BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman stated that the party keeps its promises to the people, emphasizing that BNP’s politics is dedicated to public welfare. He made the remarks on Tuesday, January 20, at a prayer gathering in Dhaka’s Mohakhali T&T Field organized by residents of Karail to pray for the soul of Begum Khaleda Zia.

During his address, Rahman sought prayers so that BNP can continue to stand by the people. He said the party aims to ensure that children living in slums receive the same educational opportunities as those in apartment buildings. He also expressed commitment to introducing family cards for women to promote household solvency and farmer cards to support agricultural workers.

Rahman further pledged that BNP would remain beside the people of Karail and across the country to solve their problems. He promised to build small flats for Karail’s slum dwellers and later joined the prayer for Begum Khaleda Zia’s soul.

The government has approved a special grant of Tk 10 million to provide a flat in Dhaka for the family of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha, who was killed in December 2025. The allocation will be used to purchase and furnish a 1,215-square-foot apartment at the government-owned Doel Tower in Lalmatia. The Ministry of Finance approved the funding on Tuesday following a proposal from the Ministry of Housing and Public Works. The handover of the flat is conditional on verification of the identities of Hadi’s wife and child.

The expenditure will come from the Ministry of Housing’s current fiscal allocation of Tk 60 million for residential buildings. Hadi gained prominence during the July uprising and the movement against the ban on the Awami League. He had announced his candidacy as an independent for the Dhaka-8 constituency in the upcoming 13th parliamentary election. On December 12, he was shot by assailants on a motorcycle during a campaign event in Bijoynagar and later died on December 18 while receiving treatment in Singapore.

Following his death, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus stated in a national address that the state would take responsibility for Hadi’s wife and only child.

Students and candidates at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) in Sylhet staged another protest on Tuesday demanding the immediate holding of the central student union (ShakSU) election. The demonstration began around 11:45 a.m. in front of the Administration Building-1, where participants called for a chamber court hearing and the announcement of the election date on January 21.

Independent general secretary candidate Faisal Hossain told the media that the election must be declared by the end of the day, warning that national elections starting from January 22 would make it impossible to hold ShakSU afterward. He cautioned that failure to hold the election on January 21 could lead to serious consequences both on campus and nationally.

ShakSU Election Commission spokesperson Professor Dr. Nazrul Islam said the university had appealed to the chamber judge court and was awaiting a hearing. He added that if the court ruled in favor of holding the election, it would proceed immediately; otherwise, it would be delayed by four weeks. The university, he said, was fully prepared and only waiting for the court’s decision.

Eight candidates have withdrawn their nominations from 13 parliamentary constituencies in the Dhaka division ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election. According to the Dhaka Divisional Commissioner’s Office, the withdrawals were completed by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. The candidates who stepped down represent several Islamic and left-leaning political parties, including Khelafat Majlish, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party, and Ganosamhati Andolon.

Among those withdrawing are Ahmad Ali from Dhaka-10 (Khelafat Majlish), Bilkis Nasima Rahman from Dhaka-18 (Ganosamhati Andolon), and Muhammad Ashraful Haque from Dhaka-18 (Jamaat-e-Islami). Others include Ahsanullah and Md. Rifat Hossain Malik from Dhaka-16, Md. Emdadul Haque from Dhaka-17, Mokhlesur Rahman Kashemi from Dhaka-5, and Md. Foyez Bakhsh Sarkar from Dhaka-9. Election officials confirmed that all withdrawal applications were received within the official deadline and that candidate lists are being updated.

Political analysts suggest that the withdrawals indicate constituency-level coordination, alliance adjustments, and strategic positioning among Islamic parties, which could influence voter dynamics in several Dhaka constituencies. The Election Commission is scheduled to allocate symbols on January 21, marking the start of formal campaigning.

One year after returning to the Oval Office as the 47th president of the United States, Donald Trump’s administration has enacted extensive economic, diplomatic, and social policy changes that have reshaped both the US and global landscape. On his first day back in office on January 20, 2025, Trump signed 26 executive orders, setting a record for the most issued on an inauguration day. Over the year, he signed a total of 228 executive orders, surpassing the 220 from his entire first term. His administration deported at least 605,000 people, saw 1.9 million voluntary departures, and revoked legal status for about 1.6 million residents. Trump also banned citizens of 75 countries from obtaining immigration visas.

