The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has imposed a 12-hour ban on fireworks, firecrackers, and lanterns across the city to preserve the sanctity and ensure peaceful observance of Shab-e-Barat. The restriction, announced through a public notice signed by DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali on February 3, 2026, will remain in effect from 6 p.m. on February 3 to 6 a.m. on February 4.

According to the notice, the decision was made under Section 28 of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance to maintain law and order during the religious occasion. The ban covers all forms of fireworks, gas balloons, and explosive materials, including their sale, transport, and use. The DMP stated that the measure aims to prevent any disorder and allow citizens to perform religious activities without disturbance.

Authorities have warned that legal action will be taken against anyone violating the directive during the restricted hours.

The interim government of Bangladesh has decided to rename the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) as the Special Intervention Force (SIF). The announcement was made by Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury following a core committee meeting at the Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday afternoon. The chief adviser has approved the new name, and the force will begin operations under the new title once the official order is issued. The uniform of the force will also be changed.

RAB was originally formed in 2004 during the government of Khaleda Zia, initially known as the Rapid Action Team (RAT). Over the years, the force has faced multiple allegations of human rights violations. In response to such allegations, the United States imposed sanctions on RAB and seven of its officers on December 10, 2021, through the Treasury Department and the State Department. The sanctions list included former RAB Director General Benazir Ahmed, who was also banned from entering the United States.

A 2024 report by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights recommended the dissolution of RAB, while Human Rights Watch has long advocated for the same. The renaming marks a significant administrative shift amid ongoing international scrutiny.

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, led by the Chief Justice, ruled on Tuesday that three BNP-nominated candidates—Sarowar Alam of Chattogram-2, Aslam Chowdhury of Chattogram-4, and Fahim Chowdhury of Sherpur-2—may participate in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. The court’s order confirmed that there are no legal barriers to their participation.

According to lawyer Md. Mojibur Rahman, the order regarding Aslam Chowdhury came in response to an appeal filed by Jamuna Bank challenging the validity of his nomination. For Sarowar Alam, the court allowed him to contest but directed that the election result for his constituency remain withheld until the pending appeal is resolved. Earlier, the High Court had suspended the Election Commission’s decision that canceled Sarowar’s candidacy over loan default allegations. In Sherpur-2, Fahim Chowdhury regained eligibility through appeal after his nomination was initially rejected over dual citizenship claims.

The rulings collectively ensure that all three BNP candidates can take part in the election process, though one constituency’s result will remain pending until further judicial resolution.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Amir Maulana Mamunul Haque addressed an 11-party electoral alliance rally at Nandokumar Institution field in Shibchar, Madaripur-1 constituency on Monday night, February 2. In his speech, he alleged that individuals with numerous criminal cases were moving freely in the country and criticized what he described as the return of those once expelled by the nation’s martyrs. He said the 'July Revolution' had changed the mindset of Bangladeshis, making them more courageous and determined.

Haque argued that for 214 years, the people of the region had been exploited under various rulers, from foreign powers to domestic elites, and that the nature of oppression had not changed since independence. He claimed that the current political system continued to deprive citizens of their rights. He called on the public to reject corruption, violence, and exploitative politics, describing the upcoming election as a struggle to restore the people’s right to food and vote.

The rally was chaired by Shibchar Upazila Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Maulana Sarwar Hossain Mridha and attended by alliance leaders including Saeed Uddin Ahmad Hanzala and Maulana Mokhlesur Rahman.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has made an emotional appeal to voters of Thakurgaon-1 constituency ahead of the upcoming 13th parliamentary election. In a Facebook post from his verified page on Monday night, he described this election as his last and urged voters to give him one final opportunity to serve them. He expressed that he stands at the end of his life and wishes to fulfill the unfinished dreams of his constituents.

Analysts believe that Fakhrul’s heartfelt message, delivered under the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol, has added a new dimension to the electoral contest in Thakurgaon-1. His declaration of this being his final election has drawn attention within the constituency as campaigning intensifies.

The post reflects a personal tone rarely seen in political appeals, signaling a deeply emotional connection with local voters as the national election approaches.

Four BNP-nominated candidates in Dhaka South have pledged to work together to ease public suffering if elected. In interviews with the daily Amar Desh, Mirza Abbas (Dhaka-8), Gayeshwar Chandra Roy (Dhaka-3), Engineer Ishraq Hossain (Dhaka-6), and Tanvir Ahmed Robin (Dhaka-4) promised to eliminate extortion, drugs, terrorism, and waterlogging, and to address traffic congestion through responsible engagement at the policy level. They claimed to have received strong public response from residents of Dhaka South.

