The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh announced on Monday, January 26, that it will grant voting passes to 3,818 media outlets to cover the upcoming referendum and parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12. The EC’s public relations division confirmed that all government-approved media houses will receive journalist identification cards and vehicle stickers. Applications for these passes must be submitted by February 3.

According to the EC’s list, the approved outlets include 18 television online portals, 129 daily newspaper online portals, 61 regional online media, and 263 online news portals. Additionally, there are 3,347 print newspapers, comprising 1,397 dailies, 1,231 weeklies, 215 fortnightlies, 451 monthlies, and several other periodic publications. Of these, 1,422 are published in Dhaka and 1,935 outside the capital.

The EC’s decision aims to facilitate comprehensive media coverage of the national election process, ensuring access for both national and regional outlets.

National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah has described recent politically motivated attacks during election campaigns as a warning sign of repression ahead of the upcoming national election. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Monday evening, he said the attacks, including one on the NCP candidate in Dhaka-18, reflect a 'practice match' for capturing polling centers and pose a serious threat to free and fair elections.

Hasnat Abdullah expressed deep concern over the electoral environment, alleging that opposition campaign activities are being systematically obstructed and that provocative remarks are being made to incite police action against rival groups. He said such incidents send a negative message about the entire electoral process and raise doubts about how participatory the election will be.

NCP election and administration subcommittee secretary Ayman Rahat alleged that BNP candidates are attacking NCP and Jamaat candidates across several constituencies and violating campaign rules without facing consequences. He claimed that government facilities are being used for campaign events and that controversial officials from past elections have been reappointed, heightening fears of manipulation.

Dhaka University’s Public Administration Department teacher and Assistant Proctor Shehrin Amin Bhuiya, known as Monami, posted on Facebook on Monday highlighting examples of misogynistic remarks made by individuals from different political backgrounds. In her post, she noted that despite representing three distinct political parties, the leaders she referenced shared a common tendency to make obscene and derogatory comments about women and female politicians. She criticized the use of the 'women card' by these parties ahead of elections to project a commitment to women’s rights while failing to address internal misogyny.

Monami expressed concern over the lack of unified resistance against such harassment, arguing that outrage over misogyny often depends on political convenience rather than principle. She pointed out that party leaders and supporters frequently remain silent or even participate in coordinated attacks against women, including the use of AI-generated images to demean them. She also accused self-proclaimed centrist and leftist groups of maintaining deliberate silence when misogyny arises within their own ranks.

She concluded that unless all political parties are held accountable for harassment and abusive behavior toward women, claims of women-friendly politics and empowerment will remain hollow slogans.

A coach of the Dhaka-bound ‘Dhaka Mail-2’ train derailed shortly after leaving Bhairab Bazar Junction around 3 a.m. on Monday, January 26. The incident caused a complete suspension of train operations on the Dhaka-Sylhet-Chattogram route, affecting both up and down lines.

As a result of the derailment, several trains became stranded at various stations along the route, leaving passengers facing severe travel disruptions and discomfort. The report did not mention any injuries or the cause of the derailment.

Authorities have not yet provided details on when train services will resume, leaving uncertainty about the duration of the suspension and the restoration process.

Former Bangladesh Army Chief Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan has alleged that India is undermining Bangladesh’s security by providing shelter to Sheikh Hasina, who he described as convicted for genocide. In a verified Facebook post on Monday, he claimed that India had supported what he called 15 years of fascist misrule and continues to offer state-level backing to Hasina. Bhuiyan referred to a January 23 press event at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club in New Delhi, where Hasina’s audio message was played, accusing the Indian government of aiding anti-sovereignty and anti-democratic rhetoric.

He argued that India’s actions amount to interference in Bangladesh’s sovereignty and warned that such moves could heighten tensions and further damage already strained bilateral relations. Bhuiyan also accused India of sheltering fugitives from Bangladesh and pressuring Dhaka to restore political rights to those facing judicial proceedings.

Drawing a historical comparison, he said India had not learned from its past experience of hosting the Dalai Lama, warning that supporting Hasina could similarly bring long-term costs for India.

The Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) has given policy approval to establish the country’s first Free Trade Zone (FTZ) in Anwara upazila of Chattogram. The decision was taken at a BEZA governing board meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka’s Tejgaon. BEZA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud Bin Harun said the proposed FTZ will cover about 600 to 650 acres and operate as an offshore territory exempt from customs duties, allowing storage, re-export, and production of goods.

