Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman announced that Nahid Islam would be appointed as a minister if the 11-party alliance assumes power. He made the statement on Sunday at an election rally in the capital’s Badda area. The announcement was part of his address to supporters ahead of the upcoming national election.

During his speech, Dr. Rahman criticized a rival political party for what he described as contradictory actions—speaking against corruption while nominating loan defaulters. He argued that corruption cannot be eradicated by sheltering such individuals. He further stated that on February 12, the people would show a “red card” to extortionists and corrupt figures.

The remarks reflect Jamaat-e-Islami’s campaign focus on anti-corruption and accountability as the election approaches, with the party seeking to strengthen its position within the 11-party alliance.

Mohammad Fakhruddin Manik, the Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for the Feni-3 constituency, has been served a show-cause notice for allegedly violating the electoral code of conduct by using the title 'Dr.' before his name in campaign materials. The notice was issued on Saturday, February 7, by Joint District Judge Sajjatun Nesa, who heads the Election Inquiry and Judicial Committee. The notice stated that Manik used the title in leaflets, banners, and festoons despite not mentioning it in his election affidavit, which constitutes a breach of the Representation of the People Order, 1972.

In response, Fakhruddin Manik told Amader Desh that such notices are part of the election process and do not prove any wrongdoing. He claimed that the controversy over his title is politically motivated, alleging that opponents are spreading misinformation out of fear of his potential victory. Manik explained that he holds a Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS) degree, which legally allows him to use the 'Dr.' title under the Bangladesh Homeopathic Education and Medical Council Act 2023.

He added that his credentials and registration number were submitted in his affidavit and that he plans to pursue legal action in higher courts against what he described as harassment and defamation.

Nahid Islam, the convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), declared that his party would permanently eliminate land grabbers if it comes to power. He made the statement on Sunday at 11 a.m. during an election rally held in Badda, Dhaka. According to him, members of two political parties have alternately been involved in land grabbing in the capital.

The remarks came as part of NCP’s campaign activities ahead of upcoming elections. Nahid Islam’s comments highlighted his party’s stance against illegal land occupation and corruption in urban areas. The event was organized as part of his electoral outreach to voters in Dhaka.

Further details about the rally and the party’s broader policy proposals were not provided in the report.

Bangladesh has intensified administrative and security preparations ahead of the 13th National Parliament election and referendum. Starting Sunday, February 8, a total of 1,051 executive magistrates are being deployed across the country. Alongside them, additional members of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies have begun their duties, remaining active in electoral areas until February 14. According to the Election Commission, the army will stay deployed before and after the vote to ensure security.

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Ma’sud stated that several coordination meetings have been held with security agencies, and all parties consider the overall law and order situation favorable for the election. He also confirmed that all ballot boxes have been distributed to district levels, with returning officers receiving them as part of final preparations.

A circular from the Home Ministry earlier announced that police, Border Guard Bangladesh, Ansar and VDP, and Coast Guard will be deployed to ensure a fair and peaceful election. In total, more than 970,000 security personnel, including members of the armed forces, will be on duty nationwide.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing one of his toughest weeks in office after senior Labour figure and diplomat Lord Peter Mandelson resigned following revelations of his past connection with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson, appointed by Starmer as ambassador to Washington, announced his departure from both his post and the Labour Party after new details emerged in the Epstein files, saying he wanted to avoid further embarrassment for the party.

The resignation has intensified internal unrest within Labour, with some members reportedly considering a leadership change. Starmer, who led Labour to a landslide victory in July 2024 promising stability after years of Conservative turmoil, has seen his popularity decline. Party rules make it difficult to remove a sitting leader quickly, but discussions are ongoing about possible mechanisms such as a confidence vote or coordinated pressure from senior figures.

Upcoming by-elections and local polls in Scotland, Wales, and England are seen as key tests for Starmer’s leadership. Poor results could heighten calls for his resignation, though potential challengers Wes Streeting and Angela Rayner are not yet ready to contest his position.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Amir and Charmonai Pir Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim declared that the rule of what he called new tyrants and fascists will not survive the upcoming February 12 election. Speaking on Saturday evening at a campaign rally in Kalapara, Patuakhali-4 constituency, he said the election would mark the people’s victory against injustice, corruption, and misrule. The rally was organized in support of Islami Andolan’s candidate Professor Md. Mostafizur Rahman, symbolized by the hand fan.

Karim warned those who use fear and intimidation in politics to reflect on their actions. He compared current rulers to historical despots, saying their power would also collapse. Referring to the July uprising, he described it as a protest against 54 years of corruption and oppression, asserting that the demand for change arose from deep social grievances. He said Islami Andolan nominated only honest and people-friendly candidates.

The event drew a large crowd, with thousands joining a procession through Kalapara town before the rally, creating a festive atmosphere.

Central Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal organizational secretary Aman Ullah Aman declared that Tarique Rahman is destined to become Bangladesh’s next prime minister. He made the statement while addressing the final campaign rally in support of the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol ahead of the upcoming national election. The event took place on Saturday, February 7, at the Malipara Salehia Madrasa field in Taltoli upazila of Barguna district, organized by the local BNP unit.

The rally drew a large crowd of party leaders, activists, and general voters. The chief guest, Nazrul Islam Molla, BNP’s Barguna district convenor and candidate for the Barguna-1 constituency, said that development in the area would not be possible without a BNP victory. He urged everyone to unite and vote for the ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol. District and upazila BNP leaders were also present at the gathering.

