BNP Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahadi Amin announced that the party will hold discussions with rebel candidates who remain in the electoral field despite the nomination withdrawal deadline having passed. Speaking at a press conference in Gulshan, Dhaka, on Wednesday, he said that if any candidate continues to defy party decisions after these talks, organizational measures will be taken against them under the party constitution.

Amin explained that after fifteen years of anti-fascist movements, many dedicated BNP leaders were unable to participate in elections, and the current polls have naturally created internal competition within the party. He emphasized that only one candidate can be nominated per constituency, and the leadership will engage in phased discussions with those still contesting independently.

He further stated that BNP expects all leaders and activists, including those from affiliated organizations, to work unitedly for the victory of the official “sheaf of paddy” candidates. Those who act outside party decisions or fail in their responsibilities will also face organizational consequences.

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman will begin his election campaign tour on Thursday, January 22, starting from Dhaka. He is scheduled to address a public rally in Mirpur-10 under the Dhaka-15 constituency in the afternoon. The campaign is part of the 10-party electoral alliance’s preparations for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, following the finalization of candidate lists and allocation of election symbols.

According to the party’s central publicity department, Dr. Rahman will continue his campaign in northern Bangladesh on January 23 and 24. He will attend rallies in Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, and Rangpur as the chief guest. On January 24, he will visit the grave of July uprising martyr Abu Sayeed at Begum Rokeya University and later address a rally in Palashbari, Gaibandha. Jamaat and its allied parties have undertaken extensive preparations for the campaign, with top leaders planning nationwide tours.

The alliance’s campaign will also include outreach in support of a referendum’s “Yes” side, with the participation of Islami Chhatra Shibir across the country.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has filed a petition with the Islamabad High Court seeking permission to meet imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi. The petition also requests the withdrawal of what it describes as Khan’s unlawful solitary confinement. The case was filed under Article 199 of the Constitution by a group of about 17 senators, including Barrister Syed Ali Zafar, naming the Punjab Home Department and the Adiala Jail Superintendent as respondents.

According to the petition, the continued solitary confinement and alleged inhumane treatment of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi are unconstitutional and amount to a violation of fundamental rights. PTI stated on social media that police used force to disperse its protest outside Adiala Jail and that several workers were arrested and injured during the operation. Barrister Zafar said the senators approached the court as part of their constitutional duty to uphold parliamentary oversight, human dignity, and the rule of law.

The petition highlights growing tensions between PTI and law enforcement following recent protests in Rawalpindi and may prompt judicial review of prison conditions for political detainees.

Independent candidate Dr. Tasnim Jara has received the football symbol to contest in the Dhaka-9 constituency. She collected the symbol on Wednesday afternoon from the Dhaka Divisional Office. Following the allocation, she expressed that residents of Khilgaon, Sabujbagh, and Mugda areas had been asking about her election symbol, and now they have a clear answer.

Dr. Jara stated that she will compete in the election under the football symbol and will begin her campaign the next day. She emphasized that her campaign will focus on transparency and accountability in politics, reflecting the kind of political culture she wishes to promote. She also requested prayers and good wishes from the public.

The announcement marks the start of her formal campaign activities in Dhaka-9, where she aims to engage voters through her independent platform centered on clean and responsible politics.

Barrister Rumin Farhana, a rebel candidate from the BNP, has been allotted the 'Duck' election symbol to contest the Brahmanbaria–2 (Sarail–Ashuganj) constituency. The district commissioner and returning officer handed her the allocation letter on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. She is running against BNP-supported Jamiat candidate Junaid Al Habib.

After receiving the symbol, Rumin Farhana said she deeply values her voters and supporters, crediting them for her political journey. She mentioned that children in her constituency affectionately call her the 'Duck' candidate, describing the symbol as belonging not only to her but also to her voters. Referring to a past incident of her pet duck being stolen, she warned that any attempt to misuse her election symbol would face legal action.

Rumin Farhana emphasized that she represents the ordinary people of Brahmanbaria–2 and pledged to work for the area’s development according to the wishes of her voters if elected.

A Dhaka court has scheduled February 9 for further hearings on the formation of sedition charges against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 285 others. The case was filed over allegations that participants in a December 19, 2024, online meeting of the 'Joy Bangla Brigade' conspired to overthrow the interim government and engage in anti-state activities. The hearing took place on January 21, 2026, before Dhaka’s Special Judge Court No. 9, presided over by Judge Md. Abdus Salam. Prosecutors argued for framing charges, while defense lawyers for several detained accused sought exemption.

