Bangladesh’s interim government is set to sign a new trade agreement with the United States on Monday, just three days before the national election. Commerce adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin said at a press conference on Sunday that the deal could reduce the recently imposed additional 20 percent trade tariff. He noted that discussions were ongoing and that the government aimed to achieve zero tariffs on garments, the country’s main export product.

Bashiruddin explained that the public disclosure of the agreement’s terms had previously led to higher tariffs, but the government still managed to bring them down to 20 percent compared to competitor countries. He expressed regret that the publication of the deal’s conditions limited Bangladesh’s negotiating flexibility. The adviser defended the timing of the agreement, citing the need to protect export earnings worth one trillion taka and safeguard around 700,000 jobs.

He also pointed out that US tariffs have been fluctuating recently, referencing a sharp increase in Korea’s tariff rate within days. The adviser said the government did not want to leave a heavy tariff burden for the next administration.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), announced that if entrusted with state leadership, his party would establish Bangladeshi missions across the world and increase the number of diplomats to better serve expatriates. Speaking on Sunday, February 8, at 7:15 p.m. on state television BTV, he said the goal would be to export manpower to promising countries at minimal cost while ensuring their protection from any form of harassment. He emphasized that mutual respect, fairness, and cooperation would form the foundation of Bangladesh’s foreign policy.

Nahid Islam added that under NCP governance, economic and trade deficits would be reduced and dependency on any single country would gradually decrease to build balanced diplomatic relations. He pledged to replace submissive policies of undemocratic rulers with a self-reliant and dignified foreign policy prioritizing national interests. The NCP also plans to revitalize SAARC, pursue membership in ASEAN, and strengthen political, economic, and strategic ties with the Muslim world.

These commitments reflect the NCP’s intent to reshape Bangladesh’s external relations through proactive diplomacy and regional engagement.

Nasiruddin Patwari, the chief coordinator of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency, attended a protest organized against him on Sunday, February 8, at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram. The demonstration was arranged by the Allama Junaid Babunagari Memorial Council and began after the Asr prayer. Witnesses saw Patwari at the venue, where he also delivered a speech.

The protest was organized in response to what participants described as false and indecent remarks made by Patwari about Allama Junaid Babunagari, the late former secretary general and amir of Hefazat-e-Islam. Photos from the protest later circulated on social media, sparking public discussion. Following the online reaction, Patwari posted on his Facebook page, expressing unconditional regret to anyone hurt by his words or actions.

The incident drew attention due to Patwari’s direct presence at a protest against himself, as well as his subsequent public apology on social media.

The Ministry of Public Administration has issued a new directive regarding the February 10 holiday in connection with the upcoming 13th National Parliament election. According to the circular released on Sunday, February 11 and 12 will be nationwide public holidays under executive order for the election and referendum scheduled for Thursday, February 12. Additionally, the previously announced special holiday for industrial workers and employees on February 10 will remain in effect.

The directive further states that authorities overseeing industrial areas may designate any convenient weekly holiday after February 10 as a working day to compensate for the special leave. Earlier, a notice from the Chief Adviser’s verified Facebook page clarified that factories implementing the February 10 holiday could later require workers to make up the day by working on another date.

The updated instruction aims to ensure smooth participation in the election process while maintaining flexibility for industrial operations across the country.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin defended his appointment as chairman of the Biman Bangladesh Airlines board, saying he acted within the law. Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat on Sunday, he noted that 22 ministers and advisers had previously held the same position. Appointed on August 26, 2025, his dual role had drawn criticism, but he maintained that no legal boundaries were crossed.

Bashiruddin also expressed optimism that the 20 percent tariff imposed by the Trump administration on Bangladeshi goods would be reduced following an upcoming agreement. He said Bangladesh had taken steps to narrow its six‑billion‑dollar trade deficit with the United States, including a proposal to purchase aircraft from Boeing. A negotiation team led by Planning Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud is currently discussing the deal.

At the same event, Civil Aviation Secretary Nasreen Jahan detailed recent reforms, including new ordinances to regulate air ticket distribution and travel agencies, which have lowered ticket prices. She also announced new leasing rules and initiatives to make Hajj flights more efficient and affordable.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman announced that his party would adopt a zero-tolerance policy against corruption if it forms the next government. Speaking at an election rally on Sunday at Lal Math in Pallabi Ward No. 2 of Dhaka-16 constituency, he said that changing the fate of the people requires taking a firm stand against corruption. He criticized the past 16 years of governance, claiming that while many mega projects were undertaken, they failed to improve people’s lives and instead became sources of large-scale corruption.

