With only 22 days left before Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, the country’s administration is showing signs of paralysis as ministries and departments await the transition to a new government. Routine work continues in some offices, but many ministries remain inactive. The interim government, in power for a year and a half since the July Revolution, has failed to implement meaningful administrative reforms, leaving bureaucracy and red tape intact.

Former bureaucrats and governance experts blame weak government initiatives and excessive reliance on the civil service for the lack of reform. They also cite unhealthy political competition to control the bureaucracy. The Muyeed Commission’s draft reform proposals, which sought to change promotion rules and restructure cadres, angered officials and deepened divisions within the administration. Meanwhile, the government’s demand for asset declarations from all civil servants created unease among officials.

Experts warn that the current stagnation poses a serious challenge for the incoming government. Unless political influence is removed from the bureaucracy, they say, the establishment of an effective welfare state will remain elusive.

In Syedpur, Nilphamari, the local unit of Jamaat-e-Islami launched a campaign supporting the 'Yes' vote in the upcoming national referendum. The event began on Monday night in front of the Press Club on Shaheed Dr. Zikrul Haque Road. It was presided over by Syedpur city Jamaat Ameer Md. Sharafuddin Khan, with Hafiz Abdul Muntakim, Jamaat’s nominated parliamentary candidate for Nilphamari-4 and Syedpur upazila Ameer, attending as the chief guest.

During the campaign, Abdul Muntakim urged citizens to vote 'Yes' to help build a new Bangladesh, encouraging supporters to motivate others to participate and bring them to polling centers. Leaders from various levels of the organization, including the city secretary, assistant secretary, youth division president, and publicity secretary, were present at the event.

According to the report, the 13th national parliamentary election and the referendum on implementing the July Charter are both scheduled for February 12.

Islami Chhatra Shibir has announced a four-day protest program in response to the suspension of the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) Central Students’ Union (ShakSU) election. The announcement was made Monday evening through the organization’s verified Facebook page. The program includes human chains and protest marches across campuses and metropolitan areas on Tuesday, district-level marches on Wednesday, upazila-level marches on January 22, and a final protest in Dhaka on January 23.

Earlier on Monday, the group held a protest march in the capital demanding that the ShakSU election be held on schedule and condemning what it described as a conspiracy to derail the process. The rally, organized by Dhaka Metropolitan Shibir, began at the Central Shaheed Minar and concluded with a gathering at Shahbagh. The march was led by central publicity secretary Azizur Rahman Azad and attended by several central leaders including international secretary Mu’tasim Billah Shahedi and publication secretary and Daksu VP Sadiq Kayem.

The series of demonstrations underscores the group’s opposition to the election postponement and its demand for timely implementation of the student council vote.

Religious Adviser Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain stated that the 'Yes' vote in the upcoming referendum has no connection with the inclusion or exclusion of 'Bismillah' in the constitution. He clarified that 'Bismillah' is written at the top of the constitution and will remain there, dismissing claims that a 'Yes' vote would remove Islam or Allah from the state. He made these remarks on Monday afternoon while addressing a public awareness meeting and imam conference on referendum activities at the Moulvibazar Shilpakala Auditorium, organized by the district administration.

Dr. Hossain said that misleading statements about whether 'Bismillah' or the state religion would remain are spreading confusion in society. He explained that the provisions in the July Charter would be added, while the rest of the constitution would remain intact. He emphasized that the 'Yes' vote aims to bring qualitative changes, including the formation of a caretaker government toward the end of the next government’s term, and ensuring a neutral Election Commission with input from opposition parties.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Touhiduzzaman Pavel and attended by local officials, imams, teachers, and journalists from Moulvibazar’s seven upazilas.

Members of the Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RACSU) held a protest march on Monday evening, January 19, 2026, in front of the university’s central mosque. The demonstration was organized in response to the postponement of the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) Central Students’ Union (SACSU) and hall elections. Protesters chanted slogans criticizing the decision and expressing solidarity with SUST students.

During the protest, RACSU Cultural Affairs Secretary Zaid Hasan Zoha alleged that a certain group influenced the High Court to delay the SACSU election, which was scheduled to be held that day. He claimed that conspiracies had been used to prevent fair student elections across universities. RACSU Vice President Mostakur Rahman Zahid also accused the same group of repeatedly interfering in student union elections, including those at Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chittagong, and Jagannath universities.

