Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that the sacrifice of student leader Asaduzzaman Asad during the 1969 anti-Ayub movement continues to inspire the struggle for democracy. In a statement issued on Monday, he said Asad’s dedication to establishing a democratic society should motivate all to work toward building a prosperous Bangladesh. He urged people to remain committed to democracy and the rightful rights of citizens, marking Shaheed Asad Day with renewed determination.

The BNP leader paid deep respect to the memory of Asaduzzaman Asad and prayed for his departed soul. Meanwhile, the 90’s Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and Shaheed Asad Parishad announced a program to place floral tributes at the Shaheed Asad memorial in front of Dhaka Medical College on Tuesday morning. The announcement was made through a press release signed by Khairul Kabir Khokon, former DUCSU General Secretary and BNP Joint Secretary General.

The source recalls that on January 20, 1969, police opened fire on a student procession in front of Dhaka Medical College, killing Asaduzzaman Asad and injuring many, an event that intensified the movement leading to the fall of Ayub Khan.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh has decided not to field candidates in two parliamentary constituencies where Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis chief Maulana Mamunul Haque is contesting. The announcement was made on Monday by the party’s joint secretary general and spokesperson, Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman, through an official statement. The decision applies to Dhaka-13 and Bagerhat-1 constituencies, where the party will instead support Mamunul Haque.

According to the statement, the move was taken as a gesture of respect for Mamunul Haque’s contributions and sacrifices in Islamic-oriented politics. Gazi Ataur Rahman emphasized that Islami Andolan Bangladesh is not considering forming alliances with any other political parties. In constituencies where the party does not have its own candidates, it will extend support to honest and qualified contenders based on principles and ideology.

The decision highlights the party’s approach to maintaining ideological consistency while showing solidarity with figures it deems significant in Islamic political movements.

Leaders of the National Citizens Party (NCP) Chattogram Metropolitan unit have rejected a list of 328 alleged criminals released by the Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP). At a press conference held on Monday at Biplob Udyan, they said the list reflected irresponsibility on the part of the police and was an attempt to evade accountability. The NCP leaders demanded the immediate arrest of terrorists and assurance of a level playing field ahead of the upcoming national election.

In a written statement read by NCP joint coordinator Mohammad Erfanul Haque, the party criticized the CMP’s advisory that barred the listed individuals from entering the city and urged them to leave. The NCP argued that if the police already knew the identities and locations of these criminals, they should have been arrested instead of being asked to relocate. The leaders warned of strict programs if arrests were not made to ensure the safety of candidates, voters, and residents.

They also expressed concern over Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat, alleging his continued presence in office and participation in BNP campaigns could undermine electoral neutrality.

Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan, advisor to the ministries of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Road Transport and Bridges, and Railways, stated that no one is being compelled to vote 'yes' in the upcoming referendum. He made the remarks on Monday during a public awareness campaign held at Manikganj Government High School field. The event was attended by government officials, local dignitaries, and representatives from non-governmental organizations.

Faozul Kabir emphasized that the referendum is significant for freeing the country from one-man and one-party rule, which he said had previously dominated national politics. He reiterated that citizens are free to vote 'no' if they wish and that no one should feel pressured.

When asked about the recent rise in LPG prices, the advisor explained that 98 percent of the LPG business is managed by the private sector. He said the government is working to resolve the issue and has already met with the LPG Owners Association. According to importers, U.S. sanctions have disrupted shipments, causing a temporary supply shortage.

Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has called on all Bangladeshis to remain alert against the traps of defeated hegemonic forces. Speaking on Monday at the Bangla Academy in Dhaka during the prize-giving ceremony of the Amar Desh Readers’ Fair’s creative writing, short story, and poetry competitions, he warned that those linked to past hegemonic politics would not accept their defeat easily and might attempt to ensnare others. He emphasized that the awareness and ideals that protected the nation after the July Revolution must continue for the next decade.

Farooki described culture as a powerful determinant of life and death, not a harmless concept. He criticized the long-standing division between “high” and “low” culture, arguing that it was created to distort history and control the middle class through politics of hatred. Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman, presiding over the event, said political victory depends on winning the cultural struggle first and praised the youth for resisting foreign dominance and embracing authentic Bangladeshi culture.

