National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson and election committee chairman Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan has stated that law enforcement agencies are not sufficiently active or effective ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and the reform referendum, both scheduled for February 12. He made the remarks on Friday afternoon while attending a winter clothing distribution event at Mahuttuli Government Primary School in Old Dhaka.

During his speech, Asif Mahmud said that juvenile gangs and criminals are still moving freely in public. He demanded swift punishment for those involved in the killing of Osman Hadi and for attacks on political leaders. The event also featured NCP’s nominated candidate for Dhaka-7 constituency, Tarek A. Adel, who joined Mahmud in distributing winter clothes as part of a humanitarian initiative.

The comments come amid preparations for the national election and referendum, highlighting concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement in maintaining order during the electoral period.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer and Rangpur-2 (Badarganj-Taraganj) parliamentary candidate ATM Azharul Islam said the party’s goal is to build a welfare-oriented state. He stated that implementing such policies would eliminate poverty and unemployment. He made these remarks on Friday afternoon at a courtyard meeting in Lakkhanpur, Ramnathpur Union of Badarganj upazila, presided over by union Jamaat secretary Abdul Halim, with other local leaders also speaking.

Azharul Islam further said Bangladesh is not a poor country but has been weakened by large-scale money laundering abroad, creating “Begumpara” for corrupt individuals. He urged voters to cast their ballots freely for honest and qualified candidates, emphasizing the need to vote for the “balance scale” symbol and support the “yes” side in the referendum to uphold democracy and recognize the sacrifices of July fighters.

He accused the previous Awami government of holding citizens hostage and claimed that without student and public movements, the country would have been completely destroyed. He warned that any attempt to obstruct voting would face strong public resistance.

A human chain was organized in Jurain, Dhaka, by Jamaat-e-Islami’s Kadamtali Thana unit on Friday to demand an end to the ongoing gas crisis. Several hundred local men and women participated in the demonstration. Speaking at the event, Syed Zainul Abedin, a member of the Dhaka South Jamaat executive council, alleged that the gas shortage across the country was artificial and caused by a syndicate of dishonest traders. He claimed that the government failed to take strict action against them due to internal and external political influences.

Abedin further stated that Jamaat-e-Islami had repeatedly warned the interim government after August 5, 2024, to identify and prosecute those responsible for corruption and lawlessness. He accused certain political groups of protecting wrongdoers for personal gain and called on the youth to reject corrupt and violent leadership. On the issue of the upcoming referendum, he urged citizens to vote “yes” to prevent authoritarian rule and ensure judicial independence.

He added that a “yes” victory in the referendum would limit any individual’s tenure as prime minister to ten years, which he said would help prevent dictatorship and uphold justice in Bangladesh.

A two-day training program on election journalism was organized by the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) in collaboration with the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliament election and a referendum on reforms. The event began on Thursday and concluded on Friday, with 50 journalists from various Dhaka-based media outlets participating. Certificates were distributed to participants at the end of the program.

The training, held for the second time, aimed to strengthen professionalism and reporting skills among journalists. Sessions covered election laws and administrative structures, ethics of election reporting, fact-checking, countering rumors and misinformation, and ensuring both physical and digital safety for journalists. PIB Director General Faruq Wasif emphasized that journalists must demonstrate professionalism and prioritize truth, neutrality, and public interest to maintain public trust during elections.

Organizers stated that such continuous training initiatives would help ensure responsible, professional, and impartial journalism during the upcoming national election.

Interim government adviser for law, justice and parliamentary affairs Professor Dr. Asif Nazrul stated that no one spoke on behalf of former Prime Minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia when she was imprisoned and ill. He made the remarks on Friday, January 16, at a citizens’ memorial meeting held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building in memory of Khaleda Zia.

Nazrul added that gratitude toward the July coup leaders had made Khaleda Zia known to everyone while another figure was sidelined. He emphasized that for Bangladesh to prosper, Khaleda Zia’s ideals must be internalized. At the same event, writer and researcher Professor Dr. Mahbub Ullah said that people would remember Khaleda Zia for her sacrifice, honesty, and endurance. He added that if her party and the nation uphold her teachings, they will survive; otherwise, they will not.

