Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that if his party is elected through the upcoming polls, ensuring women’s safety, respect, and dignity will be the first priority. Speaking as chief guest at an election rally at Mirpur’s Ward 2 Eidgah ground in Dhaka-16, he pledged to protect mothers’ interests and reduce working hours to five during maternity periods. He criticized those spreading misinformation about the policy, saying they oppose women’s welfare. Rahman rejected the idea of unemployment allowances, saying Jamaat would focus on creating jobs based on merit rather than distributing stipends. Remembering martyrs of the July movement, he vowed to complete their unfinished mission and demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible for the killings of Abu Sayeed, Abrar Fahad, and Osman Hadi. He also promised to solve key problems in the Pallabi–Rupnagar area if elected. During the event, Rahman handed over the party’s scale symbol to retired Colonel Abdul Baten, the 11-party alliance candidate for Dhaka-16, urging voters to support change in the January 12 election.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has instructed that government employees cannot campaign in favor of either the 'yes' or 'no' side in the upcoming referendum. The directive, signed by EC Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain, was sent to all returning officers, the Cabinet Secretary, the Chief Adviser’s Principal Secretary, and other relevant officials. The EC clarified that taking sides in the referendum would be considered a punishable offense under the Referendum Ordinance 2025 and the Representation of the People Order 1972. According to the letter, public servants may inform and raise awareness among citizens about the referendum process but are prohibited from urging voters to support any particular side. The EC emphasized that such actions could influence the outcome of the referendum, which is scheduled to be held on February 12 alongside the parliamentary election. The commission has directed authorities to take necessary measures in line with the legal provisions. The announcement comes as campaigning intensifies ahead of the February 12 polls, with rival candidates already active in their election efforts.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed that the upcoming Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) will start on February 18. The tournament will begin with the One Day International (ODI) format, designed to help national players prepare for the home ODI series against Pakistan scheduled for March. The decision was confirmed to the newspaper by a BCB source. A BCB official, requesting anonymity, said the board is planning the BCL schedule considering the national team’s commitments. Rajshahi and Bogura have been finalized as the main venues for the competition, with Sylhet and Mirpur being considered as alternatives. The BCL will later feature a four-day format, though the start date for that phase has not yet been finalized. The BCL’s early start aims to fill the preparation gap created by Bangladesh’s absence from the upcoming T20 World Cup, providing players with competitive match practice before the Pakistan series.

Bangladesh Bank has purchased an additional $55 million from five commercial banks, bringing its total dollar purchases to $3.93 billion since the start of the current fiscal year. The central bank’s Executive Director and spokesperson, Arif Hossain Khan, confirmed the transaction, noting that the move aims to maintain market balance amid increased foreign currency supply. According to the report, the dollar market in Bangladesh became unstable in 2022, when the exchange rate rose from 85 to 122 taka per dollar. Over the past three fiscal years, the central bank sold about $34 billion to support the market, while buying only around $1 billion during that period. Following the fall of the previous Awami League government, the current administration took strict measures to curb money laundering, resulting in higher export earnings and remittance inflows. Khan stated that the current market has more dollar supply than demand, and the central bank is buying dollars to prevent an excessive fall in the exchange rate, which could harm remittance and export sectors. As of January 22, the country’s foreign exchange reserves stood at $32.66 billion, or $28 billion under BPM-6 standards.

Pakistan defeated Australia by 22 runs in the opening match of their three-match T20 series, taking a 1–0 lead. Batting first, Pakistan scored 168 for eight in 20 overs, with Saim Ayub contributing 40 runs off 22 balls and Salman Agha adding 39. Adam Zampa was the pick of the Australian bowlers with four wickets for 24 runs. In reply, Australia managed 146 for eight, falling short despite a late effort from Xavier Bartlett, who remained unbeaten on 34. The second match of the series is scheduled for Saturday in Lahore. Australia’s chase faltered early, losing Matthew Short for 5 and Travis Head for 23. Cameron Green top-scored with 36 before being dismissed by Mohammad Nawaz, leaving Australia struggling at six wickets down before reaching 100. Pakistan’s bowlers, including Abrar Ahmed and Saim Ayub, maintained control to secure the victory. Saim Ayub was named player of the match for his all-round performance, helping Pakistan move ahead in the series before the next encounter in Lahore.

