BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi alleged that some political parties are attempting to influence voters by using religion and sending money through mobile financial services. He raised this concern on Saturday at the BNP central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka, during a prayer gathering marking the 11th death anniversary of Arafat Rahman Koko, son of late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Rizvi questioned whether such actions violate the electoral code of conduct, emphasizing that buying votes with money or religious appeals is prohibited.

Recalling Koko’s death, Rizvi claimed it was not natural but the result of political oppression under a fascist regime. He described how Koko, then in Malaysia for heart treatment, witnessed the alleged persecution of his mother in 2015 and died in distress. Rizvi also recounted that after Koko’s body returned to Bangladesh, BNP leaders and sympathizers faced police cases for expressing condolences.

Rizvi reiterated BNP’s demand for a free and fair election under an interim government and said party chairman Tarique Rahman is following all electoral laws and maintaining respectful political conduct.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has dismissed allegations by Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher that the party signed three agreements with India. At a press briefing on Saturday at the BNP’s central office in Gulshan, the party’s election management committee spokesperson Mahadi Amin said no such agreements exist and termed the claim a politically motivated smear campaign without any factual basis.

Amin stated that the Jamaat leader failed to provide any evidence to support his claim and accused him of spreading misinformation either out of ignorance or deliberate political manipulation. He emphasized that BNP’s politics are centered on Bangladesh’s sovereignty and people’s empowerment under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. He also recalled BNP’s past movements for fair water sharing of the Teesta and Padma rivers and protests against border killings.

During the briefing, Amin introduced BNP’s election hotline (16543) and WhatsApp number for voter complaints and warned against fraudulent activities involving “family” and “farmer” cards, urging citizens to report such scams to the authorities.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch (DB) has said that the killing of BNP-affiliated volunteer leader Azizur Rahman Mushabbir in the capital’s Tejaturi Bazaar stemmed from disputes over territorial control and extortion. DB Chief Additional Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam disclosed the findings at a media briefing on Saturday, noting that investigations are ongoing to uncover the full motive. Police have arrested five suspects so far, including alleged shooter Md Rahim, who was detained in Narsingdi’s Madhabdi area on January 23 with two foreign pistols, two magazines, and 12 rounds of ammunition. A separate case under the Arms Act has been filed against him.

Mushabbir, former general secretary of BNP’s Dhaka North Volunteer Wing, was shot dead on January 7 near Hotel Super Star in West Tejaturi Para. His wife filed a murder case against several unidentified suspects at Tejgaon Police Station. The DB has also intensified operations to recover illegal firearms ahead of the upcoming 13th general election and referendum, arresting two more individuals with weapons in Jatrabari.

Police said the drive to seize illegal arms and apprehend fugitives will continue.

BNP Standing Committee member and Chattogram-11 candidate Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury announced plans to develop Chattogram as a comprehensive logistics center serving not only Bangladesh but also India’s northeastern states, Myanmar, and Northeast Asia. He made the statement on Friday during a campaign event in the city’s Halishahar area, emphasizing that regional trade would flow through this corridor.

Khasru outlined a vision for modernizing Chattogram Port through improved communication systems, integrated freight transport, and international-standard warehousing. He expressed optimism that these initiatives would create new business opportunities. He also revealed plans to upgrade Shah Amanat International Airport into a regional air hub, serving both passenger and cargo operations, with enhanced facilities and security for international transit travelers.

During the campaign, local party leaders were present as Khasru sought votes for the BNP’s electoral symbol and pledged to restore citizens’ voting rights.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to visit Chattogram on Sunday, January 25, 2026, marking his first visit to the port city in nearly 21 years. He will address a large rally organized by the BNP at the Polo Ground as the chief guest. Party leaders and activists across 41 city wards, including affiliated groups such as Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal, and Mohila Dal, are finalizing preparations to welcome him. Around 250 workers are completing stage construction, sound system setup, and other arrangements.

The rally stage measures 100 feet by 60 feet and is built from bamboo and wooden planks, with steel stairs for access. Security has been divided into three zones—red, yellow, and green—with the red zone reserved for senior leaders and candidates from Chattogram’s 16 constituencies. Law enforcement agencies and intelligence units are coordinating security and traffic plans. BNP leaders expect around 1.5 million attendees and say Rahman will deliver a message of unity and possibly introduce local candidates.

Excitement has spread across Chattogram’s neighborhoods, where banners and billboards featuring Rahman’s image have been displayed, creating a festive atmosphere among party members and residents.

