Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair has rejected allegations that his party engaged women in early election campaigning, calling the claims completely false. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday at the Election Training Institute in Agargaon, Dhaka, after symbol allocation for constituencies Dhaka-15 and Dhaka-13, he said all campaign materials were removed immediately after the election schedule was announced, without waiting for the Election Commission’s directive.

Zubair alleged that false propaganda was being spread to damage the unity of the ten-party alliance that includes Jamaat-e-Islami. He further claimed that a particular group had incited attacks on their female voters and expressed hope that such incidents would not recur. He also reported that party workers had been attacked in various areas and that the matter had been conveyed to the returning officer.

He emphasized that the upcoming national election is highly significant and that a concurrent referendum would give legal basis to long-standing reform processes. Zubair expressed hope for a fair, peaceful, and secure election.

The High Court has dismissed a writ petition filed by BNP candidate Manjurul Ahsan Munshi challenging the Election Commission’s decision regarding his nomination for the Comilla-4 constituency. The order was delivered on Wednesday afternoon by a bench led by Justice Rajik Al Jalil. Following the dismissal, lawyers confirmed that Munshi will not be able to contest in the election.

Earlier, on January 1, Munshi had filed the writ petition seeking to overturn the Election Commission’s decision that invalidated his nomination. The Election Commission had rejected his nomination appeal on January 17. The writ petition also sought a stay on the Commission’s January 17 decision.

During the hearing, Advocate Ahsanul Karim, Barrister Hamidul Misbah, and Advocate Saifullah Al Mamun represented Munshi, while Barrister Ehsan Abdullah Siddiqi, Advocate Zahirul Islam Musa, and Advocate Mujahidul Islam Shaheen appeared for Hasnat Abdullah.

Justice Farah Mahbub of the Supreme Court has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the Bangladesh Judicial Service Commission. The appointment was made through a government notification issued by the Ministry of Law on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, under the directive of the President.

Before this appointment, Justice Farah Mahbub was promoted to the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on March 24, 2025, and her appointment took effect after the oath-taking on March 25. She is the fifth woman to serve as a justice in the Appellate Division. Justice Mahbub began her legal career in 1992 at the district court level after completing her LLB and LLM from the University of Dhaka. She became an advocate of the High Court in 1994 and of the Appellate Division in 2002.

She was appointed as an additional judge of the High Court on August 23, 2004, and became a permanent judge in 2006. Justice Farah Mahbub is the daughter of former minister and prominent lawyer Advocate Mahbubur Rahman.

Election symbols have been distributed among 31 candidates contesting in five parliamentary constituencies of Jamalpur district. The allocation took place on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, under the supervision of Jamalpur Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Mohammad Yusuf Ali. Candidates and their representatives were present during the event. Following the withdrawal of three candidates on Tuesday, a total of 31 contenders, including independents and party nominees, will compete in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election.

In Jamalpur-1 (Dewanganj-Bakshiganj), four candidates received symbols, while Jamalpur-2 (Islampur) also has four contenders. Jamalpur-3 (Melandah-Madaripur) will see nine candidates, Jamalpur-4 (Sarishabari) six, and Jamalpur-5 (Sadar) eight. The candidates represent various political parties including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Jatiya Party, Communist Party of Bangladesh, and several others, along with independent candidates.

According to the report, campaigning for the 13th National Parliamentary Election in Jamalpur is set to begin from Thursday, following the symbol distribution.

A South Korean court has sentenced former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to 23 years in prison for assisting in the brief imposition of martial law. The Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Judge Lee Jin-kwan, found Han guilty of helping then-President Yoon Suk-yeol declare military rule in December 2024 and failing to convene a legitimate cabinet meeting. The 76-year-old former leader was ordered to be taken into custody immediately after the verdict.

Judge Lee stated that Han had shown extreme negligence in his duties as prime minister and that Yoon’s attempt to impose martial law aimed to undermine constitutional order, equating it to an act of rebellion. The judge warned that Han’s actions risked returning South Korea to a dark past when citizens’ basic rights and democratic systems were violated.

