Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, spokesperson and head of the election management committee of the National Citizens Party (NCP), alleged that the media in Bangladesh has been taken over by the BNP and is acting in a one-sided and irresponsible manner. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday night at the party’s temporary central office in Rupayan Trade Center, Banglamotor, Dhaka, he warned that such 'information terrorism' would not be tolerated on election day.

Bhuiyan also claimed that weapons were being stockpiled in various locations ahead of the election and called on joint forces to conduct operations by Wednesday night. He criticized what he described as interference with personal freedoms during money recovery drives and questioned whether keeping a laptop at home could be considered a crime. He further alleged that the Election Commission, returning officers, and law enforcement agencies had failed to maintain neutrality.

The NCP spokesperson reported attacks on candidates and workers of the NCP and its 11-party alliance, along with intimidation of polling agents, urging local election officials to ensure a level playing field.

Salman Al-Azmi, son of former Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh Ameer Ghulam Azam, published an open letter on Facebook addressed to the party’s workers, supporters, and well-wishers. In the post, released on February 12, 2026, he congratulated them for conducting what he described as a positive and united election campaign. He stated that regardless of the result expected the next day, Jamaat had already achieved victory by entering Bangladesh’s political mainstream and gaining broad public support.

Al-Azmi highlighted several points to justify his claim of moral victory, including the growing popularity of Jamaat’s leadership, particularly Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, and the party’s competitive position against the BNP in recent polls. He also noted that online activists and public figures had shown support for the party’s alliance. He urged followers to remain steadfast whether the election result brought victory or defeat.

He concluded by praying for a fair and peaceful election and reminded supporters that true success lies in sincere effort and service to the nation, regardless of electoral outcomes.

Authorities across Bangladesh have strengthened security measures at hundreds of polling centers identified as vulnerable ahead of the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election and referendum. Reports from multiple districts including Chattogram, Nilphamari, Chandpur, Barguna, Bhola, Mymensingh, Jamalpur, Netrokona, and others confirm that local administrations and law enforcement agencies have classified numerous centers as risky or highly risky. In Sitakunda, 48 of 124 centers were marked vulnerable, while in Nilphamari 264 of 562 centers were listed as risky. Similar classifications were made in Faridganj, Betagi, Tajumuddin, Gouripur, Madarganj, Kishoreganj, and Purbadhala.

District administrations have deployed additional police, army, BGB, RAB, and Ansar personnel to ensure peaceful voting. Many centers are now under CCTV surveillance, and officers equipped with body-worn cameras will monitor activities. Executive and judicial magistrates have also been assigned to oversee law and order during the election period.

The Election Commission and local authorities stated that these measures aim to prevent violence and ensure smooth, fair, and secure voting across all constituencies.

BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami activists took positions around several polling centers in Chattogram city on Wednesday night, beginning around 9 p.m. They set up party booths within 100 to 150 yards of the centers, distributing voter slips and maintaining a visible presence in nearby streets and alleys. Law enforcement agencies, including the army, police, BGB, RAB, and Ansar, were also on high alert, conducting patrols, checkpoints, and vehicle inspections, detaining unauthorized cars.

At some centers, such as Abdul Jalil High School in Chattogram-10 and a polling site in Chandgaon Residential Area under Chattogram-8, BNP and Jamaat supporters exchanged slogans accusing each other of vote rigging. Election officials, however, stated that no such incidents occurred and that the slogans were limited to rival groups outside the centers.

BNP representative Abdul Alim said their vigilance stemmed from past experiences of alleged ballot tampering, while Jamaat’s Ismail Hossain claimed the administration’s behavior was becoming increasingly one-sided. Both groups vowed to prevent any attempt to steal votes.

Bangladesh is holding its long-awaited parliamentary election and referendum on Thursday, marking the first such vote since the July Revolution a year and a half ago. The event has drawn intense international attention, with major global outlets covering the country’s renewed attempt at democratic transition after years of disputed polls. Reports highlight both the festive atmosphere across Bangladesh and concerns about the electoral environment and minority safety.

