Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman told Al Jazeera in an interview that if his party comes to power, the decision to implement Islamic law will rest with the parliament, not with him personally. He stated that if such a move is deemed essential for the country's development, the parliament will make that determination. Rahman emphasized that Jamaat is participating in elections under the existing national laws and will act in accordance with the people's will, not against it.

Addressing a question about whether a woman could ever serve as the party’s chief, Rahman said it would not be possible. He explained that men and women have distinct roles as created by God, and these differences cannot be altered. He argued that a mother who gives birth could not simultaneously fulfill the responsibilities of the party’s top leadership, asserting that only God knows best.

The interview highlights Jamaat’s stance on governance, gender roles, and its approach to aligning political decisions with public sentiment and religious principles.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard has launched special surveillance operations in Sandwip’s coastal and island areas to ensure security ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and Referendum 2026. At a press briefing on Thursday, Coast Guard Director General Rear Admiral Mohammad Ziaul Haque announced that 353 skilled personnel have been deployed considering Sandwip’s unique geographic position. The special deployment began on January 18 and will continue until February 14.

According to the briefing, Coast Guard teams will work continuously to safeguard polling centers across the mainland, river routes, and isolated islands. Strong patrol units will operate round the clock to facilitate the safe transport of election materials and voter movement. Drone surveillance will be used in remote and sensitive areas to prevent sabotage. Rear Admiral Haque emphasized maintaining peace and order in coastal regions and ensuring a fear-free environment for voters to exercise their rights.

The Coast Guard is coordinating with local administration to sustain public enthusiasm for the referendum organized by the interim government. Its intelligence wing remains alert to prevent illegal intrusion or disorder through waterways.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expelled 27 of its leaders from all positions, including their primary membership, for allegedly violating party decisions and engaging in activities against the organization. The announcement was made on Thursday, January 29, 2026, through a notice signed by the party’s Senior Joint Secretary General, Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

According to the notice, the expelled individuals include leaders from Mymensingh South District’s Bhaluka Upazila BNP, Narayanganj’s Siddhirganj Thana BNP, and Sonargaon Upazila and Municipality BNP units. The party stated that the decision was taken after allegations of disobeying organizational directives and participating in activities contrary to party interests were proven against them.

The expulsions reflect BNP’s internal disciplinary measures aimed at maintaining organizational unity and adherence to central directives, as stated in the official notice.

The High Court has dismissed a rule questioning the legality of the Chattogram Port Authority’s ongoing process to sign an operational agreement with a foreign company for managing the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT). The single bench of Justice Zafar Ahmed delivered the verdict on Thursday, confirming that there is no legal barrier to the agreement. The court found that the process followed the 2017 procurement policy and a memorandum of understanding under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework with Dubai government-backed DP World.

Earlier, on July 30, the High Court had issued a rule asking why the process should not be declared beyond legal authority and why competitive public bidding should not be ensured before appointing an operator. On December 4, a split verdict was delivered by a two-member bench, prompting the Chief Justice to assign the matter to Justice Zafar Ahmed for final disposal.

Following the ruling, one of the petitioners’ lawyers said an appeal has been filed with the Appellate Division seeking a stay on the majority decision that dismissed the writ petition.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has decided to issue journalist identification cards and vehicle stickers manually for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The decision was announced on Thursday, January 29, 2026, by EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, who said the manual process details would be shared soon. Journalists who already applied online will remain eligible, while those who did not apply online can collect their cards directly from the EC office.

Earlier, the EC had invited online applications for journalist cards and vehicle stickers for election coverage, but the process faced complications. Chief Election Commissioner A M M Nasir Uddin had assured a quick resolution to the issue. Journalist leaders had also given the EC an ultimatum to resolve the matter by Sunday, February 1, prompting the commission to abandon the online system.

The EC’s shift to manual issuance aims to remove procedural delays and ensure that journalists can perform their professional duties smoothly during the national election period.

The Commonwealth and the European Union, along with several other international organizations, are sending large observer missions to monitor Bangladesh’s national election on February 12 and the constitutional reform referendum scheduled for July. According to information from Dhaka, the observer teams will be extensive in size. Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey announced in London that former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo will lead a 14-member Commonwealth observer group, supported by experts from multiple fields and a secretariat team headed by Linford Andrews.

