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.

In Lalmonirhat’s Kaliganj upazila, Executive Officer (UNO) Shamima Akter Jahan became the focus of public debate after a verbal dispute with an event organizer over being addressed as “Apu.” The incident occurred during a phone call late at night following a picnic organized by the Royal Football Academy to mark its 10th anniversary. When the academy’s vice president Meherban Mithu explained the delay and addressed her as “Apu,” the UNO reportedly reacted angrily. A portion of the call later circulated on social media, drawing widespread attention.

Mithu said he used the term respectfully and apologized when the UNO expressed displeasure, after which the event was stopped. Shamima Akter Jahan denied reacting out of anger, stating that she only intervened because the event continued past midnight. The incident sparked mixed reactions online, with some arguing that “Apu” is a polite form of address and others emphasizing the importance of administrative discipline and official decorum.

The report also noted that Shamima Akter Jahan had previously faced controversy over alleged irregularities in development projects and unilateral decisions in education policy during her earlier postings.

A commotion broke out on Saturday at the Election Commission (EC) headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, during an appeal hearing concerning the validity of dual citizenship for parliamentary candidates. The incident occurred while the EC was hearing appeals related to the cancellation of nominations. Law enforcement intervened to restore order after tensions escalated among participants.

Witnesses said the disruption began when the commission paused the hearing for half an hour during legal explanations on dual citizenship. After the Chief Election Commissioner and other members left the stage, lawyers from opposing sides engaged in heated arguments. The situation intensified when BNP candidate Abdul Awal Mintoo from Feni-3 expressed anger, prompting objections from NCP candidate Abul Hasnat from Comilla-4. Mintoo was escorted away by lawyers, while his son Tabith Awal attempted to calm Hasnat.

Following the break, Hasnat lodged a complaint with the commission, alleging that Mintoo used abusive language and attempted physical aggression. Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud described the incident as undesirable and advised filing a complaint with the election investigation committee.

Professor Dr. Ali Riaz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, has called on deputy commissioners (DCs), upazila nirbahi officers (UNOs), and election officials to help explain to citizens the importance of voting 'Yes' in the upcoming national referendum. He made the appeal on Saturday, January 17, at a views-exchange meeting held at the BIAM Foundation in Eskaton, Dhaka.

Dr. Riaz stated that the money looted from Bangladesh over the past 16 years could have made the education and health sectors self-reliant. Emphasizing the need for an independent and effective Anti-Corruption Commission, he said that ensuring a 'Yes' victory in the referendum was essential for positive national change. He also criticized the use of the presidency for partisan interests during the Awami League era, including the appointment of election commissioners based on individual decisions.

Riaz added that political parties have agreed to end one-person rule in state governance and urged members of parliament to work for their constituents’ rights rather than party loyalty.

Adilur Rahman Khan, adviser to the interim government for housing, public works, industries, local government, rural development, and cooperatives, said that the people's movement supports the 'Yes' vote, the July Charter, and a new Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Saturday morning at a public awareness meeting on the upcoming referendum, organized by the Cox’s Bazar district administration at the Public Library Hall. He emphasized that citizens should vote for their preferred candidates in the national election and also cast a 'Yes' vote in the February 12 referendum.

Khan stated that the sacrifices of the July martyrs and the contributions of the July fighters led to the birth of a new Bangladesh. To sustain this transformation, he said, a 'Yes' vote in the referendum is essential. He added that Bangladesh should be free from crossfire killings and secret detention centers, envisioning a non-discriminatory and fascism-free country where all ethnic groups enjoy equal rights.

The meeting was chaired by Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Md. A. Mannan and attended by senior officials, teachers, students, civil society members, and professionals. Khan later inaugurated campaign vehicles for the referendum and told reporters that ordinary people support 'Yes' as a stand against fascism.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has decided to introduce a new design for postal ballots used within the country, while keeping the format for overseas postal ballots unchanged. Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Ma’shud announced the decision on Saturday, January 17, following an informal meeting held the previous night. The redesigned domestic postal ballots will include only the final candidates’ names and symbols, removing the multiple symbols previously featured.

The move follows concerns raised by a delegation from the BNP, led by Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, who met the EC on Thursday to discuss complications with the current postal ballot design. The delegation proposed making postal ballots simpler and more similar to regular ballot papers, containing only the names and symbols of contesting candidates.

According to the EC, the redesign aims to make the voting process clearer and more accessible for domestic voters, while maintaining consistency for ballots sent abroad.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has alleged that a political party is looking for an opportunity to withdraw from the election. He made the remark on Saturday at a meeting with families of victims of alleged enforced disappearances, killings, and torture attributed to the Awami League, held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka.

Ahmed said their leader had planned to begin his first tour by visiting the graves of martyrs, including that of Abu Sayeed in Rangpur, and laying wreaths. However, the program was postponed at the request of the Election Commission in the interest of peace. He added that the Election Commission and another political party misinterpreted this decision as a sign of weakness, which he described instead as an act of courtesy.

He further accused the Election Commission and the unnamed political party of attempting to question the election process and seeking ways to withdraw through various tactics. Ahmed warned that those obstructing the path of democratic progress would not be spared.