Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said on Sunday that social media could become the biggest challenge in the upcoming national election, warning that individuals from the former government might spread misinformation. He assured that law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to maintain order. Alam made these remarks during a briefing on current affairs at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka. He also confirmed that the European Union (EU) will send a large observer team for the upcoming election, marking the first such mission after the EU declined to send observers to the previous three elections, which it deemed unacceptable. Alam emphasized that the interim government is not giving any political party extra advantages and that a fair level playing field currently exists. Discussing the Chief Adviser’s meeting with the EU ambassador, Alam said the two sides also talked about a possible referendum. He added that the interim government may seek a “yes” vote and that all preparations have been made to ensure a free, peaceful, and credible election.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Amir and Charmonai Pir Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim has called for a nationwide effort to secure a 'Yes' victory in the upcoming referendum on the July Charter. In a statement released to the media on Sunday, he said the thirteenth parliamentary election and the current opportunity to rebuild the nation were made possible by the July uprising, which he credited with freeing the country from fascism. He emphasized that while the previous regime was overthrown, fascist laws and culture still persist, and the July Charter was drafted to ensure their permanent removal. Karim urged all political parties, candidates, and the government to actively build public support for the July Charter. He reiterated his earlier demand that the referendum and the national election be held separately, warning that holding them together would overshadow the Charter’s discussion. He expressed disappointment that the July Charter debate has faded from political discourse and cautioned that without strong public backing, the interim government and the election itself could face questions of legitimacy. He also stressed that public safety remains a concern for holding a fair and festive election and called on the government to take effective measures to address it.

The Supreme Court’s Chamber Judge Court, led by Justice Md Rezaul Haque, has suspended a High Court verdict that ordered the restoration of the previous boundaries of Cumilla-1 and Cumilla-2 constituencies. The decision came on Sunday, January 11, following hearings on separate petitions filed by the Election Commission and an independent candidate challenging the earlier High Court ruling. Lawyers stated that the suspension removes any legal barriers to holding elections under the new constituency boundaries. Earlier, on January 8, the High Court had declared parts of the Election Commission’s gazette on constituency redemarcation illegal and directed the Commission to reinstate the previous boundaries within 24 hours. The High Court’s order had sought to revert Cumilla-1 to include Daudkandi and Titas upazilas, and Cumilla-2 to include Homna and Meghna upazilas, instead of the new configuration. The Chamber Judge’s suspension will remain effective until a leave-to-appeal petition is filed, allowing the Election Commission to proceed with elections under the new demarcation for now.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus announced three main areas of focus for his post-election activities during a meeting with Akie Abe, wife of late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, at the state guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka on Sunday, January 11, 2026. Abe is visiting Bangladesh as head of a delegation from the Encouragement of Social Contribution Foundation. The information was shared by Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar at a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy. According to the briefing, Dr. Yunus said his first priority will be improving digital healthcare to expand access for women and marginalized communities, including creating a system for expatriate Bangladeshis to monitor family health information digitally. His second focus will be continuing youth development and entrepreneurship programs, while the third will involve sustaining activities related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Majumdar also stated that Dr. Yunus plans to visit Japan in the third week of March at the invitation of the Sasakawa Foundation to discuss strengthening cooperation in marine and ocean research between Bangladesh and Japan.

