Abu Hossain, elder brother of slain student leader Abu Sayeed, stated on Saturday night that the July uprising was a collective effort of people from all political backgrounds and that no single political party is exclusively supported by them. He made the remarks in a Facebook post at around 11 p.m., emphasizing unity among those who fought against fascism and urging everyone to work together to rebuild the country.

Abu Sayeed, a student of the English Department’s 12th batch at Begum Rokeya University, was shot dead on July 16, 2024, during the quota reform movement near the university’s Park Mor area. He was buried the following day at his village home. Sayeed had served as one of the coordinators of the July movement.

Hossain’s statement reiterated that all participants of the July revolution are equal in their eyes, reflecting a call for unity beyond partisan lines in the aftermath of the student-led uprising.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami held a large election rally on Saturday night at Tentultala High School field in Alampur Union of Taraganj upazila, Rangpur, ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election. The event was organized by the local Jamaat unit and attended by a large number of supporters. Central committee Nayeb-e-Ameer and Jamaat candidate for Rangpur-2 constituency (Badarganj-Taraganj) ATM Azharul Islam addressed the gathering as the chief guest.

In his speech, Azharul Islam said that Jamaat-e-Islami is essential for establishing a just and fair state. He accused the previous Awami League government of destroying democracy through planned vote rigging and depriving citizens of their constitutional voting rights. Referring to his own political experience, he mentioned being imprisoned for 14 years and facing three death sentences before being released. He pledged to dedicate the rest of his life to justice and public welfare.

He urged voters to support him by voting for the “Dhalapalla” (balance scale) symbol and promised that Jamaat would focus on creating sustainable employment rather than temporary relief. He called for unity against corruption, extortion, and misrule, describing the election as a struggle to restore voting rights and build a new Bangladesh.

The Appellate Division of Bangladesh, led by the Chief Justice, has rejected the leave-to-appeal petition of Manjurul Ahsan Munshi, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidate for the Comilla-4 constituency. The decision, delivered on Sunday, February 1, 2026, prevents Munshi from participating in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. His nomination had earlier been canceled by the Election Commission (EC) following allegations of loan default.

The cancellation request was filed by Hasnat Abdullah, the chief organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and Munshi’s rival candidate in the same constituency. On January 17, the EC officially declared Munshi’s nomination invalid due to the loan default allegation. Munshi subsequently filed a writ petition in the High Court challenging the EC’s decision, but the latest ruling by the Appellate Division has upheld the cancellation.

With this ruling, Hasnat Abdullah remains the confirmed NCP candidate for Comilla-4, while the BNP will be unable to field Munshi in the 13th national election for that seat.

NCP central member Zobayrul Alam Manik announced the suspension of campaign activities for the 11-party alliance candidate in Anwara, Chattogram. The declaration came during a press conference held on Saturday evening at a local restaurant. Manik stated that the decision was made because Jamaat had allegedly deceived the NCP candidate in Chattogram-8, prompting the suspension of campaign support for Jamaat’s candidate in Chattogram-13. He clarified that the NCP’s campaign for the ‘Yes’ vote would continue.

Karnaphuli Upazila Jamaat Ameer Monir Absar claimed that Manik had earlier presented a list of demands, including appointments to local leadership positions, which Jamaat rejected as unreasonable. Absar described Manik’s move as his personal decision, not one endorsed by the NCP’s central leadership. Anwara Upazila NCP coordinator Mahmud Ullah Mahmud also said he and his organization were not informed of any such directive, and no instruction had been issued from the party’s central office.

Several NCP leaders from Chattogram South District and Karnaphuli Upazila were present during the press conference, though the party’s central stance on the matter remains unclear.

BNP National Standing Committee member and Cox’s Bazar-1 (Chakaria-Pekua) candidate Salahuddin Ahmed stated that the party will ensure religious freedom for people of all faiths in Bangladesh. Speaking as the chief guest at a harmony gathering with Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian communities in Chakaria’s Bharamuhuri area on Saturday evening, he emphasized that there should be no discrimination based on religion or ethnicity and that all citizens share a single identity as Bangladeshis.

Ahmed said BNP had previously upheld religious freedom and would continue to do so in the future. He pledged that no new form of autocracy or fascism would be allowed to emerge in the country. Referring to the Liberation War, he urged unity to build the Bangladesh envisioned by freedom fighters, martyrs, and the youth. Indirectly pointing to Jamaat, he accused them of deceiving the nation by recruiting a freedom fighter for show.

He described BNP as a party of freedom fighters and called on voters to support the party’s symbol, the paddy sheaf, in the upcoming February 12 election.

