BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi alleged that some political parties are attempting to influence voters by using religion and sending money through mobile financial services. He raised this concern on Saturday at the BNP central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka, during a prayer gathering marking the 11th death anniversary of Arafat Rahman Koko, son of late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Rizvi questioned whether such actions violate the electoral code of conduct, emphasizing that buying votes with money or religious appeals is prohibited.

Recalling Koko’s death, Rizvi claimed it was not natural but the result of political oppression under a fascist regime. He described how Koko, then in Malaysia for heart treatment, witnessed the alleged persecution of his mother in 2015 and died in distress. Rizvi also recounted that after Koko’s body returned to Bangladesh, BNP leaders and sympathizers faced police cases for expressing condolences.

Rizvi reiterated BNP’s demand for a free and fair election under an interim government and said party chairman Tarique Rahman is following all electoral laws and maintaining respectful political conduct.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has dismissed allegations by Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher that the party signed three agreements with India. At a press briefing on Saturday at the BNP’s central office in Gulshan, the party’s election management committee spokesperson Mahadi Amin said no such agreements exist and termed the claim a politically motivated smear campaign without any factual basis.

Amin stated that the Jamaat leader failed to provide any evidence to support his claim and accused him of spreading misinformation either out of ignorance or deliberate political manipulation. He emphasized that BNP’s politics are centered on Bangladesh’s sovereignty and people’s empowerment under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. He also recalled BNP’s past movements for fair water sharing of the Teesta and Padma rivers and protests against border killings.

During the briefing, Amin introduced BNP’s election hotline (16543) and WhatsApp number for voter complaints and warned against fraudulent activities involving “family” and “farmer” cards, urging citizens to report such scams to the authorities.

BNP Standing Committee member and Chattogram-11 candidate Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury announced plans to develop Chattogram as a comprehensive logistics center serving not only Bangladesh but also India’s northeastern states, Myanmar, and Northeast Asia. He made the statement on Friday during a campaign event in the city’s Halishahar area, emphasizing that regional trade would flow through this corridor.

Khasru outlined a vision for modernizing Chattogram Port through improved communication systems, integrated freight transport, and international-standard warehousing. He expressed optimism that these initiatives would create new business opportunities. He also revealed plans to upgrade Shah Amanat International Airport into a regional air hub, serving both passenger and cargo operations, with enhanced facilities and security for international transit travelers.

During the campaign, local party leaders were present as Khasru sought votes for the BNP’s electoral symbol and pledged to restore citizens’ voting rights.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to visit Chattogram on Sunday, January 25, 2026, marking his first visit to the port city in nearly 21 years. He will address a large rally organized by the BNP at the Polo Ground as the chief guest. Party leaders and activists across 41 city wards, including affiliated groups such as Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal, and Mohila Dal, are finalizing preparations to welcome him. Around 250 workers are completing stage construction, sound system setup, and other arrangements.

The rally stage measures 100 feet by 60 feet and is built from bamboo and wooden planks, with steel stairs for access. Security has been divided into three zones—red, yellow, and green—with the red zone reserved for senior leaders and candidates from Chattogram’s 16 constituencies. Law enforcement agencies and intelligence units are coordinating security and traffic plans. BNP leaders expect around 1.5 million attendees and say Rahman will deliver a message of unity and possibly introduce local candidates.

Excitement has spread across Chattogram’s neighborhoods, where banners and billboards featuring Rahman’s image have been displayed, creating a festive atmosphere among party members and residents.

A festive atmosphere prevailed in Kishoreganj’s Katiadi upazila as more than 200 people from various professions, including former BNP activists, joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. The joining event took place on Friday evening at the residence of freedom fighter and former BNP lawmaker Major (Retd) Akhtaruzzaman Ranjan in Durgapur village of Chandpur Union. New members formally enrolled by filling out associate membership forms in his presence.

Major (Retd) Ranjan had officially joined Jamaat-e-Islami on December 13 in the presence of the party’s Ameer, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman. Since then, he has been actively participating in party programs both locally and in Dhaka, delivering speeches and campaigning for the Jamaat-nominated candidate of the 10-party alliance in Kishoreganj-2 constituency. He also spoke at a campaign rally in Dhaka-11 and urged his supporters to join Jamaat.

