In Netrakona-4 constituency, comprising Madan, Mohanganj, and Khaliajuri upazilas, the Jamaat-e-Islami-led ten-party alliance has launched an aggressive campaign to secure victory for its candidate under the 'scales' symbol. The alliance’s candidate, Al Helal Talukder, a lecturer and organizational secretary of Mymensingh city Jamaat, is actively canvassing across the haor region. He stated that the alliance is receiving strong public support, particularly from youth seeking change, and expressed confidence in winning if the election is fair.

Opposing him, former state minister for home affairs and BNP heavyweight Lutfozzaman Babar is contesting under the 'sheaf of paddy' symbol, joined by his wife, Tahmina Zaman Shraboni, who previously led local BNP activities during Babar’s 17-year imprisonment. Babar has pledged to prioritize youth employment and combat drug abuse if elected, urging citizens to help law enforcement against drug dealers.

Political analysts cited in the report note that past BNP victories in this seat were largely due to Babar’s personal popularity. The main contest is expected between the Jamaat-led alliance and the BNP, though candidates from CPB, Workers Party, and Islami Andolan Bangladesh are also in the race.

Sarjis Alam, the northern regional organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP), said that the concept of predetermined political heavyweights will no longer hold in Bangladesh. Speaking on January 25 during public meetings and door-to-door campaigns in various areas of Panchagarh’s Amarkhana Union, he predicted a landslide fall of so-called heavyweight leaders from major political parties in the February 12 election.

He stated that a wave of change has reached every household and that people are ready to vote against oppression, extortion, land grabbing, threats, abuse of power, and corruption. Sarjis also alleged that some local leaders and activists of the BNP were threatening voters, including a Jamaat worker, warning them not to vote for the 11-party alliance. He warned that those who try to intimidate voters would face a downfall worse than that of Sheikh Hasina.

Sarjis urged that citizens be allowed to vote freely, saying that the people of Bangladesh are no longer in the same position as before.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has urged political leaders to cleanse themselves of corruption before advocating for a corruption-free Bangladesh. Speaking as the chief guest at an election rally for the Dhaka-7 constituency at Dhaka Alia Madrasa field in Bakshibazar on Sunday evening, he criticized those who include loan defaulters in parliamentary elections while promising justice and fairness. He said that such deceptive promises would no longer be accepted and called for genuine intent in building a corruption-free nation.

During the rally, Dr. Rahman also called on voters to support candidates from the 11-party alliance and to vote “yes” in the upcoming referendum scheduled for February 12, which he described as a vote for justice. He emphasized unity, rejecting divisive politics, and pledged that his party’s candidates would serve as guardians and servants of the people. He further promised to transform Old Dhaka into a prosperous area, asserting that Jamaat keeps its promises.

The event was chaired by Abdur Rahman, with participation from several alliance leaders including Haji Enayet Ullah, Col. (Retd.) Oli Ahmad, and others.

BNP’s Dhaka-7 parliamentary candidate and national executive committee member Hamidur Rahman has said that his party believes in independent journalism and will ensure full media freedom if it comes to power. He made the remarks on Sunday while addressing the ‘Conscious Best Reporting Award and Certificate’ ceremony organized by the Kabi Nazrul Government College Journalists’ Association, where he attended as chief guest.

During his speech, Rahman outlined his plans for his constituency, noting that Old Dhaka faces serious problems such as Buriganga River pollution, dengue fears, and the spread of chemical warehouses. He pledged to prioritize permanent solutions to these issues and address the acute gas crisis if elected. He also highlighted the significance of the July-August movement, describing it as a turning point for regaining true freedom, and urged young journalists to portray the sacrifices of the movement’s martyrs through their writing.

The event was presided over by association president Md Atik Hasan Shuvo and attended by several guests, including leaders from the BNP’s volunteer wing and Bangladesh Shanti Songho. Awards were presented to young reporters for outstanding reporting.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has alleged that several external parties are openly interfering in Bangladesh’s internal affairs as the nation approaches a critical decision-making moment. He made the remarks on Sunday at an election rally held at Dhupkhola field in Gendaria, Dhaka-6, in support of a candidate from the 10-party alliance that includes Jamaat-e-Islami. Rahman did not specify which countries or entities were involved in the alleged interference.

