Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Saturday afternoon. The meeting took place at the BNP chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, Dhaka. The information was confirmed by BNP Media Cell member Shairul Kabir Khan, and a video of the meeting was released on the party’s verified Facebook page.

The video showed Pranay Verma entering the BNP chairperson’s office and meeting Tarique Rahman. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed were also present during the meeting. The report did not mention the topics discussed or any official statements from either side.

The meeting marks a formal diplomatic engagement between the Indian envoy and the BNP leadership, though no further details about the discussions or outcomes were provided in the source.

Hasnat Abdullah, the chief organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP) for the southern region and the Jamaat-led alliance candidate for Comilla-4 (Debidwar), stated that no good work can begin with wrongdoing. He made the remarks on Saturday, January 10, during a courtyard meeting held in Yousufpur Union of Debidwar upazila as part of an anti-Indian aggression march.

During the meeting, Abdullah urged local residents to avoid supporting those involved in past corruption, loan defaults, or legal cases in Debidwar. He emphasized that those preparing to seize polling centers or manipulate votes would not succeed, pledging to resist such actions with public support. Earlier in the day, he joined the anti-aggression march through several villages, including Nabipur Bazar, Egarogram, Muksair, Juktogram, and Pairangkul, accompanied by local NCP and Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and activists.

The event reflected the NCP’s ongoing campaign activities in Debidwar ahead of the upcoming election, focusing on anti-corruption and fair voting messages.

Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, the general secretary of the Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party and candidate of the 11-party alliance for Barishal-3 (Babuganj–Muladi), stated that a free, fair, and acceptable election cannot take place without ensuring the safety of voters and candidates. He made the remarks on Saturday, January 10, during a post-meeting press briefing in Chandpasha, Babuganj, following a discussion on the electoral code of conduct with alliance leaders and activists.

Fuad alleged that despite submitting multiple complaints to the district administration and returning officer, no effective action has been taken. He claimed that law enforcement agencies are showing bias toward one political party and that plans are underway by that party’s activists to seize polling centers. He said his alliance has prepared a list of vulnerable centers and informed the authorities about alleged plans for armed demonstrations.

Calling on the government to act more decisively, Fuad suggested detaining individuals involved in violent or center-seizing activities under special powers laws for two to three months to reduce potential clashes and ensure a secure voting environment.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and candidate for Dhaka-11, claimed that the Jamaat-e-Islami and NCP alliance is significantly ahead of the BNP in preparations for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. He made the statement on Saturday, January 10, after a meeting with the European Union (EU) election observation delegation at the InterContinental Hotel in Dhaka.

During the meeting, Nahid Islam said the NCP had informed the EU that it still lacked confidence in achieving a level playing field for the election. He alleged that signals were being given to favor a particular party, citing that nominations of several loan defaulters had been declared valid and that various violations of the electoral code of conduct were occurring. He expressed hope that the Election Commission would take strict action on these issues.

Nahid Islam added that despite security concerns, his alliance would continue its campaign activities on the ground, emphasizing that the Jamaat-NCP coalition was well ahead in election readiness compared to the BNP.

Law adviser and academic Professor Asif Nazrul claimed that he was the most targeted victim of cyberbullying in Bangladesh over the past 16 months. He made the statement on Saturday at a policy dialogue titled “Political Parties, Human Rights and Freedom of Expression,” organized by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka. Nazrul said that within the first four months alone, four dedicated videos were made to attack him personally.

Expressing frustration, he said he had been falsely labeled as both a supporter of Pakistan and India, and accused of having property in the United States. He described these campaigns as severe forms of cyberbullying against someone who values honesty. Addressing the issue of bail in July’s cases, Nazrul stated that 90 percent of the bail orders came from the High Court, and that responsibility for any errors lies with the judges, not the law ministry.

Nazrul further alleged that such attacks serve political and financial motives, claiming that targeting him benefits certain political agendas and online monetization. He urged everyone to engage in self-criticism as a moral practice.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Saturday addressed editors and journalists at a hotel in Banani, Dhaka, emphasizing that Bangladesh should not return to cycles of violence and revenge. He said the events of August 5, 2024, and other national tragedies must serve as lessons for the nation. Rahman expressed concern over press freedom, recalling incidents involving journalists Mahmudur Rahman and Ruhul Amin Gazi, and stressed the need for unity beyond political divisions.

