The Election Commission (EC) has introduced a major change in the process of issuing journalist and observer cards for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election and referendum. For the first time, journalists and observers must apply online through the EC’s designated website, pr.ecs.gov.bd, to obtain observer cards and vehicle stickers. Applicants must register by providing their national ID number, email, mobile number, and password, followed by OTP verification. After registration, applicants can log in to submit their applications, providing personal details, media organization information, and necessary documents, including proof of registration and the latest publication copy. Journalists must also upload an approved list from their media organization, indicating their position on the list. If a vehicle sticker is required, relevant vehicle documents must be submitted. The final step involves uploading an office ID, issue and expiry dates, photo, signature, and national ID card. Upon verification, the EC will issue a QR code-enabled card in PDF format, granting journalists legal authorization to collect election news.

A five-member delegation led by US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen visited Chattogram Port on Monday, January 26, and met with the port authority’s chairman, Rear Admiral S M Moniruzzaman. During the courtesy meeting, the chairman briefed the delegation on the port’s major achievements under the interim government following the July 2024 mass uprising. He highlighted reforms implemented to overcome irregularities, labor unrest, pressure group influence, fire incidents, and digitalization barriers. These efforts led to record handling performance, reduced turnaround and dwell times, expanded port limits, higher profits, and progress in major projects such as the Bay Terminal and Matarbari Port. The chairman also welcomed US interest in establishing a cold chain industry for reefer container storage and noted the positive role of labor unions in ensuring smooth operations. Ambassador Christensen expressed satisfaction with the port’s progress and future plans, assuring full US cooperation to make it more efficient and world-class. He also emphasized enhancing port-related foreign investment, workforce training, and requested support in handling US exports through Chattogram Port.

National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud has alleged that attempts are being made to buy votes by offering various cards instead of cash. He made the remarks on Monday, January 26, during an election march at Ramganj Pilot Girls High School field in Lakshmipur, where he attended as a special guest. Mahmud said that while other countries are providing all citizen services through a single smart card, a certain political party in Bangladesh is trying to manipulate voters by promising multiple separate cards. He accused that such tactics aim to keep the country behind under the guise of allowances and benefits. He also stated that Bangladeshi voters are now more aware through social media and will not fall for such manipulation. The NCP election steering committee chairman further said that their eleven-party alliance does not support unemployment allowances but wants to create employment opportunities to build human resources and move Bangladesh toward prosperity.

Four students from Stamford University Bangladesh were allegedly robbed at knifepoint inside Dhaka’s Suhrawardy Udyan on the night of January 25. The victims said they were forced to sit by a group of youths who demanded their university identity, assaulted them, and took a total of Tk 30,000 in cash and mobile money. One student was stabbed, sustaining injuries to his face, while others were beaten with tree branches. CCTV footage later showed Dhaka University student and Chhatra Dal leader Arif Faisal collecting Tk 15,000 from a mobile money agent linked to the stolen funds. Arif Faisal, a student of the Communication Disorder department and a coordinator for the Chhatra Dal’s election committee in Dinajpur-3 constituency, admitted receiving the money when questioned by Amader Desh but claimed he was unaware of the full incident at the time. He said the matter was later “resolved” with the victims. University authorities stated they had not yet received a formal complaint, and the Chhatra Dal president said anyone involved in robbery should be handed over to police. Faisal has since gone missing from his dormitory, and attempts to contact him by phone have failed.

