Police detained two young men carrying weapons at an election rally of Jamaat-e-Islami’s nominated candidate Haji Enayet Ullah in Dhaka-7 constituency. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon in the capital’s Chawkbazar area during the rally organized in support of the candidate. According to local Jamaat leader Md. Anisur Rahman, the event was arranged by a business association at Moulvibazar Tower.

During the gathering, reports emerged that three youths were attempting to enter a nearby building with locally made weapons. Party activists, with the help of security guards, managed to capture two of them and informed the police. Officers from Chawkbazar Police Station then arrived at the scene and took the detained individuals, along with the weapons, into custody.

A duty officer at Chawkbazar Police Station stated that the identities of the detainees and their motives for carrying weapons are being verified. The investigation is ongoing, and further details will be disclosed after completion. Legal action will be taken based on the findings.

Independent candidate Advocate Habibur Rahman Habib, recently expelled from the BNP, began his election campaign for the Gopalganj-3 constituency (Tungipara–Kotalipara) by paying respects at the gate of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s tomb in Tungipara, Gopalganj. The event took place around noon on Thursday, January 22, 2026, after he was denied permission to enter the mausoleum premises. From the site’s third gate, he officially launched his campaign under the football symbol.

Habibur Rahman, formerly a member of the Gopalganj district BNP convening committee, was expelled from the party the previous night for refusing to withdraw his candidacy. Following the tomb visit, he conducted public outreach at the Tungipara Upazila Parishad grounds and Patgati bus stand, seeking votes and outlining his political goals. Speaking to journalists, he said he began his campaign with deep respect for the Father of the Nation and emphasized his commitment to work for local welfare and justice.

The incident underscores the symbolic importance of the Gopalganj-3 seat, which includes the resting place of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and marks the start of Habibur Rahman’s independent political journey.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has approved a chargesheet against Naeemul Islam Khan, former press secretary to ousted Prime Minister Hasina, and his wife Nasima Khan Monty for failing to submit their asset statements. The approval was granted on Thursday, January 22, 2026. ACC Deputy Director and Public Relations Officer Md. Akhtarul Islam confirmed the development, stating that the accused ignored multiple legal notices to comply with the directive.

According to the ACC, its investigation found inconsistencies between the couple’s known income sources and their accumulated wealth. Under the ACC Act, they were instructed to submit detailed asset statements within a specified period. However, both failed to do so within the original and extended deadlines. Following this noncompliance, a case was filed against them, and after investigation, the chargesheet was finalized and approved.

The approval marks a formal step in the legal process, paving the way for potential court proceedings against the former government official and his spouse.

Bangladesh’s interim government has sent a message to New Delhi regarding statements made by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in exile in India since being ousted in the July revolution. Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain said Bangladesh does not expect any political statements from Hasina while she remains in India. He made the remarks in a recent interview with BBC India, where he discussed bilateral relations and ongoing tensions between the two neighbors.

Hossain emphasized that despite misunderstandings or discomfort, maintaining good relations between Bangladesh and India is crucial due to geographic and economic factors. He noted that after Hasina’s fall, border tensions and diplomatic summonses strained ties, prompting India to withdraw families of its diplomats from Bangladesh. The adviser also said Bangladesh never comments on India’s internal issues, including minority rights, and expects India to follow the same principle.

Hossain further stated that the previous Hasina government had deliberately worsened relations with Pakistan, but the current administration seeks friendly ties with both India and Pakistan.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman began his election campaign in Sylhet on Thursday, wearing a white shirt, blue jeans, and sneakers. Before starting his campaign, he visited the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (R.) and Hazrat Shah Paran (R.), following the tradition of his parents, late President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia. The campaign launch included a large gathering at Aliya Madrasa field, where he introduced BNP candidates for 11 constituencies in Sylhet and Sunamganj.

Earlier, Rahman spent Wednesday night at his in-laws’ home in South Surma’s Birahimpur, where he visited family graves and shared a traditional meal, ‘Akhni,’ with around 12,000 party members and guests. His wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, was present and shared a ceremonial cake-cutting moment with him.

