BNP candidate Ahmed Azam Khan from Tangail-8 (Basail–Sakhipur) has alleged that his party workers are being threatened at gunpoint and that an independent candidate is attempting to disrupt the electoral environment. He made the allegations on Saturday night while speaking to journalists during a campaign event near a temple area in Naluya Bazar, Sakhipur upazila.

Khan claimed that the independent candidate brought in armed outsiders to intimidate locals and create unrest, accusing him of trying to buy votes with large sums of money through mobile transactions, which he said violates the electoral code of conduct. He also expressed frustration with the administration, alleging biased behavior and inaction despite repeated complaints. According to him, several BNP campaign camps have been vandalized and set on fire.

The BNP candidate urged authorities to identify and take legal action against those allegedly bringing in thousands of garment workers to influence the election atmosphere, warning that continued disorder would make the administration responsible for any consequences.

Interim government’s adviser for power, energy and mineral resources, Faozul Kabir Khan, announced that corruption over the past fifteen and a half years in Bangladesh’s power and energy sector has been identified. He said all related documents have been handed over to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and expressed hope that the commission will take effective action. He made the remarks on Sunday at the Power Division building during the launch of five new energy-related apps and a review meeting on the sector’s master plan.

Khan told reporters that the interim government had inherited the power and energy sector in a dire financial state and had worked to stabilize it. He noted that implementing any major plan in this sector requires at least three years, and time constraints prevented completion of several initiatives. He also emphasized his personal transparency, stating that his assets had not increased during his tenure.

The adviser added that a national committee led by a High Court judge had reviewed the previous government’s agreement with Adani and submitted a report with recommendations. The next elected government will decide on further action.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has announced the names of four leaders who would be made ministers if the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance comes to power in the 13th national election. Speaking at a rally in Dhaka’s Badda on February 8, he declared that Dhaka-11 candidate and NCP convener Nahid Islam would be appointed as a minister if the alliance wins. He also emphasized his confidence in young leadership.

Earlier, on January 31 in Comilla-11, he announced that Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer and local candidate Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher would serve as a senior cabinet member. On February 2 in Maheshkhali, he said that Jamaat candidate Hamidur Rahman Azad could become an important minister if elected. Additionally, during a January 24 rally in Ullapara, Sirajganj, he stated that Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan would be made a minister if the alliance forms the government.

Through these successive announcements, Jamaat has presented a partial outline of a possible future cabinet under its leadership.

The Election Commission (EC) has issued a warning to Sarowar Jamal Nizam, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidate for Chattogram-13, over alleged violations of the electoral code of conduct ahead of the upcoming 12th National Parliamentary Election. A letter from the EC Secretariat dated February 7, 2026, stated that certain campaign activities on social media had come to the attention of the Electoral Inquiry and Adjudication Committee and might conflict with the prescribed regulations.

The letter reminded that under the Political Parties and Candidates’ Code of Conduct 2025, no unauthorized campaign activities are permitted before the official campaign period. The EC cautioned that repeated violations could lead to legal action, including fines or cancellation of candidacy, under relevant provisions of the Representation of the People Order, 1972. The letter, signed by EC Deputy Secretary (Law) Mohammad Didar Hossain, was also circulated to related offices.

The EC emphasized that all candidates and stakeholders must strictly adhere to the code of conduct to ensure a free and fair election. The same candidate had previously been served a show-cause notice by the EC’s Electoral Inquiry and Adjudication Committee.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that if his party comes to power, the next president will be a person who is honest, competent and dedicated. He made the remarks on Saturday evening while speaking to journalists during a public outreach event in Dhaka-15 constituency. Rahman emphasized that the people of Bangladesh have long awaited justice, good governance and the establishment of citizens’ rights, and that integrity and merit will be prioritized in leadership selection.

The question of who might become president under a Jamaat-led government sparked local discussion, with residents expressing curiosity about potential appointments to key state positions. Rahman did not name any individual but reiterated a policy-based stance, stating that honesty, competence and dedication are essential qualities for anyone holding high office. He added that such individuals can earn public trust and uphold the nation’s dignity.

Citing a verse from the Qur’an, Rahman urged patience and perseverance, saying that political change requires endurance and struggle. He also stated that Jamaat envisions a Bangladesh free from political persecution and injustice.

