Bangladesh will hold its first national election since the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on February 12, with about 127 million registered voters set to elect 350 members of the Jatiya Sangsad. The caretaker government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus since August 2024, is overseeing the vote following Hasina’s removal after a deadly student-led uprising. Hasina, sentenced to death for ordering a violent crackdown, remains in exile in India, and her Awami League has been banned from political activity. A referendum on the July National Charter 2025, outlining governance reforms, will also take place on the same day.

The main competition is between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, and Jamaat-e-Islami (JIB), headed by Shafiqur Rahman. The BNP, once allied with Jamaat, now leads a 10-party coalition, while Jamaat heads an 11-party alliance that includes the student-founded National Citizen Party. Other parties such as Islami Andolan Bangladesh and the Jatiya Party are contesting independently. Interim leader Yunus and Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman are seen as key figures ensuring a stable and credible election process.

Hasina’s continued influence from exile and the exclusion of her party have raised concerns about political unity and future stability in Bangladesh.

Voters across Japan are casting ballots in a snap parliamentary election expected to deliver a decisive victory for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s conservative coalition. The vote, held on Sunday, is seen as a test of Takaichi’s mandate to advance her agenda of higher defence spending, stricter immigration controls, and economic relief measures. Opinion polls suggest the coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Japan Innovation Party could secure more than 300 of the 465 lower house seats, a major gain from the 233 currently held.

Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, took office in October after becoming LDP leader. Her campaign has focused on addressing the rising cost of living, pledging to suspend the 8 percent food sales tax for two years and continuing stimulus measures to ease household burdens. She has also vowed to revise defence policies by December, lifting restrictions on weapons exports and expanding Japan’s military capabilities.

The election takes place amid record snowfall that could affect turnout, though analysts expect little impact on the outcome. Takaichi’s popularity, particularly among younger voters, and her growth-oriented strategy emphasizing AI, semiconductors, and defence spending are seen as key drivers of her coalition’s expected success.

Akhtar Hossain, member secretary of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and the Shapla symbol candidate representing an 11-party alliance including Jamaat and NCP in Rangpur-4 (Kaunia–Pirgacha), has reported receiving a death threat. The threat came through a phone call from an unknown number on the evening of February 7, 2026, while he was campaigning in Kishamat village under Chaola Union. Following the incident, he filed a general diary (GD) at Pirgacha Police Station for his safety.

In a video message released on social media Saturday night, Hossain stated that intimidation cannot halt their political progress and that they are moving forward with public support. He emphasized that the election should be contested on ideals and programs, not through threats or fear. He also mentioned that Shapla symbol activists across the country have faced similar threats.

Hossain expressed hope that law enforcement agencies would remain highly vigilant to ensure a fair election. He added that their political journey, built through years of struggle, would not be stopped by fear or intimidation.

BNP Standing Committee member and former Commerce Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that no foreign power has the opportunity to control Bangladesh. He made the remark on Saturday at a public rally held at Fatikchhari Government College field in Chattogram, organized in support of BNP candidate Sarwar Alamgir for the Chattogram-2 (Fatikchhari) constituency. Khasru emphasized that the upcoming election is crucial for restoring democracy and ensuring a government accountable to the people.

He said that a truly elected parliament is necessary to return ownership of the country to its citizens. Khasru urged voters to secure a decisive victory on the 12th to send a message of peace, tolerance, and mutual respect in politics. He added that Bangladeshis aspire to improve living standards, create employment, and build an educated and talented nation. He reiterated that Bangladesh’s people have always trusted the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) during difficult times and continue to place their confidence in Tarique Rahman, Begum Khaleda Zia, and the late President Ziaur Rahman.

Khasru called on supporters to fulfill this public expectation collectively through a strong electoral mandate.

National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson and central election committee chairman Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan has expressed concern that some political parties are stockpiling weapons ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday evening at the party’s temporary central office in Banglamotor, Dhaka, he warned that these weapons could be used in electoral violence and called the situation alarming. Asif urged the Election Commission to take strict measures, noting that some candidates were allegedly threatening voters during yard meetings without visible intervention from the commission.

Asif also criticized the BNP’s election manifesto, claiming it reflects deception toward the public. He alleged that despite signing the July Charter, the BNP would not implement it if it came to power. He further stated that the BNP appeared weak regarding the Awami League and accused it of working to bring the Awami League back to power. Asif warned that any such attempt would be resisted on the streets.

NCP election officials Monira Sharmin and Tarikul Islam were also present at the press conference.

