Ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) faces a major internal challenge as more than fifty rebel candidates continue to contest in various constituencies across the country. Despite the Election Commission’s Tuesday deadline for nomination withdrawal, these candidates did not withdraw, raising concerns about potential impacts on party unity and vote distribution. According to party sources, many long-time BNP activists were angered after being denied nominations. Some have chosen to run as independents, while others have openly opposed party decisions. The BNP’s election management committee acknowledged that not all aspirants could be nominated due to political and strategic considerations. Although efforts were made to persuade rebels to withdraw, many refused. The party has already expelled several leaders for violating organizational discipline. Reports from multiple districts show rebel candidates in constituencies such as Barishal-1, Jhalkathi-1, Naogaon-1 and 6, Bagerhat, Cumilla, Tangail, and Narayanganj, among others. Party insiders fear that the popularity of these local leaders could split BNP’s vote base in key areas.

Abul Kalam Azad, a former member of Jamaat-e-Islami sentenced to death for crimes against humanity during Bangladesh’s Liberation War, appeared before the International Crimes Tribunal on Wednesday morning to surrender. He had been a fugitive since the tribunal handed down the death sentence on January 21, 2013, under the leadership of then-chairman Justice Obaidul Hassan. According to a government order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (Prisons-2 branch) on October 22 of the previous year, Azad’s sentence was suspended for one year on the condition that he surrender to the court and file an appeal. The order temporarily halted the execution of his punishment to allow for legal proceedings. The tribunal’s acceptance of his surrender marks a significant development in a long-running war crimes case that had remained unresolved due to his fugitive status.

A Dhaka court has ordered the appointment of a caretaker to manage and supervise the seized immovable properties of Mohammad Saiful Alam, chairman of S Alam Group. The order was issued on Monday by the Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge and Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court following a petition from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The ACC confirmed the directive in a statement released on Tuesday. According to the ACC, the properties under supervision include land and buildings in Chattogram’s Rahmatganj, Asadganj, Nasirabad, and Khulshi areas, as well as commercial and residential assets such as the S Alam House, S Alam Center, S Alam Playground, and several luxury apartments and parking spaces. The ACC’s Deputy Director and joint investigation team leader, Tahasin Munabil Haque, submitted the petition, citing concerns that the accused were attempting to transfer or misuse the seized assets despite existing court orders. The ACC stated that investigations are ongoing against Saiful Alam and his family for allegedly embezzling large sums of money through loans taken under various names and transferring the funds abroad. Earlier, a total of 463.87 decimals of land and multi-storey buildings in key areas of Chattogram had been ordered seized in connection with the case.

Maulana Azharul Islam, president of Islami Andolan’s Ward No. 5 and vice-president of the upazila unit in Charfassion, Bhola, has joined Jamaat-e-Islami. The announcement was made on Tuesday night by Zainal Abedin Bhuiyan, a member of the Charfassion municipal Jamaat working committee. According to the report, Azharul Islam completed Jamaat’s membership form on Monday before formally joining the party. The source states that Maulana Azharul Islam had been active in Islami Andolan politics under the leadership of the Charmonai Pir for a long time, holding various responsibilities in Charfassion. He said he joined Jamaat-e-Islami inspired by the party’s ideology and principles. Maulana Abbas Uddin, secretary of Islami Andolan’s Bhola South district unit, confirmed that Azharul Islam was part of the organization’s previous committee but not the current one. The development marks a shift in local political alignment in Charfassion, as a senior Islami Andolan leader transitions to Jamaat-e-Islami, potentially influencing future political dynamics in the area.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman posted a message on his Facebook page on Tuesday night calling on all concerned to refrain from any activities that could disrupt the voting environment in Dhaka-15 constituency. He expressed hope that good sense would prevail among those involved. Earlier, a clash broke out between activists of Jamaat-e-Islami and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in front of Al Mobarak Mosque in Pirerbag under Mirpur Model Police Station during leaflet distribution for the upcoming national election. At least 16 people were initially reported injured. The army and police quickly arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control. Following the incident, Jamaat activists held a protest and rally demanding the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of the attackers. The procession started in front of Pirerbag Paka Mosque and ended at Barek Molla Mor with a gathering attended by several local Jamaat leaders.

