Feni-2 constituency’s BNP candidate Zainal Abedin stated that he has not yet taken a clear position regarding the upcoming referendum. Speaking to journalists on Friday, January 23, during his campaign in Feni Municipality’s Wards 1 and 2, the former member of parliament said he does not have a definite idea about whether to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’. He added that the final decision would depend on the party’s central leadership.

Abedin emphasized that there is no personal gain or pressure involved in the referendum issue. He expressed confidence that people would vote for the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol on February 12, claiming that such support could bring a change in the nation’s fate. He also asserted that the BNP would come to power with around 78 percent of the votes.

He recalled his long-standing political involvement in Feni, noting that he served as vice president of Feni Government College before the formation of the Awami League and has always considered Feni-2 his political base.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer and former Member of Parliament Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher alleged that a political party aims to gain power by selling Bangladesh to India. He made the remarks on Friday afternoon at an election rally held at Dhorokra School field in Chauddagram upazila, where he also claimed that the government’s family card program is fake and violates electoral conduct rules.

At the same event, NCP’s southern region chief organizer Hasnat Abdullah emphasized the importance of freedom of expression and dissent, warning of the return of fascism. Former central president of Islami Chhatra Shibir Zahidul Islam urged supporters to learn from the past and hand over troublemakers to the police instead of resorting to violence. Several local Jamaat and allied leaders also addressed the gathering.

The rally reflected Jamaat’s criticism of government initiatives and its call for vigilance among supporters ahead of the upcoming elections.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has pledged that his party will prioritize youth employment, agricultural and infrastructure development, and the rehabilitation of slum dwellers if it returns to power. He made these commitments on Friday night at an election rally in Dhaka’s Vashantek area, emphasizing the need to rebuild national institutions weakened under autocratic rule and to ensure accountability through elected representatives.

Rahman outlined several initiatives, including a special card and easy loan facilities for farmers, as well as training and education programs to develop skilled manpower among youth. He also promised employment opportunities and a family card program for women, alongside effective measures to improve the living standards of slum residents. Addressing the crowd, he urged citizens to elect representatives who would listen to public concerns and work toward solutions.

The rally was attended by senior BNP leaders, including his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman, Nazrul Islam Khan, and other party officials. Before his speech, Rahman spoke with local residents from various professions and assured them that their problems would be addressed if his party came to power.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh has withdrawn from the 11-party alliance, citing fundamental policy differences regarding the implementation of Sharia law. The party’s Amir, Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, announced the decision on Friday afternoon during an election campaign rally at Kanchpur Balur Math in Sonargaon, Narayanganj. He said a self-interested party within the alliance had deceived Islami Andolan with dreams of power but would not establish Sharia-based governance even if it came to power.

Rezaul Karim stated that the party could not compromise on its principles and that true freedom and rights for the people could only be ensured under Sharia rule. He emphasized that Islami Andolan would now move forward independently, without relying on any coalition. During the rally, he urged local voters to support Golam Masih, the Islami Andolan candidate for Narayanganj-3 (Sonargaon-Siddhirganj), and vote for the “hand fan” symbol.

The event was presided over by Faruk Ahmed Munshi, president of Sonargaon Thana Islami Andolan, and attended by district and upazila-level leaders of the party and its affiliated organizations.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch (DB) has arrested another shooter in connection with the killing of volunteer leader Azizur Rahman Mushabbir in Tejgaon. The arrest took place early Friday in Narsingdi district, where the suspect, identified as Abdur Rahim, was detained along with two foreign pistols, two magazines, and 12 rounds of ammunition. DB officials said Rahim admitted during preliminary questioning to directly participating in the murder. With this arrest, a total of five suspects have now been detained in the case.

Earlier, on January 11, DB had arrested three others, including shooter Jinnat and alleged planner Billal. Investigators are currently verifying information provided by the detainees to identify the motive, financial transactions, and those who ordered the killing. According to police, the murder occurred on January 7 around 8 p.m. near Hotel Super Star in West Tejturi Para, when armed assailants on motorcycles opened fire on Mushabbir.

Mushabbir, who was the member secretary of Dhaka North Volunteer Team and joint secretary of the central committee, died after being taken to hospital. His companion, Abu Sufian Bepari Masud, was also shot and remains under treatment.

