The World Bank has approved $370 million in financing to improve sanitation and solid waste management services in Dhaka and surrounding areas. The decision was made at the organization’s executive board meeting in Washington, D.C. The funding will support the 'Metro Dhaka Water Security and Resilience' program, aimed at reducing water pollution, restoring rivers and canals, and strengthening the capacity of local and national institutions.

According to the World Bank, the initiative will provide improved sanitation for about 550,000 people and better waste management for another 500,000, prioritizing pollution-prone and underserved areas. The program will engage both public and private sectors, focusing on industrial waste treatment, water reuse, and awareness campaigns to prevent dumping and direct discharge into drainage networks. It will also establish digital real-time pollution monitoring and create an integrated restoration plan for Dhaka’s four main rivers.

The first phase will cover selected areas in Dhaka and Narayanganj, enhancing waste collection coverage and supporting communities near major rivers and canals. The project is part of Bangladesh’s broader water security and long-term environmental planning.

The United States has proposed supplying military equipment to Bangladesh’s new government and its allies to reduce reliance on Chinese defense systems. US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen told Reuters on February 10 that Washington is concerned about China’s growing influence in South Asia and is committed to working closely with Dhaka to clarify the risks of certain agreements with Beijing.

The ambassador explained that the US and its partner countries are offering advanced defense equipment to help Bangladesh diversify its military procurement. The move follows a period of shifting regional influence: after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s stay in India in August 2024, India’s sway over Bangladesh reportedly declined, allowing China to strengthen its presence. Bangladesh and China recently signed a defense agreement that includes plans for a drone factory near the Indian border and discussions with Pakistan on purchasing JF-17 Thunder fighter jets.

China’s foreign ministry stated that the Bangladesh-China relationship is based on strategic partnership and should not involve interference from any third country. The US also expressed interest in deepening economic ties, emphasizing trade diplomacy and encouraging American investment in Bangladesh.

Barrister Kaiser Kamal, the BNP candidate for the Netrakona-1 constituency, has been unofficially declared the winner in 122 out of 124 polling centers, according to local reports from Durgapur, Netrakona, published on February 12, 2026. The report indicates that the results are based on unofficial counts from nearly all centers in the constituency.

The election saw a total of 127,711,895 registered voters nationwide, including 64,825,151 men, 62,885,524 women, and 1,120 transgender voters. Alongside Kaiser Kamal’s victory, BNP candidates were reported ahead in Magura-1 and Magura-2 constituencies, while BNP’s Asaduzzaman was unofficially declared winner in Jhenaidah-1. In Rangpur-4, NCP’s Akhtar Hossain was leading, and in Bhola-3, BNP candidate Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin was ahead.

These unofficial results suggest significant progress for BNP candidates in multiple constituencies, though final official confirmation from the Election Commission was not mentioned in the report.

In Khulna-5 constituency, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s secretary general and party candidate Mia Golam Porwar has been defeated by BNP’s candidate Mohammad Ali Asgar, popularly known as Lobi. According to unofficial results, Asgar, contesting with the paddy sheaf symbol, secured 148,887 votes including postal ballots, while Porwar, contesting with the balance scale symbol, received 146,888 votes. The BNP candidate won by a margin of 1,999 votes.

The Khulna-5 constituency comprises Phultala, Dumuria upazilas, and the Gilatala Cantonment area. It has a total of 150 polling centers and 402,798 registered voters. The results were reported by the Khulna bureau of the newspaper.

The report also mentioned other election outcomes across the country, including victories for candidates in Dhaka-4, Dhaka-6, and Dhaka-18 constituencies, as well as a warning from Jamaat about movements against alleged conspiracies over vote results.

A delegation from the United States-based International Republican Institute (IRI) met with Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday afternoon at the party’s central office in Moghbazar, Dhaka. According to the party’s central publicity department, the meeting was held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere.

During the meeting, discussions were held on the upcoming February 12 election and various related issues. The report did not specify the names or number of IRI representatives present, nor did it detail the specific topics discussed beyond the election reference.

The meeting reflects continued engagement between international organizations and political parties in Bangladesh in the context of the approaching national election.

