The Election Commission (EC) has begun distributing ballot papers bearing candidate names and symbols to returning officers across Bangladesh ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for February 12. According to information released from the EC Secretariat in Agargaon, Dhaka, the first phase of distribution on February 1 covered 13 districts, while the second phase on February 2 extended to eight more districts, totaling 21 districts over two days.

Officials stated that ballot papers and other election materials are being sent from Dhaka under tight security. These materials will be stored at the offices of returning officers and delivered to polling centers the day before voting. The EC also confirmed that approximately 260 million ballot papers are being printed for both the parliamentary election and a concurrent referendum, with a total printing cost of 400 million taka.

According to the official schedule, voting will take place nationwide on February 12 without interruption.

The Chief Adviser’s Press Wing has reported 274 incidents of violence across Bangladesh between December 12 of last year and February 1, a 51-day period following the announcement of the schedule for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The data, released on Monday under the title “Violent Incidents in the 13th National Election–2026,” includes 15 attacks on candidates, 89 clashes among rival supporters, and 5 killings. Other reported incidents include intimidation, use of illegal weapons, threats, obstruction of campaign activities, and attacks on election offices.

The Press Wing also presented comparative statistics from the previous three national elections held during the Hasina administration. In the 2014 election, 530 violent incidents were recorded with 115 deaths and 315 injuries. The 2018 election saw 414 incidents, 22 deaths, and 780 injuries, while the 2024 election recorded 534 incidents, 6 deaths, and 460 injuries. The data also detailed property damage, arson, and explosive attacks during those periods.

The report highlights a continuing pattern of election-related violence, though the current tally appears lower than in previous election cycles.

A joint press conference was held in Patuakhali where Ganadhikar Parishad’s nominated candidate Md. Shahidul Islam Fahim announced his withdrawal from the race for Patuakhali-01 constituency to support BNP’s nominee, former Home and Commerce Minister and BNP Vice Chairman Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury. The event took place on Monday at Suraiya Villa on Sher-e-Bangla Road in the presence of the BNP candidate.

In his written statement, Fahim said the decision was made to strengthen the long-standing partnership between BNP and Ganadhikar Parishad in their movement to restore democracy and protect voting rights. He emphasized that the two parties’ leaders and activists would now work together as a united team in Patuakhali-01, similar to their cooperation in Patuakhali-03, to ensure Chowdhury’s victory.

BNP election coordination officials and district-level leaders from both parties, including youth and student wings, attended the press conference, signaling a local political alignment ahead of the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has accused Indian media outlets and the Awami League of continuously spreading misinformation about Bangladesh. He made the allegation on Monday, February 2, during a policy conclave titled ‘Policy Conclave on Misinformation: Challenges to Governance and Democracy’ held at the central auditorium of Dhaka International University.

Alam claimed that several Indian newspapers, including widely read ones, have consistently published false information about Bangladesh. He said India is deliberately spreading misinformation and disinformation, and that this trend has intensified over the past 18 months. According to him, Bangladesh has never faced such a situation in its 54-year history. He also questioned whether these actions were being orchestrated by external influences.

The press secretary further stated that misinformation poses a major challenge to democracy and governance, with both local and external sources contributing to the problem. He criticized the media for failing to act as the voice of the people and for being fearful of public backlash, urging journalists to overcome this fear.

The Ministry of Education’s Secondary and Higher Education Division has released a draft of a new education law during the final days of the interim government. The draft was published on Sunday, and the ministry has invited public opinions to be submitted via email by 5 p.m. on February 7.

According to the ministry, the proposed law aims to establish a modern, inclusive, and equitable education system that ensures lifelong learning opportunities for all. It seeks to eliminate illiteracy, expand free and compulsory primary education, and guarantee quality education for every citizen. The draft also emphasizes the protection of teachers’ and students’ rights and welfare.

The ministry stated that the new law is intended to consolidate and strengthen existing education-related legislation by introducing supplementary provisions to make the system more effective and contemporary.

