Students of Narsingdi Polytechnic Institute staged a protest on Tuesday by blocking the Dhaka–Sylhet highway near the Police Lines area in Sahepratap, Narsingdi. The demonstration was organized to press for a four-point demand, which the students had announced on social media the previous night. They placed tree trunks and benches across the road, halting all vehicular movement on both sides of the highway.

The blockade caused a severe traffic jam stretching about five kilometers, leaving commuters, long-distance passengers, and ambulances stranded for hours. Local residents reported widespread suffering due to the gridlock. Police officials arrived at the scene and attempted to negotiate with the students to restore normal traffic flow.

As of the time of reporting, no official announcement had been made regarding the withdrawal of the blockade, and discussions between police and students were ongoing.

A mobile court in Valuka upazila of Mymensingh sentenced six BNP leaders, including a former general secretary, to 15 days of simple imprisonment for violating the electoral code of conduct. The joint forces detained them around 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday from the Bogajan Rahatul Jannat Women’s Madrasa area in Meduari Union. They were accused of distributing money among voters on behalf of BNP’s paddy-sheaf symbol candidate Fakhruddin Ahmed Bacchu.

According to the report, an army patrol team conducted a raid after receiving information that a group of 25 to 30 people was distributing cash to voters. Seven individuals were detained, and after verifying the allegations, Executive Magistrate A.B.M. Kawsar Zaman led the mobile court that sentenced six of them to jail. One minor was released to his mother after signing a bond. Officials including Assistant Returning Officer and UNO Firoz Hossain, Assistant Commissioner (Land) Iqbala Hossain, and Valuka Police OC Muhammad Zahidul Islam were present during the operation.

Authorities also seized a microbus, cash, and a ledger containing details of money distribution plans across neighborhoods.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that any potential nuclear negotiations with the United States will be conducted strictly within the framework of Iran’s national interests. According to reports from Tehran, he has instructed the foreign minister accordingly. In a post on social media platform X, Pezeshkian said discussions could proceed only in a fair and balanced environment free from threats and unreasonable demands.

His remarks came after US President Donald Trump warned that “bad things could happen” if no agreement is reached. Following a deadly crackdown on anti-government protests in Iran last month, the United States deployed an aircraft carrier group to the Middle East, further escalating tensions. Trump said Washington still hopes for a resolution with Tehran but cautioned that failure could worsen the situation.

Iran has emphasized that talks will focus solely on its nuclear program, excluding missile or defense capabilities. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told CNN that a nuclear deal is possible if both sides pursue a fair approach and ensure that nuclear weapons are not developed. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that any US attack could easily trigger a regional war.

Syed Sofiqul Islam, convener of the Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA) election liaison committee, said on Monday that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) would not receive votes from the public, expatriates, or young voters due to its past record of corruption. Speaking at a press conference in support of the upcoming referendum’s “Yes” campaign, he warned that expatriates might stop sending remittances if BNP returned to power.

At the same event, Sofiqul Islam alleged that the official X account of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, had been hacked using an email linked to the President’s office, calling it a shameful act. He also claimed attempts were made to hack the social media accounts of Rashed Pradhan and accused BNP activists of such behavior. He urged the interim government, Election Commission, and law enforcement agencies to take immediate action against violence to ensure a safe electoral environment.

He further called on citizens to vote “Yes” in the February 12, 2026 referendum to constitutionally recognize the July Revolution Charter, aiming to establish accountability and prevent future corruption and authoritarianism.

A total of 146 polling centers have been set up in the Gaibandha-3 (Palashbari-Sadullapur) constituency for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, with 56 of them identified as risky. The constituency, comprising 19 unions from Palashbari and Sadullapur upazilas, has 506,185 registered voters. Sadullapur has 75 polling centers, 46 of which are marked risky, while Palashbari has 71 centers, with 10 considered risky.

According to Palashbari Police Officer-in-Charge Sarayer Alam Khan, law enforcement agencies are on high alert to prevent any untoward incidents around the risky centers. Assistant Returning Officer and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sheikh Jaber Ahmed stated that administrative measures are ongoing to ensure a free, fair, and acceptable election. He emphasized that immediate action will be taken wherever necessary to maintain neutrality.

