Hasanat Abdullah, chief organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP) for the southern region, said on Wednesday night that after the fall of a brutal dictatorship and the loss of two thousand lives in July and August, it is unimaginable that people would again be killed for political reasons. He made the remarks in a Facebook post referring to the killing of Maulana Rezaul Karim, secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami in Sherpur-3 Sreebardi upazila.

In his post, Hasanat held both the BNP and the government responsible for the incident, alleging that since Tarique Rahman’s return to the country, the government and administration have been favoring a particular party. He also accused the BNP of internal conflicts that have led to multiple killings over the past one and a half years, saying repeated warnings were ignored. Hasanat questioned Tarique Rahman’s plans to prevent his party members from engaging in violence while promoting programs like family and farmer cards.

The statement reflects growing concern over renewed political violence and accountability among major parties following recent unrest in Sherpur.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) continues to face a deepening trust crisis ahead of the 13th parliamentary election and a simultaneous referendum scheduled for February 12. The commission has repeatedly altered decisions, amended laws and codes of conduct mid-process, and faced legal complications over schedules and constituency boundaries. A new directive barring election officials from campaigning for or against the referendum has sparked further debate, as the government’s ongoing ‘yes’ campaign may send mixed signals to voters.

Observers note that the EC’s limited experience in organizing large-scale national polls without prior local elections raises concerns about its preparedness. The commission, formed in November 2024 under the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has been criticized for inconsistent decisions, including leniency toward loan defaulters and dual citizens, and for controversies over postal ballots, party symbols, and registration.

Election analysts argue that frequent rule changes have weakened the EC’s credibility, while commissioners insist they are acting fairly and without political pressure. The High Court has dismissed a petition seeking to halt the election and referendum.

Political tension has escalated in Rangpur after Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader publicly urged voters to reject the upcoming referendum, calling it unconstitutional. His remarks criticizing several political groups, July movement activists, and journalists have drawn sharp reactions from the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the NCP, who accused him of provoking unrest and serving partisan interests. Ordinary voters have also expressed concern over the growing hostility.

BNP leaders demanded Quader’s immediate arrest, while Jamaat leaders alleged that the Jatiya Party was helping the Awami League regain political ground. NCP representatives accused him of advancing a foreign agenda under the guise of the referendum. July movement activists and local journalists condemned his comments as divisive and disrespectful. In response, Jatiya Party officials defended Quader’s statements as deliberate and justified.

Rangpur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Abdul Majid stated that law enforcement is fully prepared to prevent any disorder related to the referendum and will not allow clashes to occur.

Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Kasem Arman, the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for Dhaka-14 constituency, announced plans to introduce a 'Paharadar App' and create dignified employment opportunities for professional extortionists. He made the announcement on Wednesday during his election manifesto presentation at Mirpur College Auditorium in Dhaka.

Arman described extortion as a serious problem affecting Mirpur residents and pledged never to engage in such practices. He said the proposed 'Paharadar App' would allow victims to file anonymous complaints, enabling authorities to take action. Additionally, he promised to help professional extortionists reintegrate into normal life through honorable work opportunities.

Following the manifesto announcement, Arman began the seventh day of his election campaign with a rally promoting his election symbol, the balance scale, in front of Mirpur College. He later conducted voter outreach activities in Amin Bazar to conclude the day’s campaign events.

The Chittagong University (CU) unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir held a protest march on Wednesday night following the death of Maulana Rezaul Karim, secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Sreebardi upazila unit in Sherpur. Karim was killed in a clash between BNP and Jamaat supporters over seating arrangements on an election manifesto stage in the Sherpur-3 constituency. The demonstration began at the university’s Zero Point around 11:30 p.m. and passed through several campus locations before concluding with speeches.

During the rally, CU Shibir secretary Mohammad Parvez accused rival political groups of continuing a pattern of violence similar to earlier political unrest, warning of retaliation if such actions persisted. Office secretary Habibullah Khaled alleged that killings and attacks, including those targeting women, were being carried out under political direction, criticizing national leadership for remaining silent on the incidents.

