Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has stated that the government has shown weakness in ensuring accountability for army members allegedly involved in enforced disappearances. The observation came from a research report presented at a press conference held at TIB’s headquarters in Dhanmondi, Dhaka. The report also noted that despite evidence tampering allegations against security and law enforcement agencies, the government has failed to bring those responsible under accountability.

According to TIB, ten army officers managed to flee abroad despite arrest warrants and travel bans, while trials have begun against some law enforcement and army officials, but many key perpetrators remain beyond justice. The organization also reported that fifteen army officers accused of crimes against humanity and killings during the July uprising were being held in sub-jails inside cantonments, raising questions about fairness. TIB’s research covered issues including anti-discrimination movements, human rights violations, governance reforms, and corruption prevention.

TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman expressed concern about the upcoming national election, citing the influence of money, muscle, and religion. He urged the government to take action against those who helped suspects escape accountability.

Rear Admiral Mohammad Musa, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Operations), visited polling centers in Hatiya, Noakhali on Monday morning and instructed naval personnel to remain alert so that no acts of sabotage occur during the national parliamentary election. He emphasized that maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of people's lives and property are the navy’s primary objectives during the election period. Musa also stressed the importance of working closely with the local administration to ensure that the election and any referendum are conducted in a free, fair, peaceful, and festive manner.

During his visit to the Hatiya Town Girls’ High School polling center in Ward No. 1, he was accompanied by the Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Assistant Returning Officer Md. Alauddin, Hatiya Police Station Officer-in-Charge Saiful Alam, and other naval officers deployed in the area. Earlier, he inspected the navy camp at Hatiya Dwip Government College campus and later addressed naval members at the college field.

The visit highlighted the navy’s active role in supporting local authorities to maintain election security and public confidence in the electoral process.

Nahid Islam, the Dhaka-11 constituency candidate nominated by the 11-party alliance and convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), claimed that a group he described as a mafia is trying to halt the progress of his campaign symbolized by 'Shapla Kali'. In a verified Facebook post on Monday morning, he alleged that his campaign billboards and banners were being torn down in different areas, including one near Noorbagh Mosque in Ward 23 on the previous night.

He condemned the incidents as disgraceful and said those attempting to stop him through such acts were mistaken. Nahid Islam expressed confidence that residents of Badda, Bhatara, and Rampura would respond to these actions on the 12th of the month. His comments reflect growing tension around campaign activities in the constituency ahead of the upcoming political event.

The post underscores the candidate’s assertion that his campaign momentum has triggered fear among opponents, while he continues to emphasize public support as his strength.

A private car driver was killed in a road accident on Monday morning in Gopalganj’s Kashiani upazila. The incident occurred at the Pona Bus Stand area on the Dhaka-Khulna highway when a Dhaka-bound bus of Sohag Paribahan (Dhaka Metro Ba 15-2478) collided with a private car (Dhaka Metro Ga 27-0248) coming from the opposite direction. The driver, identified as Mohiuddin Mondal from Savar, Dhaka, died on the spot.

Inspector Md Masud Khan of Bhatiapara Highway Police confirmed the incident, stating that the car was severely damaged in the collision. Members of the Bhatiapara Fire Service recovered the victim’s body, and highway police quickly restored normal traffic flow on the highway.

The report did not mention any other casualties or the condition of the bus passengers. Authorities have not yet provided further details regarding the cause of the accident or any subsequent investigation.

A ride-sharing motorcyclist named Abdul Hamid Khan, aged 45, was killed after being hit by a speeding pickup van while crossing the road near Gate No. 2 in Dhaka’s Hatirjheel area shortly after midnight on Sunday. Witnesses said Hamid, who lived in Tejgaon’s Kunipara and worked for ride-sharing apps, was returning home after parking his motorcycle when the vehicle struck him and fled the scene. He was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead at 12:50 a.m.

Police and local sources reported that the pickup van sped away immediately after the collision. They suspect the driver lost control due to excessive speed on the nearly empty road. The body has been sent to the hospital morgue for autopsy, and the concerned police station has been informed.

Following the incident, social media users renewed calls for safer roads, urging authorities to curb the reckless speed of cargo vehicles at night in the Hatirjheel area. Police have begun collecting CCTV footage to identify the fleeing pickup.

