A confrontation erupted in Bafla Masterpara of Kishoreganj upazila, Nilphamari, on Sunday night, February 1, when supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Jatiya Party (JAPA) clashed over road passage. During the altercation, JAPA candidate Siddikul Alam’s gunman, Abdur Razzak, allegedly pointed his firearm at BNP activists, prompting them to detain him. Army personnel and Kishoreganj police later arrived to bring the situation under control.

Ranchandi Union BNP general secretary Moshfiqur Rahman Jewel described the act of brandishing a weapon over a trivial matter as deeply concerning. Meanwhile, Upazila Jamaat-e-Islami leader Abdur Rashid Shah accused the JAPA candidate of using illegal funds in the election and urged administrative intervention. In response, the JAPA candidate’s brother, Tariq, denied the allegations, stating that the security guard was licensed and that BNP activists had vandalized vehicles instead.

Kishoreganj police officer-in-charge Abdul Quddus confirmed that no case had been filed regarding the incident as of the report’s publication.

Mufti Syed Mohammad Rezaul Karim, known as Pir Charmonai and the Amir of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, called on young voters to cast their first votes in favor of Islam. He made the remarks on Sunday night at an election rally organized by Islami Andolan Bangladesh at the Nangalkot Central Eidgah ground in Comilla-10 (Nangalkot-Lalmai) constituency. Karim warned that if Islamic scholars do not speak for Islam, harmful influences could reemerge in the country.

During his speech, he expressed dissatisfaction with the nation’s progress over the past 54 years, saying that Bangladesh has not achieved what it should have. He criticized those who sell their conscience for money during elections, claiming such actions fuel unrest in the country. The rally was presided over by Mufti Shamsuddoha Ashrafi, the party’s nominated candidate for Comilla-10.

Other speakers included Mufti Rezaul Karim Abrar, Mufti Habibur Rahman Misbah, Maulana Baki Billah, Maulana Gazi Masum Khayer, Dr. Abdul Momin Majumdar, and Maulana Nur Islam Mir.

In Chandina upazila of Cumilla, BNP-nominated candidate Dr. Redwan Ahmed’s chief election coordinator, Principal Abul Kashem, was fined Tk10,000 by a mobile court for violating the electoral code of conduct. The fine was imposed on Sunday afternoon at a private hospital office in Madhaiya Bazar. The mobile court was conducted by Executive Magistrate and Assistant Commissioner (Land) Faisal Al Nur.

Earlier, an army team had conducted a raid at Abul Kashem’s village home in Naotola, Madhaiya, after a video showing him giving Tk500 to a voter went viral on social media. In response, Kashem held a press conference claiming the video was edited and that he had personally helped a poor elderly woman for medical treatment days earlier. He alleged that rival supporters spread the video to mislead authorities and damage his reputation.

Magistrate Faisal Al Nur stated that even though the donation was made for humanitarian reasons, it occurred during election campaigning and thus breached the electoral code, warranting the fine.

A mass rally was held in Gafargaon municipality of Mymensingh-10 constituency on Monday in support of BNP-nominated candidate Akhtaruzzaman Bachchu and his electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf. The procession began at the Gafargaon municipal field, paraded through key streets of the town, and concluded at Imam Bari.

Following the rally, Akhtaruzzaman Bachchu addressed a brief gathering, describing the paddy sheaf as a symbol of democracy and justice. He expressed that if the paddy sheaf wins, the people of the country will enjoy peace, security, and nationwide development. The event drew participation from BNP members, affiliated organizations, and residents of various age groups, creating a festive atmosphere across the municipality.

The rally reflected visible grassroots mobilization in support of the BNP candidate within the Gafargaon area ahead of the election campaign period.

Political tensions are rising in Jamalpur-3 (Melandah-Madarganj) constituency ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, with nine candidates competing. The main contest appears to be between BNP’s Mostafizur Rahman Babul and Jamaat-e-Islami’s Maulana Mujibur Rahman Azadi. However, BNP’s rebel candidate Sadiqur Rahman Siddiqi Shubho, running as an independent, is drawing attention and could split the BNP vote. Allegations of embezzlement involving a cooperative society linked to expelled Jamaat leaders have also created discomfort for both major opposition parties.

The Awami League’s absence from the race has left the field open, but BNP’s candidate is not unchallenged. Local voters and analysts suggest that despite strong BNP support, the rebel candidate and controversies could significantly influence the outcome. Both BNP and Jamaat candidates claim strong public response during their campaigns, while independent and smaller party candidates continue active outreach across Melandah and Madarganj.

