A former Awami League leader in Bogura’s Shibganj upazila, Shahidul Islam Sarkar, has drawn widespread attention after appearing to campaign for the BNP’s paddy-sheaf symbol. Once an active supporter of the Awami League’s boat symbol, Shahidul is now seen seeking votes for BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman in the Bogura Sadar-6 constituency. Photos and videos of him holding BNP banners at a recent rally went viral on social media, triggering intense discussion and criticism.

Shahidul previously served as chairman of Nishindara Union Parishad and was expelled from the Awami League for inactivity after earlier resigning under the pretext of family reasons. During the Awami League’s tenure, he coordinated campaigns for several party candidates in local elections and was accused of opposing the quota movement while financially supporting the ruling party. Following the fall of the Awami League government after the July uprising, he was briefly jailed in multiple cases and is now out on bail.

Local BNP leaders have condemned his involvement, calling it opportunistic and damaging to the party’s image. Shahidul, however, claims the viral images were created using AI technology and insists he is a genuine BNP supporter.

BNP Standing Committee member and Dhaka-8 candidate Mirza Abbas said on Sunday that spreading falsehoods and confusion cannot win people’s votes. Speaking to journalists during a campaign visit to Khilgaon Bazar in Dhaka, he alleged that some parties assume victory without justification and questioned where their confidence comes from. Abbas claimed he has been personally targeted with provocative remarks, which he said violate the electoral code of conduct.

He accused the Election Commission of bias for failing to act against defamation and misinformation despite formal complaints. Abbas also alleged that nearly half of the 280,000 voters in his constituency are missing or untraceable, urging the commission to cancel such votes to ensure a genuine result. He condemned a top leader of an anti-liberation party for making obscene comments about working women, asserting that Islam grants equal rights to women.

Abbas further stated that while the media sometimes criticizes his party, BNP respects press freedom. He criticized a young political figure for using threatening language against the media, saying such behavior contradicts the spirit of the 1971 war.

BNP Standing Committee member and Dhaka-8 candidate Mirza Abbas said that spreading slander or deception cannot win people’s votes. Speaking to journalists during a campaign visit to Khilgaon Bazar in Dhaka on Sunday, he criticized certain parties for assuming victory in advance and questioned the source of their confidence. Abbas also held meetings at several nearby locations and planned further campaign events later in the evening.

He described the election environment as unfavorable, alleging that the electoral code of conduct was being violated through targeted attacks and misinformation against him. Abbas accused the Election Commission of bias and negligence, saying no action was taken despite repeated complaints. He further claimed that half of the 280,000 voters in his constituency were missing and urged the commission to cancel such votes if they could not be verified.

Abbas condemned a derogatory remark by a leader of an anti-liberation party about working women, reaffirming women’s equal rights in religion. He also defended media freedom and criticized attempts to intimidate journalists.

Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced that the government plans to keep internet access open during Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, February 1, 2026, after a meeting with administrative and law enforcement officials at the World Trade Center in Chattogram, he said anyone attempting to shut down the internet would face legal consequences. He emphasized that the election would be conducted on a level playing field and that law enforcement agencies were well prepared to ensure a fair, festive, and peaceful vote.

Chowdhury noted that maintaining law and order for 180 million people is a difficult task but expressed confidence in the readiness of the security forces, including the army, BGB, and police. He also highlighted the increased freedom on social media compared to previous years, stating that restricting Facebook or internet access is no longer acceptable. Addressing journalists, he encouraged them to report truthfully and independently so that citizens receive accurate information.

He added that much of the current election-related violence stems from internal party conflicts and urged political groups to act more responsibly.

Six leaders of the Sarail Upazila unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have been expelled for participating in the election campaign of rebel independent candidate Rumin Farhana in Brahmanbaria-2 constituency, which includes parts of Sarail, Ashuganj, and Bijoynagar. The decision was announced on Sunday morning through a press release signed by BNP Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and later shared on Facebook. The expelled leaders include former vice-president Afzal Hossain, former members Usman Khan and Monowar Hossain, members Zakir Hossain and Mukul Hossain, and former general secretary Mamunur Rashid.

According to the statement, the six were removed from all party positions and primary membership for violating party discipline and engaging in anti-organizational activities. Earlier, the Shahjadapur Union BNP committee was suspended, and six leaders from Shahbazpur Union were expelled on similar charges. Local sources said the expelled leaders had been openly and secretly supporting Rumin Farhana’s campaign since the start of the 13th national election drive.

