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.

Nahid Islam, the Dhaka-11 constituency candidate nominated by the 11-party alliance and convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), claimed that a group he described as a mafia is trying to halt the progress of his campaign symbolized by 'Shapla Kali'. In a verified Facebook post on Monday morning, he alleged that his campaign billboards and banners were being torn down in different areas, including one near Noorbagh Mosque in Ward 23 on the previous night.

He condemned the incidents as disgraceful and said those attempting to stop him through such acts were mistaken. Nahid Islam expressed confidence that residents of Badda, Bhatara, and Rampura would respond to these actions on the 12th of the month. His comments reflect growing tension around campaign activities in the constituency ahead of the upcoming political event.

The post underscores the candidate’s assertion that his campaign momentum has triggered fear among opponents, while he continues to emphasize public support as his strength.

Right-wing politician Laura Fernández has been elected president of Costa Rica following Sunday’s election, pledging to crack down on violence linked to the cocaine trade. According to AFP, she secured a landslide victory, surpassing the 40 percent threshold needed to avoid a runoff. With 81.24 percent of votes counted, Fernández, the political successor to outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves, received 48.94 percent, while her main rival, centrist economist Álvaro Ramos, obtained 33.02 percent.

Supporters of Fernández’s Sovereign People’s Party celebrated across the country, waving national flags in San José and other cities. In a video message at the party’s official event, the 39-year-old thanked Chaves for his trust and promised to work tirelessly for economic growth, freedom, and progress. She cited El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele’s strict anti-crime policies as an inspiration, and Bukele was the first foreign leader to congratulate her.

Analysts said Fernández’s victory signals a strengthening of right-wing politics in Latin America. Critics, however, fear possible constitutional changes, which she denied, reaffirming her commitment to Costa Rica’s democratic tradition.

US President Donald Trump has said that Washington is holding talks with Cuba’s top leadership to reach a possible agreement. He made the remarks at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, just days after threatening an effective oil blockade against Cuba’s struggling economy. Trump described Cuba as a failed state and suggested that the absence of Venezuelan support has left Havana vulnerable, though he did not disclose details of the proposed deal.

Since the US-led operation on January 3 that removed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, the Trump administration has intensified pressure on the communist-ruled island. Venezuela had been a key ally and oil supplier to Cuba. Last Thursday, Trump signed an executive order threatening additional tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, which led to long queues at Havana’s fuel stations the following day.

Meanwhile, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum announced plans to send humanitarian aid, including food and other goods, to Cuba and to pursue diplomatic efforts to maintain oil shipments. The Cuban government accused Trump of trying to economically strangle the island as power outages and fuel shortages worsened.

Election campaigning in Manikganj has intensified, with candidates actively engaging voters across towns and villages. On Monday morning, a group of hijra community members drew attention at Dautia Bazar in Manikganj Sadar upazila as they campaigned for BNP-nominated candidate Afroza Khanam Rita in the Manikganj-3 constituency. Wearing headbands and distributing leaflets, they moved through the market, urging people to vote for the paddy sheaf symbol in a lively and colorful atmosphere.

The campaign was led by community leaders Nargis and Rokhsana, joined by others including Nandini, Guti, and Mukta. They stated that around 50 hijra individuals live in Manikganj and are divided into groups to campaign daily for the BNP candidate. They emphasized their rights as citizens and expressed support for those who stand by their community.

Local shopkeepers and residents responded with curiosity and encouragement, capturing videos and applauding the group. Many remarked that such participation reflects growing awareness and the beauty of democracy.

A new Asahi newspaper poll indicates that Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, is on track for a major victory in next week’s lower house election. The survey, released on February 2, 2026, shows the LDP could secure well above the 233 seats needed for a majority in the 465-member chamber, up from its current 198 seats. Together with coalition partner Japan Innovation Party (Ishin), the ruling bloc could reach as many as 300 seats, strengthening Takaichi’s mandate.

According to Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities strategist Keisuke Tsuruta, such a result would reinforce Takaichi’s authority and allow her to continue her “proactive” economic policies, including boosting consumption and cutting taxes. The main opposition Centrist Reform Alliance faces a potential loss of half its 167 seats amid a tight race.

Takaichi dissolved parliament last month and called the snap election for February 8 to seek public approval for her expansionary economic agenda. Her earlier decision to suspend the 8% food tax for two years triggered a market slump and raised public concern about Japan’s fiscal discipline.

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about reaching an agreement with Iran. Speaking to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida on Saturday, Trump said he hoped a deal could be achieved. He also stated that the United States possesses the world’s most powerful warships, according to a report by TASS.