He warned of a severe water crisis in Dhaka within 10–15 years due to pollution in major rivers and called for preventive health measures, women’s empowerment, and youth employment. Rahman announced plans for a “Family Card” to support women’s economic independence, the recruitment of 100,000 mostly female health workers, and modernization of vocational institutes to expand skilled overseas employment. He also proposed export incentives, IT park development, and international payment gateways for freelancers.

Rahman urged all political parties to prioritize citizens’ daily needs—health, education, safety, and jobs—and reaffirmed his commitment to democratic accountability. He said BNP would present its detailed plans to the public from January 22.

The Election Commission (EC) has declared the nomination of National Democratic Party–JAGPA vice president and spokesperson Rashed Pradhan valid. The decision came on Saturday, January 10, 2026, following a hearing on his appeal. Pradhan had earlier filed the appeal on January 6 after his nomination was rejected by the returning officer and Panchagarh Deputy Commissioner Kazi Md. Sayemuzzaman on January 3 due to an affidavit-related complication. He is contesting in both Panchagarh-1 and Panchagarh-2 constituencies in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election.

In his initial reaction, Rashed Pradhan expressed gratitude for the EC’s decision but voiced concern about the absence of a level playing field, citing the approval of loan-defaulter candidates from the BNP. JAGPA president Barrister Tasmia Pradhan, who attended the hearing in support of her brother, said she was present not as a party leader or lawyer but as family, emphasizing unity for the country as children of Shafiul Alam Pradhan.

The EC’s ruling restores JAGPA’s representation in two key northern constituencies ahead of the national election.

Independent candidate Dr. Tasnim Jara announced her intention to contest the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election from Dhaka-9 constituency using the football symbol. On Saturday, January 10, 2026, after an appeal hearing at the Election Commission, her candidacy was declared valid. She told reporters that her appeal had been accepted and thanked supporters at home and abroad for their encouragement during the past week.

Dr. Jara, who resigned from the National Citizen Party (NCP), had her nomination initially rejected by the Dhaka district returning officer on January 3. Following her appeal, the Election Commission reversed that decision, allowing her to run as an independent candidate. She expressed gratitude to those who supported her and said she would now apply for the football symbol, pending the commission’s approval.

With her candidacy restored, Jara plans to campaign with public support in the Dhaka-9 constituency, awaiting the Election Commission’s final decision on her preferred election symbol.

Bangladeshi newspaper Amar Desh has reported that Wikipedia administrators are allegedly deleting and distorting pages related to the 2024 July Revolution and its martyrs. The investigation claims that a coordinated ideological group has been removing or altering entries about key figures such as student leaders Wasim Akram, Faisal Ahmed Shanto, and Imtiaz Ahmed Jabir under the 'N7' clause, which labels topics as non-notable. Contributors say these deletions occurred despite the pages being well-sourced and compliant with Wikipedia’s rules, and that requests for restoration were ignored or met with account suspensions.

The report further alleges that pages of political and cultural organizations linked to the July Revolution, including the National Citizens Party (NCP), have also been targeted, while pages praising former ruling party figures remain intact. Several writers and editors interviewed by Amar Desh claim that the Bangla Wikipedia is being influenced by pro-Indian and anti-Muslim groups, undermining its neutrality. Government officials have acknowledged the issue and suggested dialogue with the Wikipedia community to determine next steps.

The investigation concludes that contributors are urging the interim government to take action to preserve national historical content and ensure fair editorial practices on the platform.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has resolved 36 appeals filed against returning officers’ decisions on nomination papers for the 13th parliamentary election. The hearing took place on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the EC headquarters in Agargaon from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Out of the 36 appeals, 26 candidates were declared valid, including independent candidate Tasnim Zara, who left the NCP. Six appeals were rejected, while four candidates were granted additional time to submit further documents.

Between January 5 and 9, candidates whose nomination papers had been canceled submitted 645 appeals to the EC. A total of 723 nominations had been rejected during the initial scrutiny, while returning officers had declared 1,842 candidates valid. The EC’s first phase of hearings marks the beginning of the appeal resolution process ahead of the 13th parliamentary election.

Further hearings are expected as the EC continues to review the remaining appeals before finalizing the list of valid candidates for the upcoming election.

