Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Amir Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim said that those who hold secret meetings with the United States and India in the name of Islam cannot bring peace to the country. He made the remarks on Sunday, February 1, during an election rally at Ramganj municipal children’s park in Lakshmipur-1 constituency, organized in support of party candidate Zakir Hossain Patowary. Earlier in the day, he also addressed a rally in Kamalnagar.

Rezaul Karim urged voters to support Islami Andolan’s ‘hand fan’ symbol across Bangladesh, saying that victory for its candidates would help realize the dream of a prosperous, faith-based nation. He criticized those who, according to him, abandoned Islamic principles in favor of conventional laws and policies, prompting his party to contest independently in 258 constituencies.

The event was attended by several party leaders and Islamic scholars, including Khaled Saifullah, Mufti Rezaul Karim Abrar, and Mufti Habibur Rahman Misbah, along with local Islami Andolan and youth wing representatives.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi stated that Begum Khaleda Zia stood like the Himalayas in the struggle to establish democracy in Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Sunday at a memorial meeting organized by the Dhaka North unit of the Vashani Janashakti Party at Mohakhali Community Center in the capital, where he attended as the chief guest.

Rizvi described Khaleda Zia, wife of the late President Ziaur Rahman, as a lifelong fighter against fascism and autocracy. He claimed that she could have chosen a luxurious life abroad but instead dedicated herself to the cause of farmers, workers, and the common people. Rizvi alleged that false cases and imprisonment were used to push her toward death and asserted that under the leadership of her son Tarique Rahman, Bangladesh would achieve her vision. He urged people to vote for the BNP’s symbol, the paddy sheaf, to restore democracy.

In the same event, Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Bablu said that even after 54 years of independence, the desired Bangladesh had not been achieved and called for victory in the upcoming referendum to prevent the return of fascism.

Syeda Shamila Rahman Sithi, wife of late Arafat Rahman Koko, has joined the campaign in support of BNP chairperson and Dhaka-17 candidate Tarique Rahman ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election. On Sunday, she attended a courtyard meeting at the T&T Colony near Karail slum in the capital, accompanied by BNP International Affairs Secretary Barrister Nasir Uddin Ahmed Asim, Barrister Mehnaz Mannan, and local BNP leaders and activists.

During the meeting, Shamila Rahman sought votes and prayers for Tarique Rahman, expressing optimism over the public response to the BNP’s electoral symbol. She stated that the party was encouraged by the people’s support and expressed confidence that BNP would form the next government through popular vote.

Later, she visited a church near Badda New Market to exchange views with members of the Christian community about the election and current political situation. Party leaders present said BNP aims to ensure a free, fair, and participatory election involving people of all religions and communities.

In Barishal-1 constituency, covering Gournadi and Agailjhara, supporters of the Islami Andolan Bangladesh candidate with the 'hand fan' symbol alleged that BNP activists obstructed their campaign on Saturday evening in Khanjapur area of Gournadi upazila. The incident was streamed live on Facebook by candidate Russel Sardar Mehdi, showing a confrontation between his supporters and several youths who reportedly tried to stop the campaign. The situation escalated into a brief scuffle before the opposing group retreated.

Supporters of the hand fan candidate claimed that followers of BNP’s 'paddy sheaf' candidate, Zahir Uddin Swapan, were behind the obstruction. They further alleged that the same group had previously attacked supporters of an independent candidate with the 'football' symbol and continued to disrupt election activities. The matter has been reported to local authorities.

Candidate Russel Sardar Mehdi stated that no intimidation would deter his campaign and urged the administration to take firm action to ensure a level playing field as the February 12 election approaches.

A Dhaka court has ordered the freezing of 46 bank accounts belonging to Awami League Joint General Secretary and former MP A F M Bahauddin Nasim, his family members, and related individuals. The order was issued on Sunday, February 1, 2026, by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Foyez. Court bench assistant Md Riaz Hossain confirmed the decision following a petition from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

According to the ACC’s application, submitted by Deputy Director (Intelligence) Md Hossain Sharif, funds were allegedly being withdrawn and transferred from these accounts with attempts to move money abroad. The ACC stated that records reviewed during the investigation indicated that the accounts contained proceeds of corruption and abuse of power. The commission argued that transferring the funds could cause significant loss to the state, prompting the request to block all transactions.

After reviewing the petition and hearing the matter, the court ordered the immediate freezing of the accounts to prevent potential financial damage to the state.

BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan has questioned the voter transfer data provided by the Election Commission (EC), claiming that an unusually high number of new voters have appeared in certain areas, including Dhaka city, over the past one to one and a half years. He made the remarks on Sunday, February 1, after a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) at the EC office in Agargaon, Dhaka. The BNP delegation met the CEC to raise several complaints ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election.

Following the meeting, Nazrul Islam Khan told reporters that the EC had downplayed the extent of voter transfers, saying no constituency had more than two to three thousand transfers. However, BNP expressed dissatisfaction, insisting that the actual number was much higher and that the data provided to the EC was inaccurate. The party requested seat-wise voter transfer information from the EC.

Nazrul Islam Khan also alleged that violations of the electoral code of conduct were not being properly addressed and raised concerns about the formation of so-called peace committees in some areas. He further noted that the EC had approved over 55,000 observers from 81 domestic organizations, some of which were relatively unknown.

BNP Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku has urged voters not to vote for Jamaat-e-Islami, criticizing the party’s stance on women’s participation in the workforce. Speaking on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at an election meeting in Bhadraghat Bazar of Kamarkhand upazila, Sirajganj, Tuku referenced a statement by Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman that he said demeaned women working outside the home. He displayed the interview on his mobile phone before the audience and appealed to voters, especially women, to reject Jamaat.

Tuku emphasized that rising commodity prices have made it necessary for both husbands and wives to earn to support their families. He said women now work in mills, factories, and fields, and criticized Jamaat for wanting to confine them indoors. He called on supporters to strengthen his hand and that of BNP leader Tarique Rahman, expressing hope that Rahman would become the country’s prime minister. Tuku also criticized the banned Awami League, claiming BNP activists had struggled for 17 years to restore voting rights and endured imprisonment and repression.

Local BNP and volunteer leaders from Sirajganj district and Kamarkhand upazila were present at the event.

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.