The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has started collecting postal votes from registered prisoners through the Postal Vote BD app. Brigadier General (Retd.) Salim Ahmad Khan, head of the EC’s Out of Country Voting System and Implementation project, confirmed on Tuesday, February 3, that the process began that day and will continue until February 7.

A total of 1,533,684 voters at home and abroad have registered through the Postal Vote BD app to participate in the 13th National Parliament election and referendum. Among them, 761,142 registered from within the country, including 6,240 voters currently in legal custody. The EC also reported that postal ballots have been sent to government officials and employees assigned to election duties, with 646,507 ballots dispatched by noon on Tuesday.

The national election and referendum are scheduled for February 12. According to the EC, only postal ballots reaching the respective returning officers by 4:30 p.m. on election day will be counted.

Dhaka-8 constituency candidate and National Citizens Party (NCP) chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari has declared that drug lords will be submerged in the Buriganga River. He made the statement on Tuesday morning during election campaigning and public outreach in Motijheel and Dainik Bangla intersections of the capital. Patwari expressed optimism that an eleven-party alliance would form the next government after the upcoming thirteenth national parliamentary election.

He urged the administration to maintain complete neutrality during the election to ensure fairness, saying that although they do not want an election dominated by money and muscle power, drugs and terrorism have already infiltrated the process. Patwari also pledged to stand by hawkers associated with the Hawkers Association and emphasized his party’s commitment to democracy and a corruption-free Bangladesh.

Patwari further stated that no one would be able to disrupt the election and criticized the presence of a BNP activist allegedly involved with drugs at Dhaka University campus, claiming that wherever there is trouble, BNP members are involved.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has accused the Jamaat-e-Islami chief of attempting to distort the history of Bangladesh’s independence. Speaking on Tuesday at the BNP central office in Nayapaltan, Dhaka, during a prayer gathering marking Shab-e-Barat, Rizvi said Jamaat leaders were making false claims about the country’s independence declaration. He alleged that the Jamaat chief’s recent remarks were an attempt to divert attention from his offensive comments about women.

Rizvi criticized Jamaat for supporting the Pakistani army during the 1971 Liberation War and for failing to acknowledge the atrocities committed against Bangladeshi women. He asserted that the true declaration of independence came from former President Ziaur Rahman, who, as a major, guided the nation and called for armed resistance. Rizvi also recalled Jamaat’s and Sheikh Hasina’s reversal of earlier pledges not to participate in the 1986 election under Ershad, contrasting that with Khaleda Zia’s steadfastness.

He questioned the credibility of Jamaat’s current political motives, saying that revising historical facts for political gain would not be accepted by the public.

Four distinguished academics from the University of Dhaka have been promoted to the position of emeritus professor. The newly appointed emeritus professors are former vice-chancellors Professor Dr. Anwarullah Chowdhury and Professor Dr. A.F.M. Yusuf Haider, former dean of the Faculty of Science Professor Dr. Tajmeri S. Islam, and former dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy Professor Dr. Chowdhury Mahmud Hasan. The university’s acting director of public relations, Rafiqul Islam, confirmed the appointments on Tuesday.

Before this announcement, nine academics had been designated as emeritus professors at Dhaka University. Professor Anwarullah Chowdhury, a noted anthropologist and author, served the university for about 42 years and held several national and international positions. Professor Yusuf Haider contributed significantly to the establishment of the Center for Advanced Research in Sciences and modern laboratories in the Physics Department. Professor Mahmud Hasan played a key role in national drug policy formulation and held leadership roles in various institutions. Professor Tajmeri S. Islam served as dean, provost, and chair of the Chemistry Department and was also convener of the pro-BNP teachers’ group Sada Dal.

The appointments expand the list of emeritus professors at Dhaka University, recognizing decades of academic and institutional leadership.

The Feni district unit of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir has announced a protest demanding the cancellation of BNP vice chairman Abdul Awal Mintu’s nomination for the Feni-3 constituency. The organization made the announcement on Tuesday, February 3, through a social media notice, citing allegations of loan default and the appearance of Mintu’s name in documents linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The protest march is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. from Mizan Maidan in Feni town, with organizers calling for public participation.

The controversy emerged after the release of several million pages of Epstein-related documents that included details of his political connections and financial contributions. Among the donor lists for former New Mexico governor Bill Richardson’s campaign, Mintu’s name appeared as a Bangladeshi businessman who donated USD 5,000. Epstein himself contributed USD 50,000 to the same campaign. Mintu, a former FBCCI president and CEO of Multimode Group, is contesting the upcoming 13th national election under the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol.

