BNP central leader and Natore-2 constituency candidate Advocate M Ruhul Quddus Talukder, also known as Dulu, formally began his election campaign on Thursday morning from Chatni Bhatpara village in Chatni Union. He claimed that during his five-year tenure as a minister starting in 2001, he had implemented significant development projects in Natore. He alleged that the subsequent Awami League government failed to bring any development to the district and instead engaged in widespread corruption and plundering. Dulu urged voters to support him by voting for the BNP’s symbol, the paddy sheaf, promising to continue the previous development initiatives.

During his campaign, Dulu stated that Natore had suffered from two decades of violence and pledged to transform it into a peaceful and developed area if the BNP returned to power. He announced plans to introduce family cards for women and agricultural cards for farmers, which would provide various benefits for five years. Throughout the day, he addressed rallies at ten locations across Chatni Union, accompanied by local BNP leaders including Rahim Newaz, Kazi Shah Alam, and Rafiqul Islam.

The campaign events marked the formal start of BNP’s local election activities in Natore ahead of the upcoming polls.

At least twelve leaders and activists of the suspended Awami League and Jubo League, including an accused in an arson and violence case, have joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Badarganj, Rangpur. The joining took place on the night of January 21, 2026, led by former Betgari Union Parishad chairman Mohayemin Islam Maruf, who had earlier resigned from the Awami League on December 25, 2025. The development has sparked widespread discussion and debate in local political circles.

According to Badarganj police, a case was filed on September 16, 2024, over violent incidents during an anti-discrimination student and public movement on August 4, 2024. The case, numbered 4/24, remains under investigation. Maruf, one of the accused, was previously arrested and later released on bail. Other new BNP members include Abu Taher Md. Rokibul Haque, Md. Ashraf Ali, Md. Khademul Islam, Nazrul Islam, Babu Harimol Chandra Sarker, Jahangir Alam, Mahbubur Rahman, Rakib Ahmed Robiul, Bayezid Islam, Julfikar Ali, and Aminur Rahman.

Local BNP president Chand Sarkar said the former Awami League members joined BNP inspired by the ideals of late President Ziaur Rahman. Police confirmed that the ongoing investigation and legal process will continue unaffected by the political shift.

The Ministry of Public Administration has appointed 3,263 candidates to various cadres of the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) through the 48th BCS (Special) Examination 2025. The announcement was made in a government circular issued on Thursday, based on recommendations from the Bangladesh Public Service Commission dated September 29 and October 27. The newly appointed officers will receive salaries under the 2015 national pay scale, ranging from 22,000 to 53,060 taka.

According to the circular, appointees must complete basic training at the Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre or another government-designated institution, followed by professional and specialized training. They will serve a two-year probationary period, extendable by up to two additional years. Successful completion of training, departmental exams, and satisfactory probation will lead to permanent appointment. The circular also outlines disciplinary measures, resignation procedures, and conditions for cancellation of appointments, including false information or marriage to a foreign national.

Appointees must join their designated offices by February 1, submit property declarations, and sign a bond pledging not to engage in dowry practices. Failure to comply with these conditions will result in cancellation of the appointment.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), expressed confidence that the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 10-party alliance will win by a large margin in the upcoming national election. He made the remarks on Thursday at Dhaka University campus after visiting the graves of three leaders, marking the formal start of his party’s election campaign. Islam said the alliance aims to form the next government with the support of the people and called on voters nationwide to back the coalition and NCP’s 30 candidates running under the Shapla Kolly symbol.

He alleged that the Election Commission and the government were favoring a particular party and not acting neutrally, citing instances where other parties conducted campaigns despite restrictions while his party received show-cause notices. Islam emphasized that true neutrality requires impartial conduct from the authorities. He reaffirmed NCP’s firm stance on reform, justice, and fair elections, vowing to ensure that the February 12 election is held properly.

The NCP’s campaign, titled “March for Justice,” began after the grave visit and is scheduled to conclude in Motijheel.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has reported that 59.41 percent of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidates in the upcoming 2026 national election are indebted. The findings were released on Thursday at a press conference presenting TIB’s report titled “Candidate Profiles in Affidavits 2026.” The analysis, based on candidates’ affidavits, shows that the total amount of debt among candidates is the highest compared to the last four elections since 2008.

Although the percentage of indebted candidates has decreased, the total debt now stands at nearly 1.9 trillion taka, up from over 1.74 trillion taka in the 2024 election. Among the ten most indebted candidates, eight are from the BNP and two are independents. The highest individual debt exceeds 315.5 billion taka, belonging to an independent candidate from Brahmanbaria, followed by four BNP candidates each with debts exceeding 10 billion taka.

