European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Thursday morning at the party chief’s office in Bashundhara, Dhaka. The meeting began around 9:30 a.m., with EU Political First Secretary Sebastian Reiger-Brown accompanying the ambassador.

During the discussion, both sides exchanged views on issues of mutual interest between Bangladesh and the European Union. The upcoming national parliamentary election in Bangladesh and the importance of making democracy meaningful were highlighted as key topics. Both parties expressed optimism about maintaining mutual relations, development, and progress in the future.

Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General and Head of the Central Publicity and Media Department Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Jubayer and Foreign Affairs Adviser Professor Dr. Mahmudul Hasan were also present at the meeting.

The article recounts the life and struggle of Shahid Titumir, born Syed Nisar Ali Mir in 1781 in Chandpur village of Barasat, Bengal. A disciple of Syed Ahmad Shahid, Titumir led a major anti-British and anti-zamindar movement in the early nineteenth century. After returning from Hajj in 1827, he began social and religious reform in Haidarapur, attracting hundreds of followers who adopted distinct Islamic practices. His movement gained momentum among Muslim peasants, alarming local Hindu landlords who imposed discriminatory taxes such as the 'beard tax'. When peaceful appeals failed, Titumir organized armed resistance, establishing a bamboo fort at Narkelberia in 1831.

Titumir’s forces achieved early victories against British troops and local landlords, briefly controlling several villages in Barasat and Nadia. However, on 19 November 1831, a large British force defeated his followers in a decisive battle at Narkelberia. Titumir and many of his companions were killed, and their properties confiscated. Contemporary records suggest the movement began as a local reform effort but evolved into a broader rebellion against colonial and feudal oppression.

Historians later viewed Titumir’s uprising as a foundational episode in Bengal’s anti-colonial resistance, blending religious reform with socio-political mobilization.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that Bangladesh would make a significant leap forward if extortion and corruption were stopped. He made the remarks on Thursday at an election rally in Karwan Bazar, Dhaka-12 constituency, in support of Jamaat-nominated parliamentary candidate Saiful Alam Khan Milon.

During his speech, Dr. Rahman emphasized the potential of the country’s youth, saying that no other nation has as many young people as Bangladesh. He described the youth as the architects of the nation’s future and said they should not be humiliated by being given unemployment allowances. Instead, he pledged to turn their hands into those of skilled workers.

The comments were made as part of Jamaat-e-Islami’s election campaign activities in Dhaka, focusing on anti-corruption and youth empowerment themes.

Jamaat-e-Islami has launched a multimedia bus campaign in support of its electoral symbol, the scale, ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national election. The bus was formally inaugurated on Thursday morning in Mirpur by the party’s Ameer, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman. Operating under the slogan “Let’s build Bangladesh together,” the bus will be used for digital campaign activities across the capital.

During the inauguration, Dr. Rahman stated that the party seeks to build a just, humane, and safe society, emphasizing the need to transform Mirpur from an area once affected by violence into a secure community. He expressed hopes that if Jamaat forms the government, it will serve the people rather than rule over them, ensuring that everyone receives their due rights.

Senior Jamaat leaders, including central executive council member Mobarak Hossain, Dhaka-15 election director Abdur Rahman Musa, and national election committee member Saifullah Mansur, were present at the event.

An article published on January 29, 2026, revisits the 360th anniversary of Shaista Khan’s conquest of Chittagong, a decisive Mughal military campaign conducted between December 24, 1665, and January 27, 1666. The campaign, led by Shaista Khan’s son and chief commander Buzurg Umed Khan, began from Dhaka’s Lalbagh Fort and combined naval and land forces to capture Sandwip, advance through Jugidia, and finally cross the Feni River to launch the Chittagong assault. The four-day battle at the Karnaphuli River estuary ended with the defeat of the Arakanese forces and the expansion of Mughal control from northern to southern Chittagong.

The article contrasts this event with the concurrent Great Plague in England, describing 1665–1666 as Europe’s “Years of Wonder.” While England faced epidemic and war, Bengal witnessed the end of colonial disorder through Shaista Khan’s strategic victory. The conquest ended over a century of Portuguese and Arakanese dominance in Chittagong, restoring peace and stability to the region.