Recently released documents from the US Department of Justice on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have brought Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) vice chairman Abdul Awal Mintu back into discussion. The documents, spanning millions of pages, include Mintu’s name among donors to former New Mexico governor Bill Richardson’s 2006 re-election campaign. According to the file EFTA02729080, created on March 7, 2006, Mintu donated 5,000 US dollars to Richardson’s campaign, while Epstein contributed 50,000 dollars. The records identify Mintu as a Bangladeshi businessman, and there is no evidence of any direct contact between him and Epstein.

The documents also detail Epstein’s extensive political connections and funding networks, including his repeated donations to Richardson’s campaigns. Allegations of Richardson’s involvement with Epstein’s trafficking network have surfaced in earlier court filings, though Richardson denied them. Mintu, meanwhile, is contesting Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national election from Feni-3 constituency under the BNP’s “sheaf of paddy” symbol.

The release of these documents has renewed scrutiny of Epstein’s political ties and drawn attention to international figures whose names appear in the records.

Jagannath University (JnU) has declared a five-day holiday for its students in connection with the upcoming 13th National Parliament election and referendum. The university administration announced that the holiday will begin on February 10, 2026. Acting Registrar Professor Dr. Md. Sheikh Gias Uddin confirmed the decision on February 2, following an official notice signed by him detailing the schedule.

According to the notice, the Ministry of Public Administration declared February 11 and 12 as public holidays to facilitate voting and election activities. Based on that directive and by executive order of the Vice-Chancellor, February 10 was added as an additional holiday. Combined with the regular weekend on February 13 and 14, students will enjoy a continuous five-day break.

The university stated that normal academic and administrative operations will resume on February 15. The administration expects the extended holiday will help students exercise their voting rights smoothly and participate more easily in this national event.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the interim government’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Water Resources, said that no government would dare suppress journalists if professional journalism is established. She made the remarks on Monday at an event organized by the July Revolutionary Journalists’ Alliance (JRJA) at the National Press Club.

Hasan emphasized that journalists may have personal political views, but objectivity must guide their work. She noted that the constitution guarantees freedom of speech, expression, press, and association, and journalists should uphold these rights while working within the legal framework. She added that disagreements among journalists are natural, but the key is to ensure objective reporting. Analytical differences are acceptable as long as the reporting remains factual.

Regarding lawmaking, she said that draft laws related to broadcasting have been opened for public opinion and will be revised based on reasonable feedback. Hasan further stated that democracy is not established solely through elections and that journalism is a vital pillar in protecting it. She urged journalists to overcome allegations of shifting loyalties through professional best practices.

Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced that 100,000 army personnel will be deployed across Bangladesh to maintain law and order during the upcoming parliamentary election and referendum. He made the statement on Monday at a meeting on law and order held at the Barishal Shilpakala Academy auditorium. In addition to the army, 150,000 police, 5,000 navy, 37,000 Border Guard Bangladesh, 10,000 Rapid Action Battalion, 5,000 Coast Guard, and about 600,000 Ansar members will also be deployed.

The adviser said all necessary preparations have been completed to ensure a peaceful election. He emphasized the need for collective effort and responsibility from all involved to maintain peace and order. The number of Coast Guard and Navy personnel in coastal areas has been increased, and Bangladesh National Cadet Corps members will also be engaged. Body cameras, CCTV, drones, and a security app will be used to monitor activities and prevent crimes.

Home Secretary Nasimul Gani and senior government and law enforcement officials from six districts of the Barishal division attended the meeting.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has accused Jamaat-e-Islami of trying to prevent Bangladesh’s progress and of wanting to turn the country into Afghanistan. He made the remarks on Monday, February 2, during a campaign visit to his constituency in Dholarhat Union, Thakurgaon. Fakhrul alleged that Jamaat opposes women’s education and employment, seeking to confine them to their homes.

Referring to a recent post by the Jamaat Ameer on the social platform X, Fakhrul said that if the Ameer indeed made a misogynistic comment, it was wrong. He added that a country cannot be safe in the hands of those who lack respect for women. Fakhrul also claimed that Jamaat is threatening the Hindu community and urged everyone to move forward without fear.

The BNP leader, contesting from Thakurgaon-1, said that there is now an opportunity to build a just state. He emphasized that BNP wants a fair and inclusive electoral environment and called on voters to make the right decision to help the party form the next government.

