Bangladesh and the United States are set to sign a counter-tariff trade agreement on Monday, February 9, in Washington, D.C. The formal activities related to the signing will begin a day earlier, on February 8. Although the event will span two days, Bangladesh’s Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin and Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman will not attend in person.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, a five-member Bangladeshi delegation will travel to the United States to represent the country at the signing ceremony. A government order issued on February 3 appointed Additional Secretary and WTO Division Head Khadiza Nazneen as the delegation leader. Other members include Joint Secretaries Firoz Uddin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, Senior Assistant Secretary Sheikh Shamsul Arefin, and NBR Commissioner Rois Uddin Khan. The delegation is scheduled to leave Dhaka on February 6 and return around February 10.

Meanwhile, Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin and Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman have departed for Tokyo to attend the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement signing program, taking place from February 4 to 6.

Sarowar Alam, an assistant programmer at the President’s Office, denied any involvement in the case filed over the hacking of the Jamaat-e-Islami chief’s X account. He made the statement on Thursday during a bail hearing before Dhaka’s Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Awlad Hossain Muhammad Jonaid. Police said he was shown arrested on Wednesday night under the Cyber Security Act in a case filed with Hatirjheel Police Station.

During the hearing, the investigating officer, SI Khondoker Saleh Abu Naim, sought to keep Alam in jail, while defense lawyer Md. Alamgir applied for bail, arguing that his client had been falsely implicated due to political vendetta. The prosecution lawyer, Abdur Razzak, opposed bail, alleging that Alam acted to create unrest and provoke voters by hacking the Jamaat chief’s account.

Alam told the court he was arrested from his home and had voluntarily handed over his mobile phone, laptop, and desktop to investigators. He insisted he had never imagined committing such an act and pledged full cooperation with the investigation.

The six-day-long strike by workers and employees at Chattogram Port has been suspended for two days following successful discussions with the shipping adviser. The decision was announced on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at a press conference held at the port building by Humayun Kabir and Ibrahim Khokon, coordinators of the Chattogram Port Protection Struggle Unity Council. Workers will resume full operations from Friday morning, bringing relief to port activities that had been paralyzed for nearly a week.

During the meeting, labor leaders presented four demands, including cancellation of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) operation agreement, withdrawal of transfer orders for protesting employees, assurance against future legal actions, and removal of the current port chairman. The adviser accepted two of these demands and promised to consider the chairman’s removal. He also sought two days to consult the chief adviser regarding the NCT issue.

Union leaders warned that if the government does not withdraw from the NCT agreement within the given time, they will resume the strike from Sunday. The temporary suspension has restored confidence among traders and port stakeholders after days of disruption.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced that the interim government will hand over power to the newly elected administration within the shortest possible time after the results of the 13th National Parliamentary Election are declared. He stated that the process could take a maximum of three days, and the new government may assume office between February 17 and 18. The announcement was made on Thursday at a press conference held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, following a meeting of the Advisory Council chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

Shafiqul Alam explained that preparations are in place for a swift transfer of power once the election concludes. Newly elected members of parliament will take their oaths immediately after the results, and the handover process will begin promptly. He emphasized that the transition could be completed as early as February 15, 16, or by February 17–18 at the latest.

Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad dismissed rumors that the interim government would remain in power for 180 working days, calling such claims baseless and politically motivated.

A Dhaka court has granted bail to Mohammad Saroware Alam, an assistant programmer at Bangabhaban, in a case filed over the hacking of Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman’s X (formerly Twitter) account. The order was issued on Thursday by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Awlad Hossain Muhammad Junaid after a hearing. Saroware Alam was produced before the Dhaka CMM Court at 3 p.m., where the investigating officer, Sub-Inspector Khandaker Saleh Abu Nayeem of Hatirjheel Police Station, sought to keep him in custody.

During the hearing, defense lawyer Md. Alamgir argued for bail, while prosecution lawyer Md. Abdur Razzak opposed it, citing specific allegations and a forensic report from the accused’s mobile phone. The prosecution claimed the act aimed to create unrest before the election and warned that the accused might abscond if released. Saroware Alam denied the allegations, asserting his innocence and cooperation with investigators, saying he voluntarily handed over his mobile and laptop.

