Mohammad Fakhruddin Manik, the Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for the Feni-3 constituency, has been served a show-cause notice for allegedly violating the electoral code of conduct by using the title 'Dr.' before his name in campaign materials. The notice was issued on Saturday, February 7, by Joint District Judge Sajjatun Nesa, who heads the Election Inquiry and Judicial Committee. The notice stated that Manik used the title in leaflets, banners, and festoons despite not mentioning it in his election affidavit, which constitutes a breach of the Representation of the People Order, 1972.

In response, Fakhruddin Manik told Amader Desh that such notices are part of the election process and do not prove any wrongdoing. He claimed that the controversy over his title is politically motivated, alleging that opponents are spreading misinformation out of fear of his potential victory. Manik explained that he holds a Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS) degree, which legally allows him to use the 'Dr.' title under the Bangladesh Homeopathic Education and Medical Council Act 2023.

He added that his credentials and registration number were submitted in his affidavit and that he plans to pursue legal action in higher courts against what he described as harassment and defamation.

Nahid Islam, the convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), declared that his party would permanently eliminate land grabbers if it comes to power. He made the statement on Sunday at 11 a.m. during an election rally held in Badda, Dhaka. According to him, members of two political parties have alternately been involved in land grabbing in the capital.

The remarks came as part of NCP’s campaign activities ahead of upcoming elections. Nahid Islam’s comments highlighted his party’s stance against illegal land occupation and corruption in urban areas. The event was organized as part of his electoral outreach to voters in Dhaka.

Further details about the rally and the party’s broader policy proposals were not provided in the report.

Bangladesh has intensified administrative and security preparations ahead of the 13th National Parliament election and referendum. Starting Sunday, February 8, a total of 1,051 executive magistrates are being deployed across the country. Alongside them, additional members of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies have begun their duties, remaining active in electoral areas until February 14. According to the Election Commission, the army will stay deployed before and after the vote to ensure security.

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Ma’sud stated that several coordination meetings have been held with security agencies, and all parties consider the overall law and order situation favorable for the election. He also confirmed that all ballot boxes have been distributed to district levels, with returning officers receiving them as part of final preparations.

A circular from the Home Ministry earlier announced that police, Border Guard Bangladesh, Ansar and VDP, and Coast Guard will be deployed to ensure a fair and peaceful election. In total, more than 970,000 security personnel, including members of the armed forces, will be on duty nationwide.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Amir and Charmonai Pir Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim declared that the rule of what he called new tyrants and fascists will not survive the upcoming February 12 election. Speaking on Saturday evening at a campaign rally in Kalapara, Patuakhali-4 constituency, he said the election would mark the people’s victory against injustice, corruption, and misrule. The rally was organized in support of Islami Andolan’s candidate Professor Md. Mostafizur Rahman, symbolized by the hand fan.

Karim warned those who use fear and intimidation in politics to reflect on their actions. He compared current rulers to historical despots, saying their power would also collapse. Referring to the July uprising, he described it as a protest against 54 years of corruption and oppression, asserting that the demand for change arose from deep social grievances. He said Islami Andolan nominated only honest and people-friendly candidates.

The event drew a large crowd, with thousands joining a procession through Kalapara town before the rally, creating a festive atmosphere.

Central Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal organizational secretary Aman Ullah Aman declared that Tarique Rahman is destined to become Bangladesh’s next prime minister. He made the statement while addressing the final campaign rally in support of the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol ahead of the upcoming national election. The event took place on Saturday, February 7, at the Malipara Salehia Madrasa field in Taltoli upazila of Barguna district, organized by the local BNP unit.

The rally drew a large crowd of party leaders, activists, and general voters. The chief guest, Nazrul Islam Molla, BNP’s Barguna district convenor and candidate for the Barguna-1 constituency, said that development in the area would not be possible without a BNP victory. He urged everyone to unite and vote for the ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol. District and upazila BNP leaders were also present at the gathering.

The remarks reflected the party’s intensified campaign efforts in the final days before the election, emphasizing unity and change under the BNP banner.

Bangladesh’s Payra Port, once envisioned as the nation’s third major seaport to boost southern regional growth, has become mired in political interference, questionable contracts, and escalating costs. The project’s dredging expenses have reached 500 million dollars, financed not through regular taxation but by drawing from the country’s foreign currency reserves. Experts warn that this approach undermines economic stability and transparency, as the port continues to struggle with heavy sedimentation and limited operational progress.

