Election Commissioner Md. Abdur Rahmanel Ma’sud has stated that the upcoming 13th National Parliament election and referendum will be completely free, fair, credible, and conducted with integrity. He made the remarks on Friday, January 23, during a meeting with polling officials at Sitakunda Degree College in Chattogram, emphasizing that the election will not be a mockery or whimsical exercise.

He said that past elections had been turned into a farce, which is undesirable, and stressed that the country is not a place for such mockery. The commissioner assured that the next election would be fair, correct, and trusted by the people. He also noted that blaming the patriotic police force for the actions of a few individuals was unjust and that such situations would not be allowed to recur.

The meeting, organized by the Sitakunda Upazila Administration and Election Office, was chaired by Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mia. Senior officials including the Divisional Commissioner, Regional Election Officer, and District Police Superintendent were present, and polling officials were urged to perform their duties with neutrality and professionalism.

Liberty Hospital in Paribagh, Dhaka, has been operating illegally for one and a half years after its registration and environmental clearance expired. The hospital, which began services in 2024, has reportedly conducted around 1,200 surgeries and treated thousands of patients despite lacking mandatory licenses. Allegations include tax evasion amounting to several crores of taka and unauthorized management by politically affiliated doctors expelled from Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) following the July uprising.

Director Zahidul Islam has filed a case in the High Court and appealed to multiple government agencies, including the Directorate General of Health Services and the National Board of Revenue, seeking action against the irregularities. The hospital’s managing director, Dr. Sheikh Muzammel Haque, acknowledged that renewals were delayed due to complications but claimed efforts were underway to update certifications.

Health authorities have stated that the matter will be investigated, particularly how the hospital continues to operate despite an earlier closure order from the Department of Environment. The situation raises questions about regulatory enforcement and accountability within the private healthcare sector.

Bangladesh is observing the International Day of Education 2026 today, Saturday, January 24. The United Nations General Assembly declared January 24 as the International Day of Education on December 3, 2018, recognizing education as the foundation of peace and development. Since then, the Bangladesh National Commission for UNESCO (BNCU) and UNESCO Dhaka have jointly celebrated the day each year. This year’s global theme is “The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education.”

To mark the occasion, BNCU has organized a discussion and cultural program at 11 a.m. at the International Mother Language Institute auditorium in Segunbagicha, Dhaka. Education Adviser and BNCU Chairman Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar will attend as chief guest, with Rehana Parveen, Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division, as special guest, and UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh Susan Vize as guest of honor. The event will be chaired by BNCU Deputy Secretary General Sabvina Monir Chithi.

Ahead of the celebration, a youth dialogue was held on January 20 at the same institute, where students from schools, colleges, madrasas, and universities shared their experiences and ideas on education.

A bank officer named Subir Biswas, aged 30, died after jumping from the roof of an eight-story building in Dhaka’s Badda area on Friday, January 23. The incident occurred at his sister Nipa Barai’s residence in Ekta Society. Subir was a cash officer at Janata Bank’s Siddhirganj branch in Narayanganj. Police confirmed that they recovered his body from in front of the building after receiving a call through the national emergency number. Following legal procedures, the body was sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital morgue around 9 p.m.

According to Subir’s cousin Nirmal Barai, he had been visiting his sister’s home since January 17 or 18. The incident took place around 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Family members stated that they did not know why he took such an action. Subir was the elder of two brothers and the son of Sachin Biswas from Baungati village in Rajoir upazila of Madaripur.

Police have not yet disclosed any motive behind the incident, and the cause remains unknown.

After nearly 60 years of neglect, the Central Jame Mosque of Dhaka University has been renovated under the initiative of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Daksu). The renovation was completed in response to long-standing student demands, and an inaugural prayer ceremony was held on Friday, January 23, following the completion of the work. The event was attended by advisers from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Railways, along with the university’s vice-chancellor and proctor.

According to university sources, no major renovation had taken place in the mosque’s 65-year history. The Daksu-led project included installation of a 110-ton air-conditioning system, improved lighting, two new ablution areas, new carpets, wall painting, expanded prayer space for female students, and a special access path for students with disabilities. The work was coordinated by elected Daksu members Anas Ibn Munir and Mazharul Islam, while donors requested anonymity.

Daksu Vice President Sadiq Kayem stated that the mosque is an integral part of the university’s cultural and religious heritage, and the renovation aims to provide a better environment for students’ spiritual activities.

