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.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that an honest, competent, and dedicated person would become the next president if his party came to power. He made the remarks on Sunday evening during a press briefing in his Dhaka-15 constituency while responding to a question about who would be the next president under a Jamaat government. The event took place after he offered Maghrib prayers at Baitus Salat Jame Mosque in the Kafrul area and began a public outreach campaign.

During the campaign, Dr. Rahman interacted with local residents, listened to their concerns, and discussed issues such as civic services, commodity prices, employment, and security. The gathering drew enthusiastic crowds who greeted him and pledged support for the party’s electoral symbol. He sought prayers and votes from the public.

Dr. Rahman emphasized that the people of Bangladesh have long awaited justice, good governance, and the establishment of rights. He said leadership selection would prioritize honesty and merit, adding that national leadership is a trust that must be given to sincere and capable individuals.

Ganosanghati Andolon has announced its manifesto ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, pledging to establish a truly democratic state system, ensure fair distribution of resources, and guarantee the rights of working people. The manifesto was unveiled on Sunday at the party’s central office in Hatirpool, Dhaka, by its executive coordinator Abul Hasan Rubel.

The manifesto emphasizes democratic governance through the elimination of corruption and the establishment of good governance. It outlines commitments to protect workers, farmers, and marginalized groups, and to end discrimination based on race, religion, class, or gender. The party also prioritizes transforming the economy by formalizing the informal sector, creating new employment, and promoting agricultural development while safeguarding farmers’ interests.

Additional pledges include universal healthcare, women’s empowerment, environmental protection, recognition of ethnic diversity, and the participation of youth and expatriates in national development. The manifesto presents itself as a roadmap for rebuilding Bangladesh in line with the spirit of equality and justice envisioned during the Liberation War.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has announced that all election campaigning for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum must end by 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday. According to EC rules, political parties and candidates are prohibited from conducting any campaign activities within 48 hours before voting begins. The announcement was made on Sunday by Akhtar Ahmed, senior secretary of the EC Secretariat.

The 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum are scheduled for Thursday, February 12. Voting will take place nationwide from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. across 299 constituencies using transparent ballot boxes and paper ballots. To ensure proper conduct, 1,050 executive magistrates will be deployed from February 8 to 14 to oversee mobile courts, while judicial magistrates will also be stationed in the field. The Electoral Enquiry and Adjudication Committee is already active in monitoring the process.

These measures are part of the EC’s preparations to maintain order and compliance with election laws during the final phase leading up to the national vote.

Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, spokesperson and election committee chairman of the National Citizen Party (NCP), warned that anyone attempting to prevent citizens from voting on election day would face consequences similar to those 'now in Delhi.' He made the remarks on Sunday at 5 p.m. during an election rally at Shaheed Mostafa Field in Mathbaria, Pirojpur-3 constituency, urging voters to cast their ballots on February 12 in favor of justice and welfare.

Bhuiyan emphasized that voters not only have the duty to vote but also to ensure that their neighbors can vote freely. He criticized the past rule of the Awami League, accusing it of vote rigging and authoritarianism, and called for the establishment of a just state through the 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami. He also highlighted local underdevelopment and pledged that the alliance would end extortion and lawlessness if elected.

The rally was chaired by Mohammad Abdul Jalil Sharif, the local Jamaat leader, and attended by NCP candidate Dr. Shamim Hamidi and other party officials.

Nahid Islam, convenor of the National Citizen Party (NCP), announced that if his party is entrusted with forming the government, all legal measures will be taken to recover funds allegedly looted and laundered abroad during what he termed the fascist Hasina regime. He made the remarks in a televised address on Bangladesh Television (BTV) on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at 7:15 p.m.

Citing a white paper led by Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, Nahid claimed that about 234 billion US dollars, equivalent to roughly 30 lakh crore taka, were siphoned off by Hasina and her associates, causing severe harm to the national economy. He criticized the interim government for failing to recover the stolen assets due to negligence and sabotage by officials linked to the previous regime.

Nahid outlined plans to confiscate identified assets, impose taxes and fines, and place recovered wealth under a new public trust managed transparently by qualified professionals. He emphasized ending corruption and restoring state resources to the people through justice and economic equality.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that five years would be sufficient to change the nation’s fate. He made the remarks on Sunday morning at a public rally of the 11-party electoral alliance held at the DIT field in Merul Badda, Dhaka-11 constituency, where National Citizen Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam is contesting. Rahman pledged to fulfill only realistic promises and said his party would work with full dedication to build a just and humane Bangladesh.

He emphasized that the youth have rejected old political arrangements and called for a new political rise in Bangladesh. Rahman urged voters to show “red cards” to corrupt, extortionist, and oppressive forces in the upcoming February 12 election. He also said that if the people’s verdict favored justice, Nahid Islam could become a minister in a future government.