The inclusion of Mintu’s name in the Epstein documents has sparked renewed political debate, prompting Shibir’s call for protest in Feni.

Workers at Chattogram Port began a 24-hour work stoppage on Tuesday morning, protesting the government’s decision regarding the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) agreement and demanding cancellation of transfer orders for several employees. The strike, organized by the Bandar Raksha Sangram Parishad, follows three consecutive days of eight-hour daily work stoppages. The announcement was made Monday by coordinator Md. Humayun Kabir at the port building premises.

Since the strike began, no workers have reported for duty, and truck and lorry movement through the main gate has ceased, halting import-export operations. The port has faced growing congestion, with 35 mother vessels anchored offshore carrying essential goods. Private depots under the port’s jurisdiction have also experienced severe operational slowdowns. Business groups expressed concern over mounting economic losses and urged immediate resolution through dialogue or other means.

Labor leaders accused the government of handing over key port facilities to foreign entities, specifically DP World, and claimed that authorities were taking punitive actions instead of engaging in discussions. They vowed to continue the movement until the government withdraws from the NCT deal and cancels the transfer orders.

Nahid Islam, the Dhaka-11 constituency candidate representing an 11-party alliance and convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), stated that the people will decide through a national referendum how Bangladesh will be governed and how accountability in power will be ensured. He made the remarks on Tuesday during an election campaign event in Badda, Dhaka.

According to Nahid Islam, for the first time in Bangladesh’s history, a national referendum will be held alongside the parliamentary election. The referendum will include proposals for several major constitutional reforms, finalized through discussions and consensus among political parties. If implemented, these reforms would pave the way for establishing an upper house of parliament, ensuring a balance of power, and forming an independent and effective Election Commission.

He added that the upcoming election and referendum will determine the country’s direction for the next 20 to 30 years, shaping the framework for governance and constitutional structure. Nahid Islam emphasized his commitment to eradicating corruption, inequality, and misuse of power if elected, and pledged to fulfill the aspirations of the July uprising that remain unmet.

BNP Secretary General and Thakurgaon-1 candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that a certain group wants to erase the legacy of 1971, which he described as the foundation of Bangladesh’s existence. He made the remarks on Tuesday afternoon at an election meeting organized by Ward No. 6 BNP in Thakurgaon municipality.

Fakhrul emphasized that the Liberation War of 1971 gave the nation its territory and opportunities for progress. He said it is now time to ensure a better future for the next generation. He warned that using religion to mislead people and spreading false propaganda could create confusion among voters.

He further reminded that elections occur once every five years and that voting is a sacred trust. He urged voters to choose candidates who will uphold the value of their votes and not misuse this responsibility.

The interim government of Bangladesh has issued the Fisheries Protection and Conservation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, amending the 1950 law to prohibit fishing using electricity or electrofishing devices in any river, canal, or waterbody. The ordinance was promulgated by the President under Article 93(1) of the Constitution and took immediate effect. The Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs issued the ordinance, confirmed by the ministry’s public relations officer Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim.

The amendment expands the legal definition of “waterbody” to include rivers, streams, estuaries, canals, haors, baors, lakes, floodplains, ponds, dighis, enclosures, and seasonally submerged wetlands. It also introduces explicit bans on using explosives or electric devices for fishing and allows strict legal action against violators. A new provision authorizes the government to declare “Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures” (OECMs) to protect aquatic biodiversity beyond designated protected areas.

The ordinance empowers the government to take necessary steps to prevent damage to inland and coastal aquatic ecosystems and to issue directives for sustainable fisheries management, aiming to preserve fish resources and ecological balance.

BNP National Standing Committee member and Cox’s Bazar-1 constituency candidate Salahuddin Ahmed alleged that attempts are being made to distort the history of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. He made the remarks on Tuesday, February 3, during a campaign rally at Jongolkata in Chakaria’s Konakhali Union, organized by the Matamuhuri organizational unit of BNP in support of the party’s election symbol.

Ahmed criticized Jamaat-e-Islami, saying those who opposed Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 are now trying to rewrite the Liberation War narrative. He referred to a recent statement by Jamaat’s Ameer, which he described as misleading and false regarding the declaration of independence. Ahmed accused Jamaat of trying to present itself as a pro-Liberation force by recruiting a freedom fighter and using that association for political gain.

He further condemned Jamaat’s recent comments about working women, calling them insulting and harmful to women’s employment. Local BNP leaders, including district and upazila organizers, were present at the event.