During the day, Rahman also attended a youth policy dialogue titled “The Plan: Youth Policy Talk with Tarique Rahman,” engaging with students from 19 higher education institutions on health, education, agriculture, and employment. He emphasized environmental conservation, calling for increased tree planting and preservation of rivers and wetlands.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch (DB-Lalbagh Division) arrested an alleged arms dealer named Md. Azgar Ali, also known as Bhola, aged 55, from the Shyampur area of the capital on Thursday, January 22, 2026. The arrest took place during a special operation in the West Dholai Par area, where police recovered two illegal foreign pistols, four magazines, and 21 rounds of ammunition from his possession.

According to DB-Lalbagh sources, the operation began around 1 p.m. after receiving a tip-off that an armed individual was entering Dhaka through the Dhaka-Mawa Highway on a passenger bus. Acting on the information, the police team took position near Dholai Par roundabout, stopped the bus upon arrival, and conducted a search. The suspect was found carrying the illegal weapons and ammunition.

Police sources confirmed that Azgar Ali has previous cases filed against him under the Arms Act at Khilgaon Police Station and under the Narcotics Control Act at Savar Police Station.

Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC held a meeting of its Board of Directors on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the Islami Bank Tower in Dhaka. The meeting was chaired by the bank’s Chairman, Professor Dr. M. Zubaidur Rahman.

According to the report, the session was attended by Executive Committee Chairman Mohammad Khurshid Wahab, Audit Committee Chairman Md. Abdus Salam, FCA, FCS, Risk Management Committee Chairman Professor Dr. M. Masud Rahman, Independent Director Md. Abdul Jalil, Managing Director Md. Omar Faruk Khan, and Company Secretary Md. Habibur Rahman. The article did not specify the agenda or outcomes of the meeting.

The report focused on the participation of key board members, highlighting the bank’s continued governance activities through regular board sessions held at its headquarters.

The Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) has announced that all spinning mills across the country will be closed indefinitely from February 1, 2026, if the Ministry of Commerce’s recommendations are not implemented promptly. The announcement was made by BTMA President Shawkat Aziz Russell during an emergency press conference at the association’s Karwan Bazar office in Dhaka. The organization claimed that the textile industry is facing a severe crisis due to the government’s inaction and lack of effective measures.

Russell stated that the sector, which contributes 13 percent to the national GDP, has reached a state of emergency. He warned that if the recommendations are ignored, mill owners will be unable to repay bank loans, potentially triggering a financial crisis and labor unrest. BTMA reported that most mills are operating at only 60 percent capacity, with around 50 large factories already closed.

The Ministry of Commerce has recommended withdrawing bond facilities on yarn imports of 10 to 30 counts to protect local producers. BTMA has demanded a 10 percent incentive on yarn, the imposition of safeguard duties, and urgent policy support to save the textile, RMG, and accessories sectors.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Office reported that the intensity of cold has decreased across the country in the latter half of January 2026. Although the first 14 days of the month saw continuous cold waves, no such conditions have been present in recent days. Meteorologist Afroza Sultana stated on Thursday, January 22, that reduced fog, weaker northwesterly winds, and increased humidity have caused temperatures to rise, making the cold less perceptible.

She explained that with less fog, sunlight is reaching the ground more directly, raising daytime temperatures. The flow of cold and dry air from the northwest has been very weak, preventing the formation of new cold waves. While Dhaka and other regions have experienced milder weather, northern areas still feel colder in the early mornings. Currently, mild cold waves persist in Panchagarh and Kurigram districts.

According to the forecast, widespread cold waves are unlikely for the rest of the month, though isolated mild cold spells may occur in a few places. A brief mild cold wave could return in early February.

Bangladesh and Japan have signed the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, under which Bangladeshi ready-made garments will receive duty-free access to the Japanese market. The announcement was made by Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam at a press conference held on Thursday, January 22, at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka. He described the agreement as a landmark step for Bangladesh’s trade relations.

According to the press secretary, the agreement will allow 7,379 Bangladeshi products to enter Japan duty-free, while Japan will gain immediate tariff-free access for 1,039 of its products in Bangladesh. He emphasized that this is the first time Bangladesh, as a least developed country, has signed such an agreement with the world’s fourth-largest economy. The deal is expected to open new opportunities for Bangladesh’s trade with other countries as well.

The press secretary highlighted that the biggest benefit for Bangladesh will be the duty-free entry of its largest export sector, the ready-made garment industry, into the Japanese market.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman formally launched his election campaign on Thursday, January 22, 2026, through a rally in Dhaka-15 constituency. Addressing supporters, he declared that the country should no longer see the shadow of fascism and warned that any return to such rule would face consequences similar to the past. He said Jamaat would not tolerate vote rigging and emphasized justice as the foundation for ending corruption and money laundering.

