Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer ATM Azharul Islam declared that the time of forcing or enticing voters has ended. Speaking as the chief guest at an election rally of the 11-party alliance at Moynakuri High School field in Gopalpur Union, Badarganj upazila of Rangpur on Sunday evening, January 25, he said people are now aware and no longer fear intimidation. He urged voters to reject corrupt and oppressive forces in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for February 12. Azharul Islam accused other political leaders of making false promises, amassing wealth, and laundering money abroad while claiming that Jamaat leaders have never been involved in corruption. He called on citizens to vote for the alliance’s candidates under the scale symbol to ensure national welfare. He also emphasized the importance of participating in the referendum by casting a “yes” vote on the same day. The rally was chaired by Gopalpur Union’s Moyna Kuri Ward president Mohibul Islam, with speeches from local Jamaat leaders Shah Md. Rustam Ali and Maulana Minhajul Islam. A large number of activists and residents attended the event.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Sunday called on foreign actors to refrain from interfering in Bangladesh’s internal matters. Speaking as the chief guest at an election rally in Dhupkhola field, Dhaka-6 constituency, he said Bangladesh seeks friendly relations with all civilized nations but will not tolerate any form of dominance or intimidation. He emphasized mutual respect and equality as the basis of international friendship and asserted that the nation would not bow to anyone. Rahman’s remarks came after former Indian diplomat Harsh Vardhan Shringla, speaking to journalists in Siliguri on Friday, commented that Jamaat-e-Islami could not win in a free and fair election in Bangladesh. In response, Rahman criticized such statements as interference and urged outsiders to stop meddling in the country’s political process. He reiterated that Bangladesh would stand tall in the global arena with dignity and unity. The Jamaat leader also described his vision of a just and inclusive Bangladesh, where equality and fairness prevail and citizens can hold their heads high before the world.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman addressed a large election rally at Suagazi Phultali field in Cumilla Sadar Dakshin on Sunday night, January 25, 2026. Speaking as the chief guest, he said that criticisms from other parties about BNP’s family and farmer cards would not affect their commitment to the people. He urged supporters to ensure victory for the party’s symbol, promising to continue working for the welfare of ordinary citizens if BNP forms the government. Rahman recalled the sacrifices of 1971’s freedom fighters and compared them to those who, he claimed, defended the nation’s independence in July 2024. He highlighted BNP’s previous governance record, citing free education for women up to higher secondary level and interest waivers for small agricultural loans. He emphasized BNP’s experience in improving employment, curbing corruption, and ensuring public safety. Senior BNP leaders and local candidates from Cumilla attended the rally. Rahman concluded by stating that BNP’s goal is to improve people’s living standards gradually, aiming to double current well-being levels through sustained development efforts.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly protested remarks made by Harsh Vardhan Shringla, a member of India’s Rajya Sabha and former foreign secretary, regarding Bangladesh’s internal political situation, the upcoming national election, and the party itself. In a statement issued to the media on Sunday, Jamaat’s Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar condemned the comments as violations of diplomatic norms and foreign policy principles. Porwar said that such remarks about a sovereign nation’s internal political affairs and a registered political party were unacceptable, especially coming from a former diplomat and current lawmaker. He described Shringla’s comments as biased, distorted, and politically motivated, asserting that only the people of Bangladesh have the authority to decide whom to vote for. He added that such statements undermine Bangladesh’s democratic process and harm the atmosphere of mutual respect between the two neighboring countries. Jamaat reaffirmed its commitment to democracy, justice, and good governance, expressing confidence that a free and fair election would reflect the people’s true mandate. The party urged responsible quarters in India to refrain from interfering in Bangladesh’s internal matters.

The global gold price has reached a new record, surpassing five thousand dollars per ounce for the first time. According to the report, the surge is linked to financial and geopolitical uncertainty arising from tensions between the United States and Europe over Greenland. The market also saw silver prices exceed one hundred dollars per ounce on Friday, marking another historic high. The report notes that investors often turn to gold and other precious metals as safe-haven assets during times of instability. Factors such as higher-than-usual inflation, a weaker US dollar, and increased gold purchases by central banks worldwide have further boosted demand. Ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, along with the US action involving Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, have also contributed to the price rise. The World Gold Council trade association stated that only 216,265 tons of gold have been mined to date, underscoring the metal’s scarcity as a key driver of its enduring appeal.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman announced a series of development plans during an election rally in Cumilla on Sunday night. Speaking at the Fultoli Digbaji field in Cumilla Sadar Dakshin after addressing gatherings in Feni and Chauddagram, he said the party would initiate a canal excavation project to support local agriculture. He also urged supporters to vote for the BNP’s symbol, the paddy sheaf, on February 12 to implement these plans. Rahman outlined several proposed initiatives, including a family card program for rural women to provide essential goods, an agriculture card to supply farmers with free fertilizer, seeds, and pesticides, and employment opportunities for youth through new factories in export processing zones. He also promised training programs for workers to enhance overseas employment prospects and the establishment of rural healthcare services to address local medical shortages. The rally, presided over by Cumilla South District BNP President Zakaria Taher, was attended by BNP parliamentary candidates from Cumilla and Chandpur districts. Rahman concluded by emphasizing collective effort in national development and reiterated his slogan, “We will work, build the nation, Bangladesh first.”

