BNP Standing Committee member and Dhaka-8 constituency candidate Mirza Abbas said the lack of adequate playgrounds is leading young people astray and increasing addiction to drugs and social media. Speaking to journalists after a friendly football match at Arambagh Balur Math on Friday afternoon, he stated that he would not make election promises but would work to restore playgrounds to foster youth talent development.

Abbas explained that several playgrounds he had previously built were taken over by what he described as a past autocratic government. As a local resident, he emphasized his commitment to reclaiming these spaces for the community. Earlier in the day, he joined Friday prayers at Shahjahanpur Amtala Mosque and took part in campaign activities in Arambagh, Agrani Club Ideal Zone, and Bank Colony Mosque areas.

Later in the evening, Abbas was scheduled to attend the Saraswati Puja celebration at Dhaka University’s Jagannath Hall and exchange views with Hindu devotees at Ramna Kali Temple.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the NCP’s southern region, said on Friday that he senses the return of fascism in the country. Speaking at an election rally at Dhorokra School field in Chauddagram upazila of Comilla, he urged those planning to seize polling centers to seek their parents’ blessings before leaving home. He emphasized that freedom of expression and the right to dissent must both be preserved.

At the same event, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer and former MP Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher claimed that the government’s family card initiative was fake and violated electoral rules. He alleged that one political party aimed to come to power by compromising national interests with India, which he said the country’s youth would resist. Former Islami Chhatra Shibir president Zahidul Islam called on supporters to learn from the past and hand over troublemakers to the police rather than resorting to violence.

Other local leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami, Khilafat Majlis, and labor organizations also addressed the rally, which was conducted by Mohammad Yusuf.

Feni-2 constituency’s BNP candidate Zainal Abedin stated that he has not yet taken a clear position regarding the upcoming referendum. Speaking to journalists on Friday, January 23, during his campaign in Feni Municipality’s Wards 1 and 2, the former member of parliament said he does not have a definite idea about whether to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’. He added that the final decision would depend on the party’s central leadership.

Abedin emphasized that there is no personal gain or pressure involved in the referendum issue. He expressed confidence that people would vote for the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol on February 12, claiming that such support could bring a change in the nation’s fate. He also asserted that the BNP would come to power with around 78 percent of the votes.

He recalled his long-standing political involvement in Feni, noting that he served as vice president of Feni Government College before the formation of the Awami League and has always considered Feni-2 his political base.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer and former Member of Parliament Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher alleged that a political party aims to gain power by selling Bangladesh to India. He made the remarks on Friday afternoon at an election rally held at Dhorokra School field in Chauddagram upazila, where he also claimed that the government’s family card program is fake and violates electoral conduct rules.

At the same event, NCP’s southern region chief organizer Hasnat Abdullah emphasized the importance of freedom of expression and dissent, warning of the return of fascism. Former central president of Islami Chhatra Shibir Zahidul Islam urged supporters to learn from the past and hand over troublemakers to the police instead of resorting to violence. Several local Jamaat and allied leaders also addressed the gathering.

The rally reflected Jamaat’s criticism of government initiatives and its call for vigilance among supporters ahead of the upcoming elections.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has pledged that his party will prioritize youth employment, agricultural and infrastructure development, and the rehabilitation of slum dwellers if it returns to power. He made these commitments on Friday night at an election rally in Dhaka’s Vashantek area, emphasizing the need to rebuild national institutions weakened under autocratic rule and to ensure accountability through elected representatives.

Rahman outlined several initiatives, including a special card and easy loan facilities for farmers, as well as training and education programs to develop skilled manpower among youth. He also promised employment opportunities and a family card program for women, alongside effective measures to improve the living standards of slum residents. Addressing the crowd, he urged citizens to elect representatives who would listen to public concerns and work toward solutions.

The rally was attended by senior BNP leaders, including his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman, Nazrul Islam Khan, and other party officials. Before his speech, Rahman spoke with local residents from various professions and assured them that their problems would be addressed if his party came to power.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh has withdrawn from the 11-party alliance, citing fundamental policy differences regarding the implementation of Sharia law. The party’s Amir, Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, announced the decision on Friday afternoon during an election campaign rally at Kanchpur Balur Math in Sonargaon, Narayanganj. He said a self-interested party within the alliance had deceived Islami Andolan with dreams of power but would not establish Sharia-based governance even if it came to power.