Rahman criticized extortion, land grabbing, and corruption, alleging that some who once suffered under oppression have now turned into oppressors. He called for unity to build a fair, corruption-free, and humane Bangladesh led by the youth.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), announced that if entrusted with state leadership, his party would establish Bangladeshi missions across the world and increase the number of diplomats to better serve expatriates. Speaking on Sunday, February 8, at 7:15 p.m. on state television BTV, he said the goal would be to export manpower to promising countries at minimal cost while ensuring their protection from any form of harassment. He emphasized that mutual respect, fairness, and cooperation would form the foundation of Bangladesh’s foreign policy.

Nahid Islam added that under NCP governance, economic and trade deficits would be reduced and dependency on any single country would gradually decrease to build balanced diplomatic relations. He pledged to replace submissive policies of undemocratic rulers with a self-reliant and dignified foreign policy prioritizing national interests. The NCP also plans to revitalize SAARC, pursue membership in ASEAN, and strengthen political, economic, and strategic ties with the Muslim world.

These commitments reflect the NCP’s intent to reshape Bangladesh’s external relations through proactive diplomacy and regional engagement.

Hamas senior leader Khaled Meshaal declared that the group will continue its resistance against Israel’s occupation and will not surrender its weapons. Speaking at a conference in Doha on Sunday, Meshaal said Hamas rejects U.S. and Israeli demands for disarmament and will not accept foreign intervention in Gaza. He emphasized that labeling the resistance movement or its weapons as criminal is unacceptable and asserted that resistance is the right of an occupied people.

The statement comes as a U.S.-mediated ceasefire in Gaza enters its second phase, which envisions a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces and potential demilitarization of the territory, including Hamas’s disarmament. Hamas has repeatedly called disarmament a red line but has indicated it might consider transferring weapons to a future Palestinian governing authority.

According to Israeli officials cited in the report, Hamas still has around 20,000 fighters and approximately 60,000 Kalashnikov rifles in Gaza.

Nasiruddin Patwari, the chief coordinator of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency, attended a protest organized against him on Sunday, February 8, at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram. The demonstration was arranged by the Allama Junaid Babunagari Memorial Council and began after the Asr prayer. Witnesses saw Patwari at the venue, where he also delivered a speech.

The protest was organized in response to what participants described as false and indecent remarks made by Patwari about Allama Junaid Babunagari, the late former secretary general and amir of Hefazat-e-Islam. Photos from the protest later circulated on social media, sparking public discussion. Following the online reaction, Patwari posted on his Facebook page, expressing unconditional regret to anyone hurt by his words or actions.

The incident drew attention due to Patwari’s direct presence at a protest against himself, as well as his subsequent public apology on social media.

The Ministry of Public Administration has issued a new directive regarding the February 10 holiday in connection with the upcoming 13th National Parliament election. According to the circular released on Sunday, February 11 and 12 will be nationwide public holidays under executive order for the election and referendum scheduled for Thursday, February 12. Additionally, the previously announced special holiday for industrial workers and employees on February 10 will remain in effect.

The directive further states that authorities overseeing industrial areas may designate any convenient weekly holiday after February 10 as a working day to compensate for the special leave. Earlier, a notice from the Chief Adviser’s verified Facebook page clarified that factories implementing the February 10 holiday could later require workers to make up the day by working on another date.

The updated instruction aims to ensure smooth participation in the election process while maintaining flexibility for industrial operations across the country.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman announced that his party would adopt a zero-tolerance policy against corruption if it forms the next government. Speaking at an election rally on Sunday at Lal Math in Pallabi Ward No. 2 of Dhaka-16 constituency, he said that changing the fate of the people requires taking a firm stand against corruption. He criticized the past 16 years of governance, claiming that while many mega projects were undertaken, they failed to improve people’s lives and instead became sources of large-scale corruption.

Rahman described the upcoming election on the 12th as a decisive moment for the country’s future, urging citizens to choose who should lead the nation. He emphasized that BNP’s main goal is to improve people’s lives rather than merely criticizing opponents. He also outlined several pledges, including introducing a “Family Card” for women’s empowerment, a “Krishak Card” for farmers with loan waivers up to 10,000 taka, building a hospital in Dhaka-16, and launching canal excavation programs to address waterlogging.

He added that law and order would be prioritized to ensure public safety and reiterated his call to rebuild the country above all else.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called on citizens to vote 'Yes' in the upcoming referendum. He made the appeal on Sunday afternoon during a roadside rally at Golimbabur Hat in Jagannathpur Union of Thakurgaon Sadar upazila. Fakhrul said the referendum’s central question is who supports reform and who does not. He argued that the country needs reform to correct past mismanagement and urged everyone who wants change to vote 'Yes'.

Addressing the Hindu community, Fakhrul assured them of his continued support and said no one would be able to harm them. He added that the decision on whether the country will continue as before or move in a new direction will be made in three days. Fakhrul described BNP leader Tarique Rahman as young, energetic, and modern-minded, saying the party supports new leadership over old politics.

He concluded by expressing hope that the next prime minister would be a young leader capable of advancing the nation with fresh ideas, calling on all to stand for change.