TIB’s analysis also found that BNP leads in the number of millionaire candidates, with 71.86 percent of its nominees classified as millionaires based on declared assets.

Syed Bahadur Shah Mozaddedi, chairman of Islami Front Bangladesh and candidate of the largest Sunni Alliance, called for a 'No' vote while campaigning in Chandpur-5 constituency. On Thursday, he began his election campaign by visiting the shrine of his father, Pir Syed Abed Shah Mozaddedi, and holding a discussion with local journalists in Hajiganj. During the meeting, he urged voters to reject the proposed changes in the upcoming referendum.

Mozaddedi stated that the phrase invoking Allah’s trust and the word 'Bismillah' had been removed from the July charter, which he said was part of the 1971 Constitution. He argued that a 'Yes' vote would distort that original constitution. He called on citizens to vote for the Sunni Alliance’s 'chair' symbol in the election and to cast a 'No' vote in the referendum to protect the country and Islam.

The meeting was attended by local journalists and several leaders of Islami Front Bangladesh and the broader Sunni Alliance, including central and upazila-level representatives.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that only Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters concerning their relationship, rejecting any discussion on sovereignty. Her statement came a day after US President Donald Trump expressed a desire to begin immediate talks on acquiring ownership of Greenland. Frederiksen emphasized that while Denmark is open to political discussions on security, investment, and economics, sovereignty is not negotiable.

She noted that Arctic security is a concern for the entire NATO alliance and that discussions between NATO’s Secretary General and the US President are both natural and appropriate. The prime minister added that Denmark has long worked to strengthen its engagement with the Arctic for NATO’s benefit and maintains regular dialogue with both Greenland’s government and NATO.

Frederiksen further said Denmark seeks constructive dialogue with allies to enhance Arctic security, including cooperation with the United States’ Golden Dome initiative, provided that such efforts respect Denmark’s territorial integrity.

A clash broke out between activists of the BNP and Jamaat in Bhabaniganj, Lakshmipur, on Thursday morning over the placement of election festoons. The incident occurred at the Rifugi Market area of Bhabaniganj Union under Sadar upazila, leaving four people injured. The injured were identified as BNP’s former organizing secretary Md. Shahajan, Jamaat’s ward activist Firoz Alam, Islami Chhatra Shibir ward secretary Yasin Arafat Tahsin, and finance secretary Md. Sohag Hossain.

According to Jamaat activist Firoz Alam, the conflict began when BNP workers allegedly obstructed them while putting up festoons of Dr. Rezaul Karim. He claimed that later BNP activist Shahajan attacked them with sticks. However, BNP’s Shahajan stated that Jamaat activists attacked him after he tried to stop them from placing festoons in front of the BNP office. Other BNP leaders, including Kamal Hossain and district Jubo Dal president Abdul Ali Humayun, alleged that Jamaat members assaulted Shahajan, who is mentally unstable.

Lakshmipur Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Wahid Parvez said police were sent to the scene and that action would be taken following investigation.

Dr. Abdul Mannan, the Jamaat-e-Islami–nominated and 10-party–backed candidate for the Dhaka-6 constituency, formally began his election campaign on Thursday morning by visiting the graves of martyrs of the July uprising at Jurain Cemetery. During the visit, he offered prayers for the martyrs, including Sharif Osman Hadi, and pledged to work for justice and equality in Bangladesh.

Mannan stated that the people of Old Dhaka have long been deprived of their rights and promised to address chronic issues such as traffic congestion and gas shortages if elected. He emphasized building an equitable Bangladesh inspired by the spirit of the July uprising. The event was attended by relatives of the martyrs, including Sheikh Jamal Hasan and Shahriar Khan Palash, as well as local Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and residents.

Following the cemetery visit, Mannan conducted public outreach in various areas of the constituency as part of his campaign activities.

In Cumilla-4 constituency, the Election Commission declared BNP candidate Engineer Manjurul Ahsan Munshi’s nomination invalid on loan default charges, a decision later upheld by the High Court. The ruling has caused frustration among BNP supporters, who lament being unable to vote for their traditional symbol after many years. The once politically vibrant Debidwar area, known as a BNP stronghold, has grown unusually quiet as the election nears.

With Munshi’s disqualification, the contest has effectively lost its competitiveness. The Jamaat–NCP alliance candidate, Hasnat Abdullah, who serves as the chief organizer for NCP’s southern region, is now widely viewed as the likely winner. Local BNP leaders argue that the cancellation not only removed their candidate but also deprived voters of their right to choose the BNP symbol. Debidwar BNP convener Giyas Uddin said Munshi has appealed to the chamber court, expressing confidence that the decision could still be overturned.

