The Election Commission of Bangladesh announced that nearly 56,000 domestic and foreign observers will monitor the upcoming national parliamentary election and referendum. According to the commission’s approval, the observers will be present at polling centers on election day to oversee field-level activities. Md. Asadul Haque, Assistant Director of the EC’s Public Relations Department, stated that 55,454 observers from 81 domestic organizations and around 500 international observers will participate. Voting will take place continuously from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on February 12, when voters will cast their ballots for both the parliamentary election and the referendum.

The commission said both local and international observers will closely monitor the voting environment, law and order situation, and voter participation. EC officials noted that the presence of observers will help ensure transparency and credibility in the election process. Observers will prepare reports on conditions inside and outside polling centers and submit them to the commission afterward.

According to the Election Commission, the inclusion of foreign representatives is expected to enhance international confidence in Bangladesh’s electoral process.

The government of Bangladesh has issued a new policy outlining the conditions, duration, and authority for granting parole to prisoners. The policy, released by the Security Services Division’s Prison-2 branch of the Ministry of Home Affairs, was announced on Monday by Assistant Inspector General (Development) Md. Jannat-ul Forhad through a press release. It specifies that prisoners, including VIPs and other categories, may be granted temporary parole in cases such as the death of close relatives or under special government or court orders.

According to the policy, parole duration cannot exceed 12 hours, though the government retains the right to extend or reduce it in special cases. Prisoners released on parole must remain under constant police supervision. The district magistrate will serve as the approving authority for parole within their jurisdiction, taking into account factors such as distance, security, and accessibility. The policy also cancels previous parole regulations issued in 2007 and 2010.

Authorities have been instructed to implement the new policy accordingly, ensuring compliance with the updated procedures for temporary prisoner release.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to Delhi after causing devastation to the country. He made the remarks on Monday afternoon while conducting election campaigning in his Thakurgaon-1 constituency. Fakhrul accused the ruling government of abandoning not only its own party members but also the entire democratic process.

According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Fakhrul urged members of the Hindu community to remain courageous and assured them of BNP’s support in any difficulties. He encouraged them to vote freely for any candidate of their choice and promised that his party would stand by them if anyone tried to obstruct their voting rights. He also called on people to stay alert against attempts to create division among communities.

Fakhrul further appealed to voters to reject those who had supported Pakistan in 1971 and to vote for the BNP’s “sheaf of paddy” symbol in support of democracy and the nation.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and candidate for Dhaka-11, has pledged to realize the aspirations of expatriate voters who supported the cause of good governance and national sovereignty. He made this commitment in a video message posted on his verified Facebook page on Monday.

In the video caption, Nahid expressed hope that the ballot papers of expatriate voters would reach the Election Commission before the 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for January 12. He also extended gratitude to expatriates for their active participation in both the national election and the referendum, acknowledging their contribution to the democratic process.

The statement underscores the NCP candidate’s emphasis on engaging overseas Bangladeshis in national governance and ensuring their votes are properly counted ahead of the election.

In Chattogram-8 constituency, a ten-party alliance has officially nominated Zobairul Hasan Arif of the National Citizen Party (NCP) as its candidate. However, during a campaign event in Boalkhali’s Phultala on Monday, discontent surfaced among locals, particularly from Ruby Akter, mother of July uprising martyr Omar Bin Nurul Absar. She questioned the nomination of a non-local candidate, saying that local voters prefer someone from their own area.

Ruby Akter emphasized that local votes make up the majority in the constituency and expressed concern that the alliance’s decision could harm local representation. She argued that while the alliance’s vote share might be around 20 percent, local votes account for 80 percent, and the nominated candidate is unfamiliar to residents. NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan and candidate Arif tried to reassure her, but she suggested keeping the seat open for both NCP and Jamaat’s candidate Dr. Abu Naser.

The incident highlights growing unease within the alliance as local loyalties and personal networks appear to challenge the coalition’s formal decision.

At least 40 people, including 15 journalists, were injured during a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) rally in Feni on Sunday night, where party chairman Tarique Rahman delivered his second speech in the district. The event, held at Feni Government Pilot High School field, descended into chaos as crowds broke through security barriers, forcing Rahman to cut his speech short. Security forces including BGB, police, and CSF escorted him to safety after disorder spread near the stage.

