Bangladesh’s interim government has expressed concern over the lack of political engagement surrounding the upcoming referendum on state reforms, scheduled for February 12 alongside the 13th parliamentary election. While parties have begun election campaigns, officials note that most remain inactive or unclear about their stance on the referendum, which seeks public approval for constitutional changes under the July National Charter. The government views this silence as a worrying sign for the country’s democratic direction.

The referendum will ask voters to approve or reject four key reform areas, including a new caretaker government system, a bicameral parliament, term limits for the prime minister, and expanded judicial independence. Senior advisers and analysts have urged political parties to unite and campaign for a “yes” vote, warning that failure could undermine the goals of the July uprising that ended authoritarian rule. Some parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, have pledged eventual support for the “yes” campaign, though most remain focused on election preparations.

Government officials have called on the Election Commission and religious institutions to intensify public awareness efforts, aiming for high voter turnout and broad endorsement of the reform agenda.

Returning officers have canceled the nomination papers of several candidates from the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and other political parties due to various irregularities and legal complications. The decisions came after a four-day verification process of the 469 nomination applications submitted to the Election Commission as of Thursday.

Among the BNP candidates, S. Ayub from Jessore was disqualified for loan default, Mohammad Fahim from Sherpur-2 for dual Australian citizenship, and Dr. Mahbubur Rahman Liton from Mymensingh-7 for concealing case information in his affidavit. Independent candidate Syed A.K. Ekramuzzaman appealed against BNP’s M.A. Hannan in Brahmanbaria-1. Jamaat’s Abdul Haque from Dhaka-2 was disqualified for loan default, while Yusuf Sohel from Comilla-3 and A.K.M. Fazlul Haque from Chittagong-9 lost eligibility over incomplete affidavits and dual citizenship issues.

Officials stated that all decisions were made in accordance with election laws and regulations. The final list of valid candidates will be published after the disposal of appeals.

The Gonodhikar Parishad (GOP) has temporarily relieved its office secretary, Shakil Uzzaman, of his duties following allegations that he released a press statement in the party’s name without approval from the party president and general secretary. The announcement was made on Thursday through a press release signed by the party’s acting general secretary, Hasan Al Mamun.

According to the statement, Uzzaman’s unauthorized press release allegedly caused public confusion and violated organizational discipline. The party leadership cited these actions as grounds for his temporary suspension. The notice also directed Uzzaman to submit a written explanation within five days explaining why he should not be permanently expelled from the party.

The decision highlights the party’s emphasis on maintaining internal discipline and centralized communication, as unauthorized statements have been deemed disruptive to organizational order.

Authorities in Delhi recently demolished several structures adjacent to the century-old Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque near Turkman Gate, including a pilgrims’ lodging room, a house, a private diagnostic center, part of a road, a sidewalk, and a parking area. The operation, carried out early Wednesday, led to clashes between police and locals from Tuesday night until dawn, resulting in baton charges, tear gas use, and at least five arrests. The Delhi High Court had earlier issued notices to the municipal corporation and related agencies following a petition by the mosque’s management committee.

The committee stated that the land had long been under its use and that rent was regularly paid to the Delhi Waqf Board. The demolition is viewed as part of a continuing pattern of evictions targeting Muslim communities across India. Similar operations in 2025 destroyed long-standing Muslim settlements in South Delhi’s Jungpura and Govindpuri, displacing hundreds without proper notice or rehabilitation.

Reports note that such demolitions have frequently affected Muslim-majority areas, Dalit neighborhoods, and protest-linked communities, reflecting a broader trend of state-backed displacement in recent years.

Mujibur Rahman Manju, chairman of the Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party and candidate for the Feni-2 parliamentary seat, expressed doubts about whether the upcoming national election will be fair. Speaking as the chief guest at an event at the Feni Press Club on Thursday afternoon, he said there remains public skepticism about the election’s integrity because the administration is not functioning properly and lacks discipline. He urged the government to ensure that the local administration remains neutral and that the election in Feni is conducted fairly.

Manju stated that the struggle for power is a normal part of democracy but called for an end to divisive and defamatory politics. He emphasized the need for intellectual and policy-based debate, urging political actors to abandon old political practices. He also commented that both the BNP and Jamaat have long suffered under oppressive conditions and are now engaged in mutual blame, which he described as unfortunate.

