Political dynamics in the Comilla-5 (Burichang–Brahmanpara) constituency have become increasingly complex ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election. Two candidates from the 11-party alliance are contesting: Jamaat-e-Islami’s Advocate Mobarak Hossain, a former Islami Chhatra Shibir leader, and Barrister Zubair Ahmed, joint secretary general of Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party. Observers note that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidate, Haji Jasim Uddin, appears to be in a comparatively favorable position.

Both alliance candidates are actively campaigning, but their simultaneous presence has reportedly confused voters. Political analysts believe this split may benefit the BNP contender. Jamaat and AB Party leaders confirmed that only two constituencies nationwide—Comilla-5 and Sunamganj-3—feature both parties’ candidates under a mutual understanding within the 11-party coalition. Jamaat’s candidate expects AB Party to withdraw soon, while AB’s Zubair Ahmed insists he is running independently and is confident of victory.

The 11-party alliance, announced on January 15 in Dhaka, allocated 179 seats to Jamaat and three to AB Party. Local leaders say the overlapping nominations in Comilla-5 are part of the coalition’s agreed flexibility.

A three-way contest is unfolding in the Jessore-5 (Monirampur) constituency ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election, with the main competition expected between BNP’s expelled rebel candidate Shahid Md. Iqbal Hossain and Jamaat-e-Islami’s Gazi Enamul Haque. The BNP-led alliance’s official nominee, former Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam leader Rashid Ahmad, is reportedly trailing behind. Iqbal Hossain was initially nominated by the BNP but was later expelled after refusing to withdraw his candidacy when the seat was allocated to Jamiat as part of a joint anti-fascist movement arrangement.

Local reports indicate that most BNP activists in Monirampur are campaigning for Iqbal Hossain, while only a few support the official BNP symbol candidate. The constituency has about 375,000 voters, including roughly 100,000 religious minorities, many of whom are said to back Iqbal. His long-standing local presence and previous tenure as three-time mayor have strengthened his influence. Jamaat’s campaign, however, remains active, particularly among women voters.

Iqbal Hossain expressed full confidence in his victory, while Jamaat’s campaign committee stated they are on the path to success, identifying Iqbal as their main rival.

As the election date nears, campaigning in Barishal-2 constituency has become increasingly competitive, with candidates and supporters canvassing from morning to night. Voters say they prefer honest and capable candidates. Although eight contenders are running, the main contest appears to be between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami nominees, both striving to attract Awami League voters, whose support could determine the outcome.

BNP has nominated industrialist and education enthusiast S. Sarfuddin Ahmed Santu, but internal divisions have weakened his campaign. Several BNP leaders who were denied nomination have refrained from joining his campaign, and some have defected to Jamaat. This has created mixed reactions locally. Jamaat’s candidate, Master Abdul Mannan, is seen as honest though less popular, while BNP’s Santu remains widely known. Other strong candidates include JASAD’s Abul Kalam Azad Badol, a former local chairman.

Election officials report that law and order in Barishal-2 remains under control, with no incidents of political violence so far. The constituency, comprising Uzirpur and Banaripara upazilas, has 385,807 voters and 140 polling centers. Observers note that Awami League supporters’ voting direction could decide the final result.

Nasir Uddin Nasir, the central general secretary of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, has called on voters in the Cumilla-4 (Debidwar) constituency to elect Jasim Uddin, the Gano Adhikar Parishad candidate, who is contesting under the truck symbol. His appeal was made through a Facebook post on Thursday night, where he urged supporters of BNP, Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, Krishak Dal, and Sramik Dal, as well as the general public, to create a mass wave in favor of the truck symbol.

In his post, Nasir mentioned that Hasnat Abdullah, the Jamaat-led alliance candidate, is also contesting in the same constituency and described him as a young leader who emerged from the July mass uprising. He emphasized that true leadership is proven through competitive elections rather than uncontested victories and expressed hope for a strong contest between Hasnat Abdullah and Jasim Uddin.

Nasir further described Jasim Uddin as an important participant in the anti-fascist joint movement and reiterated his call to voters to support him in the upcoming election.

Ahead of Ramadan, edible oil prices have unexpectedly increased in Bangladesh despite adequate imports. Retailers report that companies have reduced commissions, indirectly raising prices. Unscrupulous traders are accused of artificially inflating soybean and palm oil prices. In contrast, vegetable prices have declined due to increased supply, while chicken prices rose by Tk 10 per kilogram and egg prices fell by Tk 5 per dozen.

Industry sources indicate that Bangladesh’s annual edible oil demand is about 2.5 million tons, with imports exceeding seasonal needs. By December, over 2.4 million tons of palm oil had been imported, and additional shipments are awaiting unloading at Chattogram port. Refinery owners claim that global price hikes have not yet affected the domestic market, suggesting that local manipulation and weak monitoring may be driving the rise.