The interim government of Bangladesh has issued a new ordinance transferring all existing private Export Processing Zones (EPZs) under the direct control of the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA). The 'Bangladesh Private Export Processing Zone (Repeal) Ordinance, 2026' was published in the official gazette by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. The announcement was confirmed by the ministry’s public relations officer, Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim.

Under the new ordinance, the 1996 law governing private EPZs has been repealed, and all such zones will now be recognized as private economic zones under the Bangladesh Economic Zones Act, 2010. Existing licenses will remain valid, and bonded and concessional facilities will continue. The ordinance also dissolves the former Governor Board and Executive Cell, transferring their staff to BEZA while retaining their employment conditions. Ongoing legal proceedings involving the dissolved bodies will now fall under BEZA’s jurisdiction.

The government stated that the 1996 law was originally enacted to promote private investment and export trade but has now been repealed considering current needs. The ordinance takes immediate effect.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has pledged to provide free Wi-Fi and various facilities for students across Bangladesh if his party wins the upcoming election. The announcement was conveyed by Bir Muktijoddha Abdus Salam, chief coordinator of BNP’s election management committee for Dhaka-17, during a digital Wi-Fi inauguration event at Government Titumir College on Tuesday. The event included a discussion between BNP leaders, teachers, and students of the college.

Abdus Salam said the initiative reflects Rahman’s vision to make digital connectivity accessible to all students, regardless of religion or background, to help them access global information, pursue higher education abroad, and find employment opportunities. He emphasized that the digital era demands modern systems and that free Wi-Fi would be a major benefit for financially constrained students. Salam also urged students to practice clean politics, avoid negative political behavior, and promote BNP’s ideals of inclusivity and development.

The event was attended by college faculty, BNP election coordinators, and student leaders, who also commemorated July revolution martyrs with the inauguration of a digital memorial.

The BCB Wheelchair Cricket Tournament 2026 concluded on February 3 at the Gulshan Youth Club ground in Dhaka, organized by the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s Physically Challenged Wing to form a national wheelchair cricket team. Four teams—Padma, Meghna, Jamuna, and Surma—competed in the two-day event held on February 2–3. In the final, Jamuna defeated Surma by nine wickets to claim the championship. Surma scored 87 runs for three wickets, while Jamuna chased down the target with 89 runs for one wicket.

Raihan Hossain Raja was named Man of the Match for his 55-run innings. Raju Mia earned both the Man of the Tournament and Best Bowler awards, while Julhas was recognized as the Best Batsman. The closing and award ceremony was attended by BCB Director and singer Asif Akbar as chief guest, along with officials from Gulshan Youth Club and sports journalists.

The tournament is regarded as a milestone in identifying wheelchair cricket talent and advancing the formation of Bangladesh’s national wheelchair cricket team.

Students of Narsingdi Polytechnic Institute staged a protest on Tuesday by blocking the Dhaka–Sylhet highway near the Police Lines area in Sahepratap, Narsingdi. The demonstration was organized to press for a four-point demand, which the students had announced on social media the previous night. They placed tree trunks and benches across the road, halting all vehicular movement on both sides of the highway.

The blockade caused a severe traffic jam stretching about five kilometers, leaving commuters, long-distance passengers, and ambulances stranded for hours. Local residents reported widespread suffering due to the gridlock. Police officials arrived at the scene and attempted to negotiate with the students to restore normal traffic flow.

As of the time of reporting, no official announcement had been made regarding the withdrawal of the blockade, and discussions between police and students were ongoing.

An indefinite strike has been declared at Chattogram Port demanding cancellation of the decision to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to a foreign company and withdrawal of mass transfer orders for employees. The announcement was made on Tuesday afternoon by Md. Ibrahim Khokon, coordinator of the Port Protection Struggle Council, who stated that the strike would continue until their demands are met. Another coordinator, Md. Humayun Kabir, said the movement would persist as long as the government does not withdraw from the lease process.

The strike follows three consecutive days of partial work stoppages and a 24-hour program earlier on Tuesday. Port operations have come to a standstill, halting import deliveries, container handling, and cargo vehicle movement, though lighter vessel unloading at outer anchorage remains normal. Leaders and activists from the Nationalist Workers Party and SKOP are participating in the protest.

Port authorities have transferred at least 16 employees, including Humayun Kabir, to other ports for participating in the movement. The ongoing disruption has raised concern among business communities and stakeholders over the paralysis of the country’s main seaport.