Thousands of garment workers in Gazipur began traveling to their hometowns after receiving a four-day holiday to cast their votes. Almost all factories in the area granted leave, leading to a surge of travelers on the Dhaka–Tangail and Dhaka–Mymensingh highways. On the night before February 10, traffic congestion stretched nearly 10 kilometers in areas such as Chandra, Safipur, and Baripara. Although traffic eased later in the day, large numbers of workers continued their journeys home to vote.

Many workers reported long waits for transport and complained that vehicle operators were charging extra fares. The situation caused significant hardship for homebound passengers, most of whom said they were registered voters in their local areas. Traffic police stationed along the highways confirmed that industrial workers were heading north through Chandra, causing the traffic pressure. Authorities said they were working to keep the highways functional and ensure safe travel for the workers.

The movement of such a large number of workers highlights the logistical challenges during national voting periods in industrial regions like Gazipur.

Official campaigning for Bangladesh’s upcoming parliamentary election and national referendum concluded at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in accordance with electoral rules prohibiting campaigning within 48 hours of voting. The final day of campaigning on Monday saw large rallies and processions across the country, with major political leaders including BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman addressing multiple gatherings in Dhaka and other regions. Voting will take place on Thursday, February 12, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. across 299 constituencies.

According to the Election Commission, 127.7 million voters are eligible to cast ballots, including 64.8 million men, 62.8 million women, and 1,220 third-gender voters. A total of 51 political parties and 2,033 candidates, including 275 independents, are contesting. The BNP fielded the highest number of candidates at 291. Around 800,000 officials and 900,000 security personnel will be deployed, alongside 35,000 domestic and 350 international observers.

The Election Commission has already distributed all necessary materials to returning officers nationwide. The Sherpur-3 constituency election was canceled following a candidate’s death, with a new schedule to be announced later.

The Swedish government has announced plans to tighten its citizenship requirements, with new rules expected to take effect from June 6 if approved by parliament, according to AFP. Under the proposed regulations, applicants will need to live in Sweden for at least eight years instead of the current five. They must also meet a minimum monthly income of 20,000 Swedish kronor and pass a test on Swedish language, society, and culture. Those with criminal records in Sweden or abroad will face longer waiting periods before applying for citizenship.

The move follows a series of stricter immigration policies introduced since the 2015 refugee crisis, when around 160,000 people sought asylum in Sweden. The current minority coalition government believes a tougher stance on immigration could help gain voter support in the upcoming parliamentary elections in September. Immigration Minister Johan Forssell said the new conditions are significantly stricter than before, noting that citizenship requirements had previously been relatively lenient.

The anti-immigration Sweden Democrats have argued that long-standing failures in immigration policy have contributed to a rise in gang-related crime. Last week, the government also announced plans to tighten rules for asylum seekers.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has implemented a strict digital security system for announcing results of the upcoming parliamentary election. Officials said final results will be declared only after a three-stage verification process. The EC has set up large digital monitoring screens, 87 media booths, and a closed network without internet access at its headquarters. Data will be transmitted through a secure VPN-based Election Management System (EMS) and its Result Management System (RMS) module, ensuring no direct online connection.

According to EC officials, presiding officers will send scanned copies of results to assistant returning officers, who will verify and forward them to returning officers. A central three-member team led by Additional Secretary K.M. Ali Newaz will oversee the final announcement. The EC claims the system is technically secure and immune to hacking due to its closed-loop design.

However, election analysts and civil society representatives have questioned the transparency and auditability of the internal system. Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SUJAN) criticized the EC’s decision to collect results through returning officers instead of directly from polling centers, calling it a move that could undermine public trust.

US President Donald Trump has again made controversial remarks about his country’s election system, alleging regular fraud and vote theft. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social on Sunday, he called for the implementation of a proposed 'Save America Act' to reform the voting process. Trump warned that without such reforms, the nation would be at risk and urged Republican Party members to unite on the issue.

