Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin stated that there is no secrecy surrounding the upcoming national election. He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon after a meeting with foreign diplomats at the Westin Hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka. The meeting, organized by the Election Commission, aimed to brief ambassadors, high commissioners, and representatives from the European Union and the United Nations about the forthcoming parliamentary election and public voting process.

During a post-meeting briefing, the CEC emphasized the commission’s goal of holding an almost transparent and credible election. He said diplomats were pleased with the discussions. According to Nasir Uddin, diplomats raised questions about postal voting and the deployment of law enforcement personnel during the election period. He assured them that comprehensive security measures would be taken to ensure peaceful voting.

The CEC added that members of the army, air force, navy, RAB, BGB, and Ansar would be deployed at polling centers. He reaffirmed that the Election Commission would make maximum efforts to ensure a safe environment for voters.

A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of income tax records belonging to former reserved seat Member of Parliament Syeda Rubina Akter and her husband Mosharraf Hossain Sardar. The order was issued on Sunday, January 25, 2026, by Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Sabbir Foyez, following separate petitions filed by Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Deputy Director Rashedul Islam. The court move aims to support an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption and misuse of power.

According to the ACC’s petitions, Rubina Akter allegedly amassed assets worth Tk 1.57 crore beyond known income sources and conducted suspicious transactions totaling Tk 139.35 crore through her and related bank accounts. The ACC filed a case against her on May 14 of the previous year. Her husband Mosharraf Hossain is accused of jointly acquiring Tk 1.26 crore in assets and engaging in suspicious transactions amounting to Tk 18.44 crore. The court directed that their full tax return records from the beginning to the latest fiscal year be seized for investigation.

The court’s decision enables investigators to examine the couple’s financial documents to verify the sources of their wealth and assess potential money laundering activities.

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Colonel (Retd.) Oli Ahmad Bir Bikram has called on voters to support candidates of the 11-party alliance to, in his words, free Bangladesh from the influence of 'Delhi’s servants.' He made the appeal on Sunday afternoon at a campaign rally for the Dhaka-6 constituency, organized by Jamaat-e-Islami Dhaka South at Dhupkhola Field in Gendaria. Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman attended the event as the chief guest.

During his speech, Oli Ahmad criticized both the Awami League and BNP, saying that the country had long been governed by those he described as 'agents of India.' He recounted his role in the 1971 Liberation War and said the current struggle was to realize the dream of a just, corruption-free Bangladesh. He urged citizens to vote for candidates aligned with the August 5 movement, rejecting those he accused of serving foreign interests.

Oli Ahmad introduced Dr. Abdul Mannan for Dhaka-6 and Nasiruddin Patwari for Dhaka-8 as alliance candidates, urging voters to elect them to achieve what he termed a 'new Bangladesh' based on justice and independence.

A court has issued a six-month injunction preventing authorities from disconnecting electricity, gas, and water supplies to under-construction buildings in Dhaka. The order, delivered by Justices Sikdar Mahmudur Razi and Raziuddin Ahmed, directs WASA, RAJUK, and the Power Division to refrain from cutting any utility connections during this period. The ruling came following a writ petition (No. 21171/2025) filed by the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB).

The court accepted REHAB’s argument that disconnection of utilities could cause severe hardship for families living in partially completed buildings and disrupt daily life dependent on water and electricity. Considering humanitarian aspects, the court ordered that the current situation be maintained until the case is finally resolved.

The injunction follows months of widespread disconnections, with over 1,200 electricity meters reportedly removed from various construction sites. These actions had stalled many projects, left workers jobless, delayed flat handovers, and caused financial losses for developers. The court’s order is expected to provide temporary relief to developers and residents affected by the earlier utility cuts.

A youth leader and local chairman in Ukhiya upazila of Cox’s Bazar has been accused of blocking a century-old access road used by a Hindu family to construct a shop. The incident occurred on Saturday near the mosque market area of Morichya Bazar, where Imrul Kayes Chowdhury, chairman of the Holdiapalong Union Parishad and senior joint general secretary of the upazila Jubo League, allegedly began building on the path. When locals and members of the affected family protested, a scuffle broke out, leaving at least five people injured. Police later intervened and brought the situation under control.

Local residents claim the road has served as the only route for Hindu families in the area for nearly a hundred years. They fear that closing it will severely disrupt both daily movement and local business activities. Several community leaders, including mosque and market committee members, accused the chairman of making unilateral decisions and constructing shops without consultation. Attempts to contact Imrul Kayes Chowdhury for comment were unsuccessful.

