In the Sunamganj-2 (Dirai-Shalla) parliamentary constituency, election activities have gained momentum ahead of the upcoming national polls. Candidates are holding rallies, market meetings, and door-to-door campaigns from early morning until late night. Family members of the contenders have also joined the field, directly engaging with voters and sharing promises. With paper posters absent this year, digital banners and festoons dominate the streets, while parties compete creatively to attract young voters.

The main contest has emerged between BNP’s veteran politician and former MP Nasir Uddin Chowdhury and the 10-party alliance candidate, Supreme Court lawyer Mohammad Shishir Monir, backed by Jamaat-e-Islami. Despite some health issues, Nasir continues active campaigning across villages, while Shishir focuses on social media outreach and community engagement, including farmers, laborers, expatriates, and third-gender groups. Local residents express divided support, with some praising Nasir’s liberation war legacy and others viewing Shishir as a symbol of development and trust.

As election day approaches, excitement and speculation grow over who will lead Dirai-Shalla next, marking a generational contest between experience and youth.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman addressed an election campaign rally in Sherpur, Bogura, on Saturday, January 31, 2026, while returning to Dhaka from a northern Bangladesh tour. Speaking at the event for BNP candidate Golam Mohammad Siraj in the Bogura-5 (Sherpur-Dhunat) constituency, he expressed gratitude for visiting Bogura after 19 years and called on voters to support the BNP’s 'sheaf of paddy' symbol in the upcoming February 12 election. Rahman said the people of Bangladesh recognize Bogura as a BNP stronghold and urged residents to reaffirm that reputation through their votes.

Thousands of party leaders, activists, and local residents gathered along the Dhunatmor area to welcome Rahman, waving and cheering as his motorcade passed. He stated that whenever the BNP has governed, it has worked for national and local development, promising continued progress if elected again. Several senior BNP leaders from district and upazila levels accompanied him during the visit.

The rally highlighted the party’s effort to consolidate support in Bogura ahead of the February 12 vote.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman appeared on the stage of an election rally at the BSCIC Industrial Park in Sirajganj on Saturday afternoon. He was accompanied by his wife, Zubaida Rahman. As he stepped onto the stage around 3 p.m., party leaders, activists, and supporters greeted him with applause. Rahman responded by waving to the crowd.

According to the report, Tarique Rahman traveled by road from Bogura to Sirajganj earlier in the day. Thousands of BNP leaders and activists from various upazilas of Sirajganj and from Pabna gathered at the venue from the morning to see him. By noon, the rally ground and nearby roads were filled with people.

The event marked a significant campaign appearance by the BNP chairperson ahead of the upcoming election, drawing large participation from party supporters in the region.

The four-day 25th Dhaka International Yarn and Fabric Show (DIFS) 2026 – Winter Edition and the 8th Dhaka International Denim Show 2026 concluded successfully at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka. Organized jointly by Conference and Exhibition Management Services (CEMS-Global USA) and the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT-TEX China), the exhibitions ran from January 28 to 31, 2026.

More than 325 companies from over 15 countries participated, displaying modern technologies and innovations in yarn, fabric, denim, and related textile products across over 650 booths. The first day featured a seminar titled “Why Invest in Bangladesh?” organized with the support of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), while the second day hosted “Importance of MICE Tourism in Bangladesh” in collaboration with the Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB).

Organizers stated that the international exhibitions would strengthen Bangladesh’s global position in the textile and apparel sector and open new opportunities for investment and event-based tourism.

In Chattogram-12 (Patiya) constituency, Akibul Haque, son of BNP candidate Enamul Haque Enam, actively campaigned on Friday afternoon seeking votes for the paddy sheaf symbol. The campaign rally, organized by the local BNP at Bypass Road in Bhati Khain Union’s Ward 7, drew a large crowd of party leaders, activists, and residents. Akibul Haque urged voters to support his father, promising to fulfill local demands if elected.

District BNP leader Mofazzal Ahmad Chowdhury attended as chief guest, while Morshedul Shafi Hiru, former joint finance secretary of South District BNP, served as the main speaker. Hiru said the working class would vote for the paddy sheaf symbol, praising Enam’s long struggle and dedication to the party. Enamul Haque Enam stated that BNP believes in non-communal values and is committed to protecting the rights and religious freedom of all communities.

He pledged to make Patiya free from drugs, terrorism, and youth gangs if elected in the upcoming 13th national election, emphasizing good governance, employment creation, and overall development as his main goals.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP) for the southern region and the 11-party alliance candidate for Comilla-4 (Debidwar), pledged to take strong action against extortionists, drug traders, and loan defaulters if elected. He made the remarks on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at an election rally held at Bonkot Government Primary School field in Gunaighar South Union of Debidwar upazila.