Mahbub Ullah further remarked that Khaleda Zia’s death did not mark the end of time or the future, as her ideals would remain the driving force of Bangladesh’s future.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh, led by the Charmonai Pir, has withdrawn from the 11-party electoral alliance headed by Jamaat-e-Islami. The announcement was made on Friday by Islami Andolan’s joint secretary general and spokesperson, Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman, who raised several allegations against Jamaat. In response, Jamaat clarified its position through Assistant Secretary General and head of the central publicity department, Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, stating that no party was disrespected or pressured in seat-sharing or political discussions.

Zubair explained that decisions were made transparently based on multiple surveys assessing field realities, organizational strength, candidate acceptability, and rival positions. He rejected claims that Jamaat sought to impose Sharia law, saying the party operates within Bangladesh’s constitution and legal framework. He also clarified that the alliance was not a formal coalition but an electoral coordination among reform-seeking parties without a permanent structure.

Zubair expressed regret over a missed meeting due to a leader’s illness and said Jamaat remains open to dialogue. He added that 253 candidates have been announced so far, with discussions ongoing for the remaining seats, and the party plans to contest all 300 constituencies.

BNP candidate for Chattogram-4, Aslam Chowdhury, announced that his party will work to improve the living standards of transport workers. Speaking on Friday at a meeting with transport workers in the Bhatiari Jalil Station area of Sitakunda, he said that workers in this sector face high risks, long working hours, and often do not receive fair wages. The event was organized by the Road and Highway Goods Transport Workers Federation.

Chowdhury stated that transport workers endure significant hardships, staying away from their families for the sake of the country’s import and export activities, yet they lack job security and adequate pay. He also noted widespread disorder in the transport sector and said workers often suffer due to various vested interests. He pledged that if BNP comes to power, it will prioritize the welfare of transport workers and improve their quality of life, adding that party chairman Tarique Rahman is committed to this cause.

The meeting was conducted by the federation’s general secretary Zainal Khan Laden and presided over by acting president Shahjahan, with several other federation leaders present.

Professor Dr. F.M. Siddiqui, head of the medical team of former BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, has demanded that all medical records related to her treatment at Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) be legally seized. He made the call on Friday afternoon at a citizens’ memorial meeting for the late former prime minister held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament building. Siddiqui also urged a thorough investigation into the doctors, treatment process, and related documents from that period.

He stated that Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27, 2021, with COVID-19 complications, after which his team took over her care. Upon examination, they found she had liver cirrhosis and had been prescribed methotrexate for arthritis, which he claimed worsened her liver condition. Siddiqui alleged that government-appointed doctors failed to stop the drug or conduct necessary liver tests, calling it deliberate negligence.

He further proposed forming a high-powered legal committee to investigate three issues: the competence of the government medical board, evidence of negligence by attending doctors, and why her personal physicians were not allowed to participate in her treatment.

Abdullah Al Jaber, member secretary of Inquilab Mancha, has given a one-week ultimatum for visible progress in the trial of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi’s murder. He made the announcement on Friday at a rally held at the base of the Raju Memorial Sculpture on the Dhaka University campus. Earlier, Inquilab Mancha organized a protest march after Friday prayers from the central mosque, which moved through key campus roads and Shahbagh before concluding at the rally site.

During his speech, Jaber criticized political parties for their silence on the demand for justice, urging them to raise their voices simultaneously from all 300 parliamentary constituencies. He warned that if no significant progress is made within a week, a nationwide movement would be launched. Jaber also invoked Hadi’s ideals, emphasizing fairness and the right to vote for all, calling on supporters to uphold his vision of justice in future leadership.

He expressed frustration at major political parties for avoiding street protests while posting emotional messages on social media, describing such actions as clear hypocrisy.

U.S. President Donald Trump will not change his stance on acquiring Greenland even after the formation of a European military mission on the island, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, she said European troop deployments would not affect Trump’s decision-making process. A meeting was held Wednesday between the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland and U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, where both sides agreed to form a working group for technical discussions on the issue.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen stated that while all parties agree on strengthening Arctic security, there are disagreements over methods, emphasizing that people are not commodities to be traded. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any U.S. attempt to forcibly take Greenland could threaten NATO’s existence. Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen viewed ongoing dialogue positively, calling diplomacy the right path forward.