Earlier, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had warned that any U.S. attack on Iran would trigger a regional conflict. Responding to Khamenei’s remarks, Trump said it was understandable for him to speak that way and added that time would tell whether Khamenei was right or wrong if no deal was reached.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that discussions on Iran’s nuclear program with the United States remain possible if mutual trust can be restored. He noted that Iran has lost confidence in the U.S. as a negotiating partner and warned that any military intervention in Iran could spread across the broader region.

Bangladesh has formally invited India to observe the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter, both scheduled for February 12, 2026. According to Indian media outlet India Today, the invitation was extended for India to join as an international observer, alongside several other countries and global organizations. New Delhi has not yet responded to the invitation or confirmed whether it will send an observer team.

Interim government data show that 330 international observers have so far confirmed participation, representing six international organizations, 16 countries, and 32 individuals from various global institutions. Confirmed observer groups include the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the European Union, and both governmental and non-governmental organizations. The office of Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus stated that the number of international observers this time is more than double that of the disputed general election held on January 7, 2024.

Other invited countries include Nepal, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, France, Kuwait, Morocco, Nigeria, and Romania, some of which are still finalizing their delegations.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by Imran Khan, has alleged that law enforcement agencies detained around 180 of its workers during overnight raids across Karachi and other parts of Sindh. The party claimed the arrests took place on Sunday night and described the actions as political persecution aimed at disrupting its planned protest on February 8.

According to PTI, Sindh provincial police conducted raids at the homes of its leaders and activists, detaining them to prevent participation in the upcoming demonstrations. PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh stated that their February 8 strike would be entirely peaceful and insisted that arrests and police operations could not halt their movement.

The Sindh government has categorically rejected PTI’s allegations, calling them completely false and misleading. Authorities asserted that PTI was spreading misinformation to energize its protest campaign ahead of the planned demonstrations.

Iranian protester Erfan Soltani, aged 26, who had reportedly been sentenced to death for involvement in last month’s anti-government demonstrations, was released on bail on Saturday, according to his lawyer and human rights groups. Soltani was arrested on January 8 in Fardis, west of Tehran, during widespread protests that triggered a heavy government crackdown. The Norway-based Kurdish rights group Hengaw said authorities initially told his family that his execution could occur within days, but Iran’s judiciary later clarified that he faced only security-related charges and no death sentence had been issued.

His lawyer, Amir Musakhani, confirmed that Soltani was freed on bail of 2 billion tomans, approximately 12,600 dollars, and that his personal belongings, including his phone, remained under control. The case drew international attention after reports of his death sentence circulated globally. U.S. President Donald Trump warned of severe consequences if the execution were carried out, while Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei cautioned that any attack could spark regional conflict.

Iran’s foreign minister dismissed foreign media reports as fabricated, stating there were no plans for Soltani’s execution. Human rights groups reported thousands killed during the unrest, with investigations ongoing.

A confrontation erupted in Bafla Masterpara of Kishoreganj upazila, Nilphamari, on Sunday night, February 1, when supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Jatiya Party (JAPA) clashed over road passage. During the altercation, JAPA candidate Siddikul Alam’s gunman, Abdur Razzak, allegedly pointed his firearm at BNP activists, prompting them to detain him. Army personnel and Kishoreganj police later arrived to bring the situation under control.

Ranchandi Union BNP general secretary Moshfiqur Rahman Jewel described the act of brandishing a weapon over a trivial matter as deeply concerning. Meanwhile, Upazila Jamaat-e-Islami leader Abdur Rashid Shah accused the JAPA candidate of using illegal funds in the election and urged administrative intervention. In response, the JAPA candidate’s brother, Tariq, denied the allegations, stating that the security guard was licensed and that BNP activists had vandalized vehicles instead.

Kishoreganj police officer-in-charge Abdul Quddus confirmed that no case had been filed regarding the incident as of the report’s publication.

Mufti Syed Mohammad Rezaul Karim, known as Pir Charmonai and the Amir of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, called on young voters to cast their first votes in favor of Islam. He made the remarks on Sunday night at an election rally organized by Islami Andolan Bangladesh at the Nangalkot Central Eidgah ground in Comilla-10 (Nangalkot-Lalmai) constituency. Karim warned that if Islamic scholars do not speak for Islam, harmful influences could reemerge in the country.

During his speech, he expressed dissatisfaction with the nation’s progress over the past 54 years, saying that Bangladesh has not achieved what it should have. He criticized those who sell their conscience for money during elections, claiming such actions fuel unrest in the country. The rally was presided over by Mufti Shamsuddoha Ashrafi, the party’s nominated candidate for Comilla-10.

Other speakers included Mufti Rezaul Karim Abrar, Mufti Habibur Rahman Misbah, Maulana Baki Billah, Maulana Gazi Masum Khayer, Dr. Abdul Momin Majumdar, and Maulana Nur Islam Mir.