The rally faced multiple disruptions, including breaches of protocol, poor sound management, and allegations of mismanagement. The event’s management contract was reportedly given to an associate of a local Awami League leader, prompting suspicions of sabotage among BNP supporters. Despite the injuries, no senior BNP leader was seen visiting the wounded, and several attendees reported thefts during the commotion.

Feni Television Journalists Club president Atiar Sajal condemned the attacks on journalists and demanded action against those responsible. Local BNP leaders later attributed the disorder to emotional supporters and the large turnout, acknowledging the incidents as regrettable.

The US Embassy in Dhaka has provided a detailed explanation of how the new 'Visa Bond Pilot Program' will operate. The clarification was shared on the embassy’s verified Facebook page on Monday, outlining the steps of the initiative. Under this program, certain foreign nationals may be required to deposit a financial bond before receiving a temporary visa to ensure compliance with visa conditions, particularly the duration of stay.

According to the information, the program includes conditions such as not working in the United States and returning home within the permitted period. On January 7, the US Department of State announced the suspension of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries, including Bangladesh, and added Bangladesh to the list of countries under the visa bond pilot program. As a result, Bangladeshi travelers may need to deposit between 5,000 and 15,000 US dollars as a bond.

The US side stated that the main objective of the pilot program is to discourage visa overstays, targeting countries with higher rates of travelers who fail to return after their authorized stay.

Interim government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has instructed the armed forces to perform their duties with professionalism during the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The directive was given on Monday at the Helmet Auditorium of the Army Headquarters during a meeting with senior military officials ahead of the 2026 national election and referendum.

Upon arrival, Dr. Yunus was received by the chiefs of the army, navy, and air force, along with the principal staff officer of the Armed Forces Division. In his remarks, he acknowledged the armed forces’ historic and responsible role in national service and expressed gratitude for their patience and professionalism in maintaining law and order over the years.

The meeting discussed key election-related and contemporary issues. Dr. Yunus emphasized that the armed forces must ensure a participatory, fear-free, and fair election through professionalism, neutrality, and inter-institutional coordination. Senior officers from all three branches of the military, invited guests, and media representatives attended the session.

A court in Kurigram has summoned two leaders of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) for allegedly violating the election code of conduct by involving schoolchildren in political campaigning. The incident occurred at Purba Dhaldanga Government Primary School in Shilkhuri Union of Bhurungamari upazila, where a video circulated on social media showed children chanting slogans in favor of the paddy sheaf symbol. The Election Inquiry and Judicial Committee for Constituency-25, Kurigram-1, issued notices signed by Civil Judge Muhammad Ayaz, directing the accused to appear before the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court on January 27 to explain their actions.

The notice was issued to Upazila JCD vice-president Mokaddes Ali and Shilkhuri Union JCD senior vice-president Md. Shahjahan. Following the video’s spread and public reaction, Bhurungamari police confirmed that summonses were being delivered to the accused. The incident, which took place on January 22, drew widespread criticism from parents and local residents.

In response, the Upazila JCD leadership removed Mokaddes Hossain from his role in the election management committee and asked him to explain his conduct within 48 hours.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has said that his party will prioritize the rule of law and adopt a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, land grabbing, and violence if it forms the next government. Speaking early Monday at a BNP election rally in Kanchpur Balur Math, Sonargaon, Narayanganj, he pledged to ensure justice for all crimes under existing laws and to bring major reforms in development, agriculture, and employment sectors.

Rahman described corruption and drugs as the main enemies of society, vowing to curb the spread of narcotics in Narayanganj and surrounding areas. He outlined plans to reduce youth unemployment through language education and modern technical training to prepare young people for jobs at home and abroad. He also promised special training and income opportunities for imams, khatibs, and madrasa teachers.

For the agricultural sector, Rahman announced the revival of the canal excavation program introduced during the tenure of late President Ziaur Rahman to restore water bodies and improve irrigation. He further assured the repair of damaged roads and educational institutions across the country.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called on voters to reject those who betrayed the nation during the 1971 Liberation War and to vote for the BNP’s paddy-sheaf symbol in support of democracy. He made the remarks on Monday afternoon during two separate campaign meetings at Paikpara and Purba Begunbari BT School grounds in Begunbari Union of Thakurgaon-1 constituency.