According to Axios, Trump has asked Congress to pass new legislation introducing three strict measures. These include mandatory voter identification during voting, in-person registration with proof of US citizenship, and a complete ban on mail-in ballots except for cases involving illness, disability, military service, or travel. He argued that the current system has become a global embarrassment for the United States.

The call for reform comes ahead of the US congressional midterm elections scheduled for November 3 this year.

The Department of Information has established a media center at Hotel Intercontinental in Dhaka to assist foreign journalists and media professionals visiting Bangladesh for the 2026 referendum and the thirteenth parliamentary election. According to an official release, the center will provide information and logistical support to international reporters covering the events. The media center will operate from February 9 to February 13.

In addition to the physical facilities, two hotline services have been launched to help foreign journalists obtain election-related information. The hotline numbers are 48322344 and 48322435. The initiative aims to facilitate professional work and ensure smooth access to official information for visiting media representatives during the election period.

The establishment of the media center and hotlines reflects the government’s effort to support transparent and organized media coverage of the upcoming national events.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has directed that reports on voter turnout and law and order be sent every two hours on polling day for the upcoming parliamentary election and referendum. The directive, issued Monday by Senior Assistant Secretary Md. Shahidul Islam, states that the process will begin at 7:30 a.m. and continue until unofficial results are received. Returning officers must report on the election environment, law and order, and submit vote count summaries from presiding officers.

According to the circular, the Election Management System (EMS) software will be used to ensure faster and more accurate result transmission. Assistant returning officers will appoint two data entry operators per center to scan and upload results using Form-16. Even if no postal votes are received, results must record a zero entry, and final results must integrate postal votes into Form-18.

The EC instructed that all consolidated result summaries (Form-18) and election returns (Form-19) be submitted in both hard and soft copies by February 13. Final result sheets must bear the returning officer’s signature and be uploaded to the Result Management System (RMS).

The Election Commission of Bangladesh has prohibited voters and others from carrying mobile phones or electronic devices inside secret voting booths. Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed announced that while voters, candidates, their agents, journalists, and election observers may bring mobile phones into polling centers and general voting areas, no one will be allowed to enter the secret room where stamping occurs with such devices. The clarification follows earlier confusion after a commissioner had said there was no restriction on bringing phones to polling centers.

Ahmed explained that the revised circular aims to remove any ambiguity from previous instructions. He added that polling agents, polling officers, assistant presiding officers, and members of law enforcement will not be permitted to keep mobile phones while on duty inside centers. The commission also withdrew its earlier restriction that barred journalists and observers from carrying phones into polling centers after reconsideration.

The updated directive is intended to ensure transparency and maintain the secrecy of the ballot while allowing limited use of mobile phones for observation and reporting purposes.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Tarique Rahman announced that his party would enforce a zero-tolerance policy against corruption if it forms the next government. In a televised address to the nation on Bangladesh Television on Monday evening, ahead of the February 12 parliamentary election, he said the BNP aims to build a governance system where the state stands above individuals or parties. He emphasized accountability, rule of law, and reconstruction of the state after what he described as 15–16 years of authoritarian rule.

Rahman outlined four key priorities: reform and change, economic and social security, voting and democratic rights, and addressing youth unemployment. He promised one million new jobs through technical and vocational training, free skills development programs, and expanded employment opportunities at home and abroad. He also pledged to recruit 100,000 health workers nationwide to improve public services and ensure equal treatment for all citizens regardless of religion or background.

Calling for peaceful participation in the upcoming election, Rahman urged citizens not to respond to provocations and to honor the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy by exercising their right to vote.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has called for building a Bangladesh that fulfills the aspirations of the martyrs. He said the sacrifices of those who shed blood for the country must not go in vain. Rahman made the remarks on Monday in a televised address to the nation ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election.

The address followed earlier televised speeches by NCP Convener Nahid Islam and Islami Andolan Bangladesh Amir Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim (Charmonai Pir) on Sunday. According to official data, the 13th election will include a total of 127,711,793 registered voters, comprising 64,825,361 men, 62,885,200 women, and 1,232 third-gender voters.

The speeches mark a series of national addresses by political leaders as the country prepares for the election, reflecting calls for unity and commitment to the ideals of those who contributed to Bangladesh’s independence.