As the national election approaches, candidates in Bagerhat’s four parliamentary constituencies are intensifying their campaigns. A total of 21 candidates from various parties are contesting, with the main competition expected between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami. However, BNP nominees are facing internal challenges due to rebel candidates in every seat, while Jamaat appears relatively more stable. Among the independents, former MP M.A.H. Selim is contesting in three constituencies.

Voters across Bagerhat have voiced concerns about persistent local issues such as agricultural losses from salinity, poor healthcare, inadequate infrastructure, and gender inequality. Many residents expressed frustration that elected representatives often disappear after elections, emphasizing the need for consistent engagement and credible leadership. Candidates from both major parties have pledged development, employment, and governance reforms.

With 1.36 million registered voters and 547 polling centers, the election in Bagerhat is shaping up as a test of trust and accountability rather than promises alone. The outcome may hinge on which candidates voters perceive as most reliable and responsive to local needs.

Advocate Saifur Rahman, the Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for Chattogram-1 (Mirsharai) in the 13th national election, said the party would ensure justice and equal rights for every citizen if it forms the government. He made the remarks on Saturday while campaigning across several unions and key areas of Mirsharai, pledging to build a fair and ideal society based on justice and integrity.

Rahman emphasized that Jamaat seeks to serve rather than rule the people, promising to perform duties with sincerity and honesty if given the opportunity. He stated that the party’s goal is not power but public welfare, guided by accountability before God. He urged voters to support the “Dhalapalla” symbol in the upcoming February 12 election, vowing to create a society free from terrorism, drugs, and extortion.

Several local leaders, including NCP leader Ashraf, former UP chairman Mejbah Uddin, and representatives from Jamaat and its affiliated organizations, were present during the campaign event.

The interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus is nearing the end of its tenure, set to hand over power to the newly elected administration following the 13th parliamentary election. Over its one and a half years in office, the government faced persistent friction with the bureaucracy, marked by non-cooperation, factional conflicts, and administrative standoffs. Several incidents, including the besieging of advisers by officials and the paralysis of the Secretariat, underscored the depth of the crisis.

Interviews with advisers, current and former secretaries, and public administration experts revealed conflicting accounts of responsibility. Experts blamed the bureaucracy’s entrenched ambitions and the government’s submissive stance, while some advisers cited political parties’ lack of cooperation. Retired officials argued that the Yunus administration’s decision to retain officials from the previous Awami League government undermined reform efforts and led to administrative stagnation. Others described the bureaucracy as resistant to accountability measures, including asset disclosures and reform proposals.

As the interim government prepares to depart, analysts suggest its inability to assert control over the bureaucracy has eroded public trust and limited its capacity to deliver expected governance reforms.

In Jhenaidah-4 constituency, known as a BNP stronghold, election fever is rising ahead of the upcoming parliamentary polls. Rashed Khan, who recently joined the BNP from Gana Odhikar Parishad, secured the party nomination and is campaigning intensively across Kaliganj. Meanwhile, long-time BNP leader Saiful Islam Firoz, denied the nomination, is contesting as an independent candidate after being expelled from the party. Alongside them, Jamaat-e-Islami’s candidate Maulana Abu Talib is also actively campaigning, presenting his political stance to voters.

Initially, Rashed’s nomination sparked discontent among local BNP activists who felt loyal grassroots leaders were overlooked. However, many have since aligned with him following party directives. Rashed is focusing his campaign on issues such as extortion, drugs, transportation, waterlogging, education, and healthcare. Firoz, popular for his grassroots involvement, continues his campaign with a section of local supporters despite expulsion. Political observers note that the Rashed-Firoz rivalry has intensified the contest, potentially benefiting Jamaat’s candidate Abu Talib, who believes growing voter support could lead him to victory.

The final outcome will be decided in the election scheduled for the 12th, with all three candidates expressing strong confidence in their prospects.

Venezuela has announced a general amnesty for all political prisoners detained since 1999 and decided to close a notorious detention center, sparking hope that the country’s long era of state repression may be ending. The move came less than a month after President Nicolás Maduro was ousted in a U.S.-led operation on January 3. Former vice president Delcy Rodríguez initiated several measures aimed at restoring the rule of law, seen as reflecting Washington’s longstanding demands. Families gathered outside the Rodeo-1 prison near Caracas celebrated the announcement with chants of freedom.

Opposition figures and citizens described the moment as the beginning of a new chapter for Venezuela. Former lawmaker Delsa Solórzano reappeared publicly after 17 months in hiding, saying the nation could feel the change. However, student leader Miguelángel Suárez and opposition leader María Corina Machado criticized Rodríguez for the slow pace of prisoner releases and questioned the government’s sincerity. Analysts noted that U.S. pressure has made political repression increasingly costly for the authorities.

