Pakistan’s jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan has reportedly been denied meetings with visitors for over five weeks, according to his party. His family claims the restriction aims to block his messages from reaching the public and blames military chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, though the government denies this. Officials say Khan violated prison rules by discussing politics, while rights groups warn that dissent is being increasingly suppressed.

The report highlights a broader pattern of crackdowns on journalists, lawyers, and activists. Human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband were sentenced to ten years in prison for sharing alleged anti-state posts, prompting Amnesty International to urge Pakistan to halt its repression of dissent. Media workers describe growing censorship, self-censorship, and financial pressure on outlets like Dawn, while new laws under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act have tightened restrictions on criticism of state institutions.

Analysts and rights advocates say the military’s influence over politics and media has deepened, pushing Pakistan closer to authoritarian rule. The government and military, however, insist their actions remain within legal bounds and necessary for national security.

At least ten people were injured in a clash between activists of the BNP and NCP during the inauguration of the ‘Mahananda’ ferry service at Nolchira–Chairman Ghat in Hatiya, Noakhali, on Friday afternoon. The conflict began after both groups started chanting separate slogans claiming credit for the ferry’s launch. The situation escalated into chasing, stone-throwing, and physical altercations, causing panic among thousands of attendees. Injured individuals, including a Coast Guard driver, were treated at the Upazila Health Complex and local clinics. Naval and police personnel quickly brought the situation under control, though tension remained in the area.

The ferry service was officially inaugurated by Dr. Nurunnahar Chowdhury, Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping, in the presence of BIWTC Chairman Arif Ahmed Mostafa and representatives of local organizations. Residents said the new service would significantly improve connectivity for the island’s population, facilitating transport of passengers and goods and boosting trade and tourism.

Local leaders described the ferry as a milestone for Hatiya, warning that political rivalry could undermine this achievement. The ferry has a capacity of about 250 tons and will operate in line with tidal conditions.

In Madaripur-1 (Shibchar) constituency, several Awami League leaders have been seen openly supporting independent candidate Kamal Zaman Molla, who was expelled from the BNP for contesting the upcoming national election against party directives. Their participation in his campaign events, despite a ban on such activities, has sparked widespread discussion and concern among locals. Reports indicate that some of these leaders, including former upazila chairman Abdul Latif Molla and municipal Awami League president Tofazzal Hossain, face multiple criminal cases.

Kamal Zaman Molla, formerly a member of the Shibchar BNP convening committee, was expelled on January 21 through a press release signed by the BNP joint secretary general. Since then, Awami League figures at various levels have intensified their visible support for him. A recent courtyard meeting at Abdul Latif Molla’s residence, later circulated on social media, further fueled debate.

Local BNP leaders have questioned how individuals facing criminal charges can campaign publicly, while police officials described campaign choices as personal matters. Political analysts suggested that such activities could alter local electoral dynamics, prompting curiosity about the Election Commission’s response.

A BNP leader named Milon Mia was arrested early Friday during a joint forces operation in the Balashighat area of Konchipara Union under Fulchhari upazila in Gaibandha. According to police sources, the operation was conducted based on secret information, and several homemade weapons were seized from his residence.

Fulchhari Police Station Officer-in-Charge Durul Huda confirmed that legal action has been taken against the detainee and that he was sent to court on Friday. The arrest followed a coordinated raid by the joint forces aimed at recovering illegal arms in the area.

The report did not specify further details about the charges or the broader context of the operation beyond the immediate arrest and seizure.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s central secretary, Professor Mia Golam Porwar, stated that none of the political parties that governed the country over the past 54 years can claim to be free from corruption. He made the remarks on Friday, January 30, 2026, while addressing an election rally at Maulagang Bazar field in Bancharampur, Brahmanbaria. The event was presided over by Upazila Jamaat president Kazi Abul Bashar and conducted by Upazila secretary Shamim Nur Islam.

Jamaat’s nominated parliamentary candidate for Brahmanbaria-6 (Bancharampur), Md. Mohsin Mia, spoke as the chief speaker, pledging that if Jamaat forms the government, a 25-kilometer marine drive from Ulukandi to South Baherchar will be built to boost the region’s economy. Other central and local Jamaat leaders, including freedom fighter Abdus Sattar and former Islami Chhatra Shibir president Zahidul Islam, also addressed the gathering.

