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.

A total of 373,398 expatriate voters across various countries have received postal ballots to participate in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum, according to the Election Commission (EC). Among them, 196,625 voters have already scanned their QR codes. The EC stated that these registered overseas voters will be able to cast their votes and send them back to Bangladesh after the allocation of election symbols on January 21.

Salim Ahmad Khan, team leader of the ‘OCV-SDI’ project on expatriate voter registration, confirmed that 5,126 ballots were returned to Bangladesh due to incorrect addresses or voters not being found at their listed locations. Earlier, the EC had completed sending postal ballots to 767,028 expatriate voters in 121 countries.

According to EC data, a total of 1,533,683 voters, both domestic and overseas, have registered through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ app. Election officials noted that after symbol allocation, expatriates must send their completed ballots by mail to the respective returning officers’ offices in Bangladesh.

Faruk-e-Azam, Adviser on Liberation War Affairs and Disaster Management, stated that a victory for the 'Yes' vote in the upcoming referendum would bring fundamental changes to the state structure and secure citizens' rights and freedoms. He made the remarks on Tuesday at a courtyard meeting in Fapor Pashchimpara of Bogura Sadar, organized to raise voter awareness ahead of the referendum and the 13th national parliamentary election.

The adviser emphasized that the interim government is temporary and neutral, with no political affiliation, and will leave after the election. He explained that if the 'Yes' vote wins, the prime minister’s tenure will be limited to ten years, the judiciary will become fully independent, and new courts will be established at divisional and upazila levels. He also said key constitutional bodies like the Public Service Commission and Anti-Corruption Commission would be formed through consensus with the opposition.

Faruk-e-Azam added that although the current government cannot implement the referendum’s outcome, any constitutional changes approved by the people would automatically take effect in the future. The event was attended by local officials, civil society representatives, and students.

The Election Commission of Bangladesh has directed the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure security for Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman and six other party candidates until the election. A separate directive was also issued for BNP candidate Mojibur Rahman in Gazipur-1 constituency. The decision followed formal applications submitted to the commission, which were approved and forwarded to the ministry the next day.

The six other Jamaat candidates named in the directive are Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Mujibur Rahman, ATM Azharul Islam, Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Porwar, Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad, and Rafiqul Islam Khan. Election Commissioner Abdur Rahman Mashud confirmed that the letters were sent to the ministry after Jamaat’s request.

According to commission sources, security measures have been strengthened across all districts to ensure peaceful and uninterrupted election campaigns. Analysts believe the commission’s decision will help maintain a stable electoral environment.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has accused certain political groups of threatening to obstruct the upcoming national election despite having minimal public backing. He made the remarks on Tuesday at a discussion organized by the BNP at the Diploma Engineering Institution auditorium in Kakrail, Dhaka, marking the 90th birth anniversary of late President Ziaur Rahman. Fakhrul said that with only 23 days left before the election, some parties were loudly declaring they would not allow the polls to take place, even though they lacked significant voter support.

He emphasized that the BNP is eager to participate in the election and will accept the people’s verdict, whether in favor or against the party. Fakhrul also criticized those who, according to him, once denied Bangladesh’s existence and committed atrocities during the Liberation War. He stated that the country has reached its current position through great sacrifice and now faces an opportunity to restore democratic rights.

Addressing reform issues, Fakhrul said the BNP had proposed a 31-point reform plan two years before the government’s current campaign, asserting that reform initiatives originated from the BNP.

The National Implementation Committee on Administrative Reorganization (NICAR), chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, held its 119th meeting and the first under the interim government at the State Guest House Jamuna on Tuesday. The meeting, attended by six advisers and 14 secretaries including the Cabinet and Principal Secretaries, approved a total of 11 proposals related to administrative restructuring.

According to the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, the approved proposals include the creation of two new divisions under the Ministry of Finance—Revenue Policy Division and Revenue Management Division—to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in revenue collection. The meeting also approved merging the Health Services Division and the Health Education and Family Welfare Division to form the restructured Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Additionally, the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs will be renamed the Ministry of Women and Children, though its English name will remain unchanged.

Other approvals include upgrading Satkhira to an “A” category district, establishing three new police stations in Gazipur, Narayanganj, and Cox’s Bazar, creating another police station in Narsingdi, and correcting the spelling of Bhulli Police Station in Thakurgaon.

The Chief Adviser has directed authorities to recover all looted and illegal weapons before the upcoming national election. The instruction came during a meeting of the National Implementation Committee on Administrative Reorganization (NIKAR) held in Dhaka, where the Chief Adviser emphasized that the recovery must be completed as quickly as possible ahead of the polls. The meeting also discussed preparations for the election scheduled for February 12.

According to the Press Secretary, the government is installing CCTV cameras at nearly 42,000 polling centers across the country to ensure transparency and security. Of these, 21,946 centers identified as highly important or risky will receive special funding of Tk 71.98 crore from the Finance Ministry, with at least six cameras per center. Local administrations will fund installations at the remaining centers. Efforts are underway nationwide, with some districts nearing full completion.

Officials confirmed that 299 polling centers without electricity will receive solar power or generator support. The government reiterated that the election will be held on schedule and pledged full support to the Election Commission for a free, fair, and peaceful vote.