Rumin Farhana, a former BNP MP from a reserved seat and international affairs secretary, was previously expelled for contesting as an independent candidate. She is now running with the ‘Duck’ symbol, while the BNP alliance candidate Junaid Al Habib of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh is contesting with the ‘Date Tree’ symbol.

In Gopalganj district, authorities have identified 385 out of 397 polling centers as vulnerable, leaving only 12 categorized as general centers. The announcement was made by District Commissioner and Returning Officer Md. Arif-uz-Zaman, who urged all voters to come to the polling centers and cast their votes without fear.

According to the official, the vulnerable centers have been marked as highly important to ensure extra security. Additional law enforcement personnel will be deployed at these centers, all of which will be monitored by CCTV cameras and under the constant supervision of magistrates. The administration aims to prevent any untoward incidents during the voting process.

The Returning Officer emphasized that all necessary measures will be taken to allow voters to exercise their rights safely and confidently. He reiterated his call for citizens to participate actively in the election by attending their designated polling stations.

Abdul Awal Mintu, the BNP candidate for Feni-3 (Daganbhuiyan–Sonagazi), said the country is in a deep crisis and that the only way to overcome it is through the BNP’s victory in the upcoming national election. He made the remarks on Sunday morning at an election rally in Takiya Bazar of Bogadana Union, Sonagazi. Mintu stated that the nation’s future will be determined on February 12 amid ongoing political uncertainty and a prolonged democratic crisis.

He emphasized the need for skilled and visionary leadership to guide the country, describing BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman as the most capable leader for the current situation. Mintu said BNP has always championed multiparty democracy and defended the rights of people of all religions, classes, and communities. Urging voters to ensure their voting rights, he called on them to stay at polling centers until vote counting ends and to collect proof of their votes.

Mintu pledged to work for social and economic development, job creation, and improved living standards if elected, assuring equal opportunities for all regardless of political affiliation.

Aftab Uddin Molla, the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate supported by the 11-party alliance for the Dinajpur-4 (Khansama–Chirirbandar) constituency, said that youth will build a new Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Saturday night at an election rally held at Khanasama Government Model Pilot High School field in Alokjhari Union. Seeking votes for the 'scales' symbol, he promised that if Jamaat comes to power, four crore unemployed youths will receive employment cards instead of allowances.

Molla criticized previous governments for corruption in job recruitment, claiming that no former MPs or ministers could show an instance of giving a job without money. He said Jamaat’s Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has pledged that qualified candidates will get jobs without bribes. He also emphasized that poor families would not need to pay any money for their children to secure employment.

Discussing youth development, Molla said aspiring entrepreneurs would get easy bank loans, and those seeking overseas employment would receive language and job training. He expressed hope that this would increase remittances and strengthen the country’s foreign currency reserves.

A total of 29 platoons of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed across Naogaon district to maintain security ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The deployment details were shared during a press briefing held on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Siddikiya Fazil Degree Madrasa field in Dhamoirhat, Naogaon-2 constituency. The briefing was led by Lieutenant Colonel Md Abdullah Al Mamun, commanding officer of Patnitala-14 BGB Battalion.

According to Abdullah Al Mamun, BGB is fully prepared to perform its duties as a professional, disciplined, and neutral force during the election period. The force is strictly following all directives from the government and the Election Commission. Security has been tightened in border areas to prevent smuggling, drug trafficking, and arms trading that could disrupt the election process. Intelligence surveillance and border security measures have also been strengthened under the Border Security Act.

Officials including the Dhamoirhat Upazila Nirbahi Officer, the Officer-in-Charge of Dhamoirhat Police Station, and local educational representatives were present at the briefing.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Sunday, February 1, 2026, called on all political parties to publicly clarify whether they support reform or fascism. Speaking as chief guest at a large election rally at Singhanjani Multipurpose High School field in Jamalpur town, he said Jamaat stands for a 'yes' to reform and a 'no' to fascism. He criticized parties that remain silent on the issue and urged them to speak openly before the people.

Dr. Rahman strongly condemned harassment of female campaigners, saying mothers seeking votes were being insulted by miscreants. He described the upcoming 2026 election as a turning point, rooted in the sacrifices of the 2024 uprising’s martyrs and injured. He said the election would mark the end of decades of corrupt politics that fostered fascism. He emphasized prioritizing public interest over party interest and called for unity among the 11-party alliance under the 'scales' symbol.

