Mehedi Hasan Himel, convener of Jagannath University (JNU) Chhatra Dal, issued a stern warning on Tuesday evening, January 20, through a Facebook post emphasizing politeness, tolerance, and healthy student politics. He stated that while his organization had long endured controversial activities from other student groups with patience, any further crossing of limits would lead to severe consequences. Himel warned that those who overstep boundaries would not be able to stay anywhere in Dhaka, neither on campus nor at home.

In his post, Himel described Jagannath University as an emotional space for Chhatra Dal, founded by Begum Khaleda Zia, and said the group had shown restraint to maintain a peaceful educational environment. His remarks came after Ibrahim Khalil, organizational secretary of JNU Shibir, accused the authorities of halting the Shaksu election to arrange a BNP rally in Sylhet and called for a blockade in protest. That statement sparked criticism among Chhatra Dal activists nationwide.

Himel further warned that any organization under the influence of Chhatra League making provocative comments would not be spared, triggering renewed debate in campus politics.

The ‘Vote Rickshaw’ campaign was inaugurated in Sylhet as part of nationwide publicity for the upcoming referendum and the 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for February 12. The event, organized by the Sylhet District Information Office, was virtually inaugurated by Md. Abdul Jalil, Director General of the Department of Mass Communication, at the Sadar Upazila Parishad premises on Tuesday. The initiative is being implemented under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting with the support of the Department of Mass Communication.

According to officials, the campaign aims to raise public awareness about the referendum and encourage voter participation. Abdul Jalil stated that the program will expand across all eight divisions, 64 districts, 495 upazilas, and 4,579 unions nationwide. Sadar Upazila Executive Officer Khoshnur Rubaiyat emphasized that the dual voting process—covering both the national election and the referendum—requires citizens to be well-informed. The referendum seeks to ensure the proper implementation of the July Charter based on public opinion.

In Sylhet, the campaign will run across 13 upazilas and 106 unions until February 9, with participation from local officials and media representatives.

Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain, Adviser on Shipping and Labour and Employment, has called on citizens to vote 'Yes' in the upcoming Referendum 2026, describing it as a historic opportunity in Bangladesh’s democratic journey. Speaking on Tuesday, January 20, at a campaign discussion organized by the Panchagarh District Administration at the Panchagarh Government Auditorium, he said the referendum would allow people to directly express their opinions on key state matters and strengthen participatory, transparent, and accountable governance.

He emphasized that the referendum is not merely a formal process but a reflection of the people’s sovereign power. Hossain warned that if the 'No' side wins, the nation could lose the opportunity gained through the July mass uprising. He urged citizens to vote 'Yes' to ensure true empowerment and liberation from past autocratic practices.

The adviser also stressed the importance of public awareness and responsible, fact-based campaigning to ensure the referendum’s success. He assured that the process would follow a clear legal and constitutional framework with transparency and neutrality at every stage.

Iranian authorities have issued a three-day ultimatum for citizens involved in recent anti-government protests to surrender. National Police Chief Ahmad-Reza Radan announced on state television that those who participated in what the government calls “riots” would be treated leniently if they turn themselves in within the given timeframe. He described the young participants as “deceived individuals” rather than enemy soldiers and said the Islamic Republic would show flexibility toward them.

The protests, which began in late December over economic hardship, quickly evolved into one of the biggest challenges to Iran’s leadership. Human rights organizations claim thousands were killed during violent crackdowns, while Iranian officials argue that the initially peaceful demonstrations were later fueled by the United States and Israel to destabilize the country. Tasnim News Agency reported around 3,000 arrests, though rights groups estimate the number could reach 20,000.

The ultimatum follows a stern warning from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who urged authorities to crush “traitors” and ensure no domestic or foreign offenders escape punishment, further intensifying Iran’s political and social unrest.

A Dhaka court has denied permission for Moazzem Hossain, former assistant personal secretary (APS) to interim government adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, to travel to Thailand for medical treatment. The order was issued on Tuesday by Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge (Senior Special Judge) Md Sabbir Foyez, confirmed by the court’s bench assistant Riaz Hossain. Moazzem had sought permission to travel abroad citing spinal cord injuries and a scheduled medical appointment in Thailand on February 15.