The event was presided over by senior journalist Mir Hossain Miru and attended by local BNP and Jamaat leaders as special guests.

Bangladesh’s Rastrer Sangskar Andolon has sent a legal notice to the Election Commission (EC), accusing it of contempt of court. The notice, issued Thursday and signed by party president Hasnat Kaiyum and general secretary Syed Hasibuddin Hossain, alleges that the EC ignored a High Court order issued about four months ago directing the commission to grant registration to the party.

According to the statement, the EC’s delay and misinterpretation of the court’s ruling are preventing the party from participating in upcoming elections. The party said it had proposed seeking an opinion from the Attorney General’s Office to resolve disputes over the ruling’s interpretation, but that proposal was not accepted. The statement also criticized the EC for failing to implement reform proposals and for allegedly acting against electoral reform efforts.

The party said it will consider filing a case if the EC does not comply and is preparing to file a writ to expedite electoral reforms. It also indicated readiness to join with pro-reform citizens in a broader movement if necessary.

The Dhaka University Syndicate, the institution’s highest policy-making body, has recommended the permanent expulsion of four teachers accused of taking a stance against students during the July uprising. The decision was confirmed on Thursday, January 8, 2026, by the university’s proctor, Professor Saifuddin Ahmed. The accused teachers have been asked to respond to show-cause notices within one week, and final action will depend on the adequacy of their explanations.

The four accused are Sociology Department professors Dr. Sadeka Halim, Dr. Jinnat Huda, Dr. A.K.M. Jamal Uddin, and Dr. Md. Moshior Rahman. According to university sources, charges were framed against them for allegedly opposing the student movement, assisting the administration in suppressing protests, and making controversial statements and actions during the July uprising.

If the teachers fail to provide satisfactory explanations within the stipulated time, the recommendation for their permanent expulsion may be implemented, university sources indicated.

The Election Commission (EC) has established a coordination cell at its headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, to handle complaints related to the national parliamentary election and referendum. According to an EC notice issued on Thursday and signed by Director (Public Relations) Md Ruhul Amin Mallik, the cell will remain operational until February 13, the day after voting concludes.

The notice states that any citizen may report violations of the electoral code of conduct, irregularities, or misinformation to the law and order coordination cell through five designated phone numbers. The initiative aims to ensure proper monitoring and coordination of law and order during the election and referendum period.

The EC’s move reflects an effort to maintain transparency and responsiveness in addressing public concerns during the electoral process, as outlined in the official announcement.

Professor Ali Riaz, special assistant to the Chief Adviser, stated that the upcoming referendum is intended to ensure that future leaders of Bangladesh cannot become fascist. He made the remarks on Thursday in Dhaka at a workshop titled 'Upcoming Referendum and the Role of NGOs,' held at the NGO Affairs Bureau conference room. Riaz explained that flaws in the country’s constitutional and state structures have allowed authoritarian tendencies to emerge, and urged voters to support the 'Yes' option to block such paths.

He emphasized that the referendum will function like a general election, with voters receiving two ballots—one white for electing representatives and one colored for the referendum. Riaz said the people will decide through this process how Bangladesh will be governed in the future. He called on NGOs to raise awareness among grassroots communities, noting their trusted role in society.

Riaz added that the referendum’s approval could help implement the July National Charter, paving the way for greater transparency and accountability across state institutions.

Bangladesh will pursue diplomatic efforts to secure an exemption from the United States’ newly imposed visa bond requirement, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain said on Thursday. Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he explained that the US decision was not directed solely at Bangladesh but applied to several countries. The US State Department’s travel website states that citizens of 38 countries must now deposit up to 15,000 US dollars as a visa bond when applying for entry.

Hossain noted that Washington’s concerns stem from perceived misuse of immigration and social security systems. He described the inclusion of Bangladesh in the list as unfortunate but not surprising, given the broader policy context. He emphasized that irregular migration is a long-standing policy issue and reiterated the interim government’s opposition to such migration, calling for sustainable solutions.

According to the US announcement, the new bond requirement will take effect on January 21, with some exceptions. Bangladesh’s diplomatic initiative aims to ease the burden on its citizens affected by the new rule.