Iran has issued a stern warning to the United States against any form of military intervention, threatening to attack all American bases across the Middle East. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that if the U.S. takes military action against the Islamic Republic, Tehran will immediately strike Israeli and American military and naval bases in the region. He emphasized that Iran would respond instantly to any perceived threat, identifying U.S. and Israeli installations as primary targets. The warning followed reports that U.S. President Donald Trump was preparing to express support for ongoing protests in Iran. In response, Israel has reportedly placed its forces on high alert amid fears of a potential U.S. strike on Iran. Meanwhile, Iranian security forces have been accused of using harsh measures to suppress the protests, with reports of casualties over the past two days and widespread internet disruptions across the country. The situation underscores escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington, with regional security on edge as both sides brace for possible confrontation.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated that the interim government is not providing any political party with extra advantages ahead of the 13th National Parliament Election. He made the remarks on Sunday at a briefing on current affairs held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka. According to him, a good level playing field currently exists for all parties. Shafiqul Alam said the European Union will send a large observer team for the upcoming election, noting that the EU did not send observers in the past three elections as it considered them unacceptable. He identified social media as a major challenge, warning that misinformation could be spread by individuals linked to the former government. However, he assured that law and order is fully under control and that authorities are closely monitoring all incidents. He also mentioned that the Chief Adviser discussed a referendum with the EU ambassador, indicating that the interim government may seek a “yes” vote. Preparations by the government and the Election Commission are reportedly complete to ensure a fair and peaceful election.

A seven-year-old Bangladeshi girl named Afnan was critically injured when a bullet fired from Myanmar struck her home in the Techchibridge area of Hwaikyang Union, Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar. The incident occurred amid intensified fighting between the Arakan Army and a Rohingya armed group in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. Afnan was first treated at the Kutupalong MSF hospital and later transferred to Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH), where she remains in the intensive care unit. CMCH Director Brigadier General Taslim Uddin said the child was admitted around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday with a gunshot wound to the head and remains in extremely critical condition. Earlier reports mistakenly claimed the child had died, prompting local protests and road blockades. Police later corrected the information, confirming that Afnan was alive but severely injured. Local authorities and law enforcement intervened to restore calm in the area. The child’s condition remains life-threatening, and doctors are monitoring her closely. The cross-border incident has heightened tension in the border region, where stray gunfire from Myanmar’s internal conflict continues to pose risks to Bangladeshi civilians.

Pakistan has strongly rejected India’s comments regarding defense and other strategic cooperation between Islamabad and Dhaka. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry described the Indian statement as baseless and unwarranted, labeling it an unnecessary interference in bilateral relations. It emphasized that relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh are sovereign matters that do not require third-party consent. India’s remarks came after its Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on January 9 that New Delhi was closely monitoring discussions between Pakistan and Bangladesh over the possible purchase of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets. The comment followed a meeting between Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu and Bangladesh Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan, where both sides discussed defense cooperation and aircraft procurement. According to Pakistan’s ISPR, the visit reflected efforts to transform historical ties into a long-term strategic partnership. Analysts cited in the report suggested that the meeting signals strengthening relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh amid recent diplomatic tensions between Dhaka and New Delhi.

The Dhaka Divisional Commissioner’s Office has issued a directive prohibiting the use of educational institutions for any election-related meetings, rallies, or campaign activities. The instruction, sent on Sunday, January 11, 2026, to the Director General of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (Maushi), emphasizes that no gatherings may be held in schools or colleges without prior approval from the returning officer. The letter stated that the 13th National Parliamentary Election and a referendum are scheduled for February 12. Authorities have observed that some candidates or their supporters are organizing gatherings under the guise of seminars, receptions, or youth meetings to conduct election campaigns. It also noted that some educational institution heads have been allowing such events locally without official permission, which constitutes a clear violation of the electoral code of conduct. The directive instructs all concerned to ensure strict compliance, preventing any unauthorized use of educational premises for political or promotional purposes during the pre-election period.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said the European Union (EU) did not send observers to the past three national elections in Bangladesh because those polls, held during Hasina’s tenure, were deemed unacceptable. He made the remarks on Sunday during a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, following a meeting between Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus and the EU ambassador. Alam stated that the EU has now confirmed it will send a large observer mission for the upcoming election. He added that the current electoral environment offers a good level playing field, with no political party receiving extra privileges. He identified social media as a major challenge, warning that misinformation could be spread by members of the former government, though law enforcement agencies are fully prepared. The press secretary also said both the government and the Election Commission believe the law and order situation remains stable. Discussions with the EU ambassador also covered the upcoming referendum, with the interim government possibly seeking a “yes” vote. Preparations are underway to ensure a fair, peaceful, and credible election.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has announced plans to deploy 270 'ambassadors' to campaign for a 'Yes' vote in the upcoming referendum on proposed reforms during the 13th National Parliamentary Election. The announcement was made on Sunday through a message from Mahabub Alam, the party’s joint chief coordinator and head of the election media subcommittee. According to the statement, constituencies with NCP candidates will see campaigns led directly by those candidates, who will engage with party workers, supporters, and voters to secure support for the 'Yes' vote. In constituencies where the NCP has no candidate, the party will appoint 270 ambassadors or representatives to lead the campaign. These ambassadors will connect with local residents to explain the NCP’s political stance, the significance of the referendum, and the importance of voting 'Yes'. The party stated that this approach aims to ensure a coordinated and nationwide campaign so that its message reaches voters in all constituencies. Through this strategy, the NCP seeks to build public consensus in favor of the 'Yes' vote and strengthen its presence across the country.

