Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has alleged that its Amir, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, and several senior leaders were targeted in a cyberattack on their social media accounts. The party’s Assistant Secretary General and head of its publicity and media division, Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, stated in a press release on Sunday that attackers briefly took control of Dr. Rahman’s official Twitter (X) account and used it to post false and misleading content. The party’s cyber team reportedly regained control shortly afterward and secured other accounts.

The statement clarified that the unauthorized post did not represent the Jamaat Amir’s views or the party’s position, describing it as entirely false. The party condemned the spread of misinformation and urged the public, journalists, and social media users to verify information only from official and trusted sources. It also warned that spreading fake news, identity fraud, and manipulated content are punishable offenses that harm democratic integrity.

Jamaat’s campaign team reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, digital security, and credible communication, promising to share further updates if necessary and calling for restraint from unethical online activities.

Supporters of the BNP and Jamaat clashed on Saturday night in Nilphamari’s Jaldhaka municipality over the placement of election billboards. The incident occurred around 9 p.m. at Abu Sayeed Square, where both groups attempted to display their campaign materials. Police and army personnel were deployed to control the situation, and additional forces have since been stationed in the area amid a tense atmosphere.

Eyewitnesses said several billboards bearing Jamaat’s scale symbol had been installed earlier, and BNP supporters later tried to put up their own posters at the same location. Jamaat activists objected, leading to heated exchanges and eventually a chase between the two sides. BNP coordinator Fahmid Faisal Chowdhury Comet claimed their worker was obstructed and mistreated, while Jamaat coordinator Kamruzzaman alleged that BNP activists attacked their members, injuring three.

Jaldhaka police officer-in-charge Namjul Alam confirmed that the situation was brought under control after security forces intervened. Law enforcement remains deployed to prevent further unrest in the town.

Election campaigning in Naogaon-1 constituency has intensified ahead of the 13th parliamentary election, with candidates actively engaging voters across Porsha, Sapahar, and Niamatpur. Despite the presence of a rebel BNP candidate, local observers expect the main contest to be between the BNP’s ‘paddy sheaf’ symbol and Jamaat-e-Islami’s ‘scale’ symbol. The constituency, known as a BNP stronghold, has seen vibrant rallies and voter outreach in villages and markets.

BNP’s official candidate, Niamatpur BNP general secretary Md. Mostafizur Rahman, is contesting under the party symbol, while former MP and Niamatpur BNP president Dr. Salek Chowdhury is running as a rebel. Although Chowdhury has a strong local base, many of his supporters have joined Mostafizur’s campaign. Jamaat candidate Principal Mahbubul Alam is also campaigning actively, while three other candidates represent Islami Andolan and Jatiya Party.

The constituency has 407,465 registered voters, including 238,684 women, 235,377 men, and four third-gender voters, according to the report.

India’s Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would complete border fencing within 45 days if it forms the government in West Bengal after the 2026 state assembly election. Speaking at a workers’ conference in Bagdogra, Siliguri, on Saturday, Shah predicted a BJP victory and called 2026 a “year of change.” He pledged to build a “Sonar Bangla” under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

Shah accused the current Trinamool Congress government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, of obstructing land allocation for border fencing despite a High Court directive. He said that after the election results in April, the BJP’s nominated chief minister would take charge and expedite pending projects. Shah also claimed that a BJP government would stop illegal infiltration and identify and expel infiltrators.

He further criticized Trinamool officials for not cooperating with the Election Commission’s voter list revision and promised BJP’s full support for a clean voter roll. Shah also pledged land rights for tea workers in North Bengal, similar to measures taken in Assam.

In the upcoming parliamentary election for Kushtia-1 (Daulatpur), the presence of a rebel candidate has raised optimism among Jamaat-e-Islami supporters, who believe it could disrupt the BNP’s vote calculations. The BNP’s official candidate is upazila committee president and former MP Reza Ahmed (Bachchu Molla), while the rebel contender is expelled joint convener Nuruzzaman (Hablu Molla). Despite several other parties fielding candidates, observers expect the main contest to be between BNP and Jamaat.

Reports indicate that since August 2024, residents of several riverine unions have faced harassment allegedly from supporters of the BNP candidate. Allegations of extortion and misconduct have also surfaced against his relatives. In contrast, the rebel candidate faces accusations of controlling the tobacco and counterfeit cigarette trade but not of public harassment. Local BNP insiders admit that some grassroots supporters may vote for the rebel due to internal grievances.

The constituency, comprising 14 unions and over 445,000 voters, includes a large number of young voters seen as favoring change, which could influence the final outcome.

