A report from Bangladesh highlights growing concerns over violence surrounding the upcoming parliamentary election. Since the start of campaign activities, incidents of clashes, attacks on candidates, and social media provocation have been reported in at least ten districts, including a fatal confrontation in Sherpur’s Jhenaigati area. The unrest has raised public anxiety and cast doubt on the credibility of the electoral process.

Authorities initially observed a calm environment after law enforcement met with candidates to emphasize adherence to the electoral code of conduct. However, tensions have since escalated, with reports of obstruction in campaigns, mutual accusations, and violent outbreaks linked to online agitation. The situation is described as particularly alarming given the election’s significance following a long struggle to restore democratic governance.

The report calls for all pro-Bangladesh political forces to act responsibly, urging party leaders to take firm stances against violence regardless of affiliation. It also stresses the need for a more visible and effective Election Commission, impartial law enforcement, and strict monitoring of social media to curb misinformation and incitement.

Selim Mia, a farmer from Taghli village in Bahubal upazila of Habiganj, has achieved notable success cultivating squash, a vegetable popular in Thailand and Vietnam. Guided by local agricultural officers, he experimented with squash on 13 decimals of land during the winter season alongside other vegetables. His total cost was around 8,000 taka, and he expects to earn between 50,000 and 60,000 taka from the harvest. The crop began producing fruit about one and a half months after planting.

Assistant agriculture officer Shamimul Haque Shamim confirmed providing technical support and said Selim’s success has encouraged other farmers to try squash cultivation. Upazila agriculture officer Chinmoy Kar Opu described squash as a foreign vegetable still new to local farmers but noted that those who have tried it have been financially successful. He added that the department is also promoting other foreign vegetables such as broccoli, capsicum, and red cabbage.

According to Opu, squash is nutritionally rich, containing vitamins A, C, E, B6, and minerals like magnesium, potassium, and iron. He said regular consumption can strengthen immunity and help protect against diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and heart ailments.

Rear Admiral S.M. Moniruzzaman, Chairman of the Chattogram Port Authority, has emphasized the adoption of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and Government-to-Government (G2G) concession models to modernize Bangladesh’s port management sustainably. Writing on January 31, 2026, he argued that these models can attract foreign direct investment, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce the government’s debt burden while ensuring long-term financial stability. The approach aligns with the interim government’s economic transformation plan led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, which prioritizes maritime sector development as a foundation for national growth.

According to Moniruzzaman, over 92 percent of Bangladesh’s international trade passes through Chattogram Port, making its expansion and modernization crucial. He contends that PPP and G2G frameworks outperform traditional open tendering by ensuring compliance with international standards, structured risk-sharing, and transparent financial safeguards such as mandatory feasibility studies and net present value thresholds. The model also supports environmental protection, technology transfer, and skilled workforce development.

He concludes that implementing PPP and G2G concessions will strengthen Bangladesh’s global trade position, attract sustainable foreign investment, and transform Chattogram Port into a world-class logistics hub.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) detained a man named Foysal Hasan, 26, with five gold bars worth Tk 7.75 million at the Maheshpur border in Jhenaidah. The arrest took place on Friday afternoon at Khoshalpur Bazar, where BGB set up a checkpoint based on secret information. The gold was reportedly being smuggled to India.

According to Maheshpur 58 BGB Battalion Assistant Director Munshi Imdadur Rahman, the suspect was searched at the Khoshalpur Bridge checkpoint, where four gold bars and a small gold piece were found tied around his waist. The detainee, along with his mobile phone and bicycle, was handed over to Maheshpur Police Station.

Maheshpur Police Officer-in-Charge Mehedi Hasan stated that the arrested individual would be sent to court, and the seized gold bars have been deposited in the government treasury.

Bangladesh’s diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations with India have reached their lowest point following the 2024 mass uprising that toppled Sheikh Hasina and led to her flight to India. The article states that India’s dominance over Bangladesh has weakened, and bilateral ties have deteriorated sharply, with visa processes nearly halted and exports of essential goods facing obstacles. The author claims India has engaged in propaganda and conspiracies against Bangladesh’s interim government, while an attack on Bangladesh’s deputy high commission in Agartala by a Hindu nationalist group violated diplomatic norms.

The analysis argues that India’s growing mistrust with its neighbors stems from security fears, Hindutva politics, and aggressive leadership. It notes that Bangladesh, under Dr. Muhammad Yunus, is pursuing a neutral foreign policy and strengthening defense ties with Turkey, Pakistan, and China. These include potential deals for air defense systems, drones, and fighter jets.

