A total of 401,460 postal ballots from expatriate voters registered through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ app have arrived in Bangladesh ahead of the 13th National Parliament Election and referendum. The information was confirmed on Friday by Salim Ahmad Khan, team leader of the OCV-SDI project on expatriate voter registration. As of 9:30 a.m. Friday, 766,862 ballots had been sent to expatriate voters, of which 526,498 were received, 482,817 votes were cast, and 449,006 ballots were submitted to postal authorities abroad. Returning officers have so far received 124,746 ballots.

The Election Commission has also started sending postal ballots to domestic voters registered under the ICPV system. So far, 694,146 ballots have been dispatched within the country, with 324,002 voters having received them. Among these, 259,394 have voted, 213,697 have submitted their ballots, and 30,706 ballots have been received by returning officers.

In total, 1,533,684 voters at home and abroad have registered through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ app to vote by post. The national election and referendum are scheduled for February 12 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced its manifesto for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, pledging to build a just and inclusive Bangladesh under the slogan “Bangladesh First.” The manifesto, titled “We Will Work, We Will Build the Nation,” was unveiled by BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman at the Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka. It marks Rahman’s first manifesto as party leader and outlines nine major promises and a 51-point plan divided into five sections for the next five years.

The nine key pledges include introducing a ‘Family Card’ to support low-income families, ensuring fair prices for farmers through a ‘Farmer Card,’ recruiting 100,000 health workers, reforming education with a skill-based policy, expanding youth employment and entrepreneurship, developing sports infrastructure, promoting environmental resilience through river dredging and tree planting, strengthening religious harmony, and expanding digital economy initiatives such as PayPal and e-commerce hubs.

BNP described the manifesto as a new social and state contract rooted in the philosophies of Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia’s Vision 2030, and Tarique Rahman’s 31-point state reform plan, emphasizing governance based on justice, accountability, and citizens’ rights.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed concern over repeated clashes between police and government employees in Dhaka. In a statement issued to the media on Friday, the party’s Assistant Secretary General and head of its central publicity and media department, Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, said the incidents occurred when government employees held a peaceful rally at the Central Shaheed Minar demanding publication and implementation of the ninth pay scale gazette. As the procession moved toward the state guesthouse Jamuna around 11:15 a.m., police reportedly used batons, tear gas, and water cannons, injuring many participants.

Zubair stated that peaceful protest is a constitutional right of every citizen and that the use of force cannot resolve legitimate demands. He emphasized that government employees are vital partners in state administration and urged the government to respect and implement their justified demands. Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman also supported resolving the issue through dialogue and called for a peaceful settlement.

Zubair further urged the government to engage in discussions with all parties to find a peaceful solution, ensure proper treatment for the injured, and accept the employees’ legitimate demands.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), warned that anyone attempting vote rigging or fraud in the upcoming February 12 election would face consequences similar to fascists. Speaking at an election rally in Savar’s Shahibagh area for Dhaka-19 constituency candidate Dilshana Parul, he described the election as one for justice, reform, and liberation from authoritarianism. He accused opponents of fearing women’s participation and obstructing their campaign activities, citing the killing of a party member in Sherpur.

Islam criticized the interim government for failing to arrest those responsible for the murder of Osman Hadi, calling it a major failure. He urged voters to come to polling centers without fear, even if voting against his party, to ensure justice and resist oppression. He also rejected any political plans that could restore fascism or corruption, emphasizing that the NCP and its 11-party alliance would include skilled individuals from home and abroad if elected.

He called on citizens to support Dilshana Parul, who returned from abroad to serve the nation, and to vote for change and integrity in governance.

A tense situation unfolded in central Dhaka on Friday as two simultaneous demonstrations surrounded the Chief Adviser’s residence, Jamuna. Students staged a sit-in demanding justice and an impartial investigation into the killing of Shaheed Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, while government employees marched toward Jamuna calling for the publication and implementation of the ninth pay scale gazette. Law enforcement agencies, including police, RAB, and BGB, were deployed in large numbers around Shahbagh, the Intercontinental Hotel, and Kakrail intersections to maintain order.

Clashes erupted when police blocked the employees’ procession near Shahbagh. Water cannons, tear gas, and sound grenades were used to disperse the crowd, leaving several injured and spreading panic in nearby areas. Despite police resistance, protesters advanced toward Jamuna and continued their sit-in. Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali stated that gatherings near Jamuna were prohibited and that law enforcement remained on high alert to prevent unrest ahead of the upcoming election.

Six BGB platoons were deployed, and additional patrols and checkpoints were established. Employee leaders warned of tougher actions if their pay scale demand was not met soon.