A survey by the Dhaka University alumni organization ‘Nationalist Research Cell’ has predicted that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) could win 220 seats and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami 57 seats in the upcoming 13th national election. The findings were presented on Monday at a seminar held at the National Press Club. The survey involved 10 former Dhaka University students and five PhD researchers, with the organization’s vice president Abdur Rahim Tuhin and Dr. Gazi Mizanur Rahman among those present.

According to the organization, 300 people were surveyed. Among respondents, 77 percent expressed support for BNP, 16 percent for Jamaat-e-Islami, 3 percent for NCP, 2 percent for Jatiya Party, and 1 percent for other parties, while 1 percent declined to comment. On a separate referendum question regarding reforms, 49 percent said they were undecided, 30 percent supported “yes,” and 21 percent supported “no.” Additionally, 99 percent said they were satisfied with the electoral environment in their constituencies.

The survey further projected that NCP may win 2 seats, Jatiya Party 5, independents 12, and other parties 4 seats.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman delivered a national address on Monday, February 9, 2026, ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The speech was broadcast live on Bangladesh Television (BTV) starting at 7:15 p.m. The address comes as part of a series of televised messages by political leaders before the election.

Earlier, on Sunday, BTV aired speeches by Nahid Islam, convener of the Nationalist Citizens’ Party (NCP), and Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, the Amir of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, also known as the Charmonai Pir. The Election Commission has reported a total of 127,711,793 registered voters for the 13th election, including 64,825,361 men, 62,885,200 women, and 1,232 third-gender voters.

The televised addresses mark a key phase in the pre-election period, as major political figures outline their visions and appeal to voters nationwide through state media.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday, February 9, 2026, said that Jamaat-e-Islami would not have had the opportunity to do politics in independent Bangladesh without Shaheed Ziaur Rahman, and that its leaders would not have tasted ministerial power without Begum Khaleda Zia. Speaking at a campaign rally at the Kurigram Central Eidgah ground, Rizvi criticized Jamaat’s stance on women’s leadership, referring to a recent media interview where Jamaat leaders said women could be members of parliament but not party or state heads.

Rizvi questioned whether such views represented the protection of women’s rights, pointing out that BNP’s chairperson was a woman. He alleged that Jamaat’s statements revealed a hidden intent to limit women’s participation in politics and public life if they came to power. Rizvi also accused the government of torturing Khaleda Zia in prison, denying her medical care, and poisoning her food.

He urged voters to support the BNP’s election symbol, the paddy sheaf, saying victory would be a protest against Sheikh Hasina’s injustices. The event also featured BNP candidate Sohel Hosnain Kaykobad and local party leaders.

Interim government Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus may deliver a national address before the upcoming referendum and the 13th National Parliamentary Election. The announcement was made by his Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam at a press conference held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Monday, following a special meeting of the Advisory Council. However, the exact date and time of the address have not been disclosed.

According to the press secretary, he expects the Chief Adviser to speak to the nation before the voting takes place. The referendum and the 13th National Parliamentary Election are scheduled for February 12. The statement indicates preparations are underway for the Chief Adviser’s possible address, which is expected to occur before the polling day.

The announcement comes as the country approaches a significant electoral event combining both the referendum and the parliamentary election, underscoring the interim government’s engagement with the public ahead of the vote.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has imposed an 82.5-hour restriction on individuals staying outside their home areas in connection with the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the national referendum. The directive, issued on Monday by EC Senior Assistant Secretary Md. Shahidul Islam, was sent to all district commissioners, superintendents of police, and police commissioners across the country to ensure fair and neutral elections.

According to the instruction, only persons directly involved in election activities, those authorized by the EC, and residents or voters of the concerned constituencies will be allowed to remain in the election areas. The restriction will be effective from 7:00 a.m. on February 10 until 4:30 p.m. on February 13, covering the period from 48 hours before the start of voting to 24 hours after its completion.

The EC stated that the measure aims to maintain a peaceful, impartial, and influence-free environment during the election and referendum process.