The Guardian emphasized worries over the rise of Islamist parties and potential threats to women’s rights, noting that many women who led the revolution now face uncertainty. Al Jazeera focused on the alliance between the National Council Party (NCP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, suggesting that smaller parties could influence the outcome between the main contenders, BNP and Jamaat. The Associated Press described the vote as a test for democratic norms and minority rights after a decade of political repression.

Indian and Western media, including The Hindu, NDTV, Reuters, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, also reported extensively, highlighting security risks, economic hopes, and the symbolic importance of this election for Bangladesh’s democratic future.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has said his party is confident of winning the people's mandate and forming a government on its own. In an interview with German news agency Deutsche Welle on Wednesday, he stated that a balanced state requires an opposition, adding that if everyone joins the government, the country cannot function properly. He returned to Bangladesh after 17 years abroad and discussed election preparations, youth expectations, foreign policy, and women's empowerment.

Rahman said he expects the election to be fair, reflecting the people's hopes. He described balancing political and personal challenges as his biggest test, noting his mother’s death shortly after his return. He emphasized inclusive development, with plans for youth, women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. On foreign relations, he said Bangladesh’s interests would guide ties with India and China. He also called for women’s economic empowerment to increase their political participation.

Addressing criticism over non-participation by the Awami League, Rahman said political acceptance comes from the people, not force. He defended nominations of loan defaulters, distinguishing between debt and corruption, and affirmed the right to justice for victims of enforced disappearances.

Seven individuals were detained in Jamalpur Sadar’s Narundi area on Wednesday night after BNP activists alleged they were distributing money to voters. The detainees were handed over to police along with Tk 113,000. The arrests took place in front of Mirapara Government Primary School polling center, where the suspects were reportedly sitting in an autorickshaw.

BNP leaders claimed the detainees were working for Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Abdus Sattar and were offering money to secure votes for his ‘daaripalla’ symbol. Jamaat, however, denied any link to the detainees, saying they were falsely labeled as Jamaat activists for political propaganda. Jamaat’s district publicity secretary Zakiyul Islam stated that none of the detained individuals were affiliated with their party.

Narundi Police Investigation Center in-charge Sajibur Rahman confirmed that no campaign materials or leaflets of the Jamaat candidate were found with the detainees. He added that their political affiliation could not be immediately verified and that they would be presented before a mobile court.

Members of the European Union (EU) observation team visited Madaripur on Wednesday to assess the electoral environment ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections. They toured several upazilas, met with presiding officers, election commission officials, and returning officers, and spoke with voters at different polling centers. The EU representatives expressed satisfaction with the overall situation observed during their visit.

Long-term observers Eva Molt and Lars Jirong Fordal stated that they had visited all three parliamentary constituencies in Madaripur and found the situation to be good so far. The two-member team has been monitoring the district for a month and plans to release a preliminary report on February 14, followed by a full report two months later. Election officials assured the EU team of full cooperation to ensure a free and fair election.

According to the returning officer, 25 candidates are contesting across three constituencies, with 381 polling centers—224 marked as vulnerable and 157 as general. Security measures include deployment of police, Ansar, army, BGB, and RAB personnel, along with 24 executive magistrates overseeing the voting process.

The administration has handed over Thakurgaon district Jamaat-e-Islami chief Belal Uddin Pradhan to his family along with the money that was seized during his detention. The handover took place on Wednesday night after he had been hospitalized at Rangpur Medical College Hospital for treatment following his arrest earlier in the day at Saidpur Airport in Nilphamari with a large amount of cash.

At a press conference, the Rangpur district Jamaat chief confirmed that Belal Uddin was seriously ill and under medical care. He stated that the family had verified his release and that further details would be known once Belal recovered. He also alleged that a section of the administration and the media had conducted false propaganda throughout the day to damage the party’s reputation, which the party protested.

The report did not specify the reason for Belal Uddin’s detention or the source of the money, leaving those details unclear.

