With only eight days left before Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami have avoided raising India-related issues in their campaigns. In previous elections, India’s role often featured prominently, but this time both parties have chosen silence. BNP leaders declined to comment, while Jamaat stated it seeks equal and respectful relations with all countries, including India. Foreign ministry officials described this silence as unfortunate, warning that any future government will face major challenges in dealing with Delhi.

Diplomatic and political analysts cited in the report said both BNP and Jamaat are avoiding statements that might displease India as they focus on gaining power. Indian think tanks and media figures noted that the absence of anti-India rhetoric benefits Delhi. Meanwhile, the report alleged that India has engaged in activities aimed at destabilizing Bangladesh and influencing the election process. Analysts cautioned that the next government will need to manage relations with India carefully and maintain national sovereignty.

Observers also noted that India’s diplomatic establishment is preparing to exert pressure on Dhaka over issues such as water sharing, border security, and transit agreements after the election.

More than fifty leaders and activists of the Awami League from Ward No. 6 of Dakshin Charbanshi Union in Raipur upazila, Lakshmipur, formally joined the BNP on Monday afternoon. The joining took place at a local gathering where the new members were welcomed by local BNP leaders. Among those who switched allegiance are Abul Hossain Member, Anwar Gazi, Shamsul Haque Gazi, Jahangir Gazi, Shahjalal Bepari, and Ziaul Rahman Bepari.

After joining the BNP, the former Awami League members stated that they made the decision because democracy and people's rights had long been curtailed in their area. They expressed their intention to actively participate in the BNP-led movement to restore democracy. Harunur Rashid Hawlader, president of Charbanshi Union BNP, said that the party’s popularity at the grassroots level is increasing as leaders and activists from various political groups continue to join, which will further strengthen the organization in the coming days.

The Election Commission of Bangladesh has filed 176 cases and collected fines totaling Tk 1,826,250 for violations of the electoral code of conduct ahead of the 13th National Parliament election and referendum. The information was confirmed on Monday, February 2, by Md. Saiful Islam, member secretary of the EC’s central coordination committee and director (operations) of the National Identity Registration Wing.

According to the Election Commission, between January 8 and February 1, a total of 275 incidents of code violations occurred across 257 electoral areas in the country. Mobile courts took action in these cases, resulting in the fines and legal proceedings. The 13th National Parliament election and referendum are scheduled to take place on February 12.

The commission’s enforcement activities indicate ongoing monitoring of campaign conduct as the election date approaches, aiming to ensure compliance with electoral regulations nationwide.

National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman stated that the defense agreements signed with the United States, China, Japan, and other countries during the final phase of the interim government are part of an ongoing process. He made the remarks on Monday while speaking to reporters after a meeting with Foreign Affairs Adviser M. Touhid Hossain. When asked what would happen if the next government did not continue these deals, Dr. Khalil described the question as hypothetical, emphasizing that the process is continuous.

The interim government, led by Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus since August 8, 2024, following the ouster of former Prime Minister Hasina in the 2024 uprising, has undertaken several major defense initiatives. These include agreements for a drone factory with China, procurement of JF-17 Thunder and J-10CE fighter jets from Pakistan and China, Eurofighter Typhoon jets from a European consortium, submarines from South Korea, T-129 attack helicopters from Turkey, and Black Hawk helicopters from the United States. The government also allocated 6.5 billion taka to enhance the capabilities of the warship BNS Khalid Bin Walid.

Dr. Khalil also responded to discussions about his inclusion on the board of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, saying that not all countries have national airlines.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has established a 'Law and Order Coordination Cell' ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum. The announcement was made on Monday, February 2, through an official press release from the ministry. The release also provided emergency contact numbers for the cell, including four landline numbers and two mobile numbers, one of which is available on WhatsApp.

According to the statement, citizens are encouraged to use these numbers to report any law and order-related complaints during the election period. The 13th National Parliamentary Election is scheduled to take place on February 12.

The formation of this coordination cell aims to ensure effective communication and prompt response to any security or order issues that may arise during the election process.

Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated that no one will be spared if any polling center is taken over during the upcoming election. Speaking to journalists on February 2 in Mymensingh City Corporation’s Shahid Shahabuddin Auditorium after a meeting on election-related law and order, he said CCTV cameras are being installed at every polling center, 25,700 body cameras are being provided to police, and drones and security apps are being used to ensure transparency and safety.

He added that both legal and illegal weapons remain outside official control, though recovery efforts have increased. Expressing hope for a peaceful election, he sought cooperation from journalists and the public. Referring to the recent Jhinaigati incident as tragic, he assured that those responsible will be brought under the law, even if it takes time.

Chowdhury described Mymensingh’s law and order situation as highly satisfactory and expressed confidence that their preparations would help deliver a fair and orderly election.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has expressed deep concern to the Election Commission over alleged violence, intimidation, and administrative bias in various parts of Bangladesh ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election and referendum. A delegation led by Akram Hossain, Advocate Humayra Nur, and Ayman Rahat met Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin in Agargaon on February 2 to convey these concerns.

Following the meeting, Ayman Rahat told reporters that activists of the BNP and Awami League were carrying out coordinated attacks on Jamaat and NCP supporters, while authorities failed to take effective action despite filed cases. He cited incidents in Noakhali’s Hatiya, where armed attacks occurred during a ferry inauguration event and subsequent rallies. Rahat alleged that local officials remained inactive and that the administration’s neutrality was in question.

The NCP also raised issues regarding statements by BNP leaders suggesting involvement of law enforcement and intelligence agencies in candidate selection, and criticized a Bangladesh Bank official’s actions following a political speech. The party urged the Election Commission to ensure a level playing field and take stronger visible measures to guarantee a fair and credible election process.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman is scheduled to visit Gazipur, Mymensingh, and Kishoreganj on Tuesday as part of his ongoing election campaign. He will speak at three public rallies during the day, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Katiadi College Field in Kishoreganj, followed by a rally at 12:00 p.m. at Mymensingh Circuit House Field. His final address will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Rajbari Field in Joydebpur, Gazipur, where he will attend as the chief guest at a gathering organized by the 11-party electoral alliance.

According to party sources, Dr. Rahman will continue his campaign tour across various districts until February 7. On February 8 and 9, he is expected to conduct voter outreach in his own constituency in Dhaka. After completing today’s rallies, he will return to Dhaka-15 constituency for a local campaign event scheduled at 4:30 p.m. near Adarsha School beside Karar Mosque in Mirpur-10.

The visits are part of Jamaat-e-Islami’s broader effort to mobilize support ahead of the upcoming national election.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s central Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher declared that his party and its allies would not bow to India, emphasizing independence in policymaking. Speaking on Monday afternoon at an election rally in Dakshin Shripur under Gunabati Union of Chauddagram, Cumilla, he said that previous governments believed power required appeasing India, but his alliance rejects that notion. He asserted that only God should be feared and promised that if the 11-party coalition wins, there will be no corruption or compromise of national sovereignty.

Dr. Taher said the coalition, comprising Islamic-minded groups, freedom fighters’ parties, and the July Revolution group, aims to bring qualitative change to Bangladesh’s politics. He criticized past governments for corruption, extortion, and misrule, claiming that despite different names, their governance styles were similar. He described the upcoming election as a turning point for the nation’s destiny.

He urged unity across political lines for national interest and mentioned that Tk 180 crore had been allocated for development projects in Chauddagram, expressing hope for a historic victory.

The Election Commission (EC) has begun distributing ballot papers bearing candidate names and symbols to returning officers across Bangladesh ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for February 12. According to information released from the EC Secretariat in Agargaon, Dhaka, the first phase of distribution on February 1 covered 13 districts, while the second phase on February 2 extended to eight more districts, totaling 21 districts over two days.

Officials stated that ballot papers and other election materials are being sent from Dhaka under tight security. These materials will be stored at the offices of returning officers and delivered to polling centers the day before voting. The EC also confirmed that approximately 260 million ballot papers are being printed for both the parliamentary election and a concurrent referendum, with a total printing cost of 400 million taka.

According to the official schedule, voting will take place nationwide on February 12 without interruption.

