The High Court has declared the nomination of BNP candidate Sarwar Alamgir for the Chattogram-2 constituency valid. The order was issued on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, by a bench comprising Justice Fahmida Kader and Justice Md Asif Hasan. Alamgir had filed a writ petition on January 20 challenging the Election Commission’s earlier decision that had canceled his nomination.

Previously, the returning officer had declared Alamgir’s nomination valid during the scrutiny process. However, an appeal was later filed with the Election Commission by Jamaat candidate Muhammad Nurul Amin, alleging that Alamgir was a loan defaulter. After a hearing on January 18, the Election Commission accepted the appeal and canceled Alamgir’s candidacy.

With the High Court’s latest order, Sarwar Alamgir regains his eligibility to contest the election from Chattogram-2, reversing the Election Commission’s earlier decision.

The Spanish government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has announced a major decision to legalize more than half a million undocumented migrants living in the country. The move follows a historic agreement that will be formalized through a royal decree expected on Tuesday, January 27. It marks Spain’s largest regularization initiative for migrants in the past two decades.

Under the new policy, individuals residing in Spain before December 31, 2025, will be eligible to apply for legal status, provided they can prove continuous residence for at least five months. Successful applicants will receive a one-year temporary residence permit, renewable thereafter. The permit will grant them the right to work legally and access Spain’s healthcare and social security systems.

Human rights organizations have welcomed the government’s decision. Officials say integrating a large number of people into the formal economy will help curb labor exploitation and boost national economic growth, with expectations of a significant rise in GDP.

Palash Mahmud has voluntarily resigned from his position as senior joint member secretary of the National Citizens Party (NCP) Habiganj district committee. On Tuesday, he submitted his written resignation letter to the central committee’s convener and member secretary through the party’s official email and WhatsApp channels.

In his resignation letter, Mahmud stated that after carefully considering personal and political realities as well as the current situation, he felt it was not appropriate to continue his duties within the existing structure. He emphasized that his decision was not a reflection of distrust or disrespect toward the party or its leadership but was made to uphold responsibility and political decorum. He requested the central leadership to accept his resignation and relieve him of his duties.

Mahmud also expressed his willingness to continue contributing individually to democratic, just, and public-interest initiatives in the future. Copies of his resignation letter were sent to the district convener, district member secretary, Sylhet divisional organizational secretary, and the chief organizer of the northern region.

The Road Safety Foundation has called on political parties to include a 13-point commitment in their upcoming election manifestos to ensure safe and people-friendly public transport across Bangladesh. In a press release issued on Tuesday, the organization said that extortion and corruption under political patronage have prevented the establishment of a sustainable transport strategy, leading to increased traffic congestion and road accidents that disproportionately harm poor and middle-class families.

The foundation’s proposals include restructuring the National Road Safety Council (NRSC) to oversee BRTA, BRTC, and DRCA, ensuring transparency and management reforms, and introducing company-based modern bus services through route rationalization in the capital. It also urged the enactment of a road safety law, mandatory use of modern technology in vehicles, withdrawal of expired vehicles, institutional driver training, and trauma care centers at accident-prone highway points.

Additional recommendations include safe road design for small vehicles, regular safety audits, forming a unified transport ministry, allocating funds in the national budget for awareness programs, and creating a Tk 700 crore trust fund to support road accident victims.

Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury emphasized that security and human rights are complementary in prison administration during a ceremony at the Kashimpur Prison Training Center in Gazipur on Tuesday. Speaking as the chief guest at the closing parade of the 63rd batch of female prison guards’ basic training course, he said the state must ensure prisoners’ safety and fundamental rights while preparing them to return to society as reformed citizens.

He described prisons as sensitive and vital institutions within the criminal justice system, responsible for secure detention, crime prevention, offender correction, and social reintegration. The adviser underscored the importance of fairness, transparency, and accountability in prison management and urged new recruits to serve with honesty, professionalism, and patriotism. He also warned that corruption undermines state institutions and public trust, stressing that prison staff must act for public welfare rather than personal or political gain.

The adviser inspected the parade and distributed awards to top-performing female guards in various training categories, including drill, physical training, unarmed combat, and firing.

