Nahid Islam, the Dhaka-11 constituency candidate representing an 11-party alliance and convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), stated that the people will decide through a national referendum how Bangladesh will be governed and how accountability in power will be ensured. He made the remarks on Tuesday during an election campaign event in Badda, Dhaka.

According to Nahid Islam, for the first time in Bangladesh’s history, a national referendum will be held alongside the parliamentary election. The referendum will include proposals for several major constitutional reforms, finalized through discussions and consensus among political parties. If implemented, these reforms would pave the way for establishing an upper house of parliament, ensuring a balance of power, and forming an independent and effective Election Commission.

He added that the upcoming election and referendum will determine the country’s direction for the next 20 to 30 years, shaping the framework for governance and constitutional structure. Nahid Islam emphasized his commitment to eradicating corruption, inequality, and misuse of power if elected, and pledged to fulfill the aspirations of the July uprising that remain unmet.

BNP Secretary General and Thakurgaon-1 candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that a certain group wants to erase the legacy of 1971, which he described as the foundation of Bangladesh’s existence. He made the remarks on Tuesday afternoon at an election meeting organized by Ward No. 6 BNP in Thakurgaon municipality.

Fakhrul emphasized that the Liberation War of 1971 gave the nation its territory and opportunities for progress. He said it is now time to ensure a better future for the next generation. He warned that using religion to mislead people and spreading false propaganda could create confusion among voters.

He further reminded that elections occur once every five years and that voting is a sacred trust. He urged voters to choose candidates who will uphold the value of their votes and not misuse this responsibility.

The interim government of Bangladesh has issued the Fisheries Protection and Conservation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, amending the 1950 law to prohibit fishing using electricity or electrofishing devices in any river, canal, or waterbody. The ordinance was promulgated by the President under Article 93(1) of the Constitution and took immediate effect. The Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs issued the ordinance, confirmed by the ministry’s public relations officer Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim.

The amendment expands the legal definition of “waterbody” to include rivers, streams, estuaries, canals, haors, baors, lakes, floodplains, ponds, dighis, enclosures, and seasonally submerged wetlands. It also introduces explicit bans on using explosives or electric devices for fishing and allows strict legal action against violators. A new provision authorizes the government to declare “Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures” (OECMs) to protect aquatic biodiversity beyond designated protected areas.

The ordinance empowers the government to take necessary steps to prevent damage to inland and coastal aquatic ecosystems and to issue directives for sustainable fisheries management, aiming to preserve fish resources and ecological balance.

BNP National Standing Committee member and Cox’s Bazar-1 constituency candidate Salahuddin Ahmed alleged that attempts are being made to distort the history of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. He made the remarks on Tuesday, February 3, during a campaign rally at Jongolkata in Chakaria’s Konakhali Union, organized by the Matamuhuri organizational unit of BNP in support of the party’s election symbol.

Ahmed criticized Jamaat-e-Islami, saying those who opposed Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 are now trying to rewrite the Liberation War narrative. He referred to a recent statement by Jamaat’s Ameer, which he described as misleading and false regarding the declaration of independence. Ahmed accused Jamaat of trying to present itself as a pro-Liberation force by recruiting a freedom fighter and using that association for political gain.

He further condemned Jamaat’s recent comments about working women, calling them insulting and harmful to women’s employment. Local BNP leaders, including district and upazila organizers, were present at the event.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed support for lifting the four-year ban imposed on Russia from international football tournaments. Speaking to Sky Sports, Infantino argued that the sanctions have achieved nothing but created frustration and hatred. He said Russian boys and girls should be allowed to play football across Europe and that no country should be deprived of the sport because of its political leaders’ actions.

Russia’s national and club teams have been suspended from FIFA and UEFA competitions since February 2022, following the invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian Sports Minister Matvii Bidnyi criticized Infantino’s remarks as irresponsible and childish, saying they detach football from the reality where children are being killed. UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin stated that Russia’s reintegration should only occur after the war in Ukraine ends.

Infantino also supported FIFA’s decision to award a peace prize to U.S. President Donald Trump during the 2026 World Cup draw, saying those who contribute to peace should be recognized.

The interim government of Bangladesh has issued a new ordinance transferring all existing private Export Processing Zones (EPZs) under the direct control of the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA). The 'Bangladesh Private Export Processing Zone (Repeal) Ordinance, 2026' was published in the official gazette by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. The announcement was confirmed by the ministry’s public relations officer, Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim.