Speakers urged voters to support the party’s scale symbol in the upcoming national election, promising a peaceful, corruption-free, and drug-free Bangladesh if Jamaat wins.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday emphasized the necessity of close coordination and regular dialogue between Iran and Turkey to address regional challenges. Speaking during his visit to Istanbul, Araghchi told Iranian state television that he would discuss bilateral, regional, and international issues with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

Araghchi stated that Iran and Turkey have always maintained close consultations and share strong political, economic, social, and cultural ties. He highlighted the importance of aligning positions in the face of threats from the United States and other parties, reviewing regional developments, and exchanging views on how to confront current challenges.

Commenting on Europe’s move to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, Araghchi called it a major strategic mistake, claiming that Europe is losing its role on the international stage and accelerating its own decline.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit Barishal on February 4 to attend an election rally at the historic Bell’s Park field. The date was confirmed by Bilkis Akhter Jahan Shirin, BNP’s Barishal divisional organizing secretary and former MP, who announced it on her Facebook page. She said Rahman will deliver a speech as the chief guest at noon, and the schedule was finalized after receiving confirmation late on January 29.

According to party sources, Rahman will travel from Jashore to Barishal by air and return to Dhaka by road. The visit details have been communicated to BNP’s nominated candidates for 21 constituencies in Barishal division, as well as divisional and district leaders. Shirin stated that preparations are nearly complete and only awaiting his arrival. She also mentioned that Rahman will meet divisional BNP leaders on Saturday.

Rahman last visited Barishal in 2006 when he was the party’s senior joint secretary general. This will be his first visit as BNP chairperson, and party members view the trip as significant for local politics ahead of the upcoming election.

Independent candidate Dr. Tasnim Jara from Dhaka-9 constituency stated on Friday that change is inevitable, emphasizing her campaign’s 'magic number 5' strategy. In a Facebook post, she said that supporters are reaching out to five acquaintances each, which she believes will disrupt the old political calculations. She urged voters to engage in sincere conversations rather than rely on money, loud campaigning, or illegal posters.

Jara highlighted that democracy is rooted in people’s choice, which cannot be overturned by wealth or noise. She called Friday and Saturday the most crucial days before the election, asking supporters to spend 30 minutes talking to loved ones about her campaign. She also reminded voters that her electoral symbol is the football, clarifying confusion with another symbol.

According to Jara, the people of Dhaka-9 will lead the way in transforming politics, signaling her confidence in a shift away from traditional political practices.

Jamaat-e-Islami candidate and lawyer Shishir Monir from Sunamganj-2 constituency said that without innovation in politics after August 5, the old political culture would return. He made the remarks on Friday, January 30, in Dirai’s Dhal Bazar after an attack on his campaign vehicle. Monir condemned the incident and called for identifying those responsible, describing the attack as an attempt to destroy new political thinking rather than mere vandalism.

He stated that an intolerant attitude was spreading across the country, which he said was undesirable. Monir urged political parties to engage in coordinated discussions and called on the Election Commission to take effective initiatives to stop such incidents. He emphasized that without such action, no qualitative change in politics could be expected.

Monir concluded that immediate steps were necessary to end the ongoing hostility and ensure a constructive political environment in the country.

Bangladesh has confirmed that 57 observers from 16 countries will monitor the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum. In addition to these bilateral observers, several hundred representatives from the European Union, Commonwealth, and international organizations working on democracy and human rights will also participate. Malaysia will send the largest delegation with 14 observers, followed by Turkey with 12. Malaysia’s team will be led by Election Commission Chairman Dato’ Sri Ramlan bin Dato Harun, while Turkey’s delegation will be headed by former Turkish ambassador to Bangladesh Mehmet Vakur Erkul.

Other confirmed countries include Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Jordan, Iran, Georgia, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and South Africa. Notable participants include Pakistan’s Chief Election Commissioner Mohammad Jalal Sikandar Sultan and Bhutan’s Chief Election Commissioner Deki Pema. Senior Secretary and SDG Coordinator Lamia Morshed stated that around 400 observers have been confirmed so far, with more countries expected to join soon.