While many Venezuelans expressed relief, some remained cautious, recalling the fear and trauma of the past 25 years under Maduro’s rule. Observers warned that it may be too early to call this a full political transformation.

Campaigning for the 13th National Parliamentary Election has gained momentum across the Laksam-Manoharganj area of Comilla-9 constituency. As the election draws nearer, discussions and speculation about potential candidates have increased, creating a festive atmosphere. The contest is expected to be three-way, with candidates from BNP, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Islamic Front, and Islami Andolan (Charmonai Pir) actively engaging with voters. Independent candidate Samira Azim Dola has withdrawn from the race, extending her support to the BNP candidate.

BNP’s sole candidate Abul Kalam expressed optimism about his victory, while Jamaat’s candidate Dr. Syed A.K.M. Sarwar Uddin Siddiqui said he is fully prepared and believes the people of Laksam-Manoharganj want change. Islamic Front’s Alhaj Mir Abu Bakar and Islami Andolan’s Alhaj Selim Mahmud also continue their campaigns, each hopeful of voter support. A recent rally at Laksam Stadium featured Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman as chief guest.

Local BNP leaders claim the constituency is a BNP stronghold, suggesting their candidate has a strong chance of winning.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman addressed several election rallies in Comilla, Daudkandi, and Dhaka on Saturday, calling for an end to corruption, fascism, and dominance-based politics. Speaking as chief guest at the 11-party alliance’s gatherings, he said the people of Bangladesh desire change and that transformation will begin on the 13th. He emphasized building a youthful and humane Bangladesh, free from division and injustice, and said the alliance aims to govern based on the aspirations of 180 million citizens.

Rahman pledged that if his party comes to power, it will form a unity government ensuring justice, eradicating corruption, and implementing July reform proposals. He also promised to improve education, health, and civic services, including transforming Keraniganj into a model township. Other alliance leaders, including Nahid Islam of NCP and Maulana Mamunul Haque of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, echoed calls for national unity and resistance to foreign interference in elections.

The rallies drew large crowds, with Rahman urging voters to support the 11-party alliance in the upcoming polls to strengthen sovereignty and establish accountable governance.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman said that after toppling autocracy through movement, it is now time to rebuild the country collectively. He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon at an election rally in Sirajganj’s BSCIC Industrial Park, marking the final day of his northern region tour. Rahman called on supporters to stand by farmers and remain alert against any attempts to deprive citizens of their voting rights. He introduced party candidates from Sirajganj and Pabna and urged voters to support them.

Rahman emphasized BNP’s experience in state governance and pledged to establish new industrial parks, revive the handloom industry, and create vocational institutes to address unemployment. He also promised family and agriculture cards to assist women and farmers if the party wins. Earlier in Bogura, he met local leaders and described the district as a BNP stronghold.

At a later rally in Tangail, Rahman alleged that some groups were conspiring to obstruct the election by misleading voters. He outlined plans for regional development, including a barrage on the Jamuna River, new factories, and pineapple processing plants.

Educational institutions across Bangladesh have begun announcing extended holidays as the national election approaches. In Keraniganj, the Girls’ School and College declared holidays until February 15 after Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) established a camp on its premises to maintain law and order during the election period. Similar closures have been reported in other schools in and around Dhaka. Parents confirmed that students were informed of the extended break due to the BGB deployment.

According to BGB’s Dhaka Sector Commander Colonel S.M. Abul Ehsan, more than 37,000 BGB members will be deployed nationwide to ensure security during the upcoming parliamentary election. The government has also announced general holidays on February 11 and 12 for the election, with additional days off linked to religious observances and weekends, creating extended breaks for both students and government employees.

The overlapping of election-related and religious holidays has resulted in unusually long school closures across the country, affecting academic schedules and daily routines in many institutions.

Severe disruption has hit public services in the 3 No. Angarpara Union Parishad of Khansama upazila, Dinajpur, after its chairman went into hiding and the panel chairman was jailed. For nearly three weeks, administrative operations have been paralyzed, leaving residents unable to obtain birth registrations, certificates, inheritance documents, social safety allowances, and land-related services.

Local sources said elected chairman Mostafa Ahmed Shah, a former acting president of the upazila Awami League, went into hiding after being accused in an arson case filed by a local Jubo Dal leader following the fall of the Awami League government in July. Allegations suggest he is attempting to manage office affairs remotely through seals and signatures. The situation worsened when the panel chairman was recently arrested in an unidentified case, leaving the council without leadership.

Union officials said documents cannot be issued without the chairman’s signature, forcing citizens to wait days. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer stated that uninterrupted public service is essential and that directives have been issued to ensure timely service delivery under administrative monitoring.