The US Embassy in Dhaka has issued a special security alert for American citizens in Bangladesh ahead of the country’s 13th national parliamentary election and a national referendum scheduled for February 12. The advisory, released on Friday through the embassy’s website and social media platforms, warned of potential political violence or extremist attacks targeting gatherings, polling centers, and religious sites. US citizens were urged to avoid demonstrations, remain vigilant, and exercise extra caution near large crowds.

The embassy’s notice emphasized that even peaceful demonstrations could turn confrontational and lead to violence. It advised citizens to stay aware of their surroundings, monitor local news, and keep communication devices charged. The alert also noted that the Bangladesh government has announced restrictions on motorcycle movement from February 10 and on all transport on February 11 and 12. Consequently, the US Embassy will provide limited in-person services on those two days.

The advisory further recommended that US citizens review personal security plans and prepare alternative travel routes during the election period.

Hasnat Abdullah, the Jamaat-NCP alliance candidate for Cumilla-4 (Debidwar) constituency and chief organizer of NCP’s southern region, made sharp remarks against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during an election march on Friday across Rajamehar and Bhani unions in Debidwar upazila. He claimed no one in the country was a bigger intimidator than Hasina and urged voters to reject corruption and vote manipulation.

During his campaign, Abdullah accused the ruling Awami League of past electoral irregularities, alleging that even deceased individuals had been recorded as voters. He called on residents to ensure only living, eligible voters cast ballots and pledged to work for the people if elected. He also encouraged unity beyond political or religious divisions and urged collective resistance against any attempt at vote rigging, even in the presence of administration.

The campaign event was attended by local leaders from Jamaat and NCP, including Saiful Islam Shahid, Professor Shahidul Islam, Md. Jahangir Alam, and Nahidul Islam Nahid, along with activists from various unions and municipalities.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman paid tribute to the late BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, describing her as a determined fighter against domination. He made the remarks on Friday, January 30, 2026, at a public rally organized by Feni District Jamaat at the Pilot School field in Feni, where he recalled her political stance and expressed respect for her leadership.

During the election rally, Dr. Rahman announced plans to establish government medical colleges in all 36 districts, including Feni, ensuring that no district in Bangladesh would be deprived of such facilities. He also promised to address the unresolved issue of a local dam through discussions with neighboring India and pledged to build an international-standard stadium in Feni, citing the district’s economic contributions and large expatriate population.

The Jamaat chief emphasized his commitment to protecting national interests and serving the people, assuring residents that Feni would receive its due share of development if his party were given the opportunity to serve.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that 'Miya Muslims' should vote in Bangladesh instead of Assam, adding that Muslims should be harassed so they leave the state. He stated that his government is openly against the 'Miya Muslims' and instructed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers to file large numbers of Form 7 objections against suspected foreign nationals during the ongoing voter list revision. According to Sarma, BJP workers have already submitted around 500,000 such forms.

The remarks have triggered strong criticism from opposition parties. Assam Congress leaders have written to India’s Chief Justice protesting the directive to file mass objections, calling it an attempt to target a specific community and interfere in the electoral process. A public interest litigation has also been filed in the Gauhati High Court seeking judicial intervention. Opposition groups including Congress, Raijor Dal, Assam Jatiya Parishad, and CPI(M) have jointly submitted a memorandum to the state’s Chief Electoral Officer.

The controversy comes ahead of Assam’s upcoming assembly elections, with voter list revisions underway as part of pre-election procedures.

The government of Bangladesh has declared February 11 as a public holiday ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for February 12, which is already a general holiday. With the following Friday and Saturday being weekly holidays, citizens will have a continuous four-day break surrounding the election period. Despite the extended holiday, nationwide restrictions will apply to public transportation and inter-district travel to maintain security and order.

Former Election Commission official Jesmin Tuli told the BBC that voting is not mandatory in Bangladesh, and citizens may travel if they wish. However, entry to certain voting areas may be restricted to prevent external interference or violence. On election day, personal vehicles, long-distance buses, launches, and trains are typically prohibited from operating to reduce unnecessary movement and ensure law and order.

Citizens are encouraged to spend time with family, participate in local social or religious activities, or complete personal tasks. Emergency services such as hospitals, ambulances, fire service, and utilities will remain operational. Authorities emphasize that following election laws and commission guidelines will help ensure a peaceful and safe voting day.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) announced its 36-point election manifesto at an event held on Friday, November 30, at the Lakeshore Grand Hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka. NCP Convener Nahid Islam stated that although the party has joined an 11-party electoral alliance, its struggle for a new political arrangement continues. Representatives from various political parties, civil society, and diplomats attended the event, where party spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan and other central leaders also spoke.