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas advised leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) to learn politics and focus on the country’s development. He made the remarks on Tuesday at a discussion meeting held at the Diploma Engineers Institution auditorium in Dhaka. Abbas said young leaders should avoid wrongdoing and that his party would support them if they engage in positive political activities. Referring to the post-liberation period, Abbas stated that after the war, his generation returned to studies and work without seeking ministerial positions, unlike what he described as greed among some current leaders. He contrasted the roles of freedom fighters and those who fought to remove oppressive forces, asserting that his generation had also overthrown autocratic regimes in the past. Abbas further emphasized his lifelong commitment to protecting Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty, vowing not to let the country fall into the hands of deceivers or opportunists.

Dhaka city north unit of Jamaat-e-Islami held a protest rally in Mirpur on Tuesday night demanding the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those who carried out an armed attack on its activists. The rally followed an alleged assault that occurred when Jamaat members were leaving a mosque after Maghrib prayers. Shah Alam Tuhin, a member of the party’s Dhaka north executive committee, accused BNP and Jubo Dal activists of launching the attack and called on authorities to ensure justice. The protest march began in front of Pirerbag Paka Mosque and ended at Barek Molla Mor with a gathering attended by several local Jamaat leaders. Tuhin alleged that the attackers acted out of political desperation and that law enforcement failed to act impartially. He claimed that even female Jamaat activists were assaulted and criticized the government for not taking effective measures to stop such violence. Jamaat’s Dhaka north unit announced another protest march for Wednesday morning at Barek Molla Mor to condemn the attack and the reported harassment of female activists.

A Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) officer was beaten to death and three others were seriously injured during an operation in the remote jungle area of Chhalimpur in Sitakunda, Chattogram. The incident occurred when RAB members raided the area based on intelligence that a top local criminal, Yasin, and his associates were present near a BNP office. The attackers captured four RAB members, assaulted them, and transported them to Alinagar, where they were beaten repeatedly. One officer, Abdul Motaleb, later died in hospital, while three others remain injured. BNP leaders denied having any office or activities in Chhalimpur and rejected any involvement in the killing. Local residents said the building previously served as an Awami League office before being taken over by expelled BNP youth leader Rokon Uddin, and later by Yasin’s group. The area has long been a haven for armed groups, with multiple deadly clashes over territorial control. Authorities announced plans for a large-scale joint operation involving RAB, police, army, and other agencies to dismantle criminal strongholds, recover government land, and bring those responsible for the officer’s killing to justice.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 is set to deliver its order today on whether to frame charges against Sajib Wazed Joy, son of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her ICT adviser, and former state minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak. The prosecution has accused them of crimes against humanity during the so-called July Revolution, including shutting down the internet and inciting violence. Palak will be produced before the tribunal from prison for the hearing. Earlier, defense lawyers Liton Ahmed and Munjur Alam argued that the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence and sought discharge for their clients. Prosecutor Gazi M H Tamim countered that the charges were based on credible evidence and requested the court to proceed with the trial. The prosecution has brought three charges, including allegations of incitement through social media posts, ordering internet shutdowns, and aiding killings in Dhaka and Uttara. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam read out the charges on January 11 and formally requested the tribunal to frame charges against both accused. The tribunal’s decision today will determine whether the trial moves forward.

Bangladesh’s young generation, credited with toppling former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024, is now expected to play a decisive role in the country’s upcoming national election on February 12. The vote, described by European Union observers as the “biggest democratic process in 2026, anywhere,” will be the first since the July 2024 uprising that forced Hasina to flee to India after a violent crackdown left up to 1,400 people dead. Many first-time voters, such as 27-year-old Rafiul Alam from Dhaka, say they are eager to participate after years of political disillusionment. According to the Election Commission, nearly 56 million of Bangladesh’s 127 million registered voters are aged between 18 and 37, representing about 44 percent of the electorate. Analysts say this group’s shared distrust of institutions and demand for accountability could redefine the political landscape. The interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has barred the Awami League from contesting, leaving the field to two main coalitions led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jamaat-e-Islami. However, divisions have emerged within youth-led movements such as the National Citizen Party, whose alliance with Jamaat has drawn criticism from protest leaders. Women’s representation also remains low, with only 4.24 percent of candidates being female, raising concerns about the depth of political reform.