The Commonwealth stated that its mission will assess whether the election and referendum are conducted credibly, transparently, and inclusively, reporting in accordance with Bangladesh’s laws and standards. The EU confirmed that around 200 observers from its 27 member states, along with representatives from Norway, Switzerland, and Canada, will join its Election Observation Mission led by Latvian MP Ivars Ijabs. The EU mission began operations on December 29 with an 11-member core team, followed by 56 long-term observers deployed nationwide and 90 short-term observers to join before election day.

Government coordinator Lamia Morshed said international confirmations are increasing daily, reflecting confidence in the interim government and the Election Commission to ensure a free and fair vote.

A group of students from Rajshahi University, led by Senate member Fahim Reza, displayed red cards to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Thursday in protest against the killing of a Jamaat leader in Sherpur, attacks on women, and what they described as nationwide anarchy. The demonstration took place around 10:30 a.m. in front of the university’s main gate along the Dhaka–Rajshahi highway, coinciding with BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman’s visit to Rajshahi for an election rally.

Participants carried placards condemning killings and violence against women, with slogans criticizing BNP’s political actions. Fahim Reza compared BNP’s conduct to repeated fouls in football, saying the party was attacking opponents and women and had committed the first murder linked to the election. He alleged that BNP had already been responsible for over two hundred killings and urged the government and law enforcement to ensure a fair national election on February 12.

The protest reflected growing campus-level discontent over political violence ahead of the upcoming national polls.

BNP candidate for Dhaka-9 constituency, Habibur Rashid Habib, has called on voters to go to polling centers on February 12, emphasizing that the election was achieved through great sacrifice. Speaking at a campaign courtyard meeting organized by residents of South Goran Chapra Mosque area under Khilgaon Police Station, he said that every citizen has a duty to participate in the democratic process.

Habib warned that conspiracies were ongoing around the election and that low voter turnout could embolden those seeking to destabilize Bangladesh. He urged citizens to vote regardless of political preference, describing participation as the truest way to honor the martyrs. Sharing his personal experiences, he said he had faced numerous false cases, imprisonment, and assassination attempts, but remained committed to building a democratic future for the country.

Addressing local issues, Habib highlighted long-standing problems in Dhaka-9, including gas shortages, waterlogging, poor roads, lack of playgrounds, and community facilities. He pledged to work with residents to solve these problems and called for unity to build a safe, humane, and democratic Bangladesh based on Islamic values.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that individuals and groups attempting to create confusion or doubt about the election process are gradually losing connection with the public. He made the remarks on Thursday during an election campaign in South Agrabad and nearby areas of Chattogram city. Chowdhury urged citizens to vote for the BNP’s symbol, the paddy sheaf, on February 12 to build a better Bangladesh.

He said the people of Bangladesh are united in favor of democracy and elections, and that pro-democracy nations around the world are cooperating with Bangladesh’s electoral process. Chowdhury claimed that the widespread enthusiasm for the BNP and its symbol reflects the people’s trust in the party. He added that the BNP aims to establish a culture of peace, tolerance, stability, and mutual respect in national politics.

Local BNP leaders and activists, including Metropolitan BNP Member Secretary Nazimur Rahman, were present during the campaign event.

The government has dismissed as baseless the social media claims that the interim administration will remain in power for six more months if the upcoming February 12 referendum results in a majority of ‘yes’ votes. In a statement posted Thursday night on the verified Facebook page of the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing Facts, it said misleading information is being spread online regarding the referendum.

The statement clarified that a photo card circulating on Facebook, allegedly from Independent Television, misrepresented comments by Professor Ali Riaz, vice-chairman of the National Consensus Commission. According to the government, Riaz never said the current interim government would act as a constitutional assembly for 180 days. Instead, he stated that elected members of parliament would perform dual roles—forming the government and serving as members of a constitutional reform council.

Citing the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order 2025, the statement explained that if the referendum passes, the next parliament will have a dual function for 180 working days to complete constitutional reforms. The government reiterated that the order contains no provision for extending the interim government’s tenure.

Gana Odhikar Parishad candidate Zakir Hossain has announced his withdrawal from the Chandpur-3 constituency election to support the BNP-nominated candidate Sheikh Farid Ahmed Manik. The announcement was made on Thursday night at 8:30 p.m. during a joint meeting held at the Chandpur Press Club auditorium, attended by leaders and activists from both Gana Odhikar Parishad and BNP.

