Economist Dr. Mahbub Ullah described Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani as the undisputed leader of the anti-imperialist struggle in Bangladesh. He made the remark on Thursday at a discussion organized by the Bhashani Janashakti Party at the National Press Club’s Zahur Hossain Chowdhury Hall, marking the 54th anniversary of Bhashani’s return to the country. Dr. Ullah said Bhashani was a visionary who guided the political direction of the nation, always standing for farmers, workers, and the working class.

He noted that although Bhashani never held state power, he influenced many who later governed Bangladesh, including Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Kazi Zafar Ahmed, and Mashiur Rahman Jadu Mia. Dr. Ullah lamented that even 49 years after Bhashani’s death, his dream of an ideal Bangladesh remains unfulfilled. He urged politicians to study Bhashani’s life and philosophy and to introduce his ideals to the youth.

The event was chaired by Bhashani Janashakti Party chairman and freedom fighter Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Bablu, with several political figures including Nazmul Haque Nannu and Dr. Abu Yusuf Selim also speaking.

Bangladesh Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said on January 22, 2026, that vote counting in the upcoming national election may take longer than usual due to the use of two separate ballots and a higher number of candidates across the country. He made the remarks after meetings with officials from mobile operators, banks, and the BNCC at the Election Commission building in Agargaon, Dhaka. Ahmed explained that different ballot types are being used for expatriate and domestic voters, and that postal ballot counting at returning officers’ offices poses a major challenge.

He cited examples of constituencies with large numbers of postal voters, including Feni-3 with 16,038, Chattogram-15 with 14,274, and Cumilla with 13,939 registered postal voters. The secretary added that about 500 foreign observers and journalists are expected to monitor the election, with on-arrival visa facilities provided. The Election Commission invited 83 organizations, of which 36 confirmed participation, including representatives from the European Union, Commonwealth, and Turkey.

Ahmed also said discussions were held on limiting mobile and internet banking transactions to curb the influence of black money, and over 16,000 BNCC volunteers will assist in maintaining law and order during the election.

The United States is reassessing its previous position on Jamaat-e-Islami, with a US diplomat in Dhaka stating that Washington wants to view the party as a 'friend' and increase direct communication. According to a recording obtained by The Washington Post, the diplomat made the remarks during a closed-door meeting with female journalists in Dhaka. The diplomat suggested that Bangladesh has become more 'Islam-oriented' and that Jamaat may perform better than ever in the upcoming national election scheduled for February 12.

The diplomat also said that even if Jamaat comes to power, it would not be able to impose Sharia law, and warned that the US would not hesitate to impose economic sanctions if any alarming steps were taken. US Embassy spokesperson Monica Shi later clarified that the meeting was a routine, off-the-record discussion. She emphasized that the United States does not support any specific political party and will work with whichever government is elected by the people.

The report indicates growing US diplomatic interest in Bangladesh’s evolving political landscape ahead of the national polls.

The Chinese Embassy in Dhaka has strongly protested recent remarks made by US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen concerning China. In a statement posted on the embassy’s official Facebook page, the spokesperson described the ambassador’s comments as irresponsible and completely baseless. The statement was issued following media reports that the US envoy had expressed concern over China’s growing influence in South Asia and warned Bangladesh about potential risks of engagement with Beijing.

According to the embassy’s statement, such remarks create confusion between right and wrong and are driven by ill intent. It emphasized that cooperation between China and Bangladesh is a bilateral matter, leaving no room for interference or involvement from any third party, including the United States. The embassy also urged the US side to act more responsibly in its diplomatic conduct.

The protest highlights ongoing sensitivities surrounding external commentary on China-Bangladesh relations, particularly amid regional discussions about influence and partnership dynamics in South Asia.

Newly appointed US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen has said he will clearly convey to both the current and future governments of Bangladesh the potential risks of engaging too closely with China. Speaking to journalists in Dhaka six days after assuming office, Christensen reiterated concerns he had raised during his Senate confirmation hearing in October. He emphasized that certain areas of cooperation with China could pose risks, which he intends to outline to both the interim and elected governments.

During a media interaction at the EMK Center in Dhaka, Christensen discussed various aspects of US-Bangladesh relations, highlighting strong and expanding defense cooperation. He noted that the US works with all branches of Bangladesh’s armed forces through joint exercises such as “Tiger Shark” with the Navy and “Tiger Lightning” with the Army. The US provides about $1.5 million annually for professional military education and supports Bangladesh’s defense modernization and peacekeeping capabilities.

