The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has decided to hold a meeting with diplomats from various foreign missions stationed in the country. The meeting, scheduled for Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at The Westin in Dhaka, aims to explain the commission’s position regarding the upcoming 13th National Parliament election and the related referendum. A responsible source within the commission confirmed the information.

According to an election commissioner, the meeting will include foreign diplomats, ambassadors from different countries, and representatives of the United Nations. Discussions will focus on the EC’s preparations for the February 12 election, transparency measures, and issues related to international observation. The initiative reflects the commission’s intent to engage with the diplomatic community ahead of the national vote.

The meeting is expected to clarify the EC’s stance and readiness for the upcoming electoral process, providing an opportunity for foreign missions to understand the commission’s approach to ensuring transparency and international oversight.

The formal campaign for Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election began on Thursday, marked by a rally in support of Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Maulana Obaidullah Salafi in Nilphamari-3 (Jaldhaka). The Jaldhaka Upazila unit of Jamaat organized the procession in favor of the party’s traditional scale symbol, starting at 4:30 p.m. from the Al-Falah upazila office. Several local leaders, including district council member Prabhashak Sader Hossain, acting Amir and Jaldhaka Press Club president Alhaj Kamruzzaman, and NCP leader Mohayminul Rahman Sana, participated in leading the march.

According to the report, this election marks the first time in nearly 17 years that Jamaat-e-Islami is contesting under its own electoral symbol. Political observers noted that this opportunity has energized the party’s activists and supporters across the region.

The event in Jaldhaka reflects Jamaat’s renewed organizational activity as the national campaign period officially opens, signaling heightened political engagement ahead of the upcoming polls.

Advocate Fazlur Rahman, the BNP-nominated candidate for Kishoreganj-4 (Itna–Mithamain–Austagram) constituency, fell ill on his way to attend a public rally of BNP Chairperson Tareq Rahman in Bhairab on Thursday afternoon. He was subsequently admitted to Jahurul Islam Medical College Hospital in Bhagalpur, Bajitpur upazila of Kishoreganj, around 4:30 p.m.

According to his personal assistant Enamul Haque, Fazlur Rahman suddenly became unwell while traveling to the rally venue, developing fever and vomiting. Hospital Director Professor Dr. Bahar Uddin Bhuiyan stated that the patient was suffering from fever, breathing difficulties, and a respiratory infection. When asked about his condition, Dr. Bhuiyan said it was too early to determine whether he was out of danger, as medical tests were still ongoing.

The incident occurred ahead of a major BNP gathering in Bhairab, where Tareq Rahman was scheduled to address supporters.

New Delhi has decided to bring back the families of Indian diplomats and government officials working in Bangladesh, citing security precautions. The decision, reported by India’s Press Trust of India (PTI), comes just weeks before Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election. However, India clarified that its High Commission in Dhaka and other missions abroad will remain open. According to PTI, officials advised family members of Indian personnel stationed in Dhaka and other posts to return to India as part of the security alert.

A BBC report stated that India’s Ministry of External Affairs has now classified Bangladesh as a “non-family” posting, placing it alongside Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Sudan. In response, Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain said there is no evidence that Bangladesh failed to ensure the safety of Indians. He described India’s move to equate Bangladesh with Pakistan as unfortunate but acknowledged it was India’s decision.

Hossain added that maintaining strong bilateral relations requires both sides to act responsibly, warning that repeated divisive steps could damage ties. He also remarked that India’s reaction appeared somewhat excessive based on his four decades of experience.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman announced that his party would introduce family cards for tea workers and day laborers if it comes to power. He also promised honorariums for imams. Rahman made these remarks on Thursday, January 22, at an election rally organized by Moulvibazar District BNP at Ainpur field in Sherpur under Sadar upazila, where he was the chief guest.

In his speech, Rahman said that during previous BNP governments, local development had accelerated, women’s education was made free up to the intermediate level, and small agricultural loans were forgiven. He claimed that under BNP rule, citizens could speak freely and criticize the government without fear of abduction or killing. He credited the sacrifices of many people for the party’s current position.

Rahman further highlighted that half of the country’s population is women and recalled that Begum Khaleda Zia had made education free for girls from class one to intermediate level. He added that a future BNP government would create employment opportunities for unemployed youth.

Newly appointed US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen has reaffirmed Washington’s strong support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition. During a meeting on Thursday afternoon with National Security Adviser Khililur Rahman at the adviser’s office, Christensen praised the interim government’s initiatives regarding upcoming elections and reform programs. The meeting lasted about an hour and covered key aspects of bilateral relations, according to a statement from the Chief Adviser’s Office.

