The government of Bangladesh has issued the 'July Mass Uprising (Protection and Liability Determination) Ordinance, 2026', granting legal protection and immunity to students and citizens who took part in the July mass uprising. The ordinance was officially gazetted on Sunday night by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Ministry of Law.

According to the ordinance, all civil and criminal cases, complaints, or proceedings filed against participants of the July uprising will be withdrawn under its provisions. Furthermore, no new civil or criminal cases, complaints, or proceedings can be legally initiated against those involved in the uprising.

The ordinance aims to provide full legal immunity to individuals associated with the July movement, ensuring that no future legal actions can be taken against them for their participation.

Nahid Islam, convener of the Bangladesh National Citizen Party (NCP) and a key coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, along with Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, former youth and sports adviser and head of the NCP election management committee, are visiting Ramganj in Lakshmipur today. The visit is part of their participation in an election campaign event.

According to the report, the two leaders are scheduled to address a campaign gathering at 4:30 p.m. at the Ramganj Pilot Girls’ High School field. The event is organized in support of Mahbub Alam, the NCP central committee joint convener and candidate for the Lakshmipur-1 (Ramganj) constituency, who is contesting under the ‘Shapla Koli’ symbol. Mahbub Alam confirmed the matter to journalists.

The visit underscores the NCP’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its presence in the Lakshmipur-1 constituency ahead of the election, with senior party figures joining local campaign activities.

An allegation has been made that Ariful Islam Adib, senior joint convener of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and candidate of the 11-party alliance in Dhaka-18 constituency, was attacked in the Dumni Bazar area under Khilkhet Police Station in the capital. Adib claimed that the incident occurred on Monday morning while he was conducting a campaign in the area.

According to Adib’s Facebook post, a group of BNP activists attacked him in the Dumni Nurpara area, and his supporters resisted the assault. The NCP stated that the attack was carried out under the leadership of local BNP leader Didar Molla. The party’s media cell further alleged that supporters of BNP’s Dhaka-18 candidate S M Jahangir had harassed NCP activists in the same area the previous day. After the matter was reported to Jahangir, he reportedly assured that such incidents would not recur.

The report also mentioned that the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) condemned the attack on the NCP candidate.

At least ten people were injured in a clash between local activists of the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami in Borhanuddin upazila of Bhola district on Sunday evening. The incident occurred at Borhangonj market in Pakshia Union after a series of chases and counter-chases between the two groups. Local sources said the violence followed political tensions surrounding the withdrawal of a candidate from the Jamaat-led ten-party alliance.

According to the report, Mokfar Uddin Chowdhury of the LDP had been announced as the alliance’s candidate for the Bhola-2 constituency, which includes Borhanuddin and Daulatkhan. However, he later withdrew his candidacy and expressed support for another contender. Following this announcement, Jamaat activists held a rally in Borhangonj market after evening prayers, which BNP supporters attempted to block, leading to verbal altercations and physical attacks with sticks.

A mobile team led by Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Ranjit Chandra Das responded to the incident. Borhanuddin Police Station Officer-in-Charge Moniruzzaman told Amar Desh that only a scuffle had been reported, and no major clash was officially confirmed.

The European Union Election Observation Mission will assign nearly one hundred observers across all 64 districts of Bangladesh to monitor the country’s 13th national parliamentary election. Their observation duties will continue until March, and the mission’s first report is scheduled for release on February 14. The EU team described this as part of their technical process, emphasizing that their findings will be independent and impartial.

The announcement was made on January 25 during a meeting between EU mission press officer Everhard Lewy and the president and general secretary of the Sylhet Press Club. During the discussion, Lewy inquired about the media environment, press freedom, and the overall electoral atmosphere in Sylhet. Press Club president Muktabis Un Noor stated that harmony among political parties in Sylhet remains intact and that the electoral environment is still favorable.

Lewy expressed admiration for the long history of the Sylhet Press Club and voiced hope that its leaders would continue contributing to the development of journalism. The club’s general secretary, Mohammad Sirajul Islam, thanked the EU official for visiting the institution.

The International Crimes Tribunal sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death for their roles in the July 2024 massacre, when state forces opened fire on protesters across Bangladesh. However, trials of other senior Awami League leaders accused of involvement remain incomplete, prompting frustration among victims’ families. Relatives of slain students expressed anger over the slow pace of justice and questioned why those who gave orders have not yet been held accountable.