The author recommends reviving SAARC, drafting a national security doctrine, and adopting a balanced foreign policy to restore regional stability and protect Bangladesh’s sovereignty.

A commentary by journalist Elahi Newaz Khan reviews Bangladesh’s long and turbulent electoral history ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for February 12, 2026. The article notes that this election will take place without the participation of the Awami League, which is currently barred from political activity due to crimes against humanity. The author observes that the public is waiting to see how meaningful this election will be in the absence of the country’s dominant political force.

The piece traces key turning points in Bangladesh’s political evolution, from the 1946 provincial election through the 1970 vote that led to independence, and subsequent decades marked by authoritarianism, electoral manipulation, and shifting alliances. It argues that both military and civilian rulers have repeatedly undermined democratic institutions through fraud, repression, and political exclusion.

The author concludes that the current political landscape remains fragile. Rival opposition groups, once united against the Awami League, are now competing among themselves, a division that could weaken their collective strength and potentially allow the Awami League to re-emerge in future politics.

Russia, facing a shortage of workers across agriculture, industry, infrastructure, and shipbuilding, has turned to foreign labor to fill the gap. In December, a labor export agreement was signed between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, under which 70,000 Indian workers are expected to go to Russia in 2026. Reports indicate that Indian workers will earn between 555 and 1,111 US dollars per month. Meanwhile, Bangladesh remains far behind, with only 6,266 workers currently in Russia and just 325 sent officially through government channels.

Migration experts attribute Bangladesh’s weak position to a lack of long-term planning and poor coordination between the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They argue that Bangladesh needs a permanent labor market research center and better collaboration with private sector experts to identify opportunities. Officials from the expatriates’ welfare ministry say a draft memorandum of understanding has been sent to Russia’s foreign ministry, though issues remain over repatriation agreements.

Experts warn that without strategic reforms and institutional coordination, Bangladesh risks missing out on emerging labor markets like Russia’s.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) announced a 36-point election manifesto titled “Manifesto of Youth and Dignity” at a hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka, on Friday. The declaration, made in remembrance of the July Revolution, was presented by party convener Nahid Islam. The manifesto outlines commitments to democracy, human rights, economic reform, and state restructuring. It includes pledges to prosecute crimes against humanity, form independent and truth commissions, eliminate extortion, ensure transparency of officials’ assets, raise the minimum wage to Tk 100 per hour, and lower the voting age to 16. It also promises reforms in education and healthcare, creation of one crore jobs, empowerment of women and minorities, environmental protection, and strengthening of defense and renewable energy.

Nahid Islam said the manifesto reflects the party’s long-term struggle for constitutional and structural reform and will be aligned with the 11-party electoral alliance. NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud stated that the manifesto was developed through public consultation and aims to establish an accountable and inclusive state. The event was attended by political leaders, diplomats, and civil society representatives.

If implemented, the manifesto’s commitments could reshape governance, economic policy, and social inclusion in Bangladesh, according to the party’s stated goals.

Car imports through Chattogram Port have sharply increased ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming national election. Over the past six months, more than 7,000 vehicles arrived at the port, with 6,651 cleared by importers. The customs authority collected around Tk 1,153 crore in revenue during this period, marking a significant rise compared to the previous fiscal year. The port handled 841 brand-new and 6,225 reconditioned cars via 16 specialized Ro-Ro vessels, setting a new record for vehicle imports within such a short time.

Importers and showroom managers attributed the surge to election-related demand, particularly for microbuses and vans used in campaigns, as well as expectations of post-election stability. After years of sluggish sales due to dollar shortages and higher import taxes, the market is showing signs of recovery. Daily vehicle deliveries from the port have risen from about 10 to 40–50 units.

Officials noted that timely vehicle clearance has improved, with only 103 cars delayed beyond the 30-day limit. However, some traders suggested that the increase in imports may reflect logistical shifts from Mongla Port rather than a broad rise in consumer demand.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit Barishal on February 4 after nearly two decades. He will attend an election rally as the chief guest at the historic Bell’s Park field in the city. The visit was confirmed by Bilkis Akter Jahan, the party’s divisional organizing secretary for Barishal, who said Rahman will arrive from Jashore by air and later travel to Dhaka by road. Party sources said preparations for the rally are nearly complete, and enthusiasm among local BNP leaders and activists is high.

Rahman’s visit had previously been planned for January 26 and later rescheduled to January 27 before being postponed again. The new date of February 4 has now been finalized. His last visit to Barishal was in 2006, when he served as the party’s senior joint secretary general. Local BNP leaders and political observers view this visit as significant, especially as it comes at the final stage of the election campaign.