Meanwhile, Denmark landed two military transport planes in Nuuk as part of the NATO “Arctic Endurance” exercise, with European allies deploying troops to Greenland. Trump reiterated that U.S. control of the island is vital for national security against potential Russian and Chinese threats.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh has announced that it will not join the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The declaration was made on Friday by the party’s senior joint secretary general and spokesperson Gazi Ataur Rahman at a press conference. He stated that the party’s candidates are actively campaigning in 268 constituencies and will not withdraw their nominations. The party will decide later whom to support in the remaining 32 constituencies after the nomination withdrawal process ends.

Gazi Ataur Rahman emphasized that ensuring everyone’s rights based on Islamic principles is possible and that party members consider politics for establishing Islam as a sacred act of worship. He added that the party remains optimistic about its mission. The announcement followed speculation over whether Islami Andolan would join the alliance, as the party did not attend an emergency meeting of the 11-party coalition held at Jamaat’s central office in Moghbazar on Thursday.

The press conference clarified Islami Andolan’s independent stance and ended the uncertainty surrounding its alliance position before the election.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman expressed deep sorrow and sympathy to the families of those killed in a fire in Dhaka’s Uttara area. On Friday afternoon, he visited Road 18 of Sector 11, where the incident occurred, prayed for the departed souls, and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. He met relatives of the six deceased from two families and offered condolences, praying for divine mercy and healing for the 13 people still hospitalized.

During his visit, Dr. Rahman emphasized the moral duty of standing beside affected families in times of crisis, offering emotional support and encouragement. He urged neighbors to provide comfort and solidarity to the grieving families. He also noted that while material loss cannot be fully compensated, survivors should be supported to recover and continue serving humanity.

In response to a question, Dr. Rahman said that if given the opportunity, he would work to include emergency safety education in the national curriculum and raise awareness about safety through media, mosques, NGOs, and social organizations.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh, led by the Pir of Charmonai, has announced its withdrawal from the 11-party electoral alliance that included Jamaat-e-Islami. The decision was declared on Friday afternoon at the party’s central office by Joint Secretary General and spokesperson Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman. He stated that the party would contest independently in 268 constituencies in the upcoming 13th national election, as two of its 270 nominations were rejected on appeal.

Rahman outlined four reasons for leaving the alliance, all centered on Jamaat-e-Islami’s actions. He criticized Jamaat’s leader for discussing an understanding with BNP’s Tarique Rahman without consulting allies, which raised doubts about the election’s integrity. He also cited ideological differences, saying Jamaat’s leadership had assured Christian representatives that they would not implement Sharia law if in power, which contradicted Islami Andolan’s goals.

The spokesperson emphasized that Islami Andolan practices politics as a form of worship and does not pursue power politics. The party aims to unite Islamist votes under one banner and continue its mission to establish an Islamic welfare state.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s senior joint secretary general Gazi Ataur Rahman announced that the party will seek to implement Islamic Sharia law if it wins the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. He made the statement on Friday during a press conference organized to discuss seat-sharing issues. Responding to journalists, Rahman said that establishing Sharia law would be their duty and that they would attempt it through lawful means if they gained the necessary strength.

Rahman also clarified the party’s stance on the constitution, stating that while citizens are obliged to follow existing laws, some provisions are oppressive and could be changed through proper procedures. He explained that Islami Andolan left the 11-party alliance due to disagreements over justice and fairness, emphasizing that their politics is based on Islamic ideology rather than pursuit of power. The party has submitted nominations in 270 constituencies, of which 268 remain valid, and all candidates have been instructed to contest independently.

Rahman further said that Jamaat-e-Islami’s separate understanding with the BNP created doubts about the alliance’s integrity, prompting Islami Andolan to protect its ideological goals independently.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that the government should not call for voting based on any special reason or promote any particular vote. He emphasized that the government’s responsibility is to encourage citizens to participate in elections and go to polling centers. He made these remarks on Friday afternoon while speaking to journalists after attending a children and youth gathering organized by the Maizbhandari Academy at Nasirabad Government Boys High School field in Chattogram.

Amir Khasru said that when government representatives talk about voting for special reasons, it creates suspicion among the public. He added that people are not taking positively the idea of highlighting one vote while ignoring another. According to him, the focus should be on the vote that can bring real change to the lives of ordinary people, which he described as the “real vote.”

The event was inaugurated by Chattogram City Mayor Shahadat Hossain, with Daily Azadi editor M A Malek as a special guest. Several other organizers and officials were also present at the gathering.