During his speeches, Mirza Fakhrul said that if BNP comes to power, it will ensure merit-based recruitment without bribery, unlike previous authoritarian governments. He emphasized that the votes given to BNP are a sacred trust from the people, which the party pledges to protect. He also alleged that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had fled to Delhi, leaving behind her party and the democratic process in crisis.

Addressing the Hindu community, Fakhrul urged them to remain courageous and assured that BNP would stand by them if anyone tried to obstruct their right to vote. Local BNP leaders, including Abdul Hamid and Obaidullah Masud, were present at the events.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has stated that only Bengali-speaking Muslim migrants are being evicted from the state. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, he said that any Muslim migrant living in the hills around Guwahati would receive an eviction notice. According to The Hindu, Sarma emphasized that the evictions target only those referred to locally as 'Miyas', a term often used pejoratively for Bengali-speaking Muslims.

Sarma accused sections of the media of spreading rumors about possible evictions in the Guwahati hills. He said that no eviction would take place until the election, and residents would then realize that the media had unnecessarily alarmed them. The Chief Minister added that the government is working to grant land rights to hill residents but maintained that Muslim migrants in those areas would still face eviction notices.

He also accused the Congress party of appeasing Muslim voters, claiming that out of 750 applications for party tickets, 600 were from 'Miyas' and only 120 to 130 from Hindus.

A Dhaka court has issued arrest warrants against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 40 others in connection with two separate murder cases filed at Mohammadpur Police Station. The order was given on Monday by Metropolitan Magistrate Jamshed Alam after the court accepted charge sheets against 64 accused in the killings of truck driver Md. Hossain and CNG driver Sabuj during the July 2024 movement. Prosecutor Harun-or-Rashid confirmed the court’s decision.

According to case details, Hossain was shot dead on July 19, 2024, during protests in Mohammadpur, and his mother filed a case naming Hasina and 15 others. Police later charged 34 people, including Hasina, with 20 still absconding. In the Sabuj murder case, filed on September 1, 2024, after he was shot on August 4, investigators later included Hasina and 29 others in the charge sheet, with 21 fugitives. Among the accused are former ministers Obaidul Quader, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Hasan Mahmud, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, and others.

The court’s order marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings related to the July 2024 movement violence.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUSU) member Sarmitra Chakma announced his resignation on Monday, January 26, 2026, through a Facebook post. He stated that he had been elected by students with high expectations and had worked to improve campus safety, including proposals to regulate vehicles and introduce registered rickshaws. He cited security issues at the university’s central field, where incidents of harassment and theft had occurred, as part of his motivation for strict measures.

Chakma explained that his controversial action—making teenagers perform squats while holding their ears—occurred last month amid rising theft and mugging incidents. He admitted his approach was wrong but said he acted out of concern for campus safety amid administrative inaction. He added that enforcing security sometimes required actions beyond legal limits, which had affected his mental state and led to his decision to step down.

A video showing the incident spread widely on social media, sparking public criticism and discussions about his conduct. Many users expressed anger and disapproval after the footage went viral.

A preparatory meeting was held on Monday, January 26, 2026, at the Baliadi Zamindar Bari in Kaliakair upazila to ensure the success of BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman’s upcoming rally in Gazipur scheduled for Tuesday. The meeting was presided over by Mahmud Sarkar, convener of Kaliakair Municipality BNP, with Md. Nurul Islam Sikder, convener of Kaliakair Upazila BNP, serving as the chief speaker.

The session was conducted by Upazila BNP member secretary M. Anwar Hossain. Speakers emphasized the need to make the Gazipur rally a complete success under the direction of Barrister Ishraq Ahmed Siddiqui, member secretary of the district BNP. They highlighted the importance of strengthening organizational readiness, increasing public engagement, and ensuring active and united participation of party leaders and activists.

The meeting reflected the local BNP’s focus on mobilizing support and coordination ahead of the major political gathering in Gazipur.