Christensen added that the US offers multiple defense options to partner nations and collaborates with allies to identify systems best suited to Bangladesh’s operational and budgetary needs.

The Advisory Council has approved a general holiday on February 11 ahead of Bangladesh’s national parliamentary election and referendum scheduled for February 12. Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced that industrial workers will also receive leave on February 10, giving them a three-day break. With the weekend following the election, most government employees will enjoy a four-day holiday from February 11 to 14. However, officials directly involved in election duties will not be able to take this extended leave.

According to the Election Commission’s structure, returning officers, assistant returning officers, presiding officers, and polling officers—mostly government employees and teachers—will oversee voting at about 42,000 polling centers nationwide. These officials, along with essential service providers, will continue working during the election period.

Essential services such as electricity, water, gas, fire service, ports, telecommunications, postal operations, sanitation, hospitals, emergency medical services, and related offices will remain open to ensure uninterrupted public service during the election period.

Prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmadullah has shared guidance on voting ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he urged citizens to vote for honest and competent candidates based on their conscience. He explained that if a voter sincerely tries to identify the right person but later finds the choice was wrong, there will be no blame before Allah. Ahmadullah emphasized that the duty of a voter is to select the best available candidate, not to ensure anyone’s victory.

He further stated that votes are never wasted, even if a good person receives few. Such votes can encourage future progress and strengthen honest candidates over time. He cautioned against avoiding good candidates out of fear that they might lose, warning that this mindset allows corrupt individuals to dominate politics.

Ahmadullah concluded by advising voters to support those who protect faith, Islamic values, and national welfare, and to avoid being tempted by money or personal gain, describing voting as a sacred trust before Allah.

AB Party chairman and ten-party alliance candidate for Feni-2, Mojibur Rahman Manju, stated that a level playing field has not yet been ensured in the ongoing election process. Speaking to journalists on Thursday afternoon at the central mosque area of Feni city while launching his campaign under the Eagle symbol, he alleged that attacks were continuing in various places, including assaults on women in Dhaka and the death of a RAB member during an operation in Chattogram. He said party workers were being threatened and demanded equal security for all candidates, workers, and voters, warning that otherwise his alliance might reconsider its participation.

Manju emphasized the need for qualitative change and reform of the state, saying that without national-level transformation, local development would not be possible. He noted that the ten-party alliance had united around promises of reform but expressed disappointment that a party proposing 31 reform points had issued a note of dissent in discussions. He also urged expatriates to vote responsibly as overseas voting began, encouraging them to help bring positive change to the country.

The event was conducted by Omar Faruk, president of Feni city Shibir, and attended by several local and regional leaders from allied parties.

The government of Bangladesh has decided to deploy joint forces across the country for 12 days surrounding the upcoming parliamentary election and referendum. The announcement was made by Home Secretary Nasimul Gani following a high-level meeting at the Chief Adviser’s Office. The deployment will cover four days before the election, the voting day, and seven days after. Multiple teams from the Ministry of Home Affairs have already begun 24-hour monitoring of the national situation.

According to AHM Shahadat Hossain, AIG (Media) of the Police Headquarters, law enforcement agencies have been instructed to maintain readiness and act immediately upon receiving any information about potential unrest. Candidates and campaign workers have been briefed on conduct guidelines. Meanwhile, 555,958 members of Ansar and VDP will be on duty at 42,766 polling centers, with 13 members assigned to each center.

Ansar spokesperson Md Ashikuzzaman stated that three of the 13 members will be armed, while the rest will carry batons. A total of 1,191 Ansar battalions will serve as striking forces from February 8 to 14, with additional patrols operating earlier in various areas.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), declared that no new 'looters' would be allowed to come to power. He made the statement on Thursday afternoon at a campaign rally for Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, held at Adarsha School field in Mirpur 10, Dhaka. Nahid Islam attended the event as a special guest and praised the residents of Dhaka-15 for having the Jamaat leader contesting from their constituency.

Addressing the rally, he described Dr. Rahman as a leader of the anti-fascist movement and claimed that a nationwide wave of support for him would be visible on February 12. Nahid Islam urged the government and the Election Commission to ensure a fair and impartial election, warning that any alternative plan would not work. He criticized the BNP’s announcement of distributing various cards, questioning whether they would reach the people and alleging inconsistency in nominating loan defaulters.

