Daksu Vice President Sadiq Kayem has called for the immediate withdrawal of the Election Commission’s directive banning mobile phones within 400 yards of polling centers. Speaking on Monday at a campaign event in Gulshan-2 for Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Dr. S.M. Khaliduzzaman in the Dhaka-17 constituency, Kayem described the decision as undemocratic and alleged that certain groups were attempting to regain power through manipulation. The event was attended by Khaliduzzaman, Islami Chhatra Shibir president Nurul Islam Saddam, and other party activists.

Kayem claimed that the growing public support for the “scales” symbol had triggered conspiracies by opposing forces. He urged young voters to remain vigilant and resist any attempts to subvert the electoral process. He further asserted that the Dhaka-17 constituency would remain secure under Khaliduzzaman’s leadership and encouraged voters to elect leaders who stay connected with the people.

Kayem expressed confidence that the youth-driven momentum seen in universities would translate into victory for the “scales” symbol in the February 12 election.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Amir announced that Allama Mamunul Haque would be made a minister if he wins in the upcoming national parliamentary election. The declaration was made on Monday afternoon during an election rally in Mohammadpur, where the party leader said residents of the constituency would gain a respected minister if Haque is victorious.

During the rally, the Jamaat chief stated that his party aims to establish a just and fair Bangladesh if it comes to power. He emphasized that their vision includes eliminating corruption and extortion from the country.

The announcement was presented as part of Jamaat’s broader campaign message ahead of the national election, highlighting promises of justice and integrity in governance.

Bangladesh is preparing for a national election on February 12, with opposition parties showing unprecedented street presence after years of suppression under ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, is contesting 292 of 300 parliamentary seats and is seen as the frontrunner. However, the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami, once banned, is emerging as a strong challenger, allied with the youth-led National Change Party (NCP). Polls cited by Reuters suggest Jamaat could achieve its best-ever electoral performance, though it may not form a government alone.

Analysts say a clear verdict could restore political stability in the country of 175 million and reshape regional dynamics involving China and India. Since Hasina’s departure to New Delhi, China’s influence in Bangladesh has reportedly grown, while India is seeking closer ties with the BNP. Jamaat’s alliance partners have voiced concern over Indian dominance and held meetings with Chinese diplomats, though they deny foreign bias.

Observers note that voters are prioritizing corruption and economic issues over religious identity, with younger generations expected to play a decisive role in the outcome.

A pre-election public opinion survey by the International Institute of Law and Diplomacy (IILD) has projected that the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance will win 105 parliamentary seats, while the BNP-led alliance will secure 101 seats in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national election. The survey results were released on Monday morning at a press event held at the Fars Hotel in Purana Paltan, Dhaka. It also indicated that 19 seats may go to other parties, with intense competition expected in 75 constituencies.

According to the IILD survey, the BNP-led alliance is slightly ahead in total votes with 44.1 percent support, compared to 43.9 percent for the Jamaat-led coalition—a margin of just 0.2 percent. The poll covered all 300 constituencies and included responses from 63,615 voters of various ages, professions, and genders, with 57.59 percent male and 42.41 percent female participants. Among respondents, 92.9 percent said they intend to vote in the election.

The survey found that male voters favored the BNP alliance, while female voters leaned toward the Jamaat alliance. Seats with more than a 10 percent vote gap were classified as secure wins, and those with less than a 10 percent gap as highly competitive.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has called on voters to support the party’s Sheaf of Paddy symbol to rebuild Bangladesh. Speaking at an election rally in Banani, Dhaka, on Monday afternoon, he sought votes for the BNP candidate in Dhaka-17 constituency. Rahman outlined detailed plans for national reconstruction through economic empowerment and employment for women, farmers, youth, and religious leaders.

He emphasized his family’s deep personal and spiritual ties to the area, noting that both he and his brother grew up there and that BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia spent much of her life in the same locality. Rahman said the party’s election manifesto reflects the people’s expectations and includes specific programs to improve living standards if BNP forms the next government.

Rahman announced initiatives such as introducing “Family Cards” for homemakers, “Agriculture Cards” for farmers, and large-scale employment programs for youth through IT and technical training. He also pledged to recruit 100,000 health workers nationwide and ensure fair opportunities for all citizens regardless of religion or background.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali announced that 37 polling centers in the capital have been identified as risky ahead of the upcoming election and referendum. He made the statement on Monday at a press conference held at the DMP Media Center on Minto Road, outlining the security measures being implemented for the event. Each of the risky centers will have seven police officers on duty and will be equipped with body cameras.