Under the new ordinance, the 1996 law governing private EPZs has been repealed, and all such zones will now be recognized as private economic zones under the Bangladesh Economic Zones Act, 2010. Existing licenses will remain valid, and bonded and concessional facilities will continue. The ordinance also dissolves the former Governor Board and Executive Cell, transferring their staff to BEZA while retaining their employment conditions. Ongoing legal proceedings involving the dissolved bodies will now fall under BEZA’s jurisdiction.

The government stated that the 1996 law was originally enacted to promote private investment and export trade but has now been repealed considering current needs. The ordinance takes immediate effect.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has pledged to provide free Wi-Fi and various facilities for students across Bangladesh if his party wins the upcoming election. The announcement was conveyed by Bir Muktijoddha Abdus Salam, chief coordinator of BNP’s election management committee for Dhaka-17, during a digital Wi-Fi inauguration event at Government Titumir College on Tuesday. The event included a discussion between BNP leaders, teachers, and students of the college.

Abdus Salam said the initiative reflects Rahman’s vision to make digital connectivity accessible to all students, regardless of religion or background, to help them access global information, pursue higher education abroad, and find employment opportunities. He emphasized that the digital era demands modern systems and that free Wi-Fi would be a major benefit for financially constrained students. Salam also urged students to practice clean politics, avoid negative political behavior, and promote BNP’s ideals of inclusivity and development.

The event was attended by college faculty, BNP election coordinators, and student leaders, who also commemorated July revolution martyrs with the inauguration of a digital memorial.

The BCB Wheelchair Cricket Tournament 2026 concluded on February 3 at the Gulshan Youth Club ground in Dhaka, organized by the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s Physically Challenged Wing to form a national wheelchair cricket team. Four teams—Padma, Meghna, Jamuna, and Surma—competed in the two-day event held on February 2–3. In the final, Jamuna defeated Surma by nine wickets to claim the championship. Surma scored 87 runs for three wickets, while Jamuna chased down the target with 89 runs for one wicket.

Raihan Hossain Raja was named Man of the Match for his 55-run innings. Raju Mia earned both the Man of the Tournament and Best Bowler awards, while Julhas was recognized as the Best Batsman. The closing and award ceremony was attended by BCB Director and singer Asif Akbar as chief guest, along with officials from Gulshan Youth Club and sports journalists.

The tournament is regarded as a milestone in identifying wheelchair cricket talent and advancing the formation of Bangladesh’s national wheelchair cricket team.

Students of Narsingdi Polytechnic Institute staged a protest on Tuesday by blocking the Dhaka–Sylhet highway near the Police Lines area in Sahepratap, Narsingdi. The demonstration was organized to press for a four-point demand, which the students had announced on social media the previous night. They placed tree trunks and benches across the road, halting all vehicular movement on both sides of the highway.

The blockade caused a severe traffic jam stretching about five kilometers, leaving commuters, long-distance passengers, and ambulances stranded for hours. Local residents reported widespread suffering due to the gridlock. Police officials arrived at the scene and attempted to negotiate with the students to restore normal traffic flow.

As of the time of reporting, no official announcement had been made regarding the withdrawal of the blockade, and discussions between police and students were ongoing.

An indefinite strike has been declared at Chattogram Port demanding cancellation of the decision to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to a foreign company and withdrawal of mass transfer orders for employees. The announcement was made on Tuesday afternoon by Md. Ibrahim Khokon, coordinator of the Port Protection Struggle Council, who stated that the strike would continue until their demands are met. Another coordinator, Md. Humayun Kabir, said the movement would persist as long as the government does not withdraw from the lease process.

The strike follows three consecutive days of partial work stoppages and a 24-hour program earlier on Tuesday. Port operations have come to a standstill, halting import deliveries, container handling, and cargo vehicle movement, though lighter vessel unloading at outer anchorage remains normal. Leaders and activists from the Nationalist Workers Party and SKOP are participating in the protest.

Port authorities have transferred at least 16 employees, including Humayun Kabir, to other ports for participating in the movement. The ongoing disruption has raised concern among business communities and stakeholders over the paralysis of the country’s main seaport.