At least 30 people were injured in a clash between BNP and Jubo Dal activists during an election rally in Austagram upazila of Kishoreganj on Friday evening. The incident occurred in front of Bhatsala village under Kastul Union, reportedly over a dispute about seating arrangements at the rally. The event was organized for BNP-nominated candidate Advocate Fazlur Rahman, who could not attend due to illness.

According to local sources, the conflict began when a procession led by Kastul Union Jubo Dal general secretary Mahbub Alam Kismat arrived at the rally venue. An argument broke out between his supporters and those of Ward No. 2 BNP president Sadeq Mia over chairs, escalating into a violent confrontation. Kismat claimed that Sadeq Mia’s group attacked them, injuring about 20 people, while Sadeq Mia countered that Kismat’s supporters initiated the attack, injuring 8–10 of his men.

Austagram police officer-in-charge Soeb Khan said the situation is now under control, though the exact number of casualties has not been confirmed. Authorities will take legal action upon receiving formal complaints.

Bangladesh inaugurated its first full-fledged specialized dental hospital, the Advanced Dental and Maxillofacial (ADM) Hospital, in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, on Friday, January 23, 2026. The launch event was held at the China Friendship Conference Center. The hospital will provide 24-hour services, including indoor and outdoor care and ICU facilities, supported by over a hundred doctors. It will offer treatment for oral cancer, tumors, jaw surgeries, orthodontics, endodontics, and pediatric dental diseases.

At the inauguration, Bangladesh Medical University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Shahinul Alam praised the initiative as a blessing for patients and emphasized infection control and accreditation. Pro-VC Professor Dr. Mujibur Rahman Howlader noted that the hospital would enhance Bangladesh’s global reputation in dentistry. Russian Embassy representative Khlevnoy Alexendra Alexendravona expressed interest in collaboration and training opportunities. Hospital officials pledged to make ADM a global role model and ensure services for all socioeconomic groups.

The hospital’s leadership highlighted its use of advanced technology and commitment to equitable healthcare, marking a milestone in the country’s dental treatment infrastructure.

A woman named Kaniz Surbana Swarnali, 22, reportedly killed her nine-month-old son by drowning him in water before taking her own life by hanging in Sabekdanga village of Bagerhat Sadar upazila on Friday afternoon. Police recovered both bodies and sent them to Bagerhat 250-bed District Hospital for autopsy. Swarnali was the wife of Jewel Hasan Saddam, president of Bagerhat Sadar Upazila Chhatra League, who is currently imprisoned in Jessore jail in several cases.

According to her brother Shuvo, Swarnali had been suffering from depression due to her husband’s long imprisonment. He said she deeply loved her husband and had been trying to secure his release since his arrest on August 5 following a student-public uprising. Her father, Ruhul Amin Howlader, a Jatiya Party leader, stated that the family did not wish to blame anyone and had requested to take the bodies before autopsy.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Sadar Circle) Md. Shamim Hossain said the cause of death would be confirmed after autopsy. No formal complaint had been filed as of Friday evening, and legal procedures were underway.

Two people were killed in separate incidents in Dhaka on Friday. In Shyampur, Sabuj Khan, 55, a manager at a dyeing company, died after his motorcycle was hit by a speeding pickup van while he was on his way to collect dues. He was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital around 9 a.m., where doctors declared him dead. Police said the vehicle involved has not yet been identified, and efforts are underway to trace it. His body was handed over to family members without an autopsy following a written request.

In another incident in the South Madartek area of Sabujbagh, Pintu, 35, a leguna driver, died by suicide amid ongoing family disputes. Relatives said the incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. at his rented home. Pintu, originally from Sonargaon in Narayanganj, was the youngest of four siblings and the father of one child. He was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital around 4 p.m., where doctors confirmed his death. Police said the body was kept at the hospital morgue and the local station was informed.

Jamaat-e-Islami has alleged incidents of election-related violence and violations of the electoral code of conduct in eight areas of Bangladesh. At a press briefing held on Friday evening at the party’s central office in Moghbazar, Assistant Secretary General and head of the central publicity and media department, Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, urged the government and the Election Commission to ensure adherence to the code and create a level playing field for all parties.

Zubair detailed incidents that reportedly occurred between Thursday night and Friday afternoon, including allegations of bias by an assistant returning officer in Narsingdi-4, intimidation of Jamaat and allied party workers in Gazipur-5, and attacks on female campaigners in Sirajganj’s Ullapara. He also cited cases of vandalism, burning of campaign materials, and obstruction of campaign activities in Habiganj-3, Jhenaidah-4, Faridpur-1, Lakshmipur-3, and Comilla-9.

