DHAKA, Jan 20, 2026 (BSS) - Islami Andolan Bangladesh will contest 259 seats in the upcoming elections with its electoral symbol "Hat Pakha". Maulana Lokman Hossain Jafri, member secretary of the party's central election management committee, came up with the development in a press release today. He said some candidates were withdrawn from a few constituencies after the Election Commission's scrutiny and in the spirit of political goodwill. Maulana Jafri urged all party leaders and workers to conduct election activities peacefully and ensure protecting voters' rights and property.

BAGERHAT, Jan 20, 2026 (BSS) - A total of 2,000 blankets were distributed among cold-stricken, helpless and distressed people in Rampal upazila of Bagerhat district today to alleviate their sufferings amid the prevailing cold wave. The blanket distribution programme was organised by the Rampal Coal-Based Thermal Power Plant at the Rajnagar Union Parishad premises in Rampal upazila. Bagerhat Deputy Commissioner Golam Md Baten attended the programme as the chief guest. Addressing the gathering, he urged voters to participate in both the upcoming February 12 referendum and the national elections by casting votes in the 'pink' and 'white' ballots respectively.  He said voters should exercise their voting rights according to their own judgment, based on their preferred candidates and opinions. The deputy commissioner also said that the assistance provided by the Rampal Coal-Based Thermal Power Plant authorities should not be considered as charity, but as part of their social and environmental responsibility.  He added that the power plant has been carrying out various welfare activities for the benefit of the local community, which people should accept positively. Local officials, representatives of the power plant, and residents of the area were present at the programme.