Interim government adviser Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan announced that more than 60 hours of training have been made mandatory for obtaining a driving license in Bangladesh. He made the statement on Tuesday at 11 a.m., emphasizing that the new rule applies to all drivers seeking a license.

According to the adviser, drivers who undergo the required training will receive an allowance from the government. He also stated that the previous licensing committees will no longer exist, and applicants will receive their licenses upon passing the examination. The announcement reflects the interim government’s effort to reform the licensing process and ensure better driver preparation.

The new policy aims to simplify the licensing procedure while promoting road safety through structured training. The government’s decision to provide allowances for trainees is intended to encourage compliance with the new requirements.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that future politics should belong to the people rather than any political party. He made the remarks on Tuesday morning at a public rally in Jessore, where he attended as the chief guest. Rahman emphasized that in the upcoming February 12 election, a 'yes' vote signifies freedom while a 'no' vote represents subjugation.

He further pledged that if his party comes to power, Jessore would be upgraded to a city corporation and unemployed youth would be provided with dignified employment opportunities. Rahman praised the youth who, according to him, resisted fascism and now seek change from outdated political structures.

His comments reflect Jamaat-e-Islami’s call for a transformation in Bangladesh’s political culture, focusing on public interest and generational change ahead of the February election.

Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, Amir of Islami Andolan Bangladesh and Pir of Charmonai, stated that the political upheaval of August 5, 2024, created an opportunity to reshape Bangladesh and free it from foreign dominance. Speaking on Monday night at an election rally in Balijuri Bazar, Madarganj, Jamalpur-3 constituency, he said people now see a possibility of liberation and that his party had reached out nationwide with a message supporting Islam.

He alleged that power-hungry groups had destroyed the symbolic “box of Islam” that once united patriotic citizens and Islamic parties. Rezaul Karim warned that returning to previous governance policies would crush public hopes. He said Islami Andolan Bangladesh fielded candidates in about 258 constituencies under the “hand fan” symbol to promote love for the country, its people, and Islam. The rally was chaired by Maulana Shafiqul Islam and attended by several local leaders.

Rezaul Karim concluded that despite perceptions of isolation, his party was not alone, asserting that divine support and the backing of Islamic-minded citizens remain with them.

Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, Director General of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), visited Cox’s Bazar to assess overall law and order and strengthen security ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. On Monday night, he chaired a coordination meeting at Shahparir Dwip in Teknaf with senior officials from the civil administration, armed forces, police, and intelligence agencies to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election.

During the meeting, the BGB chief said the force is fully prepared to perform its assigned duties with professionalism and neutrality. Plans include deploying over 37,000 BGB members across 489 upazilas, with exclusive responsibility in 61 border upazilas. BGB will act as both mobile and static forces in 300 constituencies based on risk assessments. Training, briefings, and STX exercises have been completed to ensure lawful and disciplined operations.

He emphasized voter safety, ballot protection, and rapid response capabilities, including helicopters, K-9 units, drones, and body cameras. The BGB is maintaining heightened vigilance in Cox’s Bazar due to its 271-kilometer border with Myanmar and potential risks linked to smuggling and Rohingya presence.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman arrived in Mymensingh on Tuesday to participate in election campaigning for the 13th National Parliamentary Election. He left Dhaka’s Gulshan by road at 11 a.m. and reached Mymensingh city around noon. After a short rest at the district circuit house, he is scheduled to address a public rally there as the chief guest.

Local BNP leaders said that eight of the eleven constituencies in Mymensingh district have rebel candidates, adding a new dimension to the local political scene. Party sources indicated that at least five of those rebel candidates have a chance of winning. Following the Mymensingh rally, Tarique Rahman will deliver speeches at separate gatherings in Gazipur’s Rajbari field and Uttara’s Azampur Eidgah ground before returning to his residence in Gulshan.

According to the BNP media cell, Rahman began his campaign on January 22 in Sylhet and has since held several rallies across multiple divisions. After Mymensingh, he is expected to continue election rallies in Rajshahi, Naogaon, Bogura, and Barishal divisions.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that forming a government would be meaningless if the 'Yes' vote does not win in the ongoing referendum. He made the remarks on Tuesday morning at a campaign rally held at the central Eidgah ground in Jashore. Rahman said that 180 million people want change and promised to upgrade Jashore to a city corporation and create dignified employment for unemployed youth if his party comes to power.