Mahmud explained that the FTZ aims to significantly reduce the time required to supply raw materials to export-oriented industries. Materials such as cotton could be stored within the zone and used instantly by local factories or re-exported to other countries like Vietnam. He cited Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone as a global example, noting its major contribution to Dubai’s GDP. The proposal will now go to the Cabinet for final approval, and legal amendments will be required for implementation.

The BEZA board also approved plans for a Defense Industrial Park in Mirsarai and to convert the Kushtia sugar mill area into a full industrial park under BEZA’s supervision.

Following the start of election campaigning on January 22 for Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election scheduled for February 12, Google Trends data show that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has drawn the highest online search interest. Between January 22 and January 26, BNP recorded an average search interest of 67 percent, ahead of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami at 45 percent, the National Citizen Party (NCP) at 11 percent, and Islami Andolon Bangladesh at 4 percent.

The report, based on Google Trends analysis, highlights that users searched for these parties using various keywords in both Bangla and English. Alongside online searches, social media engagement also reflects similar patterns. BNP’s official Facebook page has 4.73 million followers, followed by Jamaat-e-Islami with 3 million, Islami Andolon Bangladesh with 1.6 million, and NCP with 1.4 million.

The data indicate that digital interest and social media presence are playing a significant role in the ongoing election campaign, which is being conducted both offline and online across Bangladesh.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General and head of the party’s central publicity department, Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, alleged that female activists of the party have been attacked and harassed in several areas, including Dhaka-15 constituency. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Monday afternoon, he said women campaigners were being assaulted, forced to remove their veils, and had their mobile phones snatched. He urged the Election Commission to take necessary action, expressing concern over the lack of effective response from law enforcement.

Zubair also complained that some MPO-listed teachers were being obstructed or fined by local officials and magistrates for participating in election activities, despite teachers being allowed to contest elections. He said the Election Commission had promised to look into the matter. Responding to allegations that Jamaat was collecting NID cards through female workers, he denied any such instruction from the party.

On the absence of female candidates, Zubair explained that about 40 percent of Jamaat’s members are women, and the party does not impose decisions on them. He added that women are free to decide based on their circumstances and that the party plans to nominate female candidates in the future.

India’s Assistant High Commissioner in Sylhet, Aniruddha Das, stated that the relationship between India and Bangladesh remains friendly, historical, and multidimensional. He made the remarks on Monday, January 26, during a ceremony at a hotel in Sylhet city marking India’s 77th Republic Day. Das noted that India became a sovereign and democratic republic on January 26, 1950, and emphasized that geographical proximity and shared cultural heritage make the two nations important partners.

Referring to 1971, he said India stood by Bangladesh during its struggle and continues to support a peaceful, stable, and inclusive Bangladesh. He added that youth engagement, economic potential, and regional cooperation between the two countries could play a vital role in South Asia’s development.

The event was attended by the Sylhet Deputy Commissioner, senior BNP leaders, academics, intellectuals, journalists, and cultural figures. It began with the national anthems of both countries, symbolizing their historic bond, and concluded with a dinner in honor of the guests.

July Oikya announced it will hold a 'March to Election Commission' program on Tuesday to demand the disqualification of loan defaulters, dual citizens, and 14 political parties including the Jatiya Party from the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The announcement was made Monday by organizer Plabon Tariq at a press conference. Organizer Israfil Farazi alleged that the Election Commission had legitimized candidates who are loan defaulters and dual citizens, violating existing laws. He claimed at least 45 loan defaulters were allowed to contest while 68 were excluded.

Farazi further stated that July Oikya has been campaigning for two months to bar the Jatiya Party and allied groups, accusing them of involvement in past violence. The group also demanded immediate recovery of illegal weapons before the election, citing the killing of one of its organizers, Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, during election campaigning. They criticized the interim government and the Home Ministry for failing to act and warned that any ensuing unrest would be the responsibility of the Election Commission and the Home Ministry.

The press conference was also addressed by organizers Zainal Abedin Shishir and Munshi Burhan Mahmud.