A festive atmosphere prevailed in Kishoreganj’s Katiadi upazila as more than 200 people from various professions, including former BNP activists, joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. The joining event took place on Friday evening at the residence of freedom fighter and former BNP lawmaker Major (Retd) Akhtaruzzaman Ranjan in Durgapur village of Chandpur Union. New members formally enrolled by filling out associate membership forms in his presence.

Major (Retd) Ranjan had officially joined Jamaat-e-Islami on December 13 in the presence of the party’s Ameer, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman. Since then, he has been actively participating in party programs both locally and in Dhaka, delivering speeches and campaigning for the Jamaat-nominated candidate of the 10-party alliance in Kishoreganj-2 constituency. He also spoke at a campaign rally in Dhaka-11 and urged his supporters to join Jamaat.

Responding to his call, individuals from different social backgrounds, including professionals, businessmen, former union council members, and two members of the Hindu community, joined the party. The joining program, which began Friday afternoon, was expected to continue through Saturday.

An associate of the notorious bandit leader Shahin, identified as Shafiul Alam alias Ledaputu, 28, was shot dead early Saturday, January 24, in Ramu upazila of Cox’s Bazar. The incident occurred around 5 a.m. in front of the Majhirkata Beltali Kata Mosque in Gojonia Union. Police and local sources reported that rival bandit and criminal Abdur Rahim and his group ambushed and opened fire on Shafiul Alam, killing him on the spot. Police later sent the body to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital morgue for autopsy.

Ramu Police Station Officer-in-Charge Monirul Islam Bhuiyan confirmed the death and said necessary legal steps were being taken. However, family sources claimed that Shafiul Alam was taken out of his house during dinner and killed in a planned attack. Local sources said Ledaputu had long worked as an associate of Shahin, a top criminal in the hilly areas of Ramu, and was allegedly involved in smuggling and other crimes using the Myanmar border area.

Police stated that at least 11 criminal cases, including murder, were filed against the deceased.

More than 300 activists from the BNP’s associate organization, the Swechchhasebak Dal, in Dhulia Union of Bauphal upazila, Patuakhali, have joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami under the leadership of local convener Hasan Khan. The new members were welcomed by Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud, a central executive committee member of Jamaat and secretary of Dhaka South Metropolitan unit, who is also a parliamentary candidate for Patuakhali-2.

The joining took place on Friday evening at 5:30 p.m. during an election rally of Jamaat-e-Islami and the 10-party alliance held at Dhulia High School ground. Addressing the gathering, Hasan Khan pledged to work with honesty and integrity for Jamaat and to remain associated with the party for life. He added that his followers had already joined Jamaat and more would follow.

Local Jamaat leaders, including Bauphal upazila Amir Maulana Ishaq, Naib-e-Amir Maulana Rafiqul Islam, and Islami Chhatra Shibir president Limon Hossain, were also present at the event.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has announced that 10 million jobs will be created if the party’s electoral symbol, 'Dhaner Shish' (paddy sheaf), wins the upcoming election. He made the statement on Saturday afternoon during a campaign event in Kandpara area of Thakurgaon Sadar upazila, urging voters to overcome fear and vote for the BNP.

During his address, Mirza Fakhrul said that in previous elections there were two main symbols, 'Nouka' (boat) and 'Dhaner Shish', but this time the boat is no longer present due to political issues, and a new party has emerged. He also criticized Jamaat-e-Islami, recalling its opposition to Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, and urged people to support those who stand for freedom.

He further pledged that if elected, BNP would introduce family cards to provide food, healthcare, and education services, and agricultural cards to ensure farmers receive fertilizer and pesticides at fair prices.

The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI), under the Ministry of Industries, has issued a recruitment notice to fill 50 vacancies across 10 categories under its revenue sector. The online application process began on January 15, 2026, and will remain open until February 15, 2026, at 5 p.m. Eligible Bangladeshi citizens aged between 18 and 32 years as of January 1, 2026, can apply online.

The available positions include computer operator, UDC-cum-cashier, office assistant-cum-computer typist, data entry operator, lab assistant, cataloger, driver, office assistant (MLSS), and security guard. Educational requirements vary by position, ranging from completion of class eight to a bachelor’s (honors) degree. Applicants for computer-related roles must meet specific typing speed criteria, while lab assistants must have passed HSC in science. Application fees must be paid via SMS from a Teletalk prepaid mobile within 72 hours of submitting the online form.

BSTI’s recruitment aims to fill its vacant posts through direct appointment, offering salary grades between 13 and 20 as per the national pay scale.

