A total of 379,924 postal ballots from expatriate voters have arrived in Bangladesh ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliament election and referendum. The information was confirmed on Thursday by Salim Ahmad Khan, team leader of the OCV-SDI project on expatriate voter registration. As of 9:30 a.m., 766,862 ballots had been sent to registered expatriate voters through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ app, with 526,008 ballots received and 480,416 votes already cast. Additionally, 444,952 expatriate voters have submitted their ballots to postal authorities in their respective countries, and 107,168 ballots have been received by returning officers in Bangladesh.

The Election Commission has also begun sending postal ballots to domestic voters registered under the ICPV system. So far, 662,191 ballots have been dispatched within the country, with 260,447 voters receiving them. Among these, 211,122 have voted, and 168,519 have submitted their ballots to post offices or drop boxes. Returning officers have received 27,367 domestic ballots.

According to Salim Ahmad Khan, a total of 1,533,684 voters, both domestic and expatriate, have registered through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ app to participate in the election and referendum via postal ballots.

BNP candidate and central treasurer M Rashiduzzaman Millat in Jamalpur-1 (Dewanganj-Bakshiganj) constituency has drawn controversy after a video of his campaign speech went viral on social media. In the video, recorded Monday night at Haruabarhi Rahmani Madrasa field, Millat is heard saying that police have been instructed not to arrest or harass Awami League supporters and that they can vote freely. He urged them to support the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol, claiming Awami League would not win elections for at least 20 years.

The remarks triggered widespread debate across the district, with many voters expressing surprise and anger. Some Awami League activists reportedly began openly campaigning for Millat, while others criticized the move as political opportunism. Dewanganj Upazila BNP leaders confirmed that some Awami League members were joining BNP activities under local approval.

Police officials, including the Dewanganj officer-in-charge and Jamalpur superintendent of police, denied Millat’s claims, stating that regular arrest operations continue and no such instructions were given. Jamaat candidate Nazmul Haque Sayeedi accused Millat of betraying political commitments and demanded the removal of the Dewanganj police chief for alleged bias.

Pakistan has decided to boycott its cricket match against India in protest of Bangladesh’s exclusion from the T20 World Cup. The decision was announced by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who told his cabinet that politics should not interfere with sports and that Pakistan should stand firmly beside Bangladesh. He described the move as a well-considered and appropriate decision.

In response, Dr. Asif Nazrul, the interim government’s adviser on law, justice, parliamentary affairs, and sports in Bangladesh, publicly thanked Pakistan for its stance. He expressed his appreciation through a verified Facebook post on Thursday, acknowledging Pakistan’s solidarity with Bangladesh following the controversial exclusion.

The development highlights a rare show of regional support in international cricket, with Pakistan aligning itself with Bangladesh’s position against perceived politicization in the sport.

A prolonged strike at Chattogram Port has escalated into a national crisis, disrupting supply chains and threatening market stability ahead of Ramadan. The strike, initially an eight-hour protest, has turned indefinite following opposition to the government’s plan to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal to foreign operator DP World. As a result, over 120 ships are waiting to unload, including at least 35 carrying essential Ramadan goods such as dates, lentils, chickpeas, sugar, and edible oil. Importers face rising storage costs, and analysts warn that these expenses will likely push consumer prices higher.

The port’s operations have slowed to half capacity, causing severe congestion and revenue losses at the Chattogram Customs House. Business leaders and shipping agents report that each day of delay costs importers tens of thousands of dollars, which will ultimately burden consumers. The government has banned gatherings near the port, ordered regular labor bookings, and formed a six-member committee to assess revenue losses and identify those responsible.

Labor leaders insist the strike will continue until the lease plan is canceled, while port authorities have declined to comment on the pending agreement with DP World.

Operations at Chattogram Port’s New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) have come to a standstill due to an indefinite strike called by the Nationalist Workers Party and the Sramik Oikya Parishad (SKOP). The strike, initially an eight-hour work stoppage, escalated into a full shutdown after the government decided to appoint a foreign operator at the terminal. Despite warnings and transfer orders from the Ministry of Shipping, protesting workers have refused to leave their posts. The port has now accumulated 37,000 containers, with 120 cargo ships waiting offshore.

The unrest follows a High Court ruling on November 30 that upheld the legality of hiring a foreign operator, prompting preparations for a contract between Chattogram Port Authority and global terminal operator DP World. However, the agreement, scheduled for February 1, was postponed amid the protests. Business leaders and port users have expressed concern over the prolonged disruption, warning of severe impacts on trade and the national economy.