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has announced a nationwide campaign supporting a 'Yes' vote in the upcoming February 12 referendum. At a press conference held in front of Dhaka University’s Madhur Canteen, the organization’s president Rifat Rashid detailed the campaign schedule and said agents would be appointed and their list published to ensure organized participation at polling centers.

Rashid stated that Bangladesh stands at a critical juncture following recent political developments, blaming power-hungry groups for repeated crises. He criticized the Consensus Commission’s reform proposals as unclear to the public and said the referendum questions were complex and undemocratic. Despite the interim government and commission’s failures, he viewed the referendum as an opportunity for partial reform.

The campaign will include rallies and meetings with families of martyrs across Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, Mymensingh, Sylhet, Chattogram, and Dhaka between February 3 and 10. Rashid emphasized that a 'Yes' victory is essential to establish a moral and political foundation for future reforms and to protect citizens’ voting rights.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expelled 28 leaders and activists for violating party decisions and engaging in activities deemed anti-organizational. The expulsions, announced on Monday, February 2, 2026, were confirmed in a press release signed by Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. Those expelled include current and former leaders from district, upazila, and ward levels across Noakhali, Patuakhali, and Pirojpur districts. They have been removed from all party positions, including primary membership.

According to the BNP statement, the disciplinary action was taken against individuals accused of working against the party’s official candidates in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. Party sources indicated that some of the expelled members supported independent candidates instead of those nominated by the BNP, prompting the leadership to enforce organizational discipline.

The announcement follows a broader internal crackdown within the BNP, as more leaders have reportedly faced expulsion for similar conduct related to rebel candidacies ahead of the national polls.

Professor Ali Riaz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser with the rank of Adviser, stated that the July Charter was formulated to end the abuse of unchecked power and return ownership of the state to its citizens. Speaking on February 2, 2026, at a meeting in the Senate Building of Rajshahi University, he called on students to spread the message of the Charter across the country and encourage participation in the upcoming referendum.

Riaz explained that around 150,000 students in higher education institutions in the region could each motivate five others to vote in favor of change, potentially influencing 600,000 votes. He added that over 100,000 officials and employees could inspire another 500,000 people. He emphasized that the Charter seeks to prevent future autocracy and ensure that the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs are not wasted.

He further outlined proposed reforms, including a 100-seat upper house in the constitution with proportional representation and a requirement of majority support for constitutional amendments. Riaz urged citizens to vote “yes” to make the state accountable and prevent concentration of power in one individual.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) reported that at least 15 political activists were killed across the country within 36 days following the announcement of the 13th National Parliament election schedule. The report, released on Monday, stated that in 2025 there were 401 incidents of political violence resulting in 102 deaths, while 1,333 firearms went missing. TIB warned that the continued circulation of looted weapons and new firearm licenses for political figures could heighten the risk of further violence.

The study, titled “One and a Half Years After the Fall of Authoritarianism: Expectations and Achievements,” highlighted widespread violence, harassment of political workers, attacks on potential candidates, and over 50 assaults on minority communities. It also alleged violations of legal procedures in trials related to crimes against humanity during the July movement and raised concerns over arbitrary arrests, prolonged detentions, and politically influenced cases.

TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman cautioned that failure to control mob violence could affect the February 12 election. The organization criticized the government’s lack of effective strategies, warning that inaction and appeasement could lead to excessive concentration of power.

In the Gaibandha-5 (Saghata-Fulchhari) constituency, voters from the riverine char areas are expected to play a decisive role in the upcoming national election. The main issues dominating local discussions are the prevention of river erosion and the improvement of living standards through infrastructure development. Residents of the eight char unions along the Brahmaputra and Jamuna rivers have long suffered from annual erosion that destroys homes, farmland, schools, and markets, leaving many families displaced.

Local voters say they will support candidates who promise permanent and effective solutions to these problems. BNP candidate Faruk Alam Sarkar has pledged to prioritize riverbank protection, agricultural growth, and the establishment of police stations and tourism centers. Jamaat candidate Abdul Warres has promised to build livestock centers, hospitals, and educational institutions, and to construct a bridge or tunnel between Balashi and Bahadurabad. Despite the region’s agricultural potential, poor communication, lack of healthcare, and inadequate education remain major concerns.

Observers believe that sustainable river management and char development will determine the outcome of the Gaibandha-5 election.