The final day of campaigning for the upcoming parliamentary election in Chattogram concluded in a largely peaceful and festive atmosphere across 16 constituencies. Candidates and their supporters wrapped up their activities without major incidents, a stark contrast to the pre-schedule period marked by violence and 24 killings linked to political rivalries. Authorities credit the calm to the responsible behavior of candidates and tolerance among party activists.

Despite the peaceful campaign, concerns remain over potential violence on election day. Law enforcement agencies are focusing on controlling five armed groups allegedly led by two expatriate crime figures, Sazzad Ali Khan and Habib Khan, both accused in major murder cases. Intelligence sources report that these groups, composed of hired shooters, remain active locally. Allegations have also surfaced linking some BNP and Jamaat leaders to these networks, though the accused politicians deny involvement.

Returning Officer Zahidul Islam Miah said extensive security measures are in place, including heavy deployment of law enforcement and 115 magistrates. He expressed confidence in the administration’s ability to counter any attempt to disrupt the polls and urged all parties to maintain the festive spirit on election day.

Bangladesh has signed a new trade agreement with the United States, reducing its counter-tariff rate by one percentage point to 19 percent. The deal, finalized a week after a separate US-India trade understanding, includes a key provision allowing certain Bangladeshi garments made with US cotton and synthetic fibers to enter the American market duty-free. This clause has sparked concern among Indian textile exporters and cotton traders, who fear losing competitiveness in the US market where Indian products still face an 18 percent tariff.

India’s textile sector, which contributes 2.3 percent to its GDP and sends about 30 percent of its exports to the US, had initially welcomed Washington’s tariff reduction from 50 to 18 percent. However, the new Bangladesh-US deal is seen as undermining that advantage. Analysts note that Bangladesh, the world’s largest cotton importer, may now shift more purchases toward US cotton, further pressuring Indian cotton exporters.

The development has already affected Indian textile and yarn company shares, while the opposition Congress party criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, calling the deal a dual blow to India’s economy and textile workers.

The Cabinet Division of Bangladesh on Tuesday released the wealth statements of the advisers to the interim government, revealing that Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus’s total assets increased by Tk 16.1 million over the past fiscal year. His wealth rose from Tk 141.4 million on June 30, 2024, to Tk 156.2 million on June 30, 2025, mainly due to encashment of savings certificates, growth in deposits, and inherited shares. In contrast, his wife Afrozi Yunus’s assets declined by Tk 8.4 million during the same period.

According to the published data, Dr. Yunus’s financial assets now stand at Tk 147.6 million, while his non-financial assets amount to Tk 2.1 million. He also holds Tk 6.4 million in overseas assets. The Cabinet Division report also detailed the wealth of other advisers, including increases for Adilur Rahman Khan, Wahiduddin Mahmud, and others, and decreases for Syeda Rizwana Hasan and Mostofa Sarwar Farooki. The most affluent adviser is Sheikh Bashiruddin, with assets totaling Tk 916.5 million.

The publication follows Dr. Yunus’s earlier commitment in August 2024 to make asset declarations mandatory for all advisers and, eventually, for all government officials as part of anti-corruption measures.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin will deliver a televised address to the nation on Wednesday evening ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary election. The Election Commission confirmed on Tuesday that the speech was recorded earlier that evening and will be broadcast simultaneously on Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, and all private TV and radio channels.

According to Election Commission sources, the CEC is expected to inform citizens about the overall election preparations and urge voters to exercise their voting rights without fear. His address will also cover the distribution of election materials nationwide, security arrangements for 42,659 polling centers, and deployment of 958,000 law enforcement personnel. He will highlight the use of CCTV cameras and drone surveillance to ensure a fair environment and reaffirm the Commission’s commitment to holding a free, neutral, and participatory election.

The report notes that in his previous national address on December 11 of the previous year, the CEC had announced the election schedule.

Mahmudur Rahman, writing on February 11, 2026, called for a renewed national unity against fascism ahead of Bangladesh’s national election scheduled for the next day. He urged voters to reject parties and candidates he associated with past authoritarianism, corruption, and foreign influence, particularly those he accused of enabling Sheikh Hasina’s rule and Indian dominance. Rahman also encouraged citizens to support a referendum option symbolizing freedom and equality, portraying it as a choice between democracy and subjugation.

He argued that the upcoming election campaign had been notably less violent than previous ones, crediting the absence of the banned Awami League for the relative calm. Rahman recounted historical incidents of violence he attributed to the Awami League and warned against rehabilitating the party before it reformed. He expressed hope that a democratically elected government would take office before Ramadan and dismissed the idea of a national government, citing past misuse of the concept.

