Shops in Sylhet will remain closed only on Thursday, February 12, the day of the national parliamentary election, according to a decision confirmed by local business leaders. Abdur Rahman Ripon, president of the Sylhet Metropolitan Business Unity Welfare Council and member secretary of the Bangladesh Shop Owners Association’s Sylhet district branch, stated that rumors about a two-day closure are incorrect.

Ripon explained that some unidentified individuals have been spreading misinformation suggesting shops would remain closed for two days, which has caused confusion among traders and the public. He clarified that the Bangladesh Shop Owners Association has not made any such decision. The central committee allows regional branches to decide independently whether to open or close shops based on local convenience.

The Sylhet district branch has therefore decided that all shops in the city will close only on election day, February 12, to facilitate the voting process and maintain order during the national election.

RAB-5 conducted two separate raids in Rajshahi early Tuesday night, recovering a large quantity of homemade weapons and explosives. Acting on secret information, the first operation took place around 3 a.m. in the Uttor Fire Service Station area under Kashiadanga Police Station, where 24 cocktails were seized. In another operation in the Baneshwar Pollapukur Mor area under Puthia Police Station, RAB recovered 40 locally made weapons, including machetes, sickles, knives, axes, and hammers.

According to RAB, the seized items were recovered in the presence of neutral witnesses and handed over to the respective police stations for legal action. Preliminary assessments suggest the weapons and explosives were stockpiled to disrupt the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and the 2026 referendum or to assert local dominance.

RAB-5 stated that intelligence operations and further raids are ongoing to identify and arrest those involved in storing the seized materials.

The Cabinet Division on Tuesday published the asset statements of the chief adviser, all current advisers, and equivalent-ranking individuals of the interim government, along with their spouses. According to the disclosure, Farida Akhter, adviser to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, possesses the lowest amount of assets among the current advisers. Her total assets increased from Tk 8.13 million on June 30, 2024, to Tk 10.22 million on June 30, 2025. Her husband’s assets rose from Tk 10.65 million to Tk 11.02 million during the same period.

The circular was issued in line with a previous notification from October 1, 2024, requiring the publication of asset details for June 30, 2024, and June 30, 2025. The report also noted that former Information Adviser Mahfuz Alam, who resigned on December 10, held the least assets overall, with his wealth increasing from Tk 0.42 million to Tk 1.28 million.

The disclosure forms part of the interim government’s transparency measures, ensuring public access to financial information of senior officials and their spouses.

A CCTV camera installed at a polling center in Kishoreganj upazila of Nilphamari was stolen ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election, raising concerns over pre-election security. The incident came to light on Tuesday morning, February 10, 2026, when officials visited the Noyankhal School and College polling center in Bahagili Union and discovered the missing camera. No suspects have yet been identified.

According to local sources, the CCTV cameras had been installed a few days earlier to strengthen security at the center. Teachers left the school after closing it on Monday, and upon returning the next morning, they found that one camera from the front section of the building was missing. The school’s principal, Jalilur Rahman, confirmed the theft.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Assistant Returning Officer Tanzima Anjum Sohania said authorities were aware of the incident and that legal procedures were underway. The theft has prompted calls for tighter security and monitoring at polling centers before the election.

Serious concerns have emerged in Sandwip, Chattogram, over the reliability of CCTV cameras installed at polling centers to ensure election security. Reports reveal that the cameras, set up at a cost of several crores of taka, lack both power backup and offline storage, rendering them useless during power outages. This has raised fears about potential vote manipulation and transparency issues.

Local residents and security analysts have criticized the setup as fragile and ineffective, describing it as a “digital deception.” Security analyst Rimon Al Fahad called the move a severe administrative failure, warning that cameras without backup in a power-prone area like Sandwip could aid criminal activity. However, Assistant Returning Officer and UNO Mongchingnu Marma assured that uninterrupted power supply would be maintained on election day, guaranteeing full camera functionality.