Awami League leader and former Bangladeshi minister Obaidul Quader has expressed deep frustration over his party’s current state while living in exile in Kolkata’s New Town. According to the report, Quader is eager to return to Bangladesh but sees no clear path back. He believes that major powers such as India and the United States no longer consider the Awami League significant, leaving the party politically isolated. Quader stated that the party’s downfall resulted from leaders neglecting their responsibilities and relying solely on Sheikh Hasina’s leadership. The report adds that on January 23, party workers had hoped for Sheikh Hasina’s physical presence or a video message in Delhi, but only received an audio message focused on personal grievances against Dr. Yunus. Disheartened by the lack of direction, several exiled leaders are reportedly considering leaving India for Canada or Australia to live out their remaining years. They now feel politically irrelevant and abandoned by both allies and history. The situation underscores the growing uncertainty among exiled Awami League leaders, who see little prospect of returning to political relevance or to their homeland.

The English Premier League title race intensified as Manchester United shocked league leaders Arsenal with a 3–2 home victory. Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Nottingham Forest also secured wins in their respective matches. Villa defeated Newcastle United 2–0, Chelsea beat Crystal Palace 3–1, and Nottingham overcame Brentford 2–0. The results reshaped the standings, with Manchester United moving to fourth place on 38 points, Chelsea rising to fifth with 37, and Aston Villa matching Manchester City’s points but remaining third on goal difference. In Spain’s La Liga, Barcelona regained the top spot after a commanding 3–0 win over bottom-ranked Real Oviedo. Goals from Olmo, Raphinha, and Yamal sealed the victory for the Catalan side. With this result, Barcelona now lead the table with 52 points from 21 matches, one point ahead of Real Madrid, while Real Oviedo remain last with 13 points. The weekend’s outcomes tightened both the Premier League and La Liga title races, setting up an intense second half of the season.

Police in Gopalganj Sadar upazila arrested an 18-year-old named Rahat Chowdhury on Sunday, January 25, 2026, for allegedly impersonating a member of the Bangladesh Army to commit fraud. He was sent to jail through the court the same day. Rahat, son of Delowar Chowdhury from Bhagyakul village in Srinagar upazila of Munshiganj, had been living in a rented house in Maulvibpara, Gopalganj. According to local and police sources, Rahat was seen roaming suspiciously on Saturday night near Munshibari in Borni Dakshinpara of Tungipara upazila with a walkie-talkie in his pocket. When questioned by locals, he claimed to be an army officer engaged in intelligence work but failed to show any valid identification. Locals then informed the police, and a joint team from the army camp and Tungipara police arrested him, recovering a walkie-talkie from his possession. Tungipara Police Station Officer-in-Charge Ayub Ali confirmed the incident, stating that Rahat admitted during preliminary questioning that he worked at a shop in Gopalganj town and was visiting a friend. A case has been filed against him, and he has been sent to the district jail.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman announced that if his party forms the next government, mosque imams and muezzins will receive a monthly honorarium and training support. He made the statement on Sunday night at a public rally held at H J Government Pilot High School field in Chauddagram, Cumilla, where he served as the chief guest. Rahman emphasized that the BNP is an experienced political party with prior governance experience and is committed to fulfilling promises made to the public. He identified unemployment as a major national problem and pledged to create employment opportunities and provide training to make young people more skilled. He also promised priority support for marginal and medium farmers through the introduction of an “agriculture card” to ensure easier access to assistance. The BNP leader further said that women working from home would receive microcredit facilities and that initiatives would be taken to export their products abroad. Urging voters to support the BNP’s “sheaf of paddy” symbol in the upcoming election, he said people want change, security, quality education, healthcare, and employment.