Former state minister and BNP candidate for Netrokona-4, Lutfuzzaman Babar, stated that the events of 1971 and 2024 cannot be compared. He made the remark on Saturday afternoon at a public meeting held at Tahura Amin Pilot Government School field in Madan municipality, Netrokona. Babar said he never thought he would be able to join an election campaign again and emphasized that the nation must remember both the independence of 1971 and July 2024 separately.

Babar urged people not to politicize the years 1971 and 2024, expressing pride in the national flag. He mentioned that his political leader had spent 17 years in exile and had a plan to implement if brought to power through electoral victory. He said the plan included introducing family and agriculture cards. Babar criticized another political group for reacting negatively to these proposals.

He further highlighted the importance of strengthening the country's economic capacity, developing skilled citizens, and sending youth abroad to achieve self-sufficiency.

Women in Dewanganj, Jamalpur organized a procession in support of Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Advocate Nazmul Haque Sayeedi, who is contesting for the Jamalpur-1 constituency under the 'scales' election symbol. The rally, initiated by the women's wing of Jamaat, started from Dewanganj Kamil Madrasa, paraded through the town’s main roads, and concluded at the madrasa grounds.

Before the procession, a protest rally was held at the same venue on Saturday morning, condemning reported attacks, harassment, and abusive remarks against women involved in election activities across the country. The event was presided over by Halima Jannat, district president of the student organization, and featured speeches by candidate Nazmul Haque Sayeedi, Jamaat leader Ashek Mahmud Shanto, and Upazila Ameer Mahbubur Rahman Talukdar, among others.

The gathering highlighted Jamaat’s efforts to mobilize female supporters and address concerns about the safety of women participating in political campaigns.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman addressed a large election rally at Alia Maidan in Sylhet on February 7, 2026, ahead of the February 12 polls. He stated that the first vote would be cast in favor of 'Yes' and the second for the party’s symbol, the scale. Rahman said a victory for Jamaat would transform the nation in line with the aspirations of the younger generation and end what he described as the country’s old, decayed politics.

The rally, organized under the coordination of the 11-party alliance, was presided over by Sylhet city Ameer Muhammad Fakhrul Islam and attended by candidates from six Sylhet and three Sunamganj constituencies. Senior Jamaat and alliance leaders, including Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair and Maulana Rezaul Karim Jalali, also spoke. A notable feature of the event was the large participation of women for the first time in a Sylhet Jamaat gathering.

Rahman urged voters to give Jamaat a chance, promising to serve as guardians of the people rather than rulers, and expressed hope that a new dawn would rise on February 13.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has declared that if his party forms the next government, it will not use the Bangladesh Army for political purposes. Speaking on Saturday night at a meeting with retired military officers and families of the Pilkhana massacre victims at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Dhaka, he said the BNP has never acted in ways that undermine the army’s honor and will not do so in the future. His wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, was also present at the event.

Rahman emphasized that the BNP stands for Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty, asserting that a strong BNP ensures a strong nation and a respected army. He recalled his mother Khaleda Zia’s trust in the armed forces and his father Ziaur Rahman’s pride as a military officer. He also proposed restoring the name of the former Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) and marking the Pilkhana tragedy as a national day of remembrance.

He further announced plans to form a committee to review military-related reform proposals, including the creation of a National Security Council and implementation of the “One Rank One Pay” policy if the BNP wins the February 12 national election.

The Online Editors Alliance has strongly condemned the reported attack, threats, and obstruction of journalists by law enforcement officers while they were performing their professional duties. In a joint statement issued on Saturday, the alliance’s president Md Hasan Sharif and general secretary Mizanur Rahman Sohel described the incident as a deliberate assault that poses a serious threat to the freedom of the press.

According to the statement, several journalists were injured and their professional equipment damaged when members of the law enforcement agencies allegedly launched a sudden attack during a protest in front of the Chief Adviser’s residence at Jamuna on Friday. The alliance leaders said that obstructing, harassing, or attacking journalists while on duty contradicts democratic values and is unacceptable, especially when carried out by those responsible for ensuring public and media safety.

The Online Editors Alliance demanded a fair and impartial investigation, identification of those involved, and their prosecution under the law. It also urged the government to take visible measures to ensure journalists’ safety during the upcoming election period and called for unity in protecting press freedom.