Observers note that the final battle is likely to remain between BNP and Jamaat, though internal divisions and corruption allegations may alter the expected results.

The U.S. Department of Justice released millions of new documents on Friday, January 30, related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The files have drawn global attention for naming several influential figures and institutions, including former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The revelations have reportedly caused renewed discomfort for the Clintons as the documents detail alleged links between Epstein, his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, and Clinton’s staff.

According to a BBC report cited in the source, the release coincides with preparations in the U.S. House of Representatives to hold a vote on contempt of Congress charges against the Clintons for allegedly ignoring subpoenas in the Epstein investigation. The Republican-controlled House has seen growing debate on the issue, with some Democratic members also reportedly supporting the move.

The documents further claim that Bill Clinton traveled on Epstein’s private jet at least 16 times between 2001 and 2004 and that there were regular communications between Maxwell and Clinton’s staff regarding travel, dinners, and social events.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has protested an event held in New Delhi on 23 January titled “Save Democracy in Bangladesh,” where a recorded audio message from former prime minister Sheikh Hasina was played. The meeting was organized under the banners of the Foreign Correspondence Club of South Asia and the International Association of Press Clubs. In her message, Hasina reportedly urged her party members to resist the upcoming election and criticized interim government head Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Dhaka described the event as an attempt to incite unrest and undermine the country’s democratic process.

The ministry’s statement said India’s decision to allow a convicted individual to deliver inflammatory remarks from its soil violated principles of sovereignty, non-interference, and good neighborly relations. It added that Bangladesh had repeatedly requested Hasina’s extradition under the bilateral treaty, but India had not acted. The government expressed deep concern that such actions could harm bilateral ties and pose a serious threat to national security.

The article further alleged that India was pursuing broader efforts to disrupt Bangladesh’s February 12 parliamentary election and destabilize the country’s political environment.

Kalim Uddin Ahmed Milon, the BNP central organizing secretary and candidate for the Sunamganj-5 (Chhatak–Doarabazar) constituency, said the upcoming February 12 parliamentary election is not just a voting day but a day to determine the fate of the people. He made the remarks on February 1 at an election rally in Jauabazar organized by the Chhatak Upazila Jamiat, where he served as the chief guest.

Milon stated that a strong wave of public support has formed for the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol, driven by people’s desire for change. He emphasized that citizens have long been deprived of their rights and that BNP’s politics aims to ensure democratic and voting rights, not revenge. Referring to BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s directive, he urged voters to cast and guard their votes to secure victory for the party.

He added that the election offers an opportunity to establish an accountable government and strengthen democracy. The rally was presided over by Maulana Shamsul Islam and attended by local BNP and Jamiat leaders.

Former British minister Lord Peter Mandelson has resigned from the ruling Labour Party following renewed controversy over his alleged links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The decision came after the US Department of Justice released millions of new documents related to Epstein, which reportedly included Mandelson’s name. He stated that he did not want to place the party in an embarrassing position and announced his resignation soon after the files were made public last Friday.

According to reports, the newly released documents claim that Epstein paid Mandelson a total of 75,000 US dollars in three installments during 2003 and 2004. Mandelson had previously been removed from his position as British ambassador to the United States last year over similar allegations. In a letter to the Labour Party’s general secretary, he expressed regret that his name had again been linked to the scandal.

Mandelson denied the allegations, saying he had no record or memory of any financial dealings with Epstein nearly 20 years ago and called for an investigation into the matter.

Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s stay in India after her ouster in the August 2024 uprising has reignited political debate. A leaked audio message from fugitive Awami League leader Mohammad A Arafat revealed Hasina describing her situation as a “banbas,” or exile, expressing sympathy for party members still in Bangladesh. The report recounts that before fleeing, Hasina ensured the safe departure of several close relatives and officials, while many grassroots activists now face hardship.

The article draws parallels between Hasina and Sikkim’s Lhendup Dorji, portraying both as figures who allegedly served Indian interests. It notes that during Hasina’s 15-and-a-half-year rule, Bangladesh signed numerous agreements with India, many said to have favored Indian interests. Former army chief Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan criticized India’s continued support for Hasina, calling it interference in Bangladesh’s sovereignty and warning of rising bilateral tension.

The comparison between Hasina and Dorji resurfaced during the funeral of BNP leader Khaleda Zia, where her past remarks labeling Hasina as “India’s agent” were replayed, amplifying the controversy over Hasina’s political legacy and her current refuge in India.

