BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman will hold a discussion with young participants at Justice Shahabuddin Park in Gulshan on Saturday at 2 p.m. The event, titled ‘Meet and Greet with Tarique Rahman,’ will feature winners of the BNP-organized national reel-making competition ‘Amar Bhabanay Bangladesh.’ The announcement was made by Mahadi Amin, adviser to the BNP chairperson and spokesperson of the party’s election management committee.

Mahadi Amin said the competition invited one-minute reels on 11 topics, including Family Card and Farmer Card, to gather public ideas for future state-building. Around 2,500 participants from across the country took part, and ten winners were selected through public votes and jury evaluation. Tarique Rahman’s daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman, will also attend the event, recognized for her involvement in youth-oriented policy initiatives.

Amin also announced the launch of BNP’s election hotline 16543 and WhatsApp hotline +8801806-977577 to strengthen voter communication and address election-related issues. He warned against fraudulent groups seeking money in the name of distributing Family or Farmer Cards, emphasizing that such cards would be provided free if BNP assumes power.

M. Abdullah, Managing Director of the Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust, said that a 'Yes' vote represents the future of independent journalism in Bangladesh. Speaking on Friday night at a discussion on journalism during elections held at the Feni Television Journalists Club, he emphasized that the outcome of the vote would determine the direction of journalism and democracy in the coming days. He called on journalists to ensure that 'Yes' wins to protect press freedom and prevent the reemergence of fascism.

Abdullah described the current election as exceptional and more significant than the previous three. He noted that traditional election reporting is no longer sufficient, highlighting the greater responsibility of electronic media in ensuring credible coverage. He warned that failure to maintain professional integrity could disrupt the election, while responsible journalism could make it historic.

He also mentioned that this election is unique because it is being held without the participation of a major party since 1988, creating a new kind of polarization. Abdullah cautioned journalists to verify information carefully, as false videos could be used to mislead them and undermine the democratic process.

The Election Commission (EC) announced on Saturday that postal ballots arriving after 4:30 pm on February 12 will not be counted. In a public notice, the EC instructed voters registered through the mobile app to cast their votes promptly and deposit the yellow envelopes at the nearest post office or mailbox. Only ballots reaching the returning officer by 4:30 pm on February 12 will be included in the count.

The EC also warned that ballots posted after January 25 may not reach the returning officer in time. Expatriate voters have been urged to complete and send their postal ballots by that date. This year, government employees, members of law enforcement agencies, and prisoners within the country, along with expatriates in over 120 countries, are eligible to vote by post. More than 1.53 million voters have registered for postal voting.

The thirteenth national parliamentary election and referendum will be held on February 12, involving over 127.7 million registered voters across Bangladesh.

Former central president of Islami Chhatra Shibir, Md. Zahidul Islam, declared that the student community in Bangladesh will not accept any form of fascism. He made the remarks on Friday night at an electoral student representative gathering organized by the Kashinagar Union unit of Chhatra Shibir at Kashinagar Degree College auditorium in Chauddagram, Cumilla. Zahidul Islam alleged that many of their members had been killed or disappeared in July and August and detained in secret facilities, describing their only 'offense' as calling students to moral and religious values.

He compared current political behavior in the country to historical tyrants, claiming that after the departure of one 'fascist Hasina,' another leader was showing similar tendencies. The event was chaired by Nasim Miaji, president of the northern Chauddagram unit of Chhatra Shibir, and attended by several central and local leaders of Shibir and Jamaat-e-Islami. A large number of students from various wards and institutions were also present.

Following the meeting, participants held a rally in Kashinagar Bazaar supporting the 'Dhal' election symbol and voting 'Yes' in the national referendum.

Thousands of people demonstrated in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Friday against the Trump administration’s strict immigration policies. Despite freezing temperatures dropping 29 degrees Celsius below zero, organizers said around 50,000 protesters took to the streets, demanding an end to harsh immigration measures. The demonstrators marched and gathered at the Target Center, calling for policy changes.

According to organizers and participants, several businesses across Minnesota closed for the day as workers joined the protest. The large-scale demonstration reflected growing opposition to the administration’s immigration enforcement actions. The protest took place just one day after U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance visited Minneapolis to express support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, who he said were conducting an important operation to detain immigration law violators.

The timing of the protest, following the vice president’s visit, underscored the deep divisions over immigration enforcement in the United States and the public pushback against federal actions.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman declared that his party fears no intimidation and will not tolerate external interference in national affairs. He made the remarks on Saturday morning at a ten-party electoral rally held at Polabari Government Pilot High School field in Gaibandha. During the event, he emphasized the party’s commitment to implementing the Teesta mega project if given the opportunity, saying that restoring the rivers of northern Bangladesh would revive the lives of local residents.