He called on voters to support the ten-party alliance’s symbol and vote “yes” in the upcoming election scheduled for February 12.

Bangladesh’s interim government has urged India to ensure the welfare of its minorities, emphasizing mutual respect and restraint in bilateral relations. In an interview with BBC India, Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain said Bangladesh does not expect any political statements from former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently living in exile in India following her ouster in the July revolution. He noted that such activities from Indian soil could negatively affect relations between the two neighbors.

Hossain explained that despite misunderstandings and discomfort, maintaining strong geographical and economic ties remains vital for both countries. He also stated that Bangladesh acts promptly against any incidents of violence targeting minorities and arrests those responsible, asserting that the country has mechanisms to protect its citizens. He added that India should similarly take care of its own minorities.

The adviser further remarked that Hasina’s government had deliberately strained relations with Pakistan, while the current administration seeks friendly ties with both India and Pakistan.

Members of the July Warriors and student representatives submitted a memorandum to Senior Secretary Ehsanul Haque at the Ministry of Public Administration, demanding the appointment of Mohammad Shamsul Alam, a ninth BCS administration cadre officer, as senior secretary. The memorandum, delivered at the Secretariat on Wednesday, emphasized Alam’s seniority and his key role in shaping the July 36 movement. It credited him with unifying the movement’s demands and inspiring participants through his leadership and strategic guidance, even while in exile.

According to the memorandum, Shamsul Alam, a former private secretary to ex-Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, was denied promotions and key responsibilities during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure from 2009 to 2024 for political reasons. The interim government’s chief adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, reinstated him in September 2024 and approved his appointment to a cabinet-level position. However, activists alleged that some influential officials obstructed the process by withholding official notifications and misplacing approved documents.

The senior secretary accepted the memorandum and assured the delegation that he would discuss the matter with the chief adviser and relevant authorities to take positive steps.

Independent candidate Advocate Habibur Rahman Habib, recently expelled from the BNP, began his election campaign for the Gopalganj-3 constituency (Tungipara–Kotalipara) by paying respects at the gate of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s tomb in Tungipara, Gopalganj. The event took place around noon on Thursday, January 22, 2026, after he was denied permission to enter the mausoleum premises. From the site’s third gate, he officially launched his campaign under the football symbol.

Habibur Rahman, formerly a member of the Gopalganj district BNP convening committee, was expelled from the party the previous night for refusing to withdraw his candidacy. Following the tomb visit, he conducted public outreach at the Tungipara Upazila Parishad grounds and Patgati bus stand, seeking votes and outlining his political goals. Speaking to journalists, he said he began his campaign with deep respect for the Father of the Nation and emphasized his commitment to work for local welfare and justice.

The incident underscores the symbolic importance of the Gopalganj-3 seat, which includes the resting place of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and marks the start of Habibur Rahman’s independent political journey.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has approved a chargesheet against Naeemul Islam Khan, former press secretary to ousted Prime Minister Hasina, and his wife Nasima Khan Monty for failing to submit their asset statements. The approval was granted on Thursday, January 22, 2026. ACC Deputy Director and Public Relations Officer Md. Akhtarul Islam confirmed the development, stating that the accused ignored multiple legal notices to comply with the directive.

According to the ACC, its investigation found inconsistencies between the couple’s known income sources and their accumulated wealth. Under the ACC Act, they were instructed to submit detailed asset statements within a specified period. However, both failed to do so within the original and extended deadlines. Following this noncompliance, a case was filed against them, and after investigation, the chargesheet was finalized and approved.

The approval marks a formal step in the legal process, paving the way for potential court proceedings against the former government official and his spouse.

Bangladesh’s interim government has sent a message to New Delhi regarding statements made by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in exile in India since being ousted in the July revolution. Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain said Bangladesh does not expect any political statements from Hasina while she remains in India. He made the remarks in a recent interview with BBC India, where he discussed bilateral relations and ongoing tensions between the two neighbors.

Hossain emphasized that despite misunderstandings or discomfort, maintaining good relations between Bangladesh and India is crucial due to geographic and economic factors. He noted that after Hasina’s fall, border tensions and diplomatic summonses strained ties, prompting India to withdraw families of its diplomats from Bangladesh. The adviser also said Bangladesh never comments on India’s internal issues, including minority rights, and expects India to follow the same principle.

Hossain further stated that the previous Hasina government had deliberately worsened relations with Pakistan, but the current administration seeks friendly ties with both India and Pakistan.