The Election Commission has amended its polling booth guidelines ahead of the 12th National Parliamentary Election. Now, one booth will serve 600 male voters and 500 female voters, up from the previous 500 and 400, respectively. This adjustment keeps one polling center per 3,000 voters but reduces about 49,000 booths nationwide. The change is expected to save nearly Tk 10 billion and decrease the requirement for around 150,000 election officials, streamlining the election process significantly.

Jamaat-e-Islami has donated Tk 1 crore to the National Cancer Research Institute and Hospital in Mohakhali.
The donation was handed over by party leader Mohammad Selim Uddin on Tuesday afternoon.
He said, “Jamaat’s politics is centered on people’s welfare. This contribution is part of our social responsibility, and we believe it will benefit the public.”
He added that Jamaat envisions a just society where rights are ensured for all citizens, regardless of religion, caste, or ethnicity.

BNP leader and former MP Hasan Uddin Sarkar said Bangladesh’s final battle with Pakistan ended in 1971, but India remains a constant threat to the nation’s sovereignty. Speaking at the party’s 47th founding anniversary rally in Gazipur, he accused Awami League of serving India’s interests and warned of repeated struggles against Indian dominance. Thousands joined the colorful BNP procession, which turned into a festive gathering with music and dance after years of political restrictions.

At the 25th SCO summit in Tianjin, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warned against state-sponsored terrorism, urging respect for sovereignty, dialogue, and collective counterterrorism efforts. He said Pakistan has proof of foreign involvement in recent attacks and noted the country’s sacrifice of over 90,000 lives in the fight against terror. Sharif stressed the importance of Afghanistan’s stability, adherence to bilateral treaties including water-sharing, condemned Israeli actions in Gaza and Iran, and praised China’s leadership and regional development initiatives like CPEC.

The government of Bangladesh has formed an eight-member high-level committee to review the proposed merger of six investment-related agencies, including BIDA, BEPZA, BEZA, BHTPA, PPPA, and BSCIC. Industrial Affairs Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan will chair the committee, with BIDA and BEZA’s Executive Chairman Ashiq Chowdhury as member secretary. Other members include senior government officials and Bangladesh Bank’s governor. The committee will assess the overall proposal and provide recommendations, based on which the government will decide the next steps.

NCP leader Tasnim Jara has said that the future Bangladesh must belong to everyone—youth, women, and ordinary families alike.

“Tomorrow’s Bangladesh is your Bangladesh, my Bangladesh, the youth’s Bangladesh, the women’s Bangladesh, and the Bangladesh of our mothers and aunts,” Jara declared. “We are striving to build a nation that belongs to all, under a constitution that protects everyone’s rights. Our journey is long. We know victory will not come easily. This struggle will be prolonged, and we are ready for it.”

She accused Sheikh Hasina’s government of “limitless killings, enforced disappearances, and oppression,” and branded all elections during her 15-year rule as “illegal.” Jara added: “It was the youth who, with their blood, overthrew Hasina and installed the interim government. Yet for the past year, these revolutionary young people have been belittled—called too young to govern. But it is precisely these so-called ‘small people’ who carry the greatest love for this country. Young people dare to question power and challenge authority.”

Addressing the role of women in politics, she said: “Revolutionary women are now victims of cyberbullying. It is the state’s duty to ensure safe spaces for women who wish to join politics. The government must take strict measures to protect them.”

BNP leader Begum Selima Rahman has called on party workers and supporters to spread Tarique Rahman’s 31-point reform agenda to households across the nation.

“Through this program, the BNP will return to power in the upcoming election to rebuild the country,” she said.

She emphasized that BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman was “the first leader of reform in Bangladesh,” and his son Tarique Rahman is now continuing that legacy.

“Tarique’s 31-point plan is designed to overhaul a decayed system. Once implemented, no further reform will be needed. There is no justification for perpetuating undemocratic practices in the name of reform,” Selima asserted.

BNP leader Amir Khasru has declared that elections will be held in the first half of February, warning that obstructing the process would be tantamount to denying democracy itself.

“The people of this country now see their dreams reflected in Tarique Rahman’s vision,” he said. “He has pledged that if entrusted with governance, one crore (10 million) jobs will be created in the first 18 months. Primary healthcare initiatives for all citizens are ready, and large-scale investments in education and skills development are being prepared.”

