National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan said there is no alternative to the scale symbol to free the country from corruption and extortion. He made the remarks on Saturday morning at the 'March for Scale' election rally held at Rahim Uddin Degree College field in Adamdighi upazila of Bogura. Bhuiyan urged voters to support the scale symbol and recalled that during a previous authoritarian period, some districts faced regional discrimination based solely on identity. He stated that as an interim government adviser on youth and sports, he decided that no district should face such discrimination for political reasons. Bhuiyan also outlined development plans for the region, including construction of an underpass in Santahar municipality to ease railway congestion and a flyover in Dupchanchia to reduce traffic. He mentioned plans to establish factories to increase employment and economic stability in the area. The rally was presided over by upazila Jamaat Amir Hafez Atowar Hossain, where Bhuiyan introduced Nur Muhammad Abu Taher as the NCP candidate for Bogura-3 constituency. Several local and district-level leaders from NCP and Jamaat addressed the event as special guests, expressing support for the scale symbol and the party’s development agenda.

The 12th Dhaka International Mobile Film Festival (DIMFF) 2026 began today under the outreach program of the Media Studies and Journalism Department of the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB). The two-day event, presented by Infinix Mobile Bangladesh and supported by Star Cineplex, will conclude tomorrow. From 131 film submissions across 24 countries, 25 films have been selected for screening in six categories. Details of the festival were announced at a press conference held at ULAB’s permanent campus. The categories this year include Short Film, One Minute, Vertical Film, Open Door, Citizen Journalism, and Outstanding Talent Award. The first day’s screenings will take place at the ULAB campus, while the second day’s events will be held at Star Cineplex (Shimanto Shambhar). For the first time, the Citizen Journalism category will feature films highlighting social justice, climate change, real-life issues, and stories of marginalized communities. The Outstanding Talent Award will recognize a skilled crew member behind the scenes. The jury board includes filmmakers and writers from Nepal, Bangladesh, France, and the UK.

Professor Dr. M. Zubaidur Rahman, Chairman of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC, called on officials to strengthen public trust in the bank by ensuring customer satisfaction through dedicated service. Speaking as chief guest at an officers’ conference held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Sena Prangon in Dhaka Cantonment, he emphasized that customers are the lifeblood of the bank and that all complaints should be addressed promptly and seriously. He urged employees to treat the institution as their own to enhance service quality and operational efficiency. The event was presided over by Managing Director Md. Omar Faruk Khan, with senior executives including Executive Committee Chairman Mohammad Khurshid Wahab, Audit Committee Chairman Md. Abdus Salam, Risk Management Committee Chairman Professor Dr. M. Masud Rahman, and Independent Director Md. Abdul Jalil attending as special guests. Additional Managing Director Md. Altaf Hossain delivered the welcome speech, while Deputy Managing Director Md. Mahbub Alam gave the vote of thanks. In his remarks, Managing Director Khan highlighted the importance of expanding investment in the SME sector to strengthen the national economy and make banking services more accessible through improved customer care.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has alleged widespread attacks, threats, and violations of the electoral code against its campaigners across several districts. At a press conference held on Saturday afternoon at the party’s central office in Moghbazar, Assistant Secretary General and head of the publicity and media department Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair demanded the immediate arrest of those involved in the killing of Jamaat leader Rezaul Karim in Jhenaigati, Sherpur. He said the attacks appeared aimed at spreading fear among voters and warned that fascism, extortion, and terrorism would have no place in the future of Bangladesh. Zubair stated that information on these incidents had been shared with returning officers and law enforcement agencies, and a memorandum would be submitted to the Election Commission on Sunday. He cited multiple incidents, including the killings of Jamaat figures Sharif Osman Hadi and Shariful Islam, assaults on activists in Gaibandha, Bhola, and other districts, and alleged involvement of BNP members in violent acts. Jamaat warned that failure to arrest identified attackers could jeopardize a fair election and lead to further party action. The press conference was attended by members of Jamaat’s national election management committee, including Zahidur Rahman and Oliullah Noman.

