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.

Barrister Rumin Farhana, an independent candidate from Brahmanbaria-2 constituency, has lodged serious allegations against the administration and police ahead of the upcoming national election. On Thursday, she submitted a written response to the Election Commission in Dhaka and spoke to journalists, claiming that her campaign workers were attacked, beaten, and their homes set on fire, yet no cases had been filed.

Farhana stated that she was forced to leave her constituency and come to Dhaka because she felt the authorities were not maintaining neutrality. She warned that if the administration failed to remain impartial, the situation could resemble previous controversial elections. In addition to notifying the Election Commission, she said she would meet with European Union observers to present her concerns.

Despite the alleged attacks, Farhana affirmed that she would not withdraw from the race and would continue campaigning until the end. She called on all political parties to ensure a fair election and vowed to resist any attempt to manipulate the process.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam announced that eliminating mafia-led extortion networks across Dhaka-8 is the first agenda of the party’s candidate, Nasiruddin Patwari. He made the statement on Thursday during an election campaign event in front of the National Press Club. Nahid Islam also said that ensuring justice for the killing of Shaheed Osman Hadi, which occurred in the same constituency, is another major priority for Nasiruddin.

The NCP leader stated that Bangladesh is holding a national election after 16 years, during which citizens were deprived of their voting rights. He emphasized that nearly one thousand martyrs sacrificed their lives to restore this right, and urged voters to support reform by voting “yes” in the upcoming election. The NCP is participating nationwide as part of a ten-party electoral alliance, fielding 30 candidates under the “Shapla Kali” symbol.

Nasiruddin Patwari urged all political parties to honor the martyrs by supporting the “yes” vote and vowed to build a new Bangladesh free from impunity, corruption, and extortion, ensuring safety for all citizens and businesses.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has revealed that two candidates in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election still hold British citizenship despite 21 others declaring the renunciation of their foreign nationality. The anti-corruption watchdog stated that the names of the two candidates were not disclosed but would be reported to the relevant authorities. TIB also found that one candidate failed to declare a property worth £1.4 million in the UK, purchased in 2013 under the name of a declared dependent.

At a press conference held at TIB’s headquarters in Dhanmondi, Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said that many affidavits submitted by candidates lacked transparency. He noted that 21 candidates earn income from foreign sources, 25 have movable assets or investments abroad, and 17 declared ownership of immovable property outside Bangladesh. TIB’s data shows that 87 percent of candidates are party-nominated, 13 percent are independent, and 48 percent are businessmen.

The organization highlighted that the intertwining of money, business, and religion in politics has created a hostage-like situation, undermining healthy political practices.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman, speaking at an election rally in Moulvibazar on Thursday, called on the interim government’s head and advisers to increase the protocol and security for certain unnamed political figures. Without mentioning any party by name, he said that if they required protocol, it should be made three times higher than what BNP receives. He argued that these individuals were misleading the public, and as people were becoming aware of it, there was a risk of public anger against them.

Rahman stated that his appeal was made on behalf of BNP and millions of supporters to ensure safety and avoid any untoward incidents. He recalled the role of some groups during the 1971 Liberation War, saying that people were now re-examining their actions from that period. He emphasized that history could not be erased and that the public had already seen their stance against the country.

He reiterated that as these individuals sought government protection, the interim administration should provide them with triple the protocol and security currently afforded to BNP leaders.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has announced that national identity card (NID) correction services will resume across the country from January 25. The Director General of the National Identity Registration Wing, A S M Humayun Kabir, confirmed the decision on Thursday, January 22, stating that citizens will again be able to correct all information on their NIDs starting Sunday.

According to EC sources, the correction process had been temporarily suspended since November 24 to facilitate the updating of the voter list ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and a planned referendum. During that period, limited correction services were available only for urgent cases through special applications.

Officials said that with the voter list preparation now completed, full correction services are being reopened for the general public. Citizens waiting to update their names, addresses, or other details on their NIDs can now submit regular applications from January 25.