In Syedpur town of Nilphamari-4 constituency, candidates are using both Bangla and Urdu loudspeakers to seek votes ahead of the upcoming election. The campaign includes Urdu songs and ghazals, drawing mixed reactions from residents. Many visitors find the approach entertaining, while others see it as a novel way to connect with Urdu-speaking voters who make up about half of the municipality’s electorate.

Urdu-speaking residents, locally known as Biharis, have lived in Syedpur since 1947, with many gaining voting rights in 2008. Around 60,000 voters from 22 Urdu-speaking camps are considered decisive in determining election outcomes. Candidates say the use of Urdu helps these voters better understand names and symbols. However, some citizens criticize the move, citing the historical struggle to establish Bangla as the state language, while others defend it as inclusive and democratic.

Local officials confirmed that the Election Commission has not issued any directive on language use in campaigns. Analysts note that the Urdu-language outreach reflects both electoral strategy and broader social and cultural discourse in Syedpur.

An allegation of arson has been raised over the election campaign banners of Barrister Muhammad Naoshad Zamir, the BNP-nominated candidate for the Panchagarh-1 constituency and the party’s international affairs secretary. The incidents reportedly took place on Saturday night in two separate areas—Jatnpukuri under Dhakkamara Union and Sannyasipara village in Banglabandha Union—where unidentified individuals allegedly set fire to the banners. Two general diaries were filed at Panchagarh Sadar and Tentulia police stations following the incidents.

On Sunday evening, Zamir’s election agent, Nawfal Zamir, held a press conference at the district BNP office protesting the incidents. According to the briefing, the banners were completely damaged after flammable substances were used to ignite them. BNP representatives claimed the attacks were politically motivated. District-level BNP leaders and activists were present at the press event.

The two general diaries were lodged separately by local BNP leaders Mahfuzar Rahman Babu and Md. Rashed Ali Sarkar, seeking official documentation of the incidents ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election.

With only nine days left before Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, anti-fascist political parties have become active across Chittagong. However, the National Citizens Party (NCP), which led last year’s mass uprising, remains largely absent from the campaign field. Although the NCP secured one seat under an 11-party alliance in Chittagong-8, its candidate Zobairul Hasan Arif is struggling to gain momentum as Jamaat-e-Islami’s candidate has not withdrawn and continues to receive quiet support from party workers.

The NCP’s organizational activities have weakened, with internal conflicts, leadership controversies, and public criticism over alleged extortion and misconduct among its leaders. Many of its former student leaders have returned to their original organizations or left politics altogether. Despite earlier plans to contest in nine constituencies, the party now has only one active candidate. Party officials claim many leaders are working outside Chittagong to strengthen the organization nationally.

Political analysts in Chittagong describe the NCP’s absence as disappointing, noting that their silence could harm their future local political prospects if they fail to participate visibly in the election process.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali has directed that maximum security be ensured at every polling center across the capital ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election 2026. The instruction came on Monday, February 2, during a coordination meeting held at the DMP Headquarters, where senior police officials discussed the security plan and overall management for the election.

In his address, the DMP Commissioner emphasized maintaining vigilance to prevent any disorder at polling centers, particularly those located far from police stations. He also instructed that police patrols be intensified in all station areas. Additional Police Commissioner (Crime and Operations) S.N. Md. Nazrul Islam noted that this election is taking place in a different context and stressed the importance of maintaining law and order with additional forces deployed.

During the meeting, Joint Police Commissioner (Operations) Mohammad Shahidullah presented the comprehensive security plan through a PowerPoint presentation. Senior DMP officials shared their opinions, and the Commissioner provided further directives to ensure smooth election-day operations.

BNP candidate for Dhaka-6, Engineer Ishraque Hossain, stated that every member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party is committed to protecting the rights and dignity of women. He made the remarks on February 1 during a street meeting in Sutrapur’s Ward 44 while campaigning for the upcoming national election scheduled for February 12. Ishraque said several working women had recently expressed concerns about their future if another political party came to power, assuring them that such fears would not materialize.

He emphasized that the election would determine the future direction of Bangladesh and recalled the BNP’s 17 years of political struggle, including imprisonment, disappearances, and killings of activists. Ishraque reiterated that the BNP seeks a fair, proper, and peaceful election where citizens can transfer power through their votes. He urged party workers to maintain peace and avoid provocation from rival groups.

Ishraque expressed confidence that BNP candidates would win by a large margin under the paddy-sheaf symbol and form the next government, with Tarique Rahman as the future prime minister. He added that the party would continue to uphold the legacy of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in defending the rights of all citizens.