According to the case documents, 259 of the 286 accused are fugitives, while 27, including former MP Sabina Akter Tuhin, are in custody. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) filed the case on March 27, 2025, after obtaining approval from the Home Ministry, and later submitted a charge sheet on August 14, 2025. The allegations stem from a virtual meeting where participants reportedly pledged to restore Hasina to power through armed conflict.

The upcoming February hearing will determine whether the court proceeds with the formal framing of charges against all accused individuals.

Brahmanbaria’s Sarail upazila has completed extensive preparations to welcome BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman, who is scheduled to address a public rally at Kuttapara playground on Thursday, January 22, 2026. This will be his first rally in the district since becoming party chief, and local BNP leaders expect a large turnout. The event follows his visit to Sylhet, where he will begin the party’s campaign for the 13th national election.

District and upazila BNP units have built a large stage, installed modern sound systems, lighting, and CCTV cameras, and decorated the area with banners and festoons. Senior BNP leaders, including district president Khaled Hossain Mahbub and alliance candidate Maulana Junayed Al Habib, have repeatedly inspected the venue. Law enforcement officials, led by the district police superintendent, are overseeing security arrangements.

Local leaders anticipate that between five and six lakh people may attend the rally. BNP representatives described the event as a historic moment for Brahmanbaria politics and expect it to influence the upcoming national election.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is set to visit Sylhet tonight, marking his first trip there in two decades. He will depart for Sylhet by air around 8:15 p.m. on Wednesday and begin his election campaign on Thursday morning. At 11:30 a.m., he is scheduled to address a public rally at the historic Government Alia Madrasa field in Sylhet city. Later in the day, he will attend a series of election rallies in Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Brahmanbaria, Kishoreganj, Narsingdi, and Narayanganj before returning to Dhaka at 10 p.m.

Before joining the rallies, Tarique Rahman will visit the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (R.) and Hazrat Shah Paran (R.) in Sylhet. The BNP is beginning its formal campaign for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election from Sylhet, following its long-standing tradition. The city has taken on a festive atmosphere ahead of his arrival, with streets decorated with banners, festoons, and arches.

The visit signifies the official start of BNP’s nationwide election campaign, with Sylhet serving as the symbolic launch point for the party’s political activities.

Ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is facing a major internal challenge as more than fifty rebel candidates continue to contest despite being expelled. According to the Election Commission’s schedule, Tuesday was the last day to withdraw nominations, but these expelled leaders did not withdraw. Party insiders fear the situation could significantly affect BNP’s unity and vote distribution across several constituencies.

Many long-time BNP leaders reportedly became frustrated after being denied party nominations. Some have chosen to run as independents, while others openly opposed party decisions. Most of these rebel candidates are locally popular figures, raising concerns about vote splits in key districts. The party expelled several leaders, including Saiful Alam (Dhaka-12), Rumin Farhana (Brahmanbaria-2), Hasan Mamun (Patuakhali-3), Saiful Islam Firoz (Jhenaidah-4), and others, for violating party discipline.

BNP had earlier left several constituencies for allied parties under a joint movement strategy, but expelled leaders refused to step aside. Observers believe this internal discord could complicate BNP’s electoral prospects in multiple regions.

Jamaat-e-Islami central executive council member Mobarak Hossain stated that the party seeks a peaceful election and will not tolerate any attempts at disorder. He made the remarks on Wednesday morning at a post-protest rally held on 60 Feet Road in the Barak Molla area of Mirpur, Dhaka. The rally followed a protest march organized in response to alleged attacks on Jamaat-Shibir activists and harassment of female party workers in the Jamaat Amir’s electoral area.

Hossain emphasized that the people of the country want to see Jamaat in power and that the party is fully prepared to face both the upcoming election and any acts of violence. He described Pirerbag as a stronghold of Jamaat-Shibir and warned that no terrorism would be tolerated there, promising a counter-response to any future attacks.

According to the report, Jamaat Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman is scheduled to visit Ibn Sina Hospital in Kallyanpur to see party activists injured in the Mirpur attack.