The Chief Adviser’s Press Wing has reported 274 incidents of violence across Bangladesh between December 12 of last year and February 1, a 51-day period following the announcement of the schedule for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The data, released on Monday under the title “Violent Incidents in the 13th National Election–2026,” includes 15 attacks on candidates, 89 clashes among rival supporters, and 5 killings. Other reported incidents include intimidation, use of illegal weapons, threats, obstruction of campaign activities, and attacks on election offices.

The Press Wing also presented comparative statistics from the previous three national elections held during the Hasina administration. In the 2014 election, 530 violent incidents were recorded with 115 deaths and 315 injuries. The 2018 election saw 414 incidents, 22 deaths, and 780 injuries, while the 2024 election recorded 534 incidents, 6 deaths, and 460 injuries. The data also detailed property damage, arson, and explosive attacks during those periods.

The report highlights a continuing pattern of election-related violence, though the current tally appears lower than in previous election cycles.

A joint press conference was held in Patuakhali where Ganadhikar Parishad’s nominated candidate Md. Shahidul Islam Fahim announced his withdrawal from the race for Patuakhali-01 constituency to support BNP’s nominee, former Home and Commerce Minister and BNP Vice Chairman Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury. The event took place on Monday at Suraiya Villa on Sher-e-Bangla Road in the presence of the BNP candidate.

In his written statement, Fahim said the decision was made to strengthen the long-standing partnership between BNP and Ganadhikar Parishad in their movement to restore democracy and protect voting rights. He emphasized that the two parties’ leaders and activists would now work together as a united team in Patuakhali-01, similar to their cooperation in Patuakhali-03, to ensure Chowdhury’s victory.

BNP election coordination officials and district-level leaders from both parties, including youth and student wings, attended the press conference, signaling a local political alignment ahead of the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has accused Indian media outlets and the Awami League of continuously spreading misinformation about Bangladesh. He made the allegation on Monday, February 2, during a policy conclave titled ‘Policy Conclave on Misinformation: Challenges to Governance and Democracy’ held at the central auditorium of Dhaka International University.

Alam claimed that several Indian newspapers, including widely read ones, have consistently published false information about Bangladesh. He said India is deliberately spreading misinformation and disinformation, and that this trend has intensified over the past 18 months. According to him, Bangladesh has never faced such a situation in its 54-year history. He also questioned whether these actions were being orchestrated by external influences.

The press secretary further stated that misinformation poses a major challenge to democracy and governance, with both local and external sources contributing to the problem. He criticized the media for failing to act as the voice of the people and for being fearful of public backlash, urging journalists to overcome this fear.

The Ministry of Education’s Secondary and Higher Education Division has released a draft of a new education law during the final days of the interim government. The draft was published on Sunday, and the ministry has invited public opinions to be submitted via email by 5 p.m. on February 7.

According to the ministry, the proposed law aims to establish a modern, inclusive, and equitable education system that ensures lifelong learning opportunities for all. It seeks to eliminate illiteracy, expand free and compulsory primary education, and guarantee quality education for every citizen. The draft also emphasizes the protection of teachers’ and students’ rights and welfare.

The ministry stated that the new law is intended to consolidate and strengthen existing education-related legislation by introducing supplementary provisions to make the system more effective and contemporary.

Recently released documents from the US Department of Justice on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have brought Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) vice chairman Abdul Awal Mintu back into discussion. The documents, spanning millions of pages, include Mintu’s name among donors to former New Mexico governor Bill Richardson’s 2006 re-election campaign. According to the file EFTA02729080, created on March 7, 2006, Mintu donated 5,000 US dollars to Richardson’s campaign, while Epstein contributed 50,000 dollars. The records identify Mintu as a Bangladeshi businessman, and there is no evidence of any direct contact between him and Epstein.

The documents also detail Epstein’s extensive political connections and funding networks, including his repeated donations to Richardson’s campaigns. Allegations of Richardson’s involvement with Epstein’s trafficking network have surfaced in earlier court filings, though Richardson denied them. Mintu, meanwhile, is contesting Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national election from Feni-3 constituency under the BNP’s “sheaf of paddy” symbol.

The release of these documents has renewed scrutiny of Epstein’s political ties and drawn attention to international figures whose names appear in the records.