BNP-nominated parliamentary candidate Mirza Abbas has pledged to make Dhaka-8 constituency free from drugs, terrorism, and extortion if he wins the upcoming election. Speaking during a campaign event on Sunday, January 25, in Malibagh and Shahjahanpur, he said the area had been severely affected by these problems over the past 17 years. Abbas promised to liberate his constituency from such destructive forces.

He alleged that statements from some political groups and government quarters hinted at conspiracies, suggesting irregularities in the electoral process. Abbas questioned the legitimacy of claims by an independent candidate who said the BNP would not be allowed any seats in Dhaka, asserting that only Allah and the people have the authority to decide election outcomes. He also expressed concern about the election environment, saying some parties’ behavior indicated something was wrong.

Abbas further recalled the public support he received in 1991, 1996, and 2001, expressing confidence that voters would again elect him based on his and his party’s record. He emphasized his desire for a fair and acceptable election.

Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta has dismissed Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, daughter of senior Iranian official Ali Larijani. The student-run newspaper Emory Wheel reported on Saturday that Dean Sandra Wong confirmed the decision in an email to faculty on January 24, stating that the physician, known as the daughter of a high-ranking Iranian government figure, is no longer employed by the university.

The report said the decision followed protests by Iranian-American demonstrators outside Emory’s Winship Cancer Institute opposing her appointment, amid ongoing unrest in Iran. Before her departure, Ardeshir-Larijani served as an assistant professor in the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology. Her faculty and healthcare web pages have since been removed.

Andrea Clement, associate director of public relations at the Winship Cancer Institute, described the matter as personnel-related and emphasized that Emory remains committed to patient care, research, and education in compliance with state and federal laws. Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, was sanctioned by the United States on January 15 for his alleged role in suppressing peaceful protests in Iran.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has called on voters to elect the party’s symbol, the paddy sheaf, on the 12th to curb corruption. Speaking at an election rally on Sunday evening at Feni Government Pilot High School field, he said that if the BNP forms the government, it will resume the initiatives left by Khaleda Zia and the programs of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman to bring positive change to people’s lives.

Tarique Rahman emphasized that criticizing political opponents would not benefit the public. Instead, he said, real progress would come from planned development such as canal excavation, improved healthcare, youth employment, and maintaining law and order. He noted that after August 5, people have been seeking change that would gradually reduce their problems, and the BNP must work toward that goal.

The rally reflected BNP’s campaign focus on anti-corruption and development, highlighting promises to revive previous leadership programs and address citizens’ needs through practical measures.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told a campaign rally in Thakurgaon on January 25, 2026, that his party would not repeat the misdeeds he attributed to the Awami League. Speaking on the third day of his campaign in Barunagaon and Cheradanggi, he said he had sold ancestral property to continue politics but never compromised on principles. He warned that if anyone in BNP engaged in wrongdoing after gaining power, they would face immediate action.

Fakhrul recalled facing 111 cases and 11 imprisonments over the past 15 years, saying he never bowed his head despite personal hardships. He cautioned voters against supporting Jamaat-e-Islami’s “scales” symbol, reminding them of the party’s alleged role in 1971. Addressing Hindu voters, he urged them not to fear and to exercise their voting rights freely. He described the post-July movement atmosphere as a “breath of freedom” and called for building a society based on brotherhood rather than revenge.

He emphasized that BNP’s struggle was not about retaliation but about creating a new democratic and inclusive political culture.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman set foot in Feni after 20 years, joining a party election rally at the Feni Government Pilot High School field on Sunday evening. The event drew large numbers of party supporters who began arriving in processions from the morning. Participants came not only from Feni but also from Noakhali and Lakshmipur districts to attend the gathering.

Law enforcement personnel conducted security checks at the Feni Government College gate as part of crowd management. Supporters traveled by buses and microbuses, entering the city in processions carrying the BNP’s paddy-sheaf symbol. Many wore party-branded T-shirts, panjabis, and mufflers to show their allegiance. One attendee from Chatkhil, Noakhali, expressed his enthusiasm to see the party leader despite the difficulties of travel.

The rally marked a significant return for Tarique Rahman to Feni’s political stage after two decades, signaling renewed activity among BNP supporters in the region.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman announced that if his party returns to power, it will swiftly implement the initiative to make Chattogram the commercial capital of Bangladesh. He made the statement on Sunday, January 25, during a divisional rally held at the Polo Ground in Chattogram, where he served as the chief guest.

