Independent candidate Rumyn Farhana has been accused of behaving discourteously with an executive magistrate during her election campaign in Brahmanbaria’s Sarail upazila. The incident occurred on Saturday at Islamabadh village in Noagaon Union, where a mobile court subsequently halted her campaign activities. According to local sources, the magistrate arrived at the site during a courtyard meeting, leading to a verbal altercation between the two.

Sarail Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Executive Magistrate told the daily Amar Desh that on January 17, Rumyn Farhana conducted campaign activities in violation of Section 18 of the Election Code of Conduct 2025. As a result, the gathering was immediately dispersed. The mobile court, led by Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate Shahriya Hasan Khan from the Brahmanbaria District Commissioner’s Office, also fined a man named Jewel Tk 40,000 in connection with the incident.

The magistrate’s action effectively suspended Rumyn Farhana’s campaign in the area pending further review of the alleged code violation.

Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman stated that failure in the cultural struggle would ensure political defeat, emphasizing the link between cultural and political battles in Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Saturday during a greeting exchange marking the anniversary of the Daily Sangram newspaper. Rahman said newspapers like Daily Sangram, Amar Desh, and Naya Diganta fight for Bangladeshi culture, while others support foreign influences. He expressed hope that the upcoming democratic government after the February 12 general election would maintain the current environment of press freedom.

Recalling the closure of Amar Desh in 2013, Rahman said the paper was then printed at Sangram’s press, leading to police raids and legal cases against his elderly mother and Sangram’s then editor. He praised Sangram’s continued support, including during the post-July revolution period when Amar Desh resumed publication. Rahman reaffirmed his commitment to independent journalism and maintaining solidarity with Sangram.

The event was attended by leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami and senior journalists from both newspapers, highlighting their longstanding professional relationship.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly condemned and expressed deep concern over an armed attack on Hasnat Abdullah, a veteran injured in the July uprising and officially recognized as a hero. The incident occurred late on January 16 in Chandanaish, Chattogram, where Abdullah and another youth named Mainuddin were reportedly assaulted with sticks and knives by unidentified assailants, leaving them seriously injured. The party’s Assistant Secretary General and head of its publicity and media division, Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Jubayer, issued the statement on Saturday.

In the statement, Jubayer described the attack as a grave threat to democratic values and justice, emphasizing that targeting individuals who contributed to movements for democracy and voting rights signals a dangerous trend. He warned that political violence under the pretext of differing opinions is unacceptable and could harm the country’s electoral environment and stability if perpetrators are not brought to justice.

Jubayer called for a fair and transparent investigation, exemplary punishment for those responsible, and effective measures to prevent similar attacks in the future. He also urged the government to ensure the safety of all recognized veterans of the July uprising.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has declared that individuals with loan defaults or dual citizenship will not be allowed to contest or vote in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The announcement was made by Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, the party’s spokesperson and chairman of its election management committee, during an emergency press conference held on Saturday evening at the party’s temporary central office.

The press conference was organized to address issues related to election appeals and overall election matters. Bhuiyan stated that the NCP would continue its legal and political struggle against such candidates, emphasizing that the party would resist them both through legal means and on the ground if necessary.

The NCP’s stance underscores its commitment to ensuring that only eligible candidates participate in the election process, reflecting the party’s broader focus on electoral integrity and accountability.

Dr. Ali Riaz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, stated that there is no legal restriction preventing civil servants from campaigning for a 'Yes' vote in the upcoming national referendum. Speaking on Saturday at a meeting of Dhaka divisional administrators at the BIAM Foundation auditorium, he emphasized that the referendum is not about bringing any political party to power but about implementing state reforms based on the July National Charter. He described the referendum as a process to seek public consent on the future direction of Bangladesh.

Riaz said that constitutional experts, former judges, and legal professionals unanimously agreed that no law prohibits civil servants from supporting the 'Yes' campaign. He argued that claims of such restrictions are misleading. He also highlighted the responsibilities of public employees as both officials and citizens, citing constitutional duties to serve the people and uphold discipline. The meeting, chaired by Dhaka Divisional Commissioner Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, was attended by senior officials, including Monir Haider, who said the referendum would decide whether citizens support the July uprising.