Nahid Islam described the occasion as a historic moment for the NCP, which emerged in the aftermath of a mass uprising following 2024. He explained that the party’s leadership and ideology were shaped by that movement, emphasizing the need to abolish fascist systems and establish a new political order. He noted that the NCP’s agenda focuses on youth empowerment and restoring citizens’ dignity, which he said had been repeatedly undermined over the past 16 years.

The NCP’s manifesto and alliance participation signal its intent to pursue democratic reforms and engage younger generations in Bangladesh’s political, economic, and social transformation.

Government employees in Bangladesh are set to enjoy a four-day holiday at the beginning of February 2026. According to the Islamic Foundation, the holy Shab-e-Barat will be observed on the night of Tuesday, February 3. Following this, the government has declared Wednesday, February 4, as a public holiday through an executive order. By taking an additional day off on Thursday, February 5, employees can extend their break to four consecutive days, as Friday and Saturday (February 6 and 7) are regular weekends.

The Ministry of Public Administration’s 2026 holiday notification lists 14 general holidays and 14 holidays by executive order, with nine of them coinciding with weekends. The schedule also includes five holidays for Muslim festivals, nine for Hindu festivals, eight for Christian festivals, seven for Buddhist festivals, and two optional holidays for employees from small ethnic groups.

This arrangement provides government workers with an early opportunity in the year to plan extended personal or family time without using many leave days.

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order initiating the process of imposing additional tariffs on countries that sell oil to Cuba. The order, reported by TRT World, does not specify the tariff rates or identify the targeted countries, leaving those decisions to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. According to U.S. authorities, the move aims to pressure Cuba and protect American national security and foreign policy interests.

The executive order grants Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Secretary of State Marco Rubio the authority to take all necessary steps to implement the tariffs. It also allows Trump to refrain from imposing measures if Cuba or oil-supplying nations take actions consistent with U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives.

Cuba, under U.S. sanctions since 1962, has relied heavily on oil imports from Venezuela. The report notes that the United States has effectively taken control of Venezuela’s oil exports after removing Havana’s key ally, Nicolás Maduro.

U.S. President Donald Trump said that military action against Iran might not be necessary, indicating a preference for renewed diplomatic engagement. Speaking on Thursday at the launch of a documentary, he stated that he plans further discussions with Tehran over a potential nuclear agreement. Trump noted that U.S. military forces are currently moving toward Iran but expressed hope that they would not need to be used.

In his remarks, Trump emphasized that he had strengthened U.S. military power during his first term and reiterated his willingness to negotiate with Iran again. He urged Tehran to reach a nuclear deal quickly and warned that any future attack would be far more severe. The comments come amid heightened tensions following a 12-day war between Israel and Tehran, during which the United States reportedly bombed three Iranian nuclear sites in June.

Trump’s statements suggest a dual approach of military readiness and diplomatic outreach, leaving open the possibility of de-escalation if talks progress toward a new nuclear accord.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and head of the 11-party alliance, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, announced plans to establish government medical colleges in 36 districts, including Feni. He also promised specialized hospitals, embankment construction along the Feni River, and a modern stadium in Feni. The announcement came during an election rally organized by the local Jamaat-e-Islami at Feni Government Pilot High School field on Friday morning.

During his speech, Dr. Rahman said the country had been freed from misrule through the July 24 revolution and recalled his humanitarian visit to Feni during a devastating flood. He mentioned that the people of Feni would remember Abrar Fahad for his remarks about the Feni River. He urged voters to unite behind the 11-party alliance candidates in Feni’s three constituencies to build a new Bangladesh.

The event was attended by senior leaders of Jamaat, Shibir, and the 11-party alliance, including Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Maulana A.T.M. Masum, Professor Liaquat Ali Bhuiyan, and others.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has called for the establishment of a regional security framework in the Middle East built on mutual trust rather than rivalry. In an interview broadcast on Thursday by Al Jazeera, Fidan said lasting stability can only be achieved through inclusive regional cooperation, not through the dominance of any single power.

