Emerging women leaders in Bangladesh are facing escalating cyber harassment and AI-driven defamation as the national election approaches. Reports from multiple political parties indicate that female candidates are being targeted through online abuse, fake videos, and manipulated content aimed at silencing their voices. Leaders from the National Change Party (NCP), BNP, and other groups described organized campaigns of cyberbullying, sexual harassment, and threats, often involving AI-generated obscene materials. Victims claim that despite filing complaints, law enforcement responses remain inadequate.

According to data cited in the report, over 60,000 women sought help from the Police Cyber Support for Women by September 2024, with many cases involving doxing, hacking, and blackmail. UN Women’s 2025 report found that 66 percent of Bangladeshi women received abusive or threatening messages online. Academics and rights advocates warn that the misuse of AI and social media is eroding women’s participation in politics, as female candidacy rates have dropped from 4.86 percent in 2024 to 3.7 percent in 2026.

Experts and activists urge stronger enforcement of cybercrime laws, institutional reforms within political parties, and collaboration with digital platforms to curb AI-based harassment and protect women’s political engagement.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is observing the 91st birth anniversary of its founder and former president Ziaur Rahman on January 19, 2026. The two-day program includes floral tributes and prayers at his grave, flag hoisting at party offices nationwide, and special discussions and prayer meetings at district and local levels. A central discussion will be held at the Institution of Diploma Engineers Bangladesh auditorium in Dhaka, where senior BNP leaders and prominent figures will speak. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir issued a statement highlighting Ziaur Rahman’s patriotism, honesty, and leadership, calling him a model of moral character and urging unity to restore democracy and human rights.

The report recalls Ziaur Rahman’s life and political legacy, noting his role as a sector commander in the Liberation War, his presidency from 1977 until his assassination in 1981, and his founding of the BNP in 1978. Historian Dr. Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan stated that attempts during Awami League rule to erase Zia’s legacy failed, and his contributions to Bangladesh’s economy, nationalism, and diplomacy remain significant.

The programs aim to honor Ziaur Rahman’s contributions to Bangladesh’s political and economic development and reaffirm his ideological influence within the BNP.

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has announced an urgent press conference to protest the validation of nominations of dual citizens and loan defaulters in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The organization’s office secretary, Shahadat Hossain, confirmed in a late-night message on Sunday that the briefing will take place at 2 p.m. Monday, January 19, at Dhaka University’s Madhur Canteen. Details of the movement’s next programs will be disclosed at the event.

Earlier, Jamaat-e-Islami accused the Election Commission (EC) of bias in declaring nomination papers valid or invalid concerning dual citizenship and loan default issues. Following a meeting with the Chief Adviser, Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher told reporters that the EC’s inconsistent decisions on similar cases raise questions about its neutrality.

The student group’s press conference is expected to outline protest actions in response to these developments, reflecting growing scrutiny over the EC’s handling of candidate eligibility.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has resolved most disputes over dual citizenship among parliamentary candidates ahead of the 13th national election scheduled for February 12. Although several nominations were initially canceled by returning officers, the EC reinstated the candidacy of 21 out of 24 individuals after appeals, while three were rejected and one remains pending. The commission adopted a flexible approach, accepting proof of citizenship renunciation applications, affidavits, and fee submissions as sufficient for validation.

A total of 2,568 nomination papers were submitted for the election, with 723 initially rejected. The EC received 645 appeals and held nine days of hearings, approving 422 and rejecting 195. Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin stated that the hearings were conducted impartially. The final day for candidate withdrawal is January 20, followed by symbol allocation and campaign commencement.

Separately, a citizen named Mamun Hawlader filed a complaint alleging that the EC’s acceptance of renunciation applications without full legal completion violates constitutional and Supreme Court directives, raising questions about the commission’s legal authority to reconsider appeal decisions.

The Bangladesh government has launched multiple measures to keep essential commodity prices stable ahead of the upcoming Ramadan. According to Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin, preparations for supply and market management are satisfactory, with import letters of credit exceeding last year’s levels. The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has reduced import duties on dates by 40 percent, lowering the rate from 25 to 15 percent until March 31, and removed VAT on several daily essentials including mustard oil, flour, lentils, LPG, biscuits, salt, and spices.