The Bangladesh Army held a meeting with journalists in Barishal on Sunday morning ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election. The discussion took place at the LGED office conference room, where Major Saikat, commander of the Barishal Fishery Training Camp, said the army has been working since July 20, 2024, to safeguard national sovereignty and maintain internal order. Acting under the Election Commission and government directives, the army is assisting civil administration and other forces to ensure law and order, secure polling centers, and support a peaceful and credible election.

Major Saikat emphasized that the Bangladesh Army is performing its duties with neutrality and professionalism, without favoring or opposing any political party. He stated that the army’s sole objective is to uphold the constitution and guarantee citizens’ safety so that everyone can exercise their voting rights freely. He also noted that the overall law and order situation in Barishal city remains calm and under control.

The army remains in constant coordination with local administration, police, and other agencies, maintaining readiness to support a peaceful election process.

Colonel (Retd.) Oli Ahmed, Bir Muktijoddha, chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and top leader of the 11-party alliance, alleged that bank looters now dominate the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Speaking on Sunday at an election rally in support of Maulana Zahirul Islam, the alliance and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami–endorsed candidate for Chattogram-16 (Banshkhali), he said he left BNP due to such activities. The rally was held at Banshkhali Adarsha High School field, chaired by Upazila Jamaat chief Maulana Mohammad Ismail.

Oli Ahmed urged voters to boycott extortionists, corrupt individuals, and looters in the upcoming election and instead elect honest, competent, and patriotic candidates from the 11-party alliance. Former MP Shahjahan Chowdhury, Jamaat’s candidate for Chattogram-15 (Satkania–Lohagara), expressed confidence that Zahirul Islam would win and praised his leadership qualities. He also commented on the alliance between Jamaat and other Islamic leaders.

Several other Jamaat leaders, including city and district representatives, addressed the gathering, which was attended by a large number of party and student activists.

Bin Yamin Molla, the central president of the Student Rights Council and the Gana Adhikar-endorsed truck symbol candidate, has withdrawn from the Kurigram-1 constituency race to support the Jamaat-e-Islami candidate representing an 11-party alliance. The announcement came on Sunday, February 8, at 4:30 p.m. during a 12-party election rally at the DM Football Field in Nageshwari, Kurigram. Molla said his decision aimed to ensure the victory of the balance-scale symbol candidate. Jamaat leaders welcomed him with a floral garland at the event.

Explaining his decision, Molla stated that he supported Jamaat out of respect for Islam and to rid the region of corruption and extortion. He also claimed to have endured imprisonment and rejected alleged offers of money and political favors from the government. Jamaat candidate Professor Anwarul Islam expressed confidence that Molla’s support would secure their victory, pledging to build a coalition based on justice and fairness.

Several local alliance leaders, including district and upazila Jamaat figures and NCP representatives, also addressed the rally, emphasizing unity among the 12-party coalition.

BNP Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintu stated that the upcoming election on February 12 will determine Bangladesh’s future direction, whether toward economic prosperity or unrest. Speaking at an election rally for the Feni-03 constituency at Ataturk High School field in Daganbhuiyan on February 8, he said that if the BNP comes to power and Tarique Rahman becomes prime minister, the country will move toward development for all, regardless of political affiliation.

Mintu urged supporters to go to polling centers after Tahajjud and Fajr prayers, remain vigilant to protect voting rights, and prevent any manipulation. He pledged that if voters give BNP a chance by voting for the party’s symbol, the “sheaf of paddy,” he would dedicate the rest of his life to serving the people and ensuring progress in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

The rally was chaired by Daganbhuiyan Upazila BNP convener Akbar Hossain and attended by several BNP leaders, including Shahena Akter Shanu, Abdul Latif Jony, Gazi Habibullah Manik, Noim Ullah Barat, and Salauddin Mamun.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and candidate of the 11-party alliance for Dhaka-11, delivered a televised address on Sunday evening urging citizens to vote early on February 12. He called on voters to protect their rights and participate in what he described as a continuation of the July uprising. Islam pledged that no one would be able to take away the people’s voting rights and promised a new Bangladesh after the election.

In his speech, Islam outlined the alliance’s reform agenda, including building a corruption-free, equitable, and independent state. He said the NCP’s ‘Shapla Koli’ symbol would represent 30 candidates nationwide and asked voters to support the alliance for change. He emphasized justice for victims of past violence, restructuring of the police and judiciary, and economic reforms to recover looted assets. Islam also proposed environmental taxes, a blue economy centered on the Bay of Bengal, and a modern defense system with mandatory youth training.

