British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Friday that U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments about NATO troops in Afghanistan were offensive. Speaking to reporters in London, Starmer described Trump’s remarks downplaying NATO forces’ role as alarming and said the U.S. president should apologize. He added that if he had made such a mistake, he would have apologized himself.

Starmer reaffirmed the deep relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States, emphasizing its importance for security and defense. Earlier on Friday, the British government had stated that Trump’s claim—that NATO troops avoided Afghanistan’s frontlines—was incorrect. Trump had said on Thursday that NATO soldiers stayed somewhat behind the frontlines during the war in Afghanistan.

Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, the United Kingdom joined the United States and other allies in Afghanistan under NATO’s collective defense clause. The conflict resulted in the deaths of 457 British soldiers.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman declared a zero-tolerance stance against corruption during a district election rally at Altafunnesa field in Bogura on Saturday afternoon. He pledged that if given the opportunity to govern, his party would eliminate corruption at all levels and build a clean administration. Rahman also vowed that no extortion or misuse of public money would be tolerated across Bangladesh’s 56,000 square miles.

Presided over by district Jamaat chief Abdul Haque, the event featured Rahman’s announcement of seven Jamaat candidates for Bogura constituencies, each symbolically handed the party’s scale emblem. He further promised to upgrade Bogura into a city corporation and establish a public university if Jamaat came to power. The rally drew a large crowd of party activists and local residents.

Central leaders including Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan and Maulana Abdul Halim, along with JAGPA president Rashed Pradhan and local alliance representatives, also addressed the gathering. Before and after the Bogura event, Rahman attended several other rallies in Mokamtala, Sherpur, Sirajganj, Ullapara, and Pabna.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman announced that his party would work to make primary school teachers more qualified and skilled to ensure proper education for children if they come to power. He made the remarks on Saturday, January 24, at a ‘Meet and Greet with Tarique Rahman’ event held at Justice Shahabuddin Park in Gulshan, where his daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman, was also present. During the event, Rahman answered questions from participants.

Responding to a question about education, Rahman emphasized the importance of teaching social values in schools and said that the BNP aims to strengthen primary education. He explained that teacher training would include academic, social, and religious value-based components to help children learn moral principles. Addressing cyberbullying, he added that teaching children right from wrong from an early age would help them develop a clear sense of justice.

The event highlighted the BNP leader’s focus on education reform and moral development as part of his broader vision for improving the country’s primary education system.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman engaged in a discussion with young people at Justice Shahabuddin Park in Gulshan, Dhaka, on Saturday afternoon. The meeting began around 2:30 p.m., where Rahman responded to various questions from the youth and shared his vision for building a new Bangladesh. His daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman, also attended the event and took part in answering questions from participants.

The gathering focused on direct interaction between the BNP leadership and young citizens, emphasizing dialogue and exchange of ideas. The event was organized in an open setting at the park, allowing attendees to express their views and seek responses from the party leadership. Both Tarique Rahman and Zaima Rahman were seen engaging actively with the audience.

The session highlighted the BNP’s effort to connect with younger generations and encourage their participation in discussions about the country’s future direction.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman announced that if his party is elected, Bogura will be upgraded to a city corporation. He made the statement on Saturday afternoon while addressing an election rally organized by the Ten-Party Alliance at Alfatunnesa Field in Bogura, where he served as the chief guest. Rahman also pledged to restore Bogura’s past reputation as a city of education and prosperity and to prevent extortion.

During his speech, the Jamaat chief emphasized that his party would not engage in or allow extortion, money laundering, or terrorism. He highlighted the importance of protecting mothers and ensuring women’s safety and employment according to their qualifications. Rahman further stated that the government must guarantee women’s dignity and security.

Addressing the youth, Rahman said his party aims to provide skills and employment rather than unemployment allowances. He urged voters to support the Ten-Party Alliance candidates and vote for the scale symbol to build a corruption-free and just Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman is scheduled to visit Meherpur for the first time on January 26 as part of the party’s national election campaign. He will attend an election rally as the chief guest at the Meherpur Government High School field, where he is expected to deliver a speech. Local Jamaat leaders have completed preparations for the event, including stage setup and field arrangements.