Rahman pledged to fight corruption and extortion, promising employment instead of allowances and improved healthcare services. He said Jamaat wants to turn citizens into productive assets and ensure the safety of mothers. Despite facing oppression, he stated that the party remains steadfast in its dedication to the country. At the end of his speech, Rahman handed over election symbols to candidates in all five parliamentary constituencies of Gaibandha, all of whom are Jamaat nominees under the ten-party alliance.

He described the five candidates as a trust left with the people, urging voters to return that trust as a gift to the party.

At a public rally in Rangpur Town Hall on Friday evening, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s central committee Nayeb-e-Ameer ATM Azharul Islam called on voters to support candidates of the 10-party alliance in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election scheduled for February 12. He described the alliance’s candidates as patriotic and defenders of Islam, asserting that their victory was essential for the nation’s advancement.

Azharul Islam criticized the ruling Awami League government, alleging unjust imprisonment and mistreatment during his 14 years in jail. He emphasized the need for a free, fair, and neutral election, expressing concern that the Election Commission had yet to ensure a level playing field. He warned that the alliance would not accept any unfair election or manipulation of voting centers.

He also urged voters to support the “yes” side in an upcoming referendum related to the implementation of the July Charter and claimed that Jamaat leaders have maintained a record free of corruption, focusing instead on public welfare and national unity.

A faction of the Alfadanga upazila unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has declared its support for independent candidate Arifur Rahman Dolon in the Faridpur-1 constituency, which covers Alfadanga, Boalmari, and Madhukhali. The announcement was made on Friday night at the faction’s office on Hospital Road in Alfadanga, where Dolon was present. Members of both the upazila and municipal BNP branches pledged to work for Dolon’s campaign under the boat symbol.

During the meeting, Dolon provided election-related guidance to his supporters. Among those present were upazila BNP vice president Khoshbur Rahman Khokon, municipal BNP vice president Rezaul Karim Reza, and several other local leaders. Khokon told Amader Desh that the group decided to support Dolon because the BNP’s official candidate had not maintained communication with them and had disregarded their efforts to cooperate.

BNP’s nominated candidate for Faridpur-1, central Krishak Dal vice president Khandaker Nasirul Islam, responded that these individuals have long opposed the party while using its titles and that he has requested the party high command to take organizational action against them.

Mufti Maulana Fazlul Karim, the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for the Bhola-2 (Daulatkhan-Borhanuddin) constituency, has withdrawn from the upcoming parliamentary election. His withdrawal prompted mixed reactions among local Jamaat leaders and activists on social media. On January 22, the first day of campaigning, the local Jamaat election office in Daulatkhan remained closed, fueling speculation that the candidate had not received approval from the central 10-party Islamic alliance to contest.

Daulatkhan Upazila Jamaat secretary Maulana Ashraf Uddin Faruk confirmed that the alliance had nominated Mokhfar Uddin Chowdhury of the LDP, who will contest under the umbrella symbol. He added that Jamaat would continue its organizational activities but had not been contacted by the alliance candidate for cooperation. Borhanuddin Upazila Jamaat chief Maulana Maksudur Rahman stated on Facebook that the decision to withdraw was made in line with the alliance’s central policy and for broader organizational unity.

The statement emphasized that the move was not due to weakness or fear but to uphold discipline, unity, and collective interest within the Islamic alliance.

In Comilla, long considered a stronghold of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the upcoming 13th parliamentary election is showing signs of major political shifts. Out of 11 constituencies, BNP faces internal divisions with three rebel candidates and two disqualified nominees, raising the possibility of losing at least six seats. The Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party (NCP)-led 10-party alliance appears to be gaining ground in several constituencies, particularly where BNP’s vote base is split or weakened.

Election Commission data show 81 candidates have received symbols across Comilla’s 11 constituencies, including 76 party nominees and five independents. Political observers note that after August 2024, national politics took a new turn reflected in recent student elections, influencing local dynamics. Historically, BNP dominated Comilla, winning 11 of 12 seats in 2001, but the current scenario suggests a competitive field.

Analysts indicate that Jamaat-NCP candidates are now in stronger positions in constituencies such as Comilla-2, 4, 9, 10, and 11, while BNP retains relative strength in others where internal disputes are absent.

An analysis published on January 24, 2026, describes increasing harassment and marginalization of Muslim citizens in India, the world’s most populous country. The report argues that Muslims are often told they must remain politically silent to prove loyalty to the state, with their rights and visibility expected to be limited. It notes that since India’s independence in 1947, Muslims have actively participated in democratic and constitutional processes, but their space for legitimate political expression is now shrinking.

