BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has accused the Jamaat-e-Islami chief of attempting to distort the history of Bangladesh’s independence. Speaking on Tuesday at the BNP central office in Nayapaltan, Dhaka, during a prayer gathering marking Shab-e-Barat, Rizvi said Jamaat leaders were making false claims about the country’s independence declaration. He alleged that the Jamaat chief’s recent remarks were an attempt to divert attention from his offensive comments about women.

Rizvi criticized Jamaat for supporting the Pakistani army during the 1971 Liberation War and for failing to acknowledge the atrocities committed against Bangladeshi women. He asserted that the true declaration of independence came from former President Ziaur Rahman, who, as a major, guided the nation and called for armed resistance. Rizvi also recalled Jamaat’s and Sheikh Hasina’s reversal of earlier pledges not to participate in the 1986 election under Ershad, contrasting that with Khaleda Zia’s steadfastness.

He questioned the credibility of Jamaat’s current political motives, saying that revising historical facts for political gain would not be accepted by the public.

The Feni district unit of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir has announced a protest demanding the cancellation of BNP vice chairman Abdul Awal Mintu’s nomination for the Feni-3 constituency. The organization made the announcement on Tuesday, February 3, through a social media notice, citing allegations of loan default and the appearance of Mintu’s name in documents linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The protest march is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. from Mizan Maidan in Feni town, with organizers calling for public participation.

The controversy emerged after the release of several million pages of Epstein-related documents that included details of his political connections and financial contributions. Among the donor lists for former New Mexico governor Bill Richardson’s campaign, Mintu’s name appeared as a Bangladeshi businessman who donated USD 5,000. Epstein himself contributed USD 50,000 to the same campaign. Mintu, a former FBCCI president and CEO of Multimode Group, is contesting the upcoming 13th national election under the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol.

The inclusion of Mintu’s name in the Epstein documents has sparked renewed political debate, prompting Shibir’s call for protest in Feni.

Nahid Islam, the Dhaka-11 constituency candidate representing an 11-party alliance and convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), stated that the people will decide through a national referendum how Bangladesh will be governed and how accountability in power will be ensured. He made the remarks on Tuesday during an election campaign event in Badda, Dhaka.

According to Nahid Islam, for the first time in Bangladesh’s history, a national referendum will be held alongside the parliamentary election. The referendum will include proposals for several major constitutional reforms, finalized through discussions and consensus among political parties. If implemented, these reforms would pave the way for establishing an upper house of parliament, ensuring a balance of power, and forming an independent and effective Election Commission.

He added that the upcoming election and referendum will determine the country’s direction for the next 20 to 30 years, shaping the framework for governance and constitutional structure. Nahid Islam emphasized his commitment to eradicating corruption, inequality, and misuse of power if elected, and pledged to fulfill the aspirations of the July uprising that remain unmet.

BNP Secretary General and Thakurgaon-1 candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that a certain group wants to erase the legacy of 1971, which he described as the foundation of Bangladesh’s existence. He made the remarks on Tuesday afternoon at an election meeting organized by Ward No. 6 BNP in Thakurgaon municipality.

Fakhrul emphasized that the Liberation War of 1971 gave the nation its territory and opportunities for progress. He said it is now time to ensure a better future for the next generation. He warned that using religion to mislead people and spreading false propaganda could create confusion among voters.

He further reminded that elections occur once every five years and that voting is a sacred trust. He urged voters to choose candidates who will uphold the value of their votes and not misuse this responsibility.

BNP National Standing Committee member and Cox’s Bazar-1 constituency candidate Salahuddin Ahmed alleged that attempts are being made to distort the history of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. He made the remarks on Tuesday, February 3, during a campaign rally at Jongolkata in Chakaria’s Konakhali Union, organized by the Matamuhuri organizational unit of BNP in support of the party’s election symbol.

Ahmed criticized Jamaat-e-Islami, saying those who opposed Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 are now trying to rewrite the Liberation War narrative. He referred to a recent statement by Jamaat’s Ameer, which he described as misleading and false regarding the declaration of independence. Ahmed accused Jamaat of trying to present itself as a pro-Liberation force by recruiting a freedom fighter and using that association for political gain.

He further condemned Jamaat’s recent comments about working women, calling them insulting and harmful to women’s employment. Local BNP leaders, including district and upazila organizers, were present at the event.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has pledged to provide free Wi-Fi and various facilities for students across Bangladesh if his party wins the upcoming election. The announcement was conveyed by Bir Muktijoddha Abdus Salam, chief coordinator of BNP’s election management committee for Dhaka-17, during a digital Wi-Fi inauguration event at Government Titumir College on Tuesday. The event included a discussion between BNP leaders, teachers, and students of the college.

Abdus Salam said the initiative reflects Rahman’s vision to make digital connectivity accessible to all students, regardless of religion or background, to help them access global information, pursue higher education abroad, and find employment opportunities. He emphasized that the digital era demands modern systems and that free Wi-Fi would be a major benefit for financially constrained students. Salam also urged students to practice clean politics, avoid negative political behavior, and promote BNP’s ideals of inclusivity and development.

The event was attended by college faculty, BNP election coordinators, and student leaders, who also commemorated July revolution martyrs with the inauguration of a digital memorial.

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.