BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that the government should not call for voting based on any special reason or promote any particular vote. He emphasized that the government’s responsibility is to encourage citizens to participate in elections and go to polling centers. He made these remarks on Friday afternoon while speaking to journalists after attending a children and youth gathering organized by the Maizbhandari Academy at Nasirabad Government Boys High School field in Chattogram.

Amir Khasru said that when government representatives talk about voting for special reasons, it creates suspicion among the public. He added that people are not taking positively the idea of highlighting one vote while ignoring another. According to him, the focus should be on the vote that can bring real change to the lives of ordinary people, which he described as the “real vote.”

The event was inaugurated by Chattogram City Mayor Shahadat Hossain, with Daily Azadi editor M A Malek as a special guest. Several other organizers and officials were also present at the gathering.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated in Istanbul on Thursday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s aggressive military policies have left Israel increasingly isolated internationally. He said the ongoing military operations have caused widespread death and destruction in the Middle East and made normalization of relations with Israel practically impossible for Turkey and many other countries.

Fidan emphasized that as long as Israel’s military campaign continues, there is no realistic opportunity to restore diplomatic ties. He noted that European leaders are now reluctant to meet or be photographed with Netanyahu, reflecting growing opposition among European human rights groups and elected representatives. According to him, this reluctance stems from political risks associated with public closeness to Netanyahu.

He added that Israel’s diplomatic isolation is evident, with Netanyahu reportedly losing the ability to travel beyond the United States. Fidan described Turkey’s stance not as emotional or ideological but as part of a broader international response, noting that many countries are either openly criticizing Israel or quietly avoiding high-level contact.

Mahmudur Rahman, editor of the newspaper Amar Desh, stated that the political legacy and struggle of late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia have now been entrusted to their son, Tarique Rahman. He made the remarks on Friday at a citizens’ condolence meeting held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament in Dhaka, organized to mourn the death of Begum Khaleda Zia.

Rahman described this transfer of legacy as both a matter of pride and a profound responsibility. He said that being the son of two such prominent leaders is an honor but also a source of fear and challenge, as the people of Bangladesh will always compare Tarique Rahman with his parents. Citing Rabindranath Tagore’s verse, he prayed for divine strength for Tarique to carry this symbolic flag of independence and leadership.

Rahman further remarked that Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia were the only husband and wife in Bangladesh’s century-long history who remained at the peak of popularity throughout their lives, calling their joint legacy unique in global political history.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed stated that Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty remained protected because of Begum Khaleda Zia’s leadership. He made the remarks on Friday at the inauguration of a three-day photo exhibition in memory of Khaleda Zia at Justice Shahabuddin Park in Gulshan, Dhaka. Rizvi said her refusal to compromise led to her imprisonment and suffering, and that she was a guiding light for the nation.

He described Khaleda Zia’s life as broad and revolutionary, saying her political and professional journey would inspire admiration among those who study it. According to Rizvi, such exhibitions will motivate the younger generation and highlight her ideals and leadership. He added that her death created a void affecting not only her party but the entire nation.

Rizvi also criticized the Awami League government for approving projects like the Rampal power plant to serve business interests, contrasting it with Khaleda Zia’s alleged resistance to anti-national deals. He claimed regional and global forces continue to conspire to control Bangladesh’s coal and gas resources, against which Khaleda Zia always stood firm.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh, led by the Pir of Charmonai, has announced its withdrawal from the 11-party electoral alliance that included Jamaat-e-Islami. The party declared it will contest independently in 268 constituencies in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. The announcement was made on Friday afternoon at the party’s central office by its joint secretary general and spokesperson, Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman.

Explaining the decision, Rahman said the party views politics as a form of worship aimed at establishing Islamic principles, not a pursuit of power. He stated that Islami Andolan faced hostility within the alliance over issues of justice and fairness. The spokesperson also expressed concern that Jamaat’s leadership had reached understandings with BNP’s Tarique Rahman without consultation, raising doubts about the alliance’s integrity and objectives.

Rahman further said the party could not compromise on its ideological goals, especially after learning that Jamaat’s leadership had assured Christian representatives that they would not implement Sharia law if in power. He emphasized that Islami Andolan would continue its mission to unite Islamist voters under one platform.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu requested the United States not to carry out an attack on Iran at this time, according to a report by The New York Times. The report, citing a senior US official, said Netanyahu spoke with US President Donald Trump and asked him to delay any planned military action against Iran.