Han denied all charges, insisting that he never supported or assisted in the declaration of martial law.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly condemned an attack on its activists in Mirpur’s Pirerbag area of Dhaka. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar alleged that local BNP activists confined female Jamaat members during a meeting at a house near Alimuddin High School from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. When Jamaat and Shibir activists tried to rescue them, they were attacked, leaving at least 16 people injured. The victims were later rescued with the help of police and the army and are now receiving treatment in hospitals.

Porwar denounced the incident as a deliberate attempt to disrupt the election process and spread fear among voters. He demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible and urged the administration and Election Commission to ensure a level playing field before the election. He also called for strict measures to improve law and order and protect public safety.

The statement further claimed that in Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman’s constituency, Dhaka-15, organized efforts were being made to destabilize the situation and influence the election outcome.

Bobby Hajjaj and Maulana Mamunul Haque have officially received their election symbols for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for February 12. The allocation took place on Wednesday at the Election Training Institute (ETI) building in Agargaon, Dhaka, under the supervision of Returning Officer Md. Yunus Ali. Bobby Hajjaj, nominated by the BNP, received the 'sheaf of paddy' symbol, while Maulana Mamunul Haque, the Amir of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis and candidate from the Jamaat alliance, received the 'rickshaw' symbol.

On behalf of Bobby Hajjaj, his chief election assistant Kazi Md. Yusuf collected the symbol, and Mamunul Haque’s younger brother Mashrurul Haque collected his. The symbol distribution marks the formal start of campaign preparations in Dhaka-13, where both candidates will compete for parliamentary representation.

The event also included symbol allocations for Dhaka-15, conducted under the same returning officer, as part of the Election Commission’s preparations for the February 12 national polls.

BNP Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahadi Amin announced that the party will hold discussions with rebel candidates who remain in the electoral field despite the nomination withdrawal deadline having passed. Speaking at a press conference in Gulshan, Dhaka, on Wednesday, he said that if any candidate continues to defy party decisions after these talks, organizational measures will be taken against them under the party constitution.

Amin explained that after fifteen years of anti-fascist movements, many dedicated BNP leaders were unable to participate in elections, and the current polls have naturally created internal competition within the party. He emphasized that only one candidate can be nominated per constituency, and the leadership will engage in phased discussions with those still contesting independently.

He further stated that BNP expects all leaders and activists, including those from affiliated organizations, to work unitedly for the victory of the official “sheaf of paddy” candidates. Those who act outside party decisions or fail in their responsibilities will also face organizational consequences.

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman will begin his election campaign tour on Thursday, January 22, starting from Dhaka. He is scheduled to address a public rally in Mirpur-10 under the Dhaka-15 constituency in the afternoon. The campaign is part of the 10-party electoral alliance’s preparations for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, following the finalization of candidate lists and allocation of election symbols.

According to the party’s central publicity department, Dr. Rahman will continue his campaign in northern Bangladesh on January 23 and 24. He will attend rallies in Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, and Rangpur as the chief guest. On January 24, he will visit the grave of July uprising martyr Abu Sayeed at Begum Rokeya University and later address a rally in Palashbari, Gaibandha. Jamaat and its allied parties have undertaken extensive preparations for the campaign, with top leaders planning nationwide tours.

The alliance’s campaign will also include outreach in support of a referendum’s “Yes” side, with the participation of Islami Chhatra Shibir across the country.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has filed a petition with the Islamabad High Court seeking permission to meet imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi. The petition also requests the withdrawal of what it describes as Khan’s unlawful solitary confinement. The case was filed under Article 199 of the Constitution by a group of about 17 senators, including Barrister Syed Ali Zafar, naming the Punjab Home Department and the Adiala Jail Superintendent as respondents.

According to the petition, the continued solitary confinement and alleged inhumane treatment of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi are unconstitutional and amount to a violation of fundamental rights. PTI stated on social media that police used force to disperse its protest outside Adiala Jail and that several workers were arrested and injured during the operation. Barrister Zafar said the senators approached the court as part of their constitutional duty to uphold parliamentary oversight, human dignity, and the rule of law.

The petition highlights growing tensions between PTI and law enforcement following recent protests in Rawalpindi and may prompt judicial review of prison conditions for political detainees.