Engineer and political researcher Jalal Uddin Omar, writing in *Amar Desh* on February 1, 2026, argued that India must reassess its approach toward Bangladesh following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. He recalled that Hasina resigned on August 5, 2024, amid mass protests and fled to India, ending the Awami League’s 15-and-a-half-year rule. An interim administration led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus was formed on August 8, 2024, to oversee reforms and prepare for a neutral election.

Omar contended that India’s close alignment with the Awami League had alienated the Bangladeshi public. He claimed that during Hasina’s tenure, Bangladesh prioritized Indian interests in bilateral agreements while India failed to reciprocate on key issues such as the Teesta water-sharing deal and border killings. He also criticized India’s alleged bias toward certain religious groups and its media’s portrayal of Bangladesh’s minority situation.

The author concluded that future India–Bangladesh relations must rest on equality, fairness, and mutual respect, emphasizing that sustainable friendship requires engagement with Bangladesh’s people rather than any single party or community.

Internal divisions and rebel candidates have complicated the electoral landscape for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in three of Narayanganj’s five constituencies ahead of the 13th parliamentary election. In Narayanganj-2, BNP’s official candidate Nazrul Islam Azad faces a strong challenge from expelled former MP Ataur Rahman Khan Angur, who is contesting as an independent, while Jamaat-e-Islami’s Elias Molla also remains active. Voters expect the main contest to be between Azad and Angur, with concerns about possible clashes between their supporters.

In Narayanganj-3, BNP nominee Azharul Islam Mannan is competing mainly against expelled leader and former MP Muhammad Giasuddin, who retains a loyal base. Another expelled leader, Rezaul Karim, is running independently but is seen as weaker. Jamaat’s withdrawal from this seat has left voters to choose primarily between Mannan and Giasuddin. In Narayanganj-4, BNP ally Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam’s Mufti Monir Hossain Kasemi faces tough competition from former MP Mohammad Ali of the Republican Party and expelled BNP leader Shah Alam, making the race highly unpredictable.

Voters and observers describe all three constituencies as highly competitive, with outcomes likely to be decided by narrow margins.

Abu Hossain, elder brother of slain student leader Abu Sayeed, stated on Saturday night that the July uprising was a collective effort of people from all political backgrounds and that no single political party is exclusively supported by them. He made the remarks in a Facebook post at around 11 p.m., emphasizing unity among those who fought against fascism and urging everyone to work together to rebuild the country.

Abu Sayeed, a student of the English Department’s 12th batch at Begum Rokeya University, was shot dead on July 16, 2024, during the quota reform movement near the university’s Park Mor area. He was buried the following day at his village home. Sayeed had served as one of the coordinators of the July movement.

Hossain’s statement reiterated that all participants of the July revolution are equal in their eyes, reflecting a call for unity beyond partisan lines in the aftermath of the student-led uprising.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami held a large election rally on Saturday night at Tentultala High School field in Alampur Union of Taraganj upazila, Rangpur, ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election. The event was organized by the local Jamaat unit and attended by a large number of supporters. Central committee Nayeb-e-Ameer and Jamaat candidate for Rangpur-2 constituency (Badarganj-Taraganj) ATM Azharul Islam addressed the gathering as the chief guest.

In his speech, Azharul Islam said that Jamaat-e-Islami is essential for establishing a just and fair state. He accused the previous Awami League government of destroying democracy through planned vote rigging and depriving citizens of their constitutional voting rights. Referring to his own political experience, he mentioned being imprisoned for 14 years and facing three death sentences before being released. He pledged to dedicate the rest of his life to justice and public welfare.

He urged voters to support him by voting for the “Dhalapalla” (balance scale) symbol and promised that Jamaat would focus on creating sustainable employment rather than temporary relief. He called for unity against corruption, extortion, and misrule, describing the election as a struggle to restore voting rights and build a new Bangladesh.

The Appellate Division of Bangladesh, led by the Chief Justice, has rejected the leave-to-appeal petition of Manjurul Ahsan Munshi, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidate for the Comilla-4 constituency. The decision, delivered on Sunday, February 1, 2026, prevents Munshi from participating in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. His nomination had earlier been canceled by the Election Commission (EC) following allegations of loan default.

The cancellation request was filed by Hasnat Abdullah, the chief organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and Munshi’s rival candidate in the same constituency. On January 17, the EC officially declared Munshi’s nomination invalid due to the loan default allegation. Munshi subsequently filed a writ petition in the High Court challenging the EC’s decision, but the latest ruling by the Appellate Division has upheld the cancellation.

With this ruling, Hasnat Abdullah remains the confirmed NCP candidate for Comilla-4, while the BNP will be unable to field Munshi in the 13th national election for that seat.

