Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said he came not to deliver a speech but to bear witness, asserting that North Bengal had been deliberately kept poor since the country’s independence. Speaking as the chief guest at a rally organized by the 10-party electoral alliance at the Panchagarh sugar mill field on Friday afternoon, he pledged to transform the region within five years through collective effort and faith.

Dr. Rahman emphasized creating employment for all citizens and eliminating youth unemployment in the northern districts. He promised to establish specialized hospitals in every district, including Panchagarh, and to recover embezzled funds allegedly siphoned abroad. He also vowed to reopen closed sugar mills and turn North Bengal into the industrial capital of Bangladesh. Calling the people his true strength, he urged vigilance against the return of corrupt elements in new forms.

Other speakers at the rally included Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim, National Citizens Party coordinator Sarjis Alam, and National Democratic Party vice president Rashed Pradhan.

In the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, the Gopalganj-1 constituency (covering parts of Muksudpur and Kashiani) has drawn attention for featuring two imprisoned candidates. Independent contender Md. Ashraful Alam Shimul, currently held at Keraniganj Central Jail, is running with the ‘football’ symbol and faces four cases. Gono Odhikar Parishad nominee Kabir Mia, detained in Kashimpur Jail and facing seven cases, is contesting with the ‘truck’ symbol. Both regained candidacy after High Court rulings overturned earlier disqualifications, creating a rare “prison versus field” electoral scenario.

Family members of both candidates said supporters will campaign on their behalf if bail is not granted before the polls. Local voters are reportedly intrigued by this unusual contest, which analysts say has added a new dimension to the constituency’s political dynamics. The returning officer, Md. Arif-uz-Zaman, confirmed that all nomination matters are being reviewed according to law and court directives.

Under election law, individuals not yet convicted with at least two years’ imprisonment remain eligible to contest, allowing both candidates to legally stay in the race.

Uttara West Thana Ameer Mazharul Islam has stated that the Shapla Koli symbol represents the Dhoripalla in Dhaka-18 constituency. He made the remarks on Friday while presiding over a rally and mass contact program organized by Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ward 51 unit in support of Ariful Islam Adib, the Dhaka-18 candidate nominated by a ten-party alliance and senior joint convener of the NCP.

During his speech, Mazharul Islam urged voters to cast their ballots for Adib under the Shapla Koli symbol to ensure victory, emphasizing that the symbol embodies justice and unity. He also called on supporters to vote “yes” in the upcoming referendum. Ariful Islam Adib, speaking as the chief guest, echoed the call, urging voters to support Shapla Koli and the “yes” vote for the establishment of justice.

The event was attended by several Jamaat leaders, including Turag Central Thana Ameer Gazi Monir Hossain, Nayebe Ameer Kamrul Hasan, Uttara West Thana Secretary Firoz Alam, and Turag Central Thana Secretary Muhibullah Bacchu.

European leaders have expressed doubts about the effectiveness and objectives of U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly formed Peace Board. Following a summit in Brussels on Friday, European Council President Antonio Costa said the EU is ready to work with the United States and the new board to establish peace in Gaza, but raised concerns about the board’s scope, governance, and alignment with the United Nations Charter.

The Peace Board was launched on Thursday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where leaders and representatives from 19 countries signed its charter. Trump announced that countries seeking permanent membership must contribute one billion dollars. Although the board was initially intended to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction, its charter extends authority beyond Palestinian territories, prompting speculation that it aims to rival the United Nations.

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said his country declined an invitation to join the board. France and the United Kingdom, both close U.S. allies, also voiced skepticism, with London expressing concern over the inclusion of Russian President Vladimir Putin. France stated that the board’s current framework conflicts with its international commitments and UN membership obligations.

US billionaire Elon Musk joked that President Donald Trump’s newly formed ‘Peace Board’ should have been named the ‘Piece Board’ instead. Speaking at a World Economic Forum panel in Davos, Switzerland, alongside BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, Musk made the remark while discussing Trump’s initiative. His comment drew laughter from the audience, and he added that what he truly wanted was peace.

Musk, known as a Trump ally, had previously experienced a rift in their relationship before reconciling. His latest comment came after that reconciliation, suggesting a lighthearted jab rather than a serious criticism. Earlier, Musk had described the Davos conference as “boring” in a post on social media platform X.

