A court in Kurigram has summoned two leaders of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) for allegedly violating the election code of conduct by involving schoolchildren in political campaigning. The incident occurred at Purba Dhaldanga Government Primary School in Shilkhuri Union of Bhurungamari upazila, where a video circulated on social media showed children chanting slogans in favor of the paddy sheaf symbol. The Election Inquiry and Judicial Committee for Constituency-25, Kurigram-1, issued notices signed by Civil Judge Muhammad Ayaz, directing the accused to appear before the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court on January 27 to explain their actions.

The notice was issued to Upazila JCD vice-president Mokaddes Ali and Shilkhuri Union JCD senior vice-president Md. Shahjahan. Following the video’s spread and public reaction, Bhurungamari police confirmed that summonses were being delivered to the accused. The incident, which took place on January 22, drew widespread criticism from parents and local residents.

In response, the Upazila JCD leadership removed Mokaddes Hossain from his role in the election management committee and asked him to explain his conduct within 48 hours.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has said that his party will prioritize the rule of law and adopt a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, land grabbing, and violence if it forms the next government. Speaking early Monday at a BNP election rally in Kanchpur Balur Math, Sonargaon, Narayanganj, he pledged to ensure justice for all crimes under existing laws and to bring major reforms in development, agriculture, and employment sectors.

Rahman described corruption and drugs as the main enemies of society, vowing to curb the spread of narcotics in Narayanganj and surrounding areas. He outlined plans to reduce youth unemployment through language education and modern technical training to prepare young people for jobs at home and abroad. He also promised special training and income opportunities for imams, khatibs, and madrasa teachers.

For the agricultural sector, Rahman announced the revival of the canal excavation program introduced during the tenure of late President Ziaur Rahman to restore water bodies and improve irrigation. He further assured the repair of damaged roads and educational institutions across the country.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called on voters to reject those who betrayed the nation during the 1971 Liberation War and to vote for the BNP’s paddy-sheaf symbol in support of democracy. He made the remarks on Monday afternoon during two separate campaign meetings at Paikpara and Purba Begunbari BT School grounds in Begunbari Union of Thakurgaon-1 constituency.

During his speeches, Mirza Fakhrul said that if BNP comes to power, it will ensure merit-based recruitment without bribery, unlike previous authoritarian governments. He emphasized that the votes given to BNP are a sacred trust from the people, which the party pledges to protect. He also alleged that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had fled to Delhi, leaving behind her party and the democratic process in crisis.

Addressing the Hindu community, Fakhrul urged them to remain courageous and assured that BNP would stand by them if anyone tried to obstruct their right to vote. Local BNP leaders, including Abdul Hamid and Obaidullah Masud, were present at the events.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has stated that only Bengali-speaking Muslim migrants are being evicted from the state. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, he said that any Muslim migrant living in the hills around Guwahati would receive an eviction notice. According to The Hindu, Sarma emphasized that the evictions target only those referred to locally as 'Miyas', a term often used pejoratively for Bengali-speaking Muslims.

Sarma accused sections of the media of spreading rumors about possible evictions in the Guwahati hills. He said that no eviction would take place until the election, and residents would then realize that the media had unnecessarily alarmed them. The Chief Minister added that the government is working to grant land rights to hill residents but maintained that Muslim migrants in those areas would still face eviction notices.

He also accused the Congress party of appeasing Muslim voters, claiming that out of 750 applications for party tickets, 600 were from 'Miyas' and only 120 to 130 from Hindus.

A Dhaka court has issued arrest warrants against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 40 others in connection with two separate murder cases filed at Mohammadpur Police Station. The order was given on Monday by Metropolitan Magistrate Jamshed Alam after the court accepted charge sheets against 64 accused in the killings of truck driver Md. Hossain and CNG driver Sabuj during the July 2024 movement. Prosecutor Harun-or-Rashid confirmed the court’s decision.

According to case details, Hossain was shot dead on July 19, 2024, during protests in Mohammadpur, and his mother filed a case naming Hasina and 15 others. Police later charged 34 people, including Hasina, with 20 still absconding. In the Sabuj murder case, filed on September 1, 2024, after he was shot on August 4, investigators later included Hasina and 29 others in the charge sheet, with 21 fugitives. Among the accused are former ministers Obaidul Quader, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Hasan Mahmud, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, and others.