Addressing postal voting, Zubair said many expatriate voters had not yet received their ballots despite the January 25 deadline. He called for an extension of the postal voting period, citing delays in ballot delivery and activation of QR codes in several countries.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that no political party other than the BNP is capable of advancing the country. He made the remarks on Friday afternoon during an election campaign event at Shol Tohori Bazar in Debipur Union of Thakurgaon Sadar upazila. Fakhrul emphasized that the BNP, symbolized by the paddy sheaf, is the only party that can bring development and described the party as tested and trusted by the people.

He said that the BNP had previously worked for the people when in government and pledged continued support for all citizens regardless of religion. Referring to Sheikh Hasina’s departure, Fakhrul commented that her supporters had been left in difficulty but assured that innocent people would not face harm. He reiterated the party’s commitment to equality, unity, and security for Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians alike.

The event reflected BNP’s ongoing efforts to mobilize grassroots support ahead of upcoming political activities in Thakurgaon and beyond.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman, contesting from Dhaka-17, pledged to address local issues raised by residents during an election rally held on Friday night in the capital’s Vashantek area. Speaking directly with voters including van driver Jewel, garment worker Lili, and student Hena Akter, he promised to solve their problems if elected and if a BNP government is formed. The event drew thousands of residents who expressed agreement with the concerns raised on stage.

Jewel demanded rehabilitation for slum dwellers and repair of damaged roads, while Lili sought a family card program and employment opportunities for educated youth. Hena highlighted the need for improved living conditions in Vashantek to match nearby areas. Tarique Rahman assured that every family would receive a family card providing cash or essential goods if his party came to power.

He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to solving all local problems, emphasizing his personal connection to the constituency and promising to prioritize rehabilitation, employment, and social support for residents.

National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan said that if the 10-party alliance wins the upcoming election, it will ensure good governance and full implementation of reforms. Speaking on Friday evening at a youth festival and cultural event organized by the Dhaka-10 constituency committee at Rabindra Sarobar, Dhanmondi, he warned the Election Commission against conducting another 'mock election' and urged it to ensure a free, fair, and credible vote.

Asif Mahmud criticized a political party for allegedly repeating the oppressive practices of the Awami League over the past 17 years, citing corruption, extortion, and violence. He expressed confidence that voters in Dhaka-10 would reject corrupt and violent leadership and support the alliance’s candidate, Advocate Jasim Uddin Sarkar, symbolized by the balance scale. Jasim Uddin, speaking as a special guest, emphasized the need for a neutral election and equal opportunities for all candidates.

Jasim Uddin also pledged to create employment instead of offering allowances if the alliance comes to power and promised to address local issues such as extortion, gang activity, and public safety through a citizens’ committee.

At least thirteen people were injured on Friday in separate incidents of violence linked to election campaigning across Bangladesh. In Barishal’s Gouranadi upazila, four supporters of BNP’s rebel independent candidate Engineer Abdus Sobhan were hurt in two attacks allegedly carried out by supporters of BNP’s nominated candidate Zahir Uddin Swapon. Police said the clashes began after disputes over campaign slogans, and the situation was later brought under control.

In Munshiganj’s Gazaria upazila, seven people were injured when supporters of independent candidate Md. Mohiuddin clashed with those of BNP candidate Kamruzzaman Ratan during a rally. Both candidates condemned the incident, while police confirmed they were investigating. In Shariatpur’s Damudya upazila, two people were injured in a scuffle between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami supporters in Char Dhankathi area during campaign activities.

The incidents occurred as political tensions rose nationwide with the intensification of campaigning for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election, prompting police deployment in affected areas to maintain order.

BNP Standing Committee member and Dhaka-8 constituency candidate Mirza Abbas said the lack of adequate playgrounds is leading young people astray and increasing addiction to drugs and social media. Speaking to journalists after a friendly football match at Arambagh Balur Math on Friday afternoon, he stated that he would not make election promises but would work to restore playgrounds to foster youth talent development.

Abbas explained that several playgrounds he had previously built were taken over by what he described as a past autocratic government. As a local resident, he emphasized his commitment to reclaiming these spaces for the community. Earlier in the day, he joined Friday prayers at Shahjahanpur Amtala Mosque and took part in campaign activities in Arambagh, Agrani Club Ideal Zone, and Bank Colony Mosque areas.

Later in the evening, Abbas was scheduled to attend the Saraswati Puja celebration at Dhaka University’s Jagannath Hall and exchange views with Hindu devotees at Ramna Kali Temple.