During his speech, Abdullah urged voters not to support extortionists, drug dealers, or tender manipulators, emphasizing that drugs, extortion, and the public cannot coexist. He criticized the political culture of compromise with such groups and accused some local leaders of long-standing involvement with drug lords. He also warned voters to be cautious of candidates who pretend to be pious before elections and alleged that rival activists were issuing threats of post-election violence.

Abdullah called on voters to remain united until results are announced and urged women voters to campaign actively for his symbol, the ‘Shapla Koli’.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) seized Indian Sun Max luxury fabrics and Benarasi saris smuggled through the Matifata border area of Sreebardi upazila in Sherpur. Acting on a tip-off, members of the Mymensingh Battalion (39 BGB) from the Kornjhora Border Outpost conducted an overnight operation on Saturday and recovered the goods. The seized items, including an easy bike used for transport, have an estimated market value of about Tk 13,62,800. The BGB confirmed the seizure in a press release issued on Saturday afternoon.

According to the report, smugglers attempted to bring Indian goods through the Kornjhora BOP area using innovative methods. When they realized the presence of BGB personnel, the smugglers fled, leaving behind the contraband and the vehicle. Lieutenant Colonel Md. Nurul Azim Baizid, commander of the 39 BGB Battalion, stated that BGB members remain vigilant around the clock to protect the international border and prevent illegal activities.

He added that BGB maintains a strict policy against smuggling, drug trafficking, and illegal crossings, and this vigilance will continue in the future.

A public event featuring rival candidates for the Sunamganj-4 parliamentary constituency was held on Saturday at the premises of the Heritage Museum, organized by Sujan–Citizens for Good Governance, Sunamganj district committee. During the session, candidates responded to various questions from voters and pledged to ensure a fair and peaceful parliamentary election.

The event was presided over by district Sujan president Nurul Haque Afindi and conducted by general secretary Fazlul Karim Saeed. Among the speakers were Sujan advisers Syed Mohibul Islam and Sukhendu Sen, vice president Ali Haider, independent candidate Dewan Zainul Zakerin, Jatiya Party-nominated candidate Advocate Nazmul Huda Himel, and Islami Andolan-nominated candidate Shahidul Islam Palashi. The candidates assured voters of addressing local issues, including infrastructure development in the district town, if elected.

The gathering reflected an effort to promote accountability and transparency in the electoral process through direct engagement between candidates and the electorate.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s central secretary general, Mia Golam Parwar, alleged that two or three political parties have plundered Bangladesh for the past 54 years. Speaking as the chief guest at a rally held at Hasan Ali High School field in Chandpur on January 31, 2026, he said one of those parties now seeks to return to power but has failed the people’s test since August 5. Earlier that day, he also addressed an election gathering in the Chandpur-4 (Faridganj) constituency.

Parwar urged citizens to vote for the “Dhal” (balance scale) symbol on February 12 and support constitutional amendments proposed by Jamaat. He said the party aims to build a zakat-based, interest-free Bangladesh free from extortion and corruption. He accused rival groups of destroying the judiciary and warned that if they regain power, justice would remain elusive.

The event, presided over by Chandpur city Jamaat leader Advocate Shahjahan Khan, featured several speakers from allied Islamist and political organizations, including Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis.

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the Jamaat-e-Islami nominated candidate for the Natore-1 (Lalpur–Bagatipara) parliamentary constituency, urged voters to support the 'Dharipalla' symbol for building a just and fair state. He made the call on Saturday during his election campaign in Fakuaddiard Union of Bagatipara upazila, where he met with local residents and discussed their concerns and expectations. Azad stated that the people's long-standing hopes for development, justice, and a corruption-free administration inspired his commitment to work sincerely toward realizing their aspirations.

Throughout the day, Azad conducted door-to-door visits, street meetings, courtyard gatherings, and public outreach programs across various wards of the union. Local Jamaat leaders, including Anwar Hossain Mujahid, Amjad Hossain, Akbar Hossain, and others, joined the campaign, emphasizing that honest and capable leadership can only be established through public support and unity.

Large numbers of voters reportedly attended the campaign events, reflecting active local engagement ahead of the upcoming election.