Rahman said that the initiative to establish Chattogram as the commercial capital was originally taken by a previous BNP government but could not be completed due to time constraints. He criticized the lack of progress over the past 15 years, asserting that the project would create employment opportunities not only in Chattogram but across the country. He also mentioned that the Export Processing Zones (EPZs) in Chattogram were established during BNP’s tenure and promised to build more such zones if the party forms the next government.

Rahman emphasized that the proposed commercial capital initiative, originally envisioned by Begum Khaleda Zia, would be implemented as quickly as possible under a future BNP administration.

Lieutenant Colonel Hasinur Rahman Bir Pratik gave testimony before the International Crimes Tribunal-1 in Dhaka, describing his abduction and detention in connection with a case over enforced disappearances at the army’s Joint Interrogation Centre (JIC). The partial testimony was recorded on Sunday under the leadership of Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar. The case accuses former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 12 former and current army officers of crimes against humanity related to abductions and torture during the Awami League government.

Hasinur Rahman recounted that on August 8, 2018, he was taken by several men after being lured out by a friend, Lieutenant Colonel Zaid Abdullah. He said he was blindfolded, handcuffed, and beaten before being held for one year, six months, and fourteen days until his release on February 22, 2020. During detention, he was interrogated about his writings critical of former Army Chief General Aziz Ahmed, the 2014 election, the Awami League, and India.

He alleged that Zaid Abdullah, Brigadier General Azhar, and officers from the DGFI and RAB were involved in his abduction.

An activist of Bangladesh Amar Party (AB Party) was seriously injured in an alleged attack by BNP supporters during an election campaign in Muladi upazila of Barishal. The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Sunday at Lakshmipur village in Ward 4 of Charkalekhan Union. The injured worker, identified as Junaid, was admitted to Muladi Upazila Health Complex in critical condition.

According to eyewitnesses and local sources, AB Party supporters were putting up stickers bearing the eagle symbol for Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, the 11-party alliance candidate for Barishal-3 (Muladi–Babuganj) constituency and the party’s central general secretary. Two men, Md. Swadhib and Md. Roni, reportedly objected to the activity and later attacked Junaid with a brick, causing a head injury. Following the attack, local residents took the injured to the hospital.

The incident sparked tension in the area. AB Party leaders condemned the attack and demanded immediate arrest of the perpetrators. Muladi Police Station’s officer-in-charge Fayez Uddin Mridha said legal action would be taken upon receiving a written complaint.

Religious Adviser Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain said the upcoming referendum would change the course of Bangladesh’s politics and called for a victory of the 'Yes' vote to build an enlightened nation. He made the remarks on Sunday at the National Imam Conference held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Agargaon, Dhaka. The event was organized by the Islamic Foundation under the Ministry of Religious Affairs to promote the referendum and encourage voter participation.

The conference was chaired by Islamic Foundation Director General A. Salam Khan and attended by several special assistants to the Chief Adviser, including Professor Ali Riaz, Dr. Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, and Monir Haider, as well as Religious Secretary Md. Kamal Uddin. Speakers urged citizens to vote 'Yes' in the February 12 referendum and general election, emphasizing the need to end autocracy, establish the rule of law, and protect fundamental and human rights. They dismissed claims that a 'Yes' vote would remove “Bismillah” or Islam as the state religion from the constitution as false propaganda.

Participants, including over a thousand imams and khatibs, were urged to mobilize public opinion in favor of the 'Yes' vote to bring political transformation.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed surprise and disappointment after India allowed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to deliver what it described as an ‘inciting’ speech from New Delhi. The ministry said in a statement on Sunday that Hasina, convicted of crimes against humanity and currently a fugitive, was given a platform to speak publicly at a seminar titled ‘Save Democracy in Bangladesh’. The statement alleged that her remarks aimed to disrupt Bangladesh’s upcoming election and destabilize the interim government.

The ministry further stated that India’s refusal to extradite Hasina despite repeated requests under the bilateral extradition treaty had deeply angered Bangladesh. Allowing her to make such remarks from Indian soil was described as a direct threat to Bangladesh’s democratic transition, peace, and security. The statement warned that such actions could harm bilateral relations by undermining mutual respect for sovereignty and non-interference.

