Islami Andolan Bangladesh has blamed Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami for the failure to implement the 'One Box Policy', accusing it of political ambition and monopolistic behavior. The announcement came during a press conference held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Comilla Press Club, organized by the party’s district election management committee. The party also declared its decision to contest in 11 parliamentary constituencies in Comilla.

In a written statement, Islami Andolan leaders said the 'One Box Policy' was designed to unite Islamist forces for the welfare of Islam, the nation, and humanity, but the initiative faltered due to Jamaat’s unilateral conditions and dominance in seat-sharing discussions. They alleged that Jamaat prioritized its own interests, sidelined other Islamist groups, and engaged in secret deals with other parties, including BNP and NCP, while spreading propaganda against Islami Andolan.

The party reiterated its commitment to unity based on mutual respect and procedural fairness, rejecting any attempt to monopolize Islamic politics. It emphasized that its political activities would continue for the welfare of Islam, the country, and humanity.

Four supporters of independent candidate Kamruzzaman Bhuiyan were injured in an attack allegedly carried out by supporters of BNP candidate Dr. K.M. Babor in Gopalganj-2 constituency. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon in Ulpur of Gopalganj Sadar upazila during leaflet distribution. Police said Kamruzzaman’s team of ten workers, including Minarul Shikder, arrived in Rautkhamar village to distribute campaign leaflets when they were confronted by 10–15 BNP supporters led by Antar Molla.

According to police inspector Molla Afzal Hossain of Boultoli outpost, the BNP supporters obstructed the independent candidate’s campaign and assaulted his workers following a verbal altercation. The injured supporters took shelter in a local shop at Ulpur Bazar but were attacked again. Police later reached the scene and brought the situation under control.

Gopalganj District Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Md. Arif-uz-Zaman said the incident constitutes a violation of the electoral code of conduct and that further action will be taken after investigation.

Jhenaidah district BNP has declared Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Mufti Amir Hamza unwelcome in the district. The announcement was made by district BNP organizing secretary Sajedur Rahman Pappu through a social media post on January 17, 2026. Pappu stated that Hamza would remain unwelcome in Jhenaidah until he withdraws his controversial remarks about the late Arafat Rahman Koko. The post quickly went viral, drawing supportive comments from BNP leaders and activists.

Pappu explained that Arafat Rahman Koko was the son of late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, and that making distorted or indecent comments about a deceased person was against Islamic values. He added that Hamza would not be allowed to enter Jhenaidah until he retracts his statement. Amir Hamza, who frequently speaks at religious gatherings across six upazilas of Jhenaidah, responded by saying the speech in question was from 2023 and expressed regret in a Facebook video message.

The dispute has drawn attention in local political circles, particularly as Hamza is contesting from Kushtia-3 constituency under Jamaat-e-Islami.

The Election Commission on Saturday canceled the nomination of BNP candidate Monjurul Ahsan Munshi for the Comilla-4 (Debidwar) constituency ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The decision was announced after a hearing held at the Election Commission building in Agargaon, Dhaka. The seat also features National Citizen Party (NCP) candidate Hasnat Abdullah, who is contesting from a 10-party alliance.

Following the cancellation, Monjurul Ahsan Munshi shared a statement on Facebook urging supporters not to lose hope, describing the decision as part of an ongoing legal process. He stated that the Election Commission’s decision was not final and that the matter was under consideration by the High Court. Munshi expressed confidence that justice would prevail and his nomination would be reinstated.

He called for patience and unity among his supporters, emphasizing that they would continue their efforts through legal means and that truth and justice would ultimately triumph.

Local Government Ministry adviser Adilur Rahman Khan stated that no one can breach Bangladesh’s border if the country’s security guards remain vigilant. He made the remark on Saturday after inspecting the ongoing ‘Rainwater Reservoir’ project at Anjumanpara in Palongkhali Union of Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar. The project aims to address the long-standing safe water crisis in Ukhiya and Teknaf.

According to the adviser, groundwater levels in the region have been falling while salinity has increased, creating a severe shortage of safe water. The rainwater reservoir project is designed to provide a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution by collecting rainwater during the monsoon season, storing it in specially built reservoirs, and purifying it for year-round use by local residents. This initiative is expected to ensure easier access to safe water and reduce dependence on groundwater.

