Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has warned that his country will deliver a firm and equal response to any provocation from India. He issued the warning on Thursday during a special address in Azad Kashmir marking Kashmir Solidarity Day, according to The News. Sharif stated that Pakistan would respond directly from the front where any provocation originates.

In his speech, Sharif accused India of conducting terrorism in Pakistan through proxies following its defeat in the war last May. He said regional peace would remain impossible until India abandons what he described as its aggressive, expansionist, and hegemonic ambitions. The prime minister emphasized that Pakistan’s armed forces and security agencies would counter any India-backed terrorist activity with the same determination and skill shown in confronting enemy warplanes.

Sharif reiterated that Pakistan seeks peace based on equality and justice, describing the recent military success as both a demonstration of professional strength and a tribute to the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people.

Nasir Uddin Nasir, the central general secretary of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, has called on voters in the Cumilla-4 (Debidwar) constituency to elect Jasim Uddin, the Gano Adhikar Parishad candidate, who is contesting under the truck symbol. His appeal was made through a Facebook post on Thursday night, where he urged supporters of BNP, Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, Krishak Dal, and Sramik Dal, as well as the general public, to create a mass wave in favor of the truck symbol.

In his post, Nasir mentioned that Hasnat Abdullah, the Jamaat-led alliance candidate, is also contesting in the same constituency and described him as a young leader who emerged from the July mass uprising. He emphasized that true leadership is proven through competitive elections rather than uncontested victories and expressed hope for a strong contest between Hasnat Abdullah and Jasim Uddin.

Nasir further described Jasim Uddin as an important participant in the anti-fascist joint movement and reiterated his call to voters to support him in the upcoming election.

The interim government has asked the Election Commission (EC) for clarification on three specific legal and regulatory issues related to campaigning in favor of the ‘yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum linked to the July Charter. According to official sources, the move aims to prevent confusion or crisis among political parties, voters, and the EC ahead of the vote. The government’s questions concern the permissible duration of campaigning, the possibility of setting up separate campaign booths on polling day, and whether separate polling agents can be appointed for the referendum.

In response, EC officials said they have provided explanations based on the Referendum Ordinance 2025 and relevant election regulations. The EC confirmed that both the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum will be held on February 12, with all campaigning to stop 48 hours before polling begins, meaning after 7:30 a.m. on February 10. The EC also clarified that no separate booths will be set up by the commission, though the government may establish its own campaign booths without official assistance, and no separate polling agents may be appointed for the referendum.

Under the Referendum Ordinance 2025 and the Representation of the People Order 1972, public officials may raise awareness about the referendum but cannot campaign for or against any side, as such actions are legally punishable.

An article published on February 6, 2026, explores the political and cultural transformation in Bangladesh following the events of July 2024, centering on the legacy of martyr Sharif Osman Hadi. Hadi, originally a cultural activist, became a symbol of ethical and transparent politics through his independent candidacy in Dhaka-8. His approach, known as the ‘Hadi Model,’ emphasized cultural reform as the foundation of political change, arguing that politics must evolve from cultural consciousness rather than institutional power.

Hadi’s leadership was marked by transparency, accountability, and a rejection of corporate influence. He introduced a crowd-funding model for election financing, promoting citizen ownership of politics. His grassroots engagement, digital literacy initiatives, and ‘bottom-up’ manifesto drafting inspired a new generation of politically aware youth and influenced major parties to adopt more people-centered communication strategies. His use of QR codes and social media outreach redefined political campaigning in Bangladesh.

Even after his death, Hadi’s influence continues to shape the country’s political ethos. His principles of justice, transparency, and cultural renewal have become embedded in the evolving political DNA of Bangladesh, inspiring both emerging leaders and established parties to reconnect with ordinary citizens.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) faces uncertainty as the country prepares for a new democratic government following the fall of a long authoritarian regime. Established in 2010 to try genocide and crimes against humanity committed during the 1971 Liberation War, the tribunal has recently completed verdict processes in several high-profile cases linked to the July 2024 revolution and earlier enforced disappearances. Questions now dominate political and legal circles over whether the ICT will continue under the new administration, retain its current structure, or undergo reform.

Prosecutors and legal experts expressed mixed expectations. Some believe the incoming government, composed of former allies from the July movement, will continue the trials with renewed commitment. Others fear political shifts could weaken or dissolve the tribunal. Concerns also surround whether Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam will remain in his post, as leadership changes could affect case strategy and credibility.

Observers warn that any legal or policy changes by the new government could impact ongoing trials. Maintaining transparency, professional integrity, and adherence to international standards is seen as crucial for preserving justice and public trust in the tribunal’s future.

