Pakistani security and geopolitical analyst Ikram Sehgal has said that Bangladesh now holds a strategically vital position in South Asia and that India is in a more vulnerable security situation. Speaking in Islamabad at a meeting with a visiting Bangladeshi media delegation, he asserted that if Bangladesh strengthens its military capacity, India would think twice before taking any aggressive stance. Sehgal emphasized that Pakistan is ready to provide comprehensive assistance to Bangladesh, including military cooperation and training exchanges.

He proposed that future Dhaka-Islamabad relations could be built on the concept of “two countries, one nation,” though he acknowledged this would be challenging. Sehgal also highlighted the need to remove visa barriers, promote duty-free trade, and resolve pending bilateral issues. He expressed support for Bangladesh’s upcoming election and urged a return to democratic processes. Additionally, he criticized India’s role in obstructing SAARC’s effectiveness and called for renewed regional cooperation.

Separately, Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) offered technical assistance to Bangladesh to enhance and secure its national database systems, citing concerns over data breaches and the importance of protecting sensitive information.

Electioneering for Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary polls, scheduled for February 12, 2026, has intensified across the country, creating a festive mood in the political arena. Top leaders, party nominees, and independent candidates are actively touring their constituencies, seeking votes door-to-door. Despite the enthusiasm, verbal clashes and minor scuffles among rival supporters have been reported. Political analysts view the vibrant campaign as a positive sign, suggesting that earlier public doubts about the election have largely subsided.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman launched his campaign from Sylhet, addressing rallies in seven districts over 16 hours, while Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman began his from Dhaka’s Mirpur before touring northern regions. Both leaders exchanged indirect barbs in their speeches. Other parties, including the Communist Party of Bangladesh and Islami Andolon Bangladesh, also began their campaigns. Analysts noted that enthusiasm for the concurrent referendum on the July National Charter remains low compared to the parliamentary race.

Experts urged all parties to keep rhetoric within healthy limits and avoid violence, emphasizing that the spirited campaigning could ensure a peaceful and participatory election.

U.S. President Donald Trump has withdrawn Canada’s invitation to join the Board of Peace, formed under the interim administration of Gaza. The decision came after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney criticized powerful nations during his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, accusing them of using economic ties as weapons and tariffs as tools of pressure. Within hours, Trump announced on Truth Social that Canada’s invitation had been revoked, adding that Canada “survives because of the United States.”

The Peace Board, led by Trump, includes Argentina, Bahrain, Morocco, Pakistan, and Turkey, while the United Kingdom, France, and Italy have not yet joined. Initially created to ensure a ceasefire in Gaza, the board’s mission has since expanded to address conflicts in other regions. Permanent membership requires a contribution of one billion dollars.

The United Nations Security Council approved the board’s formation as part of Trump’s Gaza peace plan. UN spokesperson Rolando Gomez stated that the organization’s engagement with the board will remain limited to the Gaza context.

Election Commissioner Md. Abdur Rahmanel Ma’sud has stated that the upcoming 13th National Parliament election and referendum will be completely free, fair, credible, and conducted with integrity. He made the remarks on Friday, January 23, during a meeting with polling officials at Sitakunda Degree College in Chattogram, emphasizing that the election will not be a mockery or whimsical exercise.

He said that past elections had been turned into a farce, which is undesirable, and stressed that the country is not a place for such mockery. The commissioner assured that the next election would be fair, correct, and trusted by the people. He also noted that blaming the patriotic police force for the actions of a few individuals was unjust and that such situations would not be allowed to recur.

The meeting, organized by the Sitakunda Upazila Administration and Election Office, was chaired by Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mia. Senior officials including the Divisional Commissioner, Regional Election Officer, and District Police Superintendent were present, and polling officials were urged to perform their duties with neutrality and professionalism.

At least 30 people were injured in a clash between BNP and Jubo Dal activists during an election rally in Austagram upazila of Kishoreganj on Friday evening. The incident occurred in front of Bhatsala village under Kastul Union, reportedly over a dispute about seating arrangements at the rally. The event was organized for BNP-nominated candidate Advocate Fazlur Rahman, who could not attend due to illness.

According to local sources, the conflict began when a procession led by Kastul Union Jubo Dal general secretary Mahbub Alam Kismat arrived at the rally venue. An argument broke out between his supporters and those of Ward No. 2 BNP president Sadeq Mia over chairs, escalating into a violent confrontation. Kismat claimed that Sadeq Mia’s group attacked them, injuring about 20 people, while Sadeq Mia countered that Kismat’s supporters initiated the attack, injuring 8–10 of his men.