Officials noted growing voter enthusiasm in the area and expressed optimism that the election in Palashbari would be peaceful and orderly under adequate security arrangements.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that his administration will demand $1 billion in compensation from Harvard University. According to a New York Times report cited in the source, the decision followed revelations that Harvard had secured certain concessions during settlement talks. Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social that his administration no longer wishes to maintain any relationship with Harvard.

Officials in the administration have accused Harvard and other universities of promoting so-called “woke” ideology and failing to adequately protect Jewish students during pro-Palestinian protests. Critics argue that these actions are part of a broader strategy to pressure liberal universities. Earlier, Columbia University reportedly agreed to pay $200 million and pledged to avoid considering racial identity in its policies.

Trump stated that after lengthy discussions, the administration abandoned its earlier demand for a $200 million settlement from Harvard, calling the university’s proposed employment training plan inadequate. He further alleged that Harvard avoided paying over $500 million in cash settlements but did not specify which laws were violated.

The High Court has dismissed a writ petition filed by Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), challenging the candidacy of Dr. M A Kayum, the BNP-nominated candidate for the Dhaka-11 constituency. The petition alleged dual citizenship and concealment of information. The order was delivered on Tuesday afternoon by a bench comprising Justice Fahmida Kader and Justice Md Asif Hasan.

Following the court’s decision, lawyers confirmed that there is no legal barrier for Dr. Kayum to contest in the Dhaka-11 election. The dismissal of the writ effectively upholds the validity of his nomination, allowing him to continue his campaign without judicial obstruction.

The ruling resolves one of several legal challenges surrounding BNP candidates ahead of the election, clarifying the status of Dr. Kayum’s eligibility in the Dhaka-11 constituency.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) may announce its manifesto for the 13th parliamentary election on January 6, Friday, according to Mahdi Amin, spokesperson of the party’s election management committee. He made the statement on Tuesday at the BNP election management committee office in Gulshan, Dhaka.

Mahdi Amin said the party’s election manifesto is almost ready, with only one plan remaining to be completed. Once that is finalized, the manifesto could be announced on January 6. The announcement is expected to outline the BNP’s priorities and commitments ahead of the upcoming national election.

The statement indicates that the BNP is in the final stages of preparing its election platform, signaling an intensifying focus on campaign readiness as the election approaches.

A fire broke out early Tuesday around 5:00 a.m. at the election campaign camp of BNP-nominated candidate Chowdhury Nayab Yusuf in the Faridpur-3 constituency. The incident occurred near the Tetultala bus stand in Mrigi area of Kanaipur Union under Faridpur Sadar upazila. The camp had been set up by Farhad, president of the BNP’s Ward No. 4 unit in Kanaipur Union. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

The blaze partially damaged a campaign banner, a table, and decorative cloths. Raja Sheikh, vice-president of the same ward unit, noticed the fire after morning prayers and, with local residents, quickly brought it under control. Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Shahidul Islam of Faridpur Kotwali Police Station confirmed the incident, stating that police visited the site and would take legal action upon receiving a formal complaint.

Authorities have not yet identified who was responsible for setting the fire, and an investigation is expected to follow once a complaint is filed.

District police in Lakshmipur have identified 215 of the 496 polling centers across four parliamentary constituencies as highly important or high-risk, and 198 as important. To ensure security during the upcoming election, CCTV cameras have already been installed at 218 centers, including all 215 high-risk ones. The initiative was confirmed by Additional Superintendent of Police Hossain Mohammad Raihan Kazemi.

According to police sources, the centers have been categorized as highly important, important, or general based on law and order considerations. The highest number of high-risk centers is in Lakshmipur Sadar upazila. The district administration stated that installing CCTV cameras is part of a broader effort to ensure full security on election day. Additional Deputy Commissioner Mezbaul Alam Bhuiyan said the remaining centers will receive cameras once funds are available.

Police officials added that extra law enforcement personnel will be deployed at high-risk and important centers, with body-worn cameras and real-time monitoring from the district control room to maintain oversight.

Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has warned that any member of the law enforcement agencies found involved with any individual, party, or political agenda during the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election will face departmental and strict legal action. He issued the warning on Tuesday, February 3, during the Bangladesh Coast Guard Medal Award ceremony at the Coast Guard headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka.

The adviser emphasized that the government will show zero tolerance regarding the neutrality of Coast Guard members in performing their duties during the election and referendum. He praised the Coast Guard for its contributions in ensuring coastal and inland waterway security, preventing illegal fishing, arms and drug trafficking, human trafficking, robbery, and piracy. He also commended their role in disaster response, rescue operations, and humanitarian assistance, including efforts during cyclones, floods, and the Rohingya crisis.

According to the adviser, 3,585 Coast Guard members are among nearly 900,000 law enforcement personnel deployed nationwide to ensure a free, fair, peaceful, and neutral election on February 12. Forty Coast Guard members received medals for their exemplary service at the event.

The prosecution has formally filed charges against Bangladesh Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon and former Food Minister Kamrul Islam for alleged crimes against humanity linked to killings during the July uprising. The charges were submitted on Tuesday afternoon at the International Crimes Tribunal, confirmed by prosecutor Gazi M.H. Tamim.

According to the prosecution, Menon and Kamrul are accused of involvement in two killings that occurred during the July uprising. Both political figures have been in custody since August 5, 2024, following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government.

The tribunal’s acceptance of the formal charges marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation into the July uprising incidents, though further details on the next phase of proceedings were not provided in the report.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has alleged that a political party continues to exploit the issue of an ID hack even after the matter has been clarified. He made the remarks on Tuesday around 11:15 a.m. during a public rally in Kishoreganj. Rahman said the youth of 2024 seek change and will not allow anyone to divide the nation. He also claimed that some groups are using women’s issues to target Jamaat and vowed that no future election would be allowed through unfair means.

Rahman emphasized that Jamaat does not want to see dirty politics anymore and aspires for Bangladesh to be established as a humane and dignified nation. He expressed hope that the country would stand proudly and independently on the global stage. Paying tribute to the youth, he said they had resisted all forms of fascism in July and sacrificed their blood for freedom and independence.

The speech reflected Jamaat’s stance against political exploitation and its call for unity and integrity in national politics.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman is scheduled to visit Naogaon on Thursday, February 5, as part of his nationwide election campaign and political tour. He will attend an election rally at the Etim Maidan in Naogaon city at 11 a.m. as the chief guest and deliver a speech outlining the party’s vision for the future.

District Jamaat secretary and Naogaon-5 candidate Advocate A S M Sayem confirmed the visit after inspecting the rally ground on Tuesday morning. He said that Dr. Rahman will be accompanied by top leaders of the 11-party alliance. Sayem added that preparations for the rally are ongoing and that people from all 11 upazilas of the district are expected to attend.

According to Sayem, the event aims to demonstrate growing public support for change and for the party’s electoral symbol. He expressed confidence that the rally would attract between five to six lakh participants and serve as a platform for Dr. Rahman to present Jamaat’s outline for the future of Bangladesh.

Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, admitted responsibility for the deaths during the July 2024 student movement. Speaking virtually from abroad at a book launch organized by the BJP-affiliated cultural group ‘Khola Hawa’ in Kolkata on Monday, Joy expressed remorse and acknowledged that innocent students and civilians were killed during the protests. He described the quota reform protesters’ demands as legitimate and called the government’s handling of the issue a failure, though he maintained his stance regarding alleged conspiracies behind the unrest.

Joy claimed that an audio recording of Sheikh Hasina proved that extremists attacked police stations, sparking the violence. He asserted that neither the government nor police initiated the clashes, blaming militant groups for the escalation. Turning to the upcoming February 12 general election, Joy labeled it one-sided, saying the exclusion of the Awami League and suppression of progressive parties made it a contest between the BNP and Jamaat. He warned that such a process was unacceptable and raised concerns about India’s border security if Jamaat gained influence.

Joy urged international intervention to prevent Jamaat from becoming a dominant political force in Bangladesh.