Ariful Islam Adib, the Dhaka-18 constituency candidate representing a ten-party alliance, pledged to stand by entrepreneurs and businessmen in Uttara to prevent politically motivated extortion. He made the commitment on Friday, January 23, during a street rally in Uttara’s Sector 12 as part of his second day of election campaigning. Adib stated that businessmen in the area have been subjected to repeated extortion and vowed to build a just constituency free from coercion. During his speech, Adib emphasized safeguarding every citizen’s vote and ensuring a peaceful election process. He warned that any attempt to obstruct voters would be resisted, even at personal risk. The Jamaat-NCP alliance candidate also criticized the lack of civic initiatives in Uttara, citing severe traffic congestion and inadequate municipal services despite the area being under city corporation jurisdiction for about a decade. Supporters from the ten-party alliance, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Khelafat Majlis, conducted campaign activities across Uttara, distributing leaflets bearing the alliance’s symbol after Friday prayers at Azampur Central Jame Mosque.

Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed deep concern, condemnation, and protest following an attempted murder of its Dhaka-7 constituency candidate, Hafiz Enayet Ullah, on Thursday night. The incident occurred during an election meeting with business leaders, where three suspicious individuals were seen, one wearing a T-shirt with the Awami League logo. Two of them were detained by Enayet’s bodyguards, who found sharp weapons in their possession, while the third escaped with a pistol. The detained suspects were handed over to police, and local residents along with Jamaat activists protested in front of Chawkbazar Police Station that night. In a statement to the media on Friday, Jamaat’s central Majlis-e-Shura member and Dhaka South Nayeb-e-Ameer Abdus Sabur Fakir criticized the government for ignoring repeated calls to recover illegal arms and bring criminals to justice. He linked the attack to a broader pattern of violence against anti-fascist and election candidates, citing the earlier killing of Sharif Osman Hadi. Fakir urged the interim government to launch joint operations under a ‘zero tolerance’ policy to ensure a free, fair, and participatory election. He further demanded equal opportunities and security for all candidates, warning that the nation would not accept a manipulated or engineered election.

Poet and thinker Farhad Mazhar said no political party in Bangladesh has opposed the proposal to send a so-called ‘stabilization force’ to Gaza. Speaking as chief guest at a discussion titled ‘Nationwide crisis of gas, electricity and pure water: Role of civil society’ at the National Press Club on Friday, he claimed that every political party is in some way linked to the United States. He added that while some parties publicly take anti-India positions, they remain largely silent against what he called American imperialism. Mazhar also criticized the political behavior of party leaders since the events of August 2024, describing the formation of the current government as a “constitutional counterrevolution.” He declared opposition to the upcoming national election, arguing that a genuine state structure must first be established by removing what he termed a system of plunder. He accused Dr. Muhammad Yunus of trying to return power to corrupt forces through the election. He further warned that weak policies in key economic sectors are depriving citizens of essential capacities, and that neglecting electricity, gas, and water issues would worsen living conditions and security.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Friday, January 23, 2026, addressed an election rally of the district’s 10-party alliance at the historic Gor-e-Shaheed Maidan in Dinajpur. He declared that his party would neither engage in corruption nor allow others to do so. Rahman emphasized building a people-friendly Bangladesh free from religious conflict and pledged to bring back and prosecute those who had stolen national wealth. He outlined plans to transform Dinajpur into a city corporation and develop agro-based industries, including storage facilities for potatoes and lychees. Rahman also promised to establish medical colleges in every district, ensure quality education, and guarantee public safety. He stressed creating safe environments for women both at home and in workplaces and vowed to prevent the purchase of justice with money. The rally was attended by leaders of the 10-party alliance, including Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim and representatives from Islami Chhatra Shibir and the Nationalist Congress Party. Leaders from 13 upazilas of Dinajpur district were also present.

Dhaka University came alive on Friday as students and faculty celebrated Saraswati Puja, honoring the Hindu goddess of knowledge, wisdom, and creativity. The annual festival, centered at Jagannath Hall, featured 76 pavilions where offerings, prayers, and rituals were performed from the morning. Of these, 74 were built by different departments and institutes, while two were organized by the hall administration. Each pavilion reflected unique themes and artistic expression. The Finance Department highlighted the vastness of the universe through lights and designs, while the English Department decorated its pavilion with hand-painted artwork. The central idol, placed in the pond at Jagannath Hall and crafted by Fine Arts students, drew special attention for its aesthetic appeal. The Department of Mass Communication and Journalism stood out with a pavilion symbolizing burned media outlets, protesting recent arson attacks on two major news organizations. Students said their theme, “Mobocracy,” called for peace and justice. Hall Provost Professor Debashish Pal explained that, unlike previous years, no pre-festival press conference was held due to time constraints, though information was shared through notices and billboards.