The candidates criticized the government for dividing the Dhaka City Corporation, calling it politically motivated and counterproductive. Mirza Abbas emphasized social awareness and structural reform to combat extortion and drugs, while Gayeshwar Chandra Roy proposed a long-term master plan for planned urbanization in Keraniganj. Ishraq Hossain focused on resolving gas shortages, waste management, and corruption, pledging zero tolerance against extortion and illegal structures. Tanvir Ahmed Robin vowed to eradicate local gangs and ensure women’s empowerment and workers’ rights.

All four expressed hope that ending corruption, nepotism, and extortion would bring qualitative change to national politics and improve urban governance in Dhaka South.

Hasnat Abdullah, the Jamaat–NCP alliance candidate for Cumilla-4 (Debidwar) constituency and chief organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP) in the southern region, stated that his 11-party coalition depends on ordinary citizens rather than extortionists, tender manipulators, or drug lords. He made the remarks on Tuesday, February 3, during a courtyard meeting in Mohanpur Ward No. 5 of Debidwar upazila.

Hasnat emphasized that his alliance is accountable to the people and not to any illegal business groups, asserting that they have not taken money from such sources. He declared that February 12 would mark the end of drug lords in Debidwar, urging those involved in extortion or drug trade to seek legitimate employment through his team. He also called on supporters to campaign for at least ten votes each and to cast two votes on election day—one for the “Shaplakoli” symbol and another “Yes” vote.

The meeting was attended by local leaders of Jamaat and NCP, including Saiful Islam Shahid, Professor Shahidul Islam, Mosleh Uddin, and others from various unions.

In Bogura, young voters are expected to play a decisive role in the upcoming 13th national election. Across the district’s seven parliamentary constituencies, about 151,068 new voters have been added since 2024, bringing the total electorate to 2,981,672. Candidates from major parties, including BNP and Jamaat, are focusing their campaigns on attracting these first-time voters with new promises and targeted outreach. Local observers believe this group could determine victory or defeat in several constituencies.

Bogura’s electorate now includes 1,480,842 men, 1,507,788 women, and 42 hijra voters. Many of the new voters are young people voting for the first time, expressing priorities such as education, good governance, food security, and anti-corruption measures. University students and local residents emphasized choosing candidates based on integrity, competence, and commitment to public welfare.

Experts, including Naogaon University’s vice-chancellor Hasanat Ali, noted that many in this group are voting for the first time in 18 years, making them a major factor in the election outcome. The Bogura Press Club president observed that youth-focused campaigning is more visible than ever, signaling a potential “voting revolution.”

Former US President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have agreed to testify before the House committee investigating links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Bill Clinton’s spokesperson, Angel Ureña, confirmed the decision in a post on social media platform X, saying the couple is ready to appear and hopes to set an important precedent. The Clintons had previously declined to appear before lawmakers.

The House Rules Committee had requested their personal testimony to clarify any possible connections with Epstein, who died in police custody in 2019. The committee also proposed contempt charges if they failed to appear. The Epstein case has long stirred controversy in Washington, involving several influential political figures and reigniting debates about elite networks and accountability.

Democrats have accused former President Donald Trump of using the investigation as a political weapon against his rivals, noting that Trump himself had past associations with Epstein but has not been called to testify. Trump also faces allegations of attempting to block the release of Epstein-related investigation files.

The Election Commission (EC) has begun distributing ballot papers bearing candidate names and symbols to returning officers across Bangladesh ahead of the upcoming national election. Over Sunday and Monday, the EC sent ballot papers to 21 districts from its headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka. The first phase covered 13 districts including Meherpur, Kushtia, Chuadanga, Jhenaidah, and others, while the second phase reached eight more districts such as Habiganj, Chapainawabganj, and Gazipur.

According to EC officials, the ballot papers and other election materials are being transported under tight security and will be stored at the offices of returning officers until the day before voting. The commission stated that approximately 260 million ballot papers are being printed for both the national election and a referendum, costing around 400 million taka. Voting is scheduled nationwide on February 12 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Law enforcement personnel have already been deployed to ensure security and maintain a peaceful environment at polling centers across the country.

