At a meeting with Islamic scholars and clerics in Parshuram, Feni, BNP leaders announced that the party would introduce monthly government allowances for imams, khatibs and muezzins if it forms the next government. The event, held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Parshuram Auditorium, was organized in support of BNP’s Feni-1 candidate Rafiqul Alam Majnu. Abu Taleb, a member of the BNP National Executive Committee and chief coordinator of the local election management committee, attended as the chief guest.

Presided over by Maulana Nurul Islam, principal of Parshuram Islamia Senior Fazil Madrasa, the meeting also featured Abdul Halim Manik, convener of the Upazila BNP, as a special guest. In his speech, Abu Taleb said BNP would never pass any law contrary to the Quran and Sunnah, emphasizing that protecting Islam is a collective duty in a country where 90 percent of the population is Muslim.

He added that imams, khatibs and muezzins play a vital role in guiding society through Islamic teachings, and the proposed allowance aims to recognize their contribution.

A total of 330 international observers have been confirmed to monitor Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election and the referendum on the July national charter, scheduled for February 12. The Chief Adviser’s Press Wing announced the figure on Saturday, noting that six international organizations, including the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), will send at least 63 observers. Additionally, the European Union, 16 countries, and 32 individual observers affiliated with various international organizations will participate.

The number of international observers this year is more than double that of the disputed January 7, 2024 election, which saw significantly fewer monitors. Previous elections hosted 158, 125, and only four international observers in the 12th, 11th, and 10th elections respectively. The OIC delegation will be led by Shakir Mahmud Bandar, head of the organization’s election observation unit. Other groups include ANFREL with 28 observers, the Commonwealth Secretariat with 25, IRI with seven, and NDI with one.

Senior Secretary and SDG Coordinator Lamia Morshed said the number may rise as several invited countries, including India, Nepal, Australia, and France, have yet to confirm their delegates.

Prominent Qawmi scholar Mufti Abdur Rahman Rahmani has joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. The joining took place on Saturday afternoon at the party’s Dhaka Metropolitan South office, where he filled out the associate membership form. He was welcomed by Abdus Sabur Fakir, a member of Jamaat’s central Majlish-e-Shura and Naib-e-Ameer of Dhaka Metropolitan South. Other senior leaders, including Advocate Dr. Helal Uddin, Maulana Mosharraf Hossain, and Mufti Nuruzzaman Nomani, were also present.

Rahmani stated that he had not previously been affiliated with any organization but had long been seeking one dedicated to establishing Islamic principles. He said he found Jamaat-e-Islami to embody the spirit of mutual care described in Hadith, unlike many Qawmi-based groups he viewed as lacking structure. He emphasized that Jamaat offered broader opportunities for social and religious work and urged his students and well-wishers to join for the sake of divine satisfaction.

Jamaat leaders described the party as a humanitarian organization committed to social reform and service, rejecting what they called false propaganda against it.

Jaima Rahman, daughter of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, has recently drawn notable attention within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party after returning to the country with her family. Although she holds no official party position, her participation in select events since December 2025 has sparked curiosity among party members and observers. Political analysts suggest that BNP is gradually introducing her to the public eye, possibly signaling a message of leadership continuity within the party.

Some observers believe Jaima’s emergence is part of a broader strategy to attract young and female voters ahead of the next parliamentary election. Her recent public appearances include a policy discussion on women’s role in nation-building, a youth-focused creative competition, and cultural events in Dhaka. Despite her growing visibility, she has yet to appear on the main election campaign stage.

Jaima, a barrister trained in the United Kingdom, has described herself as a communications strategist and corporate lawyer. Her increasing engagement in public and party-related activities has been widely covered by national media and BNP’s official social media channels.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his government is prepared to listen to the problems of the Iranian people. He made the remarks in a televised speech on Saturday, during which he accused former U.S. President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and European countries of inciting recent protests in Iran. Pezeshkian claimed these foreign actors sought to divide the nation and spread hatred among its people.

He stated that normal protests do not involve violence, killings of military personnel, or attacks on ambulances and markets. According to him, the government should sit with demonstrators, hear their concerns, and find solutions. Pezeshkian added that foreign powers exploited Iran’s internal issues to provoke unrest and divide society.

Iranian authorities have acknowledged that more than 3,000 people were killed in the recent protests, saying most victims were security forces or bystanders killed by “rioters.” However, rights groups have claimed the actual death toll is likely much higher.