Law enforcement officials in Lakshmipur detained a vehicle carrying Tk 1.5 million at a checkpoint in the Jhumur area on Wednesday night. The car, used by Badrul Alam Shyamal, a senior vice president of the district Krishak Dal and cousin of BNP candidate Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, was stopped around 8 p.m. The money was later verified as part of Annie’s election fund, and both the cash and the detainee were released following judicial review.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Rezaul Haque confirmed that the money was declared to the judicial magistrate, who found all documents valid and ordered the release without penalty. Judge Tahrina Akter Nowrin of the Lakshmipur District and Sessions Judge Court also confirmed the verification process. Police officials dismissed social media claims about irregularities, stating that the release followed proper legal scrutiny.

BNP candidate Annie said the funds were allocated for election expenses across polling centers and that the detained agents were freed after authorities confirmed the legitimacy of the money. The incident occurred amid heightened election security operations in the district.

Police in Feni recovered the hanging body of Rokhsana Akter Lipi, a 31-year-old female political leader, on Wednesday evening, February 11, 2026. The body was found in a rented apartment at Khalek Mansion on Moksedur Rahman Road in Ward 11 of Feni Municipality. Lipi was the convener of the Ward 11 unit of the Mahila Dal and a member of the municipal BNP. She lived in the apartment with her 13-year-old daughter.

According to Feni Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Gazi Muhammad Fouzul Azim, officers broke open the door after receiving information and recovered the hanging body along with her mobile phone. He stated that the incident initially appeared to be a suicide, though a full investigation is underway to determine the details.

Authorities have not yet released further findings, and the investigation will clarify the circumstances surrounding Lipi’s death once completed.

In Dhaka-6 constituency, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Dr. Abdul Mannan, supported by an 11-party alliance, alleged that three of his workers were unfairly sentenced by a magistrate. He made the claim at an emergency press conference held Wednesday night at Shaheed Junaid Square near Dhupkhola playground in the capital. Mannan stated that the workers were preparing envelopes containing money for challenging fake votes, as permitted by the Election Commission, when BNP activists allegedly attacked them. He said police and a magistrate arrived but sentenced his workers without a hearing.

Dr. Mannan argued that keeping money for challenging fake votes was not illegal and that the punishment disrupted a fair voting environment. He further alleged that BNP activists attacked his polling agents and a presiding officer at Jubilee School, injuring several people, while police and army personnel restored order but made no arrests. Mannan said he would take legal action over the incidents.

He accused the administration of partiality and claimed that BNP activists were trying to intimidate Jamaat supporters out of fear of electoral defeat.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has called an urgent press conference in Dhaka. The announcement was confirmed by the party’s media cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan, who informed that the event will take place at 11 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, at the BNP’s election management office in Gulshan.

According to the information provided, the press conference will be addressed by Nazrul Islam Khan, a member of the BNP’s standing committee and chairman of the party’s election management committee. However, no details have been released regarding the specific issue or topic that prompted the urgent call for the press briefing.

The lack of immediate clarification on the subject matter has drawn attention to the timing and urgency of the announcement, but further information is expected to be shared during the scheduled event.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman visited senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed at Square Hospital in Dhaka on Wednesday night. Rizvi was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday after suffering from fever, cold, and breathing difficulties.

Rizvi Ahmed has been serving as the member secretary of the BNP’s election management committee. His illness and hospitalization prompted the party chief to visit him personally, reflecting concern within the party’s senior leadership.

The report did not provide details about Rizvi’s current health condition or the duration of his hospital stay.

Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, spokesperson and head of the election steering committee of the National Citizens Party (NCP), alleged that weapons were being stockpiled in several areas ahead of the election and urged joint forces to conduct operations by Wednesday night. He made the call during a press conference at the party’s temporary central office in Dhaka’s Banglamotor on Wednesday night.

Bhuiyan accused the media of being dominated by the BNP and acting in a one-sided and irresponsible manner. He claimed that under the guise of money recovery drives, personal freedoms were being violated, citing incidents where political leaders were harassed for carrying small amounts of money. He also criticized what he described as widespread extortion over the past 17 months and questioned whether keeping a laptop at home could now be considered a crime.

The NCP spokesperson further alleged bias among election officials and law enforcement, as well as attacks on NCP and alliance candidates. He called on all responsible institutions to ensure a level playing field until the election concludes.