In the Sunamganj-2 (Dirai-Shalla) parliamentary constituency, election activities have gained momentum ahead of the upcoming national polls. Candidates are holding rallies, market meetings, and door-to-door campaigns from early morning until late night. Family members of the contenders have also joined the field, directly engaging with voters and sharing promises. With paper posters absent this year, digital banners and festoons dominate the streets, while parties compete creatively to attract young voters. The main contest has emerged between BNP’s veteran politician and former MP Nasir Uddin Chowdhury and the 10-party alliance candidate, Supreme Court lawyer Mohammad Shishir Monir, backed by Jamaat-e-Islami. Despite some health issues, Nasir continues active campaigning across villages, while Shishir focuses on social media outreach and community engagement, including farmers, laborers, expatriates, and third-gender groups. Local residents express divided support, with some praising Nasir’s liberation war legacy and others viewing Shishir as a symbol of development and trust. As election day approaches, excitement and speculation grow over who will lead Dirai-Shalla next, marking a generational contest between experience and youth.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman addressed an election campaign rally in Sherpur, Bogura, on Saturday, January 31, 2026, while returning to Dhaka from a northern Bangladesh tour. Speaking at the event for BNP candidate Golam Mohammad Siraj in the Bogura-5 (Sherpur-Dhunat) constituency, he expressed gratitude for visiting Bogura after 19 years and called on voters to support the BNP’s 'sheaf of paddy' symbol in the upcoming February 12 election. Rahman said the people of Bangladesh recognize Bogura as a BNP stronghold and urged residents to reaffirm that reputation through their votes. Thousands of party leaders, activists, and local residents gathered along the Dhunatmor area to welcome Rahman, waving and cheering as his motorcade passed. He stated that whenever the BNP has governed, it has worked for national and local development, promising continued progress if elected again. Several senior BNP leaders from district and upazila levels accompanied him during the visit. The rally highlighted the party’s effort to consolidate support in Bogura ahead of the February 12 vote.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman appeared on the stage of an election rally at the BSCIC Industrial Park in Sirajganj on Saturday afternoon. He was accompanied by his wife, Zubaida Rahman. As he stepped onto the stage around 3 p.m., party leaders, activists, and supporters greeted him with applause. Rahman responded by waving to the crowd. According to the report, Tarique Rahman traveled by road from Bogura to Sirajganj earlier in the day. Thousands of BNP leaders and activists from various upazilas of Sirajganj and from Pabna gathered at the venue from the morning to see him. By noon, the rally ground and nearby roads were filled with people. The event marked a significant campaign appearance by the BNP chairperson ahead of the upcoming election, drawing large participation from party supporters in the region.

The four-day 25th Dhaka International Yarn and Fabric Show (DIFS) 2026 – Winter Edition and the 8th Dhaka International Denim Show 2026 concluded successfully at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka. Organized jointly by Conference and Exhibition Management Services (CEMS-Global USA) and the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT-TEX China), the exhibitions ran from January 28 to 31, 2026. More than 325 companies from over 15 countries participated, displaying modern technologies and innovations in yarn, fabric, denim, and related textile products across over 650 booths. The first day featured a seminar titled “Why Invest in Bangladesh?” organized with the support of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), while the second day hosted “Importance of MICE Tourism in Bangladesh” in collaboration with the Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB). Organizers stated that the international exhibitions would strengthen Bangladesh’s global position in the textile and apparel sector and open new opportunities for investment and event-based tourism.

In Chattogram-12 (Patiya) constituency, Akibul Haque, son of BNP candidate Enamul Haque Enam, actively campaigned on Friday afternoon seeking votes for the paddy sheaf symbol. The campaign rally, organized by the local BNP at Bypass Road in Bhati Khain Union’s Ward 7, drew a large crowd of party leaders, activists, and residents. Akibul Haque urged voters to support his father, promising to fulfill local demands if elected. District BNP leader Mofazzal Ahmad Chowdhury attended as chief guest, while Morshedul Shafi Hiru, former joint finance secretary of South District BNP, served as the main speaker. Hiru said the working class would vote for the paddy sheaf symbol, praising Enam’s long struggle and dedication to the party. Enamul Haque Enam stated that BNP believes in non-communal values and is committed to protecting the rights and religious freedom of all communities. He pledged to make Patiya free from drugs, terrorism, and youth gangs if elected in the upcoming 13th national election, emphasizing good governance, employment creation, and overall development as his main goals.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP) for the southern region and the 11-party alliance candidate for Comilla-4 (Debidwar), pledged to take strong action against extortionists, drug traders, and loan defaulters if elected. He made the remarks on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at an election rally held at Bonkot Government Primary School field in Gunaighar South Union of Debidwar upazila. During his speech, Abdullah urged voters not to support extortionists, drug dealers, or tender manipulators, emphasizing that drugs, extortion, and the public cannot coexist. He criticized the political culture of compromise with such groups and accused some local leaders of long-standing involvement with drug lords. He also warned voters to be cautious of candidates who pretend to be pious before elections and alleged that rival activists were issuing threats of post-election violence. Abdullah called on voters to remain united until results are announced and urged women voters to campaign actively for his symbol, the ‘Shapla Koli’.