Adilur Rahman Khan noted that two to three phases of the project have already been completed and expressed satisfaction with the progress. He instructed relevant departments to maintain quality and complete the project within the scheduled time.

Badiul Alam Majumdar, Secretary of Citizens for Good Governance (Sujon), stated that the current interim government, formed after a mass uprising, can legitimately campaign for a 'Yes' vote in the upcoming national referendum. Speaking on January 17, 2026, at a divisional dialogue in Rangpur titled 'Post-Uprising Aspirations, Reforms and Election Manifesto', he explained that the government has established 11 reform commissions and is committed to implementing those reforms.

Majumdar clarified that this government is not a caretaker administration, which would have been bound by law to remain neutral and temporary. Instead, it came to power with mandates for election, reform, and justice. He emphasized that constitutional amendments alone cannot ensure freedom from authoritarianism without democratic values and political culture. He expressed hope that the national election scheduled for February 12 would be fair and impartial, urging political parties and the Election Commission to act responsibly.

He further called for institutional reforms, strengthening of the Election Commission, and a neutral election-time government to ensure a level playing field and sustainable democratic transition.

Independent candidate Rumyn Farhana has been accused of behaving discourteously with an executive magistrate during her election campaign in Brahmanbaria’s Sarail upazila. The incident occurred on Saturday at Islamabadh village in Noagaon Union, where a mobile court subsequently halted her campaign activities. According to local sources, the magistrate arrived at the site during a courtyard meeting, leading to a verbal altercation between the two.

Sarail Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Executive Magistrate told the daily Amar Desh that on January 17, Rumyn Farhana conducted campaign activities in violation of Section 18 of the Election Code of Conduct 2025. As a result, the gathering was immediately dispersed. The mobile court, led by Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate Shahriya Hasan Khan from the Brahmanbaria District Commissioner’s Office, also fined a man named Jewel Tk 40,000 in connection with the incident.

The magistrate’s action effectively suspended Rumyn Farhana’s campaign in the area pending further review of the alleged code violation.

Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman stated that failure in the cultural struggle would ensure political defeat, emphasizing the link between cultural and political battles in Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Saturday during a greeting exchange marking the anniversary of the Daily Sangram newspaper. Rahman said newspapers like Daily Sangram, Amar Desh, and Naya Diganta fight for Bangladeshi culture, while others support foreign influences. He expressed hope that the upcoming democratic government after the February 12 general election would maintain the current environment of press freedom.

Recalling the closure of Amar Desh in 2013, Rahman said the paper was then printed at Sangram’s press, leading to police raids and legal cases against his elderly mother and Sangram’s then editor. He praised Sangram’s continued support, including during the post-July revolution period when Amar Desh resumed publication. Rahman reaffirmed his commitment to independent journalism and maintaining solidarity with Sangram.

The event was attended by leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami and senior journalists from both newspapers, highlighting their longstanding professional relationship.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly condemned and expressed deep concern over an armed attack on Hasnat Abdullah, a veteran injured in the July uprising and officially recognized as a hero. The incident occurred late on January 16 in Chandanaish, Chattogram, where Abdullah and another youth named Mainuddin were reportedly assaulted with sticks and knives by unidentified assailants, leaving them seriously injured. The party’s Assistant Secretary General and head of its publicity and media division, Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Jubayer, issued the statement on Saturday.

In the statement, Jubayer described the attack as a grave threat to democratic values and justice, emphasizing that targeting individuals who contributed to movements for democracy and voting rights signals a dangerous trend. He warned that political violence under the pretext of differing opinions is unacceptable and could harm the country’s electoral environment and stability if perpetrators are not brought to justice.

Jubayer called for a fair and transparent investigation, exemplary punishment for those responsible, and effective measures to prevent similar attacks in the future. He also urged the government to ensure the safety of all recognized veterans of the July uprising.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has declared that individuals with loan defaults or dual citizenship will not be allowed to contest or vote in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The announcement was made by Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, the party’s spokesperson and chairman of its election management committee, during an emergency press conference held on Saturday evening at the party’s temporary central office.

The press conference was organized to address issues related to election appeals and overall election matters. Bhuiyan stated that the NCP would continue its legal and political struggle against such candidates, emphasizing that the party would resist them both through legal means and on the ground if necessary.