Zahid urged authorities to hold the postponed election promptly and warned that opposing students’ rights would provoke nationwide discontent. Around fifty RACSU and hall union leaders and activists joined the protest.

The Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) has expelled Md. Junaid Hasan, joint general secretary of the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) unit, for life. The decision, announced Monday night through a press release signed by JCD office secretary Jahangir Alam, cited specific allegations of violating organizational discipline. Hasan had participated in student movements supporting the Shahjalal University Central Students’ Union (ShakSU) election and was contesting as an independent candidate for general secretary.

According to the statement, the expulsion was approved by JCD president Rakibul Islam Rakib and general secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir. The organization instructed all members to sever any organizational ties with Hasan. While central JCD leaders in Dhaka had been protesting to cancel the ShakSU election, Hasan remained vocal on campus in favor of holding it.

On January 17, Hasan announced a 14-point manifesto, stating that the student council is an independent platform, not a political one, and pledged to continue his campaign independently despite party pressure.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer and party-nominated MP candidate for Comilla-11 (Chauddagram), Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, issued a statement on Monday, January 19, condemning arson and vandalism at three Jamaat election offices and a madrasa bus in Chauddagram. The incidents occurred on the night of January 18 in different unions, where unidentified miscreants allegedly poured petrol and set fire to the offices and the bus.

In his statement, Dr. Taher described the attacks as acts of terrorism aimed at intimidating voters and obstructing a free and fair 13th national parliamentary election. He urged authorities to identify and arrest those responsible for the violence to ensure a peaceful electoral environment.

Dr. Taher reaffirmed Jamaat’s commitment to protecting citizens’ voting rights and maintaining stability. He called on the administration and the Election Commission to take effective measures to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent further attempts to disrupt the election process.

Bangladesh Chhatra Dal (JCD) has temporarily suspended its siege program at the Election Commission (EC) after receiving assurances that its demands would be addressed. The decision was announced on Monday following a meeting between JCD leaders, including President Rakibul Islam Rakib and General Secretary Nasir Uddin, and EC Additional Secretary K.M. Ali Newaz. The student organization had been staging the siege since Sunday to press for three major demands.

According to Rakibul Islam, the EC assured that the demand for changes in the domestic postal ballot process would be considered, and the controversial directive regarding the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) student union election had been suspended. The JCD’s three-point demand included revising the postal ballot decision to ensure electoral neutrality, maintaining EC professionalism free from political pressure, and withdrawing the disputed SUST election notification.

After receiving specific assurances from the EC, the JCD delegation ended its protest and left the commission area. The organization warned that it would respond if any group attempted to exert undue pressure on the EC in the future.

Faruki Azam, Advisor to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs and the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, has called on citizens to vote 'Yes' in the upcoming referendum to build a discrimination-free Bangladesh. He made the appeal during a meeting with top administrative officials in Joypurhat, held on Monday at the Deputy Commissioner's conference room, aimed at ensuring a peaceful, fair, and acceptable national election.

During the meeting, Azam emphasized the need for reforms to establish accountable governance, independent judiciary, and election systems. He urged the replacement of oppressive and discriminatory practices with an inclusive approach. Police Superintendent Mina Mahmuda stated that comprehensive preparations were underway to maintain law and order, including special monitoring of vulnerable areas. District Election Officer Mahmud Hasan reported that voter list updates, polling center preparations, and training of election officials were ongoing.

Senior government officials from various departments attended the meeting, discussing election-related challenges and coordination measures. They expressed optimism that the dialogue would strengthen administrative cooperation during the election period.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman held meetings with ambassadors and high commissioners from 11 countries in Dhaka on Monday. Separate discussions took place with the Canadian High Commissioner and the newly appointed US Ambassador, followed by a joint meeting with nine European Union envoys led by EU Ambassador Michael Miller. The meetings were confirmed by BNP Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir outside the party chairperson’s political office in Gulshan.

Kabir said the discussions covered bilateral issues, BNP’s 31-point development agenda, and future plans to strengthen relations with Canada, the United States, and the European Union if the party forms the next government. He noted that the meetings were held in a cordial atmosphere and reflected growing international recognition of Tarique Rahman as a key political figure since his return on December 25.

