Professor Mujibur Rahman, the Jamaat-e-Islami central Naib-e-Ameer and party-nominated candidate for Rajshahi-1 (Godagari-Tanore), has called the upcoming national election a systematic jihad for establishing faith-based governance. Speaking at an election rally on Tuesday at Gudripatti field in Kakonhat Municipality, Godagari, he urged people to pursue political change through ballots rather than weapons, describing this as the modern path of struggle.

He emphasized that in a modern state system, transformation of power and law should occur through democratic means. Mujibur Rahman called on citizens to unite for a just and fair society and asserted that only through principled leadership could the nation be freed from misrule, corruption, and injustice. He assured supporters that if people vote together for truth and justice, the victory of the party’s symbol, the scale, would be ensured on February 12.

The rally was presided over by Maulana Nazrul Islam, Amir of Kakonhat Municipality, and attended by local Jamaat and Shibir leaders and activists.

BNP Standing Committee member and Dhaka-8 candidate Mirza Abbas has alleged that National Citizens Party leader Nasiruddin Patwari made accusations against the BNP only to gain public sympathy and cheap popularity. Abbas made the remarks on Tuesday while campaigning for the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol in Malibagh Gulbag, Dhaka, following Patwari’s claim of being attacked during a public outreach event.

During his campaign speech, Abbas dismissed the allegations as politically motivated and said he would not fall into his opponents’ traps. He criticized rival candidates for spreading falsehoods and questioned their contributions to the constituency. Abbas also referred to his long political career since 1991, asserting his consistent presence in elections and movements.

The former minister further accused his rivals of labeling BNP members as extortionists to influence the election. He warned that those threatening to show a “red card” would instead face rejection from voters on February 12, adding that attempts were underway to create unrest in the country.

A new legal controversy has emerged in Chattogram-2 (Fatikchhari) after BNP candidate Sarwar Alamgir was reportedly allocated the paddy sheaf election symbol without a signed High Court order. Allegations state that the returning officer and district commissioner made the decision based solely on a television news scroll, without receiving any official or digital copy of the court’s directive. Lawyers argue that implementing an unsigned order violates Election Commission (EC) rules and undermines judicial procedure.

According to the report, the High Court verbally suspended the EC’s earlier decision cancelling Alamgir’s nomination around noon on Tuesday, but the signed order was not yet issued. Despite this, Chattogram District Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mia allegedly proceeded with the symbol allocation. EC officials confirmed they had not received any official documents and described the move as procedurally weak. The matter has since reached the Appellate Division under Civil Miscellaneous Petition No. 82/2026, making it sub judice.

Local political circles are questioning the district commissioner’s haste, while legal experts warn that such actions could compromise administrative neutrality and equal opportunity among candidates.

Three parliamentary candidates from the Rajshahi-5 (Puthia-Durgapur) constituency have been summoned to court for allegedly violating electoral conduct rules by posting festoons on electric poles and trees. The summons were issued by Senior Civil Judge Md. Mamun on behalf of the constituency’s Election Inquiry and Judicial Committee on Sunday and Monday. The candidates—independent and expelled BNP leaders Isfa Khairul Haque Shimul and Barrister Rezaul Karim, along with Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Maulana Manjur Rahman—were instructed to appear in person and submit written explanations.

According to the notice, the committee’s field inspection found that the candidates had displayed festoons in prohibited public areas for campaign purposes, which constitutes a clear breach of the electoral code of conduct. The committee initiated an inquiry on its own under the prescribed rules.

The notice further stated that since the incident is considered a pre-election irregularity, the candidates must explain why a report should not be sent to the Election Commission recommending legal and punitive action against them.

Bir Pratik awardee Lieutenant Colonel Hasinur Rahman testified on Tuesday before International Crimes Tribunal-1 in Dhaka as the second witness in a crimes against humanity case concerning abduction and torture at the Joint Interrogation Cell, known as Ayna Ghar. He stated that after being abducted twice during the Awami League’s fifteen-year rule, he was released on conditions that he must not speak about Sheikh Hasina, the Awami League, the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), or India. His release, he said, was subject to Hasina’s approval.

Rahman described being blindfolded and handcuffed before being dropped near his home on 22 February 2020. He said he later informed human rights groups and media outlets about Ayna Ghar. Following those disclosures, DGFI allegedly filed multiple cases against him under the Information and Communication Technology Act. Rahman also recounted that after August 2024 events, he revisited Ayna Ghar with investigators and identified locations where detainees had been held.

He told the tribunal his intention was not revenge but to prevent repetition of such crimes and to ensure public awareness of what he described as abuses under the Awami League government.

