Leaders and activists of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh have become divided into at least four factions over their stance on the upcoming 13th national election. Although the organization identifies itself as non-political, many of its senior figures are contesting the election under different political alliances, while others have taken public positions for or against certain parties. Some leaders, including the Amir and Secretary General, have voiced opposition to Jamaat-e-Islami, sparking controversy within religious circles.

According to the report, Hefazat was founded in 2010 as a non-political platform of Qawmi madrasa teachers to counter anti-Islamic activities. Despite its stated neutrality, its leaders have historically maintained informal ties with various political parties. In the current election, some Hefazat-linked leaders are aligned with the BNP-led alliance, while others support the Jamaat-led bloc. Meanwhile, a large portion of Qawmi scholars remain politically inactive or silent.

The internal division has caused unease among Hefazat’s followers and the broader Qawmi community. Organizational leaders insist that any political involvement is personal, not institutional, though the practical situation appears more complex.

Bangladesh Police have identified 6,748 polling centers across the country as vulnerable ahead of the upcoming national election. The centers were marked due to factors such as the influence of muscle power, long distances from police stations, remote locations, leftist extremist presence, dominance of specific political parties, poor communication systems, and inactive community policing. The list includes districts from Dhaka Division and the southern region. Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam stated that standard security measures will be maintained around these centers.

According to senior police officials, 2,115 centers in 13 districts of Dhaka Division and 813 in 11 districts of Chattogram Division are considered risky. In Dhaka Metropolitan Police areas, 853 of 2,131 centers are vulnerable. Police have begun reconnaissance and listed potential influencers in these areas. Around 150,000 officers are being trained, and body-worn cameras will be used to ensure transparency. Law enforcement agencies, including the army, BGB, RAB, Ansar, and Coast Guard, will assist in maintaining order.

Police have also activated cyber teams to counter election-related rumors on social media and are working to recover 1,340 missing weapons viewed as a threat to fair polling.

A banned organization, Chhatra League, held a flash procession on the busy Dhaka–Mymensingh Highway in Sreepur upazila of Gazipur on Saturday, January 17. The event took place around 3 p.m. in front of Pushpadam Resort under the banner reading “Boycott elections without the boat symbol.” About fifty activists reportedly participated, following instructions from Gazipur district Chhatra League president Sultan Md. Sirajul Islam. Video footage circulating on social media showed Sreepur upazila Chhatra League joint convener Sohel Sarkar leading the procession.

Authorities and observers described the act as a clear violation of the government ban on the organization. According to existing law, any rally or political activity under the name of a banned group is illegal. The incident raised concerns about law enforcement and administrative oversight in the area.

Sreepur police officer-in-charge Mohammad Nasir Ahmed said the location might not fall under his station’s jurisdiction and that conflicting information about time and place was being verified. Observers warned that continued public activities by banned groups could threaten law and order and undermine state authority if not addressed promptly.

Veteran editor and writer Shafik Rehman said journalists are often labeled as agents due to the culture of political allegiance shifts. He made the remarks on January 17 at the Media Conclave 2026 held at the Krishibid Institute in Dhaka, jointly organized by the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) and the Editors’ Council. Rehman emphasized that journalists should uphold positive values and proposed forming a Newspaper Standards Committee to ensure news quality. He also noted that journalists with additional professional skills can work more independently.

Media Reform Commission chief Kamal Ahmed criticized the government for failing to enact the promised Journalist Protection Act despite prior commitments by two former information advisers. Editors’ Council president Nurul Kabir stressed the importance of maintaining diversity of opinion and warned against attempts to undermine democratic values. Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman called for unity among journalists, while Daily Star editor Mahfuz Anam highlighted journalism’s role in democracy and social service.

Leaders from NOAB, the Editors’ Council, and various journalist associations across Bangladesh attended the event, underscoring a collective call for ethical and independent journalism.

The final day of campaigning for the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) Central Student Union (SACSU) and hall union elections took place on January 18, 2026. With the university closed, candidates focused their last efforts on reaching voters in residential halls and messes. According to the election schedule, voting will be held on January 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and all campaigning must end by 10 p.m. on January 18 in line with election conduct rules.

Candidates complained that an Election Commission circular issued on January 12 disrupted their campaigns for three days, particularly affecting independent candidates who lack party support. Some requested an extension of the campaign period, arguing that limited time and campus closure hindered their outreach. Vice President candidate Md Mostakim Billah from the “Combined SUSTian Unity” panel and independent General Secretary candidate Junaid Hasan both urged for more time.