Rezaul Karim stated that the party could not compromise on its principles and that true freedom and rights for the people could only be ensured under Sharia rule. He emphasized that Islami Andolan would now move forward independently, without relying on any coalition. During the rally, he urged local voters to support Golam Masih, the Islami Andolan candidate for Narayanganj-3 (Sonargaon-Siddhirganj), and vote for the “hand fan” symbol.

The event was presided over by Faruk Ahmed Munshi, president of Sonargaon Thana Islami Andolan, and attended by district and upazila-level leaders of the party and its affiliated organizations.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman announced that his party would implement the Teesta mega project in northern Bangladesh if elected in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. He made the declaration on Friday at a campaign rally organized by the 10-party alliance at Rangpur Public Library ground, emphasizing that reviving the Teesta River would restore life to the northern region.

During his speech, Dr. Rahman criticized what he described as 17 years of oppressive rule and alleged widespread corruption, killings, and disappearances. He said Jamaat leaders and activists had been persecuted and vowed to build a corruption-free and just Bangladesh. He also rejected the idea of unemployment allowances, instead promising to create employment opportunities for both men and women based on merit and dignity.

Dr. Rahman outlined three conditions for joining his political movement: zero tolerance for corruption, ensuring justice without interference, and abandoning what he called 54 years of failed politics. He pledged to transform northern Bangladesh into an agro-industrial hub and establish an agricultural university if necessary.

BNP National Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said Bangladesh’s democracy has been freed and people have regained their ownership. Speaking at an election campaign rally in Surajpur-Manikpur Union of Chakaria on January 23, he called on citizens to exercise their voting rights freely on February 12 to strengthen democracy. He warned that fascism must never return and that the rise of undemocratic forces would bring consequences for all.

Ahmed stated that the BNP has long struggled to establish voting rights for the people and remains committed to building a strong democratic Bangladesh in line with the aspirations of martyrs, students, and citizens. He described BNP as the driving force behind the country’s development, progress, and prosperity, urging voters to support the party’s symbol, the paddy sheaf, in the upcoming election.

Later that day, at another rally in Baraithali Union, he criticized the Awami League, calling it a “mafia party” and a force against Bangladesh, and emphasized the importance of farmers and the poor for national strength.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman called on citizens to elect their own representatives through voting to establish democracy and rebuild national institutions. Speaking at an election rally in Vashantek on Friday, January 23, 2026, he said that after the fall of autocracy, the country must now focus on reconstruction. He emphasized accountability and the need for elected representatives to address public problems directly.

Before his speech, Rahman interacted with residents of Vashantek, including rickshaw pullers, homemakers, slum dwellers, and students, discussing local issues. He assured them that if elected and in power, the BNP would work to solve these problems. Rahman outlined plans for special cards and loans for farmers, training and education programs for youth to enhance employment opportunities, and initiatives to empower women through job creation and family cards.

He expressed hope that future representatives would engage directly with citizens, listen to their concerns, and ensure solutions through democratic accountability.

Political scientist and CPD honorary fellow Dr. Rounaq Jahan has said that the current social environment in Bangladesh is somewhat intolerant, which is unfavorable for the upcoming national election. Speaking on Friday at the inauguration of a debate competition organized by Debate for Democracy at FDC, she warned of possible violence during the polls and urged political parties to act responsibly to avoid unrest.

Dr. Jahan emphasized that the Election Commission, administration, and law enforcement agencies must take prior preparations, while citizens should remain vigilant to protect their rights. She noted that one major political party is unable to participate in the election and might attempt to make it controversial. She also stated that foreign interference in Bangladesh’s election is unacceptable and that political parties should prevent such opportunities.

Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron said the upcoming election should restore people’s voting rights and democracy, not merely change power. He called for rational, objective political competition and warned that recent clashes between BNP and Jamaat supporters could fuel uncertainty and invite external interference.