A joint team of police and army recovered 95 crude bombs from the Poragacha Byaparikandi area of Moktarer Char Union in Naria upazila, Shariatpur, early Monday. The explosives were found stored in 12 buckets inside a mosque veranda and houses belonging to local residents Khalil Peda, Jilu Madbar, and Bachchu Peda. Three individuals—Mehedi Hasan, Bachchu Peda, and Roni Peda—were detained during the operation, which also yielded several sharp weapons including spears and machetes.

Sub-inspector Akhil Ranjan Sarkar brought the seized items and detainees to Naria police station around 8 a.m. Police said the operation followed intelligence reports about explosives stored for possible sabotage. The area had previously seen similar incidents, including the recovery of 60 crude bombs in August and a fatal explosion in a nearby village in January. In the past three days, police also recovered 22 crude bombs from three other locations in Naria.

Officer-in-Charge Bahar Mia stated that law enforcement remains active ahead of the election, with cases being filed and investigations underway to determine who stored the explosives and for what purpose.

Election campaigning in Manikganj has intensified, with candidates actively engaging voters across towns and villages. On Monday morning, a group of hijra community members drew attention at Dautia Bazar in Manikganj Sadar upazila as they campaigned for BNP-nominated candidate Afroza Khanam Rita in the Manikganj-3 constituency. Wearing headbands and distributing leaflets, they moved through the market, urging people to vote for the paddy sheaf symbol in a lively and colorful atmosphere.

The campaign was led by community leaders Nargis and Rokhsana, joined by others including Nandini, Guti, and Mukta. They stated that around 50 hijra individuals live in Manikganj and are divided into groups to campaign daily for the BNP candidate. They emphasized their rights as citizens and expressed support for those who stand by their community.

Local shopkeepers and residents responded with curiosity and encouragement, capturing videos and applauding the group. Many remarked that such participation reflects growing awareness and the beauty of democracy.

Bangladesh has formally invited India to observe the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter, both scheduled for February 12, 2026. According to Indian media outlet India Today, the invitation was extended for India to join as an international observer, alongside several other countries and global organizations. New Delhi has not yet responded to the invitation or confirmed whether it will send an observer team.

Interim government data show that 330 international observers have so far confirmed participation, representing six international organizations, 16 countries, and 32 individuals from various global institutions. Confirmed observer groups include the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the European Union, and both governmental and non-governmental organizations. The office of Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus stated that the number of international observers this time is more than double that of the disputed general election held on January 7, 2024.

Other invited countries include Nepal, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, France, Kuwait, Morocco, Nigeria, and Romania, some of which are still finalizing their delegations.

The army has arrested BNP leader Mohammad Kayes, the prime accused in the murder case of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) leader S M Sohel. The arrest took place on Monday in the Baklia police station area of Chittagong. A police officer from Baklia confirmed the arrest, stating that Kayes was first brought to their station and later transferred to Patiya police station. However, Patiya Police Officer-in-Charge Ziaur Haque said the accused was still at Baklia station and had not yet been handed over.

According to the report, Sohel was killed on April 22, 2022, in the Budhpura Bazar area under Patiya police station following a dispute over local dominance. The case was filed by Sohel’s brother, Abul Kasem, chairman of Kashiyaiash Union Parishad, naming Kayes as the main accused along with several others. Sohel was also the nephew of Khalilur Rahman, chairman of KDS Group and president of the Chittagong Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The arrest marks a significant development in a case that has remained under investigation since 2022, with local authorities coordinating between Baklia and Patiya police stations for custody procedures.

A confrontation erupted in Bafla Masterpara of Kishoreganj upazila, Nilphamari, on Sunday night, February 1, when supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Jatiya Party (JAPA) clashed over road passage. During the altercation, JAPA candidate Siddikul Alam’s gunman, Abdur Razzak, allegedly pointed his firearm at BNP activists, prompting them to detain him. Army personnel and Kishoreganj police later arrived to bring the situation under control.

Ranchandi Union BNP general secretary Moshfiqur Rahman Jewel described the act of brandishing a weapon over a trivial matter as deeply concerning. Meanwhile, Upazila Jamaat-e-Islami leader Abdur Rashid Shah accused the JAPA candidate of using illegal funds in the election and urged administrative intervention. In response, the JAPA candidate’s brother, Tariq, denied the allegations, stating that the security guard was licensed and that BNP activists had vandalized vehicles instead.