Ten bodies have been recovered from the wreckage of an Indonesia Air Transport plane that crashed in the Mount Bulusaraung area of South Sulawesi province. The bodies were found seven days after the aircraft went missing while en route from Yogyakarta to Makassar, the provincial capital. The plane lost contact over Maros district on Saturday, and its debris was located on Sunday. According to the report, the aircraft was carrying seven crew members and three passengers, all of whom perished in the crash. A joint search and rescue team recovered the plane’s black box from the crash site. The state news agency Antara reported that only two of the victims have been identified so far. Authorities are expected to use the recovered black box to investigate the cause of the crash, though no official explanation has yet been provided.

National Citizen Party (NCP) candidate for Comilla-4 (Debidwar) constituency and the party’s chief coordinator for the southern region, Hasnat Abdullah, called for making politics accessible to ordinary people. Speaking on Friday morning after Fajr prayers at Debidwar New Market Mosque during his second day of campaigning, he said politics should not become a costly or luxurious pursuit dominated by corrupt individuals. He pledged that voters would cast their votes freely, and his team would serve them without charge for five years. Abdullah strongly criticized the prevailing VIP culture in politics, urging organizers to avoid creating artificial barriers around leaders. He emphasized that separating leaders from the public alienates politics from the people. He also stated that politics should not be treated as an investment for personal gain and that only educated and honest individuals should join the political arena. His campaign events drew large crowds across Debidwar, including meetings in Bhinglabari, Bihar Mondol, Chotona High School field, and Shantir Road. Local leaders from the 10-party alliance, including Jamaat-e-Islami’s Comilla North district secretary Saiful Islam Shahid, were present.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that secret attacks are being carried out to sabotage the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. In a statement issued on Friday, January 23, he expressed deep concern over the shooting of Hasan Molla, general secretary of the Hazratpur Union BNP under Keraniganj Model Upazila, who was attacked by assailants in front of the party office in Keraniganj late on January 22 night. Mirza Fakhrul strongly condemned the incident, claiming that miscreants who had remained dormant after the fall of what he termed an autocratic regime were now attempting to destabilize the country. He demanded that the attackers be identified and brought to justice, warning that failure to do so could lead to further violence. He also called for unity among all citizens to protect democracy and voting rights, urging the government to ensure a fear-free environment for a fair election. The BNP leader demanded immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible and wished a speedy recovery for Hasan Molla and other injured party members.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance mutual cooperation in cricket development. The agreement was signed on Friday, January 16, at the Bangladesh High Commission chancery in Pretoria, South Africa. Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Shah Ahmed Shafi, signed on behalf of the BCB, while CSA Chief Executive Officer Pholetsi Moseki represented the South African board. According to the Bangladesh High Commission in Pretoria, the MoU will allow emerging Bangladeshi cricketers to receive high-quality training at CSA’s Centre of Excellence in Pretoria on a regular basis. The agreement also includes training and exchange programs for umpires and pitch curators, as well as increased bilateral tours for both men’s and women’s teams at various levels. The three-year agreement aims to promote coaching development, technical knowledge exchange, and institutional capacity building between the two boards. Officials expressed optimism that the MoU will further strengthen cricket relations between Bangladesh and South Africa.

Two CCTV cameras installed by the Election Commission at the Chhoto Falia Secondary School polling center in Magura municipality were vandalized on Thursday. According to local sources, an unidentified person struck one of the cameras with a bamboo stick, breaking it. The cameras had been set up to cover nearby roads and the school playground. Although the incident was captured on CCTV footage, poor lighting prevented clear identification of the perpetrator. The school’s head teacher, Mizanur Rahman, confirmed that both cameras were damaged by miscreants and said a written complaint was filed at Magura Sadar Police Station against unidentified individuals. Officer-in-Charge Ashiqur Rahman stated that police have visited the scene, reviewed the footage, and are continuing efforts to identify those responsible. Legal proceedings are underway, but no arrests have been made so far. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the identity of the vandal and ensure accountability for the damage to the election monitoring equipment.