National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan said there is no alternative to the scale symbol to free the country from corruption and extortion. He made the remarks on Saturday morning at the 'March for Scale' election rally held at Rahim Uddin Degree College field in Adamdighi upazila of Bogura. Bhuiyan urged voters to support the scale symbol and recalled that during a previous authoritarian period, some districts faced regional discrimination based solely on identity. He stated that as an interim government adviser on youth and sports, he decided that no district should face such discrimination for political reasons.

Bhuiyan also outlined development plans for the region, including construction of an underpass in Santahar municipality to ease railway congestion and a flyover in Dupchanchia to reduce traffic. He mentioned plans to establish factories to increase employment and economic stability in the area. The rally was presided over by upazila Jamaat Amir Hafez Atowar Hossain, where Bhuiyan introduced Nur Muhammad Abu Taher as the NCP candidate for Bogura-3 constituency.

Several local and district-level leaders from NCP and Jamaat addressed the event as special guests, expressing support for the scale symbol and the party’s development agenda.

The 12th Dhaka International Mobile Film Festival (DIMFF) 2026 began today under the outreach program of the Media Studies and Journalism Department of the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB). The two-day event, presented by Infinix Mobile Bangladesh and supported by Star Cineplex, will conclude tomorrow. From 131 film submissions across 24 countries, 25 films have been selected for screening in six categories.

Details of the festival were announced at a press conference held at ULAB’s permanent campus. The categories this year include Short Film, One Minute, Vertical Film, Open Door, Citizen Journalism, and Outstanding Talent Award. The first day’s screenings will take place at the ULAB campus, while the second day’s events will be held at Star Cineplex (Shimanto Shambhar).

For the first time, the Citizen Journalism category will feature films highlighting social justice, climate change, real-life issues, and stories of marginalized communities. The Outstanding Talent Award will recognize a skilled crew member behind the scenes. The jury board includes filmmakers and writers from Nepal, Bangladesh, France, and the UK.

Professor Dr. M. Zubaidur Rahman, Chairman of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC, called on officials to strengthen public trust in the bank by ensuring customer satisfaction through dedicated service. Speaking as chief guest at an officers’ conference held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Sena Prangon in Dhaka Cantonment, he emphasized that customers are the lifeblood of the bank and that all complaints should be addressed promptly and seriously. He urged employees to treat the institution as their own to enhance service quality and operational efficiency.

The event was presided over by Managing Director Md. Omar Faruk Khan, with senior executives including Executive Committee Chairman Mohammad Khurshid Wahab, Audit Committee Chairman Md. Abdus Salam, Risk Management Committee Chairman Professor Dr. M. Masud Rahman, and Independent Director Md. Abdul Jalil attending as special guests. Additional Managing Director Md. Altaf Hossain delivered the welcome speech, while Deputy Managing Director Md. Mahbub Alam gave the vote of thanks.

In his remarks, Managing Director Khan highlighted the importance of expanding investment in the SME sector to strengthen the national economy and make banking services more accessible through improved customer care.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has alleged widespread attacks, threats, and violations of the electoral code against its campaigners across several districts. At a press conference held on Saturday afternoon at the party’s central office in Moghbazar, Assistant Secretary General and head of the publicity and media department Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair demanded the immediate arrest of those involved in the killing of Jamaat leader Rezaul Karim in Jhenaigati, Sherpur. He said the attacks appeared aimed at spreading fear among voters and warned that fascism, extortion, and terrorism would have no place in the future of Bangladesh.

Zubair stated that information on these incidents had been shared with returning officers and law enforcement agencies, and a memorandum would be submitted to the Election Commission on Sunday. He cited multiple incidents, including the killings of Jamaat figures Sharif Osman Hadi and Shariful Islam, assaults on activists in Gaibandha, Bhola, and other districts, and alleged involvement of BNP members in violent acts. Jamaat warned that failure to arrest identified attackers could jeopardize a fair election and lead to further party action.

The press conference was attended by members of Jamaat’s national election management committee, including Zahidur Rahman and Oliullah Noman.

In the Sunamganj-2 (Dirai-Shalla) parliamentary constituency, election activities have gained momentum ahead of the upcoming national polls. Candidates are holding rallies, market meetings, and door-to-door campaigns from early morning until late night. Family members of the contenders have also joined the field, directly engaging with voters and sharing promises. With paper posters absent this year, digital banners and festoons dominate the streets, while parties compete creatively to attract young voters.

The main contest has emerged between BNP’s veteran politician and former MP Nasir Uddin Chowdhury and the 10-party alliance candidate, Supreme Court lawyer Mohammad Shishir Monir, backed by Jamaat-e-Islami. Despite some health issues, Nasir continues active campaigning across villages, while Shishir focuses on social media outreach and community engagement, including farmers, laborers, expatriates, and third-gender groups. Local residents express divided support, with some praising Nasir’s liberation war legacy and others viewing Shishir as a symbol of development and trust.