Members of the monitoring team, speaking anonymously, contradicted the official assurance, citing lack of UPS and budget constraints. Several candidates expressed anger after learning they were not informed about the issue, with some threatening to reject results from centers where cameras fail. The effectiveness of power and CCTV systems on election day remains under close watch.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has imposed a nationwide ban on all drone flights without prior approval from Tuesday, February 10, to Sunday, February 15, 2026. The restriction, confirmed by CAAB’s public relations officer Kawsar Mahmud, applies to all individuals and organizations except the defense and law enforcement agencies, which are permitted to operate drones during this period.

Mahmud stated that any violation of the ban will result in legal action under existing laws. The decision aims to ensure comprehensive security measures surrounding the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The authority emphasized that the temporary restriction is a precautionary step to maintain order and safety across the country during the election period.

The enforcement of this six-day restriction underscores the government’s focus on maintaining aerial and public security as the nation prepares for the election.

Education Adviser Professor Dr. C R Abrar has emphasized that education is not merely a secondary sector but a vital foundation for nation-building. Speaking on Tuesday at the Ministry of Education’s Secondary and Higher Education Division during a dissemination meeting on the final report of the consultation committee, he said that quality education is essential for survival in a technology-driven and globally competitive world. He added that education should aim to develop individuals with human values, empathy, tolerance, moral strength, and an open outlook.

The meeting was chaired by Secretary Rehana Parveen and marked the submission of the committee’s final report on improving secondary education quality, management, and structure. Abrar expressed gratitude to the committee members for completing a complex, multidimensional task within three months, noting their dedication and professionalism. He highlighted that the initiative was entirely based on local expertise and resources, without reliance on international consultancy.

The committee’s policy framework will be treated as a “living document,” open to stakeholder feedback before final online publication. Abrar expressed hope that policymakers would use it to build a strong legal and institutional foundation for education reform in Bangladesh.

In Lohagara upazila of Chattogram, CCTV cameras and related equipment installed for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election were stolen from a polling center. As of Tuesday, February 10, the cameras had not been reinstalled, despite the center being listed by the administration as highly vulnerable. The theft occurred on the night of January 28 at the Tayeb Ashraf Government Primary School in Jamidar Para area. The school’s head teacher, Subodh Kanti Sikdar, discovered the theft the next morning and filed a general diary with the local police.

According to the head teacher, four CCTV cameras, one router, and one monitor installed on January 15 for election security were stolen after six locks were broken. He immediately informed the police and the upazila executive officer. Upazila Executive Officer and Assistant Returning Officer Md. Saiful Islam stated that the cameras would be reinstalled by the end of the day to ensure polling center security.

Local residents expressed concern that the Tayeb Ashraf Government Primary School center, already marked as high-risk, remains without CCTV coverage so close to the election.

The Cabinet Division of Bangladesh has readied 50 vehicles for new ministers following the 13th National Parliament election. The division announced on February 10 that the oath-taking ceremony for new ministers and state ministers is likely to be held on February 17 or 18, though it could occur earlier. Officials clarified that preparing 50 vehicles does not necessarily mean there will be 50 ministers, as more vehicles are usually arranged than the number of cabinet members.

At a press briefing on February 5, the chief adviser’s press secretary stated that the transfer of power would take place as soon as possible. He suggested that the process could be completed within three days after members of parliament take their oaths, possibly by February 15 or 16, and that it was unlikely to extend beyond February 17 or 18.

The 13th National Parliament election is scheduled for February 12, coinciding with a referendum on implementing the July National Certificate.

The Cabinet Division on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, published the asset statements of advisers serving in the interim government. According to the released data, Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin’s total wealth increased by more than 5.5 million taka during his tenure. As of June 30, 2025, his total assets stood at 916.51 million taka, compared to 911.09 million taka on June 30, 2024.

The publication followed a notification issued by the Cabinet Division on October 1, 2024, requiring the disclosure of asset statements for all advisers, equivalent-ranking officials, and their spouses for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2024, and June 30, 2025. The data indicate that Sheikh Bashiruddin’s assets grew after assuming his advisory role in the interim government.

The report also noted that while some advisers’ assets increased, others experienced a decline, reflecting varied financial changes among members of the interim administration.