During the event, Zakir Hossain stated that the political ideals of their leader VP Nur and BNP leader Tarique Rahman are aligned, adding that if Tarique Rahman wins, Gana Odhikar Parishad will also succeed. He urged all party leaders and supporters in the constituency to vote for the BNP’s symbol, the paddy sheaf, and to work for its victory.

The meeting was also addressed by Sheikh Farid Ahmed Manik, the BNP’s Chandpur district president and candidate for Chandpur-3, along with district BNP general secretary Salim Ullah Selim and Gana Odhikar Parishad district convener Kazi Rasel.

Political tensions surrounding Bangladesh’s upcoming parliamentary election have escalated into violence in several districts. Clashes between rival party supporters have led to injuries and at least one death, notably in Sherpur’s Jhenaigati area. Following the incident, law enforcement agencies have deployed additional forces to prevent further unrest. Police officials said they had earlier warned candidates that competition must remain peaceful and ballot-based, but recent events have raised serious concern.

According to the police headquarters, reports of election-related violence have emerged from at least ten districts since campaigning began. The authorities have strengthened patrols, restricted rival gatherings at the same venues, and increased surveillance, including plainclothes monitoring. The Home Affairs Adviser and the Inspector General of Police both confirmed that all security forces have been instructed to prevent violence and maintain order.

Investigations are underway to determine whether any political groups are instigating the unrest. Police have pledged strict legal action against those found responsible, as observers and analysts had previously voiced concern about potential instability during the election period.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is set to visit Rangpur on Friday, marking his first trip to the region in 20 years. According to the party’s schedule, he will pay respects at the grave of Shaheed Abu Sayeed, a Begum Rokeya University student killed in the July Movement, in Pirganj. Following the visit and a meeting with Sayeed’s family, Rahman will address an election rally at the Collectorate Eidgah field in Rangpur city. The event has created a festive atmosphere across the district, with extensive preparations underway.

At a press conference held at the Rangpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, BNP’s Organizing Secretary for Rangpur Division, Asadul Habib Dulu, said enthusiasm among voters and residents is high ahead of the rally. He emphasized Rangpur’s long-standing deprivation and expressed hope that BNP leadership would bring sustainable development to the region. Several proposals have been submitted to Rahman, including the Teesta Master Plan, reopening of airports, industrial expansion, and modernization of education and healthcare.

Police have inspected the rally venue, and multiple teams are working to ensure law and order during the event.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has come under scrutiny after approving nominations of candidates in four parliamentary constituencies in Chattogram who admitted exceeding the legally prescribed election spending limits. Despite the Representation of the People Order (RPO) 2025 amendment empowering the EC to act against such violations, returning officer Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah declared the nominations valid. The law allows a maximum expenditure of 10 taka per voter, but candidates in constituencies including Chattogram-6, 7, 13, and 15 reported higher amounts in their affidavits.

Legal experts stated that exceeding the spending limit renders an affidavit defective and should not be accepted without EC approval. Chittagong University’s Professor Dr. Md. Shafiqul Islam said the incident shows the EC failed its first major test under the revised RPO, reflecting administrative weakness and lack of discipline. EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed acknowledged that overspending clearly violates the RPO and that verifying expense reports was the responsibility of returning officers.

Analysts warned that ignoring such admissions of legal breaches could set a dangerous precedent, undermining financial fairness, transparency, and public trust in future elections.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis has expelled Maulana Khairul Islam Thakur, its initially nominated candidate for the Kishoreganj-4 constituency, on allegations of violating party discipline. The decision was announced on Thursday by the party’s Secretary General, Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmad, under Article 30 of the party constitution. Thakur has been temporarily removed from his primary membership and all organizational responsibilities.

The party also issued strict instructions to all leaders and activists at every level to refrain from maintaining any electoral or organizational contact with Thakur. According to a press release, the directive takes immediate effect to uphold party discipline, ideology, and central decisions.

The statement further clarified that Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis currently has no recognized candidate for the Kishoreganj-4 (Austagram–Itna–Mithamain) constituency. Under the mutual understanding of the 11-party electoral alliance, this seat has been allocated to Jamaat-e-Islami.