The article traces the roots of this ‘exceptionalism’ to the post-partition period, when staying Muslims were viewed as morally distinct from those who left. Historian Mushirul Hasan and theorists Mahmood Mamdani and Hilal Ahmed are cited to show how Muslims have been framed as either loyal and apolitical or suspect when politically active. Media portrayals reinforce this divide, labeling Muslims differently depending on whether they protest or remain silent.

The report concludes that such framing has become institutionalized, with legal and policy reforms presented as neutral while dissenting Muslim voices are dismissed as emotional or regressive.

The Trump administration has announced an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including Thailand, citing high rates of welfare claims by migrants. The decision has upended the plans of many Thais, such as 27-year-old Khaochat Mankong, who had been preparing to move to California with her American husband. The freeze affects EB-class employment visas and K-class spousal and dependent visas, leaving families and workers uncertain about their futures.

Thailand’s government has voiced disappointment at being grouped with poorer, conflict-affected nations like Afghanistan and Haiti. Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow met with US Charge D’Affairs Elizabeth J Konick to seek clarification, questioning the logic of the inclusion given Thailand’s long-standing alliance and economic contributions to the United States. The move comes amid already strained relations between Washington and Bangkok, worsened by US tariffs and stalled trade talks.

While some Thais support the policy as a measure to curb welfare misuse, others view it as unfair and damaging to bilateral ties. Analysts suggest the suspension reflects a broader effort by the Trump administration to sharply restrict legal immigration.

United States President Donald Trump has faced sharp criticism from British politicians after claiming that NATO forces stayed away from the front lines during the war in Afghanistan. In an interview with Fox News, Trump said the US had “never needed” NATO and suggested that allied forces were “a little off the front lines.” He also questioned whether NATO members would come to Washington’s aid if requested.

The comments triggered a backlash across the UK political spectrum, with critics citing the heavy losses suffered by NATO allies during the 20-year conflict. The United Kingdom lost 457 service personnel, while Canada, France, and Denmark also recorded significant casualties. Junior British minister Stephen Kinnock called Trump’s remarks “deeply disappointing,” emphasizing that European forces had paid a heavy price supporting US-led missions in Afghanistan and Iraq. He also reminded that NATO allies rallied behind the US after the September 11 attacks when Article 5 was invoked.

Other UK politicians, including Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey, criticized Trump’s comments by pointing to his history of avoiding military service during the Vietnam War, calling his questioning of NATO sacrifices unacceptable.

Dhaka’s neighborhoods and alleys were filled with campaign activities on Friday as candidates from various political parties and independents reached out to voters ahead of the upcoming election. Taking advantage of the weekend, contenders began their outreach from early morning, visiting tea stalls, street corners, and homes to exchange greetings and listen to voter concerns. The day saw processions and small rallies featuring symbols such as the paddy sheaf, scale, water lily, hand fan, football, and duck.

Candidates from the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, and other alliances conducted door-to-door campaigns across constituencies including Dhaka-4, Dhaka-8, Dhaka-13, Dhaka-16, and Dhaka-18. Jamaat-led ten-party alliance candidates also held meetings and courtyard gatherings, while Islami Andolon’s leader, the Charmonai Pir, joined a rally in support of his party’s candidate in Dhaka-5. Independent candidates were similarly active, meeting voters in several constituencies.

The day’s activities reflected a renewed vibrancy in Dhaka’s election atmosphere, with streets and communities abuzz with campaigners and supporters engaging directly with residents.

A Washington Post report published on January 22 revealed that the United States seeks a ‘friendship’ with Bangladesh’s Jamaat-e-Islami, a once-banned Islamist party. The report cited a U.S. diplomat expressing conditional support, suggesting economic pressure could be used if the party pursued hardline policies. The article argues that this approach reflects strategic calculation rather than unconditional partnership. It also notes that Jamaat, once suppressed, has re-emerged as a key political force following Sheikh Hasina’s fall, with U.S. diplomats predicting its strongest electoral performance in the February 12 election.

The report highlights concerns that U.S. engagement with Jamaat could strain India–U.S. relations and deepen regional tensions. India views Jamaat as a security concern, while Bangladesh faces a test of democratic credibility amid foreign interest. Interim leader Dr. Yunus has promised a fair election, but questions remain about equal opportunity among parties.

A separate Al Jazeera report described how Bangladesh’s election has shifted online, with TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube becoming central campaign arenas. Digital platforms now shape political narratives, especially among young voters, signaling a transformation in how democracy is contested.