The piece highlights the campaign’s enduring recognition as a landmark in Bengal’s history for its tactical brilliance and its role in freeing the region from foreign control.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has formally requested the Election Commission not to include its party symbol, the 'scales', on the ballot paper for the Narsingdi-2 constituency in the upcoming national election. The request was made in a letter sent on January 23 to Chief Election Commissioner A M M Nasir Uddin, signed by Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar. The party explained that although it had initially nominated its own candidate for the February 12 election, the seat was later allocated to National Citizen Party (NCP) candidate Md Golam Sarwar, also known as Sarwar Tushar, under a ten-party electoral alliance.

Jamaat stated that its nominated candidate could not withdraw his nomination papers in time, creating the possibility that the 'scales' symbol might still appear on the ballot. To prevent voter confusion and uphold the alliance agreement, the party urged the commission to remove its symbol from the constituency’s ballot paper. Sarwar Tushar said the move would help ensure that all alliance votes go to one candidate and strengthen internal unity.

The Election Commission has been asked to consider the request and take necessary action.

The interim government has expressed deep concern over the death of a Jamaat-e-Islami leader in recent violence in Sherpur. In an official statement, the government described any loss of life linked to political unrest as unacceptable and deeply regrettable. The incident occurred on Wednesday in Sherpur-3 constituency during an election manifesto event, where a dispute over seating led to clashes between supporters of the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. The secretary of Jamaat’s Sreebardi upazila unit was killed, and around 50 people from both sides were injured.

The government urged all political parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, to exercise responsible leadership and patience with only two weeks remaining before the national election. It emphasized that violence, intimidation, and loss of life have no place in the democratic process. Police have launched an investigation into the Sherpur incident, and security in the district has been strengthened.

The statement reaffirmed the interim government’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful, free, and fair election, calling on all parties to respect the rule of law and engage voters constructively.

BNP candidate Shahjahan Chowdhury, contesting for the Cox’s Bazar-4 (Ukhiya-Teknaf) parliamentary seat under the paddy sheaf symbol, urged voters to support him for building a drug-free society, ensuring border security, and facilitating sustainable employment. He made the appeal on Wednesday afternoon at a roadside rally in Thaingkhali Station, Ukhiya, where the event was chaired by local BNP leader Rashid Ahmad.

In his speech, Shahjahan Chowdhury said Ukhiya-Teknaf has long suffered from drug trafficking, Rohingya issues, and terrorism, and that only a BNP government could bring lasting solutions. He pledged to strengthen law enforcement along the border, create jobs in tourism, fisheries, agriculture, and small industries, and establish another college if elected. He also condemned the recent shooting of two Bangladeshi fishermen by Myanmar’s Arakan Army and emphasized the state’s duty to protect citizens.

Chowdhury criticized the ruling Awami League for failing to resolve the Rohingya crisis and promised that a BNP government would intensify diplomatic efforts for safe and dignified repatriation while easing the social and economic strain on locals.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that the attack in Sherpur occurred due to a lack of trust in the people. He made the remark on Thursday morning while inaugurating the party’s election bus campaign. Earlier that morning, Dr. Rahman met with U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen at Jamaat’s office in Bashundhara, Dhaka.

In response to recent violence surrounding the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, Jamaat-e-Islami announced an emergency press conference to protest incidents in Sherpur and other parts of the country. The briefing is scheduled for 12 p.m. at the party’s central office, where central leaders are expected to attend.

The developments come amid heightened political tension ahead of the national polls, with Jamaat positioning itself against what it describes as violence and distrust in the electoral process.

A joint forces operation in Boalmari, Faridpur, led to the arrest of Mahbub Hasan (Sajib), the joint convener of the Boalmari Upazila Jubo Dal, on Wednesday night. The raid took place around 8:30 p.m. at his home in Moinedia village under Parameshwardi Union. Authorities recovered a pistol, a magazine, and two rounds of ammunition from his possession. Police confirmed that a case under the Arms Act is being processed.

According to army sources, the operation was conducted based on secret intelligence under the leadership of the Boalmari-Madhukhali Army Camp of the 15 Riverine Engineer Battalion, in coordination with local administration. The arrest was made swiftly, and the seized items were secured as evidence.

The army further stated that, following government and Election Commission directives, it is enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against drugs, extortion, and armed crime ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. Citizens have been urged to assist army camps with information to curb criminal activities.

Election campaigns in Dhaka have intensified ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, with candidates focusing their outreach on religious and spiritual sites. Since January 22, contenders from various parties have been seen visiting mosques, temples, shrines, and the homes of martyr families to connect with voters. They are emphasizing messages of peace, harmony, and unity while pledging development, security, and justice.