The article highlights that successive governments have promoted Payra as a symbol of progress and climate resilience, despite repeated scientific warnings about the site’s unsuitability due to high silt levels. German geologist Dr. Hermann Kudrass and Bangladeshi economist Wahiduddin Mahmud both criticized the project’s economic and environmental logic, calling it a drain on public funds. Officials privately acknowledge that continuous dredging has become a permanent financial burden.

The report concludes that Payra Port now represents a broader pattern of politically driven megaprojects in Bangladesh—visibly grand but economically unsustainable, with taxpayers bearing the long-term cost while accountability remains elusive.

The Election Inquiry and Judicial Committee has issued show-cause notices to two candidates from Jamaat-e-Islami and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for alleged violations of the electoral code of conduct in Rangpur-1 constituency ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election. The notices, signed by committee chairman and Rangpur Land Survey Tribunal judge Md. Samiul Alam, cite that Jamaat candidate Md. Raihan Siraji hung festoons on trees, breaching Rule 7(g) of the 2025 electoral code, while BNP candidate Md. Mokarram Hossain Sujon allegedly pasted leaflets and posters near the Rangpur Metro Police Lines, violating Rule 7(a).

The committee stated that such activities could disrupt a fair and neutral election environment and that violating the code is a punishable offense. Both candidates have been instructed to appear in person at the Rangpur Land Survey Tribunal on February 9, 2026, to submit written explanations. Law enforcement officials confirmed that the notices are being delivered and that security forces remain alert to enforce the code.

Committee chairman Samiul Alam emphasized that the electoral code applies equally to all and reaffirmed the committee’s firm stance on ensuring a fair election process.

The trial of dismissed army officer Major General Ziaul Ahsan began Sunday at the International Crimes Tribunal-1 in Dhaka, chaired by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder. Former army chief General Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan appeared before the tribunal to testify against Ziaul. The prosecution opened the proceedings with its introductory statement before the three-member panel, which also includes Justice Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Judge Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury. The tribunal is scheduled to record the testimony of the first witness today.

Earlier, on January 14, the tribunal rejected Ziaul’s petition for discharge and formally framed charges against him. The case involves allegations of crimes against humanity, including enforced disappearances and killings during the Awami League’s one and a half decades in power. The charges detail three major incidents, including the killing of detainees in Gazipur in 2011, mass executions in Barguna’s coastal areas, and staged “gunfights” in the Sundarbans under operations named Nishankhali, Mora Bhola, and Kotka.

The tribunal proceedings mark the first phase of a high-profile case alleging over a hundred enforced disappearances and killings attributed to Ziaul’s command.

The trial of dismissed army officer Major General Ziaul Ahsan begins today, Sunday, at the International Crimes Tribunal-1 in Dhaka. The three-member tribunal, chaired by Justice Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, will open proceedings with the prosecution’s introductory statement. The other members are Justice Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Judge Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury. The first witness testimony is also scheduled for recording today. Earlier, on January 14, the tribunal rejected Ziaul’s plea for discharge and formally framed charges against him.

Ziaul Ahsan faces three charges of crimes against humanity, including the killing of detainees in Gazipur in July 2011, mass executions in the coastal areas of Barguna’s Patharghata, and staged “gunfights” in the Sundarbans under the guise of anti-bandit operations. The prosecution alleges that these acts resulted in the deaths of over a hundred people during the Awami League’s one-and-a-half-decade rule.

The tribunal proceedings mark a significant step in addressing allegations of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings attributed to security operations during that period.

As Bangladesh’s new government prepares to assume power following the election, public concern is rising over rapidly increasing prices of essential goods ahead of Ramadan. The article warns that controlling the soaring market will be the administration’s first major challenge, as past political transitions have often been exploited by unscrupulous traders to destabilize prices. Commodities such as rice, lentils, oil, sugar, and vegetables have already begun to rise sharply, threatening affordability for middle- and low-income families.

The report highlights that around 2.1 million tons of food products are currently stuck at Chattogram Port, creating fears of an artificial shortage if clearance delays persist. A lack of lighter vessels and storage facilities is worsening the situation. The piece attributes market instability not to supply shortages but to syndicates that hoard goods and manipulate prices, taking advantage of weak monitoring by local authorities.

It urges immediate government intervention to dismantle these syndicates and ensure stable supply before Ramadan, emphasizing that maintaining reasonable prices will be the new administration’s first and most critical test of credibility.