The protest reflected growing campus-level tensions linked to political violence surrounding the upcoming election, as student groups aligned with national parties responded to the Sherpur incident.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has accused a rival political party of misusing religious sentiments in its election campaign. At a press conference held on Wednesday at the BNP’s Gulshan office, Mahadi Amin, spokesperson for the party’s central election management committee, alleged that the rival party was offering promises of paradise, making voters swear on the Quran, and even proposing cash transfers via mobile payment services in exchange for votes. He described these actions as political hypocrisy and called on all parties to adhere to the electoral code of conduct.

Amin further criticized the rival party’s leader for announcing the establishment of a public university and the upgrade of Bogura municipality to a city corporation, both of which he said were already approved by the government. He also condemned the reported dismissal of a mosque muezzin in Naogaon for supporting BNP’s election symbol, calling it a violation of democratic rights.

Referring to a video from Sylhet, Amin said a candidate’s claim that police would need his permission to enter homes was unconstitutional and demanded appropriate action from authorities.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (Retd.) stated that the law and order situation is better than expected and that preparations for the upcoming parliamentary election and referendum are stronger than in previous years. He made the remarks on Wednesday afternoon after a divisional meeting on law and order in Sylhet, held at the PTI Auditorium in Subidbazar.

Chowdhury emphasized that all officials involved in election duties are competent and honest, with no political bias. He detailed extensive security measures, including CCTV cameras at every polling center, drones at selected centers, body-worn cameras, dog squads, and the deployment of ten Ansar members per center, three of whom will be armed. Strike forces from the army, navy, air force, RAB, BGB, coast guard, and police, along with mobile teams, will also be on duty.

The meeting was attended by senior administrative and law enforcement officials from Sylhet and neighboring districts, as well as representatives from various security agencies.

The Rajshahi University (RU) unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir held a protest on Wednesday night, January 28, 2026, condemning the killing of Maulana Rezaul Karim, secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Sreebardi upazila unit in Sherpur. The incident occurred during a clash between BNP and Jamaat supporters at an election manifesto event in Sherpur-3 constituency. The protest march began at the university’s Zoha Chattar around 11:30 p.m., circled 17 residential halls, and concluded at the starting point.

During the demonstration, participants chanted slogans accusing BNP of political violence and holding its leadership responsible for the killing. RU Shibir office secretary Mujahid Islam denounced the incident, alleging that BNP’s armed groups were behind the attack, and warned that the public would reject such politics in the upcoming February 12 election. Senate member Fahim Reza also condemned the violence, saying the killing marked a return to political bloodshed that many hoped had ended after August 5.

Speakers at the protest called for accountability and urged voters to oppose what they described as BNP’s violent political tactics through the ballot box.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested 52 individuals in the capital within the last 24 hours under Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2. The information was confirmed on Wednesday by DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media) Muhammad Talebur Rahman. The arrests were made during coordinated drives across multiple police stations in Dhaka.

According to the DMP, the operation involved police from Kotwali, Demra, Mohammadpur, Tejgaon, Hazaribagh, Badda, Paltan, Adabar, Bangshal, Chawkbazar, Kalabagan, Jatrabari, Rampura, Gendaria, Darus Salam, Shilpanchal, Shahbagh, Wari, and Uttara West stations. Among those arrested, Hazaribagh police detained 12 people, Mohammadpur six, Jatrabari eight, and Shahbagh five, while other stations reported smaller numbers. All detainees have been sent to court.

The operation is part of an ongoing citywide effort by DMP to conduct targeted raids under the second phase of Operation Devil Hunt, focusing on maintaining law and order in Dhaka.

Authorities have partially blocked access to the popular news website BD Today (www.bdtoday.net) without any prior announcement, according to a report published on January 29, 2026. The site, which has been operating for 14 years, is known for publishing content critical of fascism and Indian hegemony. Its publisher expressed anger over the latest restriction, noting that the site is currently inaccessible on mobile devices.

BD Today’s editor, Dr. Mokarram Hossain, told Amar Desh that the portal is legally registered under Bangladesh’s company law and not an unverified outlet. He said discussions with mobile operators revealed that the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) had ordered the block. The editorial team strongly protested the move and demanded that access be restored immediately.

Attempts to reach BTRC Vice Chairman Md. Abu Bakar Siddique for comment were unsuccessful, but a senior official from a mobile operator confirmed that the block was implemented under BTRC’s directive.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has called for visible action from law enforcement following the killing of Maulana Rezaul Karim, secretary of Jamaat’s Sherpur-3 Sreebardi upazila unit. In a verified Facebook post on Wednesday night, he said the public wants to see how law enforcement performs and what kind of election they deliver to the nation.

