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.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), declared that no new 'looters' would be allowed to come to power. He made the statement on Thursday afternoon at a campaign rally for Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, held at Adarsha School field in Mirpur 10, Dhaka. Nahid Islam attended the event as a special guest and praised the residents of Dhaka-15 for having the Jamaat leader contesting from their constituency.

Addressing the rally, he described Dr. Rahman as a leader of the anti-fascist movement and claimed that a nationwide wave of support for him would be visible on February 12. Nahid Islam urged the government and the Election Commission to ensure a fair and impartial election, warning that any alternative plan would not work. He criticized the BNP’s announcement of distributing various cards, questioning whether they would reach the people and alleging inconsistency in nominating loan defaulters.

He called on voters to support the ten-party alliance’s symbol and vote “yes” in the upcoming election scheduled for February 12.

Bangladesh’s interim government has urged India to ensure the welfare of its minorities, emphasizing mutual respect and restraint in bilateral relations. In an interview with BBC India, Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain said Bangladesh does not expect any political statements from former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently living in exile in India following her ouster in the July revolution. He noted that such activities from Indian soil could negatively affect relations between the two neighbors.

Hossain explained that despite misunderstandings and discomfort, maintaining strong geographical and economic ties remains vital for both countries. He also stated that Bangladesh acts promptly against any incidents of violence targeting minorities and arrests those responsible, asserting that the country has mechanisms to protect its citizens. He added that India should similarly take care of its own minorities.

The adviser further remarked that Hasina’s government had deliberately strained relations with Pakistan, while the current administration seeks friendly ties with both India and Pakistan.

Members of the July Warriors and student representatives submitted a memorandum to Senior Secretary Ehsanul Haque at the Ministry of Public Administration, demanding the appointment of Mohammad Shamsul Alam, a ninth BCS administration cadre officer, as senior secretary. The memorandum, delivered at the Secretariat on Wednesday, emphasized Alam’s seniority and his key role in shaping the July 36 movement. It credited him with unifying the movement’s demands and inspiring participants through his leadership and strategic guidance, even while in exile.

According to the memorandum, Shamsul Alam, a former private secretary to ex-Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, was denied promotions and key responsibilities during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure from 2009 to 2024 for political reasons. The interim government’s chief adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, reinstated him in September 2024 and approved his appointment to a cabinet-level position. However, activists alleged that some influential officials obstructed the process by withholding official notifications and misplacing approved documents.

The senior secretary accepted the memorandum and assured the delegation that he would discuss the matter with the chief adviser and relevant authorities to take positive steps.

Independent candidate Advocate Habibur Rahman Habib, recently expelled from the BNP, began his election campaign for the Gopalganj-3 constituency (Tungipara–Kotalipara) by paying respects at the gate of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s tomb in Tungipara, Gopalganj. The event took place around noon on Thursday, January 22, 2026, after he was denied permission to enter the mausoleum premises. From the site’s third gate, he officially launched his campaign under the football symbol.

Habibur Rahman, formerly a member of the Gopalganj district BNP convening committee, was expelled from the party the previous night for refusing to withdraw his candidacy. Following the tomb visit, he conducted public outreach at the Tungipara Upazila Parishad grounds and Patgati bus stand, seeking votes and outlining his political goals. Speaking to journalists, he said he began his campaign with deep respect for the Father of the Nation and emphasized his commitment to work for local welfare and justice.

The incident underscores the symbolic importance of the Gopalganj-3 seat, which includes the resting place of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and marks the start of Habibur Rahman’s independent political journey.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has approved a chargesheet against Naeemul Islam Khan, former press secretary to ousted Prime Minister Hasina, and his wife Nasima Khan Monty for failing to submit their asset statements. The approval was granted on Thursday, January 22, 2026. ACC Deputy Director and Public Relations Officer Md. Akhtarul Islam confirmed the development, stating that the accused ignored multiple legal notices to comply with the directive.

According to the ACC, its investigation found inconsistencies between the couple’s known income sources and their accumulated wealth. Under the ACC Act, they were instructed to submit detailed asset statements within a specified period. However, both failed to do so within the original and extended deadlines. Following this noncompliance, a case was filed against them, and after investigation, the chargesheet was finalized and approved.

The approval marks a formal step in the legal process, paving the way for potential court proceedings against the former government official and his spouse.

Bangladesh’s interim government has sent a message to New Delhi regarding statements made by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in exile in India since being ousted in the July revolution. Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain said Bangladesh does not expect any political statements from Hasina while she remains in India. He made the remarks in a recent interview with BBC India, where he discussed bilateral relations and ongoing tensions between the two neighbors.

Hossain emphasized that despite misunderstandings or discomfort, maintaining good relations between Bangladesh and India is crucial due to geographic and economic factors. He noted that after Hasina’s fall, border tensions and diplomatic summonses strained ties, prompting India to withdraw families of its diplomats from Bangladesh. The adviser also said Bangladesh never comments on India’s internal issues, including minority rights, and expects India to follow the same principle.

Hossain further stated that the previous Hasina government had deliberately worsened relations with Pakistan, but the current administration seeks friendly ties with both India and Pakistan.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman began his election campaign in Sylhet on Thursday, wearing a white shirt, blue jeans, and sneakers. Before starting his campaign, he visited the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (R.) and Hazrat Shah Paran (R.), following the tradition of his parents, late President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia. The campaign launch included a large gathering at Aliya Madrasa field, where he introduced BNP candidates for 11 constituencies in Sylhet and Sunamganj.