Discussions included mutual tariff agreements, humanitarian assistance for Rohingya refugees, visa bonds, immigration issues, and the repatriation of undocumented Bangladeshis from the United States. The two sides also discussed opportunities for US business and investment in Bangladesh, expansion of economic cooperation, and regional matters of shared interest. The statement said the ambassador reiterated US support for Bangladesh’s political stability and democratic process, emphasizing that free, fair, and participatory elections are vital for the country’s democratic progress.

Khililur Rahman welcomed Christensen as the new ambassador and recalled his previous service in Dhaka and Washington. He expressed hope that bilateral relations would strengthen further during Christensen’s tenure.

Economist Dr. Mahbub Ullah described Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani as the undisputed leader of the anti-imperialist struggle in Bangladesh. He made the remark on Thursday at a discussion organized by the Bhashani Janashakti Party at the National Press Club’s Zahur Hossain Chowdhury Hall, marking the 54th anniversary of Bhashani’s return to the country. Dr. Ullah said Bhashani was a visionary who guided the political direction of the nation, always standing for farmers, workers, and the working class.

He noted that although Bhashani never held state power, he influenced many who later governed Bangladesh, including Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Kazi Zafar Ahmed, and Mashiur Rahman Jadu Mia. Dr. Ullah lamented that even 49 years after Bhashani’s death, his dream of an ideal Bangladesh remains unfulfilled. He urged politicians to study Bhashani’s life and philosophy and to introduce his ideals to the youth.

The event was chaired by Bhashani Janashakti Party chairman and freedom fighter Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Bablu, with several political figures including Nazmul Haque Nannu and Dr. Abu Yusuf Selim also speaking.

Bangladesh Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said on January 22, 2026, that vote counting in the upcoming national election may take longer than usual due to the use of two separate ballots and a higher number of candidates across the country. He made the remarks after meetings with officials from mobile operators, banks, and the BNCC at the Election Commission building in Agargaon, Dhaka. Ahmed explained that different ballot types are being used for expatriate and domestic voters, and that postal ballot counting at returning officers’ offices poses a major challenge.

He cited examples of constituencies with large numbers of postal voters, including Feni-3 with 16,038, Chattogram-15 with 14,274, and Cumilla with 13,939 registered postal voters. The secretary added that about 500 foreign observers and journalists are expected to monitor the election, with on-arrival visa facilities provided. The Election Commission invited 83 organizations, of which 36 confirmed participation, including representatives from the European Union, Commonwealth, and Turkey.

Ahmed also said discussions were held on limiting mobile and internet banking transactions to curb the influence of black money, and over 16,000 BNCC volunteers will assist in maintaining law and order during the election.

The United States is reassessing its previous position on Jamaat-e-Islami, with a US diplomat in Dhaka stating that Washington wants to view the party as a 'friend' and increase direct communication. According to a recording obtained by The Washington Post, the diplomat made the remarks during a closed-door meeting with female journalists in Dhaka. The diplomat suggested that Bangladesh has become more 'Islam-oriented' and that Jamaat may perform better than ever in the upcoming national election scheduled for February 12.

The diplomat also said that even if Jamaat comes to power, it would not be able to impose Sharia law, and warned that the US would not hesitate to impose economic sanctions if any alarming steps were taken. US Embassy spokesperson Monica Shi later clarified that the meeting was a routine, off-the-record discussion. She emphasized that the United States does not support any specific political party and will work with whichever government is elected by the people.

The report indicates growing US diplomatic interest in Bangladesh’s evolving political landscape ahead of the national polls.

The Chinese Embassy in Dhaka has strongly protested recent remarks made by US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen concerning China. In a statement posted on the embassy’s official Facebook page, the spokesperson described the ambassador’s comments as irresponsible and completely baseless. The statement was issued following media reports that the US envoy had expressed concern over China’s growing influence in South Asia and warned Bangladesh about potential risks of engagement with Beijing.

According to the embassy’s statement, such remarks create confusion between right and wrong and are driven by ill intent. It emphasized that cooperation between China and Bangladesh is a bilateral matter, leaving no room for interference or involvement from any third party, including the United States. The embassy also urged the US side to act more responsibly in its diplomatic conduct.

The protest highlights ongoing sensitivities surrounding external commentary on China-Bangladesh relations, particularly amid regional discussions about influence and partnership dynamics in South Asia.