A group of armed assailants attacked a picnic bus carrying members of the Bangladesh Crime Reporters Association (CRAB) in front of Dream Holiday Park in Madhabdi, Narsingdi, on Monday, January 26. The attackers demanded extortion money and, after being refused, launched a sudden assault, injuring about ten journalists, six of them seriously. The incident occurred as the journalists and their families were returning to Dhaka after celebrating CRAB’s annual Family Day. Police later detained two suspects involved in the attack. According to the injured CRAB members, around 300 journalists and their families had traveled from Dhaka’s Segunbagicha to the park earlier that morning. When they boarded their buses to return, local miscreants blocked several vehicles and demanded money. The attackers, reportedly intoxicated and armed with rods, threatened to set the buses on fire and used abusive language. The sudden violence created panic among women and children on board. Police intervention prevented further escalation, but the incident left several journalists injured and raised concerns about safety during public gatherings.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has denied accreditation to all Bangladeshi journalists seeking to cover the upcoming T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka. The decision was communicated via email on Monday. The ICC stated that since Bangladesh is not participating in the tournament, Bangladeshi sports journalists will not be granted permission to cover the event. Earlier, the Bangladesh government had refused to allow its national cricket team to travel to India due to security concerns, effectively ruling the team out of the competition. The ICC’s refusal follows Bangladesh’s official withdrawal from the World Cup, which was announced after the government cited safety risks for players. The rejection of journalist accreditations has been described as surprising and disappointing, with some viewing it as a reflection of the growing influence of Indian interests within world cricket. The development has sparked criticism that the ICC’s decision further isolates Bangladeshi representation in the tournament. The incident underscores ongoing tensions surrounding security and participation in international cricket events hosted in India.

A prayer and memorial meeting demanding justice for the murder of Dhaka University’s former political science student, Shaheed Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, was held on Monday, January 26, 2026, at the Professor Muzaffar Ahmad Chowdhury Auditorium. The event was organized by the Department of Political Science and attended by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan as the chief guest. Other speakers included Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Saima Haque Bidisha, Treasurer Professor Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences Professor Dr. Tayebur Rahman, and several faculty members and student leaders. The session was presided over by Professor Md. Shariful Islam, convener of the organizing committee. Vice-Chancellor Khan described Osman Hadi as a principled individual who stood for justice and the oppressed, calling his killing an attack on ideals. He urged all to play an active role in ensuring swift justice for Hadi’s murder.

The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) has raised gold prices again within 24 hours, setting a new record in the country’s market. In a notice issued late Monday, January 26, 2026, BAJUS announced that the price of 22-carat gold has been increased by Tk 5,249 per bhori, bringing it to Tk 262,440. The new rate will take effect from Tuesday, January 27. The association said the adjustment was made considering the rise in the price of pure gold in the local market. According to the revised rates, 21-carat gold will cost Tk 250,484 per bhori, 18-carat gold Tk 214,734, and traditional gold Tk 176,593. The previous adjustment was made on January 25, when the price of 22-carat gold was set at Tk 257,191 per bhori after a Tk 1,574 increase. Silver prices have also reached a record high, with 22-carat silver now priced at Tk 7,757 per bhori after a Tk 525 rise. BAJUS noted that international gold prices have also surged, surpassing USD 5,000 per ounce, following a more than 60 percent increase in 2025.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam declared that no one would be allowed to seize polling centers after late-night prayers, accusing a rival party of planning to mark ballots early. He made the remarks on Monday night, January 26, at a campaign event for the 11-party alliance candidate Mahabub Alam in Ramganj Pilot Girls High School field, Lakshmipur. Nahid Islam said the alliance would unite on February 12 to resist all conspiracies and protect polling centers, warning of strong resistance against any obstruction. During the same event, he criticized the Awami League for what he called false promises made in the 2001 election, describing the “farmer card” and “family card” as deceptive packages. He emphasized that Bangladesh’s real challenges lie in reviving the economy, ensuring accountability for loan defaulters and looters, and attracting investment. Other speakers, including NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, alleged that corruption had undermined the ruling party’s legitimacy and vowed that the people would resist such practices.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh announced on Monday, January 26, that it will grant voting passes to 3,818 media outlets to cover the upcoming referendum and parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12. The EC’s public relations division confirmed that all government-approved media houses will receive journalist identification cards and vehicle stickers. Applications for these passes must be submitted by February 3. According to the EC’s list, the approved outlets include 18 television online portals, 129 daily newspaper online portals, 61 regional online media, and 263 online news portals. Additionally, there are 3,347 print newspapers, comprising 1,397 dailies, 1,231 weeklies, 215 fortnightlies, 451 monthlies, and several other periodic publications. Of these, 1,422 are published in Dhaka and 1,935 outside the capital. The EC’s decision aims to facilitate comprehensive media coverage of the national election process, ensuring access for both national and regional outlets.