The NCP’s stance underscores its commitment to ensuring that only eligible candidates participate in the election process, reflecting the party’s broader focus on electoral integrity and accountability.

Dr. Ali Riaz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, stated that there is no legal restriction preventing civil servants from campaigning for a 'Yes' vote in the upcoming national referendum. Speaking on Saturday at a meeting of Dhaka divisional administrators at the BIAM Foundation auditorium, he emphasized that the referendum is not about bringing any political party to power but about implementing state reforms based on the July National Charter. He described the referendum as a process to seek public consent on the future direction of Bangladesh.

Riaz said that constitutional experts, former judges, and legal professionals unanimously agreed that no law prohibits civil servants from supporting the 'Yes' campaign. He argued that claims of such restrictions are misleading. He also highlighted the responsibilities of public employees as both officials and citizens, citing constitutional duties to serve the people and uphold discipline. The meeting, chaired by Dhaka Divisional Commissioner Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, was attended by senior officials, including Monir Haider, who said the referendum would decide whether citizens support the July uprising.

Speakers noted that many voters are unfamiliar with referendums and stressed the need to educate the public on how to vote and the meaning of 'Yes' or 'No' choices.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cook met with BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at around 6 p.m. The meeting took place at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, Dhaka. Senior BNP leaders including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, and Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir, who also serves on the party’s Foreign Affairs Advisory Committee, were present during the meeting.

Earlier the same day, ambassadors of Nepal and Bhutan to Bangladesh paid a courtesy call on Tarique Rahman. The report did not provide details about the topics discussed or outcomes of the meetings.

The series of diplomatic meetings at the BNP Chairperson’s office highlights ongoing engagements between foreign envoys and the opposition party leadership in Dhaka, though the specific agendas remain undisclosed.

Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, Secretary of Citizens for Good Governance (SUJAN), admitted his mistake and withdrew his comment after calling journalists 'pet dogs of political parties or individuals' during a meeting in Palashbari, Gaibandha. The incident occurred on Friday evening at the Hasan Azizur Rahman Auditorium of the Bishwasahitya Kendra, where he was addressing a gathering of local citizens.

Following strong protests and pressure from local journalists, Majumdar acknowledged that his remarks were wrong and retracted them. During the same event, he also criticized the abolition of the caretaker government system through constitutional amendment and alleged that Sheikh Hasina sought to remain in power for life out of vindictiveness. He further stated that the 1991 election was the best in Bangladesh’s history.

Majumdar was accompanied by several SUJAN officials, including regional coordinator Jayanta Kar, district facilitator Atik Suman, manager Meherun Nesa, and local leaders from Palashbari. The meeting was attended by local dignitaries and SUJAN members.

Ugandan opposition presidential candidate Bobi Wine was allegedly taken from his home by the army in a helicopter, according to his party, the National Unity Platform (NUP). The party stated that his current whereabouts remain unknown. The information was shared on social media on Friday, January 16, a day after the country held its presidential election. Internet disruptions following the vote have made it difficult to verify details or obtain reliable updates.

The Ugandan government has not yet issued any official response regarding the allegations. Bobi Wine, a former pop star, is considered the country’s most prominent opposition leader and ran against long-time President Yoweri Museveni in the recent election. An Al Jazeera report cited an NUP official confirming that military and security agents entered Wine’s home, though it remains unconfirmed whether he was taken by helicopter.

After voting concluded, Bobi Wine posted on social media alleging that the number of votes counted exceeded the number of registered voters and urged citizens to remain alert.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi intensified the political atmosphere in West Bengal by calling for the removal of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress government. Speaking at a rally in Malda on Saturday, Modi labeled the state government as an ‘enemy of the people’ and accused Trinamool leaders of embezzling central funds meant for the poor. He declared that the time had come to end what he described as a cruel administration and establish good governance in Bengal.

Modi told the crowd that his call for change should be met with their demand for a BJP government, a slogan that drew loud support from attendees. He linked the goal of making India a developed nation by 2047 to the need for good governance in Bengal, citing Bihar, Odisha, and Tripura as examples of states where the BJP had gained strong support. Referring to recent municipal election results in Maharashtra and Kerala, he said these showed growing trust in the BJP’s development model among younger generations.

Modi also accused the Trinamool government of turning illegal immigrants into voters and pledged strict action against them if the BJP came to power in the state.