The case was filed under the Cyber Security Act at Hatirjheel Police Station following the hacking incident involving the Jamaat chief’s X account.

Candidates of the Khagrachhari-298 parliamentary constituency have demanded that the army be deployed with magistracy powers three days before the election to ensure maximum security at 68 high-risk polling centers. The demand was made on Thursday at a press conference organized under the banner of the Khagrachhari Lawyers’ Association, where BNP candidate Abdul Wadud Bhuiyan read a written statement. Three other candidates—Mithila Roaja of Jatiya Party, Dinmoy Roaja of Ganoparishad, and Md. Nurul Islam of Insoniyat Biplob Bangladesh—were also present.

According to the statement, law enforcement and intelligence agencies have identified 121 of the 203 polling centers in Khagrachhari as risky, including 68 marked as “red” for being highly vulnerable. The candidates alleged that armed groups are intimidating voters, obstructing campaigns, and attempting to influence votes in favor of preferred candidates. They also claimed these groups disrupted past elections and are now trying to destabilize the upcoming polls.

The six-point demand includes increased mobile patrols in remote areas, strict security per polling center, community confidence-building, monitoring social media for rumors, and immediate legal action against offenders.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul stated that either a person nominated by the President or the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) will administer the oath to members elected in the upcoming 13th National Parliament. He made the clarification on Thursday, February 5, during a briefing with journalists at the Secretariat.

Nazrul explained that there are two options under the current arrangement. Former Speaker or Deputy Speaker cannot administer the oath. If the oath must be taken within three days of the election results being announced, the President will nominate a person on the advice of the Chief Adviser to conduct the ceremony. He added that the current Chief Justice could be such a nominee if willing. If the oath cannot be administered within three days for any reason, the CEC will then perform the duty.

The 13th National Parliament election and referendum are scheduled to be held on February 12, according to the adviser’s statement.

Bangla Academy has confirmed that the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 will begin on February 20, rejecting publishers’ calls to postpone the event until after Eid-ul-Fitr. The decision was announced at a press conference held at the academy on Thursday, where officials said the fair’s organizing committee had unanimously agreed on the date. The academy also announced special arrangements for iftar and prayers during Ramadan.

Director General Professor Mohammad Azam explained that the fair could not start on February 1 as in previous years because state approval was delayed. He said about 60 percent of preparations are complete, including stall construction, event management selection, and invitations to speakers. Stall rent has been reduced by 25 percent compared to last year, despite higher overall costs. A total of 527 returning and 24 new publishers have been selected for stalls, with over 100 institutions expressing interest in participation.

Azam added that holding the fair after Eid would be impractical due to April’s heat and storms. He urged all publishers to join the fair, expressing optimism that it will be well-organized despite challenges.

The Bangladesh government has decided to reduce value-added tax (VAT) on liquefied petroleum (LPG) gas, aiming to bring down its market price. The decision was made on Thursday, February 5, during an advisory council meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced the decision at a press briefing held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.

According to Shafiqul Alam, the council approved a proposal to exempt the existing 7.5 percent VAT and 2 percent advance tax on local production and trading of LPG, while imposing a 7.5 percent VAT at the import stage. He stated that this adjustment would reduce the overall tax burden on LPG and consequently lower its retail price in the domestic market.

The government expects that the revised VAT structure will ease consumer costs and stabilize LPG prices across the country, providing some relief to households and businesses dependent on the fuel.

National Citizens Party convener Nahid Islam declared that no conspiracy from Delhi would be accepted in Bangladesh’s political affairs. Speaking at an election rally in Kutubdia, Cox’s Bazar, on Thursday, he said the people of Bangladesh alone would decide who forms the government. He called for unity to free the country from terrorism, fascism, and domination, urging voters to support the balance-scale symbol in the upcoming election.

The rally was organized in support of Jamaat-e-Islami candidate and assistant secretary general Dr. A.H.M. Hamidur Rahman Azad. Jamaat’s central Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, attending as chief guest, described the February 12 election as a milestone for building a new Bangladesh. He pledged to eliminate corruption, establish democracy, and ensure citizens’ rights if his coalition came to power.

