Bangladesh is preparing for its parliamentary election on February 12, the first since 2008 without Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League. Many young voters, who led the 2024 July uprising, are eager to vote but disillusioned by the lack of new political alternatives. Reuters interviewed over 80 students under 30, most of whom expressed strong interest in voting yet disappointment with the candidates. The main contest is seen between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, while the newly formed National Citizens Party (NCP) has lost credibility after allying with Jamaat.

Analysts note that more than a quarter of Bangladesh’s 128 million voters are under 30, and their participation could shape the outcome. A concurrent referendum will address institutional reforms, including term limits for the prime minister and greater judicial and electoral independence. A youth leadership survey found 97% of voters aged 18–35 intend to vote, split nearly evenly between BNP and Jamaat supporters.

Despite disillusionment, some young activists remain hopeful for long-term political renewal, emphasizing the need for a stable, democratically elected government.

Former Lieutenant Colonel Hasinur Rahman testified before International Crimes Tribunal-1 that the walls of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence’s (DGFI) notorious detention cell known as 'Aynaghar' contained no mirrors. He made the statement on Wednesday during cross-examination by defense lawyer Azizur Rahman Dulu, representing former DGFI director Mahbubur Rahman Siddiqui. The case concerns allegations of abduction and torture at the Joint Interrogation Cell (JIC), also referred to as Aynaghar, involving death-row convict Sheikh Hasina and twelve current and former army officers.

During questioning, Hasinur clarified that 'Aynaghar' was merely a codename, not a literal description. He also discussed his army background, stating his BA number and course details, and mentioned that his service records were reportedly transferred to India, though he could not recall the source of that information. He denied claims that his testimony was coached by prosecutors and said he had not received a written summons but was verbally instructed to appear.

Hasinur further stated he was held in enforced disappearance for 43 days and later visited DGFI premises only once after August 5, 2024, to assist in rescuing detainees.

NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan declared that any attempt to seize polling centers must be resisted. Speaking as the chief guest at a street rally organized by Jamaat-e-Islami in Companyganj Bazar, Muradnagar, on Wednesday, he urged voters to support Yusuf Sohel of the Eleven-Party Alliance by voting for the scale symbol. He emphasized protecting local development, women’s dignity, and the community from extortion.

Mahmud, a former adviser, said Muradnagar was his birthplace and that he had worked to address its deprivation. He criticized a rival party’s representatives for allegedly complaining to higher authorities about budget allocations for the area. He called on residents to ensure a fearless voting environment and pledged that if elected, the alliance would upgrade Bangura Bazar to an upazila.

Other speakers, including Jamaat’s Comilla North secretary Saiful Islam Shahid and alliance candidate Yusuf Sohel, echoed calls for fair elections and urged voters to reject corruption and external influence in the upcoming February 12 polls.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus inaugurated the Digital Device and Innovation Expo 2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka on January 28, 2026. During the opening ceremony, he also launched the website and logo of the 'Bangladesh Innovation Challenge'. The event is organized by the ICT Division, Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority, and Bangladesh Computer Samity, and will continue until January 31.

The expo aims to promote innovation, capacity building, success, and investment in the technology sector. It features innovative products, digital devices, mobile and e-sports technologies, along with special discounts and offers. The event includes five seminars and four panel discussions on topics such as digital transformation, global investment, startup ecosystems, financing, and inclusive digital growth. A documentary titled 'Create Here, Connect Everywhere' was screened at the opening.

Organizers have ensured Wi-Fi coverage across the venue using satellite internet technology. The expo is being viewed as an important platform for showcasing advanced technologies and innovative ideas from various industries and universities.

A Dhaka court has ordered the imprisonment of Md. Kamal Hossain, a Senior Assistant Secretary at the Ministry of Public Administration, in a case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The case alleges that he fraudulently used his freedom fighter uncle’s identity as his father to obtain a BCS cadre position under the freedom fighter quota. On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Md. Sabbir Foyez canceled his bail and ordered him to jail.

According to the ACC’s public prosecutor, Kamal Hossain had previously secured a four-week anticipatory bail from the High Court on December 15, 2025, and later sought bail from the Dhaka court on December 23. The court granted conditional bail pending DNA verification, but after he failed twice to comply with bail conditions, the court revoked his bail. The ACC case, filed on December 26, 2025, accuses him of falsifying parental information to gain admission and employment benefits under the quota.