A landslide triggered by heavy rainfall struck a popular campsite on New Zealand’s North Island, leaving six people, including two teenagers, missing. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. local time on Thursday near Mount Maunganui on the island’s eastern coast. Rescue operations are underway, with emergency teams using three mechanical excavators to search through mud and debris that buried the site. Officials warned on Friday that the search could take several days due to the difficult conditions caused by the heavy rain. Witnesses and emergency personnel reported hearing cries for help immediately after the collapse, but no further sounds were heard afterward. Fire and Emergency Assistant National Commander David Guard said debris removal was being carried out slowly and cautiously, describing the area as complex and high-risk. Authorities confirmed that the search will continue until all missing persons are located. Mount Maunganui is a popular summer destination for hikers and beachgoers, making the disaster particularly concerning for local tourism.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has pledged to upgrade Dinajpur district to a city corporation if the 10-party alliance comes to power in the upcoming 13th national election. He made the announcement on Friday while addressing a public rally organized by the 10-party electoral alliance in Dinajpur. Earlier, at a rally in Panchagarh, Dr. Rahman said that northern Bangladesh had been deliberately kept impoverished since the country’s independence. He vowed that within five years, the region’s condition could be transformed through collective effort. He also promised to establish specialized hospitals in every district, reopen closed sugar mills in Panchagarh, and turn northern Bangladesh into an industrial hub. Dr. Rahman urged supporters to remain united until victory is achieved on the 12th, warning them to stay alert so that no old wrongdoers return in new forms. He emphasized that the people themselves are the party’s strength and that Jamaat would continue working alongside citizens to build a responsible and compassionate Bangladesh.

Police in Cumilla have arrested Assistant Government Pleader (AGP) Masudul Haque alias Masum, brother of a local Jamaat-e-Islami leader, along with another man named Ariful Islam. The arrests took place after a foreign pistol, two magazines, and ten rounds of ammunition were recovered. The operation was confirmed by Inspector Saiful Islam of the EPZ police outpost under Cumilla Sadar South Model Police Station, who said a case under the Arms Act has been filed and both men were sent to court. According to police, Ariful was first detained early Thursday at a checkpoint in the Tomchom Bridge area with five bullets and a knife. A photo on his phone showed a pistol, which he said belonged to Masum. Based on this information, police searched Masum’s home and recovered the weapon and ammunition. Cumilla Jamaat Secretary Mahbubur Rahman claimed the incident appeared staged, saying Masum was not politically active though he is the younger brother of city Jamaat’s Naib-e-Ameer Emdadul Haque Mamun. Public Prosecutor Kaimul Haque Rinku said the ministry had been informed and legal action would follow once official instructions arrive.

Interim government Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated that a wave of public support is rising across Bangladesh in favor of the 'Yes' vote in the upcoming referendum. Speaking to journalists on Friday, January 23, 2026, during a visit to the Buchai Pagla shrine in Sanora Union of Dhamrai, Dhaka, he said citizens believe that a 'Yes' vote will prevent the return of autocracy and injustice, ensuring protection of rights and establishment of a fair governance system. Alam added that the Election Commission has assured there will be no issues with vote casting, though counting may take time. He urged people to remain calm and patient during the process. He also described the Buchai Pagla shrine as a symbol of communal harmony and an example of Bangladesh’s pluralistic culture, noting its annual Baul music fair. Referring to the 2024 vandalism incident at the shrine, he condemned attacks on religious sites and emphasized respect for all faiths. He further stressed that ensuring journalists’ safety is a shared responsibility of the government, political parties, and citizens, expressing hope for fair election coverage.

At a public reception in Morelganj, Bagerhat, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for Bagerhat-4 constituency, Principal Abdul Alim, called on citizens to vote for the party’s balance symbol to build a fair and justice-based state. The event, held on Friday morning at the Naboirshi bus stand, honored newly elected Jagannath University Vice President Riazul Islam. Alim also urged people to vote ‘yes’ in the upcoming referendum to implement the July Movement’s charter. The gathering was presided over by Professor Shahadat Hossain, the local Jamaat chief, and attended by several party leaders and professionals. Following the speeches, a large procession paraded through the town, ending with a separate ceremony where Riazul Islam received a crest and floral tribute. Alim further stated that victory for the balance symbol would help transform Morelganj and Sharankhola into modern towns, ensuring safe drinking water, sustainable embankments, and an end to corruption, extortion, and inequality.