The NBR has also halved advance income tax on fruit imports from 10 to 5 percent, maintaining a 50 percent rebate introduced last year. Market visits show lower prices for chicken, beef, mutton, sugar, onions, and potatoes compared to last year. Residents and traders in Dhaka report improved affordability, crediting government oversight and increased imports. The Department of Agricultural Marketing’s data indicates that prices of 20 key agricultural products have fallen since the 2024 mass uprising, with notable declines in potatoes, onions, garlic, and pulses.

Officials and traders expect further price reductions before Ramadan if current monitoring and supply conditions continue.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has given the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) until January 21 to make a final decision on the country’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup. According to a report by ESPNcricinfo citing ICC sources, the deadline was set following a meeting held in Dhaka on Saturday. The BCB’s official statement after the meeting did not mention this timeline, but the ICC is reportedly waiting for Bangladesh’s confirmation.

The uncertainty centers on whether Bangladesh will travel to India or play their matches in Sri Lanka. If Bangladesh decides not to tour India for the tournament, the ICC will select an alternative team. Based on current rankings, Scotland could receive the World Cup spot in that scenario.

The decision, expected by Wednesday, will determine Bangladesh’s participation and finalize the tournament lineup, which has drawn significant attention from cricket fans awaiting clarity on the issue.

BNP’s student wing leaders have accused Jamaat-e-Islami and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) of forming mobs to influence the Election Commission’s decisions. At a press briefing held on Sunday, January 18, in front of the Election Commission building, Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir alleged that since August 5, Jamaat and NCP have repeatedly mobilized crowds to force changes in commission decisions. He urged the commission to act independently and not yield to mob pressure.

Nasir also criticized the Election Commission’s handling of postal ballots, describing it as poor management. He claimed that postal ballots were found in the homes of Jamaat and Shibir members, and that the commission itself admitted to management shortcomings. Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib added that the Shahjalal University student union election had been postponed until February 12 following a ministry directive, but the commission later reversed that decision. He said the commission had been informed of their position and would discuss the matter.

The statements reflect ongoing tensions between student political groups and the Election Commission over electoral management and decision-making transparency.

The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) has reported that the printing and distribution of free textbooks for the current academic year are nearly complete across all levels. According to the latest data, overall progress for secondary (grades 6–9) and madrasa ibtedayi levels has reached 98.76 percent, with an average nationwide delivery rate exceeding 95.47 percent. The ibtedayi level has achieved 100 percent printing and delivery, while secondary-level printing stands at 99 percent as of January 18. NCTB expects all remaining printing and binding work to finish within the next few days, aiming for full completion by January 22.

The NCTB’s latest report on the 2026 academic year shows that 311.09 million ibtedayi textbooks have been printed and bound through 35 presses, meeting the full target. At the secondary level, 102 presses have completed 98.62 percent of printing, with 173.49 million books already delivered out of a target of 183.20 million. NCTB officials said that if electricity and transport systems remain stable, the remaining books will be printed and distributed on schedule.

Officials added that some delays occurred due to re-tendering processes, but efforts are being intensified to ensure students receive their textbooks as soon as possible.

Police recovered the hanging body of Akash Sarkar, a student of the Drama Department at Jagannath University, from a mess in the Bhattikhana area of Gendaria, Dhaka, on Sunday, January 18. He was a student of the 2014–15 session, 10th batch. Officers from Gendaria Police Station arrived at the scene around 9:30 p.m. after receiving information and sent the body to Midfort Hospital for autopsy.

A roommate named Ishtiaq stated that he was studying for an exam when he received a call from Akash’s girlfriend. After repeatedly knocking on the door, he found it unlocked and discovered the hanging body, after which he informed the police. Investigation officer Nazmul Hasan confirmed the recovery and the transfer of the body for post-mortem examination.

Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about the circumstances surrounding the death, and the investigation is ongoing.

Leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Small Ethnic Group Party met with BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Sunday night at the BNP chairperson’s office in Gulshan, Dhaka. The 12-member delegation was led by the party’s president, Mrigen Hagid. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was also present during the meeting.

According to party sources, the discussion focused on the current political situation in the country, the rights and participation of small ethnic groups, and future political programs. The meeting was described as part of ongoing political consultations within the BNP framework.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Small Ethnic Group Party was formed on December 18, 2007, under the directive of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and with the approval of the then BNP Secretary General.