Bangladeshi publishers will not be allowed to participate in this year’s Kolkata International Book Fair, marking the second consecutive year without a Bangladesh pavilion. The organizers, Publishers and Booksellers Guild, confirmed that although Bangladesh expressed interest in joining, the guild declined their participation. The decision reportedly stems from the absence of clearance from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, which is required due to current India-Bangladesh relations. According to Guild General Secretary Tridib Chatterjee, the guild cannot permit Bangladesh’s participation without the ministry’s approval. The Bangladeshi Deputy High Commission in Kolkata also confirmed that interest in joining had been conveyed. Chatterjee added that while Bangladesh will not have an official presence, individual stalls may still display Bangladeshi books without objection. The United States will also miss this year’s fair due to budget allocation issues. For the first time, Ukraine will participate, and China will return after 15 years. Argentina is the theme country, with a total of 21 nations and over a thousand local and Indian publishers taking part.

Two Awami League leaders, Azam Pasha Chowdhury Rumel and Advocate Saif Uddin Ahmed, allegedly arranged a family gathering known as a 'beyakhana' inside the women’s lockup of the Noakhali Chief Judicial Magistrate Court on Monday, January 19. The event reportedly took place with the cooperation of on-duty police officers while both leaders were brought to court for hearings. A video of the incident has surfaced, showing family members present inside the restricted area. According to court sources, both leaders are long-term detainees in Noakhali District Jail facing multiple murder and explosives-related cases. The gathering followed the recent marriage between Rumel’s daughter and Ahmed’s son, which took place on December 30. Police officials confirmed that the lockup is normally used for female detainees’ basic needs, not for family events. Following reports of the incident, a three-member investigation committee was formed under Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration and Finance) Abu Tayeb Md Arif Hossain. The committee has been instructed to submit its report within seven working days, after which internal disciplinary action may be taken.

Thirty-six Bangladeshi nationals who spent between Tk 40 lakh and Tk 80 lakh each to reach the United States were deported and returned home empty-handed. They arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Tuesday at noon aboard a special US military flight as part of Washington’s anti-illegal immigration drive. The group included one woman, and their return was confirmed by a BRAC Migration Program press release. According to BRAC, most of the deportees had initially traveled legally to Brazil with clearance from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) before attempting to enter the US illegally through Mexico. Their asylum applications were later rejected after lengthy legal proceedings. BRAC’s Migration and Youth Platform Associate Director Shariful Hasan said the organization provided emergency support and transportation assistance upon their arrival. Hasan questioned whether the government’s approval for sending workers to Brazil was being misused as a transit route to the US. He urged accountability for the agencies involved and called for greater caution before issuing new approvals, noting that 1,320 Bangladeshis went to Brazil in 2025, including 951 from Noakhali.

Starting January 25, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) will impose fines and possible jail terms for honking in and around Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. According to a public notice signed by DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali, violators may face a maximum fine of 10,000 taka or up to three months in jail. The enforcement will cover the airport area and a 1.5-kilometer stretch from Scholastica School to Hotel Le Méridien. The DMP has declared the airport zone, along with Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara, and Niketan, as silent areas where honking is a punishable offense. The initiative aims to reduce noise pollution in these designated zones. The police announcement specifies that the rule will be strictly implemented from January 25. To ensure compliance, special mobile courts will be operated jointly by the Department of Environment, BRTA, Civil Aviation Authority, Dhaka North City Corporation, and DMP magistrates, as stated in the police notice.

The government of Bangladesh has approved a special allocation of Tk 71.98 crore to install CCTV cameras at 21,946 highly important and high-risk polling centers across the country ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum. The announcement was made by Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, following the 119th meeting of the National Implementation Committee on Administrative Reorganization (NIKAR) held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka. According to Majumder, out of approximately 42,000 polling centers nationwide, 6,552 already have CCTV cameras, while new installations are underway at the rest. Each high-risk center will receive at least six cameras under the special allocation, while other centers will be covered through local administrative and city corporation funding. The installation process has started in all districts, with Gazipur district nearing completion. Additionally, 299 polling centers without electricity will be equipped with solar power or generator backup to ensure uninterrupted power supply on election day. The briefing also discussed improving law enforcement in Dhaka amid rapid urban growth and reviewed possible administrative restructuring of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, though no final decision was reached.