Following the incident, police, army personnel, and senior officers visited the site. Later that evening, traders organized a torch procession demanding the chairman’s arrest, while another group held a human chain in Ukhiya town over related injuries.

The Chandpur district unit of the Jatiya Party has officially announced its support for the BNP candidate in Chandpur-3 constituency. The declaration was made on Sunday afternoon during a discussion meeting held in the Biponibag area of Chandpur town, presided over by Sirajul Islam Siru Miji, convener of the Jatiya Party’s Chandpur municipal committee.

Speakers at the event said the decision was taken in the context of the current political situation to restore democracy and ensure people’s voting rights. They expressed hope that collective efforts would help fulfill public expectations in the constituency. Senior leaders from the district and municipal levels, along with activists from various tiers of the party, attended the meeting and pledged to work unitedly for BNP’s paddy-sheaf symbol candidate Sheikh Farid Ahmed Manik.

In response, Sheikh Farid Ahmed Manik welcomed the support, calling it a positive step that would strengthen their campaign. He emphasized cooperation among all to build Chandpur and noted that the Jatiya Party’s backing was aimed at advancing their shared political goals.

Hasnat Abdullah, the chief organizer of the NCP’s southern region, has called for a united stand against any attempt at vote rigging, even in the presence of the administration. He made the remarks on Sunday, January 25, during a brief rally following an election march at Jibanpur village in Rasulpur Union of Debidwar upazila, Comilla.

Addressing local residents, Abdullah said that people must rise above religious, political, and social divisions to resist injustice and ensure that no one can manipulate votes like a bank robbery. He urged voters to remain vigilant and united until the election results are announced. Referring to his birthplace, he mentioned that Rasulpur Union has about 22,000 voters and encouraged them to vote collectively for the “Shapla Koli” symbol to secure victory.

He also appealed to female voters to speak with at least ten others daily to ensure support for his electoral symbol. The event was attended by local leaders from NCP and Jamaat, including Saiful Islam Shahid and Jahangir Alam.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman met with the father of slain student leader Wasim, who was killed during the July 24 mass movement, in Chattogram on Sunday morning. During the meeting, Rahman expressed deep respect to Wasim’s father, calling him a proud parent of a hero. He assured that the people of Bangladesh would always remember Wasim and all others who were martyred or injured in the 2024 movement.

Rahman emphasized that the sacrifices made by those who fought for democracy and people’s rights would never be forgotten by the nation. The meeting was described as a courtesy visit, reflecting the BNP leader’s continued acknowledgment of those who lost their lives in political struggles.

The event highlighted the party’s ongoing effort to honor the memory of activists associated with the July 24 movement and to reaffirm its commitment to democratic principles.

At a seminar held on January 24 at Dhaka University’s R.C. Majumdar Auditorium, speakers said that failure to ensure justice for the killing of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi would leave a deep and lasting scar on Bangladesh’s democratic transition and the establishment of justice. They described the murder as not merely a personal tragedy but a reflection of state failure, a culture of impunity, and the exposure of fascist and hegemonic structures.

Professor Dil Rowshan Jinnat Ara Naznin, Hadi’s teacher and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Open University, called him an exceptional individual who earned people’s affection quickly. She said the administration feared him for his truthfulness and termed the lack of justice an administrative failure. Hadi’s brother Omar Hadi said the family refused financial aid and urged prayers and justice. Other speakers, including PIB Director General Faruq Wasif and writer Rezaul Karim Rony, emphasized institutionalizing Hadi’s ideals and warned against political exploitation of his legacy.

Speakers also urged the state to identify any powerful forces behind the killing and ensure fair, not populist, justice, stressing that accountability is essential for democratic progress.

BNP candidate for Dhaka-18 constituency, S M Jahangir Hossain, stated that BNP leaders and activists truly uphold Islam in their hearts. Speaking at a public meeting in Gawair Bazar, Dakshinkhan, on Sunday morning, he said they follow the Quran and Hadith and will not be influenced by any misinterpretation of Islam. He cited acting BNP chairman Tarique Rahman’s message that the state should be governed according to the path shown by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Hossain criticized the previous government for allegedly persecuting Islamic scholars and sending them to jail, calling it regrettable. He emphasized BNP’s commitment to building a peaceful society regardless of religion or ethnicity and reaffirmed the party’s respect for Islamic scholars. On local issues, he pledged improved civic services, resolution of gas supply problems in coordination with Titas, and enhanced safety for pilgrims using the Hajj camp in the area.