A mobile court in Boalmari, Faridpur, seized a large quantity of adulterated food products worth about Tk 1.5 million during a joint operation on Sunday, January 18. The raid targeted a factory and warehouse in Andharkotha village, where counterfeit baby food, pickles, and chips were being produced and marketed. The operation, led by Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Shibbir Ahmed, resulted in the confiscation and destruction of the seized goods and a fine of Tk 100,000 imposed on the responsible business.

According to court sources, two brothers, Baharul Biswas and Ruhul Biswas, had been running the illegal production under the guise of a store and factory for a long time. Four truckloads of fake and harmful food items were seized, including imitation juice, pickles, chocolates, chips, biscuits, fried snacks, and sweets made from rotten coconuts. All confiscated products were destroyed using a roller.

Assistant Commissioner Shibbir Ahmed stated that the operation was based on complaints about the long-term production and sale of adulterated food. He added that such drives would continue in the public interest.

Sharmin S. Murshid, advisor to the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, emphasized the urgent need for an AI policy for these ministries. She made the remarks on Sunday at the opening ceremony of the Responsible AI Summit 2026, held at the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) in Mirpur, Dhaka. Murshid noted that these ministries serve Bangladesh’s most marginalized and vulnerable communities, making a tailored AI policy essential.

She highlighted that while global technology is advancing rapidly, AI systems often fail to understand Bangladesh’s language and lifestyle, creating barriers to adoption. Murshid urged students to research and develop AI technologies aligned with local culture and language to help the nation progress technologically. She also stated that MIST would remain active in promoting responsible AI through education and research.

The summit featured keynote speaker Dr. Upol Ehsan from Northeastern University and Harvard University, who underscored the importance of developing locally made AI solutions suited to Bangladesh’s needs. Two panel discussions explored academia’s role in fostering responsible AI practices.

Leaflets titled 'Yes' promoting support for change in the upcoming referendum will be distributed to every household across Dhaka city. The campaign will also include drop-down banners and billboards on high-rise buildings, decorative festoons on road dividers, and sticker displays at various installations to encourage citizens to vote 'Yes' for building a democratic, humane, and prosperous Bangladesh.

The plan was announced during a meeting held on Sunday afternoon between Professor Ali Riaz, Special Assistant (with adviser status) to the Chief Adviser, and senior officials including Local Government and Rural Development Secretary Rezaul Maksud Zahidi, Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Mohammad Ejaz, and Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Md. Mahmudul Hasan. Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Monir Haidar was also present at the meeting.

The initiative aims to ensure citywide awareness and participation in the forthcoming referendum through coordinated publicity efforts across both city corporations.

The Forest Department has recovered and destroyed more than 200 traps used for deer hunting in the Satkhira range of the western Sundarbans. The operation took place on Sunday morning through noon in the Phulkhali area under the Kolagachhia patrol outpost. Forest officials and members of the local Community Patrolling Group (CPG) participated in identifying and dismantling the traps.

Forest Ranger Md. Fazlul Haque stated that regular foot patrols in the forest can help protect wildlife. He noted that poachers often enter the forest using various tactics to set traps in convenient locations, endangering deer and other important wildlife species. The operation was led by foresters Taibur Rahman and Shahinur Rahman, along with CPG members.

Fazlul Haque expressed hope that strengthening regular foot patrols would significantly reduce wildlife poaching in the Sundarbans, contributing to the protection of its biodiversity.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen announced that he will visit the Teesta project area. He made the statement during a courtesy meeting with National Security Adviser Dr. Khaliqul Rahman at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Dhaka on Sunday. According to a press release from the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing, both sides discussed issues of mutual interest and reaffirmed the long-standing friendship and development cooperation between Bangladesh and China.

During the meeting, discussions covered the integrated management and restoration of the Teesta River and the proposed Bangladesh-China Friendship Hospital. The ambassador reiterated China’s commitment to completing the ongoing technical assessment of the Teesta project as soon as possible. He also expressed his government’s continued support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition and conveyed good wishes for the upcoming national election.

Both parties expressed satisfaction with the positive progress in bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation for mutual benefit.