The Election Commission (EC) has declared BNP candidate Aslam Chowdhury’s nomination for the Chittagong-4 constituency valid after finding no evidence of legal or electoral rule violations. The unanimous decision came on Sunday following an appeal hearing at the EC headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka. This ruling removes all legal barriers to Chowdhury’s participation in the upcoming parliamentary election for the Sitakunda seat, which includes Chattogram City Corporation wards 9 and 10.

According to EC sources, Jamaat-backed candidate Anwar Siddique Chowdhury and two banks had separately appealed to cancel Aslam Chowdhury’s nomination, citing financial and administrative allegations. The hearing, initially scheduled for Saturday, was postponed to Sunday. During the session, Chowdhury’s lawyers presented documentary and legal explanations, which the commission reviewed thoroughly before rejecting the appeals.

Aslam Chowdhury’s personal lawyer stated that his client had been a persecuted political leader who suffered imprisonment and personal losses under the previous government. The EC’s decision now allows him to contest the election without further legal obstacles.

The National Citizen Party (NCP), a youth-led group that emerged from the July Revolution, is preparing its manifesto for the upcoming parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. Party sources said the manifesto will prioritize fundamental and structural reforms at the levels of the state, citizens, and institutions. It will emphasize strengthening defense capabilities to protect sovereignty, promoting economic self-reliance, and integrating technology-driven solutions with youth innovation to preserve and develop cultural uniqueness.

According to party insiders, an eight-member subcommittee led by Ehtesham Haque and secretary Ishtiaq Akib was formed on January 15 to draft the manifesto, which is still under preparation. The NCP aims to build a justice-based state ensuring basic rights, personal security, and human dignity. The manifesto will include plans for transparent asset declarations by officials, raising the tax-to-GDP ratio, establishing a national minimum wage, expanding parental leave, and creating a national digital server and health database.

The document will also propose strengthening defense with mid-range missiles and drones, dissolving the Rapid Action Battalion, and forming a Truth and Reconciliation Commission for institutional reform.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is observing the 91st birth anniversary of its founder and former president Ziaur Rahman on January 19, 2026. The two-day program includes floral tributes and prayers at his grave, flag hoisting at party offices nationwide, and special discussions and prayer meetings at district and local levels. A central discussion will be held at the Institution of Diploma Engineers Bangladesh auditorium in Dhaka, where senior BNP leaders and prominent figures will speak. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir issued a statement highlighting Ziaur Rahman’s patriotism, honesty, and leadership, calling him a model of moral character and urging unity to restore democracy and human rights.

The report recalls Ziaur Rahman’s life and political legacy, noting his role as a sector commander in the Liberation War, his presidency from 1977 until his assassination in 1981, and his founding of the BNP in 1978. Historian Dr. Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan stated that attempts during Awami League rule to erase Zia’s legacy failed, and his contributions to Bangladesh’s economy, nationalism, and diplomacy remain significant.

The programs aim to honor Ziaur Rahman’s contributions to Bangladesh’s political and economic development and reaffirm his ideological influence within the BNP.

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has announced an urgent press conference to protest the validation of nominations of dual citizens and loan defaulters in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The organization’s office secretary, Shahadat Hossain, confirmed in a late-night message on Sunday that the briefing will take place at 2 p.m. Monday, January 19, at Dhaka University’s Madhur Canteen. Details of the movement’s next programs will be disclosed at the event.

Earlier, Jamaat-e-Islami accused the Election Commission (EC) of bias in declaring nomination papers valid or invalid concerning dual citizenship and loan default issues. Following a meeting with the Chief Adviser, Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher told reporters that the EC’s inconsistent decisions on similar cases raise questions about its neutrality.

The student group’s press conference is expected to outline protest actions in response to these developments, reflecting growing scrutiny over the EC’s handling of candidate eligibility.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has resolved most disputes over dual citizenship among parliamentary candidates ahead of the 13th national election scheduled for February 12. Although several nominations were initially canceled by returning officers, the EC reinstated the candidacy of 21 out of 24 individuals after appeals, while three were rejected and one remains pending. The commission adopted a flexible approach, accepting proof of citizenship renunciation applications, affidavits, and fee submissions as sufficient for validation.