The event is expected to energize BNP supporters in the region and mark a symbolic return of the party’s top leadership to Barishal.

Former England cricketer and analyst Mark Butcher has described the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision to exclude Bangladesh from the upcoming T20 World Cup as “unprecedented” and “utter chaos.” According to the report, Bangladesh had requested to play its World Cup matches in Sri Lanka due to security concerns in India. The ICC, however, rejected the request and, under pressure from India, removed Bangladesh from the global tournament.

Speaking on the Wisden Cricket Weekly podcast, Butcher criticized the ICC for allegedly changing its rules to favor India, citing the example of India’s Champions Trophy matches being relocated to Dubai instead of Pakistan. He argued that such flexibility for one team undermines fairness in world cricket.

Butcher further urged that similar standards should apply to all teams in the future. He suggested that if a team refuses to play in a country citing security reasons, it should either ensure safety and participate or withdraw, allowing another team to take its place.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has taken a strict stance against violations of the electoral code of conduct ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election and referendum. On Thursday, mobile court drives across the country resulted in fines totaling Tk 170,000 in 18 separate cases. The information was confirmed by Saiful Islam, member secretary of the Central Coordination Committee for the referendum and parliamentary election.

According to EC sources, the penalties were imposed on candidates and their supporters for offenses including illegal posters and banners, unauthorized processions, misuse of government property, excessive use of loudspeakers, and causing public inconvenience. The drives were conducted in Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, Dhaka, Cumilla, Noakhali, Narayanganj, and Natore. Immediate fines and warnings were issued upon proof of violations.

The EC stated that it will maintain zero tolerance toward any breach of election laws to ensure free, fair, and transparent polls. Field-level monitoring, mobile court operations, and law enforcement activities will be further intensified throughout the campaign period to preserve a peaceful voting environment.

At least seven people were injured in a clash between activists of the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami in Lalmohan upazila of Bhola-3 constituency on Friday morning. The incident occurred around 11 a.m. in Ward No. 11 of Lalmohan municipality, reportedly over election campaign activities. Police and naval personnel arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control.

According to eyewitnesses, an argument between the two groups over campaign activities escalated into a violent confrontation. Lalmohan BNP’s general secretary, Shafiqul Islam Babul, alleged that Jamaat activists led by Mokhles Bokshi, a recently joined former president of the upazila Krishak League, attacked BNP workers during a campaign event, injuring four of them. Jamaat leaders, however, denied the allegation, claiming that BNP supporters initiated the attack.

Lalmohan police officer-in-charge Md. Oliul Islam stated that law enforcement responded promptly and controlled the situation. No formal complaint had been filed as of the report’s publication, but authorities said legal action would follow if a complaint is submitted.

Bangladesh has appointed the London-based legal firm Three VB Chambers to represent the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) in an international arbitration process against India’s Adani Power Limited. The arbitration, to be conducted at the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), concerns disputes over coal pricing and electricity tariffs. The decision came five days after a national review committee submitted its final report on power sector contracts signed during Sheikh Hasina’s government.

BPDB officials said the firm, led by King’s Counsel Farhaz Khan, has been advising the national committee reviewing the Adani contract for several months. The dispute intensified after Adani Power initiated arbitration in Singapore last year, claiming Bangladesh owed about USD 485 million in unpaid coal-related dues. Bangladesh has accused Adani of inflating coal prices, artificially raising power generation costs.

Following the fall of the Hasina government in August, the interim administration strengthened its review of the Adani deal. Officials said evidence of financial transactions between Adani and some Bangladeshi officials has been sent to the Anti-Corruption Commission. Legal experts have cautioned that contract termination could expose Bangladesh to compensation claims of up to USD 5 billion.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has announced a 36-point election manifesto ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election, pledging to make one-month paid paternity leave and six-month paid maternity leave mandatory in all institutions. The manifesto, titled “Manifesto of Youth and Dignity,” was formally unveiled on Friday, January 30, at a hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka.

Divided into 12 chapters, the manifesto outlines strategies and action plans across various sectors. It includes commitments to ensure women’s safety, rights, and empowerment, with provisions for additional leave in cases of childbirth complications. The NCP also proposed introducing one day of optional half-paid “period leave” per month for women in government jobs, later to be made mandatory across all workplaces with possible government subsidies for private sector workers.

Additionally, the manifesto promises mandatory daycare facilities in all government institutions and incentives for private organizations that establish daycare services.