He urged party workers to reach out to all 56,000 voters in Ward 49 and deliver Tarique Rahman’s message. He also called for vigilance on election day to prevent any conspiracies.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman declared that farmers are the main driving force of Bangladesh, emphasizing that the country's well-being depends on their prosperity. Speaking as the chief guest at an election rally at Chattogram’s Polo Ground on Sunday morning, he announced that if the BNP wins the February 12 election, the party will gradually distribute agricultural cards to all farmers. The rally drew hundreds of thousands of participants from various city units.

Rahman stated that to reduce rising commodity prices, agricultural production must increase, and this requires standing beside farmers and farm workers. He assured that BNP’s promises to the people would be implemented gradually once the party forms the government. He urged voters to support the BNP by voting for its symbol, the paddy sheaf.

Highlighting law and order and corruption, Rahman alleged that citizens had been deprived of their rights in these areas for the past 15 years. He pledged that a future BNP government would strictly enforce law and order and curb corruption, ensuring a safe livelihood for ordinary and working people.

The 13th parliamentary election and a national referendum are scheduled for February 12, but campaign activity in Chattogram remains subdued. Government-led promotion of the referendum is minimal, with limited visibility in both the city and surrounding upazilas. Only Jamaat-e-Islami is actively distributing leaflets door-to-door, while BNP leaders have opted out of the campaign, disagreeing with the government’s approach. The National Citizen Party (NCP) has yet to begin visible campaigning but says it will intensify efforts soon.

Field reports show widespread confusion among residents about the referendum’s purpose. Many working-class citizens interviewed said they had little or no understanding of what the referendum entails. Government advisers recently met with imams and muezzins to encourage support, and officials were urged to promote the vote. However, local sources report that upazila administrations have not organized seminars or public outreach as of mid-January.

Jamaat-e-Islami has declared a special campaign week, while the district administration claims ongoing video broadcasts, leaflet distribution, and courtyard meetings. Despite these efforts, civic activists say the government’s initiative has yet to reach grassroots levels effectively.

Nahid Islam, the Dhaka-11 constituency candidate and convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), said that the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election will mark the end of extortion, terrorism, and illegal occupation in politics. He made the remarks on Sunday morning while campaigning in his constituency, declaring that February 12 would be the last day for those involved in such activities.

During his campaign speech, Nahid alleged that a rival group was attempting to intimidate his supporters but claimed those efforts were failing. He urged voters to cast their ballots freely and thoughtfully, emphasizing that the election would determine Bangladesh’s future and destiny. He also cautioned voters against being swayed by false promises, temptations, or personal benefits.

Nahid further encouraged citizens to choose candidates capable of bringing real change to their communities and the country, underscoring the importance of responsible voting in shaping national progress.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that no citizen of the country wants to see extortion as a new profession. He made the remarks on Sunday at an election rally in Kajla, Jatrabari, organized by the 10-party alliance in support of its candidates for Dhaka-4 and Dhaka-5 constituencies. Addressing extortionists, he said they would be given honorable work and would no longer need to hide their identities in society.

Dr. Rahman stated that young people should not depend on unemployment allowances but should become builders of Bangladesh. He pledged to prioritize local development if given the opportunity to govern. He also emphasized that Bangladesh does not want the shadow of domination from any power, seeking friendly relations with all civilized nations without interference.

Criticizing the 54-year-old political system that he said has led to fascism, the Jamaat chief called for a complete transformation and urged citizens to vote “yes” in the upcoming referendum as a mark of respect for the July martyrs.

Myanmar held the final phase of its month-long general election on Sunday, organized under the military junta’s authority. The army-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is widely expected to secure a decisive victory. Critics argue that the election aims to extend military rule under the guise of civilian legitimacy. Voting began at 6 a.m. in several constituencies, though large areas under rebel control could not participate.

The country, long under military dominance, had moved toward limited civilian reforms in the 2010s before the 2021 coup halted that process and led to civil conflict and humanitarian crisis. The junta has promised to return power to the people, but the exclusion of detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi and the dissolution of her National League for Democracy (NLD) have fueled claims that the polls are rigged in favor of the military’s allies.

Analysts note that the USDP, dominated by former military officers, already won most seats in earlier rounds. The new parliament will elect the next president, with junta chief Min Aung Hlaing seen as a possible contender. Official results are expected later this week.