At least 47 people were killed in a series of militant attacks in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, according to a Geo News report on Saturday citing security sources. The report said that Indian-backed militants carried out separate assaults at 12 locations, killing at least 10 police officers. Security forces responded with counterattacks that left 37 militants dead. Operations against the attackers were still ongoing in several areas. A security source identified the assailants as members of the India-backed group ‘Fitna al Hindustan,’ which attempted coordinated strikes across Balochistan. The source said timely and effective action by security forces prevented the attacks from succeeding. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the security personnel, commending their bravery in thwarting what he described as the terrorists’ malicious objectives. The violence occurred a day after two separate operations in Balochistan killed 41 India-supported militants, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Those operations took place on January 29 near Harnai district and in Panjgur district.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) seized Indian Sun Max luxury fabrics and Benarasi saris smuggled through the Matifata border area of Sreebardi upazila in Sherpur. Acting on a tip-off, members of the Mymensingh Battalion (39 BGB) from the Kornjhora Border Outpost conducted an overnight operation on Saturday and recovered the goods. The seized items, including an easy bike used for transport, have an estimated market value of about Tk 13,62,800. The BGB confirmed the seizure in a press release issued on Saturday afternoon. According to the report, smugglers attempted to bring Indian goods through the Kornjhora BOP area using innovative methods. When they realized the presence of BGB personnel, the smugglers fled, leaving behind the contraband and the vehicle. Lieutenant Colonel Md. Nurul Azim Baizid, commander of the 39 BGB Battalion, stated that BGB members remain vigilant around the clock to protect the international border and prevent illegal activities. He added that BGB maintains a strict policy against smuggling, drug trafficking, and illegal crossings, and this vigilance will continue in the future.

A public event featuring rival candidates for the Sunamganj-4 parliamentary constituency was held on Saturday at the premises of the Heritage Museum, organized by Sujan–Citizens for Good Governance, Sunamganj district committee. During the session, candidates responded to various questions from voters and pledged to ensure a fair and peaceful parliamentary election. The event was presided over by district Sujan president Nurul Haque Afindi and conducted by general secretary Fazlul Karim Saeed. Among the speakers were Sujan advisers Syed Mohibul Islam and Sukhendu Sen, vice president Ali Haider, independent candidate Dewan Zainul Zakerin, Jatiya Party-nominated candidate Advocate Nazmul Huda Himel, and Islami Andolan-nominated candidate Shahidul Islam Palashi. The candidates assured voters of addressing local issues, including infrastructure development in the district town, if elected. The gathering reflected an effort to promote accountability and transparency in the electoral process through direct engagement between candidates and the electorate.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s central secretary general, Mia Golam Parwar, alleged that two or three political parties have plundered Bangladesh for the past 54 years. Speaking as the chief guest at a rally held at Hasan Ali High School field in Chandpur on January 31, 2026, he said one of those parties now seeks to return to power but has failed the people’s test since August 5. Earlier that day, he also addressed an election gathering in the Chandpur-4 (Faridganj) constituency. Parwar urged citizens to vote for the “Dhal” (balance scale) symbol on February 12 and support constitutional amendments proposed by Jamaat. He said the party aims to build a zakat-based, interest-free Bangladesh free from extortion and corruption. He accused rival groups of destroying the judiciary and warned that if they regain power, justice would remain elusive. The event, presided over by Chandpur city Jamaat leader Advocate Shahjahan Khan, featured several speakers from allied Islamist and political organizations, including Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis.

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the Jamaat-e-Islami nominated candidate for the Natore-1 (Lalpur–Bagatipara) parliamentary constituency, urged voters to support the 'Dharipalla' symbol for building a just and fair state. He made the call on Saturday during his election campaign in Fakuaddiard Union of Bagatipara upazila, where he met with local residents and discussed their concerns and expectations. Azad stated that the people's long-standing hopes for development, justice, and a corruption-free administration inspired his commitment to work sincerely toward realizing their aspirations. Throughout the day, Azad conducted door-to-door visits, street meetings, courtyard gatherings, and public outreach programs across various wards of the union. Local Jamaat leaders, including Anwar Hossain Mujahid, Amjad Hossain, Akbar Hossain, and others, joined the campaign, emphasizing that honest and capable leadership can only be established through public support and unity. Large numbers of voters reportedly attended the campaign events, reflecting active local engagement ahead of the upcoming election.