The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has reportedly begun constructing a road and barbed-wire fence within 150 yards of the international boundary at the Khalishakotal border in Fulbari upazila of Kurigram, Bangladesh. The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) objected to the activity, citing a breach of international law, and lodged a formal protest. A flag meeting between 12 members of both forces was held near international boundary pillar 934 on Thursday afternoon to address the issue.

According to reports, the disputed one-kilometer road runs from sub-pillar 1 to sub-pillar 11 of pillar 934, connecting areas in India’s Cooch Behar district. The road lies between 50 and 70 yards from the zero line, placing it well within the 150-yard restriction zone. The BGB has previously raised objections to similar construction attempts, which the BSF had halted. However, this time the BSF continued work despite BGB’s protest, leading to heightened tension along the border.

BGB commander Subedar Abu Taher confirmed the flag meeting and stated that some construction materials were being removed from the site by the BSF following the discussions.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has issued comprehensive instructions to returning officers to ensure that the upcoming national parliamentary election is held freely, fairly, and peacefully. The circular, signed by EC Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain on January 8, outlines procedures for appointing election and polling agents, their duties, submission of expenditure reports, and measures to prevent terrorism and fake voting.

According to the directive, candidates must appoint qualified voters from their constituencies as election agents and notify returning officers in writing. Each polling station may have one polling agent, who must present appointment papers before voting begins. The EC emphasized that agents play a vital role from the start of voting through counting, and all candidates—whether elected, defeated, or unopposed—must submit detailed expenditure returns within 30 days of gazette publication. Failure to comply or exceeding spending limits will be treated as a punishable offense.

The EC also urged candidates and agents to cooperate in preventing violence, intimidation, and fake voting, warning that any illegal campaigning or disorder within 400 yards of polling centers will face strict action. Voting is scheduled for February 12, following the official campaign period ending on February 10.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh reported that a total of 469 appeals have been filed against the returning officers’ decisions on nomination papers for the upcoming national parliamentary election. On the fourth day alone, 174 appeals were submitted to the EC. The information was officially released by the commission on Thursday, January 8, 2026.

According to the election schedule, the EC will continue accepting appeals until January 9. The disposal of these appeals is set to take place between January 10 and 18. Candidates will have until January 20 to withdraw their candidacies. The final list of approved candidates and the allocation of election symbols will be announced on January 21, followed by the start of the official campaign period on January 22.

Election campaigning will continue until 7:30 a.m. on February 10, and voting is scheduled for February 12, marking the culmination of the national election process.

Leaders of Khelafat Majlis have warned that the upcoming national election will be questioned if the administration does not maintain neutrality. Speaking at the party’s monthly central executive meeting held Wednesday evening at its central office in Paltan, Dhaka, they urged authorities to strengthen monitoring to ensure compliance with the electoral code of conduct.

The leaders expressed deep concern over the killing of political leader Shahid Osman Hadi, alleging that the killers remain at large and the government has failed to arrest the main perpetrators. They criticized law enforcement agencies for inaction and lack of intelligence surveillance, claiming that such negligence has emboldened criminals. According to them, as the election day approaches, administrative bias toward a particular party is becoming more visible, undermining a fair electoral environment.

The meeting demanded immediate intensified patrols, weapon recovery, and special drives by law enforcement to ensure a level playing field. The leaders also called for eliminating terrorism and extortion to create a festive and peaceful election atmosphere.

The Advisory Council of Bangladesh, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, approved in principle four draft ordinances during a meeting held Thursday at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon, Dhaka. The approved drafts include the Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Ordinance 2026, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (Amendment) Ordinance 2026, Supreme Court Secretariat (Amendment) Ordinance 2026, and Bangladesh Forest Industries Development Corporation Ordinance 2026. The council also gave provisional approval to the Environment Ministry’s ‘Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC-3)’ plan.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said the data protection amendment relaxes data localization rules, requiring domestic storage only for critical information infrastructure, and replaces imprisonment with fines for corporate violations. The Shilpakala Academy amendment expands its divisions to nine and ensures representation of marginalized groups on its board. The new forest industry ordinance modernizes the 1959 framework to promote sustainable resource use and product diversification. The NDC-3 plan targets a reduction of 84.97 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions by 2035.

Officials expect the revised data protection rules to encourage foreign investment and cloud-based services while strengthening environmental and cultural governance frameworks.