A total of 29 platoons of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed across Naogaon district to maintain security ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The deployment details were shared during a press briefing held on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Siddikiya Fazil Degree Madrasa field in Dhamoirhat, Naogaon-2 constituency. The briefing was led by Lieutenant Colonel Md Abdullah Al Mamun, commanding officer of Patnitala-14 BGB Battalion.

According to Abdullah Al Mamun, BGB is fully prepared to perform its duties as a professional, disciplined, and neutral force during the election period. The force is strictly following all directives from the government and the Election Commission. Security has been tightened in border areas to prevent smuggling, drug trafficking, and arms trading that could disrupt the election process. Intelligence surveillance and border security measures have also been strengthened under the Border Security Act.

Officials including the Dhamoirhat Upazila Nirbahi Officer, the Officer-in-Charge of Dhamoirhat Police Station, and local educational representatives were present at the briefing.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Sunday, February 1, 2026, called on all political parties to publicly clarify whether they support reform or fascism. Speaking as chief guest at a large election rally at Singhanjani Multipurpose High School field in Jamalpur town, he said Jamaat stands for a 'yes' to reform and a 'no' to fascism. He criticized parties that remain silent on the issue and urged them to speak openly before the people.

Dr. Rahman strongly condemned harassment of female campaigners, saying mothers seeking votes were being insulted by miscreants. He described the upcoming 2026 election as a turning point, rooted in the sacrifices of the 2024 uprising’s martyrs and injured. He said the election would mark the end of decades of corrupt politics that fostered fascism. He emphasized prioritizing public interest over party interest and called for unity among the 11-party alliance under the 'scales' symbol.

At the event, Dr. Rahman formally handed the 'scales' election symbol to candidates for Jamalpur’s five constituencies, urging them to serve the people rather than seek leadership positions.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Amir Syed Rezaul Karim addressed an election rally on Sunday in Ramgati-Kamalnagar, Lakshmipur-4 constituency, urging voters to support the party’s candidate Khaled Saifullah, who is contesting under the hand-fan symbol. Speaking at the event, Karim criticized Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, accusing it of hypocrisy and alleged foreign ties, and asserted that only Islami Andolan represents true justice and Sharia-based governance.

He described Khaled Saifullah as a man of integrity, noting his two previous terms as chairman without corruption allegations. Karim said that electing Saifullah was essential to establish justice in Ramgati-Kamalnagar and claimed that if the party were accepted by God, Bangladesh’s political history could change rapidly. The rally was attended by several central and district leaders of Islami Andolan and its youth wing.

The event was part of Islami Andolan’s campaign for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, emphasizing its commitment to justice and Islamic principles.

Syrian President Ahmed Al Shara held a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday to discuss regional developments and efforts to strengthen stability, according to an official statement cited by Syria’s state news agency SANA. Al Shara emphasized support for Syria’s political process and the importance of reinforcing stability across the country.

The discussion also covered the recent comprehensive agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Macron expressed support for the deal and stressed the need to implement it in a way that preserves Syria’s unity and sovereignty. He reaffirmed France’s commitment to coordinating efforts to help Syria and its people move toward stability, justice, and reconstruction.

The latest agreement, announced Friday in Damascus, includes an immediate ceasefire, withdrawal of forces from conflict zones, and deployment of interior ministry security units in key northeastern cities. It aims to unify Syria’s territory, restore state authority, and advance institutional integration following earlier ceasefire violations and renewed military operations.

BNP Standing Committee member and Cox’s Bazar-1 (Chakaria-Pekua) candidate Salahuddin Ahmed said those who never believed in Bangladesh’s independence are now trying to create political division using religion. He made the remarks on Sunday, February 1, 2026, while addressing a campaign rally organized by the local union BNP at Manik Para in West Bara Veola Union of Chakaria. Ahmed urged people to remain united to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty and to vote for the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol in the upcoming election.

During his speech, Ahmed said that Bangladesh’s democracy had once disappeared but was repeatedly restored under BNP leadership. He recalled the sacrifices of students and citizens during past uprisings for a democratic and equal society. He outlined BNP’s plans to create a skilled workforce instead of unemployed graduates, promote environmental balance through tree planting and canal excavation, and reduce plastic pollution. Ahmed criticized other political parties for lacking development plans and focusing instead on religious division.