The Commonwealth team will be led by former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, while the EU mission will be headed by Latvian MEP Ivars Ijabs. Over 2,000 candidates from more than 50 political parties and independents are contesting 300 parliamentary seats.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has intensified security measures across the Rajshahi division’s border areas ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary election. More than 4,000 BGB personnel will be deployed to maintain law and order and ensure stability. The force has also increased the use of modern technology to curb crime and monitor border conditions. Coordination discussions have been held with India’s Border Security Force (BSF) to keep the situation stable.

At a press conference held on Friday morning near the Rajshahi–Naogaon highway, BGB Rajshahi Sector Commander Colonel Syed Kamal Hossain detailed the security plan. He said the Rajshahi sector, covering seven districts, 62 upazilas, and one city corporation with 37 constituencies, will operate from 65 base camps with 146 mobile and striking platoons. Additionally, each of the 76 border outposts will have 10 striking reserve members ready for deployment.

Colonel Hossain added that helicopters will be kept ready to enable quick response forces to reach any emergency location swiftly. A security drill was conducted on the highway following the press briefing.

Eight platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed across Gopalganj to maintain overall law and order following several recent incidents of crude bomb explosions in the district town. The deployment took place on Thursday, January 29, after explosions near the deputy commissioner’s office, the district judge’s residence, and the gate of Gopalganj University created widespread panic among residents.

According to sources, the move comes as part of heightened security measures ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Law enforcement agencies have identified Gopalganj, along with Madaripur, Shariatpur, and Faridpur, as high-risk areas due to fears of sabotage, violence, and voter intimidation. Police headquarters stated that a special security plan was prepared based on past incidents of political violence and intelligence assessments.

BGB’s TWiC Major Nur Uddin Ahmad said separate camps have been established in Gopalganj Sadar, Kashiani, Kotalipara, Tungipara, and Muksudpur upazilas. Checkposts have been set up on the Dhaka-Khulna highway and other key points to inspect vehicles and strengthen surveillance.

The US Embassy in Dhaka has issued a special security alert for American citizens in Bangladesh ahead of the country’s 13th national parliamentary election and a national referendum scheduled for February 12. The advisory, released on Friday through the embassy’s website and social media platforms, warned of potential political violence or extremist attacks targeting gatherings, polling centers, and religious sites. US citizens were urged to avoid demonstrations, remain vigilant, and exercise extra caution near large crowds.

The embassy’s notice emphasized that even peaceful demonstrations could turn confrontational and lead to violence. It advised citizens to stay aware of their surroundings, monitor local news, and keep communication devices charged. The alert also noted that the Bangladesh government has announced restrictions on motorcycle movement from February 10 and on all transport on February 11 and 12. Consequently, the US Embassy will provide limited in-person services on those two days.

The advisory further recommended that US citizens review personal security plans and prepare alternative travel routes during the election period.

Hasnat Abdullah, the Jamaat-NCP alliance candidate for Cumilla-4 (Debidwar) constituency and chief organizer of NCP’s southern region, made sharp remarks against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during an election march on Friday across Rajamehar and Bhani unions in Debidwar upazila. He claimed no one in the country was a bigger intimidator than Hasina and urged voters to reject corruption and vote manipulation.

During his campaign, Abdullah accused the ruling Awami League of past electoral irregularities, alleging that even deceased individuals had been recorded as voters. He called on residents to ensure only living, eligible voters cast ballots and pledged to work for the people if elected. He also encouraged unity beyond political or religious divisions and urged collective resistance against any attempt at vote rigging, even in the presence of administration.

The campaign event was attended by local leaders from Jamaat and NCP, including Saiful Islam Shahid, Professor Shahidul Islam, Md. Jahangir Alam, and Nahidul Islam Nahid, along with activists from various unions and municipalities.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman paid tribute to the late BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, describing her as a determined fighter against domination. He made the remarks on Friday, January 30, 2026, at a public rally organized by Feni District Jamaat at the Pilot School field in Feni, where he recalled her political stance and expressed respect for her leadership.

During the election rally, Dr. Rahman announced plans to establish government medical colleges in all 36 districts, including Feni, ensuring that no district in Bangladesh would be deprived of such facilities. He also promised to address the unresolved issue of a local dam through discussions with neighboring India and pledged to build an international-standard stadium in Feni, citing the district’s economic contributions and large expatriate population.

The Jamaat chief emphasized his commitment to protecting national interests and serving the people, assuring residents that Feni would receive its due share of development if his party were given the opportunity to serve.