Candidates and supporters from various political parties have become increasingly active in campaigning for the upcoming parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. Despite a festive atmosphere, concerns over safety have intensified following incidents including the shooting of a BNP leader and the arrest of two armed suspects from a Jamaat candidate’s rally. Jamaat-e-Islami leaders have alleged an attempted murder of their Dhaka-7 candidate, Hafez Enayet Ullah, and demanded stronger government and Election Commission action to ensure a fear-free vote.

Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair emphasized that maintaining law and order is the responsibility of the administration and law enforcement agencies. Party leaders accused the government of ignoring repeated calls to recover illegal weapons and prosecute past political killings. The National Citizens Party and BNP also expressed alarm, with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir condemning recent attacks and warning of conspiracies to derail the election.

Opposition parties have urged immediate and effective measures from the government and Election Commission to restore public confidence and prevent further violence during the campaign period.

Independent candidate Barrister Rumin Farhana formally began her election campaign for the Brahmanbaria-2 (Sarail–Ashuganj and part of Bijoynagar) constituency on Friday evening with a large rally at the remote village of Parmanandpur in Pakshimul Union. Speaking as the chief guest, she declared that she would no longer tolerate the neglect of the area and pledged to ensure its development regardless of which party holds power. She emphasized that development should not be the monopoly of any political group.

Farhana described the severe communication problems in the region, recounting her own difficult journey to reach the rally site by car, boat, and autorickshaw through sandy roads. She announced plans to build a bridge on the Bhuiashwar–Parmanandpur road and to pave roads across the area as part of her election commitments. She also promised to work for the improvement of schools, colleges, madrasas, mosques, and temples using both government and personal initiatives.

The rally, attended by a large number of local voters and BNP-affiliated leaders, marked the official start of her campaign under the ‘duck’ symbol.

Election Commissioner Md. Abdur Rahmanel Machud stated that the upcoming 13th National Parliament election and referendum will be completely free, fair, credible, and conducted with integrity. He made the remarks on Friday, January 23, during a meeting with polling officials at Sitakunda Degree College in Chattogram, emphasizing that the election will not be a mockery or whimsical process.

The commissioner said that past elections had been turned into a farce, which was undesirable, and stressed that the country should not be a place for such mockery. He assured that the forthcoming election would be fair, accurate, and trusted by the people. He also noted that blaming the patriotic police force for the actions of a few individuals was unjust and that such situations would not be allowed to recur.

The meeting, organized by the Sitakunda Upazila Administration and Election Office, was chaired by Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mia and attended by senior officials, including the Divisional Commissioner, Regional Election Officer, and Superintendent of Police.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has reaffirmed the party’s commitment to establishing justice in Bangladesh. Speaking on Saturday morning in Rangpur after visiting the grave of Abu Saeed, he said the party is moving forward inspired by Abu Saeed’s sacrifice. He pledged that Jamaat would never compromise the country’s dignity and would resist injustice at any cost.

Dr. Rahman stated that Abu Saeed and others entrusted the nation’s honor to them through their sacrifices, and Jamaat would protect that trust. He emphasized the party’s goal of building a corruption-free and discrimination-free Bangladesh based on justice, aligning its vision with that of the martyrs. He also assured supporters that the party would remain with them through all crises.

After the grave visit, Dr. Rahman met Abu Saeed’s family and prayed for the martyr’s forgiveness. He is scheduled to address a series of election rallies throughout the day in Gaibandha, Bogura, Sherpur, Sirajganj, Ullapara, and Pabna.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman visited the grave of martyr Abu Saeed in Pirganj, Rangpur, on Saturday morning. After offering prayers, he met Abu Saeed’s father and elder brother at their home. During the visit, he prayed for the forgiveness of Abu Saeed and sought divine help for the nation to resist domination and follow the path of the martyrs.

The Jamaat leader was accompanied by party assistant secretary Maulana Abdul Halim, NCP central member secretary Akhtar Hossain, and Shibir central secretary Sibgatullah Sibga. Following the visit, Dr. Rahman was scheduled to address election rallies throughout the day in several districts, including Gaibandha, Bogura, Sherpur, Sirajganj, Ullapara, and Pabna.

The visit and subsequent rallies mark part of Jamaat-e-Islami’s ongoing political activities ahead of upcoming elections, as the party leadership continues outreach across northern Bangladesh.

