Islami Andolan Bangladesh has announced that it will not join the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The declaration was made on Friday by the party’s senior joint secretary general and spokesperson Gazi Ataur Rahman at a press conference. He stated that the party’s candidates are actively campaigning in 268 constituencies and will not withdraw their nominations. The party will decide later whom to support in the remaining 32 constituencies after the nomination withdrawal process ends.

Gazi Ataur Rahman emphasized that ensuring everyone’s rights based on Islamic principles is possible and that party members consider politics for establishing Islam as a sacred act of worship. He added that the party remains optimistic about its mission. The announcement followed speculation over whether Islami Andolan would join the alliance, as the party did not attend an emergency meeting of the 11-party coalition held at Jamaat’s central office in Moghbazar on Thursday.

The press conference clarified Islami Andolan’s independent stance and ended the uncertainty surrounding its alliance position before the election.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman expressed deep sorrow and sympathy to the families of those killed in a fire in Dhaka’s Uttara area. On Friday afternoon, he visited Road 18 of Sector 11, where the incident occurred, prayed for the departed souls, and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. He met relatives of the six deceased from two families and offered condolences, praying for divine mercy and healing for the 13 people still hospitalized.

During his visit, Dr. Rahman emphasized the moral duty of standing beside affected families in times of crisis, offering emotional support and encouragement. He urged neighbors to provide comfort and solidarity to the grieving families. He also noted that while material loss cannot be fully compensated, survivors should be supported to recover and continue serving humanity.

In response to a question, Dr. Rahman said that if given the opportunity, he would work to include emergency safety education in the national curriculum and raise awareness about safety through media, mosques, NGOs, and social organizations.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh, led by the Pir of Charmonai, has announced its withdrawal from the 11-party electoral alliance that included Jamaat-e-Islami. The decision was declared on Friday afternoon at the party’s central office by Joint Secretary General and spokesperson Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman. He stated that the party would contest independently in 268 constituencies in the upcoming 13th national election, as two of its 270 nominations were rejected on appeal.

Rahman outlined four reasons for leaving the alliance, all centered on Jamaat-e-Islami’s actions. He criticized Jamaat’s leader for discussing an understanding with BNP’s Tarique Rahman without consulting allies, which raised doubts about the election’s integrity. He also cited ideological differences, saying Jamaat’s leadership had assured Christian representatives that they would not implement Sharia law if in power, which contradicted Islami Andolan’s goals.

The spokesperson emphasized that Islami Andolan practices politics as a form of worship and does not pursue power politics. The party aims to unite Islamist votes under one banner and continue its mission to establish an Islamic welfare state.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s senior joint secretary general Gazi Ataur Rahman announced that the party will seek to implement Islamic Sharia law if it wins the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. He made the statement on Friday during a press conference organized to discuss seat-sharing issues. Responding to journalists, Rahman said that establishing Sharia law would be their duty and that they would attempt it through lawful means if they gained the necessary strength.

Rahman also clarified the party’s stance on the constitution, stating that while citizens are obliged to follow existing laws, some provisions are oppressive and could be changed through proper procedures. He explained that Islami Andolan left the 11-party alliance due to disagreements over justice and fairness, emphasizing that their politics is based on Islamic ideology rather than pursuit of power. The party has submitted nominations in 270 constituencies, of which 268 remain valid, and all candidates have been instructed to contest independently.

Rahman further said that Jamaat-e-Islami’s separate understanding with the BNP created doubts about the alliance’s integrity, prompting Islami Andolan to protect its ideological goals independently.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that the government should not call for voting based on any special reason or promote any particular vote. He emphasized that the government’s responsibility is to encourage citizens to participate in elections and go to polling centers. He made these remarks on Friday afternoon while speaking to journalists after attending a children and youth gathering organized by the Maizbhandari Academy at Nasirabad Government Boys High School field in Chattogram.

Amir Khasru said that when government representatives talk about voting for special reasons, it creates suspicion among the public. He added that people are not taking positively the idea of highlighting one vote while ignoring another. According to him, the focus should be on the vote that can bring real change to the lives of ordinary people, which he described as the “real vote.”

The event was inaugurated by Chattogram City Mayor Shahadat Hossain, with Daily Azadi editor M A Malek as a special guest. Several other organizers and officials were also present at the gathering.