In the 13th National Parliamentary Election, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Md. Salauddin Ayyubi, contesting with the 'balance scale' symbol, won the Gazipur-4 (Kapasia) constituency by a margin of 9,247 votes. According to preliminary results from all 122 polling centers, Ayyubi secured 99,407 votes, while his nearest rival, BNP candidate Shah Riazul Hannan, received 90,160 votes.

The Gazipur-4 constituency comprises 11 unions, 99 wards, 122 polling centers, and 654 booths, with a total of 325,556 registered voters. Among them, 160,007 are male and 165,549 are female voters. Based on the announced results, Salauddin Ayyubi has been declared the winning candidate for the Kapasia seat with a significant lead.

The report also mentioned results from other constituencies, including BNP’s victory in Pabna-5 and three of Patuakhali’s four seats, while Jamaat secured one seat there, and Jamaat candidate Abdul Warech won in Gaibandha-5.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin has called on all citizens to maintain peace and harmony during the upcoming parliamentary election and referendum. In a televised address to the nation on Wednesday evening, he urged voters to come to polling centers spontaneously, cast their votes, and accept the results with respect. He emphasized that collective participation would make the election meaningful and successful.

In his message, the CEC paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War and the July uprising, noting their sacrifices paved the way for the country’s democratic progress. He described voting as not only a right but also a civic duty, urging citizens to exercise it responsibly to strengthen democratic institutions. He also appealed to election officials, law enforcement, journalists, and observers to perform their duties sincerely and assist in managing any unforeseen situations.

Nasir Uddin expressed optimism that through joint efforts, the nation would witness a fair, peaceful, and festive election, with enthusiastic voter participation ensuring its success.

The Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) announced that a special nationwide security plan has been implemented ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and Referendum 2026. Speaking to reporters after inspecting polling centers in Dhaka on Wednesday, he said RAB is fully prepared to ensure that citizens can exercise their voting rights in a safe and peaceful environment. Under the Election Commission’s directive, RAB is operating as mobile and striking forces across all electoral areas from February 8 to 14.

According to the RAB chief, around 700 patrol teams are currently active across the country, supported by reserve striking units in each battalion and camp. Thirty patrol teams under RAB headquarters are on standby as central reserves for emergencies. Dog squads have been deployed in Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, and Cox’s Bazar, while bomb disposal units have been divided into seven zones nationwide. Intelligence officers in plain clothes are gathering information at every constituency, and a cyber monitoring team is tracking online misinformation.

RAB has also intensified checkpoints at key entry and exit points, highways, and sensitive urban areas. The force urged voters to cooperate with law enforcement and report any violence, intimidation, or electoral misconduct immediately.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin delivered a televised address to the nation on Wednesday evening, beginning at 7 p.m., ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the upcoming referendum. The announcement was made through the online platform of Amar Desh on February 11, 2026.

The speech marked a formal communication from the Election Commission to the public in preparation for the national polls and referendum. The event underscores the commission’s role in guiding the electoral process and informing citizens about key developments related to the election period.

Further details of the address, including its content or specific directives, were not disclosed in the report.

Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator of the NCP and Jamaat alliance candidate for Dhaka-8, has launched a new website aimed at curbing extortion. The platform, chandabaaj.com, went live on Wednesday, fulfilling a promise Patwari had made earlier. He confirmed the launch himself, urging citizens to report any incidents of extortion in their areas with proper evidence so that offenders can be identified and legal action can be taken.

According to the NCP, by Wednesday evening the website had already received eight reports from across the country. The party stated that these submissions will be carefully reviewed and necessary legal measures will follow against those found involved. Patwari emphasized that the initiative reflects his vision of building a Bangladesh free from extortion and corruption.

The launch marks a digital step in community-driven crime reporting, with the NCP pledging to ensure transparency and accountability through the new platform.

Thirty-two executive magistrates will operate mobile courts across Dhaka metropolis for five days starting Tuesday to maintain law and order during the election period. The initiative will be conducted under the supervision of the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) of Dhaka. The magistrates have been empowered under sections 89(A), 73(2B), and 74(2B) of the Representation of the People Order, 1972.