In Sitakunda municipality of Chattogram, female activists of Jamaat-e-Islami alleged that they were harassed by BNP activists during an election campaign in Idilpur village on Monday, January 26. According to local sources, the incident occurred when Jamaat’s women campaigners, promoting the ‘Dhal’ symbol, visited a supporter’s home for tea. BNP leader Nazmul Alam Sohag and Jubo Dal activist Arif Hossain allegedly confronted them, accusing one of the women of collecting national ID and mobile payment numbers from local women. The activists claimed that their organizational notebook was also taken away.

Following the incident, Jamaat’s local leaders, including ward president Dr. Nurul Huda Shahabuddin, arrived at the scene, joined later by BNP ward president Sajjad Hossain Rafiq. After about an hour of argument, the situation calmed, and BNP activists left. A video of the altercation later circulated on social media.

Jamaat leaders condemned the alleged harassment, while BNP’s female leader Maksuda denied any misconduct, saying the matter was resolved in presence of both sides’ leaders. Police confirmed a verbal dispute but said local elders settled it.

In the run-up to the 13th National Parliamentary Election, political dynamics in Bandarban-300 constituency have shifted rapidly. After a period of silence following tensions over the 11-party alliance’s candidate announcement, activists of Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Congress Party (NCP) have returned to the campaign field. The alliance had faced stagnation when Jamaat supporters withdrew in protest after the NCP unexpectedly nominated its candidate, S M Suza Uddin.

Over the past two days, Jamaat activists have reappeared in large numbers across Bandarban municipality, reviving the alliance’s campaign momentum. Despite mixed reactions from voters, with some viewing Suza Uddin as an outsider, he remains active in outreach efforts. Local analysts note that he faces challenges in gaining trust beyond his core supporters.

Suza Uddin continues to highlight his personal qualifications and pledges to build a modern Bandarban. His campaign emphasizes improving the living standards of marginalized hill communities, modernizing tourism, and advancing education and infrastructure development.

A rickshaw driver named Nasiruddin Basu, aged 50, was allegedly beaten to death on Tuesday afternoon in Alinagar Bhutpukur area of Chapainawabganj municipality. The incident occurred around 2 p.m. following a dispute over collecting water from a government tube well. Police and family members said Basu had a long-standing conflict with neighbors regarding the use of the tube well. During the altercation, members of the opposing side reportedly struck him on the head with a tree branch, leaving him critically injured. He died on the way to the district hospital.

According to duty doctor Abdur Rahman at the 250-bed district hospital, Basu was dead before arrival, with visible injuries to the back of his head. The body has been sent to the morgue for autopsy. Chapainawabganj Sadar Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Nure Alam said police reached the scene, brought the situation under control, and launched an operation to identify and arrest those involved.

Police investigations are ongoing to locate the suspects and determine the full circumstances of the fatal clash.

The Ekushey Book Fair Struggle Council announced that the 'Amar Ekushey Symbolic Book Fair' will take place on February 1 at the Bangla Academy premises in Dhaka. According to a press release signed by the council’s general secretary, Delwar Hasan, the event will run from 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and will include cultural programs alongside the fair. The organizers expect the event to be held in a peaceful and orderly environment.

The council stated that the symbolic fair aims to uphold the spirit of the Language Movement, literature, and free thought. It is intended as a tribute to the identity and cultural heritage of Ekushey, emphasizing the importance of organizing the Amar Ekushey Book Fair to foster a knowledgeable and thoughtful society. The organizers have invited writers, publishers, readers, students, and cultural activists from all walks of life to participate.

The event continues the historical and traditional legacy associated with the Bangla Academy and the observance of Ekushey February, reflecting a collective effort to honor linguistic and cultural values.

National Citizen Party (NCP) member secretary and parliamentary candidate Akhtar Hossain addressed an election courtyard meeting on Tuesday afternoon at Siddik Bazar in Haragach Union, Kaunia upazila, Rangpur-4 constituency. He stated that the spontaneous presence and enthusiasm of people prove growing trust in the party’s Shapla Koli election symbol and expressed confidence in its victory. Hossain emphasized that the NCP believes in reform, justice, and building a discrimination-free Bangladesh.

He pledged that if elected, he would work actively in the national parliament for the rights and development of people not only in Kaunia–Pirgacha but across the Rangpur region. Local leaders, supporters, and a large number of voters attended the meeting, where residents shared their problems and expectations. Hossain assured them of realistic development initiatives.

Meanwhile, Alhaj Emdadul Haque, the candidate for the Dhaner Shish symbol in the same constituency, continues door-to-door campaigning. Political observers noted that his long-standing field activity gives him a comparatively advantageous position.