The exchange highlighted Musk’s continued prominence at global economic events and his willingness to make provocative remarks about political figures, even those with whom he shares a generally friendly relationship.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman announced plans to turn North Bengal into the capital of the agricultural industry during an election campaign rally organized by the ten-party alliance at the Panchagarh Sugar Mill field on Friday. He said the party aims to reopen closed sugar mills and shift the national slogan from “Teknaf to Tetulia” to “Tetulia to Teknaf.” Rahman emphasized that the alliance does not rely on membership cards but on the people’s support.

In his address, Rahman stated that North Bengal had been deliberately kept poor since Bangladesh’s independence and vowed to create employment opportunities in the region. He criticized the drying up of four rivers and questioned the government’s responsibility. He also pledged to establish 64 medical colleges across the country and recover Tk 28,000 crore allegedly laundered abroad. Rahman further promised to curb corruption, extortion, and money laundering if given the chance to govern.

The rally was part of the ten-party alliance’s election campaign, where Rahman called for unity and urged voters to bring change through the upcoming election scheduled for January 12.

NCP’s northern regional coordinator Sargis Alam has called for a boycott of occupiers, extortionists, and drug traders in the upcoming election. Speaking at a campaign rally organized by the 10-party alliance at the Panchagarh Sugar Mill field on Friday, he urged people to reject those who publicly oppose drugs by day but profit from drug sales at night. He announced that the boycott should take place on February 12.

Alam stated that the 2026 election would determine whether the country moves forward or returns to corruption and extortion. Referring to the 2024 mass uprising, he said that one stage of struggle had already been completed and emphasized the need to build an extortion-free Bangladesh. During his speech, he led slogans calling for justice, equality, and people’s power.

He also urged voters to ensure the victory of the 10-party alliance as a step toward creating a new Bangladesh, linking the election outcome to the nation’s direction and moral integrity.

The High Court has directed the allocation of an election symbol to independent candidate Zakir Hossain Pradhania in the Chandpur-5 (Hajiganj-Shahrasti) constituency. His nomination had previously been canceled during scrutiny due to insufficient attachment of one percent of the voter list. Following the cancellation, Pradhania filed a writ petition with the High Court seeking reinstatement of his nomination.

After hearing the writ petition on Thursday, the High Court bench annulled the earlier cancellation order and instructed the district returning officer to allocate an election symbol to Pradhania. The independent candidate confirmed the court’s directive himself.

With this decision, all nominations in the Chandpur-5 constituency have been declared valid, and a total of seven candidates will now contest in the upcoming election.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has said that the upcoming national election on February 12 will set a benchmark for all future elections in Bangladesh. He stated that the government is fully prepared to hold a free, fair, and participatory vote. Yunus made the remarks on Thursday during a courtesy meeting with newly appointed U.S. Ambassador Brent Christensen at the state guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka.

During the meeting, both sides discussed the upcoming election, major labor law reforms, the proposed Bangladesh–U.S. tariff agreement, and the Rohingya crisis. Yunus said the election would be transparent and festive, with a large number of European Union observers expected. He also highlighted Bangladesh’s initiatives to join ASEAN and to revitalize SAARC for stronger regional cooperation.

Ambassador Christensen expressed willingness to work with whoever wins the February election and praised the interim government’s reforms and Yunus’s leadership. The two also discussed trade progress, U.S. humanitarian support for Rohingya refugees, and recent U.S. visa restrictions affecting 75 countries.

Adilur Rahman Khan, adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, said the current government is the outcome of the July uprising and that a referendum is essential to implement the July Charter. Speaking to journalists in Rangpur on Friday during a two-day visit, he emphasized that the government seeks a 'Yes' vote in the upcoming referendum and called on all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, as well as the administration, to work in favor of the 'Yes' campaign.

He stated that only defeated forces and collaborators of fascism could oppose the referendum, asserting that fascism must never be allowed to return. Adilur made these remarks after placing a floral wreath at the memorial built in honor of the martyrs of the July uprising. During his visit, he also inspected the RDA and Talghat Zamindar Bari and later planned to visit the grave of martyr Abu Sayeed before departing for Bogura. Senior administrative officials, including the district commissioner Enamul Ahsan, were present at the event.