The Meherpur district branch of Jamaat, led by district Ameer Maulana Taj Uddin Khan, Secretary Iqbal Hossain, and business division president Saiful Islam, has inspected the venue. The city is reportedly in a festive mood ahead of the visit. According to the report, Dr. Rahman has gained popularity across political and social lines, and his arrival has generated excitement among residents.

Party activists expect that his visit will bring renewed attention to the region’s challenges in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, and inspire efforts to advance this agriculturally dependent area.

A total of 4,838 voters have registered to cast their votes through postal ballots in the Sylhet-2 constituency (Osmani Nagar–Bishwanath) ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th National Parliament Election and referendum. According to the Election Commission (EC), 4,098 of the registrants are men and 740 are women. Of these, 4,809 registrations have been approved, while 29 applications remain pending. Registration was completed through the EC’s ‘Postal Vote BD’ app.

The EC reported that expatriate Bangladeshis, election officials, and government employees stationed outside their home constituencies have registered through the app. Ballot papers will be sent by mail to approved voters, with separate symbol-marked ballots for the parliamentary election and pink-colored ballots for the referendum. Voters must return their completed ballots by mail to the designated returning officer within the specified timeframe.

The counting of postal ballots will take place at 4:30 p.m. on February 12 at the returning officer’s office in the presence of candidates’ agents. Election officials believe the postal voting system will enhance participation among expatriates and those away for work, strengthening the democratic process.

An Awami League leader accused in a murder case, Salauddin Ahmed Majumdar, delivered a speech at an election rally of Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher in Comilla-11 (Chouddagram). The event took place at Sufua Bazar in Kalikapur Union, where Taher formally launched his campaign. A 1-minute-6-second video of Salauddin’s speech went viral on social media, sparking widespread criticism online. During his remarks, Salauddin urged voters to make informed decisions and requested prayers for Taher’s health.

Local sources said Salauddin, president of Kalikapur Union Awami League and former union chairman, attended the rally held near his home. Police confirmed he is the 11th accused in a 2015 petrol bomb attack case that killed eight people. Opposition figures, including BNP candidate Kamrul Huda, alleged that Taher was rehabilitating Awami League members and accused criminals in his campaign. Jamaat’s local secretary stated that Salauddin’s presence was due to his long acquaintance with Taher’s family.

Attempts to reach Taher for comment were unsuccessful, and the viral video continues to draw public attention in Chouddagram.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi alleged that some political parties are attempting to influence voters by using religion and sending money through mobile financial services. He raised this concern on Saturday at the BNP central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka, during a prayer gathering marking the 11th death anniversary of Arafat Rahman Koko, son of late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Rizvi questioned whether such actions violate the electoral code of conduct, emphasizing that buying votes with money or religious appeals is prohibited.

Recalling Koko’s death, Rizvi claimed it was not natural but the result of political oppression under a fascist regime. He described how Koko, then in Malaysia for heart treatment, witnessed the alleged persecution of his mother in 2015 and died in distress. Rizvi also recounted that after Koko’s body returned to Bangladesh, BNP leaders and sympathizers faced police cases for expressing condolences.

Rizvi reiterated BNP’s demand for a free and fair election under an interim government and said party chairman Tarique Rahman is following all electoral laws and maintaining respectful political conduct.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has dismissed allegations by Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher that the party signed three agreements with India. At a press briefing on Saturday at the BNP’s central office in Gulshan, the party’s election management committee spokesperson Mahadi Amin said no such agreements exist and termed the claim a politically motivated smear campaign without any factual basis.

Amin stated that the Jamaat leader failed to provide any evidence to support his claim and accused him of spreading misinformation either out of ignorance or deliberate political manipulation. He emphasized that BNP’s politics are centered on Bangladesh’s sovereignty and people’s empowerment under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. He also recalled BNP’s past movements for fair water sharing of the Teesta and Padma rivers and protests against border killings.

During the briefing, Amin introduced BNP’s election hotline (16543) and WhatsApp number for voter complaints and warned against fraudulent activities involving “family” and “farmer” cards, urging citizens to report such scams to the authorities.

BNP Standing Committee member and Chattogram-11 candidate Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury announced plans to develop Chattogram as a comprehensive logistics center serving not only Bangladesh but also India’s northeastern states, Myanmar, and Northeast Asia. He made the statement on Friday during a campaign event in the city’s Halishahar area, emphasizing that regional trade would flow through this corridor.