The court’s order marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings related to the July 2024 movement violence.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUSU) member Sarmitra Chakma announced his resignation on Monday, January 26, 2026, through a Facebook post. He stated that he had been elected by students with high expectations and had worked to improve campus safety, including proposals to regulate vehicles and introduce registered rickshaws. He cited security issues at the university’s central field, where incidents of harassment and theft had occurred, as part of his motivation for strict measures.

Chakma explained that his controversial action—making teenagers perform squats while holding their ears—occurred last month amid rising theft and mugging incidents. He admitted his approach was wrong but said he acted out of concern for campus safety amid administrative inaction. He added that enforcing security sometimes required actions beyond legal limits, which had affected his mental state and led to his decision to step down.

A video showing the incident spread widely on social media, sparking public criticism and discussions about his conduct. Many users expressed anger and disapproval after the footage went viral.

A preparatory meeting was held on Monday, January 26, 2026, at the Baliadi Zamindar Bari in Kaliakair upazila to ensure the success of BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman’s upcoming rally in Gazipur scheduled for Tuesday. The meeting was presided over by Mahmud Sarkar, convener of Kaliakair Municipality BNP, with Md. Nurul Islam Sikder, convener of Kaliakair Upazila BNP, serving as the chief speaker.

The session was conducted by Upazila BNP member secretary M. Anwar Hossain. Speakers emphasized the need to make the Gazipur rally a complete success under the direction of Barrister Ishraq Ahmed Siddiqui, member secretary of the district BNP. They highlighted the importance of strengthening organizational readiness, increasing public engagement, and ensuring active and united participation of party leaders and activists.

The meeting reflected the local BNP’s focus on mobilizing support and coordination ahead of the major political gathering in Gazipur.

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Mashud stated on Monday, January 26, that candidates who concealed information about loan defaults, dual citizenship, or other disqualifying issues but managed to contest the current election will face action if such concealment is proven after the vote. He made the remarks while speaking to journalists at his office.

Mashud emphasized that the Election Commission (EC) will not compromise on electoral transparency and that the overall election environment remains stable. He said the EC is not under any political pressure and expects a fair and peaceful voting process. He urged voters to go to polling centers without hesitation.

Responding to a question about the Jatiya Party’s participation, Mashud confirmed that the party cannot be excluded from the election since its registration remains valid under the law. He reiterated that the EC has ensured equal opportunities for all candidates and noted a positive change in the country’s political culture.

A coalition of 101 social, cultural, and political organizations affiliated with the platform July Oikya issued a joint statement on January 26, 2026, rejecting the verdict delivered by International Crimes Tribunal-1 in the Chankharpul murder case. The tribunal sentenced three senior police officers to death under command responsibility but gave lighter sentences of three, four, and six years to several police members, including constable Sujon, who directly fired on the crowd. The three officers sentenced to death remain fugitives.

The statement described the verdict as an insult to the six victims of the Chankharpul killings and expressed deep shock and anger. It alleged that Sujon fired indiscriminately at unarmed civilians without provocation, and that the tribunal’s decision to give him only three years in prison was a mockery of justice. The organizations demanded a review of the verdict and warned of launching strong movements if their demand was ignored.

The statement further held the interim government responsible for any future unrest if the authorities failed to reconsider the judgment.

Dhaka University authorities have issued a show-cause notice to Daksu executive member Sarbamitra Chakma after he was accused of forcing teenagers to perform squats by holding their ears at the university’s Physical Education Centre field. The notice was issued on Monday evening following student complaints, confirmed Assistant Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed, who said Chakma’s actions had raised questions about the university’s image. He was asked to submit a written explanation within 24 hours.

Earlier that day, Chakma announced his resignation from the Daksu executive committee through a Facebook post in the group ‘Dhaka University Students’ Parliament–2’. In the post, he claimed that outsiders had long been entering the field freely, leading to incidents of harassment and theft, and that the administration had failed to act despite repeated complaints. He said he confronted the outsiders to protect the campus environment and later apologized unconditionally for his behavior.