A district-level Imam Conference was held in Lalmonirhat on Tuesday morning to encourage voter awareness and active participation in the democratic process. The event took place at the field adjacent to the District Model Mosque, with Deputy Commissioner H. M. Rokib Haydar attending as chief guest and Superintendent of Police Md. Asaduzzaman as special guest. Officials from the Islamic Foundation, including directors Md. Abdul Hamid Khan and Mostafa Monsur Alam Khan, along with imams from various mosques, were also present.

The conference, chaired by Islamic Foundation Lalmonirhat Deputy Director Rezaul Karim, featured discussions by Maulana Md. Rafiqul Islam of Nesaría Kamil Madrasa and Maulana Zainul Abedin of Marqazul Quran Madrasa. Speakers emphasized the moral duty of citizens to vote in the upcoming national parliamentary election and highlighted the importance of free, fair, and participatory elections for strengthening democracy.

They also noted that imams and religious leaders can play an effective role in maintaining social harmony and raising public awareness about voting rights.

The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its continued support for the reform initiatives of Bangladesh’s interim government while closely monitoring their progress. The commitment was conveyed by EU Ambassador to Dhaka Michael Miller during a meeting with Dr. Ali Riaz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, held at the Chief Adviser’s Office on Tuesday afternoon.

During the meeting, the ambassador expressed the EU’s support for the government’s preparations for the upcoming national referendum and parliamentary elections. He also confirmed that a team is already in Bangladesh as part of the EU’s process to deploy a large observer mission to monitor the elections. Miller expressed optimism that relations between Bangladesh and the EU would continue in the coming days.

Dr. Ali Riaz thanked the EU for its support toward Bangladesh’s democratic transition and briefed the ambassador on various activities related to the forthcoming referendum.

More than fifty leaders and activists from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jatiya Party formally joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in Jaldhaka upazila of Nilphamari on Tuesday afternoon. The joining took place at a gathering organized by Jamaat in Mondoppora of Shimulbari Union’s Ward No. 2, where former BNP ward president Abdus Sobhan Chinu and Jatiya Party’s Haroa Shimulbari branch president Shukur Ali led the group. They presented Jamaat candidate Obaidullah Salafi with a scarf bearing the party’s scale symbol and received primary membership, being welcomed with flowers by local Jamaat leaders.

In brief remarks, Abdus Sobhan Chinu said he had long been involved in BNP politics but found Jamaat’s ideology and social activities more acceptable, prompting his decision to join. Shukur Ali stated that after twenty years as a Jatiya Party ward president, he was inspired by Jamaat’s activities to switch allegiance. The event was attended by Jamaat’s parliamentary candidate Obaidullah Salafi, acting upazila amir Kamaruzzaman, and other local leaders.

The mass joining signals a local political shift in Jaldhaka ahead of upcoming political activities in the region.

Bangladesh Telecommunication Company Limited (BTCL) has officially launched the long-awaited .bd second-level domain, such as example.bd, to strengthen the country's IT and digital economy. The new domain system allows local entrepreneurs, startups, freelancers, and general users to register shorter, more appealing, and nationally representative domain names. Before the launch, BTCL held a three-month 'sunrise period' enabling existing .com.bd users to reserve their corresponding .bd domains, helping prevent name conflicts and cyber-squatting.

Alongside the domain rollout, BTCL introduced a transparent, technology-driven reseller system through which customers can purchase domains directly from approved resellers listed on BTCL’s website. The company issued several guidelines to ensure proper domain use, including restrictions on obscene or provocative names, bans on resale or leasing of domains, and priority allocation for government agencies. Disputes will be jointly resolved by BTCL and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).

Experts believe the initiative will make Bangladesh’s domain management more secure and internationally compliant, reinforcing the nation’s digital infrastructure and sovereignty.

Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam Sarkar stated that the Election Commission believes it has achieved nearly full compliance with the electoral code of conduct ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliament election. He said that fines totaling 905,500 taka have been imposed for 144 violations of the code. Between January 8 and 26, 94 cases were filed for breaches, covering 128 constituencies out of 300.

Speaking to journalists at his office in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Tuesday, the commissioner explained that each nomination paper included pledges from both party leaders and candidates to uphold the code of conduct. Returning officers gathered candidates to reaffirm these commitments, which he said contributed to improved discipline. He noted that compared to previous elections, the current campaign environment appears cleaner and more orderly.

According to the commissioner, the combination of candidate pledges and motivational efforts by returning officers and field officials has resulted in a better electoral atmosphere than in past national elections.