Speakers noted that many voters are unfamiliar with referendums and stressed the need to educate the public on how to vote and the meaning of 'Yes' or 'No' choices.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cook met with BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at around 6 p.m. The meeting took place at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, Dhaka. Senior BNP leaders including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, and Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir, who also serves on the party’s Foreign Affairs Advisory Committee, were present during the meeting.

Earlier the same day, ambassadors of Nepal and Bhutan to Bangladesh paid a courtesy call on Tarique Rahman. The report did not provide details about the topics discussed or outcomes of the meetings.

The series of diplomatic meetings at the BNP Chairperson’s office highlights ongoing engagements between foreign envoys and the opposition party leadership in Dhaka, though the specific agendas remain undisclosed.

Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, Secretary of Citizens for Good Governance (SUJAN), admitted his mistake and withdrew his comment after calling journalists 'pet dogs of political parties or individuals' during a meeting in Palashbari, Gaibandha. The incident occurred on Friday evening at the Hasan Azizur Rahman Auditorium of the Bishwasahitya Kendra, where he was addressing a gathering of local citizens.

Following strong protests and pressure from local journalists, Majumdar acknowledged that his remarks were wrong and retracted them. During the same event, he also criticized the abolition of the caretaker government system through constitutional amendment and alleged that Sheikh Hasina sought to remain in power for life out of vindictiveness. He further stated that the 1991 election was the best in Bangladesh’s history.

Majumdar was accompanied by several SUJAN officials, including regional coordinator Jayanta Kar, district facilitator Atik Suman, manager Meherun Nesa, and local leaders from Palashbari. The meeting was attended by local dignitaries and SUJAN members.

Ugandan opposition presidential candidate Bobi Wine was allegedly taken from his home by the army in a helicopter, according to his party, the National Unity Platform (NUP). The party stated that his current whereabouts remain unknown. The information was shared on social media on Friday, January 16, a day after the country held its presidential election. Internet disruptions following the vote have made it difficult to verify details or obtain reliable updates.

The Ugandan government has not yet issued any official response regarding the allegations. Bobi Wine, a former pop star, is considered the country’s most prominent opposition leader and ran against long-time President Yoweri Museveni in the recent election. An Al Jazeera report cited an NUP official confirming that military and security agents entered Wine’s home, though it remains unconfirmed whether he was taken by helicopter.

After voting concluded, Bobi Wine posted on social media alleging that the number of votes counted exceeded the number of registered voters and urged citizens to remain alert.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi intensified the political atmosphere in West Bengal by calling for the removal of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress government. Speaking at a rally in Malda on Saturday, Modi labeled the state government as an ‘enemy of the people’ and accused Trinamool leaders of embezzling central funds meant for the poor. He declared that the time had come to end what he described as a cruel administration and establish good governance in Bengal.

Modi told the crowd that his call for change should be met with their demand for a BJP government, a slogan that drew loud support from attendees. He linked the goal of making India a developed nation by 2047 to the need for good governance in Bengal, citing Bihar, Odisha, and Tripura as examples of states where the BJP had gained strong support. Referring to recent municipal election results in Maharashtra and Kerala, he said these showed growing trust in the BJP’s development model among younger generations.

Modi also accused the Trinamool government of turning illegal immigrants into voters and pledged strict action against them if the BJP came to power in the state.

A verbal altercation broke out between National Citizen Party (NCP) candidate Hasnat Abdullah and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidate Abdul Awal Mintoo during an appeal hearing at the Election Commission (EC) in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred during a recess in the hearing on the validity of Manikganj-3 candidate Afroza Khanam’s nomination, which was under review due to dual citizenship concerns.

Witnesses said that after the Chief Election Commissioner and other members left the stage for a break, lawyers from both sides engaged in heated arguments. Mintoo, whose own nomination for Feni-3 was also under appeal for alleged dual citizenship, expressed anger toward those seeking to cancel his candidacy. Hasnat, present for another hearing, objected to Mintoo’s remarks, leading to a tense exchange. Law enforcement officers later brought the situation under control.

After the break, Hasnat lodged a complaint with the commission, accusing Mintoo of using abusive language and attempting physical aggression. Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud termed the incident “undesirable” and advised filing a complaint with the election investigation committee.