The ministry also said that the inflammatory comments by Awami League leaders justified the interim government’s decision to ban the party’s activities and that those responsible for pre-election violence would face appropriate measures.

Former Supreme Court Appellate Division Justice Md Abdul Matin stated that public aspirations would be thwarted if the upcoming referendum’s 'Yes' vote fails. Speaking on Sunday at a debate competition organized by Debate for Democracy at the FDC, he said that if citizens remain aware, no conspiracy or obstruction could derail the election process. He also remarked that the Awami League must understand why it cannot participate in the election, though its supporters may still vote as citizens.

Matin criticized the Awami League for alleged bloodshed and lack of remorse, saying the party could seek forgiveness from the people for its actions. He also commented on the former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been sentenced to death, questioning her strength and motives for fleeing. Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron, presiding over the event, said the people want a fair election and that democracy cannot be restored without it.

The event concluded with State University of Bangladesh defeating Tejgaon College in a mock parliament debate on the Election Commission’s role in ensuring a fair referendum and parliamentary election.

A condolence book has been opened at Dhaka Medical College (DMCH) to pay tribute to BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia following her death. The signing ceremony was inaugurated on Sunday morning by Professor Dr. Harun Al Rashid, president of the Doctors’ Association of Bangladesh (DAB) and a former student of the college. The initiative was organized by former leaders of the Dhaka Medical College unit of the BNP’s student wing, with the book to remain open for seven days on the college premises.

The event was conducted by DAB’s central joint secretary Dr. Zafar Iqbal and attended by several DAB leaders, teachers, and physicians from Dhaka Medical College. During the program, newly appointed principal Professor Dr. Faruk Ahmed was also congratulated. Among those present were BNP’s Dhaka-7 candidate Hamidur Rahman Hamid, senior DAB officials, and faculty members from the University of Dhaka’s Faculty of Medicine.

The condolence book provides an opportunity for medical professionals and students to express their respect and remembrance for Khaleda Zia over the coming week.

Independent parliamentary candidate Barrister Rumin Farhana for Brahmanbaria-2 (Sarail–Ashuganj) constituency said that political workers like Saddam, who supported leaders for 15 years, have been neglected by those same leaders. She made the remarks on Sunday evening, January 25, during an election meeting at Panishwar Union in Sarail upazila.

Rumin Farhana referred to Saddam, a Chhatra League activist whose wife killed their newborn child and then took her own life while Saddam was imprisoned. She criticized political leaders for failing to support such workers or their families, noting that Saddam was allowed only five minutes to see the bodies of his wife and child. She urged voters to be cautious when choosing leaders who ignore their followers in times of crisis.

Farhana also commented that many senior BNP figures had been unreachable for 15 years, leaving grassroots workers disconnected. She called for leadership accountability and warned that no party worker in Bangladesh should face a fate similar to Saddam’s.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has pledged to introduce an evening bus service exclusively for women if his party forms the government. He made the announcement on Sunday, January 25, during an election rally at Jatrabari in Dhaka. Rahman said the initiative aims to ensure safe and dignified travel for working women, particularly during peak hours in major cities including the capital.

He stated that women currently lack both security and respect in public spaces and workplaces. Rahman promised that his party would prioritize women’s safety and dignity at home, in transit, and at work. He also mentioned that the lower decks of government double-decker buses would be reserved for women to ease their travel difficulties.

Rahman emphasized that men should willingly make sacrifices to uphold the honor of women, describing mothers’ dignity as more valuable than life itself. He added that national progress requires equal participation of men and women, asserting that women have a rightful place in social and professional life.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has clarified that no parole application was submitted for Jewel Hasan Saddam, an inmate at Jashore Central Jail, following the deaths of his wife and child. The ministry issued a press statement on Sunday evening, signed by Public Relations Officer Faisal Hasan, addressing media reports on the matter.

According to the statement, Saddam’s family did not file any written request with the Jashore Deputy Commissioner, District Magistrate, or prison authorities for his temporary release. Instead, based on the family’s verbal request, arrangements were made for Saddam to view the bodies of his wife and child at the Jashore jail gate. The ministry said the Jashore district administration and prison authorities provided full cooperation on humanitarian grounds.

The Home Ministry also stated that reports circulating in various media and on social platforms claiming a parole application had been filed were inaccurate. It urged all media outlets to ensure factual and objective reporting to uphold the public’s right to accurate information.