Bangladesh advanced to the Super Four stage of the Under-19 World Cup after defeating the United States by seven wickets in their final group match. The match, held in Harare, saw the U.S. bat first and post 199 runs in 50 overs under pressure from Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling attack. In reply, Bangladesh reached the target in 41.3 overs, losing only three wickets and finishing with 51 balls to spare.

The victory was crucial for Bangladesh, as they needed a win to qualify for the Super Four. Iqbal Hossain Imon led the bowling with three wickets, while three other bowlers took two each. In the chase, openers Jawad Abrar and Rifat Beg built a 78-run partnership before captain Azizul Hakim guided the team home with a composed 64-run innings. Kalam Siddiqui and Rizan remained unbeaten to seal the win.

With this result, Bangladesh’s Under-19 team continues its campaign in the Super Four, maintaining strong momentum from the group stage.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman announced that his party would implement the Teesta mega project in northern Bangladesh if elected in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. He made the declaration on Friday at a campaign rally organized by the 10-party alliance at Rangpur Public Library ground, emphasizing that reviving the Teesta River would restore life to the northern region.

During his speech, Dr. Rahman criticized what he described as 17 years of oppressive rule and alleged widespread corruption, killings, and disappearances. He said Jamaat leaders and activists had been persecuted and vowed to build a corruption-free and just Bangladesh. He also rejected the idea of unemployment allowances, instead promising to create employment opportunities for both men and women based on merit and dignity.

Dr. Rahman outlined three conditions for joining his political movement: zero tolerance for corruption, ensuring justice without interference, and abandoning what he called 54 years of failed politics. He pledged to transform northern Bangladesh into an agro-industrial hub and establish an agricultural university if necessary.

BNP National Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said Bangladesh’s democracy has been freed and people have regained their ownership. Speaking at an election campaign rally in Surajpur-Manikpur Union of Chakaria on January 23, he called on citizens to exercise their voting rights freely on February 12 to strengthen democracy. He warned that fascism must never return and that the rise of undemocratic forces would bring consequences for all.

Ahmed stated that the BNP has long struggled to establish voting rights for the people and remains committed to building a strong democratic Bangladesh in line with the aspirations of martyrs, students, and citizens. He described BNP as the driving force behind the country’s development, progress, and prosperity, urging voters to support the party’s symbol, the paddy sheaf, in the upcoming election.

Later that day, at another rally in Baraithali Union, he criticized the Awami League, calling it a “mafia party” and a force against Bangladesh, and emphasized the importance of farmers and the poor for national strength.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman called on citizens to elect their own representatives through voting to establish democracy and rebuild national institutions. Speaking at an election rally in Vashantek on Friday, January 23, 2026, he said that after the fall of autocracy, the country must now focus on reconstruction. He emphasized accountability and the need for elected representatives to address public problems directly.

Before his speech, Rahman interacted with residents of Vashantek, including rickshaw pullers, homemakers, slum dwellers, and students, discussing local issues. He assured them that if elected and in power, the BNP would work to solve these problems. Rahman outlined plans for special cards and loans for farmers, training and education programs for youth to enhance employment opportunities, and initiatives to empower women through job creation and family cards.

He expressed hope that future representatives would engage directly with citizens, listen to their concerns, and ensure solutions through democratic accountability.

An IT Training and Incubation Center under the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority was inaugurated in Meherpur on Friday. Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant (Consensus) Monir Haidar said the center would be highly effective in developing skilled manpower for the IT sector and open new opportunities for local youth. He urged residents to make the best use of the facility.

Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications and ICT, Fayez Ahmad Tayyeb, stated that the center aims to develop a startup ecosystem. He outlined three main objectives: supporting local entrepreneurs and small IT-based businesses with infrastructure to grow as startups, providing training in freelancing, e-commerce, and ICT skills to create quality employment, and bridging the gap between academia and industry. The center will feature a modern computer lab, startup space, incubation facilities, and a 150-seat auditorium.

All training programs will be verified by the National Skill Development Authority (NSDA) to ensure national and international recognition. The inauguration was attended by officials from government and private institutions, including the Vice-Chancellor of Meherpur University and local dignitaries.