Responding to his call, individuals from different social backgrounds, including professionals, businessmen, former union council members, and two members of the Hindu community, joined the party. The joining program, which began Friday afternoon, was expected to continue through Saturday.

A new survey conducted across seven European Union countries shows that most Europeans consider U.S. President Donald Trump an enemy rather than a friend. The poll, which included over one thousand respondents from France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain, Denmark, and Poland, found that 51 percent of participants see Trump as an enemy of Europe, while only 8 percent regard him as a friend. About 39 percent said he is neither an enemy nor an ally.

The survey was carried out following Trump’s threat to seize Greenland, an autonomous region of Denmark. Among Danish respondents, 58 percent described Trump as an enemy. Across the seven countries, 44 percent said he behaves like a dictator, another 44 percent believe he has authoritarian tendencies, and only 10 percent think he respects democratic principles.

Although Trump has withdrawn his plan to take control of resource-rich Greenland by force, European nations remain cautious about his next moves. On Wednesday, Trump stated that Europe is “not moving in the right direction.”

More than 300 activists from the BNP’s associate organization, the Swechchhasebak Dal, in Dhulia Union of Bauphal upazila, Patuakhali, have joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami under the leadership of local convener Hasan Khan. The new members were welcomed by Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud, a central executive committee member of Jamaat and secretary of Dhaka South Metropolitan unit, who is also a parliamentary candidate for Patuakhali-2.

The joining took place on Friday evening at 5:30 p.m. during an election rally of Jamaat-e-Islami and the 10-party alliance held at Dhulia High School ground. Addressing the gathering, Hasan Khan pledged to work with honesty and integrity for Jamaat and to remain associated with the party for life. He added that his followers had already joined Jamaat and more would follow.

Local Jamaat leaders, including Bauphal upazila Amir Maulana Ishaq, Naib-e-Amir Maulana Rafiqul Islam, and Islami Chhatra Shibir president Limon Hossain, were also present at the event.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has announced that 10 million jobs will be created if the party’s electoral symbol, 'Dhaner Shish' (paddy sheaf), wins the upcoming election. He made the statement on Saturday afternoon during a campaign event in Kandpara area of Thakurgaon Sadar upazila, urging voters to overcome fear and vote for the BNP.

During his address, Mirza Fakhrul said that in previous elections there were two main symbols, 'Nouka' (boat) and 'Dhaner Shish', but this time the boat is no longer present due to political issues, and a new party has emerged. He also criticized Jamaat-e-Islami, recalling its opposition to Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, and urged people to support those who stand for freedom.

He further pledged that if elected, BNP would introduce family cards to provide food, healthcare, and education services, and agricultural cards to ensure farmers receive fertilizer and pesticides at fair prices.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) will launch its election theme song on Saturday at 5 p.m. in front of the National Museum in Shahbagh, Dhaka. The event comes ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and a referendum on reforms. The announcement was made through a message from Yasir Arafat, media secretary of the party’s central election management committee.

Alongside the song launch, the NCP has announced a 12-day election march to seek votes for its ‘Shapla Koli’ symbol and to campaign for a ‘yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum. The march will begin on Sunday from Chattogram and continue through 24 districts until February 5, concluding in Dhaka. The party has also declared the names of its representatives for 238 constituencies.

These initiatives mark the NCP’s intensified campaign efforts as it seeks to strengthen its presence ahead of the national election and referendum.

Local Government Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan visited the graves of three martyrs of the July uprising at Namazgar Anjuman-e-Gorosthan in Bogura on Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. He laid floral wreaths at the graves, offered prayers, and joined a doa mahfil. Family members of the martyrs and local administrative officials were present during the visit. Before this, he also placed a wreath at the July Memorial.

Senior government officials including the Secretary of the Rural Development and Cooperatives Division Md. Shawkat Rashid, Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Dr. A N M Bazlur Rashid, Bogura Deputy Commissioner Md. Toufiqur Rahman, and Superintendent of Police Shahadat Hossain attended the event. Other district and police officials were also present.

Family members of the martyrs, including Uzzal Hossain Jubayel, Ziaur Rahman, Rokeya Begum, Mojibur Rahman, Md. Soyaib Hossain, and Shapla Khatun, attended and spoke with the adviser. The prayer was led by Hafiz Maulana Md. Shahadat Hossain.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman will hold a discussion with young participants at Justice Shahabuddin Park in Gulshan on Saturday at 2 p.m. The event, titled ‘Meet and Greet with Tarique Rahman,’ will feature winners of the BNP-organized national reel-making competition ‘Amar Bhabanay Bangladesh.’ The announcement was made by Mahadi Amin, adviser to the BNP chairperson and spokesperson of the party’s election management committee.