According to his statement, the incident occurred during an election manifesto reading event organized by the assistant returning officer of Sherpur-3 constituency. A dispute reportedly broke out when BNP supporters arrived late and argued over seating, leading to a violent clash. Dr. Rahman alleged that BNP activists attacked Jamaat supporters with local weapons, injuring more than 50 people. Three were critically wounded, and Rezaul Karim died on the way to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital around 9 p.m.

Dr. Rahman demanded the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible, warning against any delay. He also prayed for the quick recovery of the injured and reiterated that the nation would not tolerate negligence in justice.

BNP Standing Committee member and Bhola-3 parliamentary candidate Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed alleged that the Awami League is conspiring from India to create instability in Bangladesh. Speaking on Wednesday morning at a guardians’ assembly at Ha-Meem Residential School and College in Lalmohan, Bhola, he said the Awami League’s 16 years in power were a nightmare period during which the party served Indian interests. He urged voters to respond to these alleged conspiracies through the upcoming national election.

Major Hafiz also criticized the interim government, claiming it had taken no initiative to reform the education system in the past one and a half years. He expressed hope that a newly elected government would prioritize education and work to improve its quality. The event was presided over by the school principal Md. Ruhul Amin and attended by local BNP leaders including Md. Zafar Iqbal, Md. Shafiqul Islam Babul, and Md. Mosharraf Hossain Matin.

Students of Jagannath University (Jabi) held a protest march on Wednesday night, January 28, following the death of Maulana Rezaul Karim, secretary of Sherpur’s Sreebardi upazila Jamaat, who was killed in a clash between BNP and Jamaat supporters in Sherpur-3 constituency. The procession started from the main gate of the campus, moved through Old Dhaka’s Tatibazar, and ended at Bishwajit Square with speeches demanding justice for the killing.

During the demonstration, students chanted slogans condemning the incident and accusing political opponents of resorting to violence out of fear of losing. Speakers including Ibrahim Khalil, education and research secretary of JAKSU, and leaders of student organizations such as Shahin Mia, Sohag Ahmed, and Sheikh Ferdous, criticized the political violence and called for accountability. They alleged that the killing reflected a return to blood politics ahead of the February 12 election.

Protesters urged authorities to take action against those responsible and warned that continued political violence would be resisted by students. They also called for a shift toward peaceful and responsible politics.

An AI-generated video uploaded on a Facebook page called 'Apa Firbe' falsely depicted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina meeting U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, claiming the U.S. planned to urge Bangladesh to postpone its 13th parliamentary election. Fact-checking confirmed the video was fake. Authorities said the clip was created two weeks earlier by a group aiming to spread confusion nationwide, and similar AI videos and fake photocards have since gone viral on social media.

Experts warned that such misinformation is fueling social unrest and undermining law and order. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission has not yet taken steps to curb the spread, while the interim government’s AI policy remains unimplemented. Criminologists and police officials acknowledged the growing problem but cited limited expertise and resources. The Criminal Investigation Department reported no formal complaints yet but said cyber monitoring has been increased.

Fact-checking organizations found AI-generated fake content spreading across political, environmental, and international topics, with election-related misinformation intensifying as the polls approach.

Former ICC president Ehsan Mani has criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after Bangladesh was excluded from the upcoming T20 World Cup. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had requested to play its matches in Sri Lanka citing security concerns about traveling to India, but the ICC rejected the proposal and replaced Bangladesh with Scotland. The decision, reportedly influenced by India, has sparked widespread criticism across the cricket world, including within India itself.

In an interview with Telecom Asia, Mani said cricket has lost direction under the ICC’s current structure and called for immediate constitutional reforms to ensure independent and neutral board directors. He blamed political interference and administrative weakness for the current instability. Mani also questioned BCCI’s handling of player safety, citing Mustafizur Rahman’s exclusion from the IPL as an example, and described Bangladesh’s security concerns as legitimate.

He further argued that the ICC should follow FIFA or Olympic models, requiring host nations to guarantee visas and security for all teams or lose hosting rights.