In his speech, Rahman urged outsiders to refrain from meddling in Bangladesh’s domestic matters, emphasizing that the people of the country are capable of making their own choices. He stated that Bangladesh seeks friendly relations with all civilized nations but will not tolerate intimidation or dominance from any party. He added that mutual respect and equality must guide all international relationships and declared that the Bangladeshi nation will not bow to anyone.

The comments reflect Jamaat-e-Islami’s position on maintaining national sovereignty and resisting perceived external pressure during a politically sensitive period.

French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Serre-Charlot paid a courtesy call on Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Sunday evening at the party chief’s office in Bashundhara, Dhaka. The meeting was attended by Deputy Ambassador Frederic Inza and Economic Adviser Julien Dure from the French Embassy.

According to Jamaat’s central publicity department, the discussion took place in a cordial and friendly atmosphere. Both sides exchanged views on Bangladesh’s upcoming national parliamentary election and matters of mutual interest between Bangladesh and France. They expressed optimism that the friendly relations and mutual cooperation between the two countries would be further strengthened in the future.

Dr. Rahman was accompanied by Assistant Secretary General and head of the central publicity and media department Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, educationist Dr. Zubair Ahmed, and foreign affairs adviser Professor Dr. Mahmudul Hasan.

The Student Rights Council has submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission (EC) demanding the cancellation of the registration of the Jatiya Party (JaPa) and other parties that supported the previous Awami League government. The group also called for these parties to be declared ineligible for the upcoming national election. The memorandum was handed over on Sunday at the EC office in Agargaon, Dhaka, where the organization’s leaders warned that allowing JaPa to contest would bring severe harm to the country.

General Secretary Sanaullah accused the Jatiya Party of legitimizing the Awami League through its participation in the 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections, which he described as flawed. He criticized both the government and the EC for failing to act on earlier demands to ban JaPa. The group also announced plans to meet the Chief Adviser to protest the issue.

Council President Nazmul Hasan alleged that the EC was showing leniency toward JaPa and criticized recent commission decisions. He warned that the organization would launch tougher programs if JaPa’s registration was not revoked.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has resumed the National Identity Card (NID) correction service after a two-month suspension. The service became operational again on Sunday, January 25, 2026, in the afternoon. According to NID Director General A.S.M. Humayun Kabir, the correction activities had been halted to facilitate postal vote registration and the finalization of election candidates.

Kabir explained that the voter list has now been completed, allowing the EC to return to normal operations. He added that extensive work had been ongoing on the Out of Country Voting (OCV) and In-Country Postal Voting (IPCV) systems during the suspension period. With these registration processes now finished, the commission has reinstated regular NID services.

The temporary suspension of NID correction services was also linked to the finalization of candidates for the upcoming elections, which required administrative focus and system resources.

BNP-nominated candidate for Dhaka-6 constituency, Engineer Ishraque Hossain, declared that he would not spare anti-liberation forces, accusing them of exploiting political opportunities in the past. He made the remarks on Sunday while addressing a discussion and prayer meeting organized by the Dhaka Lawyers Association for the late former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. Ishraque also responded to comments from the Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for Dhaka-17, who had claimed they would dominate others, saying that if Jamaat wanted confrontation, BNP would not back down.

Addressing Jamaat directly, Ishraque alleged that the party had targeted Tarique Rahman through propaganda and spread rumors linking him and Ishraque to the killing of a Jubo Dal leader in Mitford. He expressed disappointment after the mass uprising, saying BNP had expected coexistence but was forced to recall Jamaat’s 1971 role due to their actions. Ishraque further claimed Jamaat had been politically inactive since 2018 and reiterated his continued opposition to pro-India Awami League forces.

Dhaka Lawyers Association President Khorhshed Mia Alam accused Jamaat-e-Islami of exploiting religion and said their betrayal had caused a major Islamic party to leave their alliance.

Two student organizations at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur held separate press conferences on Sunday over allegations of irregularities involving university officials. The Islami Chhatra Shibir accused Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Shawkat Ali of administrative misconduct and failure to organize student union elections despite a ban on student politics. They also questioned the appointment of officials under investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission and alleged that the university’s resources were used in national admission tests without receiving development funds. Shibir representatives said they would submit a memorandum to the University Grants Commission.

In a counter move, the Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) defended the vice-chancellor and accused Registrar Professor Dr. Harun-or-Rashid of irregularities and non-cooperation in legal cases filed by the university. Vice-Chancellor Shawkat Ali denied the allegations, stating that recruitment decisions are made by the UGC, not the university, and that he supports student elections. Registrar Harun-or-Rashid also rejected the claims, saying his office only provides student lists and that investigation commissions handle case matters.