A mobile court in Valuka upazila of Mymensingh sentenced six BNP leaders, including a former general secretary, to 15 days of simple imprisonment for violating the electoral code of conduct. The joint forces detained them around 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday from the Bogajan Rahatul Jannat Women’s Madrasa area in Meduari Union. They were accused of distributing money among voters on behalf of BNP’s paddy-sheaf symbol candidate Fakhruddin Ahmed Bacchu.

According to the report, an army patrol team conducted a raid after receiving information that a group of 25 to 30 people was distributing cash to voters. Seven individuals were detained, and after verifying the allegations, Executive Magistrate A.B.M. Kawsar Zaman led the mobile court that sentenced six of them to jail. One minor was released to his mother after signing a bond. Officials including Assistant Returning Officer and UNO Firoz Hossain, Assistant Commissioner (Land) Iqbala Hossain, and Valuka Police OC Muhammad Zahidul Islam were present during the operation.

Authorities also seized a microbus, cash, and a ledger containing details of money distribution plans across neighborhoods.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that any potential nuclear negotiations with the United States will be conducted strictly within the framework of Iran’s national interests. According to reports from Tehran, he has instructed the foreign minister accordingly. In a post on social media platform X, Pezeshkian said discussions could proceed only in a fair and balanced environment free from threats and unreasonable demands.

His remarks came after US President Donald Trump warned that “bad things could happen” if no agreement is reached. Following a deadly crackdown on anti-government protests in Iran last month, the United States deployed an aircraft carrier group to the Middle East, further escalating tensions. Trump said Washington still hopes for a resolution with Tehran but cautioned that failure could worsen the situation.

Iran has emphasized that talks will focus solely on its nuclear program, excluding missile or defense capabilities. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told CNN that a nuclear deal is possible if both sides pursue a fair approach and ensure that nuclear weapons are not developed. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that any US attack could easily trigger a regional war.

Syed Sofiqul Islam, convener of the Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA) election liaison committee, said on Monday that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) would not receive votes from the public, expatriates, or young voters due to its past record of corruption. Speaking at a press conference in support of the upcoming referendum’s “Yes” campaign, he warned that expatriates might stop sending remittances if BNP returned to power.

At the same event, Sofiqul Islam alleged that the official X account of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, had been hacked using an email linked to the President’s office, calling it a shameful act. He also claimed attempts were made to hack the social media accounts of Rashed Pradhan and accused BNP activists of such behavior. He urged the interim government, Election Commission, and law enforcement agencies to take immediate action against violence to ensure a safe electoral environment.

He further called on citizens to vote “Yes” in the February 12, 2026 referendum to constitutionally recognize the July Revolution Charter, aiming to establish accountability and prevent future corruption and authoritarianism.

A total of 146 polling centers have been set up in the Gaibandha-3 (Palashbari-Sadullapur) constituency for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, with 56 of them identified as risky. The constituency, comprising 19 unions from Palashbari and Sadullapur upazilas, has 506,185 registered voters. Sadullapur has 75 polling centers, 46 of which are marked risky, while Palashbari has 71 centers, with 10 considered risky.

According to Palashbari Police Officer-in-Charge Sarayer Alam Khan, law enforcement agencies are on high alert to prevent any untoward incidents around the risky centers. Assistant Returning Officer and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sheikh Jaber Ahmed stated that administrative measures are ongoing to ensure a free, fair, and acceptable election. He emphasized that immediate action will be taken wherever necessary to maintain neutrality.

Officials noted growing voter enthusiasm in the area and expressed optimism that the election in Palashbari would be peaceful and orderly under adequate security arrangements.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that his administration will demand $1 billion in compensation from Harvard University. According to a New York Times report cited in the source, the decision followed revelations that Harvard had secured certain concessions during settlement talks. Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social that his administration no longer wishes to maintain any relationship with Harvard.

Officials in the administration have accused Harvard and other universities of promoting so-called “woke” ideology and failing to adequately protect Jewish students during pro-Palestinian protests. Critics argue that these actions are part of a broader strategy to pressure liberal universities. Earlier, Columbia University reportedly agreed to pay $200 million and pledged to avoid considering racial identity in its policies.

Trump stated that after lengthy discussions, the administration abandoned its earlier demand for a $200 million settlement from Harvard, calling the university’s proposed employment training plan inadequate. He further alleged that Harvard avoided paying over $500 million in cash settlements but did not specify which laws were violated.