Rahman described the upcoming election on the 12th as a decisive moment for the country’s future, urging citizens to choose who should lead the nation. He emphasized that BNP’s main goal is to improve people’s lives rather than merely criticizing opponents. He also outlined several pledges, including introducing a “Family Card” for women’s empowerment, a “Krishak Card” for farmers with loan waivers up to 10,000 taka, building a hospital in Dhaka-16, and launching canal excavation programs to address waterlogging.

He added that law and order would be prioritized to ensure public safety and reiterated his call to rebuild the country above all else.

Public Private Partnership Authority CEO and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Executive Chairman Ashiq Chowdhury said there is no possibility of signing the lease agreement for Chattogram Port’s New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) with UAE-based DP World during the tenure of the current interim government. He made the statement at a press conference held on Sunday at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, where the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam was also present.

Chowdhury stated that a letter from DP World arrived at the Chief Adviser’s Office on Sunday morning, in which the company appreciated the progress of ongoing negotiations and expressed satisfaction. DP World confirmed that it had reviewed the draft concession agreement but requested additional time for further evaluation. With only two working days left in the interim government’s term, Chowdhury noted that completing the approval and signing process within this period would be difficult.

Work on leasing the terminal began in 2019, and final-stage negotiations started last month. Meanwhile, the Chattogram Port Protection Struggle Council has launched an indefinite work stoppage demanding that the terminal not be leased, halting container delivery operations at the port.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called on citizens to vote 'Yes' in the upcoming referendum. He made the appeal on Sunday afternoon during a roadside rally at Golimbabur Hat in Jagannathpur Union of Thakurgaon Sadar upazila. Fakhrul said the referendum’s central question is who supports reform and who does not. He argued that the country needs reform to correct past mismanagement and urged everyone who wants change to vote 'Yes'.

Addressing the Hindu community, Fakhrul assured them of his continued support and said no one would be able to harm them. He added that the decision on whether the country will continue as before or move in a new direction will be made in three days. Fakhrul described BNP leader Tarique Rahman as young, energetic, and modern-minded, saying the party supports new leadership over old politics.

He concluded by expressing hope that the next prime minister would be a young leader capable of advancing the nation with fresh ideas, calling on all to stand for change.

The interim government of Bangladesh has recommended the withdrawal of 23,865 politically motivated cases filed against leaders and activists of several political parties, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Hefazat-e-Islam, and Gano Adhikar Parishad. The announcement was made on Sunday through a press release signed by Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim, Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. According to the statement, the decision could relieve nearly half a million people from such cases filed during the previous Awami government.

The press release stated that to review and recommend the withdrawal of these cases, the interim government formed two committees on September 22, 2024: a district-level committee led by the Deputy Commissioner and an inter-ministerial committee headed by Dr. Asif Nazrul, Adviser to the Ministry of Law. The committees invited applications from political parties seeking withdrawal of harassment cases filed between January 6, 2009, and August 5, 2024.

The inter-ministerial committee held 39 meetings to examine the applications and recommended the withdrawal of 23,865 cases. The process remains ongoing, according to the ministry’s statement.

Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, a member of the BNP Standing Committee and the party’s nominated candidate for Bhola-3, said the interim government formed one and a half years ago has failed to deliver any development and described it as a weak administration. He made the remarks on Sunday, February 8, during his final campaign rally for the 13th National Parliamentary Election at the Tazumuddin Government Degree College field in Bhola.

Hafiz Uddin criticized the Awami League, accusing it of promoting a culture of criminal politics and alleging that the party sent a miscreant to campaign against him. He also criticized an Islamic political party for misleading voters by linking religious promises to voting symbols, saying that Jamaat-e-Islami has a long-standing habit of exploiting religion for political gain.

The rally was organized by the Tazumuddin Upazila BNP, chaired by Upazila BNP President Golam Mostafa Mintu and conducted by General Secretary Omar Asad Rintu. Several district and local BNP leaders also addressed the gathering.