Education Adviser Professor Dr. C. R. Abrar has called for giving top priority to science and research to ensure sustainable development, build a knowledge-based economy, and address future challenges. He made the remarks on Monday while speaking as the chief guest at a workshop titled “Strengthening Research and Development to Meet National and Global Needs: Use of Affordable and High-Tech Solutions,” organized by the Ministry of Education at the Secretariat.

Dr. Abrar expressed concern over the declining enrollment in science education and the slow pace of research in Bangladesh. He highlighted that private universities face serious delays of six to eight months in obtaining government clearance for research grants, which hampers effective fund utilization. He urged the removal of unnecessary disparities between public and private universities and proposed a fast-track system for responsible institutions. He also noted that Bangladesh invests only about 0.3 percent of its GDP in research—far below regional and global standards.

The adviser emphasized the need to connect expatriate Bangladeshi researchers, promote knowledge exchange, and build a strong research ecosystem integrating basic and applied sciences through coordinated efforts among government, academia, and the private sector.

Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) has signed a lease agreement with South Korean company Park Handbag BD Limited to establish a factory for producing bags, luggage, and high-end garments in the BEPZA Economic Zone at Mirsarai, Chattogram. The agreement, signed on January 26, 2026, at the BEPZA Complex in Dhaka, involves a proposed investment of 80 million US dollars. The signing was attended by BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Mohammad Moazzem Hossain and senior officials from both sides.

According to the agreement, Park Handbag BD Limited will build the factory on 57,600 square meters of land, producing handbags, backpacks, luggage, and knit and woven garments such as polo shirts, T-shirts, jackets, trousers, sportswear, and undergarments. Once fully operational, the project is expected to create about 10,960 jobs for Bangladeshi workers, with products exported to the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, South America, and Asia.

BEPZA reaffirmed its commitment to providing round-the-clock services to investors and emphasized ongoing modernization, automation, and digitalization to enhance investment facilitation.

A BNP leader named Nurul Islam Sardar has been accused of threatening market owners in Narayanganj city to take control of a market built on leased government land. The allegation was filed by Moazzem Hossain on behalf of the market owners through a general diary at Narayanganj Sadar Police Station on Sunday night. The market, located in the Charargop area, was constructed on land leased from the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority and is managed by the Baitus Salat (Mosque) Cooperative Shopping Society Limited.

According to the complaint, Nurul Islam Sardar and several associates had been attempting to seize the market, prompting a court case earlier. Following a petition on August 19, the Additional District Magistrate instructed police to maintain peace on the disputed property. Despite this, the complainant alleged that threats continued, including one on January 24. Attempts to contact the accused leader by phone were unsuccessful.

Narayanganj Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Abdul Halim stated that both parties have since reached a settlement and no further complaints remain.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Principal Belayet Hossain held a press conference on Monday at the Companiganj upazila Jamaat office, alleging that supporters of his rival BNP candidate were issuing threats, committing assaults, and engaging in irregularities ahead of the election in Noakhali-5 (Companiganj-Kabirhat) constituency. He claimed that BNP activists were intimidating Jamaat supporters in Noajpur and Ashdia unions and in ward 3 of Kabirhat municipality, including threats to female voters to prevent them from going to polling centers.

Belayet Hossain further alleged that despite the Election Commission’s instructions for appointing presiding, assistant presiding, and polling officers, the rival side influenced the cancellation of the official list and replaced it with their preferred officials. He warned that if the Election Commission failed to take legal action, his party would announce a program to surround the offices of the returning and assistant returning officers.

BNP candidate Fakhrul Islam denied all allegations, claiming that no such incidents occurred and instead accused Jamaat supporters of threatening his Hindu voters.

Police in Rajbari arrested five individuals on Sunday afternoon for allegedly attempting to create disorder by chanting slogans in the district and sessions judge court premises. The arrests were made later that night during raids in different areas of Rajbari Sadar upazila. The detainees were identified as Sajjat Hossain, Parash Ali Sheikh alias Shanto, Jony Sheikh, Toufik Ahmed Tahim, and Md. Munjil Sheikh.

According to police sources, the incident occurred when Rajbari District Chhatra League president Md. Shahin Sheikh, an accused in a case related to an attack on anti-discrimination student activists, appeared in court. Some of his followers reportedly chanted slogans demanding his release. Rajbari Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Ziaur Rahman stated that the youths tried to cause unrest in the court area and were arrested based on investigation findings.

The five accused were sent to court on Monday following their arrest, police confirmed.