NCP central member Zobayrul Alam Manik announced the suspension of campaign activities for the 11-party alliance candidate in Anwara, Chattogram. The declaration came during a press conference held on Saturday evening at a local restaurant. Manik stated that the decision was made because Jamaat had allegedly deceived the NCP candidate in Chattogram-8, prompting the suspension of campaign support for Jamaat’s candidate in Chattogram-13. He clarified that the NCP’s campaign for the ‘Yes’ vote would continue.

Karnaphuli Upazila Jamaat Ameer Monir Absar claimed that Manik had earlier presented a list of demands, including appointments to local leadership positions, which Jamaat rejected as unreasonable. Absar described Manik’s move as his personal decision, not one endorsed by the NCP’s central leadership. Anwara Upazila NCP coordinator Mahmud Ullah Mahmud also said he and his organization were not informed of any such directive, and no instruction had been issued from the party’s central office.

Several NCP leaders from Chattogram South District and Karnaphuli Upazila were present during the press conference, though the party’s central stance on the matter remains unclear.

BNP National Standing Committee member and Cox’s Bazar-1 (Chakaria-Pekua) candidate Salahuddin Ahmed stated that the party will ensure religious freedom for people of all faiths in Bangladesh. Speaking as the chief guest at a harmony gathering with Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian communities in Chakaria’s Bharamuhuri area on Saturday evening, he emphasized that there should be no discrimination based on religion or ethnicity and that all citizens share a single identity as Bangladeshis.

Ahmed said BNP had previously upheld religious freedom and would continue to do so in the future. He pledged that no new form of autocracy or fascism would be allowed to emerge in the country. Referring to the Liberation War, he urged unity to build the Bangladesh envisioned by freedom fighters, martyrs, and the youth. Indirectly pointing to Jamaat, he accused them of deceiving the nation by recruiting a freedom fighter for show.

He described BNP as a party of freedom fighters and called on voters to support the party’s symbol, the paddy sheaf, in the upcoming February 12 election.

As the national election approaches, candidates in Bagerhat’s four parliamentary constituencies are intensifying their campaigns. A total of 21 candidates from various parties are contesting, with the main competition expected between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami. However, BNP nominees are facing internal challenges due to rebel candidates in every seat, while Jamaat appears relatively more stable. Among the independents, former MP M.A.H. Selim is contesting in three constituencies.

Voters across Bagerhat have voiced concerns about persistent local issues such as agricultural losses from salinity, poor healthcare, inadequate infrastructure, and gender inequality. Many residents expressed frustration that elected representatives often disappear after elections, emphasizing the need for consistent engagement and credible leadership. Candidates from both major parties have pledged development, employment, and governance reforms.

With 1.36 million registered voters and 547 polling centers, the election in Bagerhat is shaping up as a test of trust and accountability rather than promises alone. The outcome may hinge on which candidates voters perceive as most reliable and responsive to local needs.

Advocate Saifur Rahman, the Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for Chattogram-1 (Mirsharai) in the 13th national election, said the party would ensure justice and equal rights for every citizen if it forms the government. He made the remarks on Saturday while campaigning across several unions and key areas of Mirsharai, pledging to build a fair and ideal society based on justice and integrity.

Rahman emphasized that Jamaat seeks to serve rather than rule the people, promising to perform duties with sincerity and honesty if given the opportunity. He stated that the party’s goal is not power but public welfare, guided by accountability before God. He urged voters to support the “Dhalapalla” symbol in the upcoming February 12 election, vowing to create a society free from terrorism, drugs, and extortion.

Several local leaders, including NCP leader Ashraf, former UP chairman Mejbah Uddin, and representatives from Jamaat and its affiliated organizations, were present during the campaign event.

The interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus is nearing the end of its tenure, set to hand over power to the newly elected administration following the 13th parliamentary election. Over its one and a half years in office, the government faced persistent friction with the bureaucracy, marked by non-cooperation, factional conflicts, and administrative standoffs. Several incidents, including the besieging of advisers by officials and the paralysis of the Secretariat, underscored the depth of the crisis.

Interviews with advisers, current and former secretaries, and public administration experts revealed conflicting accounts of responsibility. Experts blamed the bureaucracy’s entrenched ambitions and the government’s submissive stance, while some advisers cited political parties’ lack of cooperation. Retired officials argued that the Yunus administration’s decision to retain officials from the previous Awami League government undermined reform efforts and led to administrative stagnation. Others described the bureaucracy as resistant to accountability measures, including asset disclosures and reform proposals.

As the interim government prepares to depart, analysts suggest its inability to assert control over the bureaucracy has eroded public trust and limited its capacity to deliver expected governance reforms.