Despite the oil price surge, traders say the supply of essential goods such as lentils and sugar remains stable, and they expect no major price hikes during Ramadan if monitoring improves.

Multiple earthquakes struck India’s Himalayan state of Sikkim late Wednesday night, with tremors also felt across northern Bangladesh. According to India’s National Center for Seismology (NCS) and the US Geological Survey (USGS), the epicenters were located in Sikkim’s Namchi and Mangan areas. The first major quake, measuring 4.6 on the Richter scale, occurred at 1:39 a.m. Bangladesh time, followed by two more of magnitudes 4.4 and 4.0 at 2:50 a.m. and 3:31 a.m. respectively. Several smaller aftershocks were recorded until around 6 a.m., totaling eight to ten tremors overall.

The quakes were shallow, with depths between 5 and 10 kilometers, which made the shaking more intense. Residents in Bangladesh’s Rangpur division reported strong vibrations and fear during the night. A resident of Nilphamari described the experience as terrifying, saying it felt as though the room might collapse.

Geological experts noted that Sikkim and the adjoining Himalayan region lie on an active fault line, making aftershocks common following a major tremor. Earlier in the week, a 5.9-magnitude quake in Myanmar and another in Satkhira’s Kalaroa area had also been felt across Bangladesh.

The interim government has asked the Election Commission (EC) for clarification on three specific legal and regulatory issues related to campaigning in favor of the ‘yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum linked to the July Charter. According to official sources, the move aims to prevent confusion or crisis among political parties, voters, and the EC ahead of the vote. The government’s questions concern the permissible duration of campaigning, the possibility of setting up separate campaign booths on polling day, and whether separate polling agents can be appointed for the referendum.

In response, EC officials said they have provided explanations based on the Referendum Ordinance 2025 and relevant election regulations. The EC confirmed that both the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum will be held on February 12, with all campaigning to stop 48 hours before polling begins, meaning after 7:30 a.m. on February 10. The EC also clarified that no separate booths will be set up by the commission, though the government may establish its own campaign booths without official assistance, and no separate polling agents may be appointed for the referendum.

Under the Referendum Ordinance 2025 and the Representation of the People Order 1972, public officials may raise awareness about the referendum but cannot campaign for or against any side, as such actions are legally punishable.

An article published on February 6, 2026, explores the political and cultural transformation in Bangladesh following the events of July 2024, centering on the legacy of martyr Sharif Osman Hadi. Hadi, originally a cultural activist, became a symbol of ethical and transparent politics through his independent candidacy in Dhaka-8. His approach, known as the ‘Hadi Model,’ emphasized cultural reform as the foundation of political change, arguing that politics must evolve from cultural consciousness rather than institutional power.

Hadi’s leadership was marked by transparency, accountability, and a rejection of corporate influence. He introduced a crowd-funding model for election financing, promoting citizen ownership of politics. His grassroots engagement, digital literacy initiatives, and ‘bottom-up’ manifesto drafting inspired a new generation of politically aware youth and influenced major parties to adopt more people-centered communication strategies. His use of QR codes and social media outreach redefined political campaigning in Bangladesh.

Even after his death, Hadi’s influence continues to shape the country’s political ethos. His principles of justice, transparency, and cultural renewal have become embedded in the evolving political DNA of Bangladesh, inspiring both emerging leaders and established parties to reconnect with ordinary citizens.

Bangladesh’s Under-19 women’s football team expressed strong confidence ahead of the SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship final against India, scheduled to take place tomorrow in Pokhara, Nepal. Earlier in the group stage, Bangladesh defeated India 2–0, and team captain Arpita Biswas said the players are fully fit and mentally prepared for the decisive match.

Arpita noted that the team’s morale is high after their earlier victory over India, adding that the players are determined to bring the championship trophy home. She emphasized that everyone is in good physical condition and ready to give their best effort in the final. Bangladesh has previously won four titles across the U-18, U-19, and U-20 categories, while India has won once. In 2024, both teams shared the championship title.

This time, Bangladesh aims to secure the trophy outright, with Arpita affirming that the team will fight with full determination to achieve a solo championship victory.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) faces uncertainty as the country prepares for a new democratic government following the fall of a long authoritarian regime. Established in 2010 to try genocide and crimes against humanity committed during the 1971 Liberation War, the tribunal has recently completed verdict processes in several high-profile cases linked to the July 2024 revolution and earlier enforced disappearances. Questions now dominate political and legal circles over whether the ICT will continue under the new administration, retain its current structure, or undergo reform.

Prosecutors and legal experts expressed mixed expectations. Some believe the incoming government, composed of former allies from the July movement, will continue the trials with renewed commitment. Others fear political shifts could weaken or dissolve the tribunal. Concerns also surround whether Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam will remain in his post, as leadership changes could affect case strategy and credibility.

Observers warn that any legal or policy changes by the new government could impact ongoing trials. Maintaining transparency, professional integrity, and adherence to international standards is seen as crucial for preserving justice and public trust in the tribunal’s future.