However, SACSU Election Commission spokesperson Professor Dr. Md Nazrul Islam confirmed that no extension would be granted, citing national commission directives to avoid any violation of the election code. The upcoming vote marks the first SACSU election in nearly three decades.

A federal judge in Minnesota has ordered U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents deployed in the state to limit certain tactics used against protesters and observers. The injunction, issued by U.S. District Judge Kate Menendez, prohibits federal agents from arresting or detaining peaceful demonstrators or observers without reasonable suspicion of a crime or interference with law enforcement. It also bans the use of pepper spray, tear gas, or other crowd-control weapons against peaceful participants. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been given 72 hours to bring its Minneapolis operations into compliance.

The ruling follows heightened tensions after an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, during a neighborhood patrol organized by activists monitoring ICE activities. The decision marks a legal victory for local activists in Minneapolis, two weeks after the Trump administration deployed 2,000 immigration agents to the area, a number that has since grown to nearly 3,000. DHS has described the operation as the largest of its kind in U.S. history.

As protests continue, President Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy the military to manage unrest, though he stated there was no immediate need to do so.

President Donald Trump announced that several European allies will face a series of escalating tariffs for opposing United States control of Greenland, intensifying his campaign to acquire the Danish territory. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said 10 percent tariffs would begin on February 1 for Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, rising to 25 percent on June 1 and remaining until an agreement is reached for the US to buy Greenland. He accused these nations of playing a “very dangerous game” through visits to Greenland and linked the acquisition to the planned US missile defense shield, the Golden Dome.

The announcement came as thousands protested across Denmark and Greenland against Trump’s repeated threats to take control of the Arctic island. Demonstrations in Copenhagen and Nuuk drew large crowds calling for self-governance and rejecting US ownership. Al Jazeera correspondents described the move as unprecedented and a serious escalation against close US allies.

A bipartisan US congressional delegation in Copenhagen sought to reassure Denmark and Greenland of continued American support, but the tariff threat has raised concerns of deepening rifts within NATO and heightened tensions over Arctic security.

BNP-nominated candidate for Dhaka-6, Engineer Ishraq Hossain, stated that his political philosophy centers on ensuring equal rights for all citizens regardless of religion. Speaking at an event in the capital on January 17, he recalled growing up in Gopibagh Second Lane, where people of all faiths lived together harmoniously. He emphasized that he was never taught to view any religion as superior or inferior and that equality among citizens is a core value he upholds.

Hossain clarified that he previously held no government or organizational post, so law enforcement or court order implementation was not his responsibility. However, he vowed that if entrusted with authority, he would act firmly against illegal structures, extortion, and any irregularities. He warned that no individual or group using the name of BNP or any other party for unlawful activities would be tolerated.

Assuring overall safety in his constituency, Hossain pledged that all citizens, including women, children, and the elderly, would be able to move freely and safely at all times. He expressed hope for a fair and transparent election and reaffirmed his lifelong commitment to serving local residents.

Two activists of the July Movement, identified as Hasnat Abdullah and Moin Uddin Mahin, were injured in an attack on Friday night near the Badurpara petrol pump on the Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar highway. The incident occurred after they had filed a complaint at Chandanaish Police Station against BNP candidate Jasim Uddin Ahmed, known locally as the 'cashier of Benazir'. Both victims are currently receiving treatment at Chittagong Medical College Hospital.

According to local organizers, the victims were returning home by CNG taxi when 10–12 assailants intercepted them and attacked with sticks and knives. Earlier that day, the activists had held a press conference demanding the cancellation of Jasim Uddin’s nomination, alleging concealment of information and past involvement in violence. Jasim Uddin denied any involvement in the attack, claiming that a smear campaign was being run against him by the NCP and Jamaat-e-Islami.

Police confirmed that an investigation is underway, though no formal complaint has yet been received. The local election officer also stated that Jasim Uddin faces a separate allegation of violating the electoral code by campaigning in a mosque.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh has blamed Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami for the failure to implement the 'One Box Policy', accusing it of political ambition and monopolistic behavior. The announcement came during a press conference held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Comilla Press Club, organized by the party’s district election management committee. The party also declared its decision to contest in 11 parliamentary constituencies in Comilla.

In a written statement, Islami Andolan leaders said the 'One Box Policy' was designed to unite Islamist forces for the welfare of Islam, the nation, and humanity, but the initiative faltered due to Jamaat’s unilateral conditions and dominance in seat-sharing discussions. They alleged that Jamaat prioritized its own interests, sidelined other Islamist groups, and engaged in secret deals with other parties, including BNP and NCP, while spreading propaganda against Islami Andolan.