A fake document claiming that a major intelligence agency ordered 75 percent of votes for a political party has circulated on social media ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming parliamentary election and referendum. Investigations revealed that the forged letterhead was first shared by Subrata Kumar Sarkar, identified as a staunch Awami League supporter. The content was later copied and spread by multiple Facebook pages and X accounts linked to a banned political group. The document contained numerous inconsistencies, including spelling errors, unusual fonts, and meaningless reference numbers.

The report notes that misinformation networks have become increasingly active as some groups, unsuccessful in field politics, turn to social media to question the election’s credibility. Authorities have deployed record numbers of security personnel, opened access to international observers, and placed the Election Commission under strict monitoring to ensure transparency. Analysts cited in the report said the government is expected to take firm legal action against those spreading destabilizing rumors.

The article emphasizes that citizens should remain alert to signs of fake documents and maintain confidence in state institutions as the election approaches.

BNP Standing Committee member and Cox’s Bazar-1 (Chakaria–Pekua) candidate Salahuddin Ahmed announced that his party will ensure fair prices for salt producers if it forms the next government. He made the statement on Thursday at an election rally jointly organized by the Moghnama and Ujantia Union BNP units at Moghnama High School field in Pekua upazila.

Ahmed criticized the current disparity in salt pricing, noting that while consumers in Dhaka pay 40 taka per kilogram, salt farmers in Cox’s Bazar receive less than 10 taka. He blamed the interim government’s decision to import salt for depressing local prices, adding that imports were later halted following BNP’s request. He expressed optimism that salt prices would gradually rise again.

The BNP leader also pledged to introduce a family card program for low-income citizens and promote economic stability through poverty alleviation. He argued that rival candidates lack clear plans for the country’s development and urged voters to support the BNP’s “sheaf of paddy” symbol in the upcoming February 12 national election.

Mufti Amir Hamza, the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for the Kushtia Sadar constituency, held a press conference on Thursday night at his residence in Amlapara, Kushtia, following the removal of his verified Facebook page. He claimed that a conspiratorial group had filed false complaints and fake reports against his official page, leading to its removal. The page, which had about 650,000 followers, became inaccessible after Thursday afternoon.

Hamza said he had long used Facebook and other digital platforms to share messages on Islamic teachings, ethics, and social values. He alleged that a rival political group, fearing defeat in the upcoming election, orchestrated a “planned cyber attack” to disrupt his online campaign. According to him, the strong response to his campaign both offline and online had unsettled his opponents.

He added that an appeal with supporting evidence had been submitted to Facebook authorities and that his technical team was working to restore the page. Hamza also said he would seek legal action under national laws and file a complaint with the cybercrime unit if necessary.

More than a hundred men, women and youths from the Chakma, Marma and Tripura communities formally joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in Khagrachhari on Thursday evening. The event took place on the stage of an election rally, where the new members expressed support for the party’s electoral symbol, the balance scale. Jamaat’s central assistant secretary general, Maulana Mohammad Shahjahan, welcomed the new members and said the party aims to build a peaceful and inclusive Bangladesh that protects the rights and dignity of all communities.

The joining ceremony was attended by Khagrachhari district Jamaat chief Professor Syed Abdul Momen, Jamaat-nominated candidate Advocate Eyakub Ali Chowdhury, Bandarban district Jamaat chief A.S.M. Abdus Salam, Rangamati district chief Professor Abdul Alim, National Citizen Party’s southern regional organizer Minjila Jhum, and Marma Unity Federation convener Chaithoai Marma, along with representatives from the three ethnic groups.

The new members said they joined Jamaat-e-Islami with hopes for equality, justice and peaceful coexistence, and pledged to work actively for the balance scale symbol in the upcoming election.

More than one hundred leaders and activists from BNP’s associate bodies in Pabna-4 (Ishwardi–Atgharia) constituency resigned en masse on Thursday, February 6, 2026, expressing anger over party nominations, expulsion threats, and dissatisfaction with central decisions. The announcement was made at an emergency press conference at Kacharipara field in Ishwardi municipal town, where the participants symbolically celebrated their protest by sharing sweets.

Among the resigning members were at least 64 officeholders from the upazila and municipal units of Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal, along with several hundred supporters. In a written statement, Shahapur Union Swechchhasebak Dal president and upazila Jubo Dal joint convener Md. Rasel Parvez said they were disappointed that Zakaria Pintu, who had led local movements, was denied the BNP nomination and is now contesting as an independent candidate. He added that repeated expulsion threats from the party prompted their collective resignation.

Central BNP member and former Ishwardi mayor Mokhlesur Rahman Babul commented that such resignations before the election are personal decisions but not beneficial for the party. Local analysts noted the mass resignation could affect BNP’s organizational strength and alter the electoral dynamics in the constituency.