As election day approaches, excitement and speculation grow over who will lead Dirai-Shalla next, marking a generational contest between experience and youth.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman addressed an election campaign rally in Sherpur, Bogura, on Saturday, January 31, 2026, while returning to Dhaka from a northern Bangladesh tour. Speaking at the event for BNP candidate Golam Mohammad Siraj in the Bogura-5 (Sherpur-Dhunat) constituency, he expressed gratitude for visiting Bogura after 19 years and called on voters to support the BNP’s 'sheaf of paddy' symbol in the upcoming February 12 election. Rahman said the people of Bangladesh recognize Bogura as a BNP stronghold and urged residents to reaffirm that reputation through their votes.

Thousands of party leaders, activists, and local residents gathered along the Dhunatmor area to welcome Rahman, waving and cheering as his motorcade passed. He stated that whenever the BNP has governed, it has worked for national and local development, promising continued progress if elected again. Several senior BNP leaders from district and upazila levels accompanied him during the visit.

The rally highlighted the party’s effort to consolidate support in Bogura ahead of the February 12 vote.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman appeared on the stage of an election rally at the BSCIC Industrial Park in Sirajganj on Saturday afternoon. He was accompanied by his wife, Zubaida Rahman. As he stepped onto the stage around 3 p.m., party leaders, activists, and supporters greeted him with applause. Rahman responded by waving to the crowd.

According to the report, Tarique Rahman traveled by road from Bogura to Sirajganj earlier in the day. Thousands of BNP leaders and activists from various upazilas of Sirajganj and from Pabna gathered at the venue from the morning to see him. By noon, the rally ground and nearby roads were filled with people.

The event marked a significant campaign appearance by the BNP chairperson ahead of the upcoming election, drawing large participation from party supporters in the region.

The four-day 25th Dhaka International Yarn and Fabric Show (DIFS) 2026 – Winter Edition and the 8th Dhaka International Denim Show 2026 concluded successfully at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka. Organized jointly by Conference and Exhibition Management Services (CEMS-Global USA) and the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT-TEX China), the exhibitions ran from January 28 to 31, 2026.

More than 325 companies from over 15 countries participated, displaying modern technologies and innovations in yarn, fabric, denim, and related textile products across over 650 booths. The first day featured a seminar titled “Why Invest in Bangladesh?” organized with the support of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), while the second day hosted “Importance of MICE Tourism in Bangladesh” in collaboration with the Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB).

Organizers stated that the international exhibitions would strengthen Bangladesh’s global position in the textile and apparel sector and open new opportunities for investment and event-based tourism.

In Chattogram-12 (Patiya) constituency, Akibul Haque, son of BNP candidate Enamul Haque Enam, actively campaigned on Friday afternoon seeking votes for the paddy sheaf symbol. The campaign rally, organized by the local BNP at Bypass Road in Bhati Khain Union’s Ward 7, drew a large crowd of party leaders, activists, and residents. Akibul Haque urged voters to support his father, promising to fulfill local demands if elected.

District BNP leader Mofazzal Ahmad Chowdhury attended as chief guest, while Morshedul Shafi Hiru, former joint finance secretary of South District BNP, served as the main speaker. Hiru said the working class would vote for the paddy sheaf symbol, praising Enam’s long struggle and dedication to the party. Enamul Haque Enam stated that BNP believes in non-communal values and is committed to protecting the rights and religious freedom of all communities.

He pledged to make Patiya free from drugs, terrorism, and youth gangs if elected in the upcoming 13th national election, emphasizing good governance, employment creation, and overall development as his main goals.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP) for the southern region and the 11-party alliance candidate for Comilla-4 (Debidwar), pledged to take strong action against extortionists, drug traders, and loan defaulters if elected. He made the remarks on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at an election rally held at Bonkot Government Primary School field in Gunaighar South Union of Debidwar upazila.

During his speech, Abdullah urged voters not to support extortionists, drug dealers, or tender manipulators, emphasizing that drugs, extortion, and the public cannot coexist. He criticized the political culture of compromise with such groups and accused some local leaders of long-standing involvement with drug lords. He also warned voters to be cautious of candidates who pretend to be pious before elections and alleged that rival activists were issuing threats of post-election violence.

Abdullah called on voters to remain united until results are announced and urged women voters to campaign actively for his symbol, the ‘Shapla Koli’.