At the event, Dr. Rahman formally handed the 'scales' election symbol to candidates for Jamalpur’s five constituencies, urging them to serve the people rather than seek leadership positions.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Amir Syed Rezaul Karim addressed an election rally on Sunday in Ramgati-Kamalnagar, Lakshmipur-4 constituency, urging voters to support the party’s candidate Khaled Saifullah, who is contesting under the hand-fan symbol. Speaking at the event, Karim criticized Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, accusing it of hypocrisy and alleged foreign ties, and asserted that only Islami Andolan represents true justice and Sharia-based governance.

He described Khaled Saifullah as a man of integrity, noting his two previous terms as chairman without corruption allegations. Karim said that electing Saifullah was essential to establish justice in Ramgati-Kamalnagar and claimed that if the party were accepted by God, Bangladesh’s political history could change rapidly. The rally was attended by several central and district leaders of Islami Andolan and its youth wing.

The event was part of Islami Andolan’s campaign for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, emphasizing its commitment to justice and Islamic principles.

Syrian President Ahmed Al Shara held a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday to discuss regional developments and efforts to strengthen stability, according to an official statement cited by Syria’s state news agency SANA. Al Shara emphasized support for Syria’s political process and the importance of reinforcing stability across the country.

The discussion also covered the recent comprehensive agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Macron expressed support for the deal and stressed the need to implement it in a way that preserves Syria’s unity and sovereignty. He reaffirmed France’s commitment to coordinating efforts to help Syria and its people move toward stability, justice, and reconstruction.

The latest agreement, announced Friday in Damascus, includes an immediate ceasefire, withdrawal of forces from conflict zones, and deployment of interior ministry security units in key northeastern cities. It aims to unify Syria’s territory, restore state authority, and advance institutional integration following earlier ceasefire violations and renewed military operations.

BNP Standing Committee member and Cox’s Bazar-1 (Chakaria-Pekua) candidate Salahuddin Ahmed said those who never believed in Bangladesh’s independence are now trying to create political division using religion. He made the remarks on Sunday, February 1, 2026, while addressing a campaign rally organized by the local union BNP at Manik Para in West Bara Veola Union of Chakaria. Ahmed urged people to remain united to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty and to vote for the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol in the upcoming election.

During his speech, Ahmed said that Bangladesh’s democracy had once disappeared but was repeatedly restored under BNP leadership. He recalled the sacrifices of students and citizens during past uprisings for a democratic and equal society. He outlined BNP’s plans to create a skilled workforce instead of unemployed graduates, promote environmental balance through tree planting and canal excavation, and reduce plastic pollution. Ahmed criticized other political parties for lacking development plans and focusing instead on religious division.

He added that BNP aims to restore economic discipline in the country and called on voters to strengthen the party through their support.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman’s X (formerly Twitter) account was allegedly hacked, according to the Detective Branch’s Cyber Crime Unit. Joint Commissioner Syed Harun-or-Rashid told reporters on Sunday, February 1, 2026, that the DB is seriously investigating the matter to determine whether the account was truly hacked and, if so, who was responsible.

The allegation arose after a post containing derogatory remarks about women went viral from Dr. Rahman’s verified X handle. Jamaat’s election committee member and former Islami Chhatra Shibir president Sirajul Islam said the account was hacked around 4 p.m. on Saturday, and an offensive post appeared about half an hour later. The party’s cyber team reportedly regained control of the account by 5 p.m. and removed the post, though it had already spread widely. A general diary was filed at Hatirjheel Police Station regarding the incident.

BNP spokesperson Mahdi Amin commented that if the post was genuine, it was regrettable, and if the account was hacked, Jamaat should have informed the public immediately instead of waiting 12 hours to file the report.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expelled ten leaders and activists from its Fatullah Thana unit in Narayanganj for violating party decisions and engaging in activities deemed contrary to the organization’s interests. The expulsion was confirmed on Sunday afternoon through a press release signed by the party’s Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

According to the announcement, those expelled include Fatullah Thana BNP Vice President Sultan Mahmud Molla, former Kutubpur Union BNP President Billal Hossain, Organizational Secretary Hasan Ali, Assistant Organizational Secretary Saiful Islam Biplob, Md. Muslim Ahmed, Joint Secretary Advocate Akhtar Khondkar, members Zahid Hasan Rozel, Nazrul Islam Panna, Alam, and Kutubpur Union Ward No. 6 BNP Vice President Abdur Razzak. The party has instructed all members to refrain from maintaining organizational contact with the expelled individuals.

The expelled leaders were accused of defying party directives by participating in the election campaign of Muhammad Giasuddin, an independent candidate previously expelled from the BNP.