A fake document claiming that a major intelligence agency ordered 75 percent of votes for a political party has circulated on social media ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming parliamentary election and referendum. Investigations revealed that the forged letterhead was first shared by Subrata Kumar Sarkar, identified as a staunch Awami League supporter. The content was later copied and spread by multiple Facebook pages and X accounts linked to a banned political group. The document contained numerous inconsistencies, including spelling errors, unusual fonts, and meaningless reference numbers.

The report notes that misinformation networks have become increasingly active as some groups, unsuccessful in field politics, turn to social media to question the election’s credibility. Authorities have deployed record numbers of security personnel, opened access to international observers, and placed the Election Commission under strict monitoring to ensure transparency. Analysts cited in the report said the government is expected to take firm legal action against those spreading destabilizing rumors.

The article emphasizes that citizens should remain alert to signs of fake documents and maintain confidence in state institutions as the election approaches.

BNP Standing Committee member and Cox’s Bazar-1 (Chakaria–Pekua) candidate Salahuddin Ahmed announced that his party will ensure fair prices for salt producers if it forms the next government. He made the statement on Thursday at an election rally jointly organized by the Moghnama and Ujantia Union BNP units at Moghnama High School field in Pekua upazila.

Ahmed criticized the current disparity in salt pricing, noting that while consumers in Dhaka pay 40 taka per kilogram, salt farmers in Cox’s Bazar receive less than 10 taka. He blamed the interim government’s decision to import salt for depressing local prices, adding that imports were later halted following BNP’s request. He expressed optimism that salt prices would gradually rise again.

The BNP leader also pledged to introduce a family card program for low-income citizens and promote economic stability through poverty alleviation. He argued that rival candidates lack clear plans for the country’s development and urged voters to support the BNP’s “sheaf of paddy” symbol in the upcoming February 12 national election.

Mufti Amir Hamza, the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for the Kushtia Sadar constituency, held a press conference on Thursday night at his residence in Amlapara, Kushtia, following the removal of his verified Facebook page. He claimed that a conspiratorial group had filed false complaints and fake reports against his official page, leading to its removal. The page, which had about 650,000 followers, became inaccessible after Thursday afternoon.

Hamza said he had long used Facebook and other digital platforms to share messages on Islamic teachings, ethics, and social values. He alleged that a rival political group, fearing defeat in the upcoming election, orchestrated a “planned cyber attack” to disrupt his online campaign. According to him, the strong response to his campaign both offline and online had unsettled his opponents.

He added that an appeal with supporting evidence had been submitted to Facebook authorities and that his technical team was working to restore the page. Hamza also said he would seek legal action under national laws and file a complaint with the cybercrime unit if necessary.

More than a hundred men, women and youths from the Chakma, Marma and Tripura communities formally joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in Khagrachhari on Thursday evening. The event took place on the stage of an election rally, where the new members expressed support for the party’s electoral symbol, the balance scale. Jamaat’s central assistant secretary general, Maulana Mohammad Shahjahan, welcomed the new members and said the party aims to build a peaceful and inclusive Bangladesh that protects the rights and dignity of all communities.

The joining ceremony was attended by Khagrachhari district Jamaat chief Professor Syed Abdul Momen, Jamaat-nominated candidate Advocate Eyakub Ali Chowdhury, Bandarban district Jamaat chief A.S.M. Abdus Salam, Rangamati district chief Professor Abdul Alim, National Citizen Party’s southern regional organizer Minjila Jhum, and Marma Unity Federation convener Chaithoai Marma, along with representatives from the three ethnic groups.

The new members said they joined Jamaat-e-Islami with hopes for equality, justice and peaceful coexistence, and pledged to work actively for the balance scale symbol in the upcoming election.

More than one hundred leaders and activists from BNP’s associate bodies in Pabna-4 (Ishwardi–Atgharia) constituency resigned en masse on Thursday, February 6, 2026, expressing anger over party nominations, expulsion threats, and dissatisfaction with central decisions. The announcement was made at an emergency press conference at Kacharipara field in Ishwardi municipal town, where the participants symbolically celebrated their protest by sharing sweets.

Among the resigning members were at least 64 officeholders from the upazila and municipal units of Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal, along with several hundred supporters. In a written statement, Shahapur Union Swechchhasebak Dal president and upazila Jubo Dal joint convener Md. Rasel Parvez said they were disappointed that Zakaria Pintu, who had led local movements, was denied the BNP nomination and is now contesting as an independent candidate. He added that repeated expulsion threats from the party prompted their collective resignation.

Central BNP member and former Ishwardi mayor Mokhlesur Rahman Babul commented that such resignations before the election are personal decisions but not beneficial for the party. Local analysts noted the mass resignation could affect BNP’s organizational strength and alter the electoral dynamics in the constituency.