Earlier, Rahman spent Wednesday night at his in-laws’ home in South Surma’s Birahimpur, where he visited family graves and shared a traditional meal, ‘Akhni,’ with around 12,000 party members and guests. His wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, was present and shared a ceremonial cake-cutting moment with him.

During the day, Rahman also attended a youth policy dialogue titled “The Plan: Youth Policy Talk with Tarique Rahman,” engaging with students from 19 higher education institutions on health, education, agriculture, and employment. He emphasized environmental conservation, calling for increased tree planting and preservation of rivers and wetlands.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman formally launched his election campaign on Thursday, January 22, 2026, through a rally in Dhaka-15 constituency. Addressing supporters, he declared that the country should no longer see the shadow of fascism and warned that any return to such rule would face consequences similar to the past. He said Jamaat would not tolerate vote rigging and emphasized justice as the foundation for ending corruption and money laundering.

During the rally, Rahman criticized the Awami League era for alleged misuse of power, mentioning the creation of 'Ainaghar' where even army officers were not spared. He stated that people were eager to make the “Yes” side victorious in the upcoming referendum. He handed over the coalition symbol, the balance scale, to candidates of the 10-party alliance contesting in Dhaka constituencies.

Rahman pledged to improve public services in Dhaka-15, including establishing quality hospitals and upgrading educational institutions. Alliance candidate Nahid Islam from Dhaka-11 warned that the February 12 election must be fair, urging the Election Commission to act neutrally.

Bangladeshi singer and Bangladesh Cricket Board director Asif Akbar recently shared a Facebook post extending his best wishes to Monirul Haque Chowdhury, the BNP candidate for Cumilla-6 in the upcoming 13th national election. Alongside his message, Asif posted an emotional recollection about the late Begum Khaleda Zia, explaining why she had contested from the same constituency during the 2007 election.

In his post, Asif wrote that Khaleda Zia became the candidate for Cumilla Sadar-6 on January 22, 2007, following the death of former MP Colonel Akbar Hossain, which left the BNP short of a candidate. He said he personally purchased the nomination paper and proposed her candidacy to the party’s election board, believing the seat would influence ten other constituencies in the district. Asif also mentioned that Khaleda Zia had personal ties to Cumilla, having started her married life at the Cumilla Cantonment.

Asif praised Monirul Haque Chowdhury as a capable administrator and expressed hope that he would unite Cumilla BNP with an educated generation and free it from extortion, bringing peace to city residents.

NCP convener Nahid Islam has criticized BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman’s announcement to provide family cards and flats for slum dwellers, saying people want a safe life, not such promises. He made the remarks on Thursday afternoon at a public rally organized by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in Dhaka-15 constituency. Nahid Islam questioned who would actually benefit from the proposed family card worth 2,000 to 3,000 taka and alleged that corruption could affect its distribution.

He accused BNP of nominating loan defaulters and warned that such candidates might misuse public funds if elected. Describing the flat pledge as a signal of eviction for slum dwellers, he said they prefer safety and justice over false assurances. Nahid Islam emphasized that elections must be fair and transparent, with no special privileges for any party, and reminded the Election Commission of its responsibility.

Calling the upcoming election both a contest and a referendum, he urged voters to support justice and equality by voting “yes” in the referendum and to continue resisting fascism and extortion.

The Election Commission (EC) has set specific time limits for the use of microphones and sound-amplifying devices during the campaign period for Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election. Campaigning began just after midnight on Wednesday, January 21, and will continue until 7:30 a.m. on February 10. According to the EC, microphones or other sound-enhancing devices may only be used between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. in any electoral area.

The EC further stated that no candidate, political party, or their representatives may use more than three microphones or loudspeakers simultaneously at a single public meeting. However, this restriction does not apply to general campaign announcements. Additionally, the sound level of microphones or amplifying devices used in election campaigns must not exceed 60 decibels.

This election marks the first time that campaigning has begun without the use of posters, signaling a shift in campaign practices as the country moves toward the February 10 polling day.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman announced that if his party wins the upcoming election, Bangladesh will be governed based on the Prophet’s principles of justice. He made the statement on Thursday afternoon while addressing a large public rally at the Alia Madrasa field in Sylhet. Rahman emphasized that the country’s interests are his top political priority, declaring “Bangladesh first,” and criticized the ruling party for what he described as subservience to foreign powers over the past fifteen years.

During his speech, Rahman accused the current government of widespread corruption and mismanagement, alleging that billions were looted in the name of development. He also pledged to create employment opportunities for youth both domestically and abroad to reduce unemployment. Addressing religious sentiments, he questioned the legitimacy of campaign promises made by rivals, calling for unity against what he termed falsehood and injustice.

Rahman further criticized past elections under the Awami League government, claiming that ballot boxes were seized and citizens’ voting rights were denied through manipulated polls over the last fifteen to sixteen years.

Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman visited the Chattogram area ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliament Election and referendum. During the visit, he met with senior military officials, divisional administration, and law enforcement representatives to discuss election security, law and order, and inter-agency coordination. A meeting was held at the Chattogram Circuit House on Thursday morning to review overall preparations and security plans for conducting the election and referendum peacefully, neutrally, and credibly.

In the meeting, the Army Chief emphasized professionalism, discipline, and neutrality in performing duties. He highlighted the importance of coordinated and effective roles among all relevant institutions to maintain law and order during the election period. He also instructed personnel to act with patience and a citizen-friendly attitude. The Army will remain active to ensure a fair election.

After the meeting, the Army Chief visited the Dampara Army Camp in Chattogram, reviewed the current law and order situation, and interacted with army members deployed under “In Aid to the Civil Power.” His schedule also included observing other key activities in the Chattogram area.