Austagram police officer-in-charge Soeb Khan said the situation is now under control, though the exact number of casualties has not been confirmed. Authorities will take legal action upon receiving formal complaints.

Jamaat-e-Islami has alleged incidents of election-related violence and violations of the electoral code of conduct in eight areas of Bangladesh. At a press briefing held on Friday evening at the party’s central office in Moghbazar, Assistant Secretary General and head of the central publicity and media department, Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, urged the government and the Election Commission to ensure adherence to the code and create a level playing field for all parties.

Zubair detailed incidents that reportedly occurred between Thursday night and Friday afternoon, including allegations of bias by an assistant returning officer in Narsingdi-4, intimidation of Jamaat and allied party workers in Gazipur-5, and attacks on female campaigners in Sirajganj’s Ullapara. He also cited cases of vandalism, burning of campaign materials, and obstruction of campaign activities in Habiganj-3, Jhenaidah-4, Faridpur-1, Lakshmipur-3, and Comilla-9.

Addressing postal voting, Zubair said many expatriate voters had not yet received their ballots despite the January 25 deadline. He called for an extension of the postal voting period, citing delays in ballot delivery and activation of QR codes in several countries.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that no political party other than the BNP is capable of advancing the country. He made the remarks on Friday afternoon during an election campaign event at Shol Tohori Bazar in Debipur Union of Thakurgaon Sadar upazila. Fakhrul emphasized that the BNP, symbolized by the paddy sheaf, is the only party that can bring development and described the party as tested and trusted by the people.

He said that the BNP had previously worked for the people when in government and pledged continued support for all citizens regardless of religion. Referring to Sheikh Hasina’s departure, Fakhrul commented that her supporters had been left in difficulty but assured that innocent people would not face harm. He reiterated the party’s commitment to equality, unity, and security for Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians alike.

The event reflected BNP’s ongoing efforts to mobilize grassroots support ahead of upcoming political activities in Thakurgaon and beyond.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman, contesting from Dhaka-17, pledged to address local issues raised by residents during an election rally held on Friday night in the capital’s Vashantek area. Speaking directly with voters including van driver Jewel, garment worker Lili, and student Hena Akter, he promised to solve their problems if elected and if a BNP government is formed. The event drew thousands of residents who expressed agreement with the concerns raised on stage.

Jewel demanded rehabilitation for slum dwellers and repair of damaged roads, while Lili sought a family card program and employment opportunities for educated youth. Hena highlighted the need for improved living conditions in Vashantek to match nearby areas. Tarique Rahman assured that every family would receive a family card providing cash or essential goods if his party came to power.

He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to solving all local problems, emphasizing his personal connection to the constituency and promising to prioritize rehabilitation, employment, and social support for residents.

National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan said that if the 10-party alliance wins the upcoming election, it will ensure good governance and full implementation of reforms. Speaking on Friday evening at a youth festival and cultural event organized by the Dhaka-10 constituency committee at Rabindra Sarobar, Dhanmondi, he warned the Election Commission against conducting another 'mock election' and urged it to ensure a free, fair, and credible vote.

Asif Mahmud criticized a political party for allegedly repeating the oppressive practices of the Awami League over the past 17 years, citing corruption, extortion, and violence. He expressed confidence that voters in Dhaka-10 would reject corrupt and violent leadership and support the alliance’s candidate, Advocate Jasim Uddin Sarkar, symbolized by the balance scale. Jasim Uddin, speaking as a special guest, emphasized the need for a neutral election and equal opportunities for all candidates.

Jasim Uddin also pledged to create employment instead of offering allowances if the alliance comes to power and promised to address local issues such as extortion, gang activity, and public safety through a citizens’ committee.

At least thirteen people were injured on Friday in separate incidents of violence linked to election campaigning across Bangladesh. In Barishal’s Gouranadi upazila, four supporters of BNP’s rebel independent candidate Engineer Abdus Sobhan were hurt in two attacks allegedly carried out by supporters of BNP’s nominated candidate Zahir Uddin Swapon. Police said the clashes began after disputes over campaign slogans, and the situation was later brought under control.