According to court sources, multiple cases of crimes against humanity, murder, sedition, and violence are still under investigation or in the charge-sheet stage. Prosecutor Barrister Shaikh Mahdi said trials are progressing, with formal charges accepted against several senior leaders, including Obaidul Quader, A.F.M. Bahauddin Nasim, and others, many of whom are fugitives. Arrest warrants have been issued for absconding defendants, while proceedings continue for those in custody.

Legal experts cited the Awami League’s lingering influence within state institutions as a key obstacle to swift justice. International human rights organizations have called for independent investigations, while observers note that the outcome could set a historic precedent for accountability in Bangladesh.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer ATM Azharul Islam declared that the time of forcing or enticing voters has ended. Speaking as the chief guest at an election rally of the 11-party alliance at Moynakuri High School field in Gopalpur Union, Badarganj upazila of Rangpur on Sunday evening, January 25, he said people are now aware and no longer fear intimidation. He urged voters to reject corrupt and oppressive forces in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for February 12.

Azharul Islam accused other political leaders of making false promises, amassing wealth, and laundering money abroad while claiming that Jamaat leaders have never been involved in corruption. He called on citizens to vote for the alliance’s candidates under the scale symbol to ensure national welfare. He also emphasized the importance of participating in the referendum by casting a “yes” vote on the same day.

The rally was chaired by Gopalpur Union’s Moyna Kuri Ward president Mohibul Islam, with speeches from local Jamaat leaders Shah Md. Rustam Ali and Maulana Minhajul Islam. A large number of activists and residents attended the event.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Sunday called on foreign actors to refrain from interfering in Bangladesh’s internal matters. Speaking as the chief guest at an election rally in Dhupkhola field, Dhaka-6 constituency, he said Bangladesh seeks friendly relations with all civilized nations but will not tolerate any form of dominance or intimidation. He emphasized mutual respect and equality as the basis of international friendship and asserted that the nation would not bow to anyone.

Rahman’s remarks came after former Indian diplomat Harsh Vardhan Shringla, speaking to journalists in Siliguri on Friday, commented that Jamaat-e-Islami could not win in a free and fair election in Bangladesh. In response, Rahman criticized such statements as interference and urged outsiders to stop meddling in the country’s political process. He reiterated that Bangladesh would stand tall in the global arena with dignity and unity.

The Jamaat leader also described his vision of a just and inclusive Bangladesh, where equality and fairness prevail and citizens can hold their heads high before the world.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman addressed a large election rally at Suagazi Phultali field in Cumilla Sadar Dakshin on Sunday night, January 25, 2026. Speaking as the chief guest, he said that criticisms from other parties about BNP’s family and farmer cards would not affect their commitment to the people. He urged supporters to ensure victory for the party’s symbol, promising to continue working for the welfare of ordinary citizens if BNP forms the government.

Rahman recalled the sacrifices of 1971’s freedom fighters and compared them to those who, he claimed, defended the nation’s independence in July 2024. He highlighted BNP’s previous governance record, citing free education for women up to higher secondary level and interest waivers for small agricultural loans. He emphasized BNP’s experience in improving employment, curbing corruption, and ensuring public safety.

Senior BNP leaders and local candidates from Cumilla attended the rally. Rahman concluded by stating that BNP’s goal is to improve people’s living standards gradually, aiming to double current well-being levels through sustained development efforts.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly protested remarks made by Harsh Vardhan Shringla, a member of India’s Rajya Sabha and former foreign secretary, regarding Bangladesh’s internal political situation, the upcoming national election, and the party itself. In a statement issued to the media on Sunday, Jamaat’s Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar condemned the comments as violations of diplomatic norms and foreign policy principles.

Porwar said that such remarks about a sovereign nation’s internal political affairs and a registered political party were unacceptable, especially coming from a former diplomat and current lawmaker. He described Shringla’s comments as biased, distorted, and politically motivated, asserting that only the people of Bangladesh have the authority to decide whom to vote for. He added that such statements undermine Bangladesh’s democratic process and harm the atmosphere of mutual respect between the two neighboring countries.

Jamaat reaffirmed its commitment to democracy, justice, and good governance, expressing confidence that a free and fair election would reflect the people’s true mandate. The party urged responsible quarters in India to refrain from interfering in Bangladesh’s internal matters.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman announced a series of development plans during an election rally in Cumilla on Sunday night. Speaking at the Fultoli Digbaji field in Cumilla Sadar Dakshin after addressing gatherings in Feni and Chauddagram, he said the party would initiate a canal excavation project to support local agriculture. He also urged supporters to vote for the BNP’s symbol, the paddy sheaf, on February 12 to implement these plans.