Daksu General Secretary S.M. Farhad stated that although Chakma announced his resignation online, no formal resignation letter had been submitted yet.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman visited the family of the late Kushtia district Ameer, Professor Abul Hashem, on Monday morning before attending an election rally. During the visit, he inquired about the family’s well-being, prayed for the departed leader’s soul, and wished patience for the bereaved relatives. He was accompanied by central executive member and Jessore-Kushtia regional director Mobarak Hossain, regional team member Professor Khondaker A.K.M. Ali Mohsin, acting district Ameer Abdul Gafur, and upazila Ameer Khondaker Rezaul Karim.

Professor Abul Hashem passed away on January 19 after suffering a heart attack while addressing a protest rally organized by Jamaat-e-Islami in Kushtia. He was 58 years old at the time of his death. The following day, two funeral prayers were held before his burial at Mirpur WAPDA graveyard. He is survived by his wife, a son, a daughter, and several relatives.

The visit by Dr. Rahman highlighted the party’s expression of solidarity and support for the family of the deceased district leader.

In Feni-3 constituency, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Vice Chairman and candidate Abdul Awal Mintoo met Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Dr. Fakhruddin Manik during election campaigning on Monday, January 26. The two rival candidates embraced each other at Kazirpol area of Purbochandrapur Union in Daganbhuiyan upazila, drawing attention from supporters and voters present at the scene.

During the meeting, Mintoo asked for prayers from Manik, who responded by addressing him as an elder brother and expressing mutual respect. Manik later said their long-standing cordial relationship would continue beyond the election, noting that they were contesting from different parties due to procedural reasons. The friendly gesture between the two candidates impressed onlookers, and a video of the moment quickly went viral on social media.

Mintoo was accompanied by local BNP leaders including his brother Akbar Hossain and businessman Rafiqul Islam, while Manik was joined by Jamaat’s Dhaka South Shura member Mesbah Uddin Said and other party activists.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said his party intends to provide work opportunities to all capable citizens rather than unemployment allowances. Speaking at an eleven-party election rally at Shahid Abrar Fahad Stadium in Kushtia around 11:45 a.m. on Monday, he addressed extortionists directly, saying they too would be given work and urged them to abandon such activities. He emphasized that the party does not want to create a 'sea of unemployed' through allowances.

Dr. Rahman highlighted that around 60 rice mills operate in Kushtia, from which private levies of about 5,000 taka per truck are collected, causing distress to truck owners and traders. He called on those involved in extortion and illegal occupation to return to honest livelihoods, assuring that Jamaat seeks to build a Bangladesh where every man and woman can earn with dignity.

The rally, attended by 60,000 to 70,000 people, also featured speeches from leaders of allied parties including Khelafat Majlish, JAGPA, and Islami Chhatra Shibir, as part of the eleven-party electoral alliance.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has called on party leaders, activists, and voters to remain at polling centers on election day to ensure proper vote counting. Speaking virtually at an election rally in Hatiya, Noakhali, on Monday, he emphasized that voters should not leave after casting their ballots but stay to monitor the process closely.

Rahman alleged that there were conspiracies to obstruct the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and urged everyone to stay alert. He said that the people’s right to vote and freedom of speech had previously been taken away, and although those responsible had left the country, new groups were attempting to disrupt the election. He called for vigilance to protect the electoral process.

He further stressed unity among all citizens, regardless of religion, to build the nation through collective effort, describing Bangladesh as the shared home and ultimate destination for all its people.

Former joint secretary of the UK BNP, Azmal Hossain Chowdhury Javed, was seriously injured in an attack on Sunday evening while returning from an election campaign in support of BNP candidate Nasir Uddin Chowdhury for the Sunamganj-2 constituency. The incident occurred on the way back to Dirai when activists from another BNP faction allegedly attacked him. Eyewitnesses said 15–20 supporters of rival nomination aspirant Tahir Raihan Chowdhury Pavel, including Mohiuddin Milad, Abu Hasan Chowdhury Saju, and Faisal, carried out the assault. Javed sustained severe eye injuries and was first treated at Dirai Upazila Health Complex before being referred to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital for advanced care.

Local sources indicated that tension had long persisted between the Nasir and Pavel groups in Dirai. Javed, once a nomination aspirant himself, had accepted the party’s decision to nominate Nasir Uddin Chowdhury and had been actively campaigning for him following instructions from the BNP high command.

The attack underscores ongoing internal conflicts within the BNP’s local leadership in Sunamganj-2 ahead of the election.