Newly appointed US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen has said he will clearly convey to both the current and future governments of Bangladesh the potential risks of engaging too closely with China. Speaking to journalists in Dhaka six days after assuming office, Christensen reiterated concerns he had raised during his Senate confirmation hearing in October. He emphasized that certain areas of cooperation with China could pose risks, which he intends to outline to both the interim and elected governments.

During a media interaction at the EMK Center in Dhaka, Christensen discussed various aspects of US-Bangladesh relations, highlighting strong and expanding defense cooperation. He noted that the US works with all branches of Bangladesh’s armed forces through joint exercises such as “Tiger Shark” with the Navy and “Tiger Lightning” with the Army. The US provides about $1.5 million annually for professional military education and supports Bangladesh’s defense modernization and peacekeeping capabilities.

Christensen added that the US offers multiple defense options to partner nations and collaborates with allies to identify systems best suited to Bangladesh’s operational and budgetary needs.

The Advisory Council has approved a general holiday on February 11 ahead of Bangladesh’s national parliamentary election and referendum scheduled for February 12. Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced that industrial workers will also receive leave on February 10, giving them a three-day break. With the weekend following the election, most government employees will enjoy a four-day holiday from February 11 to 14. However, officials directly involved in election duties will not be able to take this extended leave.

According to the Election Commission’s structure, returning officers, assistant returning officers, presiding officers, and polling officers—mostly government employees and teachers—will oversee voting at about 42,000 polling centers nationwide. These officials, along with essential service providers, will continue working during the election period.

Essential services such as electricity, water, gas, fire service, ports, telecommunications, postal operations, sanitation, hospitals, emergency medical services, and related offices will remain open to ensure uninterrupted public service during the election period.

Prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmadullah has shared guidance on voting ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he urged citizens to vote for honest and competent candidates based on their conscience. He explained that if a voter sincerely tries to identify the right person but later finds the choice was wrong, there will be no blame before Allah. Ahmadullah emphasized that the duty of a voter is to select the best available candidate, not to ensure anyone’s victory.

He further stated that votes are never wasted, even if a good person receives few. Such votes can encourage future progress and strengthen honest candidates over time. He cautioned against avoiding good candidates out of fear that they might lose, warning that this mindset allows corrupt individuals to dominate politics.

Ahmadullah concluded by advising voters to support those who protect faith, Islamic values, and national welfare, and to avoid being tempted by money or personal gain, describing voting as a sacred trust before Allah.

AB Party chairman and ten-party alliance candidate for Feni-2, Mojibur Rahman Manju, stated that a level playing field has not yet been ensured in the ongoing election process. Speaking to journalists on Thursday afternoon at the central mosque area of Feni city while launching his campaign under the Eagle symbol, he alleged that attacks were continuing in various places, including assaults on women in Dhaka and the death of a RAB member during an operation in Chattogram. He said party workers were being threatened and demanded equal security for all candidates, workers, and voters, warning that otherwise his alliance might reconsider its participation.

Manju emphasized the need for qualitative change and reform of the state, saying that without national-level transformation, local development would not be possible. He noted that the ten-party alliance had united around promises of reform but expressed disappointment that a party proposing 31 reform points had issued a note of dissent in discussions. He also urged expatriates to vote responsibly as overseas voting began, encouraging them to help bring positive change to the country.

The event was conducted by Omar Faruk, president of Feni city Shibir, and attended by several local and regional leaders from allied parties.

The government of Bangladesh has decided to deploy joint forces across the country for 12 days surrounding the upcoming parliamentary election and referendum. The announcement was made by Home Secretary Nasimul Gani following a high-level meeting at the Chief Adviser’s Office. The deployment will cover four days before the election, the voting day, and seven days after. Multiple teams from the Ministry of Home Affairs have already begun 24-hour monitoring of the national situation.

According to AHM Shahadat Hossain, AIG (Media) of the Police Headquarters, law enforcement agencies have been instructed to maintain readiness and act immediately upon receiving any information about potential unrest. Candidates and campaign workers have been briefed on conduct guidelines. Meanwhile, 555,958 members of Ansar and VDP will be on duty at 42,766 polling centers, with 13 members assigned to each center.

Ansar spokesperson Md Ashikuzzaman stated that three of the 13 members will be armed, while the rest will carry batons. A total of 1,191 Ansar battalions will serve as striking forces from February 8 to 14, with additional patrols operating earlier in various areas.