Pakistani security and geopolitical analyst Ikram Sehgal has said that Bangladesh now holds a strategically vital position in South Asia and that India is in a more vulnerable security situation. Speaking in Islamabad at a meeting with a visiting Bangladeshi media delegation, he asserted that if Bangladesh strengthens its military capacity, India would think twice before taking any aggressive stance. Sehgal emphasized that Pakistan is ready to provide comprehensive assistance to Bangladesh, including military cooperation and training exchanges.

He proposed that future Dhaka-Islamabad relations could be built on the concept of “two countries, one nation,” though he acknowledged this would be challenging. Sehgal also highlighted the need to remove visa barriers, promote duty-free trade, and resolve pending bilateral issues. He expressed support for Bangladesh’s upcoming election and urged a return to democratic processes. Additionally, he criticized India’s role in obstructing SAARC’s effectiveness and called for renewed regional cooperation.

Separately, Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) offered technical assistance to Bangladesh to enhance and secure its national database systems, citing concerns over data breaches and the importance of protecting sensitive information.

Electioneering for Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary polls, scheduled for February 12, 2026, has intensified across the country, creating a festive mood in the political arena. Top leaders, party nominees, and independent candidates are actively touring their constituencies, seeking votes door-to-door. Despite the enthusiasm, verbal clashes and minor scuffles among rival supporters have been reported. Political analysts view the vibrant campaign as a positive sign, suggesting that earlier public doubts about the election have largely subsided.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman launched his campaign from Sylhet, addressing rallies in seven districts over 16 hours, while Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman began his from Dhaka’s Mirpur before touring northern regions. Both leaders exchanged indirect barbs in their speeches. Other parties, including the Communist Party of Bangladesh and Islami Andolon Bangladesh, also began their campaigns. Analysts noted that enthusiasm for the concurrent referendum on the July National Charter remains low compared to the parliamentary race.

Experts urged all parties to keep rhetoric within healthy limits and avoid violence, emphasizing that the spirited campaigning could ensure a peaceful and participatory election.

U.S. President Donald Trump has withdrawn Canada’s invitation to join the Board of Peace, formed under the interim administration of Gaza. The decision came after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney criticized powerful nations during his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, accusing them of using economic ties as weapons and tariffs as tools of pressure. Within hours, Trump announced on Truth Social that Canada’s invitation had been revoked, adding that Canada “survives because of the United States.”

The Peace Board, led by Trump, includes Argentina, Bahrain, Morocco, Pakistan, and Turkey, while the United Kingdom, France, and Italy have not yet joined. Initially created to ensure a ceasefire in Gaza, the board’s mission has since expanded to address conflicts in other regions. Permanent membership requires a contribution of one billion dollars.

The United Nations Security Council approved the board’s formation as part of Trump’s Gaza peace plan. UN spokesperson Rolando Gomez stated that the organization’s engagement with the board will remain limited to the Gaza context.

Election Commissioner Md. Abdur Rahmanel Ma’sud has stated that the upcoming 13th National Parliament election and referendum will be completely free, fair, credible, and conducted with integrity. He made the remarks on Friday, January 23, during a meeting with polling officials at Sitakunda Degree College in Chattogram, emphasizing that the election will not be a mockery or whimsical exercise.

He said that past elections had been turned into a farce, which is undesirable, and stressed that the country is not a place for such mockery. The commissioner assured that the next election would be fair, correct, and trusted by the people. He also noted that blaming the patriotic police force for the actions of a few individuals was unjust and that such situations would not be allowed to recur.

The meeting, organized by the Sitakunda Upazila Administration and Election Office, was chaired by Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mia. Senior officials including the Divisional Commissioner, Regional Election Officer, and District Police Superintendent were present, and polling officials were urged to perform their duties with neutrality and professionalism.

At least 30 people were injured in a clash between BNP and Jubo Dal activists during an election rally in Austagram upazila of Kishoreganj on Friday evening. The incident occurred in front of Bhatsala village under Kastul Union, reportedly over a dispute about seating arrangements at the rally. The event was organized for BNP-nominated candidate Advocate Fazlur Rahman, who could not attend due to illness.

According to local sources, the conflict began when a procession led by Kastul Union Jubo Dal general secretary Mahbub Alam Kismat arrived at the rally venue. An argument broke out between his supporters and those of Ward No. 2 BNP president Sadeq Mia over chairs, escalating into a violent confrontation. Kismat claimed that Sadeq Mia’s group attacked them, injuring about 20 people, while Sadeq Mia countered that Kismat’s supporters initiated the attack, injuring 8–10 of his men.

Austagram police officer-in-charge Soeb Khan said the situation is now under control, though the exact number of casualties has not been confirmed. Authorities will take legal action upon receiving formal complaints.