The Chittagong University teachers’ group Sada Dal has strongly condemned what it described as a brutal and inhumane police attack on members of the cultural organization Inquilab Mancha. The incident occurred on February 6 in Dhaka’s Shahbagh and Jamuna areas, where the family of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi and Inquilab Mancha activists were holding a peaceful protest demanding justice for Hadi’s killing. In a statement signed by acting convener Professor Dr. Shahadat Hossain and acting joint convener Professor Dr. Akhtar Hossain, the group called the assault a repetition of old fascist behavior.

The statement noted that Osman Hadi was shot in Dhaka’s Paltan area on December 12 of the previous year and died on December 18 in Singapore. Nearly two months later, the main planners and instigators of the killing remain unarrested, and the investigation shows no visible progress. Sada Dal said this lack of justice undermines the spirit of the August uprising and raises questions about the interim government’s accountability.

The group issued four demands to the interim government, including a UN human rights proposal, public disclosure of the police investigation, arrests of the masterminds, and a meeting between the chief adviser, the martyr’s family, and Inquilab Mancha leaders.

ATM Azharul Islam, central Naib-e-Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami and 11-party alliance candidate for Rangpur-2 (Badarganj–Taraganj), declared that India’s dominance over Bangladesh will no longer continue. Speaking as chief guest at an election rally on Saturday evening at Mondolerhat High School field in Ramnathpur Union, he accused India of exploiting Bangladesh since 1971 under the guise of assistance and never acting as a true friend.

He alleged that India prioritizes its own interests and supports a group in Bangladesh that follows Indian directives. Azharul Islam criticized a rival party for corruption, money laundering, and bank looting, claiming it seeks power again under Indian influence. He vowed that if the 11-party alliance comes to power, corrupt individuals, extortionists, and money launderers will face legal action. On foreign relations, he said the alliance would maintain friendly ties with neighbors but not at the cost of national interests, pledging to secure Bangladesh’s fair share of Teesta River water.

He urged voters, especially women, to reject those he accused of corruption and abuse, calling for support for the 11-party alliance to build a corruption-free nation.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced that around 900,000 members of law enforcement agencies will be deployed across the country for the 13th National Parliamentary Election. He said 25,700 body-worn cameras will be distributed to nearly 43,000 polling centers to strengthen security monitoring. The announcement came during a press briefing on Saturday evening.

According to the press secretary, 108,885 members of the armed forces, 37,453 from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), over 3,000 Coast Guard members, and 567,866 Ansar personnel will begin duties from Sunday. From February 11, 157,000 police officers and a specified number of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) members will take up election duties across 299 constituencies. He also reported that 422,960 postal ballots have already arrived in Bangladesh, with 94 percent of overseas postal voters being men.

The briefing further stated that about 400 foreign observers, 50,000 domestic observers, and 120 foreign journalists will monitor the election. The Election Security App has been fully activated to help officials oversee law and order during the polls.

Bangladesh Television (BTV) has announced that four political party leaders will deliver televised speeches ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election. Starting Sunday, February 8, 2026, the state broadcaster will air these addresses as part of newly introduced reforms following the July uprising. According to BTV sources, Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis chief Mamunul Haque will speak from 6–7 p.m., followed by National Citizen Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam from 7–8 p.m. The next day, February 9, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman will speak from 6–7 p.m., and BNP chairman Tarique Rahman from 7–8 p.m.

A BTV official said no other parties have yet requested broadcast slots, but additional applications will be considered if received. This marks the first time in about fifteen years that party leaders are being allowed to address the nation through the state broadcaster. The last such opportunity was during the army-backed caretaker government in 2008, while the previous three national elections did not feature similar broadcasts.

The initiative reflects policy changes in state media operations introduced after the July uprising, signaling a shift toward broader political inclusion in election coverage.

The Education Rights Parliament has expressed deep concern over the government's move to rapidly approve the proposed Education Act 2026. In a statement signed by its convener Professor Niaz Asadullah, the organization said that enacting such a significant law during the interim government's limited tenure, without public engagement, stakeholder consultation, or national consensus, would be inappropriate.

According to the statement, the draft law largely reiterates existing education structures and lacks clear direction for future-oriented reforms, structural changes, and quality improvements. The group also pointed out definitional ambiguities, unclear governance frameworks, and insufficient implementation guidelines that could lead to administrative and policy complications. It argued that essential policy matters should be defined by law rather than left to regulations.

The Education Rights Parliament recommended deferring the approval of the Education Act 2026 until a newly elected government takes office, allowing for inclusive participation and broad-based dialogue to produce a strong and sustainable education law. The statement emphasized that meaningful education reform requires time, dialogue, and consensus for the benefit of the state and future generations.