Representatives of the Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (ChakSU) detained Assistant Professor Hasan Mohammad Roman Shuvo of the Law Department on Saturday afternoon and handed him over to the university administration. He was accused of supporting mass killings during the July uprising. The incident occurred after noon when Shuvo, reportedly trying to leave the Faculty of Law building, was stopped and taken to the proctor’s office.

University sources said Shuvo had been assigned as an invigilator for the first-year admission test of the 2025–26 academic session under the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. ChakSU leaders, including Law Secretary Fazle Rabbi Tawhid, detained him after learning of his presence. Allegations against Shuvo include labeling students as extremists, supporting a faction of the Chhatra League, and hosting gatherings at his residence. A university probe committee had already submitted a report on these allegations.

Shuvo denied all accusations, claiming he had not participated in any demonstrations and had committed no wrongdoing. The university proctor stated that Shuvo fled out of fear after hearing rumors of a mob attack and was later brought to the office by students.

Adilur Rahman Khan, adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, stated that the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum will play a crucial role in shaping Bangladesh’s direction for the next hundred years. Speaking to journalists on Saturday morning after inspecting the Kadamtali Central Bus Terminal in South Surma, Sylhet, he said there is no reason for concern about the election and that voters will be able to cast their votes in a joyful and festive atmosphere.

During his visit, Khan observed passenger services and management issues at the terminal. He emphasized that a level playing field has been ensured for the election and will remain effective, expressing confidence that the polls will be peaceful, fair, and celebratory. He also remarked that public support for the July Charter, achieved through sacrifice, will be reflected through ‘yes’ votes, and that the democratic process will be further strengthened through the participation of representatives from various political parties.

Senior officials, including the Divisional Commissioner of Sylhet Khan Md. Reza-un-Nabi and District Commissioner Md. Sarwar Alam, were present during the visit.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman stated that Bangladesh can no longer return to the situation before August 5. He made the remarks on Saturday at a meeting with editors of newspapers, television, and online media at the Sheraton Hotel in Dhaka. Rahman said that after returning to the country, he visited several places including Savar and felt that the new generation is seeking guidance and hope. Referring to the movements of 1971, 1990, and 2024, he emphasized working for the country and its independence to achieve the right goals.

During the discussion, Rahman addressed concerns raised about the safety of a female journalist, saying that both men and women have the right to security. He called for maintaining the democratic process and ensuring accountability despite political differences. He also announced that from January 22, the party would present its plans to the public and seek feedback to help solve national problems.

The meeting was attended by editors from major national newspapers and senior BNP leaders including Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and members of the party’s standing committee.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused the United States and Israel of instigating violence in ongoing protests across Iran. Speaking at a press conference in Beirut after meeting Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Araghchi claimed that both countries had openly admitted to interfering in the demonstrations. He said their involvement turned what began as peaceful protests into violent confrontations. Araghchi also dismissed the possibility of a US-Israeli military intervention in Iran, saying previous attempts had failed and any repetition would meet the same fate.

The protests began on December 28 over rising living costs and quickly spread to nearly all cities and towns across Iran’s 31 provinces. The government has deployed security forces nationwide to suppress the unrest. On Friday, authorities cut off internet and mobile connections in most parts of the country to control the situation.

Araghchi referenced a 12-day war from the previous June while warning against foreign interference, emphasizing that Iran would respond firmly to any external aggression.

In Dhaka-20 (Dhamrai) constituency, BNP candidate Md. Tamiz Uddin has been identified as the wealthiest contender for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. According to his affidavit, he holds deposits exceeding Tk 85 crore in various financial institutions, along with nearly Tk 1.49 crore in cash and over Tk 47 lakh under his wife’s name. His immovable assets are valued at more than Tk 5.6 crore, including multiple buildings in Dhamrai and Dhaka. He also has loans of about Tk 85 crore from Islami Bank and an annual business income of Tk 48 lakh. Tamiz Uddin, president of Dhamrai Upazila BNP, has been acquitted in 15 cases and currently faces four criminal cases filed during the previous government.

In contrast, Khelafat Majlis candidate Md. Ashraf Ali, symbolized by a wall clock, declared the smallest amount of assets. His affidavit shows around Tk 26 lakh in movable assets and about 85 decimals of land, with teaching as his main source of income. On January 3, the Dhamrai Upazila Executive Officer confirmed that all six candidates’ nominations for Dhaka-20 were declared valid after scrutiny.