Jamaat-e-Islami has alleged incidents of election-related violence and violations of the electoral code of conduct in eight areas of Bangladesh. At a press briefing held on Friday evening at the party’s central office in Moghbazar, Assistant Secretary General and head of the central publicity and media department, Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, urged the government and the Election Commission to ensure adherence to the code and create a level playing field for all parties.

Zubair detailed incidents that reportedly occurred between Thursday night and Friday afternoon, including allegations of bias by an assistant returning officer in Narsingdi-4, intimidation of Jamaat and allied party workers in Gazipur-5, and attacks on female campaigners in Sirajganj’s Ullapara. He also cited cases of vandalism, burning of campaign materials, and obstruction of campaign activities in Habiganj-3, Jhenaidah-4, Faridpur-1, Lakshmipur-3, and Comilla-9.

Addressing postal voting, Zubair said many expatriate voters had not yet received their ballots despite the January 25 deadline. He called for an extension of the postal voting period, citing delays in ballot delivery and activation of QR codes in several countries.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that no political party other than the BNP is capable of advancing the country. He made the remarks on Friday afternoon during an election campaign event at Shol Tohori Bazar in Debipur Union of Thakurgaon Sadar upazila. Fakhrul emphasized that the BNP, symbolized by the paddy sheaf, is the only party that can bring development and described the party as tested and trusted by the people.

He said that the BNP had previously worked for the people when in government and pledged continued support for all citizens regardless of religion. Referring to Sheikh Hasina’s departure, Fakhrul commented that her supporters had been left in difficulty but assured that innocent people would not face harm. He reiterated the party’s commitment to equality, unity, and security for Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians alike.

The event reflected BNP’s ongoing efforts to mobilize grassroots support ahead of upcoming political activities in Thakurgaon and beyond.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman, contesting from Dhaka-17, pledged to address local issues raised by residents during an election rally held on Friday night in the capital’s Vashantek area. Speaking directly with voters including van driver Jewel, garment worker Lili, and student Hena Akter, he promised to solve their problems if elected and if a BNP government is formed. The event drew thousands of residents who expressed agreement with the concerns raised on stage.

Jewel demanded rehabilitation for slum dwellers and repair of damaged roads, while Lili sought a family card program and employment opportunities for educated youth. Hena highlighted the need for improved living conditions in Vashantek to match nearby areas. Tarique Rahman assured that every family would receive a family card providing cash or essential goods if his party came to power.

He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to solving all local problems, emphasizing his personal connection to the constituency and promising to prioritize rehabilitation, employment, and social support for residents.

National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan said that if the 10-party alliance wins the upcoming election, it will ensure good governance and full implementation of reforms. Speaking on Friday evening at a youth festival and cultural event organized by the Dhaka-10 constituency committee at Rabindra Sarobar, Dhanmondi, he warned the Election Commission against conducting another 'mock election' and urged it to ensure a free, fair, and credible vote.

Asif Mahmud criticized a political party for allegedly repeating the oppressive practices of the Awami League over the past 17 years, citing corruption, extortion, and violence. He expressed confidence that voters in Dhaka-10 would reject corrupt and violent leadership and support the alliance’s candidate, Advocate Jasim Uddin Sarkar, symbolized by the balance scale. Jasim Uddin, speaking as a special guest, emphasized the need for a neutral election and equal opportunities for all candidates.

Jasim Uddin also pledged to create employment instead of offering allowances if the alliance comes to power and promised to address local issues such as extortion, gang activity, and public safety through a citizens’ committee.

At least thirteen people were injured on Friday in separate incidents of violence linked to election campaigning across Bangladesh. In Barishal’s Gouranadi upazila, four supporters of BNP’s rebel independent candidate Engineer Abdus Sobhan were hurt in two attacks allegedly carried out by supporters of BNP’s nominated candidate Zahir Uddin Swapon. Police said the clashes began after disputes over campaign slogans, and the situation was later brought under control.

In Munshiganj’s Gazaria upazila, seven people were injured when supporters of independent candidate Md. Mohiuddin clashed with those of BNP candidate Kamruzzaman Ratan during a rally. Both candidates condemned the incident, while police confirmed they were investigating. In Shariatpur’s Damudya upazila, two people were injured in a scuffle between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami supporters in Char Dhankathi area during campaign activities.

The incidents occurred as political tensions rose nationwide with the intensification of campaigning for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election, prompting police deployment in affected areas to maintain order.