Nuruzzaman Badal, the secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Sherpur district branch and the party’s candidate for the Sherpur-3 (Sreebardi–Jhenaigati) parliamentary seat, has passed away at the age of 51. His death occurred at around 3 a.m. on Tuesday night, according to a Facebook post by Jamaat-e-Islami confirming the news.

The post stated that Nuruzzaman Badal had been admitted to a hospital due to kidney-related illness and died while undergoing treatment. He was the officially nominated candidate of Jamaat-e-Islami for the Sherpur-3 constituency in the upcoming election.

The report did not mention further details about funeral arrangements or the party’s next steps regarding the vacant candidacy.

UK-based weekly The Economist has reported that Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairman Tarique Rahman is leading the race to become Bangladesh’s next prime minister in the upcoming general election scheduled for February 12, 2026. The magazine described him as a 60-year-old heir of a prominent political family and the top contender following the country’s first election since a ‘revolution’ 18 months earlier that ended the Awami League’s 15-year rule.

The Economist’s analysis stated that the return to democracy is expected to improve law and order, reassure investors, and repair strained relations with India. It noted that the interim government led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus has stabilized the economy and prepared reforms to prevent future authoritarianism, including proposals for a new upper house and a 10-year limit on the prime minister’s tenure. The report also mentioned that Rahman’s BNP is leading opinion polls.

Rahman has pledged to support investors, create jobs, train young Bangladeshis for overseas employment, dig 20,000 kilometers of canals to address water shortages, and plant 50 million trees annually. He emphasized ensuring freedom of expression, maintaining law and order, and prosecuting those responsible for the 2024 protest killings.

Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police (DB) launched a raid in the AGB Colony area of Motijheel late Tuesday night to identify and apprehend those responsible for hacking the X account of Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman. The operation began shortly after midnight, according to DB Additional Police Commissioner Shafiqul Islam, who said further details would be shared after the raid concludes.

The move follows a social media controversy that erupted last Saturday night when a screenshot from the Jamaat chief’s X handle circulated online, containing offensive remarks about working women. The post was later removed from the account. In response, Jamaat-e-Islami issued a statement claiming that the post resulted from a cyberattack and that false statements had been spread in the name of its leader.

Authorities have yet to disclose the outcome of the ongoing operation or confirm whether any suspects have been detained in connection with the hacking incident.

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has announced that users must cancel the registration of their mobile phones before transferring or selling them. The directive follows the full implementation of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system, which became fully operational on January 1. According to a notice from BTRC’s Spectrum Division, the NEIR aims to ensure transparency and security in mobile phone management across the country.

BTRC stated that all active mobile phones on the national network have been automatically registered under the NEIR system. The initiative is designed to curb the use of illegal and stolen mobile devices. The commission further clarified that deregistration is also required when changing SIM cards or transferring a registered phone to another user. The process requires the last four digits of the national ID or passport number used during SIM purchase.

For more information, users are advised to visit neir.btrc.gov.bd, call the BTRC helpline at 100, or seek assistance from customer care centers of mobile operators.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has reported that the X (formerly Twitter) account of its Secretary General, Mia Golam Porwar, was hacked just days after the party chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman’s account was compromised. The hackers allegedly posted objectionable content from Porwar’s account, which was later deleted by the party’s social media team. The incident was disclosed at an emergency press conference held at Jamaat’s central office on Tuesday night, where the party announced plans to take legal action.

At the briefing, Jamaat’s central election committee member Engineer Sirajul Islam claimed that the earlier hacking of the party chief’s account had originated from an email linked to Bangabhaban, suggesting possible wider access to multiple devices. He urged the government to investigate the extent of the hackers’ control and warned that such cyberattacks could be used for data theft and conspiracies. Jamaat leaders condemned the attacks, describing them as part of a broader plot against the party.

Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair also issued a statement condemning the hacking and called on authorities to identify and act against those responsible.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami announced that its Secretary General, Mia Golam Porwar’s X (formerly Twitter) account was hacked on Tuesday night. After the breach, offensive content was posted from his account, which was later deleted by the party’s social media team. Jamaat leaders said legal action would be taken soon. The incident was disclosed at an emergency press conference held at the party’s central office.