Rahman concluded by urging both government and opposition to unite on five issues: resisting foreign dominance, preventing fascism’s return, ensuring justice for past killings, and guaranteeing equal rights for all citizens.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam Bulbul returned to Dhaka after a joint meeting with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) in Lahore. Following the talks, BCB confirmed that Bangladesh would not face any sanctions for missing the recent World Cup. Bulbul stated that the ICC, unable to provide direct financial compensation, offered Bangladesh opportunities to host upcoming tournaments, including the Women’s Under-19 World Cup next year and the 50-over World Cup jointly with India in 2031.

Bulbul described the meeting as a success that strengthened Bangladesh’s position within the ICC, asserting that the country had proven itself a “cricket power house.” He thanked the PCB for its support, noting that Pakistan had advocated for Bangladesh’s participation and even considered boycotting a match against India in solidarity. Bulbul emphasized that this outcome was not a “win” but recognition of Bangladesh’s importance as an ICC member.

He added that cricket’s popularity in Bangladesh and the region’s high player and viewership numbers made the country indispensable to the global cricket structure.

The Road Transport and Highways Division of Bangladesh has imposed a nationwide ban on motorcycle movement for 72 hours starting from midnight on February 10, 2026. The restriction, announced through a circular signed by Deputy Secretary Al-Amin Md. Nurul Islam of the BRTA Establishment Branch, is part of security measures for the 13th National Parliament Election and referendum scheduled for February 12.

According to the circular, the motorcycle ban will remain effective until midnight on February 13. Additionally, the movement of taxis, pickups, microbuses, and trucks will be restricted for 24 hours from midnight on February 11 to midnight on February 12. Exceptions apply to vehicles used by law enforcement, armed forces, administration, accredited observers, emergency services, and media, as well as those carrying medicines, newspapers, or passengers to and from airports with valid proof.

The circular also authorizes district magistrates and metropolitan police commissioners to impose or relax vehicle restrictions as needed during the election period.

Ahead of the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election and referendum, authorities in Khansama upazila of Dinajpur have heightened security after identifying 44 out of 52 polling centers as risky. All centers have been brought under CCTV surveillance, and the entire upazila has been placed under strict security coverage. Law enforcement agencies cited past electoral violence, political tensions, local disputes, and geographical factors as reasons for the classification.

To maintain order, two platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh, three platoons of the army, and one platoon of Battalion Ansar have been deployed. Each polling center will have 13 Ansar members, including three armed personnel, supported by regular police patrols and intelligence monitoring. Local voters expressed both confidence and concern, noting that the extensive security measures reflect the sensitivity of the situation.

Officials stated that gatherings, processions, and suspicious activities near polling areas are being closely monitored. Reserve army teams are on standby for rapid intervention if unrest occurs, and movement of polling officials in risky centers is under special caution.

Bangladesh is set to hold its 13th National Parliamentary Election and a constitutional referendum on February 12, 2026, marking what is described as the country’s first major step toward restoring democracy after two decades of authoritarian rule. The election follows the fall of the previous government in mid-2024 and the formation of an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, who pledged to organize a free and festive vote. Fifty-one of the country’s 59 registered political parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, are participating, while the Awami League remains banned.

The Election Commission has promised a free, fair, and credible process, deploying one hundred thousand soldiers and nine hundred thousand law enforcement officers to ensure security. Voters will cast two ballots—one for parliament and another for the “July Charter” constitutional reform. The campaign period has been largely peaceful and heavily digital, with social media playing a central role. Analysts note that while the election represents a symbolic democratic milestone, its success will depend on post-election stability and the new government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

The vote is widely viewed as a historic opportunity for citizens to reclaim their electoral rights after 15 years of manipulated elections.

A mobile court conducted by the Goaland Upazila administration in Rajbari fined a transport operator for overcharging passengers ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum. The operation took place on Tuesday, February 10, at Daulatdia ferry terminal and bus stand, led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Muntasir Hasan Khan, with law enforcement personnel present. The court imposed a fine of 5,000 taka on a Poradah-bound transport company under Section 40 of the Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009, after confirming the allegation of excessive fare collection.

During the operation, the administration arranged for the immediate refund of the excess fare to the affected passengers through the transport authority. Muntasir Hasan Khan stated that such drives would continue to prevent passenger harassment and fare manipulation during the election period, ensuring safe and smooth travel for homebound passengers.

Local passengers welcomed the initiative, expressing that regular monitoring and strict enforcement could significantly reduce fare-related harassment.