National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah has described recent politically motivated attacks during election campaigns as a warning sign of repression ahead of the upcoming national election. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Monday evening, he said the attacks, including one on the NCP candidate in Dhaka-18, reflect a 'practice match' for capturing polling centers and pose a serious threat to free and fair elections. Hasnat Abdullah expressed deep concern over the electoral environment, alleging that opposition campaign activities are being systematically obstructed and that provocative remarks are being made to incite police action against rival groups. He said such incidents send a negative message about the entire electoral process and raise doubts about how participatory the election will be. NCP election and administration subcommittee secretary Ayman Rahat alleged that BNP candidates are attacking NCP and Jamaat candidates across several constituencies and violating campaign rules without facing consequences. He claimed that government facilities are being used for campaign events and that controversial officials from past elections have been reappointed, heightening fears of manipulation.

Dhaka University’s Public Administration Department teacher and Assistant Proctor Shehrin Amin Bhuiya, known as Monami, posted on Facebook on Monday highlighting examples of misogynistic remarks made by individuals from different political backgrounds. In her post, she noted that despite representing three distinct political parties, the leaders she referenced shared a common tendency to make obscene and derogatory comments about women and female politicians. She criticized the use of the 'women card' by these parties ahead of elections to project a commitment to women’s rights while failing to address internal misogyny. Monami expressed concern over the lack of unified resistance against such harassment, arguing that outrage over misogyny often depends on political convenience rather than principle. She pointed out that party leaders and supporters frequently remain silent or even participate in coordinated attacks against women, including the use of AI-generated images to demean them. She also accused self-proclaimed centrist and leftist groups of maintaining deliberate silence when misogyny arises within their own ranks. She concluded that unless all political parties are held accountable for harassment and abusive behavior toward women, claims of women-friendly politics and empowerment will remain hollow slogans.

A coach of the Dhaka-bound ‘Dhaka Mail-2’ train derailed shortly after leaving Bhairab Bazar Junction around 3 a.m. on Monday, January 26. The incident caused a complete suspension of train operations on the Dhaka-Sylhet-Chattogram route, affecting both up and down lines. As a result of the derailment, several trains became stranded at various stations along the route, leaving passengers facing severe travel disruptions and discomfort. The report did not mention any injuries or the cause of the derailment. Authorities have not yet provided details on when train services will resume, leaving uncertainty about the duration of the suspension and the restoration process.

Former Bangladesh Army Chief Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan has alleged that India is undermining Bangladesh’s security by providing shelter to Sheikh Hasina, who he described as convicted for genocide. In a verified Facebook post on Monday, he claimed that India had supported what he called 15 years of fascist misrule and continues to offer state-level backing to Hasina. Bhuiyan referred to a January 23 press event at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club in New Delhi, where Hasina’s audio message was played, accusing the Indian government of aiding anti-sovereignty and anti-democratic rhetoric. He argued that India’s actions amount to interference in Bangladesh’s sovereignty and warned that such moves could heighten tensions and further damage already strained bilateral relations. Bhuiyan also accused India of sheltering fugitives from Bangladesh and pressuring Dhaka to restore political rights to those facing judicial proceedings. Drawing a historical comparison, he said India had not learned from its past experience of hosting the Dalai Lama, warning that supporting Hasina could similarly bring long-term costs for India.

The Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) has given policy approval to establish the country’s first Free Trade Zone (FTZ) in Anwara upazila of Chattogram. The decision was taken at a BEZA governing board meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka’s Tejgaon. BEZA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud Bin Harun said the proposed FTZ will cover about 600 to 650 acres and operate as an offshore territory exempt from customs duties, allowing storage, re-export, and production of goods. Mahmud explained that the FTZ aims to significantly reduce the time required to supply raw materials to export-oriented industries. Materials such as cotton could be stored within the zone and used instantly by local factories or re-exported to other countries like Vietnam. He cited Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone as a global example, noting its major contribution to Dubai’s GDP. The proposal will now go to the Cabinet for final approval, and legal amendments will be required for implementation. The BEZA board also approved plans for a Defense Industrial Park in Mirsarai and to convert the Kushtia sugar mill area into a full industrial park under BEZA’s supervision.