The Government of Japan has decided to send an election observation mission to Bangladesh to support the fair conduct of the 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for February 12. According to a statement from the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka, the mission will be present in Bangladesh from February 9 to 14 to observe the election process and contribute to ensuring transparency and credibility.

The mission will be led by Watanabe Masato, former Japanese ambassador to Bangladesh, and will include officials from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives from the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka, and an external election expert. The observers will monitor not only the voting but also the counting process, as well as the overall electoral environment and administrative preparations. They will also exchange views and information with the Bangladesh Election Commission and other international observer teams.

The Japanese government stated that this initiative is part of its long-standing cooperation to strengthen democracy in Bangladesh and is expected to contribute positively to a credible and transparent electoral process.

Islami Andolon Bangladesh’s Amir and Charmonai Pir Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim announced that his party would establish a corruption-free Bangladesh if it came to power. Speaking at an election rally organized by the Islami Andolon Barguna district branch at Amtali Municipality field on Friday morning, he said all necessary steps would be taken to bring smiles to the faces of the country’s 180 million people and ensure their freedom of movement.

During the event, Karim introduced Maulana Oliullah as the Islami Andolon candidate for Barguna-1 and Md. Mizanur Rahman Kasemi for Barguna-2, both contesting under the hand-fan symbol. He stated that if the hand-fan symbol candidates won, Barguna district would be developed as a model district. The rally was presided over by Barguna-1 candidate Maulana Mahmudul Hossain Oliullah and attended by several party leaders including Professor Mahabubur Rahman, Professor Ashrab Ali Akon, and Maulana Saiful Islam.

The gathering reflected Islami Andolon’s campaign focus on anti-corruption and local development ahead of the upcoming elections.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is set to announce its election manifesto for the 13th National Parliament election this afternoon. BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman will formally unveil the manifesto at 3:30 p.m. at the ballroom of Hotel Sonargaon in Dhaka. The event will be presided over by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and conducted by Standing Committee member and Election Steering Committee Chairman Nazrul Islam Khan.

According to party sources, the manifesto emphasizes BNP’s previously declared 31-point agenda, the July Charter, and the aspirations of young voters. It will feature people-oriented initiatives such as family cards, health cards, and farmer cards. The document will also include commitments to restore democracy, ensure judicial independence, decentralize administration, protect human rights, and strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms. Guidance on economic and foreign policy directions will also be presented.

The event is expected to be attended by prominent citizens, foreign ambassadors, high commissioners, and representatives from international organizations and diplomatic missions in Dhaka.

Abdur Rashid Jitu, vice president of Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU), along with several elected hall leaders, has joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The announcement was made at a press conference held on Friday at the BNP central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka. In addition to Jitu, multiple JAKSU leaders joined the BNP’s student wing, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal. Some elected representatives, including Maruf Hasan, Masud Rana Mintu, and Ripon Mondol, were absent from the joining event.

Those who joined the Chhatra Dal include Ibn-e-Shihab of Nawab Salimullah Hall, Rifat Ahmed Shakil of Al Beruni Hall, G.M.M. Raihan Kabir of A.F.M. Kamaluddin Hall, Amit Bonik of Rabindranath Tagore Hall, Bubli Ahmed of Nawab Faizunnesa Hall, Farhana Bithi of Begum Khaleda Zia Hall, Shahriar Nazim Riad of Mir Mosharraf Hossain Hall, and Shariful Islam of Shaheed Rafiq Jabbar Hall.

The JAKSU and hall elections were held on 11 September after a 33-year gap. In that election, the Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed “Combined Student Alliance” won 20 of the 25 central positions, while independent and Bangladesh Democratic Student Union candidates secured the remaining five.

Authorities have imposed Section 144 around the Chief Adviser’s residence in the Jamuna area of Dhaka on Friday afternoon, according to the DMP Commissioner. Six platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed near Kakrail Mosque and Hotel Intercontinental to secure the state residence. The move follows escalating protests by government employees demanding publication and implementation of the ninth pay scale gazette.

Earlier in the day, demonstrators under the banner of the Government Employees Demand Implementation Unity Council began a rally at the Central Shaheed Minar before marching toward Shahbagh and Jamuna. Police initially blocked them at Shahbagh, later using tear gas, sound grenades, and water cannons to disperse the crowd. Despite several dispersal attempts, protesters regrouped and continued toward Jamuna, leading to further clashes and injuries.