BNP leader Tabith Awal, known as the 'people’s mayor' of Dhaka North City Corporation, conducted extensive campaigning on Friday in support of engineer Sanjida Islam Tuli, the BNP candidate for Dhaka-14 constituency. He visited various streets, markets, and homes in Mirpur’s Lalkuthi area, urging residents to vote for the 'sheaf of paddy' symbol and ensure Tuli’s victory.

During the campaign, Awal described Tuli as a compassionate, courageous, and rights-focused leader, highlighting her role as founder and coordinator of 'Mayer Dak', an organization supporting oppressed and deprived people. He said BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman had placed trust in her leadership and called on voters to do the same for the development of Dhaka-14. Tuli pledged to transform the constituency into a model area with improvements in civic amenities, safety, education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment.

A large number of BNP leaders and activists joined the campaign, creating a festive atmosphere. Local residents reportedly responded positively, expressing support for Tuli and hopes for change in the upcoming election.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman announced that his party would work to reduce unemployment if it comes to power. He made the statement on Friday evening during a public rally at the BRP field in Vashantek, located in his Dhaka-17 constituency. The event drew a large crowd of supporters and local residents who gathered well before the rally began.

According to the report, the BRP field and surrounding areas were filled with people from the afternoon, awaiting Rahman’s arrival. Party leaders, activists, and general voters assembled carrying the BNP’s election symbol, the paddy sheaf, and chanted slogans throughout the area. The rally reflected strong local enthusiasm for the BNP’s campaign activities in Dhaka-17.

The report also mentioned that the gathering was part of the party’s broader election efforts, with related political activities and alliances being discussed among opposition groups.

Aparna Roy, the BNP’s Assistant Secretary for Marginal Human Resource Development, has called on everyone to work for and vote in favor of the party’s 'Sheaf of Paddy' symbol in the upcoming national parliamentary election. She made the appeal on Friday at the Kochi-Kanchar Mela auditorium in Segunbagicha, Dhaka, during a festival and special discussion organized for the deaf community.

During her speech, Aparna Roy said that if the BNP forms the next government, she would request the party’s chairman, Tarique Rahman, to ensure the inclusion of sign language, technical training, special facilities, and healthcare services for the deaf community in national development programs. The event was presided over by Md. Alam, a lifetime member of the Bangladesh National Deaf Organization, and attended by several organizational representatives and cultural figures.

The gathering reflected BNP’s outreach efforts toward marginalized groups ahead of the national election, emphasizing inclusion and participation in the party’s development agenda.

NCP convener Nahid Islam said the upcoming election is aimed at defeating extortionists, land grabbers, and loan defaulters. Speaking at a street rally in Dhaka’s New Market area on Friday, January 23, he described the vote as part of a broader struggle to reform the state and establish democracy, justice, and equality. Nahid is contesting from Dhaka-11 constituency, which includes Rampura, Badda, and Bhatara, as a candidate of the 10-party alliance.

He stated that their movement was not intended to replace one authoritarian leader with another, emphasizing that the people’s sacrifices were for structural change, not for power exchange. Nahid accused certain groups of spreading fear and misinformation in response to the growing public momentum. He expressed confidence that the people would achieve victory on February 12.

Earlier in the day, Nahid greeted residents during a morning walk in Bashundhara Residential Area and joined a procession from Bashatala to Rampura, accompanied by Advocate Atiqur Rahman, who had withdrawn his Jamaat-e-Islami nomination for the same seat.

BNP Standing Committee member and Bhola-3 (Tajumuddin-Lalmohan) candidate Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed alleged that a political party is using Islam to gain state power. Speaking at an election rally on Friday afternoon at Sonapur Anandabazar in Tajumuddin upazila, he claimed that the party misleads people by linking religious symbols with promises of heaven. The event was part of his campaign for the 13th National Parliamentary Election.

Major Hafiz highlighted his contributions during the Liberation War as part of the East Bengal Regiment formed by late President Ziaur Rahman. He said that if the BNP returns to power, it will bring positive changes to people’s lives. He recalled development initiatives from the previous BNP government, including job creation and river protection projects, and urged voters to support the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol.

The rally was chaired by Sonapur Union BNP President Zakir Hossain Monu and conducted by General Secretary A.K.M. Firoz Shikder, with several local BNP leaders addressing the gathering.