If the appeal fails, the election in Cumilla-4 is expected to proceed with minimal opposition, marking a significant shift in a constituency long dominated by the BNP.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) formally launched its campaign for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and the referendum on reform on Thursday afternoon. The event began at Dhaka University campus with visits to the mausoleums of three leaders and the grave of July revolutionary martyr Osman Hadi. NCP Convener Nahid Islam, Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patowary, and other senior leaders attended the program.

Following the inauguration, Nahid Islam expressed confidence that the ten-party electoral alliance would win by a large margin and form the next government, saying that the people of Bangladesh stood with them. He emphasized that victory for the alliance was essential to advance reform inspired by the aspirations of July. Nahid Islam also urged voters in Dhaka-8 to support Nasiruddin Patowary, the alliance’s candidate, under the Shapla Koli symbol, highlighting his connection to the struggles and dreams of local residents.

After paying respects at the graves of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam and martyr Sharif Osman Hadi, the NCP leaders began their campaign journey titled “March for Justice,” which concluded in Motijheel.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Thursday accused a rival political party of deceiving people ahead of the upcoming election. Speaking at an election rally at Sylhet Alia Madrasa ground, he questioned the audience about their religious beliefs, using the responses to argue that promises made by the rival party were misleading and contrary to Islamic principles. He said that only Allah has the power to grant what some political leaders claim to offer, calling such claims deceitful.

Rahman further alleged that the rival party’s leaders were misleading Muslims and committing acts akin to shirk by making promises about matters that belong solely to Allah. He urged supporters to recognize this deception before the election and warned that greater deceit could follow afterward. He also invoked the sacrifices of 1971, saying that Bangladeshis had already seen the roles of those responsible for the suffering of millions.

The BNP leader called for unity against falsehood, extremism, and tyranny, emphasizing the need to establish people’s rights after freeing the country from autocracy.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Tarique Rahman declared that the nation’s interests are his sole political priority, emphasizing “Bangladesh first, not Delhi or Pindi.” He made the statement on Thursday, January 22, 2026, while addressing his first election rally at the Alia Madrasa field in Sylhet. The event drew a large crowd, with BNP leaders including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Rahman’s wife Zubaida Rahman present.

In his speech, Rahman accused the ruling party of serving foreign interests and looting national wealth over the past 15 years under the guise of development. He pledged to create employment opportunities for youth both domestically and abroad. Rahman also invoked religious sentiments, urging unity against what he described as falsehood and injustice. The rally featured references to missing BNP leader M Ilias Ali, with a designated area for families of the disappeared and martyrs.

Following the Sylhet rally, Rahman began a road campaign toward Dhaka, scheduled to address six additional gatherings along the Sylhet–Dhaka highway to introduce BNP-endorsed candidates in those districts.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman has alleged that the Election Commission has become hostage to business interests. Speaking at a press conference at TIB’s Dhanmondi headquarters in Dhaka on Thursday, he said many affidavits submitted by candidates for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election were opaque. He noted that no Islamist party nominated female candidates, and a major party denied nomination to a prominent woman because another party’s candidate was already contesting in that seat.

According to TIB’s analysis, 21 candidates earn income from foreign sources, 25 declared movable assets and bank accounts abroad, and 17 reported ownership of immovable property outside Bangladesh. The organization said these figures show that money and business dominate politics. TIB also found that two candidates who claimed to have renounced foreign citizenship still hold British nationality, and one candidate failed to disclose a UK property worth 210 crore taka purchased under a dependent’s name.

TIB reported that 87 percent of candidates are party-nominated, 13 percent independent, and 48 percent are businessmen. The highest declared wealth belongs to BNP’s Mohammad Aminul Islam with assets worth 619 crore taka.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman formally launched his party’s election campaign through a large public rally at the Alia Madrasa ground in Sylhet on Thursday afternoon. The event began around 12:30 p.m. under tight security. As Rahman took the stage, the crowd erupted in applause. He greeted supporters with a smile and wave, joined on stage by his wife Zubaida Rahman and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

From early morning, thousands of BNP leaders, activists, and supporters gathered around the Alia Madrasa ground and nearby areas including Chowhatta, Zindabazar, Amberkhana, Medical Road, and Dargah Road, turning the rally into a sea of people. Candidates from six constituencies in Sylhet and five in Sunamganj attended with their teams to show support.

The rally marked the official start of BNP’s campaign activities in the region, signaling the party’s mobilization ahead of the upcoming national election.