A joint operation by the Coast Guard, Navy, and Police in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, led to the seizure of illegal drugs and weapons worth about Tk 6 crore. The operation, conducted on Saturday, January 24, 2026, under the banner of Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2, resulted in the arrest of three suspected drug traffickers. The recovered items included 1.25 kilograms of crystal meth (ice), 126 yaba tablets, one single-barrel gun, two walkie-talkies, 47 rounds of live ammunition, and eight locally made weapons. According to Coast Guard Chattogram East Zone media officer Lt. Commander Suman Al Mukit, one of the detainees, Arafat Sani, is alleged to be the deputy publicity and publication secretary of the Teknaf Upazila Swechchhasebak League and president of the organization’s Ward No. 1 unit. The seized evidence and detainees were handed over to Teknaf Model Police Station for legal action. The Coast Guard stated that similar operations will continue to maintain law and order in the region.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman stated that the people are the source of all political power for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). He made the remarks on Sunday, January 25, 2026, while addressing an election rally at Feni Government Pilot High School field. Rahman emphasized that BNP’s politics is dedicated to the welfare of the people and urged voters in Feni, Lakshmipur, and Noakhali to support the party’s electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf. Highlighting his plans for public welfare, Rahman announced two proposed initiatives: a ‘Family Card’ for working women and a ‘Farmer Card’ for agricultural workers. The Family Card would provide monthly government assistance to housewives, while the Farmer Card would ensure direct delivery of fertilizer, seeds, and pesticides to farmers, bypassing middlemen. He said these measures aim to reduce hardship and improve livelihoods. The rally was presided over by Feni District BNP convener Sheikh Farid Bahar and conducted by member secretary Alal Uddin Alal. Several BNP leaders and parliamentary candidates from Feni, Lakshmipur, and Noakhali also addressed the event.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit Bogura on Wednesday evening, January 28, after a 19-year absence. According to a district BNP source, he will address a public rally that night at the historic Altafunnesa playground. Rahman will stay overnight in Bogura Garden and on January 29 will conduct campaign activities across 21 unions of his Bogura-6 constituency, concluding with a visit to Bagbari in Gabtali. Ahead of the rally, Bogura district BNP leaders inspected the Altafunnesa field on Tuesday afternoon to oversee preparations. District BNP President Rezaul Karim Badsha stated that the field is being readied for the event, which is expected to draw around one hundred thousand people. The announcement of Rahman’s visit has created a festive atmosphere in Bogura, with supporters and residents eagerly awaiting his arrival. The rally marks Rahman’s first public appearance in Bogura in nearly two decades, signaling renewed political activity in the region as part of his campaign for the Bogura-6 parliamentary seat.

Authorities have clarified that reports claiming Bagerhat Chhatra League leader Jewel Hasan Saddam was denied parole to attend his wife and child’s funeral were inaccurate. Saddam, detained in Jashore Central Jail, was required under the 2016 parole policy to apply through the Jashore District Magistrate. His family instead submitted the application to the Bagerhat District Magistrate, who advised them to reapply in Jashore. No application was subsequently filed there, leading to the parole not being granted. The incident followed the deaths of Saddam’s wife Kaniz Subarna Swarnali and their son Shehzad Hasan Nazif on January 23, 2026, which police said remained under investigation. Media reports and social media posts had suggested that Saddam was refused parole and saw his family’s bodies only at the prison gate, sparking public debate. Officials later stated that the misunderstanding arose from incomplete reporting and procedural confusion. Legal experts cited in the report expressed differing opinions on whether a magistrate could exercise discretionary power to grant parole across districts, but officials maintained that the 2016 policy restricted such authority to the district of detention.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) conducted an operation in the border area of Shyamnagar upazila in Satkhira, recovering firearms, ammunition, and a large quantity of drugs. The raid took place around 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, under the Nil Dumur Battalion (17 BGB) at the jurisdiction of the Nil Dumur RBG Company’s Koikhali Border Outpost. The operation was led by Havildar Md. Shahabur Rahman. According to BGB sources, the seized items were found abandoned about one kilometer from the outpost and 200 meters south of the international border near the Koikhali sluice gate embankment. The recovered materials included a foreign revolver, six rounds of ammunition, 3,500 pieces of Indian yaba tablets, and 50 bottles of Indian cough syrup branded as ‘Win Carex’. The estimated market value of the seized goods is approximately Tk 1,131,200. BGB reported that the firearms and ammunition have been handed over to Shyamnagar Police Station for legal action, while the drugs were transferred to the battalion headquarters. Legal proceedings are currently underway.