An article by Abu Sayed Kamal, published on January 24, 2026, examines how authoritarian regimes in Bangladesh—particularly military and one-party rule—have historically imposed hegemonic and fascist control over literature. It argues that state power shaped literary institutions, reader preferences, and creative expression by promoting certain narratives as national or mainstream while marginalizing dissenting voices. The essay defines literary hegemony as cultural dominance through consent and fascism as its coercive extension using censorship, fear, and exclusion.

The piece traces how state patronage turned literature into a political tool, rewarding loyal writers and sidelining critical or progressive ones. It notes that suppression led to self-censorship, creative contraction, and the marginalization of working-class, female, and ethnic minority voices. Yet, resistance literature emerged through little magazines, underground circles, and symbolic writing.

Kamal highlights the July 2024 uprising as a cultural turning point that challenged entrenched literary authority, revived marginalized voices, and redefined writers’ moral responsibility. The essay concludes that true literary freedom depends on sustaining decentralized, people-centered creative practices beyond state control.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) will launch its election theme song on Saturday at 5 p.m. in front of the National Museum in Shahbagh, Dhaka. The event comes ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and a referendum on reforms. The announcement was made through a message from Yasir Arafat, media secretary of the party’s central election management committee.

Alongside the song launch, the NCP has announced a 12-day election march to seek votes for its ‘Shapla Koli’ symbol and to campaign for a ‘yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum. The march will begin on Sunday from Chattogram and continue through 24 districts until February 5, concluding in Dhaka. The party has also declared the names of its representatives for 238 constituencies.

These initiatives mark the NCP’s intensified campaign efforts as it seeks to strengthen its presence ahead of the national election and referendum.

A joint operation led by the army in Dirai, Sunamganj, resulted in the arrest of Ujjal Mia, 36, the general secretary of the banned Chhatra League. Acting on intelligence, security forces detained him on Friday evening in Chandipur area of Dirai municipality. The army handed over the recovered weapons and equipment to Dirai police after the arrest. A case has been filed against him under the Arms Act.

According to police, the raid recovered a foreign pistol, eight rounds of ammunition, weapon-cleaning tools, locally made sharp weapons, several passports, and other items from Ujjal Mia’s house and farm. He is the son of Mosharraf Mia, a former mayor and Awami League leader. Reports indicate that Ujjal Mia had previously faced multiple cases, including triple murder and attacks on journalists, and was known for his influence during the Awami League’s rule.

Authorities stated that Ujjal Mia will be sent to jail through the court following the filing of the case.

Writer Gazi Giyas Uddin’s article revisits researcher Abdul Mannan Syed’s analysis of the Bengali Muslim literary awakening. Syed argued that British colonial rule erased the memory of Muslims’ major role in medieval Bengali literature. He noted that after the 1947 Partition, Dhaka transformed into the new capital of Bengali literature and culture, marking an unprecedented cultural resurgence. The 1952 Language Movement further deepened this awakening across poetry, prose, art, and music, giving modern Bengali literature a distinctive national identity.

Syed traced this revival through key figures and institutions such as Nawab Abdul Latif’s Mohammedan Literary Society (1863), Syed Ameer Ali’s National Mohammedan Association (1878), and the Bangiya Mussalman Sahitya Samiti (1911). He credited journals like Bangiya Mussalman Sahitya Patrika and Saugat for nurturing writers including Kazi Nazrul Islam. Syed emphasized that despite a shared language, East Bengal’s literature developed its own character, shaped by Muslim intellectual and social movements.

He also lamented the exclusion of Muslim writers from major anthologies and reaffirmed Nazrul’s place among the four greatest modern Bengali poets, alongside Michael Madhusudan Dutt, Rabindranath Tagore, and Jibanananda Das.

Local Government Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan visited the graves of three martyrs of the July uprising at Namazgar Anjuman-e-Gorosthan in Bogura on Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. He laid floral wreaths at the graves, offered prayers, and joined a doa mahfil. Family members of the martyrs and local administrative officials were present during the visit. Before this, he also placed a wreath at the July Memorial.

Senior government officials including the Secretary of the Rural Development and Cooperatives Division Md. Shawkat Rashid, Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Dr. A N M Bazlur Rashid, Bogura Deputy Commissioner Md. Toufiqur Rahman, and Superintendent of Police Shahadat Hossain attended the event. Other district and police officials were also present.

Family members of the martyrs, including Uzzal Hossain Jubayel, Ziaur Rahman, Rokeya Begum, Mojibur Rahman, Md. Soyaib Hossain, and Shapla Khatun, attended and spoke with the adviser. The prayer was led by Hafiz Maulana Md. Shahadat Hossain.