During the rally, Rahman criticized the Awami League era for alleged misuse of power, mentioning the creation of 'Ainaghar' where even army officers were not spared. He stated that people were eager to make the “Yes” side victorious in the upcoming referendum. He handed over the coalition symbol, the balance scale, to candidates of the 10-party alliance contesting in Dhaka constituencies.

Rahman pledged to improve public services in Dhaka-15, including establishing quality hospitals and upgrading educational institutions. Alliance candidate Nahid Islam from Dhaka-11 warned that the February 12 election must be fair, urging the Election Commission to act neutrally.

Bangladeshi singer and Bangladesh Cricket Board director Asif Akbar recently shared a Facebook post extending his best wishes to Monirul Haque Chowdhury, the BNP candidate for Cumilla-6 in the upcoming 13th national election. Alongside his message, Asif posted an emotional recollection about the late Begum Khaleda Zia, explaining why she had contested from the same constituency during the 2007 election.

In his post, Asif wrote that Khaleda Zia became the candidate for Cumilla Sadar-6 on January 22, 2007, following the death of former MP Colonel Akbar Hossain, which left the BNP short of a candidate. He said he personally purchased the nomination paper and proposed her candidacy to the party’s election board, believing the seat would influence ten other constituencies in the district. Asif also mentioned that Khaleda Zia had personal ties to Cumilla, having started her married life at the Cumilla Cantonment.

Asif praised Monirul Haque Chowdhury as a capable administrator and expressed hope that he would unite Cumilla BNP with an educated generation and free it from extortion, bringing peace to city residents.

A Dhaka court has ordered the imprisonment of Syed Abed Ali Jibon, a retired driver of the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (PSC), following the end of his remand in a corruption case. The order was issued on Thursday, January 22, 2026, by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md. Sabbir Foyez. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) assistant director Al Amin requested that the accused be kept in jail after his remand ended, and the court granted the request.

According to the remand petition, the ACC filed the case under the Anti-Corruption Commission Act and the Money Laundering Act after investigating allegations that Abed Ali had acquired wealth inconsistent with his known income. The investigation also found evidence of suspicious banking transactions involving several individuals, including government officials such as Md. Zakaria Rahman. The report further stated that Abed Ali, despite being a PSC driver, was involved with an organized question leak syndicate.

The court’s decision follows a three-day remand granted on January 15, 2026, as part of the ongoing investigation into the corruption and money laundering allegations.

NCP convener Nahid Islam has criticized BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman’s announcement to provide family cards and flats for slum dwellers, saying people want a safe life, not such promises. He made the remarks on Thursday afternoon at a public rally organized by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in Dhaka-15 constituency. Nahid Islam questioned who would actually benefit from the proposed family card worth 2,000 to 3,000 taka and alleged that corruption could affect its distribution.

He accused BNP of nominating loan defaulters and warned that such candidates might misuse public funds if elected. Describing the flat pledge as a signal of eviction for slum dwellers, he said they prefer safety and justice over false assurances. Nahid Islam emphasized that elections must be fair and transparent, with no special privileges for any party, and reminded the Election Commission of its responsibility.

Calling the upcoming election both a contest and a referendum, he urged voters to support justice and equality by voting “yes” in the referendum and to continue resisting fascism and extortion.

A Muslim housewife was allegedly gang-raped while visiting a Hindu home in Dhamrai, Dhaka, according to local reports published on January 22, 2026. The attackers also reportedly took away her gold ornaments. Police confirmed visiting the scene but said no formal complaint had been filed as the victim has gone into hiding out of fear and shame.

Nur Alam Siddiqui, in charge of the local investigation center, stated that evidence of robbery was found but no rape complaint had been received. Dhamrai Police Station Officer-in-Charge Nazmul Huda Khan also confirmed that no complaint had been lodged, though some evidence of looting was verified. The incident allegedly occurred when driver Md. Abdur Razzak and his wife, visiting from Manikganj, stayed overnight at the home of a colleague in Dhamrai.

Local residents said several accused men fled after the incident became known. A union parishad member reported that police questioned some suspects but the absence of the victim has complicated the investigation.