Eight firearms looted from the Hatikumrul Highway Police Station in Sirajganj during the nationwide anti-discrimination student movement remain unrecovered. The attack occurred on August 4, 2024, when protesters vandalized and set fire to the station, seizing weapons and ammunition. More than a year and a half later, police have yet to locate the missing arms, which include four Chinese rifles, two pistols, two gas guns, and over 150 rounds of ammunition. A case under the Explosives Act has been filed at Solonga Police Station.

Sirajganj police officials said operations and intelligence surveillance have continued since the incident. However, both the Officer-in-Charge Ismail Hossain and Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) Hafizur Rahman admitted that the exact number of looted weapons remains uncertain. Local political leaders expressed concern that failure to recover the arms before the upcoming 13th parliamentary election could heighten the risk of violence.

Residents of Hatikumrul voiced fears that unresolved security issues might discourage voter turnout. Civil groups warned that delays in recovering the weapons pose a broader threat to district security and urged stronger law enforcement and intelligence measures before the election.

In Rangpur, just hours before the start of parliamentary and referendum voting, leaders of the 11-party alliance have alleged widespread irregularities and use of black money by rival candidates. They claimed that despite the official end of campaigning, candidates continued distributing cash, saris, and lungis to voters. The alliance particularly accused Jatiya Party candidates of openly hosting feasts and handing out money, while the administration allegedly remained silent. A total of 43 candidates are contesting across six constituencies in Rangpur.

The alliance also accused BNP candidates of violating the electoral code by keeping colorful banners and posters displayed in public areas. Complaints were reportedly filed with authorities, but no action was taken. In several constituencies, including Rangpur-1 through Rangpur-6, specific candidates from BNP and Jatiya Party were named in allegations of bribery and intimidation. The 11-party leaders said the Election Commission had failed to ensure a level playing field.

Rangpur’s returning officer and district commissioner Enamul Ahsan denied any bias, stating that law enforcement and executive magistrates were active in the field and that any verified complaint would be addressed immediately.

With just one day left before Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election and referendum, Gopalganj district remains calm and free of violence despite early concerns. The election will be held nationwide on Thursday morning. Local authorities, including the district returning officer and law enforcement agencies, have held meetings with candidates to ensure order. So far, no untoward incidents have been reported since campaigning began on January 22, and officials expect a fair and peaceful vote if the situation remains stable.

The district administration has implemented extensive security measures, recalling past unrest from July 2025. Around 1,400 police officers, along with army and RAB personnel, will be deployed, and all polling centers will have CCTV and body cameras. Gopalganj has 1.092 million registered voters across 397 polling centers, of which 385 are marked as vulnerable. Thirty candidates from multiple parties, including BNP, the 11-party alliance, and independent contenders, are competing across three constituencies.

Despite the calm, uncertainty persists over voter turnout as some banned local leaders have urged boycotts on social media, creating unease among residents.

Voting for Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election is set to begin tomorrow, with Bogura emerging as a key battleground. Across its seven constituencies, a fierce contest is anticipated mainly between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. Analysts and voters suggest that beyond party symbols, issues such as development, price control, employment, and local leadership credibility will determine outcomes. BNP supporters aim to secure all seven seats for party chairman Tarique Rahman, while Jamaat leaders expect to win at least two.

Bogura has 2.98 million registered voters across 12 upazilas and 11 municipalities, with 34 candidates from nine parties contesting. Political observers note that although Bogura is traditionally seen as a BNP stronghold, the party faces tough competition in six constituencies. Local issues vary by area, including river erosion, fair crop prices, infrastructure, and youth employment. A few controversies have surfaced, including allegations of ID card misuse and one candidate’s withdrawal citing unfair conditions.

Analysts predict a close race, with BNP possibly losing one or two seats due to its split from Jamaat. Voter enthusiasm remains high, with expectations for fair elections and development-focused leadership.

A joint forces drill was held in Brahmanbaria to ensure security at polling centers and prevent untoward incidents during the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The exercise took place on Tuesday afternoon at the Suhilpur Union Parishad field under the leadership of Brigadier General Mehedi Hasan Chowdhury. Members of the army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), police, and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) participated in the operation.

The drill simulated a potential violent situation at a polling center where a group of attackers attempted to seize control and create panic among voters while taking the presiding officer hostage. Security forces, including the army and BGB, responded swiftly, using armored vehicles to regain control and restore order. A military helicopter was also deployed to evacuate injured personnel as part of the exercise.

According to the district returning officer’s office, Brahmanbaria has 805 polling centers across six constituencies, of which 574 have been identified as vulnerable.