Mahmudur Rahman, editor of the newspaper Amar Desh, stated that the political legacy and struggle of late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia have now been entrusted to their son, Tarique Rahman. He made the remarks on Friday at a citizens’ condolence meeting held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament in Dhaka, organized to mourn the death of Begum Khaleda Zia.

Rahman described this transfer of legacy as both a matter of pride and a profound responsibility. He said that being the son of two such prominent leaders is an honor but also a source of fear and challenge, as the people of Bangladesh will always compare Tarique Rahman with his parents. Citing Rabindranath Tagore’s verse, he prayed for divine strength for Tarique to carry this symbolic flag of independence and leadership.

Rahman further remarked that Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia were the only husband and wife in Bangladesh’s century-long history who remained at the peak of popularity throughout their lives, calling their joint legacy unique in global political history.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed stated that Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty remained protected because of Begum Khaleda Zia’s leadership. He made the remarks on Friday at the inauguration of a three-day photo exhibition in memory of Khaleda Zia at Justice Shahabuddin Park in Gulshan, Dhaka. Rizvi said her refusal to compromise led to her imprisonment and suffering, and that she was a guiding light for the nation.

He described Khaleda Zia’s life as broad and revolutionary, saying her political and professional journey would inspire admiration among those who study it. According to Rizvi, such exhibitions will motivate the younger generation and highlight her ideals and leadership. He added that her death created a void affecting not only her party but the entire nation.

Rizvi also criticized the Awami League government for approving projects like the Rampal power plant to serve business interests, contrasting it with Khaleda Zia’s alleged resistance to anti-national deals. He claimed regional and global forces continue to conspire to control Bangladesh’s coal and gas resources, against which Khaleda Zia always stood firm.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh, led by the Pir of Charmonai, has announced its withdrawal from the 11-party electoral alliance that included Jamaat-e-Islami. The party declared it will contest independently in 268 constituencies in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. The announcement was made on Friday afternoon at the party’s central office by its joint secretary general and spokesperson, Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman.

Explaining the decision, Rahman said the party views politics as a form of worship aimed at establishing Islamic principles, not a pursuit of power. He stated that Islami Andolan faced hostility within the alliance over issues of justice and fairness. The spokesperson also expressed concern that Jamaat’s leadership had reached understandings with BNP’s Tarique Rahman without consultation, raising doubts about the alliance’s integrity and objectives.

Rahman further said the party could not compromise on its ideological goals, especially after learning that Jamaat’s leadership had assured Christian representatives that they would not implement Sharia law if in power. He emphasized that Islami Andolan would continue its mission to unite Islamist voters under one platform.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh, led by the Pir of Charmonai, has announced its withdrawal from the 11-party electoral alliance that included Jamaat-e-Islami. The party declared it will contest 268 constituencies independently in the upcoming election. The announcement was made on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the party’s central office by its joint secretary general and spokesperson, Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman. He stated that their candidates had submitted nomination papers for 270 seats, but two were canceled, leaving 268 active candidates who have been instructed not to withdraw.

Rahman explained that the decision followed concerns that the alliance’s goals were diverging from Islami Andolan’s ideological objectives. He cited remarks by Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, who reportedly assured Christian representatives that Jamaat would govern under existing laws rather than implementing Sharia. According to Rahman, this assurance indicated a departure from the shared vision of establishing an Islamic welfare state, prompting Islami Andolan to preserve its ideological integrity.

The party emphasized its commitment to Islamic principles and vowed to continue its political activities independently to uphold its religious and moral ideals.

BNP Joint Secretary General Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel has alleged that a certain group, disguised as an alliance, is attempting to destabilize the country. He made the remarks on Friday after paying tribute at the graves of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman and late chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Sohel said that while people are preparing for participatory elections, various conspiracies are being heard, and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is preparing to establish a people's government.

He emphasized that the party’s movement for a non-partisan, neutral election remains active. Sohel accused the unnamed group of hiding its true intentions and trying to seize power to reveal its “real face,” which he said the nation no longer wants to see. He also claimed that these “religious traders” would be resisted through ballots.

