BNP Central Secretary for Expatriate Welfare and Chandpur-3 candidate Sheikh Farid Ahmed Manik has alleged that certain groups exploit religion for political gain during election periods. Speaking at a campaign rally on February 2 at Gazi Bazar in Algi Durgapur North Union of Haimchar upazila, he said that some people mislead rural women by distorting Quranic verses under the guise of religious teaching.

Manik emphasized that Arabic education should be pursued through established maktabs and madrasas, not through door-to-door sessions that manipulate religious texts. He urged women to remain vigilant against such deception. Calling for votes for the BNP’s “sheaf of paddy” symbol in the upcoming February 12 election, he said the victory would pave the way for Tarique Rahman to become prime minister and implement development plans for the people.

The meeting, conducted by Haimchar BNP’s General Secretary Majharul Islam Shafiq Patwari, was also addressed by district BNP Vice President Khalilur Rahman Gazi and Legal Affairs Secretary Advocate Kohinur Begum. Afterward, Manik conducted public outreach in several areas of the union.

An election campaign banner of Hasnat Abdullah, the chief organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and candidate of the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance in Cumilla-4 (Debidwar), was set on fire on Monday, February 2. The incident occurred at Gangpar area along the Burirpar–Khaiyar road, where unidentified individuals allegedly ignited the banner bearing the Shapla Koli symbol. The event has stirred political tension in the locality.

Local NCP leaders and activists rushed to the scene, condemning the act as an attempt to disrupt the election and create fear among voters. Debidwar NCP member Mosleh Uddin stated that the banner was deliberately burned under the cover of darkness, calling it a conspiracy against democracy and a fair electoral environment. He demanded a proper investigation and exemplary punishment for those responsible.

Debidwar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Moniruzzaman confirmed awareness of the incident and said an investigation is ongoing. No arrests have been made yet, but authorities plan to identify and take legal action against the perpetrators.

Maulana Mamunul Haque, Ameer of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, addressed a roadside rally in Gopalganj on Monday, warning against any attempt to manipulate the upcoming national election. He alleged that efforts were underway to prepare fake voter lists including names of deceased and absentee voters. Haque urged supporters to build symbolic barriers near polling centers to prevent fraudulent voting and to hand over any suspected offenders to law enforcement.

He called on the administration and the Election Commission to ensure a level playing field, claiming that intimidation and violence were being used to obstruct the momentum of the 11-party electoral alliance. Haque emphasized that the alliance was formed not for individual gain but to restore the rights of Bangladesh’s 180 million citizens and end political exploitation.

Haque described February 12 as a historic election day, when both the national election and a referendum would be held simultaneously, and urged citizens to vote “yes” for change.

At a campaign rally in Panchagarh Sadar on February 2, speakers from the National Citizens Party (NCP) and its allied Eleven-Party Alliance called on voters to attend polling centers early after Fajr prayers to ensure security, particularly for women voters. The event, held at Satmero High School field in support of candidate Sarjis Alam, emphasized the need for vigilance and community protection during the upcoming election.

NCP election committee chairman Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan said the constituency needed a candidate who had already worked for local development without holding office. He urged voters to support Sarjis Alam, criticizing past leaders for neglecting the area. Sarjis Alam called on voters to reject those involved in extortion, violence, and oppression, and pledged inclusive leadership. Other alliance leaders, including Jamaat’s district chief and NCP representatives, vowed to prevent vote rigging and ensure fair polling.

Speakers also criticized rival parties, accusing them of corruption, false affidavits, and violence, while promising justice, improved healthcare, and honest governance if elected.

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.