A total of 2,568 nomination papers were submitted for the election, with 723 initially rejected. The EC received 645 appeals and held nine days of hearings, approving 422 and rejecting 195. Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin stated that the hearings were conducted impartially. The final day for candidate withdrawal is January 20, followed by symbol allocation and campaign commencement.

Separately, a citizen named Mamun Hawlader filed a complaint alleging that the EC’s acceptance of renunciation applications without full legal completion violates constitutional and Supreme Court directives, raising questions about the commission’s legal authority to reconsider appeal decisions.

BNP’s student wing leaders have accused Jamaat-e-Islami and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) of forming mobs to influence the Election Commission’s decisions. At a press briefing held on Sunday, January 18, in front of the Election Commission building, Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir alleged that since August 5, Jamaat and NCP have repeatedly mobilized crowds to force changes in commission decisions. He urged the commission to act independently and not yield to mob pressure.

Nasir also criticized the Election Commission’s handling of postal ballots, describing it as poor management. He claimed that postal ballots were found in the homes of Jamaat and Shibir members, and that the commission itself admitted to management shortcomings. Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib added that the Shahjalal University student union election had been postponed until February 12 following a ministry directive, but the commission later reversed that decision. He said the commission had been informed of their position and would discuss the matter.

The statements reflect ongoing tensions between student political groups and the Election Commission over electoral management and decision-making transparency.

Leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Small Ethnic Group Party met with BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Sunday night at the BNP chairperson’s office in Gulshan, Dhaka. The 12-member delegation was led by the party’s president, Mrigen Hagid. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was also present during the meeting.

According to party sources, the discussion focused on the current political situation in the country, the rights and participation of small ethnic groups, and future political programs. The meeting was described as part of ongoing political consultations within the BNP framework.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Small Ethnic Group Party was formed on December 18, 2007, under the directive of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and with the approval of the then BNP Secretary General.

Leaflets titled 'Yes' promoting support for change in the upcoming referendum will be distributed to every household across Dhaka city. The campaign will also include drop-down banners and billboards on high-rise buildings, decorative festoons on road dividers, and sticker displays at various installations to encourage citizens to vote 'Yes' for building a democratic, humane, and prosperous Bangladesh.

The plan was announced during a meeting held on Sunday afternoon between Professor Ali Riaz, Special Assistant (with adviser status) to the Chief Adviser, and senior officials including Local Government and Rural Development Secretary Rezaul Maksud Zahidi, Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Mohammad Ejaz, and Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Md. Mahmudul Hasan. Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Monir Haidar was also present at the meeting.

The initiative aims to ensure citywide awareness and participation in the forthcoming referendum through coordinated publicity efforts across both city corporations.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen announced that he will visit the Teesta project area. He made the statement during a courtesy meeting with National Security Adviser Dr. Khaliqul Rahman at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Dhaka on Sunday. According to a press release from the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing, both sides discussed issues of mutual interest and reaffirmed the long-standing friendship and development cooperation between Bangladesh and China.

During the meeting, discussions covered the integrated management and restoration of the Teesta River and the proposed Bangladesh-China Friendship Hospital. The ambassador reiterated China’s commitment to completing the ongoing technical assessment of the Teesta project as soon as possible. He also expressed his government’s continued support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition and conveyed good wishes for the upcoming national election.

Both parties expressed satisfaction with the positive progress in bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation for mutual benefit.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has announced that it is reconsidering its participation in the upcoming national election, alleging that the Election Commission (EC) is biased in favor of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). NCP spokesperson and central election committee chairman Asif Mahmud made the statement on Sunday at a press conference held at the party’s temporary central office in Banglamotor, Dhaka.

Mahmud accused the EC of partiality on several issues, including the validation of nominations for dual citizens and loan defaulters. He said the NCP lacks confidence in the commission’s ability to hold a free and fair election. The party will make a collective decision after discussions within its ten-party electoral alliance. Mahmud also mentioned that the NCP is preparing to take to the streets after consulting with allied parties.

He further alleged that during appeal hearings on candidate eligibility, election commissioners met with BNP leaders and issued rulings that violated the Representation of the People Order and the constitution. Other NCP officials, including Monira Sharmin and Zahirul Islam, were present at the briefing.

