Two local leaders from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Tahirpur upazila of Sunamganj have resigned, citing allegations of extortion and the party’s failure to recognize the success of the July Movement and the importance of the ‘Yes’ vote in a recent referendum. The announcement was made on Monday afternoon at a press conference held at Latifa Conference Hall in Kazi Point, where former BNP general secretary Ruhul Amin and upazila labour wing president Ferdous Alam read out a jointly signed two-page statement explaining their decision.

At the event, Ferdous Alam accused the BNP of twisting the narrative of the July Movement and neglecting the referendum’s reform agenda. The leaders also alleged that the party leadership ignored dedicated workers, replaced loyal nominees in the Sunamganj-1 constituency, and failed to act against local leaders accused of extortion and unethical activities. They further claimed that some BNP leaders were collaborating with ruling party figures in destructive activities along the Jadukata River and collecting illegal tolls from river transport and border customs stations.

The resignations highlight growing internal dissent within the BNP’s local units in Sunamganj amid accusations of corruption and leadership disputes.

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Chairman Dr. Colonel (Retd.) Oli Ahmed Bir Bikrom said the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is no longer the party of Ziaur Rahman or Khaleda Zia, but has turned into a group of rent-seekers, corrupt individuals, and extortionists. Speaking at an 11-party alliance election rally in Paduya, Lohagara, Chattogram on Monday afternoon, he stated that even from an unused bridge, BNP members collect extortion money. He added that after Begum Zia fell ill, the party again became involved in extortion, declaring that he would rather go to hell than associate with extortionists.

Oli Ahmed further alleged that the BNP has become dependent on foreign influence, claiming that those contesting elections against his alliance are tied to India. He warned that if the nation fails to make the right decisions, its independence and sovereignty could be at risk. Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman was also present at the rally.

Jamaat-e-Islami central Nayeb-e-Ameer ATM Azharul Islam stated that those who take refuge in India or flee the country are not friends of the people. He made the remarks on Monday afternoon while addressing an election rally at the Shaheed Minar premises in Nilphamari-2 constituency, where Jamaat candidate Advocate Al Faruk Abdul Latif is contesting for parliament. Azharul Islam emphasized that Jamaat leaders do not flee in fear of death and that the party remains committed to serving the nation with honesty.

He alleged that Bangladesh has suffered from corruption for 54 years under previous governments, which he claimed looted banks and destroyed the economy. He said if Jamaat gets the opportunity to serve, it will prioritize ending corruption, arguing that solving corruption would address more than half of the country’s problems. He urged voters to give Jamaat’s “balance scale” symbol a chance, asserting that the party’s past ministers had proven their integrity by running ministries without corruption.

Azharul Islam also criticized BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman, accusing him of dishonesty and fleeing abroad for 17 years, contrasting that with Jamaat leaders who, he said, faced death without leaving the country.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and candidate of the 11-party alliance, has alleged renewed violence and intimidation ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. Speaking to journalists during a campaign event in Kunjobon, Rampura, Dhaka, on Monday, he claimed that opponents were resorting to killings and fear tactics to secure victory. He expressed concern that banners were being torn down and his supporters threatened, warning that the overall electoral environment was deteriorating.

Islam voiced deep anxiety over what he described as the return of “politics of dead bodies,” saying that the situation resembled previous election periods under the Awami League. He added that there was no guarantee polling centers would remain free from occupation on February 12, the scheduled election day. He also stated that his party had gone to court to challenge any constitutional or legal violations in the electoral process.

Islam further accused BNP candidate M A Kaiyum of concealing dual citizenship information from the Election Commission, saying the matter had been taken to court for legal resolution.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expelled 20 union-level leaders and activists in Sreemangal upazila of Moulvibazar district for alleged violations of party discipline and involvement in anti-organizational activities. The decision was announced on Sunday, February 2, 2026, through a press release issued by the Sreemangal upazila BNP. The party stated that the move aimed to preserve internal discipline and strengthen organizational activities.

According to the statement signed by upazila BNP convener Md. Nurul Alam Siddiqui and joint convener Md. Hafizur Rahman Chowdhury (Tuhin), the expelled individuals were found to have engaged in activities contrary to party interests. The list includes leaders from several unions, such as Mirzapur, Sindurkhan, Kalighat, Ashidron, Bhunabir, Sreemangal, and Kalapur. The upazila BNP emphasized that disciplinary measures would continue against any future breaches of party rules.

