According to the report, multiple diplomatic and political sources claim that India has intensified anti-Bangladesh activities in New Delhi just weeks before Bangladesh’s upcoming parliamentary election. These include press conferences by exiled Awami League leaders, the withdrawal of Indian diplomats from Dhaka, and seminars portraying a supposed rise of Islamic extremism in Bangladesh. A major event is scheduled in Delhi where Sheikh Hasina, described as convicted of crimes against humanity, is expected to appear publicly for the first time since taking refuge in India in August 2024.

Analysts cited in the report argue that Indian policymakers are unwilling to accept an election without the Awami League and are concerned about the growing popularity of Islamic parties. They view Delhi’s actions as attempts to label Bangladesh as fundamentalist and undermine the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The Bangladeshi government has reportedly protested these activities, but the Modi administration has ignored the objections.

Experts warn that the situation could escalate as the election nears, urging vigilance against provocations and calling the developments a serious diplomatic concern.

Akhter Hossen, member secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has called for public cooperation in his campaign for the Rangpur-4 (Kaunia–Pirgacha) constituency in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. In a Facebook post on Wednesday night, he urged citizens to contribute through prayers, donations, and active participation as formal election campaigning begins.

Hossen emphasized that community involvement is vital for his campaign’s success, inviting supporters to assist with logistics such as leaflets, banners, rallies, and social media promotion. He also shared details for financial contributions through bank and mobile payment channels, encouraging even small donations. Additionally, he invited volunteers to join a WhatsApp group to help with online campaigning, including video editing and content creation.

The NCP candidate expressed optimism about his connection with local voters and called on residents of Kaunia–Pirgacha, well-wishers across the country, and expatriates to stand by him in his electoral efforts.

A severe shortage of lighter vessels has caused a major operational crisis at Chattogram port, where more than 85 mother vessels carrying over 300,000 tons of goods are stranded at the outer anchorage. Importers are reportedly paying daily waiting charges of 12,000 to 15,000 dollars per vessel, which is expected to impact consumer prices. Business groups fear the situation could worsen ahead of Ramadan.

Officials said large ships cannot dock directly at the port due to insufficient draft, requiring goods to be unloaded onto smaller lighter vessels for inland transport. Although about 1,500 lighter vessels exist on paper, fewer than 1,000 are active. Around 40 percent of vessels are currently stuck elsewhere, many being used as floating warehouses by fertilizer importers and industrial groups. The Bangladesh Water Transport Coordination Cell (BWTCC) has been unable to meet demand for over a month, intensifying the congestion.

Port authorities have launched enforcement drives against vessels idling for more than 72 hours, while business leaders call for coordinated action among port, transport, and vessel owners to resolve the crisis and prevent further disruption to essential commodity supply.

In Rangpur, political leaders, freedom fighters, and local residents have demanded the arrest of Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader and a ban on his party after he publicly supported the 'No' vote in the upcoming national referendum. The demand followed Quader’s Tuesday press conference at the party’s central office, where he declared his position against the referendum. On Wednesday, leaders from BNP, Jamaat, NCP, and local groups expressed strong reactions, accusing the Jatiya Party of long-standing support for the Awami League and benefiting from past authoritarian regimes.

Local figures, including business leaders and political activists, criticized the Election Commission for allowing the Jatiya Party to participate in the election, calling it a betrayal of the nation. They alleged that the party opposed the July student and public movement and acted in favor of fascism. Regional coordinators and opposition leaders reiterated that Quader’s stance destabilizes the country and urged the interim government to take legal action against him and his party.

Jatiya Party Co-Chairman Mostafizur Rahman Mostafa confirmed that the party would continue to campaign for the 'No' vote in the referendum.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) formally begins its campaign for the 13th parliamentary election today, Thursday, January 22, 2026. Party chairman Tareq Rahman is leading the launch from Sylhet, where he will address a mass rally at 11 a.m. at the historic Sylhet Government Alia Madrasa ground. Before the rally, he will meet young people at the Grand Sylhet Hotel and Resort. Tareq Rahman arrived in Sylhet on Wednesday night with his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman and senior BNP leaders, marking his first visit to his in-laws’ home in 21 years.

The city of Sylhet has been decorated with banners, festoons, and a large stage for the event, while law enforcement has implemented a six-tier security plan. During his stay, Rahman visited the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (R) and Hazrat Shah Paran (R), as well as the grave of Liberation War commander M.A.G. Osmani. BNP sources said the campaign will emphasize positive politics and counter misinformation. Following the Sylhet rally, Rahman will attend several election meetings across Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Brahmanbaria, Kishoreganj, Narsingdi, and Narayanganj before returning to Dhaka tonight.