He added that BNP aims to restore economic discipline in the country and called on voters to strengthen the party through their support.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman’s X (formerly Twitter) account was allegedly hacked, according to the Detective Branch’s Cyber Crime Unit. Joint Commissioner Syed Harun-or-Rashid told reporters on Sunday, February 1, 2026, that the DB is seriously investigating the matter to determine whether the account was truly hacked and, if so, who was responsible.

The allegation arose after a post containing derogatory remarks about women went viral from Dr. Rahman’s verified X handle. Jamaat’s election committee member and former Islami Chhatra Shibir president Sirajul Islam said the account was hacked around 4 p.m. on Saturday, and an offensive post appeared about half an hour later. The party’s cyber team reportedly regained control of the account by 5 p.m. and removed the post, though it had already spread widely. A general diary was filed at Hatirjheel Police Station regarding the incident.

BNP spokesperson Mahdi Amin commented that if the post was genuine, it was regrettable, and if the account was hacked, Jamaat should have informed the public immediately instead of waiting 12 hours to file the report.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expelled ten leaders and activists from its Fatullah Thana unit in Narayanganj for violating party decisions and engaging in activities deemed contrary to the organization’s interests. The expulsion was confirmed on Sunday afternoon through a press release signed by the party’s Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

According to the announcement, those expelled include Fatullah Thana BNP Vice President Sultan Mahmud Molla, former Kutubpur Union BNP President Billal Hossain, Organizational Secretary Hasan Ali, Assistant Organizational Secretary Saiful Islam Biplob, Md. Muslim Ahmed, Joint Secretary Advocate Akhtar Khondkar, members Zahid Hasan Rozel, Nazrul Islam Panna, Alam, and Kutubpur Union Ward No. 6 BNP Vice President Abdur Razzak. The party has instructed all members to refrain from maintaining organizational contact with the expelled individuals.

The expelled leaders were accused of defying party directives by participating in the election campaign of Muhammad Giasuddin, an independent candidate previously expelled from the BNP.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that Bangladesh is not safe under those who opposed the country’s independence. Speaking on Sunday afternoon at a gathering in Mohammadpur area of Thakurgaon Sadar upazila, he urged people not to be afraid and to go to polling centers without fear, assuring that police and military forces would ensure security. The event was chaired by Bhagirath Barman at Tojamul’s rice mill.

Fakhrul emphasized his vision of building a peaceful Bangladesh free from religious divisions, stating that unity between Hindus and Muslims is essential for national progress. He pledged that if the BNP forms the government, it will create employment for one crore people, provide agricultural support to mothers, issue agricultural cards to farmers, and waive agricultural loans up to ten thousand taka. He also promised measures to help repay NGO loans.

He stressed honesty and morality in politics, claiming he has always prioritized transparency and accountability. Fakhrul urged all citizens to vote for equal rights and development, assuring that he would fulfill promises to the best of his ability.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has urged the Election Commission not to involve students in the process of the 13th National Parliamentary Election. The call was made during a meeting on February 1 with Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin at the Election Building. BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan told reporters after the meeting that engaging students in such a complex political process could make them and their institutions controversial.

Khan said the party advised the commission to assign only those authorized under law enforcement regulations to election duties. He mentioned that the commission acknowledged the logic of BNP’s concerns and would discuss the matter before making a decision. BNP also raised issues about rumors of forming “peace committees,” the presence of political activists outside their constituencies, the large number of local election observers, and alleged irregularities in voter migration data.

The Election Commission reportedly assured BNP that it had not decided to form any peace committees and would take steps to prevent disorder and investigate voter list anomalies.

In Hatiya upazila of Noakhali, youth leader Kamal Uddin, a supporter of Abdul Hannan Masud of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and senior joint convener of Jubo Shokti’s Jahajmara West branch, has joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The formal joining took place on Saturday night, January 31, when he presented flowers to BNP’s organizing secretary and Noakhali-6 constituency candidate Mahbubur Rahman Shamim.

Kamal Uddin stated that he resigned from his Jubo Shokti position based on a family decision and joined BNP inspired by its ideals of restoring democracy and ensuring voting rights. He pledged to work actively to strengthen BNP’s organizational activities. Hatiya BNP joint general secretary Lutfullahil Majid Nishan said several other leaders and activists also joined BNP, uniting under its symbol to strengthen the party ahead of the upcoming election.

In response, Hatiya Jubo Shokti convener Md. Yusuf Reza commented that Abdul Hannan Masud’s popularity continues to grow and that a few defections would not affect the organization’s overall strength.