Economically, Trump imposed tariffs averaging 10 percent on all trading partners, with India facing 50 percent levies. These tariffs generated $287 billion in 2025 but increased household costs by an estimated $1,500. He also created the Department of Government Efficiency under Elon Musk, which cut 317,000 federal jobs and eliminated diversity and education programs. Internationally, Trump visited 13 countries, launched attacks in at least seven, and opened 2.5 million square kilometres of ocean for offshore drilling while reversing 30 climate policies, including exiting the Paris Agreement.

Jatiya Party Chairman Golam Maula Rony (GM Quader) announced that his party will reject the upcoming constitutional referendum, citing the exclusion of political parties like Jatiya Party from the reform process. Speaking at a press conference in a Kakrail hotel in Dhaka on Tuesday, he said the party will vote 'no' and encourage citizens to do the same, warning that the proposed reforms could destroy the country if approved.

Quader accused the interim government of violating its constitutional oath by organizing a referendum on such a complex issue. He argued that presenting constitutional amendments as a simple 'yes' or 'no' question to the general public was unrealistic and irrational. He also expressed doubts about whether the proposers fully understood the implications of their proposal, warning that implementing the reforms could render the state ungovernable by stripping the prime minister of effective power.

Earlier, Jatiya Party Secretary General Shamim Haider Patwary announced a final list of 196 candidates for the upcoming election, including several accused in the July massacre cases, some of whom are in jail or absconding.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain has said that government officials must demonstrate their neutrality through their work rather than words. He made the remarks on Tuesday during a meeting with district-level officials at the Patuakhali Deputy Commissioner's conference room, held in preparation for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum.

During the discussion, the adviser expressed confidence that although not everyone may agree on every issue, citizens would support the referendum with a 'yes' vote for the necessary changes in the state. He also stated that a large number of foreign observers would be present to ensure transparency, acceptability, and neutrality in the upcoming national election.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Shahid Hossain Chowdhury and attended by Superintendent of Police Md. Abu Yusuf along with officials from various election-related departments.

Faruk I Azam, adviser to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs and the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, stated that a 'Yes' vote in the upcoming referendum could bring fundamental changes to the state structure. Speaking on Wednesday morning at a courtyard meeting in Fapor, Bogura Sadar, organized by the District Information Office, he said the campaign aims to raise public awareness about the importance of the 'Yes' or 'No' vote. He emphasized that constitutional safeguards could prevent future authoritarian governments from committing abuses or extrajudicial killings.

Azam compared the 2024 struggle against one-party rule to the Liberation War, describing it as a fight of citizens against internal oppression. He said the interim government is non-partisan and temporary, and will step down after the election. According to him, the process, if enshrined in the constitution, would allow public opinion to guide the nation during crises.

The event was attended by the district commissioner, police superintendent, civil society representatives, and students.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has directed all landlords to provide tenants with conditional access keys to building roofs and main gates to enhance safety. The directive was announced by DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz at a press conference held at the corporation’s Gulshan headquarters on Tuesday. The measure, issued under the authority of the House Rent Control Act of 1991, follows a rise in fire, earthquake, and other disaster-related incidents in residential buildings.

The DNCC guidelines also require landlords to ensure uninterrupted utility services, daily waste collection, and overall habitability of rented properties. Tenants must pay rent by the 10th of each month, and landlords are obligated to issue written receipts for every payment. Both parties are encouraged to cooperate on household greenery initiatives and to resolve disputes through ward-level associations of landlords and tenants.

If local resolution fails, disputes should be referred to the regional executive officer of the city corporation. DNCC emphasized that these measures aim to strengthen tenant rights and improve residential safety standards across the city.

Final arguments are underway in the war crimes tribunal concerning the killing and burning of six activists in Ashulia, Savar, during the July uprising. The hearing took place on Tuesday before a three-member tribunal led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury. Defense lawyer Mirajul Alam, representing former DB Inspector Md. Arafat Hossain, argued that his client had no weapon and did not kill anyone. The tribunal responded that burning bodies does not require weapons. During the session, prosecutors questioned whether the defense was challenging the legitimacy of the July movement.

The prosecution had earlier filed a report accusing 16 individuals, including former MP Muhammad Saiful Islam, of crimes against humanity related to the incident. Eight of the accused, including several former police officials, are currently in custody. According to the investigation report, on August 5 of the previous year, police allegedly shot five people dead and seriously injured another near Ashulia Police Station before burning all six in a police vehicle.