Dhaka’s Paltan Model Police Station has returned 105 recovered mobile phones to their rightful owners after tracing them through technological means. The handover took place on Tuesday at the station’s conference room, according to Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Media and Public Relations Division, who shared the information on Wednesday.

Police sources said the recovery operations were conducted between December 1, 2025, and January 15, 2026, across various parts of the country. The drives were based on general diary entries filed by phone owners reporting their lost devices. Assistant Police Commissioner Hossain Muhammad Farabi of the Motijheel Zone and ASI Iqbal Hossain of Paltan Model Police Station played active roles in the recovery process.

The initiative highlights the use of technology in tracing lost property and restoring it to citizens, reflecting an ongoing effort by Dhaka Metropolitan Police to enhance public trust and service efficiency.

Mahmudur Rahman Manna, president of Nagorik Oikya, has announced his candidacy from both Bogura-2 and Dhaka-18 constituencies in the upcoming parliamentary election. Although BNP had earlier pledged to leave Bogura-2 for Manna as part of an electoral understanding, the party ultimately nominated its own candidate there. The deadline for withdrawal of nominations has passed, yet no final decision has been made on whether BNP will vacate any seat for Manna, leaving the alliance’s seat-sharing deal unresolved.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir had declared on December 24 that Bogura-2 would be left for Manna, but the returning officer initially rejected his nomination, which was later reinstated by the Election Commission. BNP has nominated Mir Shah Alam for Bogura-2 and SM Jahangir Hossain for Dhaka-18, while Manna’s nominations for both seats remain valid. BNP’s election committee chairman Nazrul Islam Khan said discussions are ongoing to settle the issue.

Nagorik Oikya leaders stated that no recent formal talks have been held with BNP. They expressed frustration that despite earlier assurances, BNP fielded its own candidate in Bogura-2, creating confusion within the opposition alliance.

Bangladesh had earlier informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that it would not play the upcoming T20 World Cup in India, citing security concerns. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) requested to play its matches in Sri Lanka instead, but the ICC, under pressure from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), rejected the proposal. Following a board meeting, the ICC confirmed that Bangladesh must play in India as scheduled or face alternative measures.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) supported Bangladesh’s stance, sending a letter to the ICC endorsing BCB’s request. ESPN Cricinfo reported that the ICC convened a meeting based on this letter but ultimately upheld the original schedule. Other member boards did not support Bangladesh’s position. The ICC reportedly gave BCB until January 21 to review its decision, though the BCB denied receiving any formal deadline.

The T20 World Cup is set to begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka, with Bangladesh scheduled to play three group matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai.

Ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, joint patrol operations by the Bangladesh Navy and police have been strengthened in Charfassion upazila of Bhola to maintain law and order. On Wednesday, the forces conducted daylong and evening patrols across Dakshin Aicha Thana Bazar, Notun Bazar, and Baburhat Bazar areas. During the patrols, officers interacted with traders, residents, and pedestrians, urging public cooperation to preserve a peaceful electoral environment.

Law enforcement officials warned that any attempt to incite violence, intimidation, or unrest related to the election would face strict legal action. The patrol teams also carried out searches of suspicious individuals and vehicles at key market points and advised locals to immediately report any unusual activities to nearby police stations.

Lieutenant Commander Rafayet Bin Ferdous stated that the joint patrols would continue regularly in major markets, crowded zones, and vulnerable areas of Charfassion until the election concludes, emphasizing that any attempt to spread rumors or provoke disorder would be firmly suppressed.

Rajshahi Warriors secured a 12-run victory over Sylhet Titans in the second qualifier, earning a place in the final against Chattogram Royals. The match took place in Mirpur, where Rajshahi posted 165 runs for 9 wickets, thanks to resilient innings from Kane Williamson, who scored 45 not out off 38 balls, and Jimmy Neesham, who added 44 off 26 balls. In reply, Sylhet Titans were restricted to 153 for 8 in 20 overs.

Sylhet’s chase faltered early, losing wickets at regular intervals despite a 48-run effort from opener Parvez Hossain Emon and 37 from Sam Billings. Rajshahi’s Binura Fernando delivered a match-winning bowling performance, taking 4 wickets for 19 runs and earning the player of the match award. Salman Irshad was the most successful bowler for Sylhet, claiming 3 wickets for 23 runs.