According to the commissioner, there are 1,614 important polling centers across Dhaka, each to be guarded by four police officers, while 517 general centers will have three officers each. A total of 25,000 DMP members have received election-related training. To handle any potential situation, the DMP will also deploy its Special Reserve Force, Bomb Disposal Unit, and Dog Squad.

Additional Police Commissioners Sarwar and S.M. Nazrul Islam were present at the briefing, which focused on ensuring a secure and orderly voting process in the city.

A notice from the Election Commission (EC) banning mobile phones at polling centers during the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum has sparked widespread dissatisfaction among political activists and voters. The directive, which reportedly restricts carrying phones within 400 yards of polling stations, has drawn criticism from multiple political groups.

Leaders of the 11-party alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami announced plans to formally lodge a complaint with the EC. Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair described the decision as unacceptable and questioned whether it aimed to benefit specific groups. He argued that voters need phones for personal safety and documentation of irregularities. NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan and media secretary Yasir Arafat also criticized the restriction, calling it unreasonable and counterproductive.

The alliance leaders are scheduled to visit the EC later in the day to discuss the issue and demand withdrawal of the ban, which they say undermines transparency and voter rights.

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman attended an election rally of Maulana Mamunul Haque, the candidate of an eleven-party alliance and the Amir of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, in Dhaka-13 constituency. The rally began at 8:30 a.m. on Monday at the Mohammadpur Central Eidgah ground, with the Jamaat leader arriving around 11:30 a.m.

According to organizers, the event was arranged to present the political context, development vision, and future plans for the Dhaka-13 constituency ahead of the upcoming election. The rally featured Dr. Shafiqur Rahman as the chief guest and Md. Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), as the special guest. Central leaders from the eleven-party alliance were also in attendance.

The gathering highlighted the alliance’s coordinated campaign efforts in Dhaka-13, signaling cooperation among Islamist and allied political groups in the run-up to the election.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has issued a directive prohibiting the use of mobile phones within 400 yards of polling centers during the upcoming 13th National Parliament election and referendum on February 12, 2026. The order, signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Md. Shahidul Islam, allows only presiding officers, police in charge, and two designated Ansar members using the 'Nirbachon Surakkha 2026' app to carry mobile phones inside polling centers. The circular has been sent to divisional commissioners, regional election officers, and all deputy commissioners and returning officers for implementation.

In response, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman issued a warning through his verified Facebook account on Monday, asserting that the nation’s voting rights were earned through struggle and would be defended if necessary. He emphasized that citizens desire a free and fair election where they can vote and celebrate without fear, describing election day as a festival of democracy.

The EC’s restriction and the Jamaat leader’s statement come just days before the scheduled polling, underscoring heightened political sensitivity around election security and voter freedom.

BNP Standing Committee member and Cox’s Bazar-1 (Chakaria-Pekua) constituency candidate Salahuddin Ahmed said that the people of Bangladesh have been unable to exercise their voting rights freely for the past 16–17 years. Speaking at a rally on Sunday evening at Sakurpara Station in Pekua, he expressed hope that the upcoming election would mark a new beginning for the country, leading to the establishment of a strong democracy where citizens’ rights are ensured and no one will have to shed blood for democratic freedoms.

During the event, Ahmed thanked supporters for their participation in the BNP’s mass procession and urged them to attend the final campaign rally scheduled for Monday at the Chakaria municipal bus terminal. He expressed confidence that the BNP’s symbol, the paddy sheaf, would achieve a record victory both locally and nationwide.

The rally was attended by former MP and Ahmed’s wife Advocate Hasina Ahmed, their son Saeed Ibrahim Ahmed, and several local BNP and affiliate leaders, reflecting strong organizational presence in the constituency.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has announced that 1,000 drones will be deployed across the country to monitor the upcoming parliamentary election from the air. The initiative aims to prevent electoral violence and ensure strict surveillance in remote and sensitive areas, including the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar, the hill tracts, and border regions from Teknaf to Feni. Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd.) Abul Fazl Mohammad Sanaullah said the drones, operated with technical support from the Air Force, will function like satellites, transmitting real-time video and data to the EC’s central coordination cell in Dhaka.

