and attended a meeting organized by the Bangladesh Infantry Regimental Centre (BIRC) involving senior military, divisional, and district officials, as well as representatives from various law enforcement agencies. The discussions focused on inter-agency coordination and overall security management to ensure a peaceful, neutral, and fair national election.

Senior military officers from the Army Training and Doctrine Command, the 11th Infantry Division, and Bogura Area Command, along with the Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner and other senior civil and law enforcement officials, were present at the meeting.