Jamaat-e-Islami central assistant secretary general and Cox’s Bazar-2 candidate AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad claimed that the killing of Maulana Rezaul Karim in Sherpur-3 constituency was the result of a violent attack by a rival party, proving an ongoing conspiracy to derail the upcoming national election. He made the remarks on Thursday during a campaign rally and public meeting in Hoanak Union of Maheshkhali upazila. Azad accused the rival party of speaking about democracy while engaging in conspiracies and violence. He alleged that despite growing competition at the grassroots level, the government had failed to ensure a level playing field. According to him, the BNP was obstructing the campaigns of Jamaat and the 11-party alliance through violent attacks in various constituencies. He condemned the attack on Maulana Rezaul Karim and said the people of Bangladesh would reject terrorism through ballots. Azad inaugurated his election office in Hoanak Union and conducted door-to-door campaigning across several local markets and villages, urging voters to support the 11-party alliance’s scale symbol.

Police have arrested Abul Kalam Chowdhury, the former mayor of Chatak Municipality and vice president of the Sunamganj District Awami League. He was detained on Wednesday around 2 p.m. from the Tarapur Tea Garden area in Sylhet by officers from the Jalalabad Police Station under the Sylhet Metropolitan Police. Following his arrest, he was sent to the Sylhet court. According to police, the arrest was made in connection with a case filed over an attack on anti-discrimination student activists. The investigation officer of Jalalabad Police Station, Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Tarek, confirmed the arrest and subsequent court transfer. The report did not include further details about the case proceedings or any official statements from the accused or his political party.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Daksu) Vice President Sadiq Kayem on Thursday addressed a rally in Sylhet’s Chowhatta, organized by the newly formed ‘Oikoboddho Chhatrosongshod’, a coalition of student leaders from Daksu, Jaksu, Chaksu, Raksu, and Joksu. He said that supporting ‘Yes’ in the upcoming February 12 referendum means returning power to the people, while voting ‘No’ represents alignment with foreign interests and support for judicial killings. Kayem stated that the ‘Yes’ campaign aims to empower citizens, ensure justice for past crimes, and dismantle what he called a fascist political structure. He claimed that students and the general public have already taken a stand for ‘Yes’ and urged Sylhet residents to intensify local campaigning. He also criticized a political faction for backing ‘No’ and accused it of serving India’s interests. The event was attended by student leaders from several universities, Jamaat’s Sylhet-1 candidate Maulana Habibur Rahman, and Shahjalal University’s vice-chancellor. The rally caused traffic disruption at the busy Chowhatta intersection, prompting public criticism over the choice of venue.

An international tribunal has ruled in favor of Bangladesh in the Tengratila gas field explosion case, ordering Canadian company Niko to pay $42 million in compensation. The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), based in Washington, delivered the verdict. Petrobangla Chairman Engineer Rezanur Rahman confirmed the ruling on Thursday. The compensation includes $40 million for the loss of approximately 8 billion cubic feet of gas and an additional $2 million for environmental and other damages. The Tengratila gas field, located in Chhatak, Sunamganj, was discovered in 1959 and later handed over to Niko in 2003 for exploration. Two major explosions occurred on January 7 and June 24, 2005, causing extensive damage to gas reserves and surrounding properties. Bangladesh initially demanded Tk 746 crore in compensation, which Niko refused to pay, leading to a 2016 lawsuit in Washington seeking Tk 9,250 crore. According to Petrobangla, the tribunal found that Niko’s failure to follow international petroleum industry standards and take necessary precautions directly caused the explosions, making the company liable for the damages.

Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has stated that honesty, efficiency, and professionalism will be the key strengths of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament Election. Speaking on Thursday at a law and order coordination meeting at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium in Rajarbagh, Dhaka, he emphasized that government officials and law enforcement personnel must perform their duties with complete neutrality. He warned that no political bias or favoritism would be tolerated and that any official found working for a candidate or political agenda would face strict legal and departmental action. The meeting, organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Dhaka Divisional Commissioner’s Office, was chaired by Senior Secretary Nasimul Gani and attended by senior police and administrative officials. The adviser instructed all election-related officers to strictly follow the Representation of the People (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 and the Political Party and Candidate Code of Conduct 2025. He also directed that subordinates be regularly briefed on election conduct rules and that daily or periodic meetings be held to review preparations and compliance. Chowdhury expressed optimism that with collective effort, the upcoming national election would set a standard appreciated both domestically and internationally.