The charges were brought under Penal Code sections 420, 467, 468, and 471 for fraud and forgery related to his educational and employment records.

Lieutenant Colonel A K M Zakaria Kadir, commander of the 28 Battalion Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in Sunamganj, stated that the force will play an active role in ensuring a peaceful election environment, maintaining law and order, and safeguarding citizens’ voting rights. He made the remarks during a press briefing with local journalists at the battalion’s conference room on Wednesday morning.

He explained that motivational and awareness programs are being conducted to increase public confidence and voter participation. The BGB will operate as a mobile striking force in coordination with the Bangladesh Army and other law enforcement agencies. Given Sunamganj’s haor-surrounded and remote geography, the commander noted that election duties there are particularly challenging. To address this, BGB units will patrol both road and river routes and coordinate with local administration for necessary transport support.

According to the commander, three battalions under Sylhet will deploy 55 BGB platoons across 23 upazilas in 10 parliamentary constituencies of Sylhet and Sunamganj. BGB will independently manage election duties in six border upazilas and jointly operate with other forces in the remaining areas.

BNP National Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has said that by the grace of Almighty Allah, the party will achieve a landslide victory in the upcoming national election scheduled for February 12. He made the remarks on Wednesday morning during an election campaign and separate street meetings at Saharbil Union’s BMS High School field in Chakaria, Cox’s Bazar. Ahmed stated that through massive public support and national unity, the BNP aims to form a government owned by the people.

He emphasized that citizens will regain ownership of the state through this election and urged voters to freely choose their preferred candidates to strengthen democracy. Ahmed pledged that under a BNP-led government, no one would face enforced disappearance and that those who fought for democracy would be honored. He also cautioned against a rival political group allegedly misleading voters with religious claims.

Local BNP leaders, including district office secretary Yusuf Badri and several upazila leaders, were present and spoke at the campaign events.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has said that government officials should not serve in the same job for more than five years, as prolonged tenure leads to a fixed mindset and loss of creativity. He made the remarks on Wednesday afternoon at the inauguration of the 'Digital Device and Innovation Expo 2026' held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center. During the event, he also launched the website and logo of the 'Bangladesh Innovation Challenge'.

Dr. Yunus emphasized that every institution should restart every ten years to adapt to changing goals and avoid stagnation in outdated ideas. He advised people to focus on entrepreneurship rather than seeking jobs, describing the concept of guaranteed employment for all as a form of servitude. He called for government support to encourage entrepreneurship.

He further stated that just as the July Movement opened new possibilities in national politics, the Digital Device and Innovation Expo would open new opportunities in the information technology sector. The event was also attended by Fayez Ahmad Taiyeb, special assistant to the Chief Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology.

More than a year and a half after the July uprising in Bangladesh, over 1,000 looted firearms and more than 200,000 rounds of ammunition remain missing, raising serious concerns about security ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election. Despite repeated joint operations by the army and police and government-announced rewards of up to 500,000 taka for information, law enforcement has failed to recover all the stolen weapons.

According to the army chief, 3,619 firearms and 456,418 rounds of ammunition were looted during the unrest, with only about 62% of the weapons and 52% of the ammunition recovered so far. Analysts warn that many of the missing weapons have ended up in the hands of criminals and could be used for extortion, robbery, or even political violence during the election period.

Security experts and former police officials say the police force remains weakened since the uprising, and public trust in law enforcement is low. The interim government has deployed around 900,000 security personnel for election duty, but analysts caution that any lapse could undermine voter turnout and election credibility.

The two-day Bangladesh–United States 9th Land Forces Talks (LFT) 2026 concluded successfully on January 27 at the Army Sports Control Board conference room in Dhaka Cantonment. According to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) release, the meeting followed up on the 9th LFT held in the United States from September 8 to 10, 2025. Representatives from both armies participated to strengthen mutual cooperation and discuss key areas of partnership.

The Bangladesh delegation, led by Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Badrul Haque from the Army Training Directorate, included 22 members, while the four-member U.S. team was headed by Major Michael Jacob Oster from the U.S. Army Pacific 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 military cooperation, capacity building, and strategic collaboration, emphasizing training exchanges, advanced technology use, and equipment capability enhancement.