The Ministry of Public Administration has issued a circular fixing office hours from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan. The directive, released on Sunday by the ministry’s Regulation-6 branch, applies to all government, semi-government, autonomous, and semi-autonomous institutions across the country.

According to the circular, the schedule was set considering the times for Sehri and Iftar. It also states that banks, insurance companies, financial institutions, postal services, railways, hospitals, state-owned industries, factories, and other essential service providers may determine and follow their own office hours according to their respective laws and regulations. The Supreme Court will set working hours for itself and all subordinate courts.

The interim government’s advisory council had approved the proposal for Ramadan office hours on February 5. Depending on the sighting of the moon, the month of Ramadan is expected to begin on February 18 or 19.

The Election Commission of Bangladesh announced that expatriate voters registered through the 'Postal Vote BD' app must cast their votes by Tuesday midnight, Bangladesh time. Votes not submitted by 11:59 p.m. on that day will be considered invalid. The commission issued the directive on Sunday, urging registered voters who have not yet scanned the QR code printed on their ballot envelopes to do so before the deadline.

According to election official Salim Ahmad Khan, a total of 503,441 expatriate Bangladeshis have already voted in the upcoming parliamentary election and referendum, with 428,828 postal ballots having reached Bangladesh by mail. In addition to expatriates, election officials, government employees working outside their home constituencies, and voters in legal custody are also eligible to vote by postal ballot.

The commission stated that ballots submitted to post offices by Tuesday will reach returning offices on time. Only ballots arriving by 4:30 p.m. on February 12, the day of the election, will be counted; others will be invalidated.

The Bangladesh interim government has published a book titled 'Reform Book' summarizing major reform initiatives undertaken since August 2024. According to a press release from the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing issued on Saturday morning, the publication outlines sector-wise reforms implemented after the interim administration, led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, assumed office during a period of severe economic and institutional crisis following the July uprising.

The press release stated that the government enacted around 130 new or amended laws and took over 600 executive decisions within 18 months, with about 84 percent of reforms already implemented. Key measures include strengthening banking oversight, restoring judicial independence, and ensuring media freedom. The government also reported progress in foreign relations, including tariff reductions with the United States, duty-free access for over 7,400 products to Japan, and renewed cooperation with China and India.

The statement described these reforms as the first step toward a new governance system, acknowledging that reversing 16 years of authoritarian damage cannot be achieved in 18 months but asserting that Bangladesh has moved decisively away from authoritarian rule.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam Bulbul arrived in Lahore on February 8, 2026, to attend an emergency meeting with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) under the initiative of the International Cricket Council (ICC). The meeting aims to address Bangladesh’s exclusion from the T20 World Cup after refusing to play in India, Pakistan’s subsequent boycott stance, and possible solutions to the escalating crisis.

The dispute began when Bangladesh declined to play in India citing security concerns, following the exclusion of player Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL. The ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland, prompting Pakistan to call the decision “political” and “unfair” and to support Bangladesh. Pakistan’s government later declared it would not play against India if Bangladesh remained excluded, raising fears of a major commercial and diplomatic fallout for the ICC.

The Lahore meeting is expected to explore new proposals that could satisfy both Bangladesh and Pakistan. Observers see it as a decisive moment that may determine whether the 2026 T20 World Cup proceeds smoothly or faces deeper turmoil.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh has announced a 34-point election manifesto ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election. The declaration was made on Sunday afternoon at the party’s central office in Purana Paltan, Dhaka, by senior vice president and election monitoring cell convener Maulana Abdur Rob Yousufi. The event was presided over by vice president Maulana Najmul Hasan Kasemi and attended by several senior party leaders.

The manifesto prioritizes Islamic values, social justice, good governance, a corruption-free state system, educational and economic reforms, religious freedom, and the protection of national sovereignty. Yousufi described the manifesto as a realistic framework to prevent moral decline, ensure citizens’ rights, and build a welfare state based on justice. Key pledges include improving Islamic education, ensuring justice, controlling commodity prices, creating employment, and strengthening national unity.

The manifesto also emphasizes providing all adult citizens with phased self-defense and basic military training to prepare them to act as guardians of independence during national crises. Party leaders called on citizens to unite behind the manifesto and support the party in the upcoming election.