Veteran actor and director Abul Hayat has returned to directing after nearly a year’s break with a new television drama titled 'Sokhina'. The production is based on a story by the late writer Rabeya Khatun, with the screenplay written by Hayat himself. Shooting began last Tuesday at a resort in Rajendrapur, Gazipur, and the drama is planned for broadcast during Eid-ul-Fitr. Hayat said that Rabeya Khatun’s stories offer a wide range of possibilities for quality productions even on limited budgets. He explained that reading 'Sokhina' inspired him to return to directing. The rural-themed drama stars popular actress Moushumi Mou in the lead role opposite actor Shyamal Mawla, with Naresh Bhuiyan and Badrul Hasan Khan also in the cast. Discussing his current work, Hayat noted that he is now selective about projects, focusing on stories and characters he personally values. He emphasized balancing work with family and rest, adding that staying away from acting or directing leaves him feeling a sense of emptiness.

In Bhola’s Charfassion municipality under the Bhola-4 constituency, Jamaat-e-Islami’s local unit held a counter press conference on Thursday afternoon denying allegations of harassment made by Islami Andolan Bangladesh. The dispute arose after Islami Andolan’s female activist Maria Kamal claimed on Wednesday that two Jamaat workers obstructed and harassed her during election campaigning. Jamaat’s Charfassion unit chief, Mir Mohammad Sharif Hossain, rejected the accusation and presented a different version of events. According to Jamaat’s statement, the incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in Ward 6, when Maria Kamal, her son Tahzib, and Youth Andolan secretary Faisal were distributing leaflets for Islami Andolan’s Bhola-4 candidate A.M.M. Kamal Uddin. A verbal dispute reportedly broke out with locals over remarks about political alliances. Jamaat alleged that Faisal assaulted a retired teacher and later attacked a mosque imam who tried to record the scene, injuring him. The imam was hospitalized afterward. Jamaat leaders said no woman was harassed and accused Islami Andolan of spreading false claims on social media despite a local reconciliation. Earlier that morning, Islami Andolan’s candidate Kamal Uddin had demanded punishment for those allegedly involved in the attack.

Govinda Chandra Pramanik, secretary general of the Bangladesh National Hindu Grand Alliance and an independent candidate for Gopalganj-03 (Tungipara-Kotalipara), visited the grave of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Tungipara on Thursday afternoon. Standing with his supporters at Gate No. 3 of the mausoleum, he offered prayers and told journalists that visiting the resting place of the Father of the Nation had been a long-cherished dream. He described the site as a sacred place for all Bengalis and said it was a privilege to pay respects there. Explaining his decision to contest the election, Pramanik said several well-wishers from the Hindu community had faced obstacles in submitting nomination papers, including arrests and intimidation. He stated that his candidacy aimed to encourage participation in the electoral process and reduce fear among minority voters. Pramanik also criticized the BNP candidate, accusing him of trying to discourage competition and seeking an uncontested victory. After the prayer, Pramanik and his supporters distributed leaflets across Tungipara to promote his election symbol, the horse, as part of his campaign activities.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar said that efforts are underway to arrest the real culprits involved in the recent violence between BNP and Jamaat in Sherpur, which resulted in the death of a Jamaat leader. He made the statement on Thursday during a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, responding to questions from journalists. Majumdar stated that strong measures are being taken and that law enforcement agencies are working based on video footage and witness testimony to identify and arrest those truly responsible. He emphasized that the investigation aims to avoid indiscriminate arrests, ensuring that innocent people are not harassed while the actual offenders do not escape justice. According to the press secretary, police are conducting a close investigation to specifically identify those responsible for the incident, focusing on evidence-based arrests rather than broad operations.

Two cases have been filed at Valuka Model Police Station in Mymensingh against more than 1,500 BNP leaders and activists, including party-nominated candidate Fakhruddin Ahmed Bacchu, over incidents of election violence. The cases, numbered 33 and 34, were lodged on the night of January 28 by complainants Atikul Islam and Aman Ullah. A total of 191 individuals were named, while about 1,400 others were listed as unidentified. According to the case details, on January 25, independent candidate Alhaj Muhammad Morshed Alam began campaigning in the Batajor area with his supporters when, allegedly under Bacchu’s direction, BNP activists armed with local weapons obstructed the campaign, assaulted several workers, and vandalized three motorcycles. Later that evening, BNP supporters reportedly attacked the office of Jubo Dal leader Shamim Ahmed at Seedstore Bazar, injuring three people and setting fire to seven or eight motorcycles. Valuka Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Zahidul Islam stated that four counter-cases have been filed by both sides over the violence. One accused from the BNP side, who was handed over to police, is currently under treatment under police guard.