Kabir added that both sides expressed optimism about maintaining progress under the interim government and continuing positive cooperation. He also mentioned that trade, investment, the Rohingya issue, and international collaboration were discussed, while diplomats showed enthusiasm about Bangladesh’s upcoming democratic transition.

Three leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Saghata upazila of Gaibandha have been expelled for violating party discipline. The expulsion was announced through a press release signed by upazila BNP convener Mohammad Ali, member secretary Selim Ahmed Tulip, and senior joint convener Moin Pradhan Labu. The expelled leaders are Nuruzzaman Sardar, convener of Kochua Union BNP, joint convener Zillur Rahman, and Firoz Kabir Rashed, organizational secretary of Kamalerpara Union BNP. They have been removed from all party positions, including primary membership.

According to the press release, the three were directly involved in activities against the organization and in breach of party discipline. The upazila BNP leadership also issued strict instructions prohibiting any organizational or personal contact with the expelled individuals. Member secretary Selim Ahmed Tulip stated that the decision was taken to maintain party discipline and strengthen organizational activities.

The directive underscores the BNP’s internal emphasis on discipline and unity within its local structures in Gaibandha.

A delegation of European Union ambassadors in Dhaka, led by EU Ambassador Michael Miller, met with BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Monday afternoon at his political office in Gulshan. The meeting was confirmed by BNP Media Cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan.

During the courtesy meeting, the ambassadors from Germany, France, Sweden, Denmark, Spain, and Italy exchanged greetings with Tarique Rahman. They also discussed strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation between their respective countries and Bangladesh. The discussion was described as cordial and focused on mutual interests.

BNP Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir, a member of the party chairperson’s Foreign Affairs Advisory Committee, and Dr. Mahadi Amin, a member of the Advisory Council, were also present at the meeting.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that the sacrifice of student leader Asaduzzaman Asad during the 1969 anti-Ayub movement continues to inspire the struggle for democracy. In a statement issued on Monday, he said Asad’s dedication to establishing a democratic society should motivate all to work toward building a prosperous Bangladesh. He urged people to remain committed to democracy and the rightful rights of citizens, marking Shaheed Asad Day with renewed determination.

The BNP leader paid deep respect to the memory of Asaduzzaman Asad and prayed for his departed soul. Meanwhile, the 90’s Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and Shaheed Asad Parishad announced a program to place floral tributes at the Shaheed Asad memorial in front of Dhaka Medical College on Tuesday morning. The announcement was made through a press release signed by Khairul Kabir Khokon, former DUCSU General Secretary and BNP Joint Secretary General.

The source recalls that on January 20, 1969, police opened fire on a student procession in front of Dhaka Medical College, killing Asaduzzaman Asad and injuring many, an event that intensified the movement leading to the fall of Ayub Khan.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh has decided not to field candidates in two parliamentary constituencies where Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis chief Maulana Mamunul Haque is contesting. The announcement was made on Monday by the party’s joint secretary general and spokesperson, Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman, through an official statement. The decision applies to Dhaka-13 and Bagerhat-1 constituencies, where the party will instead support Mamunul Haque.

According to the statement, the move was taken as a gesture of respect for Mamunul Haque’s contributions and sacrifices in Islamic-oriented politics. Gazi Ataur Rahman emphasized that Islami Andolan Bangladesh is not considering forming alliances with any other political parties. In constituencies where the party does not have its own candidates, it will extend support to honest and qualified contenders based on principles and ideology.

The decision highlights the party’s approach to maintaining ideological consistency while showing solidarity with figures it deems significant in Islamic political movements.

Leaders of the National Citizens Party (NCP) Chattogram Metropolitan unit have rejected a list of 328 alleged criminals released by the Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP). At a press conference held on Monday at Biplob Udyan, they said the list reflected irresponsibility on the part of the police and was an attempt to evade accountability. The NCP leaders demanded the immediate arrest of terrorists and assurance of a level playing field ahead of the upcoming national election.

In a written statement read by NCP joint coordinator Mohammad Erfanul Haque, the party criticized the CMP’s advisory that barred the listed individuals from entering the city and urged them to leave. The NCP argued that if the police already knew the identities and locations of these criminals, they should have been arrested instead of being asked to relocate. The leaders warned of strict programs if arrests were not made to ensure the safety of candidates, voters, and residents.

They also expressed concern over Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat, alleging his continued presence in office and participation in BNP campaigns could undermine electoral neutrality.