A motorcyclist attached a white envelope with tape to the moving bulletproof car of BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman and quickly fled the scene in Dhaka’s Gulshan area. The incident occurred around 11:45 p.m. last Wednesday on Road 65 while Rahman was returning home from his office. His personal security team was accompanying the convoy at the time. Police at Gulshan Police Station later filed a general diary over the incident.

According to Officer-in-Charge Rakibul Islam, the motorcyclist, riding a white Hero Hunk bike, approached at high speed and stuck the envelope to the vehicle before driving away toward the American Club. A video of the event was recovered but was not clear enough to identify the rider. Police have yet to determine the motorcyclist’s identity or the contents of the envelope.

Deputy Commissioner of Gulshan Division Rawnak Alam said the investigation is ongoing. The envelope remains in the custody of Rahman’s personal security force, and police have not been informed of its contents.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is set to visit Chattogram on January 25, 2026, after more than two decades. According to the announced schedule, he will attend a BNP-organized rally at the city’s Polo Ground as the chief guest. His last visit to Chattogram was on May 6, 2005, when he served as the party’s senior joint secretary general. This will be his first visit to the port city since being declared BNP chairperson on January 9, 2026.

BNP leaders and activists in Chattogram are preparing extensively for his arrival, expressing strong enthusiasm and optimism. Separate plans have been made by the city and district BNP units to welcome him. The party expects a gathering of around 1.5 million people at the rally, where Rahman is anticipated to deliver a message of unity to strengthen the party’s campaign for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. Three subcommittees—discipline, publicity, and reception—have been formed to coordinate the event.

Local BNP leaders, including Chattogram City Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain, said the city is eagerly awaiting Rahman’s visit, expecting the day to turn into a festive occasion for residents.

Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has called on all political parties and citizens to work together to ensure a successful national election and referendum scheduled for February 12. He made the remarks during a meeting with a four-member delegation from Jamaat-e-Islami, led by party chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, at the state guesthouse Jamuna on Sunday evening. Yunus emphasized that regardless of victory or defeat, everyone must unite for the country’s interest and the success of the polls.

According to a press release from the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing, Yunus announced several measures to ensure transparency and fairness, including a hotline for complaints, installation of CCTV cameras at most polling centers, and body cameras for officials at high-risk locations. He assured that any urgent election-related issues would be promptly referred to the Election Commission. Jamaat leaders informed that their full-scale campaign would begin on January 22, alongside their ongoing “Yes” campaign for the referendum.

Yunus also clarified that government campaigning in favor of the “Yes” vote was legally permissible, stating that the interim government’s duty was to support reform efforts emerging from the people’s movement.

Advocate Saifur Rahman, the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami nominated candidate for the Chattogram-1 (Mirsharai) parliamentary seat, has publicly sought financial assistance to cover his election expenses. He made the appeal through a Facebook live session and a written post, citing the Election Commission’s rule that allows a candidate to spend a maximum of 10 taka per voter. Based on the total number of voters in his constituency, he said his maximum permissible expenditure limit has been set accordingly.

Rahman stated that he does not intend to spend beyond the legal limit and emphasized the significant costs involved in voter outreach, campaigning, and public engagement. He mentioned that several well-wishers have already expressed interest in providing moral and financial support. Those wishing to contribute legally and transparently were invited to participate.

To ensure transparency, Rahman shared his Sonali Bank Mirsharai branch account number and personal bKash and Nagad mobile banking details, promising to update transactions regularly. His post, made four days earlier, drew attention from netizens after it began circulating online.

Health and Family Welfare Adviser Nurjahan Begum has called on citizens to vote 'Yes' in the upcoming national referendum, describing it as a step toward realizing the nation’s collective dreams. She made the remarks on Sunday afternoon after inspecting the 'Yes Vote Campaign Vehicle' at the Natore District Collectorate premises.

Begum said Bangladesh achieved independence in 1971 but social inequality, once driven by western groups, still persists and has even grown. Referring to the mass movement of 2024, she recalled that around 14,000 young people were injured, 32 lost limbs, and 22 lost their eyesight. She questioned whether such sacrifices had brought the expected fair and equal society envisioned after independence.

She emphasized that government officials must remain neutral and ensure a festive, transparent voting environment. Begum warned that any attempts at misconduct would be captured by CCTV cameras. Following the inspection, she held a meeting with district-level officials about the upcoming Referendum-26, attended by senior health and administrative officers.