Port officials say the situation is being monitored by the government’s top level, while industry associations caution that continued paralysis could damage Bangladesh’s global trade reputation and cause market instability.

Foreign loan approvals for Bangladesh’s private sector fell sharply in fiscal year 2024–25, with only USD 454.6 million approved across 43 applications, compared to over USD 1.4158 billion for 76 applications the previous year. The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) reported the 75 percent decline in its annual report, attributing it to reduced investment and lower demand for imported capital machinery.

BIDA officials explained that the slowdown in domestic investment has reduced the need for foreign borrowing. Policy Exchange of Bangladesh’s chairman Dr. M Masrur Reaz noted that private sector credit growth dropped to 6.2 percent, the lowest in decades, reflecting weak domestic demand and slower economic output. He expressed hope that investment and loan demand would recover under a newly elected government.

Sources added that higher global interest rates and the depreciation of the taka against the US dollar have increased borrowing costs, further discouraging foreign loans. BIDA’s recent reform allowing short-term loans to be processed directly through banks also affected the reported figures.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasiruddin will administer the oath to the newly elected members of Bangladesh’s 13th Parliament, as both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions are currently vacant. According to constitutional provisions, the CEC assumes this responsibility when no Speaker or designated person is available to conduct the ceremony. Parliament and Election Commission sources confirmed the arrangement.

Following the July uprising, the Speaker resigned and the Deputy Speaker’s post also became vacant. The Constitution mandates that newly elected MPs must take their oath within three days of the official gazette publication of election results. The Parliament Secretariat is preparing for the ceremony, with renovation of the oath and session rooms nearing completion ahead of the February 12 election. A committee is being formed to organize the event.

Election Commission officials stated that preparations are underway to avoid any constitutional crisis. Legal experts noted that the CEC-led oath is fully valid under the Constitution and ensures continuity of governance. Delays in the oath process could otherwise raise questions about the new Parliament’s legitimacy and operations.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman announced a vision for a united, corruption-free, and humane Bangladesh while unveiling the party’s election manifesto at an event in Dhaka’s Banani Sheraton Hotel on Wednesday evening. The 86-page manifesto, prepared with input from various social groups, outlines 26 priority areas and 41 pledges under the slogan “Let’s Build Bangladesh Together.” It emphasizes honesty, justice, efficiency, and employment while rejecting corruption, fascism, dominance, unemployment, and extortion.

The manifesto details commitments to good governance, youth empowerment, women’s safety, and inclusive development. It proposes reforms in governance, law enforcement, economy, education, and healthcare, along with digitalization to ensure transparency. It also pledges to strengthen democracy through proportional representation and caretaker government systems, ensure women’s empowerment, and provide social security for all citizens.

Dr. Rahman said the manifesto aims to unite the nation beyond partisan politics and called for public feedback. The document positions Jamaat’s vision as a practical and welfare-oriented roadmap to build a just, prosperous, and inclusive Bangladesh.

Multiple security and intelligence sources have warned of a coordinated plan to destabilize Bangladesh ahead of the upcoming national election and referendum. The alleged blueprint aims to derail the electoral process, incite violent clashes between rival political groups, and create international controversy around the election’s legitimacy. Intelligence reports suggest involvement of cross-border networks, fugitive political and administrative figures, and extremist groups, with online disinformation and paid violence as key tactics.

According to the reports, a critical phase has been identified before the election, during which targeted killings, communal unrest, and attacks on political gatherings could occur. Security agencies have issued high alerts regarding 103 fugitive JMB members allegedly trained under foreign supervision. The government has deployed over nine hundred thousand personnel from the army, police, and other forces nationwide, with advanced surveillance including drones and AI-based monitoring to counter digital misinformation.

Authorities have urged political parties to act with restraint and citizens to avoid spreading unverified information. U.S. and U.K. embassies have issued security advisories, while national agencies continue joint operations to prevent potential sabotage.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch (DB) has reported progress in the investigation into the hacking of Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman’s verified X (formerly Twitter) account. At a press briefing at DMP Media Center on Wednesday night, DB Chief Shafiqul Islam said that Mohammad Saroware Alam, an assistant programmer at Bangabhaban, has been shown arrested in a case filed with Hatirjheel Police Station. He added that Alam’s direct involvement in the hacking would be confirmed only after forensic and detailed investigation.