According to EC sources, 21 law enforcement and intelligence agencies, including DGFI, NSI, RAB, and BGB, will be active on the ground to respond immediately to any detected sabotage, armed activity, or secret operations. A specialized e-monitoring app will coordinate the entire process. The drones will also track the movement of candidates’ supporters and voters in remote areas and help prevent external influence in Rohingya-populated zones.

Political analysts described the large-scale drone use as a major technological milestone in Bangladesh’s electoral history, expected to enhance voter confidence and a sense of security.

Police in Boalmari upazila of Faridpur recovered 40 live rounds of ammunition found abandoned in the Kaliyand area on Sunday evening between 7:30 and 8:00 p.m. According to police sources, Manik Sheikh, a 50-year-old tea stall owner near Kaliyand Qaumi Madrasa, noticed two suspicious packets placed on a stool in front of his shop. After returning from evening prayers, he found the packets still there and informed Boalmari Police Station.

Sub-inspector Sharif Abdur Rashid arrived at the scene and seized the packets through official procedure. Upon opening them, police discovered two boxes marked with the Bangladesh Army logo and labeled “7.62×39 mm Ball Ammo,” containing a total of 40 rounds. The ammunition was taken to the police station for safekeeping.

Officer-in-Charge Anwar Hossain stated that the bullets were found abandoned and that an investigation is underway to identify those involved. Legal procedures are in progress.

Sarjis Alam, the chief organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP) for the northern region and the 11-party alliance candidate for Panchagarh-1 constituency, called on journalists to remain neutral and uphold professionalism. He made the remarks on Sunday night during a discussion with journalists at the Panchagarh Press Club hall. Alam said that while journalists may have personal political preferences, they must act as mirrors of the district, state, and society when reporting.

He emphasized the importance of fair coverage during the upcoming election, which was only three days away, urging journalists to expose any attempts by political parties or individuals to influence the vote or violate election laws. Alam also pledged that if elected, he would work in parliament to establish a salary structure and ensure financial and social security for media professionals.

The meeting was chaired by Panchagarh Press Club President Mosharraf Hossain and conducted by General Secretary Sarkar Haydar, with several local political and professional figures in attendance.

The article argues that India must revise its Bangladesh policy and abandon its strategic dominance approach if it seeks a sustainable partnership with Dhaka. It notes that Bangladesh’s February 12 national election offers New Delhi a genuine opportunity to rebuild relations on the basis of mutual respect and sovereignty. The piece stresses that India’s past support for Sheikh Hasina’s government went beyond normal diplomacy, leading to resentment among Bangladeshis who viewed India as an interfering actor rather than a partner.

The commentary highlights that India’s attempt to apply a Bhutan-style model of limited autonomy to Bangladesh was a strategic miscalculation, given Bangladesh’s large population, global economic integration, and diplomatic reach. It calls for India to respect Bangladesh’s internal political process, stop allowing exiled Awami League figures to operate politically from Indian soil, and accept the election outcome regardless of which party wins.

The article concludes that adopting an ASEAN-style framework of non-interference and equality could help India rebuild trust. It also identifies unresolved issues such as Teesta River water sharing as key tests of India’s sincerity in reshaping bilateral relations.

In Chattogram, 112 candidates across 16 constituencies are in the final stretch of campaigning for Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election scheduled for February 12. Despite multiple parties and independents contesting, the main competition is between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, both part of an 11-party alliance. In two constituencies, BNP faces additional challenges from rebel candidates. Jamaat has also left three seats for alliance partners, while smaller parties such as Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Gano Adhikar Parishad, and Ganosamhati Andolon are also active.

The contests are particularly tight in 13 constituencies, including Mirsharai, Fatikchhari, Sandwip, Sitakunda, Hathazari, Rauzan, Rangunia, Chandgaon-Boalkhali, Kotwali-Bakalia, Halishahar-Pahartali, Bandar-Patenga, Patiya, and Anwara-Karnaphuli. Each seat features six to nine candidates, but BNP and Jamaat nominees dominate the field. Local dynamics, candidate reputations, and internal party divisions are shaping the electoral landscape.

Observers note that voter sentiment, new voter registrations, and alliance coordination could determine outcomes in several constituencies, where both BNP and Jamaat remain optimistic about their chances.