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions among student groups and university authorities over governance and accountability issues at the institution.

BNP-nominated parliamentary candidate Mirza Abbas has pledged to make Dhaka-8 constituency free from drugs, terrorism, and extortion if he wins the upcoming election. Speaking during a campaign event on Sunday, January 25, in Malibagh and Shahjahanpur, he said the area had been severely affected by these problems over the past 17 years. Abbas promised to liberate his constituency from such destructive forces.

He alleged that statements from some political groups and government quarters hinted at conspiracies, suggesting irregularities in the electoral process. Abbas questioned the legitimacy of claims by an independent candidate who said the BNP would not be allowed any seats in Dhaka, asserting that only Allah and the people have the authority to decide election outcomes. He also expressed concern about the election environment, saying some parties’ behavior indicated something was wrong.

Abbas further recalled the public support he received in 1991, 1996, and 2001, expressing confidence that voters would again elect him based on his and his party’s record. He emphasized his desire for a fair and acceptable election.

Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta has dismissed Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, daughter of senior Iranian official Ali Larijani. The student-run newspaper Emory Wheel reported on Saturday that Dean Sandra Wong confirmed the decision in an email to faculty on January 24, stating that the physician, known as the daughter of a high-ranking Iranian government figure, is no longer employed by the university.

The report said the decision followed protests by Iranian-American demonstrators outside Emory’s Winship Cancer Institute opposing her appointment, amid ongoing unrest in Iran. Before her departure, Ardeshir-Larijani served as an assistant professor in the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology. Her faculty and healthcare web pages have since been removed.

Andrea Clement, associate director of public relations at the Winship Cancer Institute, described the matter as personnel-related and emphasized that Emory remains committed to patient care, research, and education in compliance with state and federal laws. Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, was sanctioned by the United States on January 15 for his alleged role in suppressing peaceful protests in Iran.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has called on voters to elect the party’s symbol, the paddy sheaf, on the 12th to curb corruption. Speaking at an election rally on Sunday evening at Feni Government Pilot High School field, he said that if the BNP forms the government, it will resume the initiatives left by Khaleda Zia and the programs of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman to bring positive change to people’s lives.

Tarique Rahman emphasized that criticizing political opponents would not benefit the public. Instead, he said, real progress would come from planned development such as canal excavation, improved healthcare, youth employment, and maintaining law and order. He noted that after August 5, people have been seeking change that would gradually reduce their problems, and the BNP must work toward that goal.

The rally reflected BNP’s campaign focus on anti-corruption and development, highlighting promises to revive previous leadership programs and address citizens’ needs through practical measures.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told a campaign rally in Thakurgaon on January 25, 2026, that his party would not repeat the misdeeds he attributed to the Awami League. Speaking on the third day of his campaign in Barunagaon and Cheradanggi, he said he had sold ancestral property to continue politics but never compromised on principles. He warned that if anyone in BNP engaged in wrongdoing after gaining power, they would face immediate action.

Fakhrul recalled facing 111 cases and 11 imprisonments over the past 15 years, saying he never bowed his head despite personal hardships. He cautioned voters against supporting Jamaat-e-Islami’s “scales” symbol, reminding them of the party’s alleged role in 1971. Addressing Hindu voters, he urged them not to fear and to exercise their voting rights freely. He described the post-July movement atmosphere as a “breath of freedom” and called for building a society based on brotherhood rather than revenge.

He emphasized that BNP’s struggle was not about retaliation but about creating a new democratic and inclusive political culture.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman set foot in Feni after 20 years, joining a party election rally at the Feni Government Pilot High School field on Sunday evening. The event drew large numbers of party supporters who began arriving in processions from the morning. Participants came not only from Feni but also from Noakhali and Lakshmipur districts to attend the gathering.

Law enforcement personnel conducted security checks at the Feni Government College gate as part of crowd management. Supporters traveled by buses and microbuses, entering the city in processions carrying the BNP’s paddy-sheaf symbol. Many wore party-branded T-shirts, panjabis, and mufflers to show their allegiance. One attendee from Chatkhil, Noakhali, expressed his enthusiasm to see the party leader despite the difficulties of travel.

The rally marked a significant return for Tarique Rahman to Feni’s political stage after two decades, signaling renewed activity among BNP supporters in the region.