He concluded by urging youth participation and asserting that a fair election on February 12 was essential to uphold the gains of the August 5 revolution and ensure lasting democratic reform.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the country must move forward under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. He described the current election as a political decision and a struggle to restore democracy. Fakhrul made these remarks on Sunday while addressing an election rally in Debiganj upazila, organized in support of BNP candidate Farhad Hossain Azad for the Panchagarh-2 constituency.

During his speech, Fakhrul alleged that a certain political party was conspiring to disrupt the election. He urged people not to trust those who, according to him, do not believe in Bangladesh’s independence. Fakhrul outlined several pledges, including family cards for households, agricultural cards for farmers, waiving Tk 10,000 in agricultural loans, and providing jobs for one crore educated unemployed youth. He handed the BNP’s paddy sheaf symbol to Azad and called on voters to support him.

Fakhrul also claimed that the election was taking place at a critical time for the nation and emphasized forming a creative and peaceful government through victory at the polls.

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, is projected to secure an easy victory in Sunday’s early parliamentary election, according to local media reports. Multiple surveys by Kyodo News indicate that the main opposition Centrist Reform Alliance may lose a significant number of seats in the House of Representatives election. The alliance was formed in January when members of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Komeito Party joined forces, following Komeito’s split from the LDP last October after a 26-year coalition.

NHK forecasts that the LDP could win between 274 and 328 of the 465 seats in the lower house, up from its current 198. Voting began at 7 a.m. local time despite heavy snowfall in some regions and continued until 8 p.m. Over 104 million registered voters were eligible to cast ballots, with more than 20 million participating in early voting between January 28 and February 7.

Analysts suggest the outcome could significantly reshape Japan’s political landscape. A party or coalition needs at least 233 seats to form a government.

Analysts say Bangladesh’s national election, scheduled for February 12 under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus’s interim government, could redefine South Asia’s geopolitical balance. The vote follows the August 2024 student-led uprising that ended former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarian rule. Dhaka’s anger over India granting asylum to Hasina has reportedly pushed Bangladesh closer to China and Pakistan.

Experts note that while Bangladesh maintained strong trade and defense ties with China during Hasina’s tenure, India had long been its main strategic partner. That balance now appears to be shifting. Yunus’s first state visit was to China, and a new defense pact signed in January includes plans for a drone production facility near India’s border. Despite tensions, economic ties with India remain stable, with only one bilateral agreement canceled.

Regional analysts suggest Bangladesh’s growing alignment with China does not necessarily mean hostility toward India. They argue Dhaka may continue pragmatic engagement with both powers while normalizing relations with Pakistan, as evidenced by the recent resumption of direct flights after more than a decade.

Hasnat Abdullah, the chief organizer of the southern region of the Nationalist Citizens Party (NCP), warned that those attempting to steal votes or use illicit money in the upcoming election would find no place to hide. He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon at a rally organized by the 11-party electoral alliance at Shahjadpur Government College field in Sirajganj.

Abdullah said the forthcoming 13th National Parliament election would determine the future direction of Bangladesh, shaping the nation’s administrative structure, police behavior, and judicial system for the next century. He criticized past elections, alleging that money had to be allocated for police officials, including SPs, OCs, SIs, and constables, before and during voting.

The rally also featured speeches by Jamaat-e-Islami central assistant secretary Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan and NCP candidate for Sirajganj-6, Saif Mustafiz, as part of the alliance’s campaign activities.

Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, Amir of Islami Andolan Bangladesh and Pir of Charmonai, presented his party’s vision and commitments for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election in a televised address on Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar on Sunday evening. He proposed replacing existing governance principles with new ones rooted in Islamic values, describing Shariah as a comprehensive system encompassing faith, culture, and law. He said implementing Islamic principles in state governance would lead Bangladesh toward prosperity.

Rezaul Karim outlined the party’s manifesto, divided into five sections, emphasizing adherence to Islamic principles in governance, democratic power transfer, protection of minority rights, good governance, transparency, anti-corruption measures, and women’s rights. He also pledged reforms including balanced power distribution, efficient administration, expanded revenue, and a self-reliant defense system. Citing Islamic teachings on voting, he urged citizens to vote responsibly, warning that supporting unethical candidates could bear moral consequences.

Concluding his address, the Charmonai Pir called on youth to cast their first votes for Islam and change, and urged public officials to act above fear or temptation in service of the nation.