In his petition, Moazzem claimed he was falsely implicated in a case to harass him and asserted that he was not involved in any unlawful or anti-state activities. His lawyer, Md Raihan, told the court that Moazzem suffered a spinal injury causing fluid leakage and required specialized treatment abroad. Despite these arguments, the court rejected the application after hearing.

The same court had earlier, on May 24 of the previous year, blocked Moazzem’s national identity card and imposed a travel ban against him in connection with a corruption allegation.

Khelafat Majlis has withdrawn more than fifty of its seventy-two approved candidates on the final day of withdrawal for Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election. The withdrawals were made Tuesday under central directives as part of seat-sharing arrangements within the ten-party alliance. Party candidates submitted their withdrawal letters to district returning offices, accompanied by alliance partners and local leaders.

According to the party’s joint secretary general Abdul Jalil, twenty candidates remain in the race. Of these, eleven are single candidates under the alliance agreement, while nine others are contesting in open seats alongside other allied nominees. A party press release stated that Khelafat Majlis had initially nominated candidates in 258 constituencies before reducing the number to 74 after seat adjustments with partners. The latest withdrawals were described as a move to preserve unity among Islamist and nationalist forces.

The remaining Khelafat Majlis candidates will contest under the ten-party alliance symbol, the wall clock, in the upcoming election.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin said that if Bangladesh’s postal ballot project succeeds, it will brighten the country’s image worldwide. He made the remarks on Tuesday, January 20, at the Election Building auditorium after briefing political parties on the voting process through the postal ballot app.

The CEC explained that the initiative is unprecedented and involves significant risks and challenges. He noted that expatriates from 122 countries have registered to vote by postal ballot, each with different postal systems and regulations, making coordination a major challenge. Nasir Uddin thanked the media for their cooperation and urged continued support to ensure the project’s success. He acknowledged that misunderstandings may occur but emphasized that transparency and communication can resolve confusion.

He added that the Election Commission has introduced systems for voting from prisons and for people working away from their constituencies, which had never been attempted before. The CEC expressed optimism that with collective effort, the postal ballot project could become a milestone for Bangladesh and earn international recognition.

Dr. Mahamuda Mitu, the central joint member secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has decided not to contest the election from the Jhalakathi-1 constituency. On Tuesday, she formally withdrew her nomination papers and announced her support for Jamaat alliance candidate Faizul Haque. The announcement was made through a Facebook post on Tuesday evening, where she confirmed her decision to step aside in line with her party’s directive.

In her post, Dr. Mitu expressed gratitude for the party’s decision and urged her supporters in the Kathalia-Rajapur area to stand by Faizul Haque. She also stated that she would actively participate in the election campaign for the Jamaat alliance in Jhalakathi-1. Calling on voters to support the alliance’s symbol, she reaffirmed her commitment to remain engaged throughout the campaign period.

The withdrawal and endorsement mark a shift in local electoral dynamics, as Dr. Mitu’s participation in Jamaat’s campaign could influence voter alignment in the constituency.

The Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad Central Command Council has called on citizens to vote 'Yes' in favor of the July Charter. The appeal was made by council convener Bir Muktijoddha Naeem Jahangir during a press conference held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the Juhur Hossain Chowdhury Hall of the National Press Club in Dhaka. He emphasized that the upcoming referendum on February 12 and the 13th National Parliamentary Election are crucial for ensuring responsible and conscious participation by the public.

Jahangir described the July Charter 2025 as a historic milestone aimed at safeguarding rights, justice, democracy, and the security of future generations while preventing the resurgence of fascism. He said the charter’s core goals include protecting national sovereignty, ensuring public welfare, and establishing a prosperous and stable state system. According to him, implementing the charter would help fulfill the objectives of the Liberation War.

He urged all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, to unite in support of the July Charter and to make the democratic process a celebration of harmony, responsibility, and national progress.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has issued warnings to four political parties for allegedly conducting election campaigns before the official schedule. Following a complaint from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the EC sent formal letters to Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party (NCP), Islami Andolan Bangladesh, and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, instructing them to refrain from any campaign activities before the permitted date. The EC emphasized that early campaigning violates election laws and warned that further breaches could lead to legal action.

According to the EC, the BNP’s written complaint alleged that the four parties were engaging in public programs and promotional activities despite a ban on campaigning before January 21. The EC cited Rule 18 of the “Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates, 2025,” which prohibits campaign activities before the official schedule. The Commission reiterated its commitment to ensuring a level playing field for all parties.

