Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer and party-nominated MP candidate for Comilla-11 (Chauddagram), Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, issued a statement on Monday, January 19, condemning arson and vandalism at three Jamaat election offices and a madrasa bus in Chauddagram. The incidents occurred on the night of January 18 in different unions, where unidentified miscreants allegedly poured petrol and set fire to the offices and the bus.

In his statement, Dr. Taher described the attacks as acts of terrorism aimed at intimidating voters and obstructing a free and fair 13th national parliamentary election. He urged authorities to identify and arrest those responsible for the violence to ensure a peaceful electoral environment.

Dr. Taher reaffirmed Jamaat’s commitment to protecting citizens’ voting rights and maintaining stability. He called on the administration and the Election Commission to take effective measures to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent further attempts to disrupt the election process.

Bangladesh Chhatra Dal (JCD) has temporarily suspended its siege program at the Election Commission (EC) after receiving assurances that its demands would be addressed. The decision was announced on Monday following a meeting between JCD leaders, including President Rakibul Islam Rakib and General Secretary Nasir Uddin, and EC Additional Secretary K.M. Ali Newaz. The student organization had been staging the siege since Sunday to press for three major demands.

According to Rakibul Islam, the EC assured that the demand for changes in the domestic postal ballot process would be considered, and the controversial directive regarding the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) student union election had been suspended. The JCD’s three-point demand included revising the postal ballot decision to ensure electoral neutrality, maintaining EC professionalism free from political pressure, and withdrawing the disputed SUST election notification.

After receiving specific assurances from the EC, the JCD delegation ended its protest and left the commission area. The organization warned that it would respond if any group attempted to exert undue pressure on the EC in the future.

Faruki Azam, Advisor to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs and the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, has called on citizens to vote 'Yes' in the upcoming referendum to build a discrimination-free Bangladesh. He made the appeal during a meeting with top administrative officials in Joypurhat, held on Monday at the Deputy Commissioner's conference room, aimed at ensuring a peaceful, fair, and acceptable national election.

During the meeting, Azam emphasized the need for reforms to establish accountable governance, independent judiciary, and election systems. He urged the replacement of oppressive and discriminatory practices with an inclusive approach. Police Superintendent Mina Mahmuda stated that comprehensive preparations were underway to maintain law and order, including special monitoring of vulnerable areas. District Election Officer Mahmud Hasan reported that voter list updates, polling center preparations, and training of election officials were ongoing.

Senior government officials from various departments attended the meeting, discussing election-related challenges and coordination measures. They expressed optimism that the dialogue would strengthen administrative cooperation during the election period.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman held meetings with ambassadors and high commissioners from 11 countries in Dhaka on Monday. Separate discussions took place with the Canadian High Commissioner and the newly appointed US Ambassador, followed by a joint meeting with nine European Union envoys led by EU Ambassador Michael Miller. The meetings were confirmed by BNP Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir outside the party chairperson’s political office in Gulshan.

Kabir said the discussions covered bilateral issues, BNP’s 31-point development agenda, and future plans to strengthen relations with Canada, the United States, and the European Union if the party forms the next government. He noted that the meetings were held in a cordial atmosphere and reflected growing international recognition of Tarique Rahman as a key political figure since his return on December 25.

Kabir added that both sides expressed optimism about maintaining progress under the interim government and continuing positive cooperation. He also mentioned that trade, investment, the Rohingya issue, and international collaboration were discussed, while diplomats showed enthusiasm about Bangladesh’s upcoming democratic transition.

Three leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Saghata upazila of Gaibandha have been expelled for violating party discipline. The expulsion was announced through a press release signed by upazila BNP convener Mohammad Ali, member secretary Selim Ahmed Tulip, and senior joint convener Moin Pradhan Labu. The expelled leaders are Nuruzzaman Sardar, convener of Kochua Union BNP, joint convener Zillur Rahman, and Firoz Kabir Rashed, organizational secretary of Kamalerpara Union BNP. They have been removed from all party positions, including primary membership.

According to the press release, the three were directly involved in activities against the organization and in breach of party discipline. The upazila BNP leadership also issued strict instructions prohibiting any organizational or personal contact with the expelled individuals. Member secretary Selim Ahmed Tulip stated that the decision was taken to maintain party discipline and strengthen organizational activities.

The directive underscores the BNP’s internal emphasis on discipline and unity within its local structures in Gaibandha.

A delegation of European Union ambassadors in Dhaka, led by EU Ambassador Michael Miller, met with BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Monday afternoon at his political office in Gulshan. The meeting was confirmed by BNP Media Cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan.

During the courtesy meeting, the ambassadors from Germany, France, Sweden, Denmark, Spain, and Italy exchanged greetings with Tarique Rahman. They also discussed strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation between their respective countries and Bangladesh. The discussion was described as cordial and focused on mutual interests.

BNP Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir, a member of the party chairperson’s Foreign Affairs Advisory Committee, and Dr. Mahadi Amin, a member of the Advisory Council, were also present at the meeting.

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.