Sohel further stated that BNP is introducing a family card to empower women and reduce their dependence on men, accusing opponents of spreading confusion about the initiative.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s Press Secretary Md. Shafiqul Alam stated that there is no concern regarding the upcoming national election, as all necessary preparations have been completed. He made the remarks on Friday morning after visiting the shrine of Hazrat Shah Syed Ahmad Gessu Daraz Shah Pir Kalla (R.) in Akhaura upazila of Brahmanbaria. According to him, returning officers and polling officials are fully prepared, security arrangements are in place, and postal ballot procedures have been finalized. The election is scheduled for February 12.

Shafiqul Alam also addressed criticism surrounding the referendum, saying that those opposing it have limited understanding. He explained that in countries where referendums are held, governments typically take a stance for or against. Since the current government supports reforms, it is advocating for a “yes” vote. He described the referendum as a collective reform package aimed at preventing misrule or autocracy from returning to the country.

He further noted that unlike in the past, when voting occurred at night, this time citizens will be able to vote freely, and the government will demonstrate impartiality through its actions.

The government has appointed Omar Bin Hadi, elder brother of Inquilab Moncho convener Shaheed Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, as Second Secretary at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Birmingham, United Kingdom. The appointment was made on a contractual basis for three years, effective from the date of joining. The Ministry of Public Administration’s Contract and Foreign Appointment Branch issued the official notification on Thursday, signed by Joint Secretary Abul Hayat Md. Rafiq on January 15 under the President’s order.

According to the notification, the appointment was made in the public interest, and all other terms will be determined through the relevant contract. It also specifies that during his tenure, Omar Bin Hadi cannot engage in any other profession, business, or employment with government, semi-government, or private organizations, ensuring full professional detachment.

Omar Bin Hadi is the elder brother of Osman Bin Hadi, who was shot in Dhaka’s Paltan area on December 12 and later died in Singapore on December 18 while undergoing treatment.

Saudi Arabia has announced a $500 million financial aid package to support Yemen’s development, particularly in the southern regions. The announcement was made by Mohammed Al-Jaber, Saudi ambassador to Yemen and supervisor of the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen. Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman reaffirmed Riyadh’s support during a meeting with Yemen’s internationally recognized prime minister.

According to a statement on social media platform X, the new projects will include the construction of hospitals, schools, and roads, along with fuel grants to boost electricity generation. The statement described the initiative as a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s goodwill to enhance Yemen’s security, stability, and prospects for a better future.

The announcement follows recent reports that Yemen’s internationally recognized government regained control of key southern and eastern areas previously held by the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC). The conflict had heightened tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as Yemen’s government accused the UAE of backing the STC.

Online verification and media research platform DismissLab published a fact-check report on January 16, 2026, revealing that two photocards circulating on Facebook under the name of Bangladeshi news outlet 'Amar Desh' were fake. One card claimed that villagers handed over female Jamaat activists to police while collecting voter IDs, and another alleged that BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman made an urgent call to Islami Andolan Bangladesh leader Mufti Faizul Karim. DismissLab confirmed that neither card was published by 'Amar Desh'.

The investigation found that the first photocard used an image from a 2022 report about the arrest of eight Jamaat women in Meherpur’s Mujibnagar, while the second card falsely linked political figures. DismissLab verified that the official Facebook, website, and YouTube channels of 'Amar Desh' contained no such content. The outlet’s associate editor, Alfaz Anam, confirmed that the organization did not release any such materials.

According to DismissLab, fake photocards imitating 'Amar Desh' have appeared multiple times before, spreading misinformation through social media platforms.

A South Korean court has sentenced former president Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison for declaring martial law in December 2024. The ruling, delivered by the Seoul Central District Court on Friday, was broadcast live. Yoon was found guilty of issuing martial law, obstructing the execution of arrest warrants, falsifying official documents, and failing to follow legal procedures required for declaring martial law. He has seven days to appeal the sentence.

Judge Baek Da-hyun stated that Yoon failed to uphold the constitution and the rule of law, emphasizing that as president, it was his duty to protect both. The judge described Yoon’s actions as a serious offense that disregarded constitutional principles. Following the verdict, Yoon’s lawyer announced that the former president would appeal, claiming the case was politically motivated.

The December 2024 attempt to impose martial law led to several criminal cases against Yoon. This is the first major verdict in those proceedings.