In Brahmanbaria-2 (Sarail–Ashuganj) constituency, Jamaat-e-Islami nominated candidate Maulana Mobarak Hossain has withdrawn his nomination to support the National Citizen Party (NCP)-backed candidate. He made the announcement on Tuesday, expressing loyalty to the ten-party alliance’s collective decision ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary election.

Alliance leaders described Brahmanbaria-2 as one of the constituencies with high potential for political change. The alliance’s nominated candidate and NCP central joint convener, Maulana Ashraf Uddin Mahdi, said he was inspired by his grandfather Mufti Fazlul Haque Amini, who had previously been elected from this area in alliance with Begum Khaleda Zia. Mahdi stated that he aims to complete his grandfather’s unfinished work and called for politics free from violence, muscle power, and black money.

According to Mahdi, residents of Sarail and Ashuganj have responded positively to Mobarak Hossain’s decision to withdraw his nomination in favor of the alliance candidate.

Jamalpur University of Science and Technology (Jabiprabi) has decided to hold a referendum to rename its only male student dormitory. The decision was made on Tuesday, January 20, during a meeting between students and the university administration, including Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Rokonuzzaman and Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Mosharaf Hossain. The vote will take place on Thursday, January 22, with results to be announced the same night.

According to university sources, the dormitory was originally named after Mirza Azam, a former ruling party member of parliament. Following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5, 2024, after a mass uprising in July, students demanded the removal of names associated with the former regime. Disagreement arose among students over the new name, with some proposing “Bijoy ’24” to commemorate the uprising, while others suggested naming it after the local saint Hazrat Shah Jamal (R.).

Hall Provost Dr. Muhammad Farhad Ali stated that the election committee and voter list will be announced on Wednesday, and the name receiving the highest votes will be officially adopted.

Jagannath University (JNU) unit of Chhatra Dal has condemned remarks made by Ibrahim Khalil, the organizational secretary of the university’s Shibir unit, describing them as fascist and an attempt to destabilize the campus. In a press release issued on the night of January 20, signed by office secretary Mozammel Mamun Deni, the organization alleged that Khalil called for blocking rail, road, and waterways on January 22 to obstruct a rally of BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman in Sylhet.

The statement said such provocative and irresponsible comments reflect undemocratic behavior and mirror the repressive political culture of the past. It accused Shibir of trying to destroy the university’s stable environment and warned that such actions threaten students’ education and coexistence. The Chhatra Dal rejected the remarks with contempt and labeled them as contrary to democratic and free-expression values.

The organization demanded immediate withdrawal of the statement and an unconditional apology from Shibir. It also urged the university administration and authorities to take necessary measures to protect a healthy and democratic campus environment, warning that they would bear full responsibility for any resulting unrest.

The Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) Dhaka College unit has relieved fifteen of its leaders from their organizational posts due to negligence in duties. According to a press release issued on Tuesday, January 20, and signed by JCD spokesperson Md. Jahangir Alam, the decision was approved by the unit’s president Rakibul Islam Rakib and general secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir.

Those removed include joint conveners Yamin Rahman and Hannan Mia, along with thirteen members: Bulbul Ahmed, Hasib Chowdhury, Ratikul Islam, Ariful Babu, Shawon Khondaker, Sajjid Hossain, Rashikul Islam Sahil, Manjurul Islam Sujon, Sajib Mia, Mohammad Riad Ahmed, Masud Rana Onik, Tanoy Sharif, and Ashraful Islam Ashru. The announcement emphasized that the action was taken specifically for organizational negligence.

The press release did not mention any replacement appointments or further disciplinary measures, leaving the future structure of the Dhaka College JCD unit unclear.

Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and candidate for Dhaka-8 under the Jamaat-led 10-party alliance, has accused the Election Commission (EC) of failing to issue a show-cause notice to BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman despite what he described as a direct violation of the electoral code of conduct. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday after receiving his election symbol at the Dhaka Divisional Commissioner’s office, Patwari alleged that Rahman recently visited the Korail slum and promised to build flats for residents, which he said breached election laws.

Patwari claimed the EC was applying double standards, saying other candidates such as Nahid Islam had been show-caused for lesser actions while Rahman faced no consequences. He further alleged that the administration and BNP were working together, undermining the fairness of the Dhaka-8 election. Patwari also criticized the media for not covering such irregularities, claiming that many outlets were under political influence.

He warned that the EC’s inaction and perceived bias could lead to a repeat of past controversial commissions, raising concerns about the credibility of the upcoming election.