The announcement reflects the BNP’s ongoing effort to reinforce internal order and maintain unity among its grassroots leadership in Moulvibazar.

Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, spokesperson and election management committee chairman of the National Citizen Party (NCP), stated that if the 'Yes' side wins in the upcoming referendum, elected candidates will be compelled to remain accountable to the public. He made the comment on Monday, February 2, through a verified Facebook post.

In his statement, Bhuiyan noted that candidates usually approach voters only during election periods. However, he said that the reforms to be implemented following a 'Yes' victory would ensure that candidates consistently engage with citizens. His remarks were shared through his verified social media account, emphasizing the party’s stance on strengthening public accountability.

The post reflects NCP’s focus on reforming political engagement mechanisms through the referendum process, aiming to enhance continuous communication between elected representatives and the electorate.

Barrister Jaima Rahman, daughter of BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman, hosted an informal ‘tea chat’ with around 55 young men and women on Monday at the Banani DOHS playground in Dhaka. The event aimed to hear the thoughts, expectations, and dreams of youth regarding the country’s future. Jaima Rahman spoke directly with participants, listening to their ideas and sharing her own perspectives and experiences.

During the discussion, she emphasized issues such as women’s empowerment, workplace safety for women, entrepreneurship development, investment-friendly environments, traffic congestion in major cities including Dhaka, and the prospects and challenges of future employment. The event was designed as a fair-like, interactive experience rather than a traditional meeting or speech.

In the final part of the gathering, Jaima Rahman walked and conversed with participants instead of delivering a formal address. She also shared tea, chotpoti, jilapi, and jhalmuri with the attendees, which organizers said made the event more lively and engaging.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has announced its decision to appeal to a higher court against the anticipatory bail granted to 40 accused, including the prime suspect, in the murder case of Maulana Rezaul Karim, secretary of Sherpur’s Sreebardi upazila unit. The announcement was made on Monday afternoon at a press conference held at the party’s central office in Moghbazar, Dhaka, by Assistant Secretary General Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair.

Zubair expressed the party’s dissatisfaction over the bail decision, questioning whether the killers would escape justice. He demanded the immediate arrest of those involved and called for proper legal proceedings to ensure justice. The press conference was also attended by Jamaat’s election committee member Oliullah Noman and Dhaka South assistant publicity secretary Abdus Sattar Suman.

The party’s move to challenge the bail order underscores its frustration with the handling of the case and its insistence on accountability for the killing of its local leader.

The High Court on Monday, February 2, 2026, granted six weeks of anticipatory bail to 40 accused, including BNP candidate for Sherpur-3 constituency Mahmudul Haque Rubel, in a murder case filed over the death of Jamaat leader Maulana Rezaul Karim. The order was issued by a bench comprising Justice Kamrul Hossain Molla and Justice Faisal Hasan Arif after hearing the bail petitions. Defense lawyers Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kajol and Barrister Shahadat Hossain Ziko represented the accused during the proceedings.

According to police, the case was filed by Rezaul Karim’s wife, Marzia, naming Rubel as the prime accused following a violent clash between BNP and Jamaat activists on January 28 at Jhenaigati Mini Stadium in Sherpur. The incident occurred during an election manifesto announcement event organized by the upazila administration, where a dispute over seating escalated into violence. Rezaul Karim, secretary of the Sribordi upazila Jamaat, was critically injured and died en route to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital.

The case includes 231 named and 400 unnamed accused, as confirmed by police at a press briefing on January 31.

BNP Standing Committee member and Dhaka-8 constituency candidate Mirza Abbas said he has been contesting elections in the area since 1977 but has never been certain of victory before any election. Speaking to journalists on Monday after prayers at the Rajarbagh Central Police Hospital Mosque, he said even as an experienced politician he cannot claim a guaranteed win, questioning how those without public engagement or local involvement can be so confident.

Abbas conducted campaign activities in Shahjahanpur’s Income Tax Colony and nearby markets, seeking votes for the BNP’s symbol, the paddy sheaf. He later planned to meet residents at Jahaj Building Road in Shahjahanpur for further outreach. He expressed suspicion that some candidates who should not be winning are already claiming victory, suggesting possible election manipulation or engineering.