Fidan identified a lack of trust among Gulf states as the main obstacle to effective security collaboration. Drawing a comparison with the European Union, he argued that Middle Eastern countries could also unite responsibly to ensure regional stability. Responding to a question about the Saudi Arabia–Pakistan defense agreement and Turkey’s potential involvement, he emphasized that any such arrangement should be more inclusive and free from Turkish, Arab, Persian, or any other form of dominance.

On Syria, Fidan stated that Turkey is doing its utmost to facilitate the ceasefire process in the war-torn country.

Hamidur Rahman, former general secretary of Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Narsingdi district unit, has formally joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. The announcement was confirmed on Thursday night, with district Jamaat leaders welcoming him at an event attended by Assistant Secretary Mokbul Hossain and Publicity Secretary Amirul Islam. Narsingdi-1 constituency candidate Md. Ibrahim Bhuiyan posted photos of the reception on his verified Facebook page. Around 300 more Islami Andolan activists are expected to join Jamaat next Monday.

Rahman said his decision stemmed from dissatisfaction over tensions within the 11-party electoral alliance that included Islami Andolan and Jamaat. He cited internal disagreements, the party’s inability to compromise on minor issues, and its departure from the “one box policy” as reasons for the shift. Bhuiyan expressed optimism that Rahman’s organizational experience would strengthen Jamaat’s movement in the district.

The upcoming mass joining event is expected to further consolidate Jamaat’s local organizational base in Narsingdi, according to the statements made at the ceremony.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman is scheduled to visit Hatibandha in Lalmonirhat on February 4 to attend an election rally. The event is being organized in connection with the upcoming parliamentary election and referendum. He will participate in the rally for the ‘Dharipalla’ symbol candidate in the Lalmonirhat-1 constituency, which includes Patgram and Hatibandha.

Anwarul Islam Raju, Jamaat’s central committee vice president for industry and commerce and the ‘Dharipalla’ candidate for Lalmonirhat-1, confirmed the visit. He said Dr. Rahman will deliver a major speech at a large public gathering, though the exact venue has not yet been finalized. District Jamaat Ameer and Lalmonirhat-3 ‘Dharipalla’ candidate Advocate Abu Taher stated that the rally will begin at 10 a.m., where Dr. Rahman will speak as the chief guest.

Preparations are reportedly underway to ensure the event proceeds peacefully, and Dr. Rahman is also expected to engage in voter outreach activities for the ‘Dharipalla’ symbol.

Election authorities in Osmaninagar upazila of Sylhet have initiated extensive renovation and security measures at polling centers ahead of the upcoming national election. The program includes infrastructure upgrades and the installation of modern surveillance systems to ensure fair, neutral, and secure voting. According to the upazila election office, Osmaninagar has 54 polling centers, of which 38 are located in primary schools. Renovation work has been approved for 36 of these schools, with two phases of funding totaling over 27 lakh taka.

Upazila Primary Education Officer Md. Saiful Islam Talukder stated that the renovation work is being closely monitored with transparency, including photographic documentation from site supervisors. To strengthen security, the Election Commission has allocated 20 CCTV cameras for the upazila, while the district administration is funding six cameras for each primary school-based center. High school-based centers will install cameras using their own funds, and additional cameras are being added to centers with existing systems.

District Commissioner and Returning Officer Sarwar Alam said all polling centers will be brought under CCTV coverage to ensure voter safety and transparency. Local residents believe these measures will enhance security and voter confidence.

India’s policy of strategic autonomy—maintaining independent foreign and defense decisions without external pressure—is under growing strain as global polarization deepens. Once rooted in the Non-Aligned Movement and symbolizing postcolonial independence, the approach now faces rising economic, military, and diplomatic costs. India’s balancing act among the United States, Russia, and China has become increasingly difficult, with each relationship presenting new constraints and limited reciprocal benefits.

The article notes that India’s refusal to support Western sanctions on Russia while importing discounted energy has drawn scrutiny and trade pressure from Washington. Simultaneously, India’s dependence on Chinese intermediate goods persists despite recurring border tensions, widening its trade deficit. Russia’s supply limitations due to the Ukraine conflict have also burdened India’s defense operations. Although India has deepened cooperation with Western partners, its access to advanced technology remains restricted.

Diplomatically, India’s cautious stance on global conflicts has led to perceptions of isolation, as it struggles to secure meaningful concessions from allies. The analysis concludes that strategic autonomy, once a shield of sovereignty, now risks becoming a liability unless India redefines its priorities and diversifies its partnerships.