He accused opponents of campaigning against the referendum, claiming that a victory for the 'Yes' vote would prevent the return of fascism. Rahman criticized those who, according to him, resort to violence and suppression of dissent even before winning elections, questioning the safety of the country under such leadership. He emphasized that politics in Bangladesh should serve the people, not families or parties.

Rahman also warned that any obstruction to Jamaat’s ideological campaign or harassment of women during election activities would be met with resistance, asserting that no one has the authority to hinder their political movement.

The interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus has completed all preparations to hand over power to the incoming administration following the February 12 parliamentary election. Officials said the oath-taking ceremony for the new government is expected between February 16 and 18, with February 17 being prioritized. The Cabinet Division, Parliament Secretariat, and other relevant offices have been instructed to finalize arrangements, while Bangabhaban has been asked to remain ready to host the event.

According to government sources, multiple meetings have been held to coordinate the swearing-in of both new members of parliament and the incoming cabinet. The Election Commission has been requested to publish the gazette of elected MPs by February 13 or 14. The Ministry of Home Affairs is responsible for ensuring protocol and security for guests attending the ceremony, which is planned to be festive and inclusive. The President’s military division will oversee overall management at Bangabhaban’s Darbar Hall.

Meanwhile, the Parliament building and related facilities have been fully renovated after damage during the 2024 uprising, and a committee has been formed to select the new prime minister’s official residence from four proposed options.

An explosion was alleged near the election campaign rally of BNP candidate Ershad Ullah in the Chattogram-8 (Boalkhali–Chandgaon) constituency on Monday evening, January 26. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. in front of Purba Kadhurkhil High School in Boalkhali, where Ullah was conducting a public meeting. Witnesses reported hearing two loud blasts about 50 yards from the rally site, causing panic among attendees. No injuries were reported, and police later said they found no evidence of explosives at the scene.

BNP leaders quickly brought the situation under control and concluded the meeting briefly before holding a protest march in the upazila town. District BNP leaders condemned the incident, calling for the perpetrators to be identified and arrested. One local BNP leader alleged that the attack was a deliberate attempt to disrupt the election atmosphere and blamed rival groups. Police confirmed they responded promptly but found no physical traces of any explosive devices.

BNP candidate Ershad Ullah described the explosions as an attempt to create unrest and destabilize the electoral environment.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has instructed all returning and election officials not to engage in any campaign related to the ongoing referendum, warning them against supporting either the ‘yes’ or ‘no’ side. The EC said the directive aims to preserve neutrality and credibility in the electoral process and may be formally communicated to the government. Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarkar confirmed that all officers involved in election duties must refrain from referendum campaigning to avoid questions about impartiality.

The EC has also decided to amend sections of the electoral code of conduct midway through the election schedule, a move that has sparked debate about its timing and consistency. The revisions include lifting the restriction on using only three microphones at political rallies and allowing candidates to distribute voter slips containing their names, party affiliations, and symbols. Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed confirmed these changes, citing practical needs.

Civil society leader Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar criticized the mid-election amendments, saying they could cause confusion at the grassroots level and undermine confidence in the EC’s decision-making process.

Bangladesh’s interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus has strongly protested what it calls India’s attempt to destabilize the country ahead of the February 12 general election and an upcoming referendum linked to the July Charter. According to diplomatic sources cited by the newspaper, Indian policymakers and intelligence agencies have launched a campaign to make the election controversial and prevent approval of the referendum. The report claims that Delhi’s efforts include bringing former prime minister Sheikh Hasina back into the political spotlight.

On January 23, an audio message from Hasina was played at a Delhi event titled “Safe Democracy in Bangladesh,” where she allegedly urged her supporters to boycott and resist the election. Dhaka’s foreign ministry said the speech incited violence and aimed to overthrow the government, calling India’s role a serious threat to Bangladesh’s democratic transition and bilateral relations. Analysts quoted in the report said India is anxious about the election outcome, given the absence of the Awami League and the uncertain position of other parties.

The controversy has heightened diplomatic tension, with Bangladesh warning that such actions could harm future bilateral cooperation and vowing to prevent any violence or conspiracy surrounding the polls.