BNP-nominated candidate for Dhaka-4 (Shyampur-Kadamtali) and Dhaka South BNP member secretary Tanvir Ahmed Robin announced that his party has planned a 'Family Card' program aimed at ensuring women’s security and economic self-reliance. Speaking at a street rally in Ward 52 under Kadamtali police station on Saturday, he said the initiative is part of eight broader plans the BNP would implement if it forms the next government after the February 12 national election.

Robin explained that the BNP’s plans include introducing an 'Agriculture Card' to support farmers with fertilizer, advice, and bank loans, ensuring no one is deprived due to financial hardship. He also outlined proposals to expand education subsidies, promote multilingual training, and enhance sports and cultural activities for children to prevent drug addiction. The plans further include improving healthcare by establishing free public hospitals under each city corporation and reopening closed mills and factories to create employment opportunities.

He added that creating a pollution-free environment is another key goal, with BNP intending to develop open parks for safe recreation and free intellectual engagement.

A distinctive bird fair was held on January 31, 2026, at Rajshahi University’s Buddhijibi Chattar, featuring preserved bird specimens displayed through taxidermy. Organized by the university’s Bird Conservation Club with support from the Zoology Department and partners, the daylong event aimed to promote awareness under the theme “See birds, love birds, protect birds.” Visitors observed rare and extinct species, while school students participated in a drawing competition to engage with wildlife conservation themes.

The exhibition included various species such as pigeons, parrots, herons, and owls, along with detailed explanations of preservation methods. Former zoology student and taxidermist Md. Delowar Hossain shared insights into the scientific process of taxidermy and noted that such fairs are regularly held at Rajshahi and Jahangirnagar universities. Professor A.M. Saleh Reza, convener of the Bird Conservation Club, emphasized the importance of familiarizing students with native birds and fostering empathy toward wildlife.

Organizers highlighted that the fair serves as an educational platform to inspire responsible behavior toward migratory and local birds and to encourage scientific conservation practices.

The article explores the historical and philosophical evolution of the slogan ‘Inquilab Zindabad’ and its renewed prominence in Bangladesh’s recent political landscape. It notes that during the July uprising against the Awami League government, the slogan gained popularity among young protesters and was later echoed at the launch of the National Citizens Party (NCP), where leaders concluded speeches with the same phrase. The slogan, meaning ‘Long Live the Revolution,’ symbolizes resistance against oppression and the pursuit of justice and freedom.

Tracing its origins, the report cites Indian historian Irfan Habib, who wrote that Maulana Hasrat Mohani first used the slogan in 1921, later popularized by Bhagat Singh during India’s independence movement. The piece also highlights the slogan’s philosophical depth, linking it to leftist ideals and its use in various anti-colonial and social movements across South Asia. In Bangladesh, figures such as activist Pinaki Bhattacharya and martyr Osman Hadi have helped revive its relevance.

Analyst Mohiuddin Ahmed clarifies that the NCP’s use of the slogan reflects a centrist rather than communist ideology, emphasizing continuity with the spirit of revolution rather than ideological alignment.

Two people were killed in a head-on collision between a motorcycle and an engine-run vehicle in Bogura district on Saturday morning. The accident occurred around 7:30 a.m. on a road in Dariapur Palpara village under Thaltamajhgram Union of Nandigram upazila. According to eyewitnesses, Sweet, 55, from Dariapur Uttar Mondolpara, was heading to irrigate his potato field on a motorcycle and picked up his neighbor Azizar, 55, along the way. When they reached Dariapur Palpara, a speeding engine-run vehicle from the opposite direction hit their motorcycle, throwing both riders onto the road. Azizar died on the spot, while Sweet was taken to Nandigram Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead.

Nandigram Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mizanur Rahman said police were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of the fatal accident. He added that legal procedures regarding the incident are underway.

The police investigation and legal process are continuing to determine the circumstances of the collision.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman declared that his party aims to change what he described as a corrupt and destructive political culture that has persisted for 54 years. Speaking as the chief guest at an 11-party alliance election rally held at Nimsar Junab Ali Degree College field in Burichang upazila of Comilla at 1 p.m., he said they want to build a humane and dignified Bangladesh that stands proudly on the global stage.

Dr. Rahman stated that the youth had long aspired to resist fascism and had sacrificed for freedom and independence. He pledged that if the 11-party alliance is elected, they would never act unjustly toward the people. The rally was presided over by Advocate Mobarak Hossain, Jamaat’s candidate for Comilla-5, and attended by Assistant Secretary General A.T.M. Masum, former Daksu VP Sadiq Kayem, and Islami Chhatra Shibir’s central secretary Sigbatullah.

The event highlighted Jamaat’s call for political reform and its effort to mobilize support for the alliance ahead of upcoming elections.