Khasru outlined a vision for modernizing Chattogram Port through improved communication systems, integrated freight transport, and international-standard warehousing. He expressed optimism that these initiatives would create new business opportunities. He also revealed plans to upgrade Shah Amanat International Airport into a regional air hub, serving both passenger and cargo operations, with enhanced facilities and security for international transit travelers.

During the campaign, local party leaders were present as Khasru sought votes for the BNP’s electoral symbol and pledged to restore citizens’ voting rights.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to visit Chattogram on Sunday, January 25, 2026, marking his first visit to the port city in nearly 21 years. He will address a large rally organized by the BNP at the Polo Ground as the chief guest. Party leaders and activists across 41 city wards, including affiliated groups such as Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal, and Mohila Dal, are finalizing preparations to welcome him. Around 250 workers are completing stage construction, sound system setup, and other arrangements.

The rally stage measures 100 feet by 60 feet and is built from bamboo and wooden planks, with steel stairs for access. Security has been divided into three zones—red, yellow, and green—with the red zone reserved for senior leaders and candidates from Chattogram’s 16 constituencies. Law enforcement agencies and intelligence units are coordinating security and traffic plans. BNP leaders expect around 1.5 million attendees and say Rahman will deliver a message of unity and possibly introduce local candidates.

Excitement has spread across Chattogram’s neighborhoods, where banners and billboards featuring Rahman’s image have been displayed, creating a festive atmosphere among party members and residents.

A festive atmosphere prevailed in Kishoreganj’s Katiadi upazila as more than 200 people from various professions, including former BNP activists, joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. The joining event took place on Friday evening at the residence of freedom fighter and former BNP lawmaker Major (Retd) Akhtaruzzaman Ranjan in Durgapur village of Chandpur Union. New members formally enrolled by filling out associate membership forms in his presence.

Major (Retd) Ranjan had officially joined Jamaat-e-Islami on December 13 in the presence of the party’s Ameer, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman. Since then, he has been actively participating in party programs both locally and in Dhaka, delivering speeches and campaigning for the Jamaat-nominated candidate of the 10-party alliance in Kishoreganj-2 constituency. He also spoke at a campaign rally in Dhaka-11 and urged his supporters to join Jamaat.

Responding to his call, individuals from different social backgrounds, including professionals, businessmen, former union council members, and two members of the Hindu community, joined the party. The joining program, which began Friday afternoon, was expected to continue through Saturday.

A new survey conducted across seven European Union countries shows that most Europeans consider U.S. President Donald Trump an enemy rather than a friend. The poll, which included over one thousand respondents from France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain, Denmark, and Poland, found that 51 percent of participants see Trump as an enemy of Europe, while only 8 percent regard him as a friend. About 39 percent said he is neither an enemy nor an ally.

The survey was carried out following Trump’s threat to seize Greenland, an autonomous region of Denmark. Among Danish respondents, 58 percent described Trump as an enemy. Across the seven countries, 44 percent said he behaves like a dictator, another 44 percent believe he has authoritarian tendencies, and only 10 percent think he respects democratic principles.

Although Trump has withdrawn his plan to take control of resource-rich Greenland by force, European nations remain cautious about his next moves. On Wednesday, Trump stated that Europe is “not moving in the right direction.”

More than 300 activists from the BNP’s associate organization, the Swechchhasebak Dal, in Dhulia Union of Bauphal upazila, Patuakhali, have joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami under the leadership of local convener Hasan Khan. The new members were welcomed by Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud, a central executive committee member of Jamaat and secretary of Dhaka South Metropolitan unit, who is also a parliamentary candidate for Patuakhali-2.

The joining took place on Friday evening at 5:30 p.m. during an election rally of Jamaat-e-Islami and the 10-party alliance held at Dhulia High School ground. Addressing the gathering, Hasan Khan pledged to work with honesty and integrity for Jamaat and to remain associated with the party for life. He added that his followers had already joined Jamaat and more would follow.

Local Jamaat leaders, including Bauphal upazila Amir Maulana Ishaq, Naib-e-Amir Maulana Rafiqul Islam, and Islami Chhatra Shibir president Limon Hossain, were also present at the event.