He stressed the need to democratize the economy: “Every Bangladeshi must have the opportunity to contribute to national economic development. To restore democracy, we must hold free and fair elections that form a truly democratic government.”

Khasru added: “BNP today is the largest political party in South Asia. This is because of Ziaur Rahman’s patriotism, development initiatives, and his inclusive vision for farmers, workers, and professionals alike.”

Filmmaker and adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has criticized what he sees as selective memory in Bangladesh’s intellectual circles.

“Our intelligentsia does not celebrate Osmani or Ziaur Rahman,” he wrote. “Yet these are the very people who talk about the spirit of the Liberation War—while those who fought on the ground or declared the war have been deliberately sidelined or dimmed in history.”

Farooki questioned why critical aspects of history remain unaddressed: “What were Osmani’s statements during the war? Did he differ on any issues? Why was he absent on December 16? Why was the surrender made to Indian forces? These are the questions that must now be asked.”

He added: “It is also time to document not only the atrocities of the Pakistanis but also the injustices and oppression faced by Bengalis in the pre-1947 years. We are beginning this work, and I believe the next government will carry it forward.”

On General Osmani’s birthday, Farooki recalled a moving memory: “Some footage of him during the Liberation War remains etched in my mind. But one moment will stay with me forever—his salute at Ziaur Rahman’s grave after Zia’s death. A rare gesture of love and respect from a general to his commander.”

The government is determined to curb tax evasion while boosting efficiency among businesses, said Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin on Monday during the 9th NTFC meeting.

“To facilitate trade, unnecessary regulations and restrictive controls will be reviewed,” he announced. “We want to ensure fairness and create a level playing field, which will increase trade volume and strengthen our economic capacity.”

He further emphasized: “We need an efficient trade regime that will drive significant progress in our national economy and serve as a strong platform for equitable distribution of resources.”

Chittagong City Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain praised BNP as a liberal, democratic political party. He urged BNP leaders and activists to uphold the party’s ideals and prepare to regain governance with public support.
Reflecting on BNP’s founding by Ziaur Rahman on this day in 1978, he noted the party’s successes in parliamentary and government leadership over the years. He lauded Zia’s vision for national unity, development, and democracy, and emphasized Begum Khaleda Zia’s role in sustaining the party through political crises, including the post-2007 emergency period. Hossain said the country now awaits the return of BNP leader Tarique Rahman.

The Ministry of Education has issued a gazette declaring that the minimum educational qualification for presidents of committees at private secondary schools and colleges is a bachelor’s degree.
The revised regulations clarify the composition of the managing committee, including representatives of teachers, parents, founders, donors, and members actively involved in education, with the institution’s head serving as the member secretary. Detailed democratic procedures for committee elections are also outlined.

The government has sent letters to Interpol headquarters requesting Red Notices against three garment owners: Shahadat Hossain Shamim (TNZ Group), Ittemad Uddoula and Nabil Uddoula (DARD Group), and Mamunul Islam (ROR Fashion Ltd).
The Ministry of Labour stated the action aims to hold the owners accountable for labor rights violations, ensure workers receive their dues, and facilitate the return of accused individuals who have been abroad for extended periods.

Chief Election Commissioner A. M. M. Nasir Uddin stated following a meeting with the U.S. Ambassador that the upcoming 300-seat parliamentary election will be conducted fairly, with no advantage for those attempting to incite disturbances.
He emphasized that preparations have been accelerated since receiving instructions from the Chief Advisor and assured that the Election Commission is ready to manage the elections without bearing any blame. Uddin expressed optimism that political parties will reach a consensus on the election and praised the Chief Advisor’s efforts in allowing the commission to operate independently.

A Dhaka University student, identified as Ali Hossain, has sparked outrage after threatening Daksu election candidate B.M. Fahmida Alam with gang rape in a Facebook post.
Islami Chhatra Shibir condemned the incident and filed a formal complaint with the university proctor.
Shibir’s Dhaka University president, S.M. Farhad, said, “We immediately urged the administration to act against the accused. This culture of slut-shaming and abusive language against female students must be fought collectively.”
He also alleged that a “syndicate” was spreading propaganda against Shibir on social media. Meanwhile, Ali Hossain denied any political affiliation in a Facebook Live video.