The political alliance July Unity has called for an 'India Out' campaign, accusing India of interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs and dominance in international cricket. The announcement came on Saturday afternoon during a 'Rally for Bangladesh' gathering at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, attended by student leaders, political figures, and members of affiliated organizations. The protest also included a march from Shaheed Minar to Shahbagh’s Shaheed Osman Hadi Square.

Speakers at the rally alleged that India provided shelter to those involved in the killing of Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, influenced Bangladesh’s electoral process, and used its power within the International Cricket Council to sideline Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup. They also criticized India’s trade and water policies, claiming these actions undermined Bangladesh’s sovereignty. Participants demanded international investigation under the United Nations into Hadi’s murder, citing distrust in domestic agencies.

The rally concluded with calls for boycotting Indian influence, supporting the upcoming referendum, and ensuring justice for Osman Hadi. Protesters vowed to resist any foreign interference in Bangladesh’s political and sporting spheres.

Despite a government ban effective since August 1, 2023, open-drum soybean and palm oil continue to be sold widely across Bangladesh, including in Dhaka’s wholesale and retail markets. Consumers and small businesses prefer open oil because it is cheaper and can be purchased in flexible quantities. However, experts warn that such oil poses serious health risks due to contamination, lack of vitamin A fortification, and use of non-food-grade plastic drums.

Studies cited in the report show that 65 percent of edible oil in the market is sold in drums, with 59 percent lacking vitamin A enrichment and 34 percent containing insufficient levels. The absence of labeling and source information makes it impossible to trace the oil’s origin. Health experts link vitamin A deficiency to blindness in children and increased maternal mortality, urging coordinated government action to ensure safe, fortified oil.

Advocacy group PROGGA and nutrition specialists have called for strict enforcement of the ban and public awareness campaigns, warning that continued sale of open-drum oil threatens both public health and national nutrition security.

Dr. Faridul Alam, the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for Chattogram-12 (Patiya) constituency, stated that people of all religions would live safely if Jamaat came to power. He emphasized that there would be no discrimination among Hindus, Muslims, or followers of other faiths, and that all citizens would coexist as Bangladeshis within the country’s territory. He made these remarks on February 7 during campaign visits across several wards in Kashiyaiash and Ashia unions of Patiya upazila.

Alam said that during the previous authoritarian period, false propaganda had been spread about Jamaat-e-Islami among people of different religions. He claimed that after August 5, the people of Bangladesh had gained a full understanding of Jamaat-e-Islami. He added that the future Bangladesh would be a safe and just welfare state. Several local Jamaat and Shibir leaders accompanied him during the campaign.

The statement comes ahead of the February 12 election, where Jamaat is fielding candidates in multiple constituencies, including Chattogram-12.

Bangladesh will hold its first national election since the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on February 12, with about 127 million registered voters set to elect 350 members of the Jatiya Sangsad. The caretaker government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus since August 2024, is overseeing the vote following Hasina’s removal after a deadly student-led uprising. Hasina, sentenced to death for ordering a violent crackdown, remains in exile in India, and her Awami League has been banned from political activity. A referendum on the July National Charter 2025, outlining governance reforms, will also take place on the same day.

The main competition is between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, and Jamaat-e-Islami (JIB), headed by Shafiqur Rahman. The BNP, once allied with Jamaat, now leads a 10-party coalition, while Jamaat heads an 11-party alliance that includes the student-founded National Citizen Party. Other parties such as Islami Andolan Bangladesh and the Jatiya Party are contesting independently. Interim leader Yunus and Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman are seen as key figures ensuring a stable and credible election process.

Hasina’s continued influence from exile and the exclusion of her party have raised concerns about political unity and future stability in Bangladesh.

Akhtar Hossain, member secretary of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and the Shapla symbol candidate representing an 11-party alliance including Jamaat and NCP in Rangpur-4 (Kaunia–Pirgacha), has reported receiving a death threat. The threat came through a phone call from an unknown number on the evening of February 7, 2026, while he was campaigning in Kishamat village under Chaola Union. Following the incident, he filed a general diary (GD) at Pirgacha Police Station for his safety.

In a video message released on social media Saturday night, Hossain stated that intimidation cannot halt their political progress and that they are moving forward with public support. He emphasized that the election should be contested on ideals and programs, not through threats or fear. He also mentioned that Shapla symbol activists across the country have faced similar threats.

Hossain expressed hope that law enforcement agencies would remain highly vigilant to ensure a fair election. He added that their political journey, built through years of struggle, would not be stopped by fear or intimidation.