BNP candidate for Chattogram-4, Aslam Chowdhury, has been accused of defrauding families of July Movement martyrs, injured activists, and journalists by issuing 1,200 checks that repeatedly bounced. The checks, each worth 50,000 taka, were distributed on January 7 at an event held at the Institution of Diploma Engineers Bangladesh (IDEB) auditorium in Dhaka, organized by Chowdhury’s company, JAM Sangstha. Recipients later discovered that the account lacked sufficient funds, and some checks were invalid due to missing signatures.

Victims expressed anger and humiliation, saying they were promised financial honor but faced repeated rejection at banks. Chowdhury reportedly assured them on January 16 that funds would be deposited, but subsequent visits showed only minimal balances. Bank officials confirmed both insufficient funds and signature issues. Victims alleged the event was politically motivated rather than a genuine act of support.

In response, Aslam Chowdhury told Amader Desh that the problem arose from business difficulties and promised full payment by February 10. The report also noted previous allegations of large-scale loan defaults against him involving multiple banks.

The interim government of Bangladesh has decided to request the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to conduct an investigation into the killing of Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam confirmed on Thursday that the government will formally propose the inquiry as soon as possible. He stated that the administration is committed to ensuring full justice in the case and will extend full cooperation to any such investigation.

Earlier, the Inquilab Moncho organization and members of Hadi’s family had demanded a UN-led probe to ensure impartiality. They held a sit-in protest in front of the Chief Adviser’s residence, Jamuna, joined by Hadi’s wife, Inquilab Moncho’s member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber, and Dhaka University unit convener Fatima Tasnim Juma. Protesters expressed concern that justice might not be served after the interim government’s tenure ends and urged Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to send a formal request to the UN.

Hadi was shot on December 12 in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area and later died on December 18 in Singapore after being transferred for treatment.

At least 50 to 55 leaders and supporters from the BNP and Jatiya Party formally joined the National Citizens Party (NCP) in Pirgacha, Rangpur, creating a stir in local politics. The joining ceremony took place on Thursday evening at the Sechakandi Orphanage area of Parul Union during an NCP election courtyard meeting. NCP member secretary and Rangpur-4 (Kaunia-Pirgacha) candidate Akhtar Hossain attended the event.

Participants included Abu Raihan, Abdul Gafur, Iman Ali, Mizanur Rahman, Badsha Mia, Minhazul Islam, Rostom Khan Dipjal, and others. The new members said they left their former parties due to a lack of recognition for patriotic and dedicated workers. They described the NCP as an honest, courageous, and people-oriented alternative political force aiming to build a united Bangladesh.

Akhtar Hossain welcomed the newcomers, saying their decision reflected a growing desire for change among citizens. He expressed optimism that more leaders and activists would join the NCP in the coming days.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the southern region of the Nationalist Citizens Party (NCP), said that seeking votes is more honorable than extortion. He made the remarks on Thursday afternoon at a rally of the 11-party alliance in Chandla Union of Brahmanpara upazila, Comilla. Abdullah emphasized that police officers should not be bribed and that law enforcement should act with conscience and professional integrity to ensure a fair election.

He called on party workers to intensify their campaign efforts until election day, visiting more households daily and personally appealing to voters. Abdullah claimed that even some workers from rival parties were dissatisfied with corruption and might support his side. He contrasted two groups in Bangladesh—one allegedly aligned with foreign interests and corruption, and another striving for national independence and freedom from authoritarianism.

Abdullah concluded by asserting that the power to decide the nation’s future lies with the voters, not the candidates, urging citizens to act responsibly in the upcoming polls.

A caravan campaign supporting the 'Yes' vote in the upcoming referendum and 13th National Parliament election was launched in Dhaka-18 constituency on Thursday, February 5, 2026. The event took place in Uttara, where Ariful Islam, the candidate of the ten-party 'United Bangladesh Alliance' that includes Jamaat and NCPC, inaugurated the campaign in front of the BNS Center. The mobile campaign traveled through various areas of Uttarkhan and Dakshinkhan police stations, promoting the importance of voting 'Yes' in the referendum.

During the campaign, vehicles displayed the Shapla Kolly symbol and played songs supporting the 'Yes' vote, drawing significant public attention. Many residents stopped to watch the caravan and responded positively. In his opening remarks, Ariful Islam said the alliance was formed to resist Indian dominance, terrorism, corruption, and extortion, and to build public support for the July Charter and the 'Yes' vote.

He added that the alliance envisions a new Bangladesh where no one can become autocratic if the 'Yes' vote wins, emphasizing that their campaign aims to realize a people’s Bangladesh.