With this win, Rajshahi Warriors will face Chattogram Royals in the tournament final, scheduled for tomorrow at 6 p.m. at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has added nine new members, including four women, to its National Election Steering Committee. The decision was made on Wednesday night at a meeting held at the party’s central office in Moghbazar, Dhaka. The new members are former secretary Dr. Khondaker Kh M Kabirul Islam, Dr. Khalilur Rahman Madani, Oli Ullah Noman, Shahidul Islam, Dr. Anwarul Azim, Nurunnisa Siddika, Saeeda Rumman, Dr. Habiba Chowdhury Sweet, and Ayesha Siddika Parveen.

The meeting was chaired by Assistant Secretary General and Committee President ATM Masum, with Member Secretary and Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim conducting the session. Other committee members were also present. Discussions covered the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and a planned referendum, as well as the activities of various committees and subcommittees. The meeting finalized the election campaign schedule starting from January 22.

According to a press release from Jamaat’s central publicity department, the decisions and new appointments were part of preparations for the upcoming national polls.

In Sitakunda’s Jungle Salimpur area of Chattogram, the prime accused in the murder of RAB Deputy Assistant Director Abdul Motaleb, identified as Yasin, has reappeared publicly and issued threats against law enforcement. During a self-styled press conference at his den on Wednesday afternoon, Yasin warned that no one could enter the area without providing him with a list of suspects and demanded that RAB members be tried for entering without his permission. He also blamed BNP candidate Lion Aslam Chowdhury for the RAB officer’s death.

According to the report, Yasin held the press event at his old office in Alinagar, attended by several online journalists. He accused his rival Rokon Uddin of involvement in the killing and alleged that Aslam Chowdhury was backing him. Yasin also made derogatory remarks about former Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Muminul Haque, claiming that the administration must inform him before any arrests in Jungle Salimpur.

Yasin asserted that no one could evict him from the area, warning that any administrative action without his consent would lead to consequences.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has called for policy-driven politics instead of mutual mudslinging among political parties. Speaking at a meeting with the newly elected executive committee of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) at his Gulshan office on Wednesday, he emphasized constructive debate on development policies and solutions as the path forward for the country.

Rahman presented BNP’s vision for building a modern Bangladesh, highlighting plans to make Dhaka a livable city by addressing traffic congestion and urban challenges with input from local and foreign experts. He mentioned initiatives such as family and agriculture cards, satellite cities connected to Dhaka by train, and restoring the Buriganga River. He also pledged improvements in agriculture, education, and health, and reaffirmed BNP’s commitment to food self-sufficiency and a humane state.

He further stated that under a BNP government, the media would enjoy full freedom and journalists’ safety would be ensured. Rahman praised DRU’s neutrality and consistent elections, and accepted an invitation to attend its upcoming family gathering on January 30.

Bangladesh Bank has decided to provide a 4 percent annual profit rate to depositors of five banks currently undergoing a merger process for the years 2024 and 2025. The central bank communicated this decision to the administrators of the five banks through an official letter issued on Wednesday. This move replaces an earlier decision to suspend profit payments for the same period, which had sparked strong dissatisfaction among depositors.

According to a directive from the Bank Regulation Department, the earlier suspension of profit on fixed-term deposits under the Islamic Bank Company formation and expansion regulations has been reconsidered. The revision came following appeals from depositors and to maintain normal banking operations. Under the new decision, the 4 percent profit rate will apply to personal (non-institutional) deposits from January 1, 2024, to December 28, 2025.

Banks have been instructed to recalculate deposit balances as of the last working day of 2025 and submit revised statements to the central bank within three working days. If any depositor has already received a higher profit, the excess will be adjusted against future earnings, while previous instructions remain valid for deposits not covered by the new decision.

Fresh allegations have surfaced that some officials of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications are using their influence over affiliated agencies to secure foreign trips funded by those agencies. Questions have arisen within the administration and policymaking circles about the legality of such trips, as they are conducted without ministry budget allocations. The issue has drawn sharp criticism following recent visits to Azerbaijan and Germany by ministry officials whose expenses were covered by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).

Documents show that two ministry officials received about USD 3,816 each for the Azerbaijan trip, funded from BTRC’s 2025–26 foreign expenditure account. Another controversy emerged when an administrative joint secretary joined a technical inspection trip to Germany, raising doubts about his role in a specialized engineering task. Insiders claim that ministry pressure determines who gets nominated for foreign travel, leaving agencies dependent and constrained.

Officials from the ministry and BTRC defended the trips, citing knowledge sharing and contractual obligations. However, critics argue that such practices violate government circulars restricting foreign travel before the upcoming national election, highlighting a widening gap between official directives and actual conduct.