Engineer Sirajul Islam, a member of Jamaat’s central election committee, said the attack might be connected to a previous hacking of the party chief’s X account, allegedly carried out using an email from Bangabhaban. He urged the government to investigate the extent of the hackers’ control over devices and systems. Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General and media chief, Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, condemned the hacking and described it as part of a broader conspiracy targeting party leaders.

The party reiterated its earlier claim that a government email address had been misused in a phishing attempt that compromised the Jamaat chief’s account, calling for accountability and stronger cyber protections.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has alleged that unethical 'election engineering' activities are underway ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national election. At a press conference held Tuesday evening at the party’s temporary central office in Dhaka’s Banglamotor, NCP leaders claimed that the Election Commission has lost its neutrality and that state institutions, including the police and administration, are working to favor one political party. They also accused authorities of appointing presiding officers based on political ideology, warning that such actions could render the election fraudulent.

The NCP further alleged that its candidates and workers from the 11-party alliance are facing widespread violence and obstruction during campaigning. The party cited incidents of attacks, arson, and intimidation in several districts, including Comilla, Narsingdi, and Narayanganj. It also accused the BNP of engaging in both violence and vote-buying, claiming that a mobile court recently sentenced six individuals for distributing money in Mymensingh-11. The NCP called for impartial action from the Election Commission and administration to ensure a free and fair election.

The party warned that without immediate corrective measures, the election’s credibility could be questioned even before polling begins.

Online and multimedia-based news platform Asia Post has officially begun its operations in Dhaka. The inauguration took place on Sunday, February 1, at 3 p.m. at the outlet’s headquarters through a modest prayer ceremony attended by around one hundred officials, journalists, staff, and invited guests. The event included prayers and well-wishes for the organization’s future journey and was held in the studio room of the headquarters.

Asia Post Limited’s Chairman Moshahed Hasan, Editor Palash Mahmud, and senior department heads including Ishaq Ahmed Chowdhury, Shakil Faruk, Shamsuzzaman Shams, A.H. Murad, Sajjad Hossain, and Zubair Ahmed were present. Head of News Shakil Faruk said the post–August 5 period has brought new challenges and opportunities for journalism in Bangladesh, and Asia Post aims to harness those opportunities through quality journalism. Editor Palash Mahmud stated that the initiative was launched to ensure independent and responsible media operations.

Chairman Moshahed Hasan expressed the goal of making Asia Post one of the country’s leading media organizations and creating an environment where employees can thrive professionally and personally.

Inkilab Monch has demanded an international investigation under United Nations supervision into the killing of Shaheed Osman Hadi, alleging state negligence and non-cooperation in the ongoing inquiry. The group announced its position at a press conference held on Tuesday, February 3, at Dhaka University’s Madhur Canteen. Member Secretary Abdullah Al Jaber urged Interim Government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus to send a formal request to the UN within 24 hours for such an investigation.

Jaber claimed that the domestic investigation process is being used to shield the real perpetrators, noting that despite 53 days since the shooting and 47 days since Hadi’s death, no suspects have been identified. He also alleged that key information is being withheld from him as the case’s complainant and expressed concern about possible forgery of his signature. Drawing a parallel with the Rafik Hariri assassination case, he argued that only a UN-led inquiry could ensure justice.

The organization also raised issues regarding the upcoming 13th national election, calling for body cameras for security forces at vulnerable polling centers and measures against the use of illegal money and muscle power.

A Dhaka court has postponed the submission date for the further investigation report in the murder case of Inquilab Moncho convener Sharif Osman Hadi for the fifth time. The new date has been set for February 9 after the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) failed to submit the report on Tuesday. Metropolitan Magistrate Md. Sefatullah made the decision, confirmed by court prosecution officer SI Ruknuzzaman. CID’s Assistant Superintendent of Police Abdur Kadir Bhuiyan, the current investigating officer, could not present the report.

Earlier, on January 6, the Detective Branch (DB) police had filed a charge sheet against 17 accused. However, the plaintiff, Abdullah Al Jaber, member secretary of Inquilab Moncho, expressed dissatisfaction with the DB investigation and filed a petition of objection on January 15. Following this, the court ordered the CID to conduct a further investigation.