Rahman outlined several proposed initiatives, including a family card program for rural women to provide essential goods, an agriculture card to supply farmers with free fertilizer, seeds, and pesticides, and employment opportunities for youth through new factories in export processing zones. He also promised training programs for workers to enhance overseas employment prospects and the establishment of rural healthcare services to address local medical shortages.

The rally, presided over by Cumilla South District BNP President Zakaria Taher, was attended by BNP parliamentary candidates from Cumilla and Chandpur districts. Rahman concluded by emphasizing collective effort in national development and reiterated his slogan, “We will work, build the nation, Bangladesh first.”

Awami League leader and former Bangladeshi minister Obaidul Quader has expressed deep frustration over his party’s current state while living in exile in Kolkata’s New Town. According to the report, Quader is eager to return to Bangladesh but sees no clear path back. He believes that major powers such as India and the United States no longer consider the Awami League significant, leaving the party politically isolated. Quader stated that the party’s downfall resulted from leaders neglecting their responsibilities and relying solely on Sheikh Hasina’s leadership.

The report adds that on January 23, party workers had hoped for Sheikh Hasina’s physical presence or a video message in Delhi, but only received an audio message focused on personal grievances against Dr. Yunus. Disheartened by the lack of direction, several exiled leaders are reportedly considering leaving India for Canada or Australia to live out their remaining years. They now feel politically irrelevant and abandoned by both allies and history.

The situation underscores the growing uncertainty among exiled Awami League leaders, who see little prospect of returning to political relevance or to their homeland.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman announced that if his party forms the next government, mosque imams and muezzins will receive a monthly honorarium and training support. He made the statement on Sunday night at a public rally held at H J Government Pilot High School field in Chauddagram, Cumilla, where he served as the chief guest.

Rahman emphasized that the BNP is an experienced political party with prior governance experience and is committed to fulfilling promises made to the public. He identified unemployment as a major national problem and pledged to create employment opportunities and provide training to make young people more skilled. He also promised priority support for marginal and medium farmers through the introduction of an “agriculture card” to ensure easier access to assistance.

The BNP leader further said that women working from home would receive microcredit facilities and that initiatives would be taken to export their products abroad. Urging voters to support the BNP’s “sheaf of paddy” symbol in the upcoming election, he said people want change, security, quality education, healthcare, and employment.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman stated that the people are the source of all political power for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). He made the remarks on Sunday, January 25, 2026, while addressing an election rally at Feni Government Pilot High School field. Rahman emphasized that BNP’s politics is dedicated to the welfare of the people and urged voters in Feni, Lakshmipur, and Noakhali to support the party’s electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf.

Highlighting his plans for public welfare, Rahman announced two proposed initiatives: a ‘Family Card’ for working women and a ‘Farmer Card’ for agricultural workers. The Family Card would provide monthly government assistance to housewives, while the Farmer Card would ensure direct delivery of fertilizer, seeds, and pesticides to farmers, bypassing middlemen. He said these measures aim to reduce hardship and improve livelihoods.

The rally was presided over by Feni District BNP convener Sheikh Farid Bahar and conducted by member secretary Alal Uddin Alal. Several BNP leaders and parliamentary candidates from Feni, Lakshmipur, and Noakhali also addressed the event.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit Bogura on Wednesday evening, January 28, after a 19-year absence. According to a district BNP source, he will address a public rally that night at the historic Altafunnesa playground. Rahman will stay overnight in Bogura Garden and on January 29 will conduct campaign activities across 21 unions of his Bogura-6 constituency, concluding with a visit to Bagbari in Gabtali.

Ahead of the rally, Bogura district BNP leaders inspected the Altafunnesa field on Tuesday afternoon to oversee preparations. District BNP President Rezaul Karim Badsha stated that the field is being readied for the event, which is expected to draw around one hundred thousand people. The announcement of Rahman’s visit has created a festive atmosphere in Bogura, with supporters and residents eagerly awaiting his arrival.

The rally marks Rahman’s first public appearance in Bogura in nearly two decades, signaling renewed political activity in the region as part of his campaign for the Bogura-6 parliamentary seat.