Colonel (Retd.) Oli Ahmed, Bir Muktijoddha, chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and top leader of the 11-party alliance, alleged that bank looters now dominate the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Speaking on Sunday at an election rally in support of Maulana Zahirul Islam, the alliance and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami–endorsed candidate for Chattogram-16 (Banshkhali), he said he left BNP due to such activities. The rally was held at Banshkhali Adarsha High School field, chaired by Upazila Jamaat chief Maulana Mohammad Ismail.

Oli Ahmed urged voters to boycott extortionists, corrupt individuals, and looters in the upcoming election and instead elect honest, competent, and patriotic candidates from the 11-party alliance. Former MP Shahjahan Chowdhury, Jamaat’s candidate for Chattogram-15 (Satkania–Lohagara), expressed confidence that Zahirul Islam would win and praised his leadership qualities. He also commented on the alliance between Jamaat and other Islamic leaders.

Several other Jamaat leaders, including city and district representatives, addressed the gathering, which was attended by a large number of party and student activists.

Bin Yamin Molla, the central president of the Student Rights Council and the Gana Adhikar-endorsed truck symbol candidate, has withdrawn from the Kurigram-1 constituency race to support the Jamaat-e-Islami candidate representing an 11-party alliance. The announcement came on Sunday, February 8, at 4:30 p.m. during a 12-party election rally at the DM Football Field in Nageshwari, Kurigram. Molla said his decision aimed to ensure the victory of the balance-scale symbol candidate. Jamaat leaders welcomed him with a floral garland at the event.

Explaining his decision, Molla stated that he supported Jamaat out of respect for Islam and to rid the region of corruption and extortion. He also claimed to have endured imprisonment and rejected alleged offers of money and political favors from the government. Jamaat candidate Professor Anwarul Islam expressed confidence that Molla’s support would secure their victory, pledging to build a coalition based on justice and fairness.

Several local alliance leaders, including district and upazila Jamaat figures and NCP representatives, also addressed the rally, emphasizing unity among the 12-party coalition.

BNP Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintu stated that the upcoming election on February 12 will determine Bangladesh’s future direction, whether toward economic prosperity or unrest. Speaking at an election rally for the Feni-03 constituency at Ataturk High School field in Daganbhuiyan on February 8, he said that if the BNP comes to power and Tarique Rahman becomes prime minister, the country will move toward development for all, regardless of political affiliation.

Mintu urged supporters to go to polling centers after Tahajjud and Fajr prayers, remain vigilant to protect voting rights, and prevent any manipulation. He pledged that if voters give BNP a chance by voting for the party’s symbol, the “sheaf of paddy,” he would dedicate the rest of his life to serving the people and ensuring progress in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

The rally was chaired by Daganbhuiyan Upazila BNP convener Akbar Hossain and attended by several BNP leaders, including Shahena Akter Shanu, Abdul Latif Jony, Gazi Habibullah Manik, Noim Ullah Barat, and Salauddin Mamun.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and candidate of the 11-party alliance for Dhaka-11, delivered a televised address on Sunday evening urging citizens to vote early on February 12. He called on voters to protect their rights and participate in what he described as a continuation of the July uprising. Islam pledged that no one would be able to take away the people’s voting rights and promised a new Bangladesh after the election.

In his speech, Islam outlined the alliance’s reform agenda, including building a corruption-free, equitable, and independent state. He said the NCP’s ‘Shapla Koli’ symbol would represent 30 candidates nationwide and asked voters to support the alliance for change. He emphasized justice for victims of past violence, restructuring of the police and judiciary, and economic reforms to recover looted assets. Islam also proposed environmental taxes, a blue economy centered on the Bay of Bengal, and a modern defense system with mandatory youth training.

He concluded by urging youth participation and asserting that a fair election on February 12 was essential to uphold the gains of the August 5 revolution and ensure lasting democratic reform.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the country must move forward under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. He described the current election as a political decision and a struggle to restore democracy. Fakhrul made these remarks on Sunday while addressing an election rally in Debiganj upazila, organized in support of BNP candidate Farhad Hossain Azad for the Panchagarh-2 constituency.

During his speech, Fakhrul alleged that a certain political party was conspiring to disrupt the election. He urged people not to trust those who, according to him, do not believe in Bangladesh’s independence. Fakhrul outlined several pledges, including family cards for households, agricultural cards for farmers, waiving Tk 10,000 in agricultural loans, and providing jobs for one crore educated unemployed youth. He handed the BNP’s paddy sheaf symbol to Azad and called on voters to support him.

Fakhrul also claimed that the election was taking place at a critical time for the nation and emphasized forming a creative and peaceful government through victory at the polls.

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, is projected to secure an easy victory in Sunday’s early parliamentary election, according to local media reports. Multiple surveys by Kyodo News indicate that the main opposition Centrist Reform Alliance may lose a significant number of seats in the House of Representatives election. The alliance was formed in January when members of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Komeito Party joined forces, following Komeito’s split from the LDP last October after a 26-year coalition.

NHK forecasts that the LDP could win between 274 and 328 of the 465 seats in the lower house, up from its current 198. Voting began at 7 a.m. local time despite heavy snowfall in some regions and continued until 8 p.m. Over 104 million registered voters were eligible to cast ballots, with more than 20 million participating in early voting between January 28 and February 7.

Analysts suggest the outcome could significantly reshape Japan’s political landscape. A party or coalition needs at least 233 seats to form a government.

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.