Sharif Osman Hadi, known for his role in the July uprising, had announced his candidacy as an independent for the Dhaka-8 constituency in the upcoming 13th parliamentary election. He was shot by motorcycle-borne assailants during campaigning on December 12 and later died in Singapore on December 18. Five of the accused, including prime suspect Faisal Karim Masud, remain absconding.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs of Bangladesh has completed the housing arrangements for all Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, overcoming earlier concerns about delays. According to the Saudi roadmap, the housing process was required to be completed by February 1, 2026. Mohammad Shafiuzzaman Bhuiyan, Deputy Secretary of the Hajj Wing, confirmed on February 3 that the task was successfully finished within the deadline.

Earlier, progress in renting houses for private Hajj pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah had been slow, prompting repeated reminders from the ministry to lead agencies. As of January 27, half of the private pilgrims’ accommodations were still pending, raising doubts about their participation. The ministry had warned that agencies failing to meet the deadline would be held responsible, which could affect their future operations.

The Hajj is scheduled to take place on May 26, 2026, depending on moon sighting, with flights beginning on April 18. A total of 78,500 Bangladeshi pilgrims will perform Hajj this year under both government and private management.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued a public notice prohibiting all forms of gatherings, rallies, sit-ins, and processions in several key areas of the capital, including the Bangladesh Secretariat and the Chief Adviser’s official residence, Jamuna. The restriction will take effect from Wednesday, February 4, 2026, and will remain in place until further notice. The order was signed by DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali.

According to the notice, the decision was made under Section 29 of the DMP Ordinance to maintain public order and ensure the security of the Chief Adviser. The restricted zones include the areas surrounding the Secretariat and Jamuna, covering the stretch between Hotel Intercontinental Crossing, Kakrail Mosque Crossing, Officers Club Crossing, and Minto Road Crossing.

The DMP announcement emphasized that the ban applies to all types of public assemblies, including human chains, demonstrations, and processions, within the designated areas until new instructions are issued.

A total of 297,350 postal ballots from expatriate voters have arrived in Bangladesh ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliament Election and referendum. The information was confirmed on Tuesday, February 3, by Salim Ahmad Khan, team leader of the OCV-SDI project on expatriate voter registration. According to him, as of 12 p.m. that day, 766,862 ballots had been sent to registered expatriate voters through the Postal Vote BD app. Among them, 524,080 voters received their ballots, and 467,707 have already cast their votes.

Additionally, 423,712 expatriate voters have submitted their ballots to postal services in their respective countries, with 6,042 ballots already received by returning officers in Bangladesh. The Election Commission has also begun sending postal ballots to domestic voters under the ICPV system, dispatching 646,507 ballots so far. Of these, 125,668 voters have received their ballots, 96,632 have voted, and 70,810 have submitted their ballots to post offices or drop boxes.

In total, 1,533,684 voters at home and abroad have registered through the Postal Vote BD app to participate in the election and referendum.

The Supreme Court of Bangladesh has suspended a previous High Court order that had directed authorities to refrain from disconnecting water, electricity, and gas connections in under-construction buildings within areas controlled by the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK). The chamber court of the Appellate Division issued the suspension order on February 3, 2026, following a petition filed by RAJUK challenging the earlier High Court directive.

The High Court had earlier, on December 17, 2025, issued a rule and an interim injunction in response to a writ petition filed by the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB), instructing RAJUK and related authorities not to disconnect utility connections in such buildings. The government had initially decided on April 17, 2025, that utility connections would be cut off for buildings under construction that violated approved designs in RAJUK-controlled areas.

With the Supreme Court’s latest order, there is no longer any legal barrier preventing RAJUK and relevant authorities from conducting mobile court operations and disconnecting water, gas, and electricity connections in buildings under construction that deviate from approved designs.

Former student leader Moksed Alam has been appointed as the central joint general secretary of the Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal. The announcement was made on Monday through a press release signed by the party’s central office secretary, Shafiqul Islam. The appointment was approved by the organization’s central president, agriculturist Hasan Jafir Tuhin, and general secretary, Shahidul Islam Babul.

According to the press release, the decision took effect on February 1. It also expressed hope that Moksed Alam would play an active role in strengthening, organizing, and energizing the Krishak Dal. The appointment reflects the leadership’s confidence in Alam’s ability to contribute to the party’s organizational development.

The announcement underscores the party’s ongoing efforts to reinforce its central leadership structure and enhance internal coordination through new appointments.