On February 10, 2026, the Chief Adviser’s verified Facebook page reported that 40,206 citizens had submitted handwritten messages to Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus through the 'Janamat Box' initiative. The boxes were part of the 'Voter’s Car' campaign promoting awareness for the upcoming Referendum 2026 and the 13th National Parliamentary Election under the slogan 'The key to the country is in your hands.' Citizens from all eight divisions participated, with the highest number of submissions from Dhaka.

The messages, written on small pieces of paper, expressed a wide range of emotions and concerns. People shared personal hardships, called for corruption-free governance, gender equality, justice for the July killings, and reforms in public services. Some also voiced criticism of the government. The Chief Adviser expressed delight at the sincerity of the submissions and instructed that all comments, whether praise or criticism, be preserved without alteration.

The 'Voter’s Car' campaign has so far reached about 2,169 locations across unions, upazilas, and districts, engaging citizens directly in the national dialogue ahead of the elections.

Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair has warned that his party will not accept any rigged election. He made the statement on Tuesday, February 10, after a meeting with a 16-member European Union election observation delegation at the party’s central office in Dhaka. The EU team had earlier met Jamaat’s Amir to discuss election preparations and possible threats.

Following the meeting, Zubair alleged that a section of the administration was acting with bias and that the Election Commission appeared weak. He said the lack of a level playing field was evident and urged the authorities to correct the situation. Zubair also called on the administration to intensify efforts to recover looted and illegal weapons to prevent public fear.

He further claimed that Jamaat’s election activities were being obstructed and that 15 of its campaign offices had been set on fire. Zubair emphasized that unless administrative neutrality was ensured, Jamaat would announce its position regarding participation in the election.

The Cabinet Division of Bangladesh has released the asset statements of the chief adviser of the interim government, all advisers, persons of equivalent rank, and their spouses. The disclosure was made through an official notification issued on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. According to the notice, the publication follows a previous directive from October 1, 2024, and includes asset details as of June 30, 2024, and June 30, 2025.

The move fulfills a commitment made by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, who had pledged in his national address two weeks after assuming office in August 2024 that his government would promptly make advisers’ asset information public. He emphasized that the interim administration had taken a clear stance against corruption and that the disclosure process would gradually become mandatory for all government officials.

The publication marks a significant step in the interim government’s transparency initiative, aligning with its stated anti-corruption agenda and commitment to public accountability.

Senior Secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat Akhtar Ahmed announced that ballot papers have reached all 299 constituencies, marking the completion of preparations for Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th National Parliament election and referendum. He made the statement on Tuesday morning at the InterContinental Hotel in Dhaka during the inauguration of a media center organized by the Department of Information for foreign journalists.

Ahmed said that except for Sherpur-3, all constituencies have received ballot papers and election materials, which are being distributed from returning officers to assistant returning officers and designated polling centers. He noted that the voting process will begin on February 12, describing it as a significant turning point for the country after overcoming many challenges.

He added that vote counting will start after polls close at 4:30 p.m., with results compiled by returning officers and gradually released by the Commission. For the first time, separate centers have been set up for postal ballots, which may take slightly longer to count but will not delay the overall result announcement. The Commission will provide regular updates and clarifications as needed.

The Bangladesh Army and law enforcement agencies have intensified security around Rohingya refugee camps in Ukhiya and Teknaf upazilas of Cox’s Bazar ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary election. At a joint forces press briefing held on February 10 at the Cox’s Bazar Cultural Center, officials announced enhanced patrols, checkpoints, and surveillance to prevent any untoward incidents during the election period.

Lieutenant Colonel Tanvir Ahmed of the 10 Infantry Division, Ramu Cantonment, said the camps were identified as high-risk zones, prompting additional troop deployment and round-the-clock patrols. Barbed-wire fencing has been reinforced, damaged sections repaired, and temporary army camps established at every polling center in the district. Joint forces have also rehearsed deployment plans to ensure rapid response to any emergency.

Lieutenant Colonel Supata reported that from February 3 to 9, a total of 46 joint operations were conducted across South Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar, resulting in the arrest of 59 criminals and 1,149 Rohingyas. Authorities seized illegal firearms, ammunition, sharp weapons, and narcotics. Officials expressed confidence that coordinated efforts would ensure a peaceful and secure election.