Tahmina Zaman Shraboni, wife of BNP candidate and former state minister for home affairs Lutfozzaman Babar, has withdrawn her independent candidacy from the Netrakona-4 (Madan–Mohanganj–Khaliajuri) constituency. On Saturday morning, her supporter Mirza Mukul formally submitted the withdrawal application at the Netrakona district returning officer’s office. District Commissioner and Returning Officer Md. Saifur Rahman confirmed that the application was accepted as it was submitted within the stipulated time.

Shraboni had previously contested the 2018 national election from the same constituency and secured a notable number of votes. In the current election, she initially filed as an independent candidate but later decided to withdraw. Other candidates contesting in Netrakona-4 include Lutfozzaman Babar, Al Helal Talukdar of Jamaat-e-Islami, Mokhlesur Rahman of Islami Andolon Bangladesh, and Jolly Talukdar of the Communist Party of Bangladesh.

The withdrawal narrows the field in Netrakona-4, potentially reshaping the competition among the remaining candidates in the constituency.

Mufti Amir Hamza, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for Kushtia-3, has apologized after an old video of his remarks about late Arafat Rahman Koko, younger son of former president Ziaur Rahman, resurfaced on Facebook and drew criticism. The video showed Hamza making a derogatory comparison involving Koko’s name during a religious gathering. Following renewed backlash, Hamza posted an apology on Facebook late Friday night.

In his post, Hamza stated that the controversial speech was made in 2023 and that he had already expressed regret at that time for using an inappropriate example. He reiterated his apology, saying he again feels remorse for the incident. Hamza also alleged that some individuals were deliberately circulating the old video during the election period to serve political interests, accusing them of exploiting even a deceased leader from their own party.

He concluded his statement by praying for Arafat Rahman Koko’s eternal peace, asking that he be granted a place in Jannatul Ferdous.

West Bengal Opposition Leader and BJP legislator Suvendu Adhikari filed a defamation case worth 100 crore rupees against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday, January 16, at the Alipore court. The case follows Banerjee’s public remarks linking Adhikari and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to an alleged coal scam. Adhikari stated that if he wins the case, the compensation will be donated to public welfare services.

Before filing the case, Adhikari had sent a legal notice to Banerjee through his lawyer, demanding evidence within 72 hours to support her allegations made on January 8 and 9. After she failed to provide proof, he proceeded with the defamation suit. On his X handle, Adhikari shared a copy of the case and accused Banerjee of misleading the public and remaining silent on the defamation notice.

The case marks an escalation in the political confrontation between the West Bengal Chief Minister and the state’s main opposition leader, centering on allegations of corruption and accountability in the coal sector.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced a two-day program to commemorate the 90th birth anniversary of late President Ziaur Rahman. The announcement was made by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi at a press conference held at the party’s central office in Naya Paltan on Saturday, January 17, 2026. According to the schedule, events will take place across the country on January 19 and 20.

On January 19, BNP leaders and activists will place floral wreaths and offer prayers at Ziaur Rahman’s mausoleum in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar at 11 a.m., with party chairman Tarique Rahman expected to attend. The same day, discussion meetings and special prayers will be held at BNP offices nationwide. On January 20, a discussion meeting will be organized at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB) auditorium in Kakrail, featuring senior party leaders, intellectuals, and civil society representatives.

Rizvi described Ziaur Rahman as the architect of modern Bangladesh and the initiator of multiparty democracy. He added that BNP’s affiliated and associate organizations will also hold discussions and prayer sessions at district and metropolitan levels.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman stated that the party’s activists did not disguise themselves under any strategic pretense during their political movement. He made the remarks on Saturday at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, during a meeting with families of victims of enforced disappearances, killings, and torture allegedly under the Awami League government. Rahman emphasized that BNP leaders and activists have remained uncompromising against injustice and that no conspiracy or propaganda can suppress the party.

He reflected on the party’s long struggle against what he called fascism, noting that despite years of disappearances, killings, abductions, and false cases, BNP members have continued their movement. Rahman said the days of fear and violence have ended and that Bangladesh is now moving toward democracy. He expressed sympathy for families who lost loved ones and said the state must not forget their sacrifices.

Rahman added that BNP has plans to honor the memory of those who disappeared or were killed, including naming roads and institutions after them if the party forms the government in the future.