On Wednesday, President Trump said he had been assured that killings of anti-government protesters in Iran had stopped and that planned executions were suspended. He did not specify the source of this information but described it as coming from a highly important source.

Israel’s Channel 12 reported that after lengthy discussions at the military headquarters, Israel informed the US that while it would support any American decision, it did not currently want an attack. The report also noted that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Netanyahu for the third time in six days.

Two people were killed and six others seriously injured in a clash between two rival groups in Nangalkot upazila of Cumilla district on Friday afternoon. The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. in Aliyara village under Boxganj Union, involving groups led by Abul Khayer Member and Saleh Ahmed Member. The deceased were identified as Delwar Hossain Nayon, a 36-year-old expatriate who returned home a month ago, and Saleh Ahmed, 60, a former member of Aliyara Union. The injured were taken to Cumilla Medical College Hospital for treatment. Police and army personnel have been deployed to control the tense situation.

According to local sources, a similar clash between the same factions on August 3, 2025, had left a former union member named Alauddin dead. Following that incident, houses were vandalized and set on fire, forcing several families to leave the area. Recently, after army intervention, those families had returned home, which reportedly reignited tensions leading to Friday’s deadly confrontation.

Law enforcement agencies are closely monitoring the situation, and additional security measures have been implemented in the area, according to Nangalkot Police Station Officer-in-Charge Arifur Rahman.

A six-year-old girl named Niha Moni was found dead inside a septic tank in Mochagora area of Jatrapur Union, Muradnagar upazila of Cumilla on Friday around 12:30 p.m. Her mouth and hands were bound with tape. Locals discovered the body and detained a 20-year-old man named Rasel, who was later handed over to police after being beaten by the crowd.

According to family members, Niha Moni, daughter of expatriate Sharif Mia, was a first-grade student at a local kindergarten. Her grandmother said the child had been playing with other girls when Rasel was seen nearby, after which she went missing. Locals alleged that Rasel was a drug addict who had previously harassed children and demanded exemplary punishment.

Muradnagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Hasan Jamil Khan stated that the body was sent to Cumilla Medical College Hospital for autopsy and that legal action was underway.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh, led by the Pir of Charmonai, has announced its withdrawal from the 11-party electoral alliance that included Jamaat-e-Islami. The party declared it will contest 268 constituencies independently in the upcoming election. The announcement was made on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the party’s central office by its joint secretary general and spokesperson, Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman. He stated that their candidates had submitted nomination papers for 270 seats, but two were canceled, leaving 268 active candidates who have been instructed not to withdraw.

Rahman explained that the decision followed concerns that the alliance’s goals were diverging from Islami Andolan’s ideological objectives. He cited remarks by Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, who reportedly assured Christian representatives that Jamaat would govern under existing laws rather than implementing Sharia. According to Rahman, this assurance indicated a departure from the shared vision of establishing an Islamic welfare state, prompting Islami Andolan to preserve its ideological integrity.

The party emphasized its commitment to Islamic principles and vowed to continue its political activities independently to uphold its religious and moral ideals.

BNP Joint Secretary General Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel has alleged that a certain group, disguised as an alliance, is attempting to destabilize the country. He made the remarks on Friday after paying tribute at the graves of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman and late chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Sohel said that while people are preparing for participatory elections, various conspiracies are being heard, and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is preparing to establish a people's government.

He emphasized that the party’s movement for a non-partisan, neutral election remains active. Sohel accused the unnamed group of hiding its true intentions and trying to seize power to reveal its “real face,” which he said the nation no longer wants to see. He also claimed that these “religious traders” would be resisted through ballots.

Sohel further stated that BNP is introducing a family card to empower women and reduce their dependence on men, accusing opponents of spreading confusion about the initiative.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s Press Secretary Md. Shafiqul Alam stated that there is no concern regarding the upcoming national election, as all necessary preparations have been completed. He made the remarks on Friday morning after visiting the shrine of Hazrat Shah Syed Ahmad Gessu Daraz Shah Pir Kalla (R.) in Akhaura upazila of Brahmanbaria. According to him, returning officers and polling officials are fully prepared, security arrangements are in place, and postal ballot procedures have been finalized. The election is scheduled for February 12.