According to police, the case was filed under the Cyber Security Act by Sirajul Islam, coordinator of Jamaat’s National Election Steering Committee, naming Alam and 20 unidentified persons as accused. The DB seized Alam’s mobile phone, computer, and other devices for forensic examination. The investigation follows a January 31 complaint alleging that Dr. Rahman’s account was hacked to post misleading and offensive content about working women, which was later deleted after public criticism.

Police stated that several other senior Jamaat leaders’ social media accounts were also recently targeted. The DB urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information and assured a transparent investigation.

Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar, Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, announced that the government will hand over power to elected representatives as soon as possible after the election. He made the statement on Wednesday night through a verified Facebook post.

In his post, Majumdar rejected claims that the interim government would remain in power for 180 additional working days after the election, calling such assertions dishonest. He said those spreading the rumor had previously tried to create doubts about the election and were now promoting new conspiracy theories as the polls proceed on schedule.

Majumdar added that even some highly educated individuals were being misled by these false campaigns, but assured that there is no scope for confusion. The government, he reiterated, will transfer authority swiftly once the elected representatives take office.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has filed a case under the Cyber Security Act following the hacking of its Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman’s official X (Twitter) account. The complaint was lodged on Wednesday night around 8:30 p.m. at Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Hatirjheel Police Station by Sirajul Islam, coordinator of Jamaat’s National Election Steering Committee. The case names Bangabhaban official Mohammad Saroware Alam and 20 unidentified individuals as accused.

According to the case statement, on January 31, unauthorized access was gained to Dr. Rahman’s X account, where posts containing misogynistic, obscene, and hate-inciting content were published. The party later filed a general diary at Hatirjheel Police Station after discovering the incident. Police confirmed receiving the case and noted that the complaint includes both named and unnamed suspects.

The report also mentions that several senior Jamaat leaders, including Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, have recently faced similar cyberattacks on their social media accounts. The investigation is expected to focus on identifying those responsible for the coordinated hacking incidents.

Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated that there is no fear of mob violence or unrest within the police ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum. Speaking to journalists on Wednesday afternoon in front of the Rajshahi Prison Training Center auditorium, he said the election will be held in a peaceful and festive atmosphere.

He explained that preparations for the election are nearly complete, with CCTV cameras installed at almost all polling centers. In places lacking boundary walls, bamboo fencing will be used. Chowdhury added that illegal weapons are being regularly recovered, leaving no scope for violence. He emphasized that the election will proceed peacefully, supported by extensive deployment of security forces, including 100,000 army members, 5,000 navy personnel, 37,000 from the Border Guard Bangladesh, 4,000 from the Coast Guard, 150,000 police, 9,000 Rapid Action Battalion members, and over 500,000 Ansar personnel.

The meeting was chaired by Senior Secretary Nasimul Gani and attended by senior officials from various law enforcement and administrative agencies.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has issued an urgent directive requiring political parties and candidates to strictly follow the electoral code of conduct during online campaigning ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election and referendum. The EC’s Public Relations Director, Md. Ruhul Amin Mallik, stated that letters have been sent to all returning officers outlining the new enforcement measures.

According to the directive, under Rule 16 of the Political Parties and Candidates’ Code of Conduct 2025, candidates or their election agents must submit details such as platform name, account ID, and email address to the returning officer before starting any social media campaign. Rule 22(2) further requires that all expenses related to online content creation, advertising, boosting, and sponsorship be included in the official election expenditure report submitted to the EC.

The EC reiterated that all social media campaign costs must be reported to returning officers and instructed that information on which platforms are being used by parties and candidates be sent to the EC Secretariat’s Public Relations Division.

An NCP leader was allegedly attacked during an election campaign in Kishoreganj-6 constituency on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred around 5 p.m. at Subichar Mor in Gobaria Abdullahpur Union of Kuliarchar upazila while promoting the 11-party alliance’s ‘Rickshaw’ symbol. According to the complaint, Kuliarchar upazila NCP convener Ariful Islam and upazila Chhatra Shibir president Nazimuddin Hridoy were among those injured.

Ariful Islam claimed that supporters of BNP candidate and district BNP president Md. Shariful Alam assaulted him during the campaign, snatched leaflets and a mobile phone, and issued threats. The complaint also alleged that they warned of dire consequences for campaigning for any symbol other than the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’. However, Gobaria Abdullahpur Union BNP general secretary Masud Rana denied the allegations when contacted.

Assistant Returning Officer and Kuliarchar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Yasin Khondaker said police were sent to the scene and the situation was now normal. He added that necessary action would be taken if a written complaint was filed. In protest, a demonstration was held in the evening at Bhairab Durjoy Mor led by upazila Chhatra Shibir president Ali Ahsan Mujahid.