Taher highlighted Kutubdia and Maheshkhali’s economic and geographic importance, comparing their potential to Singapore’s development model. He said if elected, Hamidur Rahman Azad could become a full minister under an eleven-party alliance government.

Daksu Vice President Sadiq Kayem alleged that a major political party and its leader were conducting politics in Bangladesh under India’s prescription. He made the remarks on Thursday afternoon at Shahbagh’s Shaheed Hadi Chattar while addressing a public gathering organized by the United Student Council in support of the ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum. Kayem said that true politics in Bangladesh requires opposing Indian dominance and accused Jatiya Party leader GM Quader of acting as an Indian agent for supporting the ‘No’ vote.

Other student leaders, including representatives from Jaksu, Joksu, and Chaksu, also spoke at the event, expressing support for the ‘Yes’ campaign and denouncing corruption, fascism, and political violence. They urged the interim government not to obstruct those campaigning for the ‘Yes’ vote and called for justice against those attacking women during political activities.

Speakers warned against election engineering and urged citizens to resist any attempt to seize power undemocratically, emphasizing that students and the public would support whichever party wins in a fair election.

Bangladesh’s outgoing foreign affairs adviser Md. Touhid Hossain said he does not personally accept responsibility for the recent difficulties Bangladeshis face in obtaining foreign visas. Speaking at a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, he stated that the problem stems from systemic and national shortcomings rather than individual or ministerial failures. He argued that widespread document fraud has damaged Bangladesh’s credibility abroad, making it harder for citizens to secure visas or admissions.

Hossain explained that visa and admission decisions depend on the authenticity of submitted documents, and Bangladesh’s reputation for falsification has undermined trust. He warned that unless the country addresses internal irregularities, the situation could worsen. He also acknowledged that relations between Bangladesh and India had stagnated during the interim government’s tenure, noting that both nations prioritized their own interests.

Expressing optimism, Hossain said he believes the next government will be able to improve bilateral relations with India. He also dismissed concerns that agreements signed by the interim government would burden its successor, saying they were intended to facilitate future work.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will announce its election manifesto for the 13th National Parliament election on Friday. BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is scheduled to formally unveil the manifesto at 3:30 p.m. in the ballroom of Hotel Sonargaon in Dhaka. The announcement was confirmed by BNP media cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan. 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 highlight citizen-focused services such as family cards, health cards, and farmer cards. The document is also expected to include commitments to restore democracy, ensure judicial independence, decentralize administration, protect human rights, and strengthen anti-corruption frameworks. Economic and foreign policy directions will also be outlined.

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

Chittagong Port is set to reopen on Friday morning after six days of shutdown due to worker protests against the government’s decision to appoint a foreign operator at the port’s New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT). Shipping Adviser M Sakhawat Hossain announced the resumption following a series of meetings at the port building on Thursday, warning that strict legal action would be taken against anyone obstructing operations.

The adviser said discussions with worker representatives were not fruitful but assured that the terms of the agreement with DP World would be reviewed to include workers’ concerns where possible. He emphasized that the government could not withdraw from its current position on the deal. Hossain also noted that the country was in a sensitive period ahead of elections and Ramadan, making it essential to keep the port operational.

Leaders of the Port Protection Struggle Council have suspended their protest programs for Friday and Saturday following the adviser’s assurances. They warned that if the government fails to make a positive decision within two days, they will resume their movement from Sunday.

The European Union Election Observation Mission has called for a level playing field in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, scheduled for February 12. Chief Observer Ivars Ijabs made the remarks on February 5 after meeting Chief Election Commissioner A M M Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission building in Agargaon, Dhaka. He emphasized that the mission was not there to give advice but to observe the process, expressing hope for a free, fair, and impartial election.

Ijabs said the EU team had already deployed observers across various parts of the country and that more would arrive before election day. Discussions with the Election Commission focused on election challenges and ensuring fairness in the electoral field. The EU mission is currently monitoring the electoral environment in all 300 constituencies.

The Chief Observer noted satisfaction with the Election Commission’s activities and reiterated the EU’s commitment to observing the process to help ensure transparency and credibility in the upcoming vote.