Jamaat-e-Islami and BNP candidates have been particularly active in these efforts. Jamaat leaders have conducted prayers and voter meetings across multiple mosques in constituencies such as Dhaka-15, Dhaka-16, and Dhaka-18, while BNP candidates, including Ishraque Hossain and Mirza Abbas, have attended Hindu religious events and met with community members. Several candidates have also begun their campaigns by visiting shrines and martyr families to honor national sacrifices and call for democratic restoration.

The campaign period, which began on January 22, will continue until February 10. Observers note that candidates’ visible presence in religious venues has added a new dimension to the capital’s election atmosphere, with attention now on how their appeals for unity will influence voters.

SM Jilani, the central president of the Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal and BNP candidate for Gopalganj-3 (Tungipara-Kotalipara), called on voters to support him with the 'Sheaf of Paddy' symbol. Speaking at an election rally on Wednesday evening at Pakurtia Bazar in Dumuria Union, Tungipara, he said that if elected, the people of Tungipara and Kotalipara would live with peace, security, and dignity. He added that residents currently feel unsafe and even hesitate to reveal their home district in Dhaka.

Jilani stated that change is necessary to overcome this situation and accused anti-liberation forces of using religion to mislead voters during elections. He emphasized that his campaign does not personally attack any candidate but seeks to expose those who exploit religion for political gain. The rally was chaired by Sheikh Salahuddin Ahmed, president of Tungipara Upazila BNP, and attended by district and upazila BNP leaders.

Earlier, Jilani conducted door-to-door campaigning in several villages, including Sriramkandi and Patgati, urging voters to support the BNP symbol in the upcoming election.

United States Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen held a courtesy meeting with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Thursday morning at the party’s office in Bashundhara, Dhaka. The meeting was confirmed through a verified post on Jamaat-e-Islami’s official Facebook page, which described the discussion as cordial and friendly.

According to the post, the two sides exchanged views on Bangladesh’s current political and economic situation, trade and industry, the upcoming national election, state reforms, and the Rohingya issue. Ambassador Christensen reportedly praised Jamaat-e-Islami’s positive role in the country’s economic development and democratic progress. Both parties expressed optimism about strengthening future bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the United States.

The meeting was attended by officials from the US Embassy, including Political and Economic Counselor Eric Gillman, Public Officer Monica L. Sai, Political Officer James Stewart, and Political Specialist Firoz Ahmed. Jamaat representatives included Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, Executive Council Member Md. Mobarak Hossain, and Foreign Affairs Adviser Professor Dr. Mahmudul Hasan.

Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Principal Maulana Nur Ahmad Anwari for Cox’s Bazar-4 (Ukhiya–Teknaf) constituency called on voters to reject extortion, land grabbing, terrorism, and legal exploitation by showing a 'red card' to such practices. Speaking as the chief guest at an election rally held on Wednesday evening at Inani Government Primary School field in Jaliapalong Union, he urged citizens to vote for the 'scale' symbol to build a jobless, exploitation-free, and oppression-free Bangladesh.

Anwari criticized those who governed the country over the past 54 years, saying they failed to meet the people's aspirations and basic needs. He said establishing a people's government would require bringing the 11-party alliance led by Jamaat to power in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. He described the election as a red card against dominance, tyranny, terrorism, and the trade of legal cases.

The rally was chaired by Maulana Muhammad Shah Alam and attended by local leaders from Jamaat and allied parties, including district and upazila representatives of the 11-party coalition.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has responded to BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman’s recent question about why former Jamaat leaders Matiur Rahman Nizami and Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid did not resign when they served as ministers in the BNP-led four-party alliance government. Speaking at a rally in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar on Thursday in support of 11-party alliance candidate Saiful Alam Milon for the Dhaka-12 constituency, Dr. Rahman said that during their tenure in three ministries, even their strongest critics could not accuse them of dishonesty, corruption, or nepotism.

He further alleged that attacks on Jamaat activists across the country were destroying the “level playing field” for elections, claiming that women were being assaulted and the electoral environment was being disrupted through violence. Dr. Rahman warned that if the election process was hindered, the interim government and the Election Commission would have to bear responsibility.

He added that since August 5, Jamaat had not filed unjust cases or harassed anyone and pledged to congratulate whichever party forms the next government through a fair and acceptable election.