According to an official notification signed by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Md. Sefatullah on behalf of the CMM, the names of the 32 magistrates and their assigned electoral areas have been listed. Each magistrate will report to the respective District Magistrate or Returning Officer after appointment and will keep them informed about mobile court operations.

The empowered magistrates are required to submit daily reports on their activities in a prescribed format to both the District Magistrate and the Returning Officer. The measure aims to ensure effective enforcement of election laws and discipline across Dhaka during the polling period.

Ganosamhati Andolan’s chief coordinator Jonayed Abdur Rahim Saki has said that voter identity must be ensured during polling. Speaking at a press conference held on Wednesday afternoon at Amena Plaza in Brahmanbaria municipality, he emphasized respect for religious attire but noted that it should not hinder voter identification. Saki warned that certain special clothing could facilitate fraudulent voting.

He expressed concern about possible election engineering, alleging that the administration might act in favor of a particular party and overlook irregularities such as fake voting, polling center occupation, and the use of illicit money. Complaints have reportedly been submitted to the administration, which has promised action. Saki further stated that the people of the country would not accept any election engineering attempts and that resistance would be organized if such efforts occur.

The press conference was conducted by Upazila BNP president Mehedi Hasan Palash, with former MP M A Khalek and other leaders in attendance.

Media Watch Bangladesh reported that mainstream media outlets gave the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) more prominence than Jamaat-e-Islami in election campaign coverage over an 18-day period. The findings were presented on Wednesday at the National Press Club by Research Coordinator Plabon Tariq, based on data from nine print, five online, and seven electronic media outlets between January 22 and February 9, 2026.

According to the analysis, print media published 747 BNP-related election reports compared to 364 on Jamaat, while online media carried 1,498 BNP stories and 827 on Jamaat. In television bulletins, BNP received an average of 105 minutes of daily coverage, compared to 54 minutes for Jamaat. The study included major outlets such as Prothom Alo, The Daily Star, Somokal, Kaler Kantho, and Jamuna Television.

Plabon Tariq stated that the purpose of the study was to quantitatively assess how much coverage each party received during the 13th National Parliamentary Election campaign. He emphasized that the analysis was not intended to blame any outlet but showed that most media failed to maintain balance and gave BNP comparatively greater attention.

Police detained Belal Uddin Pradhan, the Thakurgaon district chief of Jamaat-e-Islami, at Saidpur Airport on Wednesday after receiving a tip-off that he was traveling from Dhaka with a large sum of money. Upon inspection, authorities found Tk 7.4 million in his bag, confirmed Additional Superintendent of Police Mohsin (Administration) of Nilphamari. A video of his questioning showed that Pradhan could not specify the exact amount but mentioned it exceeded Tk 5 million.

Belal Uddin Pradhan claimed the money was related to his business, not for election spending, and alleged that a group was spreading propaganda against Jamaat leaders. Following his detention, he reported feeling unwell and was admitted to the cardiology department of Rangpur Medical College Hospital. Police stated that they are investigating the source and intended use of the money.

According to police sources, investigators are also examining whether the funds were meant for election-related activities ahead of the upcoming polls. Pradhan, a teacher at Salandar Degree College, identifies himself as a garments businessman and resides in Thakurgaon’s Hajipara area.

Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General and head of publicity Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair alleged that a rival political party, having lost public confidence, has turned aggressive through attacks and conspiracies. He made the remarks at a press briefing held on Wednesday at the party’s central office in Moghbazar, Dhaka, ahead of the national election scheduled for February 12. Zubair claimed that Jamaat candidates, agents, and workers were being attacked across the country, including incidents in Dhaka-15, Pabna, Moulvibazar, Barguna, and Cumilla.

He accused the rival party of attempting to disrupt a peaceful voting environment and said that law enforcement and parts of the administration appeared biased. Zubair also condemned an alleged staged incident at Saidpur Airport involving a Jamaat official carrying cash, calling it an attempt to malign the party. He urged law enforcement to remain neutral and perform their duties responsibly.

Zubair concluded by calling on citizens to participate in the election in a festive atmosphere and reaffirmed Jamaat’s commitment to building a “new Bangladesh.”