The Election Inquiry and Judicial Committee has issued a show-cause notice to BNP-nominated candidate M Akbar Ali from Sirajganj-4 (Ullapara) constituency for allegedly violating the electoral code of conduct during the 13th National Parliamentary Election. The committee’s chairman, Md Shanu Akand, confirmed the notice on Thursday night. Akbar Ali has been instructed to appear in person or through a representative at the committee’s temporary office at Ullapara Upazila Parishad Dak Bungalow on January 27 to submit a written explanation.

According to the notice, on January 20, from 3 p.m. until Maghrib, Akbar Ali organized a large public gathering at the Kazipara Government Primary School field in Panchakroshi Union, Ullapara, in the presence of his wife. The event reportedly included loud campaign slogans broadcast via microphones, which the committee stated was a clear violation of Rule 18 of the Political Party and Candidate Code of Conduct 2025.

The notice further warned that if no satisfactory explanation is provided, legal action may be recommended to the Election Commission Secretariat following the inquiry.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), alleged that a major political party has become fearful after witnessing the growing public support for the 10-party alliance ahead of the upcoming national election. Speaking on Friday morning at a pre-rally gathering in Bashatala, Vatara, Dhaka, he claimed that the party is spreading misleading information and panic among the public.

During his speech, Nahid Islam urged voters to resist extortionists and land grabbers, asserting that such elements would have no place in Dhaka-11 constituency. He emphasized that their movement was not to replace one form of authoritarianism with another but to establish a just Bangladesh. He warned those planning to seize polling centers not to attempt it, vowing that his supporters would guard every center and secure victory.

Nahid also highlighted local issues in Dhaka-11, including traffic congestion and criminal activities, promising to address them if his alliance forms the government. He called on citizens nationwide to vote for the 10-party alliance candidates and to support the referendum with a “yes” vote.

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has dissolved the country’s parliament ahead of a snap election scheduled for February 8. On Friday, the Speaker of Japan’s parliament formally announced the dissolution of the lower house through an official letter. Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, made the decision to seek a fresh mandate from voters before the election date.

According to the report, Takaichi had earlier indicated that an early election might be called. Her decision aims to secure public support for the government’s various plans and spending initiatives. The upcoming election will cover all 465 seats in the lower house and will serve as Takaichi’s first major electoral test since taking office.

Takaichi, who assumed office in October, is expected to use her current popularity to strengthen her position within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. The election outcome will reveal how the Japanese public views the government’s spending expansion plans.

The Maheshpur 58 Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Battalion announced that 15 platoons will be deployed across six parliamentary constituencies in Jhenaidah and Magura districts ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The announcement was made by Lieutenant Colonel Rafiqul Alam, commanding officer of the battalion, during a press conference held at the battalion headquarters in Khalishpur, Maheshpur, on Thursday afternoon. The deployment will begin on January 29.

According to the BGB, the deployment aims to ensure security in the border areas and prevent illegal infiltration, arms and drug smuggling, and human trafficking during the election period. The battalion will also set up 55 temporary checkpoints in key locations across the two districts to conduct search operations and strengthen surveillance.

The BGB leadership emphasized that its members will maintain a strict and alert presence in all election-related and border-sensitive areas to support a secure and orderly electoral environment.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has alleged that conspiracies are again being carried out over the upcoming election. Speaking as the chief guest at an election rally on Thursday night at Kuttapara playground in Sarail upazila of Brahmanbaria, he called on voters to perform the Fajr prayer in front of polling centers and then line up early to cast their votes. During the event, he introduced BNP and alliance candidates for Brahmanbaria’s six parliamentary constituencies.

Rahman claimed that ballot papers sent for expatriates had been seized by a particular party and warned that similar conspiracies were taking place inside the country. He urged voters to remain vigilant and to vote for the BNP’s symbol, the paddy sheaf. He also pledged development initiatives if elected, including introducing family cards for women and agricultural cards for farmers to provide fertilizer, seeds, and pesticides.

The rally was presided over by Brahmanbaria district BNP President Khaled Hossain Mahbub Shyamal, with several political figures attending as special guests.