Independent candidate Dr. Tasnim Jara has received the football symbol to contest in the Dhaka-9 constituency. She collected the symbol on Wednesday afternoon from the Dhaka Divisional Office. Following the allocation, she expressed that residents of Khilgaon, Sabujbagh, and Mugda areas had been asking about her election symbol, and now they have a clear answer.

Dr. Jara stated that she will compete in the election under the football symbol and will begin her campaign the next day. She emphasized that her campaign will focus on transparency and accountability in politics, reflecting the kind of political culture she wishes to promote. She also requested prayers and good wishes from the public.

The announcement marks the start of her formal campaign activities in Dhaka-9, where she aims to engage voters through her independent platform centered on clean and responsible politics.

Barrister Rumin Farhana, a rebel candidate from the BNP, has been allotted the 'Duck' election symbol to contest the Brahmanbaria–2 (Sarail–Ashuganj) constituency. The district commissioner and returning officer handed her the allocation letter on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. She is running against BNP-supported Jamiat candidate Junaid Al Habib.

After receiving the symbol, Rumin Farhana said she deeply values her voters and supporters, crediting them for her political journey. She mentioned that children in her constituency affectionately call her the 'Duck' candidate, describing the symbol as belonging not only to her but also to her voters. Referring to a past incident of her pet duck being stolen, she warned that any attempt to misuse her election symbol would face legal action.

Rumin Farhana emphasized that she represents the ordinary people of Brahmanbaria–2 and pledged to work for the area’s development according to the wishes of her voters if elected.

A Dhaka court has scheduled February 9 for further hearings on the formation of sedition charges against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 285 others. The case was filed over allegations that participants in a December 19, 2024, online meeting of the 'Joy Bangla Brigade' conspired to overthrow the interim government and engage in anti-state activities. The hearing took place on January 21, 2026, before Dhaka’s Special Judge Court No. 9, presided over by Judge Md. Abdus Salam. Prosecutors argued for framing charges, while defense lawyers for several detained accused sought exemption.

According to the case documents, 259 of the 286 accused are fugitives, while 27, including former MP Sabina Akter Tuhin, are in custody. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) filed the case on March 27, 2025, after obtaining approval from the Home Ministry, and later submitted a charge sheet on August 14, 2025. The allegations stem from a virtual meeting where participants reportedly pledged to restore Hasina to power through armed conflict.

The upcoming February hearing will determine whether the court proceeds with the formal framing of charges against all accused individuals.

Brahmanbaria’s Sarail upazila has completed extensive preparations to welcome BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman, who is scheduled to address a public rally at Kuttapara playground on Thursday, January 22, 2026. This will be his first rally in the district since becoming party chief, and local BNP leaders expect a large turnout. The event follows his visit to Sylhet, where he will begin the party’s campaign for the 13th national election.

District and upazila BNP units have built a large stage, installed modern sound systems, lighting, and CCTV cameras, and decorated the area with banners and festoons. Senior BNP leaders, including district president Khaled Hossain Mahbub and alliance candidate Maulana Junayed Al Habib, have repeatedly inspected the venue. Law enforcement officials, led by the district police superintendent, are overseeing security arrangements.

Local leaders anticipate that between five and six lakh people may attend the rally. BNP representatives described the event as a historic moment for Brahmanbaria politics and expect it to influence the upcoming national election.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is set to visit Sylhet tonight, marking his first trip there in two decades. He will depart for Sylhet by air around 8:15 p.m. on Wednesday and begin his election campaign on Thursday morning. At 11:30 a.m., he is scheduled to address a public rally at the historic Government Alia Madrasa field in Sylhet city. Later in the day, he will attend a series of election rallies in Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Brahmanbaria, Kishoreganj, Narsingdi, and Narayanganj before returning to Dhaka at 10 p.m.

Before joining the rallies, Tarique Rahman will visit the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (R.) and Hazrat Shah Paran (R.) in Sylhet. The BNP is beginning its formal campaign for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election from Sylhet, following its long-standing tradition. The city has taken on a festive atmosphere ahead of his arrival, with streets decorated with banners, festoons, and arches.

The visit signifies the official start of BNP’s nationwide election campaign, with Sylhet serving as the symbolic launch point for the party’s political activities.