The party reiterated its commitment to unity based on mutual respect and procedural fairness, rejecting any attempt to monopolize Islamic politics. It emphasized that its political activities would continue for the welfare of Islam, the country, and humanity.

Four supporters of independent candidate Kamruzzaman Bhuiyan were injured in an attack allegedly carried out by supporters of BNP candidate Dr. K.M. Babor in Gopalganj-2 constituency. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon in Ulpur of Gopalganj Sadar upazila during leaflet distribution. Police said Kamruzzaman’s team of ten workers, including Minarul Shikder, arrived in Rautkhamar village to distribute campaign leaflets when they were confronted by 10–15 BNP supporters led by Antar Molla.

According to police inspector Molla Afzal Hossain of Boultoli outpost, the BNP supporters obstructed the independent candidate’s campaign and assaulted his workers following a verbal altercation. The injured supporters took shelter in a local shop at Ulpur Bazar but were attacked again. Police later reached the scene and brought the situation under control.

Gopalganj District Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Md. Arif-uz-Zaman said the incident constitutes a violation of the electoral code of conduct and that further action will be taken after investigation.

Jhenaidah district BNP has declared Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Mufti Amir Hamza unwelcome in the district. The announcement was made by district BNP organizing secretary Sajedur Rahman Pappu through a social media post on January 17, 2026. Pappu stated that Hamza would remain unwelcome in Jhenaidah until he withdraws his controversial remarks about the late Arafat Rahman Koko. The post quickly went viral, drawing supportive comments from BNP leaders and activists.

Pappu explained that Arafat Rahman Koko was the son of late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, and that making distorted or indecent comments about a deceased person was against Islamic values. He added that Hamza would not be allowed to enter Jhenaidah until he retracts his statement. Amir Hamza, who frequently speaks at religious gatherings across six upazilas of Jhenaidah, responded by saying the speech in question was from 2023 and expressed regret in a Facebook video message.

The dispute has drawn attention in local political circles, particularly as Hamza is contesting from Kushtia-3 constituency under Jamaat-e-Islami.

The Election Commission on Saturday canceled the nomination of BNP candidate Monjurul Ahsan Munshi for the Comilla-4 (Debidwar) constituency ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The decision was announced after a hearing held at the Election Commission building in Agargaon, Dhaka. The seat also features National Citizen Party (NCP) candidate Hasnat Abdullah, who is contesting from a 10-party alliance.

Following the cancellation, Monjurul Ahsan Munshi shared a statement on Facebook urging supporters not to lose hope, describing the decision as part of an ongoing legal process. He stated that the Election Commission’s decision was not final and that the matter was under consideration by the High Court. Munshi expressed confidence that justice would prevail and his nomination would be reinstated.

He called for patience and unity among his supporters, emphasizing that they would continue their efforts through legal means and that truth and justice would ultimately triumph.

Local Government Ministry adviser Adilur Rahman Khan stated that no one can breach Bangladesh’s border if the country’s security guards remain vigilant. He made the remark on Saturday after inspecting the ongoing ‘Rainwater Reservoir’ project at Anjumanpara in Palongkhali Union of Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar. The project aims to address the long-standing safe water crisis in Ukhiya and Teknaf.

According to the adviser, groundwater levels in the region have been falling while salinity has increased, creating a severe shortage of safe water. The rainwater reservoir project is designed to provide a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution by collecting rainwater during the monsoon season, storing it in specially built reservoirs, and purifying it for year-round use by local residents. This initiative is expected to ensure easier access to safe water and reduce dependence on groundwater.

Adilur Rahman Khan noted that two to three phases of the project have already been completed and expressed satisfaction with the progress. He instructed relevant departments to maintain quality and complete the project within the scheduled time.

Badiul Alam Majumdar, Secretary of Citizens for Good Governance (Sujon), stated that the current interim government, formed after a mass uprising, can legitimately campaign for a 'Yes' vote in the upcoming national referendum. Speaking on January 17, 2026, at a divisional dialogue in Rangpur titled 'Post-Uprising Aspirations, Reforms and Election Manifesto', he explained that the government has established 11 reform commissions and is committed to implementing those reforms.

Majumdar clarified that this government is not a caretaker administration, which would have been bound by law to remain neutral and temporary. Instead, it came to power with mandates for election, reform, and justice. He emphasized that constitutional amendments alone cannot ensure freedom from authoritarianism without democratic values and political culture. He expressed hope that the national election scheduled for February 12 would be fair and impartial, urging political parties and the Election Commission to act responsibly.

He further called for institutional reforms, strengthening of the Election Commission, and a neutral election-time government to ensure a level playing field and sustainable democratic transition.