At least 30 people were injured in a clash between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami supporters over seating arrangements at an election manifesto event in Sherpur-3 constituency (Sreebardi-Jhenaigati) on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred at the Jhenaigati Upazila mini stadium before the program officially began. Several motorcycles were also vandalized during the violence.

According to the local administration, the event was organized by the Jhenaigati Upazila administration to present election manifestos of competing candidates. The altercation began when some BNP and Jamaat supporters argued over front-row seats, escalating into a violent confrontation. Police and army personnel later arrived to bring the situation under control. Injured individuals were taken to the Upazila Health Complex and district hospital.

Jamaat candidate Nuruzzaman Badol accused BNP supporters of a premeditated attack, while BNP candidate Mahmudul Haque Rubel blamed Jamaat activists for inciting chaos. The Upazila Executive Officer Ashraful Alam Russell confirmed the incident and said higher authorities had been informed. Police reported that the situation was now normal and no case had yet been filed.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman condemned reported assaults on women during election campaigning and warned that his party would not remain silent if such incidents continued. Speaking on Wednesday afternoon at a women’s rally organized by the 11-party electoral alliance at Monipur High School and College in Mirpur, Dhaka-15, he urged those responsible to repent and vowed to defend women’s honor at any cost.

Dr. Rahman, also a candidate for Dhaka-15, emphasized that women have the right to participate in election campaigns alongside men. He outlined his vision for a society built on maternal respect and compassion, promising safe transport for women, workplace daycare and breastfeeding facilities, and reduced working hours for mothers. He said these measures would apply to women of all religions.

Calling for a “yes” vote in the February 12 referendum, Rahman linked the outcome to justice and national sovereignty. He urged support for the party’s balance-scale symbol, portraying it as a stand for fairness and humanity across all communities.

A Dhaka court has granted a three-day remand for Faisal Rubel Ahmed, a close associate of Faisal Karim Masud, the prime accused in the murder of Inquilab Mancha convener Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi. The order was issued on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Jashita Islam. CID’s Assistant Superintendent of Police Abdur Kadir Bhuiyan had sought a seven-day remand for further interrogation, but the court approved three days. The prosecution confirmed the decision through SI Md. Ruknuzzaman.

Earlier, on January 22, the same court had granted a six-day remand for Rubel following his arrest from South Keraniganj’s Ati Nayabazar area on January 21 with the help of the Detective Branch. The investigation officer stated that Rubel had already provided significant information during his previous remand, but further verification was needed. The prosecution argued that Rubel was one of the key accused and that two mobile phones recovered from him had been sent for forensic analysis.

Rubel denied involvement, claiming mistaken identity, but the investigation officer maintained that he was indeed the accused associate of Faisal Karim Masud. The court then approved the additional three-day remand.

NCP leader Asif Mahmud announced that the 11-party alliance would modernize the Qawmi education system if elected. Speaking on Wednesday at a campaign rally at the National Hero Abdul Quddus Makhan Municipal Stage in Brahmanbaria, he said the alliance would introduce technical training for madrasa students to make them self-reliant and ensure they are no longer deprived.

Mahmud, who chairs the NCP election management committee, described Brahmanbaria as a stronghold of democratic movements, noting that 11 people were martyred in the 2017 anti-Modi protests. He alleged that the district had been deprived of development projects due to its role in democratic struggles. He also welcomed the government’s announcement of an interim salary structure for imams and urged its quick implementation.

At the same event, Ataullah, the 11-party alliance candidate for Brahmanbaria-3, promised to improve local education, launch new train services, and ensure justice for the killing of his friend Osman Hadi if elected.

Bangladesh’s interim government foreign affairs adviser Md. Touhid Hossain said he could not find any reason behind India’s decision to recall family members of its diplomats from the Indian mission in Dhaka. Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, January 28, he stated that there was no situation in Bangladesh that posed any danger to Indian officials or their families.

Hossain clarified that there were no security threats or signals indicating any risk, describing the move as India’s internal matter. He added that India had not formally informed Bangladesh of any security concerns or incidents involving its diplomats. According to him, the overall security situation in Bangladesh remained stable, with no disruptions reported.

He further noted that minor scuffles during election periods were not unusual in Bangladesh and that the current situation did not appear worse than in previous elections. Hossain emphasized that India was free to bring back its diplomats’ families if it wished, as Bangladesh had no objection to such a decision.

The Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) presented a detailed report on its first four months in office during an event held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, in front of the JAKSU building. The session also marked the launch of JAKSU’s official website and outlined a range of initiatives aimed at improving student welfare. The union reported progress in housing, transport, healthcare, security, environment, and cultural development, with several projects still ongoing.

Key measures included adding carts and eco-friendly autorickshaws to campus transport, enhancing law enforcement presence at key gates, and forming an anti-ragging cell. The medical center received new equipment, 85 types of medicines, and seven part-time doctors, alongside a move toward digital medical management. Food safety, waste management, and animal vaccination programs were implemented, while cultural and sports events such as tournaments, festivals, and exhibitions were organized.

JAKSU also expressed solidarity with national movements, including protests against gender violence and support for teachers’ and regional water rights campaigns. Infrastructure improvements included new gas connections in six halls, a cycle stand, and road safety upgrades near the campus.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has arrested Habibur Rahman, former chief engineer of the Civil Aviation Authority, on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. An ACC source confirmed the arrest, which follows four corruption cases filed against him a year earlier. Rahman is accused of embezzling several thousand crore taka through irregularities in development projects at three international airports.

According to ACC allegations, Rahman was involved in corruption and illegal wealth accumulation throughout his career. While serving as a supervising engineer, he was linked to major projects of the Civil Aviation Authority, allegedly earning large sums through bribery and misuse of authority. In the Cox’s Bazar airport expansion project, he reportedly delayed releasing a government payment of Tk 50 crore to pursue bribes, causing a threefold increase in compensation costs and a Tk 100 crore loss to the government.

Investigations reportedly confirmed the allegations, but Rahman had previously avoided consequences by managing senior officials. His arrest marks a renewed effort by the ACC to address corruption in major infrastructure projects.

The 9th Bangladesh–United States Land Forces Talks 2026 concluded successfully at the Army Sports Control Board conference room in Dhaka Cantonment on January 27, following two days of discussions held from January 26 to 27. According to an ISPR press release issued on January 28, the meeting was a continuation of the earlier session held in the United States from September 8 to 10. Representatives from both armies participated in the talks aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation.

The Bangladeshi delegation, led by Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Badrul Haque from the Army Training Directorate, comprised 22 members, while the U.S. side included four representatives led by Major Michael Jacob Oster from the U.S. Pacific Army Command’s Security Cooperation Division. Brigadier General Md Humayun Kabir, Director of the Army Training Directorate, attended the opening and closing sessions.

Discussions focused on strengthening military collaboration, improving training exchanges, and expanding the use of advanced technology and equipment. Both sides emphasized joint exercises, innovative training methods, and coordinated disaster preparedness. They also agreed on the importance of technical cooperation to address global challenges and contribute to regional peace and security.

Police in Fatullah, Narayanganj arrested a man named Mainul Islam Pavel early Tuesday night with a foreign-made pistol and one round of ammunition. The arrest took place in the Shashangao area following a raid conducted by a team from Fatullah Model Police Station under the direction of Additional Superintendent of Police (K-Circle) Md. Hasinuzzaman and led by Officer-in-Charge Md. Abdul Mannan. Sub-Inspector Ashish and Assistant Sub-Inspector Hamid participated in the operation.

Local sources identified Pavel as a close associate of Azmeri Osman, son of the late Narayanganj-5 Member of Parliament Nasim Osman. Allegations suggest that he was involved in various criminal activities in the BISIC industrial area and nearby locations during the previous government. Police stated that a case under the Arms Act is being processed against him.

Authorities are verifying whether Pavel has any prior cases and are investigating the source of the recovered weapon as well as possible involvement of others in the incident.

Ala Uddin Shikdar, the Jamaat-e-Islami candidate of the 10-party alliance for the Chattogram-3 (Sandwip) constituency, has been served a show-cause notice for allegedly violating the electoral code of conduct. The notice was issued on Wednesday by Md. Helal Uddin, chairman of the Election Inquiry and Adjudication Committee and Joint District and Sessions Judge. The action followed a written complaint filed by Md. Alomgir Hossain, chief agent of BNP candidate Mostafa Kamal Pasha.

According to the notice, Shikdar used PVC-printed banners on campaign vehicles and installed more than 20 digital billboards, in addition to using 12 loudspeakers simultaneously during campaigning. Authorities stated that these actions constitute clear violations of sections 7(b) and 17(1) of the electoral code. The candidate has been asked to explain within a specified time why punitive measures should not be taken or a recommendation sent to the Election Commission.