In Madaripur district, rebel candidates have emerged in two of the three constituencies ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, leaving the official BNP nominees in a difficult position. Despite being expelled from the party, the rebels are drawing local attention and raising concerns among BNP activists about the party’s chances of victory. Local leaders believe the internal divisions have put the BNP at risk in both constituencies, while candidates from the 11-party electoral alliance appear to be gaining an advantage.

In Madaripur-1, BNP’s official candidate Nadira Akter faces competition from rebels Sajjad Hossain Siddiqui and Kamal Zaman Molla, as well as alliance candidate Sayeed Uddin Ahmad Hanjala of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish. In Madaripur-2, BNP’s Jahandar Ali Jahan is challenged by rebel candidate Milton Baidya and alliance contender Abdus Sobahan. Only Madaripur-3, where BNP’s Anisur Rahman is running, remains free of rebel contenders.

Party insiders say maintaining unity and countering rebel influence have become major challenges for BNP nominees in the district.

With only eight days left before the national election, government employees in Bangladesh are showing limited interest in postal voting. Out of 1.7 million officials assigned election duties, only 518,603 registered for postal ballots, leaving nearly 1.2 million unregistered. Many cited work responsibilities and family safety concerns as reasons for abstaining. Even those who received postal ballot notifications showed little enthusiasm to participate.

This election marks the first time postal voting registration was conducted online through the “Postal Vote BD” app. The Election Commission (EC) reported that 1.53 million voters, including expatriates, registered via the app. However, several government employees said they were unaware of the process or found registration complicated. EC officials claimed extensive promotion efforts were made but acknowledged that many may have missed registration due to late duty assignments.

According to EC data, only 7,367 domestic postal voters received ballots, and 4,902 completed voting. The commission plans to review the low registration and participation rates after the election.

Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul stated that Bangladeshi bureaucrats are inherently resistant to reform, though he was unsure whether this stems from individual shortcomings or systemic flaws. He made the remarks on Monday night at the World Literature Centre in Dhaka while speaking as a special guest at the launch of Dr. Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan’s book ‘Bangladesher Samaj O Rajniti’ (Society and Politics of Bangladesh).

Nazrul described the current bureaucracy as stagnant and questioned how the country could progress under such a system. He expressed concern that inefficiency and reluctance to adopt modern tools, such as WhatsApp for official communication, hinder timely decision-making. He contrasted this with the chief adviser’s efficient use of digital communication for office work.

He further noted that despite his personal efforts to finalize tasks overnight, bureaucratic delays often prevent implementation. Nazrul said he frequently has to remind officers that they are not clerks but professionals who must apply intellect and initiative in their duties.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman declared that no one will be allowed to divide the nation and that Bangladesh’s youth in 2024 demand change. He made the remarks on Tuesday morning at a public rally in Kishoreganj, emphasizing that the party rejects corrupt politics and is ready to honor the people’s verdict. Rahman also alleged that some groups are exploiting women’s issues to target Jamaat and said that no election will be allowed through unfair means.

He further claimed that a political party continues to exploit the issue of an ID hack even after all facts have become clear. Rahman stated that Jamaat wants to see Bangladesh established with human dignity and recognized globally as a free and honorable nation. He expressed deep respect for the youth who, according to him, stood against fascism in July and sacrificed for freedom and independence.

The speech reflected Jamaat’s attempt to align itself with youth aspirations and to distance the party from divisive or corrupt political practices.

Jatiya Party Chairman and former MP GM Quader is actively campaigning in Rangpur-3 despite facing allegations of siding with the ruling Awami League and opposing the July uprising of 2024. Local voters accuse him of distancing himself from the public and prioritizing power-sharing over constituency development. Although banners and loudspeaker campaigns are visible across the area without obstruction, reports suggest Quader is focusing on limited personal networks rather than broad voter outreach.

Supporters of the July movement have criticized Quader for seeking votes against the referendum’s 'yes' side, labeling him a collaborator of the 'fascist Awami League'. They previously urged the Election Commission to bar the Jatiya Party from contesting. In contrast, Jatiya Party leaders claim strong grassroots response, asserting that Quader remains the only viable candidate and will win decisively. Quader himself dismissed corruption allegations and expressed confidence in a peaceful and fair election.

The Rangpur returning officer confirmed no major violations of the electoral code so far and expects a peaceful vote across the district’s six constituencies.