Mahadi Amin said the competition invited one-minute reels on 11 topics, including Family Card and Farmer Card, to gather public ideas for future state-building. Around 2,500 participants from across the country took part, and ten winners were selected through public votes and jury evaluation. Tarique Rahman’s daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman, will also attend the event, recognized for her involvement in youth-oriented policy initiatives.

Amin also announced the launch of BNP’s election hotline 16543 and WhatsApp hotline +8801806-977577 to strengthen voter communication and address election-related issues. He warned against fraudulent groups seeking money in the name of distributing Family or Farmer Cards, emphasizing that such cards would be provided free if BNP assumes power.

M. Abdullah, Managing Director of the Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust, said that a 'Yes' vote represents the future of independent journalism in Bangladesh. Speaking on Friday night at a discussion on journalism during elections held at the Feni Television Journalists Club, he emphasized that the outcome of the vote would determine the direction of journalism and democracy in the coming days. He called on journalists to ensure that 'Yes' wins to protect press freedom and prevent the reemergence of fascism.

Abdullah described the current election as exceptional and more significant than the previous three. He noted that traditional election reporting is no longer sufficient, highlighting the greater responsibility of electronic media in ensuring credible coverage. He warned that failure to maintain professional integrity could disrupt the election, while responsible journalism could make it historic.

He also mentioned that this election is unique because it is being held without the participation of a major party since 1988, creating a new kind of polarization. Abdullah cautioned journalists to verify information carefully, as false videos could be used to mislead them and undermine the democratic process.

The Election Commission (EC) announced on Saturday that postal ballots arriving after 4:30 pm on February 12 will not be counted. In a public notice, the EC instructed voters registered through the mobile app to cast their votes promptly and deposit the yellow envelopes at the nearest post office or mailbox. Only ballots reaching the returning officer by 4:30 pm on February 12 will be included in the count.

The EC also warned that ballots posted after January 25 may not reach the returning officer in time. Expatriate voters have been urged to complete and send their postal ballots by that date. This year, government employees, members of law enforcement agencies, and prisoners within the country, along with expatriates in over 120 countries, are eligible to vote by post. More than 1.53 million voters have registered for postal voting.

The thirteenth national parliamentary election and referendum will be held on February 12, involving over 127.7 million registered voters across Bangladesh.

Former central president of Islami Chhatra Shibir, Md. Zahidul Islam, declared that the student community in Bangladesh will not accept any form of fascism. He made the remarks on Friday night at an electoral student representative gathering organized by the Kashinagar Union unit of Chhatra Shibir at Kashinagar Degree College auditorium in Chauddagram, Cumilla. Zahidul Islam alleged that many of their members had been killed or disappeared in July and August and detained in secret facilities, describing their only 'offense' as calling students to moral and religious values.

He compared current political behavior in the country to historical tyrants, claiming that after the departure of one 'fascist Hasina,' another leader was showing similar tendencies. The event was chaired by Nasim Miaji, president of the northern Chauddagram unit of Chhatra Shibir, and attended by several central and local leaders of Shibir and Jamaat-e-Islami. A large number of students from various wards and institutions were also present.

Following the meeting, participants held a rally in Kashinagar Bazaar supporting the 'Dhal' election symbol and voting 'Yes' in the national referendum.

Thousands of people demonstrated in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Friday against the Trump administration’s strict immigration policies. Despite freezing temperatures dropping 29 degrees Celsius below zero, organizers said around 50,000 protesters took to the streets, demanding an end to harsh immigration measures. The demonstrators marched and gathered at the Target Center, calling for policy changes.

According to organizers and participants, several businesses across Minnesota closed for the day as workers joined the protest. The large-scale demonstration reflected growing opposition to the administration’s immigration enforcement actions. The protest took place just one day after U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance visited Minneapolis to express support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, who he said were conducting an important operation to detain immigration law violators.

The timing of the protest, following the vice president’s visit, underscored the deep divisions over immigration enforcement in the United States and the public pushback against federal actions.