The Sandwip police officer-in-charge has been instructed to deliver the notice and submit a report, while copies have been sent to the Election Commission Secretariat, the district administrator, and the returning officer.

Bangladesh’s Adviser on Religious Affairs, Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain, stated that all Hajj-related activities are advancing according to the official roadmap. He said the Ministry of Religious Affairs is working tirelessly to finalize one hundred percent of house rental agreements for pilgrims within the stipulated time. The statement came on Wednesday during a meeting at the Secretariat with Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Abdullah Jafar H. Bin Abiyah.

The adviser noted that the process of securing accommodations for Bangladeshi pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah is being closely monitored. Agencies have been instructed to complete all rental agreements within the set deadlines, and a significant number of contracts have already been finalized. The Saudi ambassador expressed satisfaction with the overall progress of Bangladesh’s Hajj preparations and emphasized the importance of adhering to the roadmap for effective management.

During the meeting, both sides discussed strengthening bilateral relations and mutual interests. The adviser also thanked the Saudi ambassador for his role in determining Bangladesh’s Hajj quota for this year.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has announced the deployment of 38 platoons across Dhaka and three surrounding districts to ensure a free, fair, and neutral parliamentary election. The deployment, involving members of BGB’s 5th Battalion, will begin on Thursday. The announcement was made by Lieutenant Colonel Taimur Hasan, commander of the battalion, during a press briefing at the BGB headquarters in Pilkhana, Dhaka.

According to the briefing, 11 platoons will be stationed in five constituencies under Dhaka North City Corporation, six in Savar and Dhamrai, 13 in four constituencies of Faridpur, and eight in three constituencies of Manikganj. Security measures include checkpoints at key entry points to the capital, deployment of K-9 dog squads, and use of body-worn cameras, night vision devices, armored personnel carriers, and advanced communication tools. A monitoring cell has been set up at the battalion headquarters for continuous oversight.

BGB stated that there is no restriction from the Election Commission on entering polling centers. Personnel may enter if requested by presiding officers or in case of violence or suspected vote fraud.

The ‘MPO Teachers’ Nationalization Expectation Alliance’ has announced a series of protest programs demanding the issuance of the 9th national pay scale notification and the withdrawal of recent remarks by the energy adviser. According to a statement signed by the alliance’s member secretary, Principal Delwar Hossain Aziz, demonstrations will be held on 29 January at all MPO-affiliated educational institutions, followed by a rally in front of the National Press Club on 30 January. The alliance also warned that if the pay scale notification is not issued by 4 February, human chains will be organized across all districts on 5 February.

The statement noted that since the formation of the National Pay Commission 2025, the cost of living has increased repeatedly, making it difficult for government employees to sustain their families without the new pay scale. The alliance questioned the purpose of forming the commission if the pay scale is not implemented, calling it a waste of public funds. The group expressed solidarity with the ‘Demand Implementation Unity Council,’ which has also called for protests on 28–29 January and a rally on 30 January.

The alliance urged all MPO teachers and staff to participate actively in the upcoming demonstrations and rallies.

The Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA) has published the results of the seventh special recruitment recommendation for teachers in MPO-listed private educational institutions. The results were officially released on Wednesday at the Ministry of Education’s Secondary and Higher Education Division conference room. Through this special recruitment process, a total of 11,713 candidates have been recommended for appointment to vacant teaching positions.

According to the NTRCA press release, the recommendations were made based on the merit order, preferences, and institutional requirements of registered applicants who applied under the seventh special recruitment circular published on January 4. The results are available on the NTRCA website under the “Seventh Recruitment Recommendation (Special)-2026” service box and at http://ngi.teletalk.com.bd.

Selected candidates can view their results by logging in with their user ID and password, while institution heads can access information about selected teachers for their respective institutions using their own login credentials.

An independent delegation from the US Embassy in Dhaka will visit Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, and Khulna on election day to observe the voting process, according to Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed. The announcement followed a meeting between US Ambassador Brent Christensen and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) in Dhaka on Wednesday. After the meeting, the ambassador stated that the United States would not take sides in the election.

Akhtar Ahmed explained that the US Embassy team would not be formal observers but would visit polling areas to see the situation firsthand and later report to the US Senate. He added that the Election Commission had not given any instructions on how the team should conduct its observation, as it was beyond their jurisdiction. The embassy will provide a list of delegates, and the commission will facilitate their movement.

The US ambassador also inquired about the election code of conduct, law and order situation, and travel arrangements during the meeting, according to the Election Commission official.