Speakers also stressed the need for continuous cultural practice—through literature, music, and reading—to preserve the gains of the July Revolution and build a historically conscious generation.

National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam has alleged that Begum Khaleda Zia’s death is being used for election campaigning. He made the accusation on Monday night after a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, during a briefing with journalists. Nahid claimed that political groups are organizing condolence meetings and distributing blankets under the guise of mourning, turning these into campaign activities.

He further alleged that the Election Commission (EC) is ignoring these violations, allowing certain candidates, particularly from the BNP, to continue campaigning without consequence. According to Nahid, the law is being applied selectively and misinterpreted to favor some while disadvantaging others. He said this unequal enforcement of election laws has created concern within his party and that these issues were raised during the meeting with the Chief Adviser.

The NCP leader’s remarks highlight growing tension over election conduct and the perceived inaction of the Election Commission ahead of the national polls.

In Gaibandha’s Saghata upazila, confusion has arisen over the implementation of Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) projects under the Annual Development Programme (ADP) even after the project period expired. Allegations have surfaced that contractors carried out substandard and incomplete work but still received payments. Beneficiaries of the projects have expressed anger over the situation.

According to official sources, 17 projects worth Tk 24.63 million were contracted under the 2024–25 fiscal year across several unions in Saghata. Field visits revealed that some works, such as the palisading near Ulya Jame Mosque in Bharatkhali Union, have not yet started, while others were completed with poor materials. The largest project, a public library worth Tk 5.3 million, also remains unfinished. Contracts were issued on June 4, 2025, with completion due by June 30, but many works have not begun.

Saghata LGED engineer Nayan Roy stated that most projects were completed and partial or full payments made, adding that contractors failing to meet standards would forfeit their security deposits. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Ashraful Kabir said the matter would be investigated.

A four-member delegation from the National Citizens Party (NCP) met Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday evening at the state guesthouse Jamuna. The team, led by NCP convener Nahid Islam, included central election committee chairman Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, secretary Monira Sharmin, and legal affairs head Zahirul Islam Musa. Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and the Chief Adviser’s special assistant for the ICT ministry, Faez Ahmad Taiyeb, were also present.

During the meeting, NCP leaders shared their observations and concerns about the upcoming election and urged the government to ensure a level playing field. They said NCP members were campaigning in favor of the “Yes” vote in the national referendum. The Chief Adviser assured that any complaints or suggestions would be addressed promptly and that no one would be allowed to violate the law.

Yunus emphasized that administrative reshuffles were made by lottery to maintain neutrality. He said most polling centers would be under CCTV surveillance by January, with body cameras for officials in high-risk areas. He called on all political parties to cooperate in ensuring a fair and festive election.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has launched a central crowdfunding initiative to finance its election campaign and support party candidates. The announcement was made on Monday afternoon at the party’s temporary central office in Dhaka’s Banglamotor by spokesperson and election management committee chairman Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan. He said around 90 to 95 percent of NCP candidates will manage their campaign expenses through this centralized fund, allowing donors to contribute either to the party or to specific candidates.

Asif Mahmud stated that all donation and expenditure details will be published annually through an open audit report to ensure transparency and accountability. He described the initiative as a practical example of the NCP’s commitment to transparent political practices. Highlighting the modest financial backgrounds of most NCP candidates, he said none are major loan defaulters or foreign citizens, and most come from ordinary professions or student activism.

The NCP urged citizens to directly fund their preferred candidates or the party, emphasizing that candidates elected through public contributions would represent the people’s voice in parliament rather than business or vested interests.

Leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) met Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday evening at the state guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka. The delegation, led by NCP convener Nahid Islam, included central election committee chairman Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, secretary Monira Sharmin, and legal affairs subcommittee head Zahirul Islam Musa.

According to the report, the meeting was scheduled after NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan announced on Sunday night that the party would meet the Chief Adviser to raise issues regarding alleged bias by the Election Commission. The delegation arrived at the Chief Adviser’s residence around 5 p.m. to present their concerns.

The discussion reflects ongoing political engagement between the interim administration and political parties ahead of the national election, with the NCP seeking to highlight fairness and neutrality in the electoral process.

Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced that a total of 897,117 members of law enforcement agencies will be deployed for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. He made the statement on Monday afternoon at a press briefing following the 20th meeting of the Advisory Council Committee on Law and Order at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Dhaka.

According to the adviser, the deployment will include 100,000 members of the Bangladesh Army, 5,000 from the Navy, 3,730 from the Air Force, 149,443 from the Police, 576,314 from the Ansar and Village Defence Party, 37,453 from the Border Guard Bangladesh, 3,585 from the Coast Guard, 7,700 from the Rapid Action Battalion, and 13,390 from the Fire Service and Civil Defence as support staff. The total number of personnel across all agencies will reach 897,117.

The announcement underscores the government’s preparation to ensure security and order during the national election, reflecting a large-scale coordination among multiple security forces.

Independent candidate Barrister Rumin Farhana has reacted to the publication of an official letter from the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Sarail, Brahmanbaria. In a video message posted on her Facebook page late Sunday night, she questioned how the UNO could handle election duties if he could not maintain the confidentiality of his own office’s letter for even 24 hours. She also expressed concern about the security of votes in the upcoming election.

Rumin Farhana stated that she had submitted multiple complaints on January 13, 2026, to the UNO and the district administration regarding violations of the electoral code of conduct but had not received any updates or actions taken. She alleged that her rival, particularly the BNP-backed coalition candidate, was holding large rallies using sound systems and microphones in violation of the rules, yet no action had been taken against them.

She further mentioned an incident where the Ashuganj Upazila BNP general secretary allegedly made an obscene gesture toward a magistrate’s vehicle, which had been parked outside a rally venue for security reasons.

Hummam Quader Chowdhury, son of executed war crimes convict Salauddin Quader Chowdhury, testified before a three-member panel of the International Crimes Tribunal on Monday. He described being abducted by plainclothes men on August 4, 2016, and held in a secret room where he noticed a table marked with the letters 'CTIB'. His testimony came as the first witness in a crimes against humanity case against deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 12 former and current army officers, concerning alleged abductions and torture under the Awami League government.

In his detailed statement, Hummam recounted being taken from Bangshal police station to the Detective Branch office on Minto Road, then blindfolded and transferred through multiple locations before being confined for seven months. He described interrogation, physical abuse, and the conditions of his detention, including the discovery of the 'CTIB' marking. The report notes that CTIB, or Counter Terrorism and Intelligence Bureau, is a secret intelligence unit under the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI).

The tribunal proceedings mark a rare public account of alleged enforced disappearance and secret detention practices during the period referenced in the testimony.

Religious Adviser Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain stated that a national referendum would block the path to fascist governance in Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Monday afternoon while addressing an Imam Conference held at the Habiganj Deputy Commissioner’s office premises. The event focused on promoting the referendum and encouraging voter participation through awareness activities led by imams.

Dr. Hossain said that once someone assumes power in Bangladesh, there is often a tendency to prolong authority through various tactics, a pattern seen repeatedly over the past 54 years. He emphasized that a referendum could serve as an effective means to change this situation. He added that such a process would allow both the government and opposition parties to work together in forming a caretaker government, the Election Commission, and the Public Service Commission, thereby strengthening democracy.

During the event, a video message from the Chief Adviser about the referendum was shown to the attending imams. The Religious Adviser also instructed imams, as well as leaders of temples and churches, to motivate the public about the referendum. Senior district officials, including the returning officer, police superintendent, and election officer, were present.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman said that blame-based politics does not fill people’s stomachs, emphasizing that true politics means standing beside the people. He made the remarks on Monday while virtually joining a house handover ceremony for the family of Afia, a child from Jessore’s Bajua Danga village. The event was organized by the Jessore district unit of the BNP.

Rahman stated that the BNP has initiated a change from traditional politics, focusing on supporting vulnerable families like Afia’s. He mentioned that if the party forms the next government with public support, it will introduce a ‘family card’ to ensure welfare services. He also referred to plans for a ‘farmers’ card’ and the recruitment of 100,000 health workers to improve healthcare access across urban and rural areas.

Rahman further announced that the BNP would revive the canal excavation project initiated by former President Ziaur Rahman to mitigate flooding and continue programs for women’s education and empowerment started by former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.