Shafiqul Alam also addressed criticism surrounding the referendum, saying that those opposing it have limited understanding. He explained that in countries where referendums are held, governments typically take a stance for or against. Since the current government supports reforms, it is advocating for a “yes” vote. He described the referendum as a collective reform package aimed at preventing misrule or autocracy from returning to the country.

He further noted that unlike in the past, when voting occurred at night, this time citizens will be able to vote freely, and the government will demonstrate impartiality through its actions.

Two young men were killed in a head-on collision between a motorcycle and a pickup van at Maijdee Bazar in Noakhali district town early Friday. The accident occurred around 1 a.m. on the Dhaka–Sonapur highway near Kerani Mosque. The deceased were identified as Abhi Debnath, 23, and Hridoy Chandra Shil, 22, both residents of Binodpur Union in Sadar upazila. The pickup driver was injured in the incident.

According to eyewitnesses and police, Abhi and Hridoy were returning home from Chandraganj in Lakshmipur by motorcycle when a chicken-laden pickup van suddenly made a U-turn, leading to a head-on collision. Locals rescued the injured and took them to Noakhali General Hospital, where Abhi was declared dead. Hridoy was later transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital in critical condition and was pronounced dead there on Friday morning.

Sudharam Police Station’s officer-in-charge Mohammad Touhidul Islam said both vehicles were seized from the scene, and legal action would follow upon receiving a written complaint.

A protest march was held in Tongi, Gazipur, demanding justice for the killing of Inqilab Manch spokesperson Shaheed Sharif Osman Bin Hadi. The demonstration, organized under the banner of 'Anti-Indian Hegemony Students and People,' began after Friday prayers from the Asia Petrol Pump area. Hundreds of students, locals, and worshippers joined the procession, which moved through the Dhaka–Mymensingh Highway and ended with a brief rally at the starting point.

Speakers at the rally included July Movement activist Labib Muannad, former Shibir leader Afif Hasan Yaqoob, and Tamirul Millat Central Students’ Union AGS Moinul Islam and Murtuza Hasan Fuad. They stated that Hadi’s sacrifice had inspired renewed national awakening and vowed to continue the movement until justice is served. During the event, Inqilab Manch member RJ Riyad announced the establishment of the 'Inqilab Cultural Center' in Tongi’s Kha Para area, aimed at fostering ideological and cultural growth among youth.

Participants emphasized peaceful expression of their demands and urged authorities to take prompt judicial action regarding the killing.

The government has appointed Omar Bin Hadi, elder brother of Inquilab Moncho convener Shaheed Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, as Second Secretary at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Birmingham, United Kingdom. The appointment was made on a contractual basis for three years, effective from the date of joining. The Ministry of Public Administration’s Contract and Foreign Appointment Branch issued the official notification on Thursday, signed by Joint Secretary Abul Hayat Md. Rafiq on January 15 under the President’s order.

According to the notification, the appointment was made in the public interest, and all other terms will be determined through the relevant contract. It also specifies that during his tenure, Omar Bin Hadi cannot engage in any other profession, business, or employment with government, semi-government, or private organizations, ensuring full professional detachment.

Omar Bin Hadi is the elder brother of Osman Bin Hadi, who was shot in Dhaka’s Paltan area on December 12 and later died in Singapore on December 18 while undergoing treatment.

Students of Islamic University (IU) organized a protest march and rally on Friday, January 16, demanding prompt justice for the killing of Shahid Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, spokesperson of the Iqilab Moncho. The demonstration began after Friday prayers at the central mosque premises and moved through various campus roads and nearby Sheikhpara market before concluding with a brief rally at the university’s main gate.

During the rally, participants chanted slogans calling for justice and accountability, expressing frustration that 35 days had passed since Hadi’s killing without any significant progress in the investigation. They alleged that a dark force was obstructing justice and vowed not to let Hadi’s memory fade. The students described Hadi as a symbol of anti-hegemony ideals and claimed he was targeted for his beliefs.

They urged the interim government to bring shooter Faisal, along with those who ordered and planned the killing, to justice swiftly and to contribute to building a new Bangladesh through fair legal action.