The tribunal proceedings are nearing conclusion, with both sides presenting their final arguments before a verdict is expected.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s central assistant secretary Advocate Muazzam Hossain Helal has withdrawn his nomination for the upcoming national election in Barishal-5 (Sadar and City) constituency. The withdrawal was made on Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the office of the Barishal Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer, where Helal formally submitted his application to Assistant Returning Officer and Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Sufal Chandra Goldar. He simultaneously announced his support for Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s candidate and Nayeb-e-Ameer Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim.

Speaking to journalists after the withdrawal, Helal said he acted under the directive of Jamaat’s Ameer and the party’s central decision, citing the greater interest of the country and its people. He stated that Jamaat leaders and supporters in Barishal-5 would now work collectively for Faizul Karim, campaigning for the “hand fan” symbol and striving to ensure his victory.

The move signals a tactical alignment between Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolan Bangladesh in the Barishal-5 constituency ahead of the national polls.

Sharmin S. Morshed, Advisor to the Ministry of Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs, stated that her government supports holding a referendum for the welfare of the people. She emphasized that citizens will have the opportunity to vote 'no' as well. She made these remarks on Tuesday afternoon in Jhenaidah, following a meeting organized by the district administration to encourage participation in the upcoming referendum and national election.

During the meeting, attended by the Deputy Commissioner Abdullah Al Masud, Superintendent of Police Mahfuz Afzal, and representatives from various sectors, Sharmin reiterated that the referendum is not a neutral process and that her stance is firmly in favor of 'yes'. She argued that reform is impossible without a referendum and recalled that after the 2024 uprising, people demanded a new Bangladesh built on humane and just values.

Sharmin added that some groups fail to understand the purpose of the referendum. She said that to end authoritarianism, abductions, and killings, the country’s infrastructure must be fundamentally changed, and public consent through a referendum is essential.

Jamaat-e-Islami presented a comprehensive set of policy plans at a policy summit held on Tuesday at the InterContinental Hotel in Dhaka. The party outlined its vision for governance if it wins the upcoming 13th parliamentary election. Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman delivered the keynote address, emphasizing a framework for a 'new and prosperous Bangladesh.' Diplomats, academics, business leaders, and professionals attended the event, where experts discussed the proposed policy papers.

The plans include zero tolerance against corruption, gradual reduction of tax to 19 percent and VAT to 10 percent, and the introduction of a smart social security card integrating NID, TIN, health, and social services. The party pledged not to raise utility charges for three years, reopen closed factories through public-private partnerships, and provide interest-free loans to small farmers. Education proposals include interest-free loans for graduates and students, establishment of the world’s largest women’s university, and merit-based recruitment. Health initiatives promise free care for children under five and seniors over sixty, and specialized hospitals in all 64 districts.

The roadmap also features youth and ICT development programs, including a new ministry for skilled manpower, 10 million youth trained in five years, and a ‘Vision 2040’ plan to create 2 million ICT jobs by 2030.

Independent candidate Barrister M. Sarwar Hossain has withdrawn his candidacy for the Dhaka-17 constituency, citing loyalty to nationalist ideals and respect for party leadership. The Supreme Court lawyer made the announcement on Tuesday, January 20, the final day for withdrawal, after BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman was nominated for the same seat.

Sarwar’s nomination had initially been rejected by the Election Commission during the preliminary screening but was later reinstated through appeal. Despite winning the legal battle to retain his candidacy, he chose to step aside out of respect for his party chief. Speaking to journalists, Sarwar said he had long been involved in politics under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman and had even faced imprisonment for the cause.

Expressing optimism about the country’s political future, Sarwar stated that Tarique Rahman would work toward building a corruption-free, justice-based society, emphasizing good governance and a strong foreign policy to bring qualitative change to national politics.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has not nominated any female candidates for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. The party’s Nayebe Ameer, Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, stated that although Jamaat itself has no direct female nominees this time, its political alliance includes women candidates. He made the remarks on Tuesday while speaking to journalists during a policy summit at a hotel in Dhaka.

Taher explained that an earlier consensus commission discussed reforms, including a proposal to ensure 5 to 15 percent female participation in direct elections. Jamaat-e-Islami agreed with that decision and will nominate women if such a measure becomes law. On campaign strategy, he said the party would use online tools within legal limits but focus mainly on direct, person-to-person voter contact. He added that Jamaat is fully prepared for the election and intends to include capable individuals from across Bangladesh in governance if it comes to power.

The comments reflect Jamaat’s current stance on women’s political participation and its approach to election campaigning under existing regulations.