The prosecution’s appeal seeking to upgrade the life imprisonment sentences of Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death penalties in a war crimes case will be presented before the Chamber Judge Court within the next few days. Prosecutor Gazi M H Tamim confirmed the development on Sunday, January 11, 2026. According to the prosecution, the appeal follows a verdict delivered by Tribunal-1 on November 17, which sentenced both Hasina and Kamal to life imprisonment on one charge and death on another. After receiving the full copy of the verdict, the prosecution reviewed it and decided to appeal for harsher punishment. The formal appeal was filed within 30 days of the verdict announcement. The case stems from crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the July uprising linked to the anti-discrimination student movement. The Chamber Judge Court is expected to hear the prosecution’s petition within the current week.

Job seekers protesting in Mirpur, Dhaka, have demanded the cancellation and retake of the assistant teacher recruitment exam following allegations of question leaks. In response, the Directorate of Primary Education has decided to investigate the claims, according to its Director General Abu Noor Md. Shamsuzzaman, who spoke to the media on Sunday. Shamsuzzaman stated that intelligence agencies including DGFI, NSI, DB, SB, and district administrations had recovered some questions before the exam, but none matched the official set. He acknowledged attempts to leak questions but clarified that digital devices were used for cheating rather than leaking. A total of 207 candidates were expelled, and several legal actions were taken against offenders. He added that if the investigation confirms the allegations, the exam will be canceled, as had happened twice before. The protesters’ five-point demands include holding all exams in Dhaka with device checkers and network jammers, forming an independent exam committee, and ensuring strict punishment for those involved in any proven leaks.

The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has pardoned 25 Bangladeshi nationals who had been convicted in the UAE. The pardon was confirmed in a statement issued by the Emirati Embassy in Dhaka on Sunday. According to the embassy, the decision followed a formal request from the Government of Bangladesh. The individuals were arrested and tried for violating UAE laws after participating in activities linked to protests in Bangladesh during July 2024. Following the pardon, all 25 Bangladeshis have been released and repatriated to Bangladesh. The embassy described the move as a reflection of the UAE leadership’s compassion, tolerance, and commitment to justice, as well as a sign of the deep and brotherly relations between the two nations. Previous instances of similar pardons were also noted, highlighting the UAE’s humanitarian approach and the generosity of President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The head of the European Union Election Observation Mission, Eivers Ijabs, has emphasized that Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election must be held peacefully, credibly, and transparently through ballot boxes. In a written statement, he said the election will play a crucial role in strengthening democratic institutions and expressed hope that the mission’s work would help build public trust in the electoral process. The EU deployed its observation mission to Bangladesh in December of the previous year to monitor the election scheduled for February 12. According to an official release, this is the first full EU election observation mission in Bangladesh since 2008. The mission will assess how the election is conducted under national law and its alignment with regional and international democratic standards adopted by Bangladesh. Ijabs stated that the mission’s technical assessment is guided by three principles: independence, impartiality, and non-interference. He clarified that the mission will observe the process but will not certify the results, stressing that the election belongs solely to the people of Bangladesh.