He also commented on reports of hacked social media accounts, saying he was surprised at how quickly such accounts were recovered, implying doubts about the authenticity of those claims.

Justice Mamnoon Rahman of the High Court Division of the Supreme Court has submitted his resignation letter to the President of Bangladesh. The letter was sent through the Chief Justice, and he cited personal reasons for his decision. According to the report, Justice Rahman personally emailed his resignation letter to the Registrar General of the Supreme Court.

The report indicates that the resignation was formally communicated via email and transmitted through the appropriate judicial channel involving the Chief Justice. No additional details were provided regarding the timing of the resignation’s acceptance or any official response from the President’s office.

The development marks a notable change within the judiciary, though the source does not specify whether a successor has been named or when the resignation will take effect.

A press conference was held at Rajapur Press Club in Jhalakathi-1 constituency, where female activists of Jamaat-e-Islami alleged that they were obstructed by local Jubo Dal leaders while campaigning for Jamaat candidate Dr. Fayzul Haque’s ‘scales’ symbol. The event took place on Monday afternoon, with Khadija Begum, a member of the upazila women’s Jamaat council, presenting the allegations.

According to the statement, the incident occurred in Pingri area of Shuktagar Union, Rajapur, when a group of Jamaat-supporting women faced resistance initially from Mazeda Begum, sister of a late BNP leader. She reportedly informed Jubo Dal leaders, who then arrived and blocked the campaign. The women claimed they were also prevented from campaigning in nearby areas, and that local BNP activists chanted slogans forbidding their activities.

The women further alleged that Jamaat’s union leader Abdul Alim was confined when he arrived at the scene. They said they avoided confrontation to prevent escalation. Jamaat leaders stated that similar obstructions had occurred several days earlier in the same area.

The Dhaka University unit of Islami Chhatri Sangstha organized a protest rally on Monday afternoon at the base of the Raju Sculpture, condemning alleged incidents of violence, harassment, and abuse of women by BNP and Chhatra Dal activists across the country. The organization’s statement said the demonstration aimed to protest what it described as a pattern of gender-based violence linked to opposition political groups.

Speakers at the rally, including the DU branch president Tamanna, sharply criticized BNP and Chhatra Dal, accusing them of hypocrisy and demanding justice for victims of recent assaults. They cited a recent case involving a Chhatra Dal leader accused of raping a seventh-grade student as an example of ongoing impunity. Other speakers urged the government and administration to ensure women’s safety on campuses and nationwide.

Participants chanted slogans calling for an end to violence against women and demanded exemplary punishment for those involved. The protest drew a large number of female students and members of the organization, who called for stronger social resistance against gender-based violence.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has stated that the government has shown weakness in ensuring accountability for army members allegedly involved in enforced disappearances. The observation came from a research report presented at a press conference held at TIB’s headquarters in Dhanmondi, Dhaka. The report also noted that despite evidence tampering allegations against security and law enforcement agencies, the government has failed to bring those responsible under accountability.

According to TIB, ten army officers managed to flee abroad despite arrest warrants and travel bans, while trials have begun against some law enforcement and army officials, but many key perpetrators remain beyond justice. The organization also reported that fifteen army officers accused of crimes against humanity and killings during the July uprising were being held in sub-jails inside cantonments, raising questions about fairness. TIB’s research covered issues including anti-discrimination movements, human rights violations, governance reforms, and corruption prevention.

TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman expressed concern about the upcoming national election, citing the influence of money, muscle, and religion. He urged the government to take action against those who helped suspects escape accountability.

Rear Admiral Mohammad Musa, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Operations), visited polling centers in Hatiya, Noakhali on Monday morning and instructed naval personnel to remain alert so that no acts of sabotage occur during the national parliamentary election. He emphasized that maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of people's lives and property are the navy’s primary objectives during the election period. Musa also stressed the importance of working closely with the local administration to ensure that the election and any referendum are conducted in a free, fair, peaceful, and festive manner.

During his visit to the Hatiya Town Girls’ High School polling center in Ward No. 1, he was accompanied by the Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Assistant Returning Officer Md. Alauddin, Hatiya Police Station Officer-in-Charge Saiful Alam, and other naval officers deployed in the area. Earlier, he inspected the navy camp at Hatiya Dwip Government College campus and later addressed naval members at the college field.

The visit highlighted the navy’s active role in supporting local authorities to maintain election security and public confidence in the electoral process.