In Munshiganj’s Gazaria upazila, seven people were injured when supporters of independent candidate Md. Mohiuddin clashed with those of BNP candidate Kamruzzaman Ratan during a rally. Both candidates condemned the incident, while police confirmed they were investigating. In Shariatpur’s Damudya upazila, two people were injured in a scuffle between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami supporters in Char Dhankathi area during campaign activities.

The incidents occurred as political tensions rose nationwide with the intensification of campaigning for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election, prompting police deployment in affected areas to maintain order.

BNP Standing Committee member and Dhaka-8 constituency candidate Mirza Abbas said the lack of adequate playgrounds is leading young people astray and increasing addiction to drugs and social media. Speaking to journalists after a friendly football match at Arambagh Balur Math on Friday afternoon, he stated that he would not make election promises but would work to restore playgrounds to foster youth talent development.

Abbas explained that several playgrounds he had previously built were taken over by what he described as a past autocratic government. As a local resident, he emphasized his commitment to reclaiming these spaces for the community. Earlier in the day, he joined Friday prayers at Shahjahanpur Amtala Mosque and took part in campaign activities in Arambagh, Agrani Club Ideal Zone, and Bank Colony Mosque areas.

Later in the evening, Abbas was scheduled to attend the Saraswati Puja celebration at Dhaka University’s Jagannath Hall and exchange views with Hindu devotees at Ramna Kali Temple.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the NCP’s southern region, said on Friday that he senses the return of fascism in the country. Speaking at an election rally at Dhorokra School field in Chauddagram upazila of Comilla, he urged those planning to seize polling centers to seek their parents’ blessings before leaving home. He emphasized that freedom of expression and the right to dissent must both be preserved.

At the same event, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer and former MP Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher claimed that the government’s family card initiative was fake and violated electoral rules. He alleged that one political party aimed to come to power by compromising national interests with India, which he said the country’s youth would resist. Former Islami Chhatra Shibir president Zahidul Islam called on supporters to learn from the past and hand over troublemakers to the police rather than resorting to violence.

Other local leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami, Khilafat Majlis, and labor organizations also addressed the rally, which was conducted by Mohammad Yusuf.

Feni-2 constituency’s BNP candidate Zainal Abedin stated that he has not yet taken a clear position regarding the upcoming referendum. Speaking to journalists on Friday, January 23, during his campaign in Feni Municipality’s Wards 1 and 2, the former member of parliament said he does not have a definite idea about whether to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’. He added that the final decision would depend on the party’s central leadership.

Abedin emphasized that there is no personal gain or pressure involved in the referendum issue. He expressed confidence that people would vote for the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol on February 12, claiming that such support could bring a change in the nation’s fate. He also asserted that the BNP would come to power with around 78 percent of the votes.

He recalled his long-standing political involvement in Feni, noting that he served as vice president of Feni Government College before the formation of the Awami League and has always considered Feni-2 his political base.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer and former Member of Parliament Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher alleged that a political party aims to gain power by selling Bangladesh to India. He made the remarks on Friday afternoon at an election rally held at Dhorokra School field in Chauddagram upazila, where he also claimed that the government’s family card program is fake and violates electoral conduct rules.

At the same event, NCP’s southern region chief organizer Hasnat Abdullah emphasized the importance of freedom of expression and dissent, warning of the return of fascism. Former central president of Islami Chhatra Shibir Zahidul Islam urged supporters to learn from the past and hand over troublemakers to the police instead of resorting to violence. Several local Jamaat and allied leaders also addressed the gathering.

The rally reflected Jamaat’s criticism of government initiatives and its call for vigilance among supporters ahead of the upcoming elections.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has pledged that his party will prioritize youth employment, agricultural and infrastructure development, and the rehabilitation of slum dwellers if it returns to power. He made these commitments on Friday night at an election rally in Dhaka’s Vashantek area, emphasizing the need to rebuild national institutions weakened under autocratic rule and to ensure accountability through elected representatives.

Rahman outlined several initiatives, including a special card and easy loan facilities for farmers, as well as training and education programs to develop skilled manpower among youth. He also promised employment opportunities and a family card program for women, alongside effective measures to improve the living standards of slum residents. Addressing the crowd, he urged citizens to elect representatives who would listen to public concerns and work toward solutions.

The rally was attended by senior BNP leaders, including his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman, Nazrul Islam Khan, and other party officials. Before his speech, Rahman spoke with local residents from various professions and assured them that their problems would be addressed if his party came to power.