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has alleged that India was behind the recent coordinated attacks in Balochistan, saying all investigative links point toward India. The banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the assaults, which occurred on Saturday across multiple locations. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces killed 92 militants, while 18 civilians and 15 soldiers were reported dead during clearance operations and clashes.

The BLA described the attacks on social media as the second phase of “Operation Heroof.” Pakistan’s government has labeled the BLA and other Baloch groups as “Fitna al Hindustan,” accusing them of acting as Indian proxies in a hybrid war aimed at destabilizing the country. Security sources claimed that Indian media and India-linked social media accounts promoted supportive narratives during the attacks.

Asif, speaking in Sialkot, said the BLA sought foreign funding from India and tried to mask its activities under human rights campaigns. He added that militants used women and children in operations and vowed to neutralize all remaining threats despite Balochistan’s challenging terrain.

Following the announcement of the 13th National Parliament election schedule, the Bangladesh Army, in coordination with other law enforcement agencies, conducted joint operations across the country. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR), these operations, carried out from December 11 to Sunday, resulted in the arrest of 1,774 individuals and the recovery of 179 firearms along with 1,941 rounds of ammunition.

The ISPR stated that the operations aimed to maintain stability in law and order during the election period. The army intensified regular patrols, set up checkpoints, conducted special raids in suspected areas, and strengthened intelligence-based activities to ensure a secure electoral environment. All arrested individuals were handed over to the respective police stations.

The ISPR emphasized that these coordinated efforts were part of broader measures to keep the national situation stable and to ensure safety ahead of the upcoming election.

A mass rally was held in Debidwar, Cumilla, on Sunday in support of Hasnat Abdullah, the chief organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and candidate of the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance for the Cumilla-4 constituency. The demonstration endorsed Abdullah’s Shapla Koli election symbol and the 'Yes' vote in the ongoing referendum. The rally began in front of Debidwar Mohila College, paraded through major roads of the upazila, and concluded at the Sujat Ali Government College field.

Leaders from various allied parties participated in the event, including Saiful Islam Shahid, secretary of Jamaat’s Cumilla North district; Mojibur Rahman Farazi of Khelafat Majlis; withdrawn candidate Mofazzal Hossain of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis; Debidwar Jamaat chief Professor Shahidul Islam; NCP joint coordinator Jahangir Alam; National Youth Power organizer Nazmul Hasan Nahid; NCP joint coordinator Saiful Islam Shamim; Debidwar municipal Jamaat chief Ferdous Ahmed; and Islami Chhatra Shibir president Saiful Islam.

The rally demonstrated coordinated support among alliance partners ahead of the Cumilla-4 electoral contest.

At a campaign rally in Pirgacha Government College field, Rangpur-4, NCP member secretary Akhtar Hossain announced that the Teesta mega project would be implemented if the 11-party alliance wins the upcoming election. Speaking as the chief guest, he said the alliance’s Shapla Koli symbol represents their commitment to addressing water shortages and deepening the Teesta River. Hossain also pledged to eliminate regional development disparities in northern Bangladesh and ensure transparency in public allocations.

Other speakers, including Jamaat-e-Islami assistant secretary Maulana Abdul Halim and NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, echoed the call for a fair and equitable Bangladesh. They criticized rival parties for alleged corruption and inefficiency, urging voters to support the alliance’s candidates. Bhuiyan added that a previous public hearing on the Teesta riverbank led to a development allocation of 2.5 billion taka.

The event, part of the NCP’s electoral march, was attended by leaders from allied groups such as Jamaat-e-Islami, Jubo Shakti, and Chhatra Shakti, who emphasized unity and vigilance during the election.

Students from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s student wing and left-leaning groups at Jahangirnagar University organized a broom procession on Sunday evening to protest remarks made on social media by Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman that were deemed derogatory toward working women. The procession began at the university’s central Shaheed Minar around 6:30 p.m., marched through key campus roads, and concluded at Bottola with a brief rally.

During the rally, participants dismissed claims that Dr. Rahman’s Twitter account had been hacked, calling it a staged excuse, and demanded a public apology for the offensive comments. Nadia Rahman Anwesha, general secretary of Jatiya Chhatra Shakti’s Jahangirnagar unit, said students took to the streets in response to attempts to demean women on social media. Other speakers, including students Faria Zaman Niki and Sohagi Samia, condemned the remarks and criticized the political tolerance of such statements.

The protestors declared that their broom procession marked only the beginning of continued demonstrations against those who support or echo such views on campus.