Bangladesh delivered a dominant 9–1 victory over Pakistan in the ongoing SAFF Women's Futsal Championship in Thailand. The match, held at Nonthaburi Stadium in Bangkok, saw captain Sabina Khatun score four goals, while Krishna Rani Sarkar and Naushin Jahan each netted twice, and Yamin Nila added one. With this win, Bangladesh remained unbeaten after five matches, securing four wins and one draw to collect 13 points and maintain their lead at the top of the standings.

Bangladesh began their campaign with a 3–1 win against India, followed by a 3–3 draw with Bhutan. They then defeated Nepal 3–0 and Sri Lanka 6–2 before routing Pakistan. The tournament follows a round-robin format, with the top team crowned champion. Bangladesh’s final match is scheduled against the Maldives on Sunday.

Captain Sabina Khatun expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance and urged supporters to pray for a strong finish in their last match to bring joy to the nation.

Political scientist and CPD honorary fellow Dr. Rounaq Jahan has said that the current social environment in Bangladesh is somewhat intolerant, which is unfavorable for the upcoming national election. Speaking on Friday at the inauguration of a debate competition organized by Debate for Democracy at FDC, she warned of possible violence during the polls and urged political parties to act responsibly to avoid unrest.

Dr. Jahan emphasized that the Election Commission, administration, and law enforcement agencies must take prior preparations, while citizens should remain vigilant to protect their rights. She noted that one major political party is unable to participate in the election and might attempt to make it controversial. She also stated that foreign interference in Bangladesh’s election is unacceptable and that political parties should prevent such opportunities.

Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron said the upcoming election should restore people’s voting rights and democracy, not merely change power. He called for rational, objective political competition and warned that recent clashes between BNP and Jamaat supporters could fuel uncertainty and invite external interference.

BNP leader Tabith Awal, known as the 'people’s mayor' of Dhaka North City Corporation, conducted extensive campaigning on Friday in support of engineer Sanjida Islam Tuli, the BNP candidate for Dhaka-14 constituency. He visited various streets, markets, and homes in Mirpur’s Lalkuthi area, urging residents to vote for the 'sheaf of paddy' symbol and ensure Tuli’s victory.

During the campaign, Awal described Tuli as a compassionate, courageous, and rights-focused leader, highlighting her role as founder and coordinator of 'Mayer Dak', an organization supporting oppressed and deprived people. He said BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman had placed trust in her leadership and called on voters to do the same for the development of Dhaka-14. Tuli pledged to transform the constituency into a model area with improvements in civic amenities, safety, education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment.

A large number of BNP leaders and activists joined the campaign, creating a festive atmosphere. Local residents reportedly responded positively, expressing support for Tuli and hopes for change in the upcoming election.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman announced that his party would work to reduce unemployment if it comes to power. He made the statement on Friday evening during a public rally at the BRP field in Vashantek, located in his Dhaka-17 constituency. The event drew a large crowd of supporters and local residents who gathered well before the rally began.

According to the report, the BRP field and surrounding areas were filled with people from the afternoon, awaiting Rahman’s arrival. Party leaders, activists, and general voters assembled carrying the BNP’s election symbol, the paddy sheaf, and chanted slogans throughout the area. The rally reflected strong local enthusiasm for the BNP’s campaign activities in Dhaka-17.

The report also mentioned that the gathering was part of the party’s broader election efforts, with related political activities and alliances being discussed among opposition groups.

Aparna Roy, the BNP’s Assistant Secretary for Marginal Human Resource Development, has called on everyone to work for and vote in favor of the party’s 'Sheaf of Paddy' symbol in the upcoming national parliamentary election. She made the appeal on Friday at the Kochi-Kanchar Mela auditorium in Segunbagicha, Dhaka, during a festival and special discussion organized for the deaf community.

During her speech, Aparna Roy said that if the BNP forms the next government, she would request the party’s chairman, Tarique Rahman, to ensure the inclusion of sign language, technical training, special facilities, and healthcare services for the deaf community in national development programs. The event was presided over by Md. Alam, a lifetime member of the Bangladesh National Deaf Organization, and attended by several organizational representatives and cultural figures.

The gathering reflected BNP’s outreach efforts toward marginalized groups ahead of the national election, emphasizing inclusion and participation in the party’s development agenda.