The remarks reflected the party’s intensified campaign efforts in the final days before the election, emphasizing unity and change under the BNP banner.

Japan is holding its parliamentary election today, with voting beginning at 8 a.m. local time and continuing until 8 p.m. A total of 1,284 candidates are contesting for 465 seats in the lower house of parliament. The election follows the dissolution of parliament on January 23 by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who also announced the February 8 early election date.

Opinion polls suggest that Prime Minister Takaichi’s conservative alliance, led by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Japan Innovation Party, is expected to win by a large margin. Surveys indicate the coalition could secure more than 300 of the 465 seats in the lower house.

Of the 465 seats, 289 members will be directly elected from single-member districts, while the remaining 176 will be chosen through proportional representation across 11 regional blocs. Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, faces her main challenge from the Japan Innovation Party.

The Election Inquiry and Judicial Committee has issued show-cause notices to two candidates from Jamaat-e-Islami and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for alleged violations of the electoral code of conduct in Rangpur-1 constituency ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election. The notices, signed by committee chairman and Rangpur Land Survey Tribunal judge Md. Samiul Alam, cite that Jamaat candidate Md. Raihan Siraji hung festoons on trees, breaching Rule 7(g) of the 2025 electoral code, while BNP candidate Md. Mokarram Hossain Sujon allegedly pasted leaflets and posters near the Rangpur Metro Police Lines, violating Rule 7(a).

The committee stated that such activities could disrupt a fair and neutral election environment and that violating the code is a punishable offense. Both candidates have been instructed to appear in person at the Rangpur Land Survey Tribunal on February 9, 2026, to submit written explanations. Law enforcement officials confirmed that the notices are being delivered and that security forces remain alert to enforce the code.

Committee chairman Samiul Alam emphasized that the electoral code applies equally to all and reaffirmed the committee’s firm stance on ensuring a fair election process.

British police are conducting searches at two properties linked to former UK ambassador to Washington Peter Mandelson as part of an investigation into alleged misconduct in public office connected to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that its Central Specialist Crime team is examining addresses in Camden, London, and Wiltshire in relation to a 72-year-old man. Mandelson, who owns homes in both areas, has not been arrested or charged.

The investigation follows the release of documents suggesting Mandelson passed sensitive government information to Epstein about fifteen years ago. Earlier, Prime Minister Keir Starmer dismissed Mandelson after emails revealed he maintained contact with Epstein following the latter’s 2008 conviction. Newly released US Department of Justice emails appear to show Mandelson shared potentially market-moving information while serving as business secretary under former Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

The scandal has intensified political pressure on Starmer, whose judgement is being questioned by both opponents and members of his own party. The prime minister has apologised for appointing Mandelson and pledged full cooperation with police inquiries.

Thailand began voting in its general election on Sunday, with polls opening at 8 a.m. local time and set to close at 5 p.m. The election features three main political blocs: reformist, military-backed conservative, and populist forces. Alongside the parliamentary vote, a national referendum on constitutional change is also being held. According to the Election Commission, more than 2.2 million people had already cast ballots during early voting that began on February 1.

The election takes place against a backdrop of sluggish economic growth and heightened nationalism. Although over 50 parties are contesting, only three — the reformist People’s Party, Bhumjaithai, and Pheu Thai — are seen as having the nationwide support to form a government. Thailand has 53 million registered voters for this election.

Surveys suggest no single party will win an outright majority in the 500-seat parliament, but the People’s Party, led by Nathaphong Ruangpanyawut, is projected to secure the most seats.

The political alliance July Unity has called for an 'India Out' campaign, accusing India of interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs and dominance in international cricket. The announcement came on Saturday afternoon during a 'Rally for Bangladesh' gathering at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, attended by student leaders, political figures, and members of affiliated organizations. The protest also included a march from Shaheed Minar to Shahbagh’s Shaheed Osman Hadi Square.

Speakers at the rally alleged that India provided shelter to those involved in the killing of Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, influenced Bangladesh’s electoral process, and used its power within the International Cricket Council to sideline Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup. They also criticized India’s trade and water policies, claiming these actions undermined Bangladesh’s sovereignty. Participants demanded international investigation under the United Nations into Hadi’s murder, citing distrust in domestic agencies.

The rally concluded with calls for boycotting Indian influence, supporting the upcoming referendum, and ensuring justice for Osman Hadi. Protesters vowed to resist any foreign interference in Bangladesh’s political and sporting spheres.

Dr. Faridul Alam, the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for Chattogram-12 (Patiya) constituency, stated that people of all religions would live safely if Jamaat came to power. He emphasized that there would be no discrimination among Hindus, Muslims, or followers of other faiths, and that all citizens would coexist as Bangladeshis within the country’s territory. He made these remarks on February 7 during campaign visits across several wards in Kashiyaiash and Ashia unions of Patiya upazila.

Alam said that during the previous authoritarian period, false propaganda had been spread about Jamaat-e-Islami among people of different religions. He claimed that after August 5, the people of Bangladesh had gained a full understanding of Jamaat-e-Islami. He added that the future Bangladesh would be a safe and just welfare state. Several local Jamaat and Shibir leaders accompanied him during the campaign.

The statement comes ahead of the February 12 election, where Jamaat is fielding candidates in multiple constituencies, including Chattogram-12.

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.