Officials indicated that if any party continues to violate the code despite the warning, the EC will consider legal measures to enforce compliance.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus visited the July Uprising Memorial Museum at Ganabhaban on Tuesday afternoon to inspect the final phase of its construction. He was accompanied by senior leaders of the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and National Citizens Party (NCP), along with several advisers. During the visit, Yunus said the museum was built while the memory of the July martyrs remained fresh, calling it an unprecedented example in the world. He expressed hope that no such museum would ever be needed again and that future generations would find guidance there if the nation ever lost its way.

The museum showcases the history behind the July uprising and depictions of Sheikh Hasina’s 16-year rule. Yunus urged citizens and students to visit and spend time there to understand the nation’s past suffering. Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki thanked those who worked tirelessly, many without pay, to complete the project in record time. He said remaining sections would be finished soon and the museum would open to the public before the upcoming election.

The museum preserves photographs, artifacts, letters, documents, and audiovisual materials from the uprising, including a documentary produced by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced that a combined operation will be conducted in Jungle Salimpur. He made the statement on Tuesday, January 20, at a press briefing held at the Foreign Service Academy auditorium. The briefing was organized to inform about the 119th meeting of the National Implementation Committee on Administrative Reorganization (NIKAR), which was also the first meeting during the tenure of the interim government.

Responding to questions about possible impacts on law and order before the election, Shafiqul Alam said the issue had been discussed in the meeting. He condemned the recent incident in Jungle Salimpur, describing it as a heinous act. He stated that all forces would jointly carry out the operation and that everyone involved, regardless of their influence, would be arrested. He also mentioned that efforts would be made to recover looted weapons through the combined operation.

When asked about the morale of security personnel, the press secretary said the incident would not weaken them but rather strengthen their resolve.

At least 16 activists of Jamaat-e-Islami were injured in an alleged attack by local BNP members in Mirpur’s 60 Feet area of Dhaka on Tuesday evening, January 20. The incident took place in front of Pirerbag Al Mobarak Mosque after the Maghrib prayer. Witnesses said that local BNP activists attacked female members of Jamaat, leading to injuries among at least 16 Jamaat members. Some individuals were reportedly confined inside the mosque during the clash.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Mirpur Zone) Moinul Haque confirmed the incident and said police reached the spot after receiving information. Jamaat activists alleged that BNP members continued aggressive behavior even in front of the police. The situation was brought under control after army personnel arrived, following which local BNP leaders expressed regret over the incident.

Later that night, around 8 p.m., hundreds of Jamaat and Islami Chhatra Shibir activists staged a protest demanding the arrest of those responsible for the attack.

A national committee formed to review electricity sector contracts made during the tenure of the ousted Awami League government has submitted its final report. The committee, led by retired Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury, handed the report to Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan, the adviser in charge of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, on Tuesday. The report covers 156 contracts signed under the Speedy Supply of Power and Energy (Special Provision) Act, 2010. Neither the committee nor the government has disclosed the recommendations contained in the report.

The committee was established on 5 September 2024 to examine agreements involving entities such as Adani Group. It included BUET professor Abdul Hasib Chowdhury, chartered accountant Ali Ashfaq, former World Bank economist Zahid Hossain, and University of London professor Mushtaq Khan. The committee had full authority to collect data, audit documents, summon individuals or organizations, and assess whether national interests were protected under the indemnity law.

Separately, another government committee led by economist Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya published a white paper on 1 December detailing alleged corruption of Tk 1.25 trillion in the power and energy sectors during the Awami League’s 15.5-year rule.

The government is considering dividing the jurisdiction of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) into Dhaka North, Dhaka South, or multiple sections to strengthen law and order management in the capital. The proposal was discussed on Tuesday at a meeting of the National Committee on Administrative Reform Implementation, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon. However, no final decision has been made.

At a briefing held at the Foreign Service Academy on Bailey Road, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said that splitting the DMP into two parts could accelerate operations and improve control over law and order. He noted that Dhaka’s size continues to expand and that managing law and order in one of the world’s largest cities has become increasingly difficult. The meeting also reviewed earlier administrative models, such as the former Gulshan and Mirpur municipalities, as possible references.

The discussion remains at a preliminary stage, with further evaluation expected before any structural changes are approved.