The employees had previously observed work stoppages for several days, extending their strike duration from two to four hours nationwide. Their current demand centers on immediate publication and enforcement of the new pay scale effective from January 1.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, a partner in the 11-party alliance, announced its manifesto for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election at its central office in Purana Paltan on Friday. Party chief Allama Mamunul Haque presented the manifesto, pledging to build a new Bangladesh based on justice, integrity, and humane Islamic governance. The manifesto outlines 22 commitments across six priority areas, including balanced development, good governance, national security, foreign policy, education reform, and youth employment.

The party emphasized ending the culture of enforced disappearances, killings, and corruption, calling for state reform grounded in truth, justice, and accountability. It proposed a welfare-oriented state ensuring citizens’ basic rights to food, shelter, healthcare, education, and justice. The manifesto also supports a professional defense system, an independent foreign policy, and a unified moral education framework. It promises employment guarantees for youth and equal rights for women across all sectors.

Mamunul Haque described the manifesto as a moral duty rather than a political promise, asserting that a state built on piety, justice, and humane governance would ensure peace, prosperity, and security for all citizens.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit three northern districts of Bangladesh on Saturday, beginning with Thakurgaon, followed by Nilphamari and Dinajpur. During the trip, he will attend election rallies and later visit the graves of his grandparents and aunt. The visit marks his first return to Thakurgaon in 23 years, and local BNP leaders and supporters are preparing for large gatherings at Thakurgaon Boys High School field, where the main rally will be held.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, whose constituency includes Thakurgaon, has urged party members and supporters to attend the event. Police have confirmed that security preparations are complete for the visit. Local residents and party activists have expressed excitement about seeing Tarique Rahman in person after nearly two decades, viewing his presence as significant for the region’s development.

Following the Thakurgaon rally, Tarique Rahman will travel to Nilphamari and then to Birampur in Dinajpur, an area connected to his mother’s memories. BNP Standing Committee member Dr. A Z M Zahid Hossain said public attendance at the rallies will demonstrate the people’s affection for the Zia family and Tarique Rahman.

In East London’s Bangladeshi community, conversations about Bangladesh’s upcoming February 12 national election have intensified as expatriates gain the right to vote for the first time. The election follows the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the installation of an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, which has banned Hasina’s Awami League from contesting. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party, now led by Tarique Rahman, and the Jamaat-e-Islami in alliance with the National Citizen Party are among the main contenders. For many in Britain’s large Bangladeshi diaspora, the vote carries emotional and symbolic weight after decades of exclusion.

Despite new rights, participation remains limited. Only about 32,000 Bangladeshi citizens in the UK have registered to vote, compared with millions in Gulf countries. Complex registration procedures, lack of awareness, and technological barriers have discouraged many, particularly older voters. Younger British Bangladeshis often feel detached from politics in Bangladesh, focusing instead on life in the UK. Some, however, view the election as a chance for long-awaited change, while others question its legitimacy after the Awami League’s ban.

The diaspora’s mixed engagement underscores enduring ties to Bangladesh alongside evolving identities rooted in Britain.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard has discovered a local firearm manufacturing factory in Sandwip, Chattogram, and arrested two craftsmen along with weapons and equipment. The detainees were identified as Md. Rashed, 40, from Amanullah Union, and Akbar, 43, from Rahmatpur Union. The operation was conducted jointly by the Coast Guard Station Sandwip and a Navy team on Wednesday night in the Amanullah embankment area. Officials recovered a single-barrel gun, two live cartridges, and various firearm-making tools during the raid.

According to Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haq, the raid was carried out based on information about suspicious activities in the area. Legal proceedings are underway against the arrested individuals, and the seized weapons and tools have been taken into custody.

Reports indicate that due to the remote coastal nature of the region, small-scale workshops have long been used to conceal illegal firearm production. However, regular law enforcement operations have significantly reduced such activities in recent years.

Bangladesh’s Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Sunil Karmakar, who played a significant role in promoting the songs of philosopher and poet Jalal Uddin Khan. In a condolence message issued on Friday, Farooki said that philosophy and art in Bangladesh have long evolved together, with the nation’s people expressing both worldly emotions and philosophical reflections through song. He noted that the country’s intellectual heritage is best found in its music, enriched by thinkers such as Lalon, Hasan, Jalal Khan, and Shah Karim.

Farooki described Sunil Karmakar as a distinguished musician and spiritual artist from the Jalal Khan tradition. He recalled being inspired by Karmakar’s rendition of Jalal Khan’s songs many years ago and praised his mastery of multiple instruments, including the violin and dotara. The adviser added that the Ministry of Cultural Affairs had promptly extended support upon learning of Karmakar’s illness.

Farooki said the news of Karmakar’s passing deeply saddened him personally and marked an irreparable loss for Bangladesh’s cultural community.