Both sides agreed to organize joint exercises and adopt innovative training methods to strengthen strategic ties. They also committed to contributing to regional security and improving joint preparedness for natural and human-made disasters, highlighting the importance of technological readiness to address global challenges.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus called for an end to fraudulent practices in Bangladesh, emphasizing that the July Movement had opened new possibilities, just as the Digital Device and Innovation Expo 2026 could do for the information technology sector. He said the participants of the July Movement would one day lead the world. Yunus made these remarks on Wednesday afternoon at the inauguration of the Digital Device and Innovation Expo 2026 held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center.

He stated that Bangladesh had become known for fraud, which had damaged its international image. To excel in technology, he said, the country must eliminate fraudulent practices. Yunus stressed that Bangladesh has the ability to move forward with pride if integrity is maintained.

The event highlighted the government’s focus on innovation and digital transformation, with Yunus positioning the fight against fraud as essential for restoring Bangladesh’s reputation and achieving technological progress.

Major General Mohammad Ashrafulzaman Siddiqui, Director General of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), formally inaugurated two new border outposts in Cox’s Bazar on Tuesday. The outposts, Saint Martin BOP and the newly established Sea Beach BOP under Teknaf Battalion (2 BGB), were confirmed by Lieutenant Colonel Md Hanifur Rahman, commander of the 2nd Battalion, on Wednesday.

According to BGB, the Saint Martin BOP includes modern facilities and infrastructure designed to enhance the safety, efficiency, morale, and operational capacity of stationed personnel. The new Sea Beach BOP at Lengurbil in Teknaf features modern architecture and comprehensive amenities, aimed at strengthening border security and improving the working environment for BGB members.

BGB sources stated that the establishment of these outposts will make the overall security management of Saint Martin Island more dynamic and effective. The inauguration marks the full operational start of the Saint Martin BOP, following the redeployment of BGB to the island in April 2019 after earlier security responsibilities had been transferred to the Bangladesh Coast Guard.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is scheduled to return to his ancestral home in Bogura on January 29, 2026, after 19 years. His visit will include participation in election programs across three northern districts—Rajshahi, Naogaon, and Bogura. A large public rally is planned at Bogura’s Altafunnesa playground, where preparations are nearly complete with banners, festoons, and sound systems installed. The event was initially set for January 28 but was rescheduled due to flight ticket complications.

Local BNP leaders, including district president Rezaul Karim Badsha, expect hundreds of thousands to attend the rally. After the Bogura event, Rahman will stay overnight and continue campaign activities in Bogura-6 constituency the next day, visiting his ancestral village Bagbari in Gabtali. Party leaders and supporters across northern Bangladesh have expressed enthusiasm, with many preparing to welcome him.

According to BNP sources, Rahman last visited Bogura on December 24, 2006. His return has sparked a festive atmosphere among local residents and party activists eager to see their leader again.

At a campaign rally in Debidwar, Cumilla, National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan announced that the Eleven-Party Alliance would arrest those responsible for Hadi’s killing and declare Cumilla a division within one month if it comes to power. Speaking as the chief guest at the NCP’s election march on Wednesday, he urged voters to demand justice for Hadi’s murder from all candidates seeking their votes.

Asif Mahmud, also chairman of the NCP election committee, said the February 12 election would determine Bangladesh’s future. He accused previous governments of repression, enforced disappearances, and killings, and alleged that another party had recently begun similar abuses. He called on voters to support the alliance to free the country from oppression. Other NCP leaders, including Monira Sharmin and Toriqul Islam, criticized rival parties for corruption, violence against women, and misleading promises about development projects.

Speakers from allied groups such as Jamaat-e-Islami and Jatiya Juboshokti expressed support for the alliance’s candidate Hasnat Abdullah, urging voters to ensure his victory in the upcoming national election.

BNP candidate Shariful Alam for the Kishoreganj-6 (Bhairab-Kuliarchar) constituency has pledged to introduce government-managed salaries and allowances for imams and muezzins. He made the announcement on Wednesday morning during a campaign visit and courtyard meeting in Sadeqpur village of Bhairab upazila. Alam also reiterated his support for Tarique Rahman’s proposed farmer and family card initiatives and urged voters to cast their ballots early on election day.

The courtyard meeting was organized by the Sadeqpur Union BNP and attended by several local leaders, including Bhairab upazila BNP president Md Rafiqul Islam, vice-president and freedom fighter Tofazzal Haque, general secretary Ariful Islam, and organizational secretary VP Saiful Haque. The event formed part of Alam’s broader campaign outreach in the constituency.

The pledge highlights the BNP candidate’s focus on religious and community welfare issues as part of his electoral commitments in the Kishoreganj-6 constituency.