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.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has begun a multi-district campaign tour in northern Bangladesh as part of the party’s election activities. On Friday, he is scheduled to address rallies in four districts—Panchagarh, Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, and Rangpur—starting from 11 a.m. after departing Dhaka by helicopter earlier in the morning. His program will continue on Saturday with visits to Gaibandha, Bogura, Sirajganj, and Pabna, followed by campaign events in Dhaka constituencies on Sunday.

Before departing from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dr. Rahman told reporters that the tour marks the beginning of Jamaat’s outreach outside Dhaka. He said the party aims to understand local concerns and promised justice-based development if given the opportunity to serve. He urged youth to take greater responsibility to ensure a fair and memorable election.

Dr. Rahman emphasized unity among patriotic and Islamic groups under the slogan “Let’s build Bangladesh together,” expressing hope for a peaceful and inclusive electoral process.

Government primary school teachers in several districts of Bangladesh have become actively involved in political activities, including participation in election campaigns ahead of the upcoming parliamentary polls. Despite the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018, which strictly prohibit political involvement, many teachers are openly joining party programs and maintaining close ties with local political leaders, weakening administrative control and educational supervision.

Investigations revealed that teachers in Kurigram, Gopalganj, Faridpur, and Rajbari are participating in rallies and campaigns. Some have been suspended for making inappropriate comments on social media about senior officials. Field officers report that local political influence and pressure from teacher associations prevent them from taking disciplinary action. The situation has led to disruptions in teaching, exam boycotts, and even school closures.

Director General of the Directorate of Primary Education Abu Noor Mohammad Shamsuzzaman stated that 43 teachers have been transferred and over a hundred show-caused for misconduct. He confirmed that committees have been formed in every district to monitor teachers’ social media activities and that disciplinary hearings will follow for those found guilty.

In a commentary published on January 23, 2026, senior journalist Anisur Rahman argued that India does not treat Bangladesh as a genuine friend and continues to seek control over Dhaka’s political direction. He claimed that India prefers a compliant government in Bangladesh and uses economic and political leverage to maintain dominance. Rahman urged policymakers to explore ways to reduce dependence on India in trade, water sharing, and other sectors, while strengthening national sovereignty.

The article emphasized that Bangladesh should prepare contingency plans to handle potential shifts in bilateral relations and rely on domestic think tanks to guide policy. Rahman cited examples of global institutions such as Brookings Institution, Chatham House, and SIPRI, suggesting that Bangladeshi think tanks like BIISS and BIDS could play a similar role in shaping national strategy. He also called for fostering self-reliance in sectors like IT and garments and for ensuring minority security to counter external influence.

The writer concluded that Bangladesh should maintain friendly relations with India only on the basis of mutual respect and sovereignty, while developing alternative partnerships if necessary.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman declared that his party will neither collect illegal levies nor allow extortion, vowing to build a fair and corruption-free Bangladesh. Speaking as the chief guest at an election rally on Thursday afternoon at Adarsha School field in Mirpur-10, Dhaka, he formally launched his campaign for the February 12 election. Rahman urged voters to support the 10-party alliance candidates and vote 'yes' in the referendum, describing the victory as one for the people, not any family or group.

He criticized the BNP’s promise of distributing financial cards, saying such measures would not solve families’ problems. Rahman called for ending all forms of unofficial taxation and extortion, asserting that justice and fairness are essential to eliminate inequality, corruption, and terrorism. He also condemned past election irregularities and authoritarian practices, urging young people to continue their struggle for justice and democracy.

The rally marked the start of Rahman’s four-day campaign program, after which he will tour northern districts before returning to Dhaka for further outreach on January 25.

Md. Shoaeb Mia, aged 55 and father of July martyr Hafiz Imran from Nasirnagar, was killed in a road accident on Thursday afternoon while traveling to attend a BNP rally led by acting chairman Tarique Rahman in Sarail, Brahmanbaria. He was riding a motorcycle with a local student leader toward the rally at Kuttapara playground when a truck collided with their vehicle near the Puitta Bridge area, killing him on the spot.

Following the accident, people heading to the rally chased the truck by motorcycle and captured it along with the driver in the Kunda area. Goalanagar Union Parishad Chairman Azharul Haque Chowdhury confirmed receiving news of the incident and said he was in contact with the victim’s family and local administration. Nasirnagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Shahinul Islam verified the accident occurred within Sarail Police Station’s jurisdiction and stated that police were investigating and taking necessary legal action.

The death has cast a shadow of grief over the area, as Shoaeb Mia’s son Hafiz Imran had been killed in 2024 during anti-government protests, marking a second tragedy for the family within a year.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has alleged that voters are being tempted with various benefit cards similar to the Tk 10 per kg rice scheme. Speaking to journalists at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Friday before leaving for an election campaign in northern Bangladesh, he questioned whether such offers violate the electoral code of conduct. He also suggested that artificial intelligence might be used to create false allegations against his party and rejected claims that Jamaat was involved in unethical campaign practices.

During the press briefing, Dr. Rahman criticized the state of the country over the past 54 years, citing institutional decay, rising debt, and youth unemployment. He urged all political actors to remain united for the national interest and to avoid influencing election results through dishonest means. He also thanked the government for enabling expatriate voting rights but expressed concern that postal ballots had not yet reached some areas.

He called on the Election Commission to ensure timely ballot delivery and urged citizens, especially youth, to uphold a fair and memorable election through responsible participation.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has taken punitive action against candidates accused of violating the electoral code of conduct. Between January 4 and 20, a total of 59 cases were filed, and fines exceeding Tk 450,000 were imposed. EC officials confirmed that legal measures were taken to preserve the election environment, with 67 constituencies reporting the highest number of violations. The nationwide campaign officially began on Thursday and will continue until February 10.

According to EC data, from January 8 to 20, operations were conducted in 67 constituencies, resulting in 59 cases, fines totaling Tk 454,900, and several imprisonment orders. The Election Inquiry and Judicial Committees also reviewed 873 complaints, ordering poster removals, issuing show-cause notices, and imposing fines through summary trials. Candidates from multiple parties, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Front, NCP, and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, were issued notices for early campaigning and misuse of party symbols.

The EC reiterated its commitment to ensuring free, fair, and impartial elections, warning that strict enforcement against legal breaches will continue and urging all candidates and supporters to comply with the code of conduct.

The High Court has upheld the 1961 Muslim Family Law Ordinance, confirming that a man cannot remarry simply by obtaining his first wife's consent. To enter a second marriage, he must pay a prescribed fee and secure written approval from an arbitration council. The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and Supreme Court lawyers stated that the ruling maintains the existing legal framework and ensures equal rights for both men and women in family life.

Officials from the Law Ministry clarified that recent media reports claiming men no longer need their first wife's permission for a second marriage were false and amounted to contempt of court. They emphasized that the High Court did not issue any such ruling. Supreme Court lawyers also expressed surprise at the misinformation, noting that the court’s decision reaffirmed the validity of the 1961 ordinance and required its full enforcement.

The ministry warned that misleading media coverage could create public confusion about the judiciary. Legal experts urged journalists to verify facts before publication to prevent misinterpretation of court rulings and avoid undermining public trust in the legal system.