Kishoreganj police officer-in-charge Abdul Quddus confirmed that no case had been filed regarding the incident as of the report’s publication.

Mufti Syed Mohammad Rezaul Karim, known as Pir Charmonai and the Amir of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, called on young voters to cast their first votes in favor of Islam. He made the remarks on Sunday night at an election rally organized by Islami Andolan Bangladesh at the Nangalkot Central Eidgah ground in Comilla-10 (Nangalkot-Lalmai) constituency. Karim warned that if Islamic scholars do not speak for Islam, harmful influences could reemerge in the country.

During his speech, he expressed dissatisfaction with the nation’s progress over the past 54 years, saying that Bangladesh has not achieved what it should have. He criticized those who sell their conscience for money during elections, claiming such actions fuel unrest in the country. The rally was presided over by Mufti Shamsuddoha Ashrafi, the party’s nominated candidate for Comilla-10.

Other speakers included Mufti Rezaul Karim Abrar, Mufti Habibur Rahman Misbah, Maulana Baki Billah, Maulana Gazi Masum Khayer, Dr. Abdul Momin Majumdar, and Maulana Nur Islam Mir.

Bangladesh Bank announced that a newly designed Tk10 banknote will enter circulation on Tuesday. The note will first be issued from the central bank’s Motijheel office and later distributed through other branches. The announcement was made in a press release on Monday. The new note, signed by Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur, measures 123 mm by 60 mm and features a watermark of a Royal Bengal Tiger’s face with a predominantly pink color scheme.

According to the central bank, the front side of the note displays an image of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque and a background design of the national flower, the water lily. The reverse side features an image titled “Graffiti–2024.” Security features include a 2 mm-wide security thread inscribed with “10 Taka,” which changes color from red to green when tilted, and a see-through image showing the number “10” when held against light. Microprinted text “BANGLADESH BANK” appears on both sides.

Existing paper notes and coins will remain legal tender. Additionally, non-exchangeable specimen notes will be available for collectors at the Taka Museum for a fixed price.

In Chandina upazila of Cumilla, BNP-nominated candidate Dr. Redwan Ahmed’s chief election coordinator, Principal Abul Kashem, was fined Tk10,000 by a mobile court for violating the electoral code of conduct. The fine was imposed on Sunday afternoon at a private hospital office in Madhaiya Bazar. The mobile court was conducted by Executive Magistrate and Assistant Commissioner (Land) Faisal Al Nur.

Earlier, an army team had conducted a raid at Abul Kashem’s village home in Naotola, Madhaiya, after a video showing him giving Tk500 to a voter went viral on social media. In response, Kashem held a press conference claiming the video was edited and that he had personally helped a poor elderly woman for medical treatment days earlier. He alleged that rival supporters spread the video to mislead authorities and damage his reputation.

Magistrate Faisal Al Nur stated that even though the donation was made for humanitarian reasons, it occurred during election campaigning and thus breached the electoral code, warranting the fine.

A mass rally was held in Gafargaon municipality of Mymensingh-10 constituency on Monday in support of BNP-nominated candidate Akhtaruzzaman Bachchu and his electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf. The procession began at the Gafargaon municipal field, paraded through key streets of the town, and concluded at Imam Bari.

Following the rally, Akhtaruzzaman Bachchu addressed a brief gathering, describing the paddy sheaf as a symbol of democracy and justice. He expressed that if the paddy sheaf wins, the people of the country will enjoy peace, security, and nationwide development. The event drew participation from BNP members, affiliated organizations, and residents of various age groups, creating a festive atmosphere across the municipality.

The rally reflected visible grassroots mobilization in support of the BNP candidate within the Gafargaon area ahead of the election campaign period.

Political tensions are rising in Jamalpur-3 (Melandah-Madarganj) constituency ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, with nine candidates competing. The main contest appears to be between BNP’s Mostafizur Rahman Babul and Jamaat-e-Islami’s Maulana Mujibur Rahman Azadi. However, BNP’s rebel candidate Sadiqur Rahman Siddiqi Shubho, running as an independent, is drawing attention and could split the BNP vote. Allegations of embezzlement involving a cooperative society linked to expelled Jamaat leaders have also created discomfort for both major opposition parties.

The Awami League’s absence from the race has left the field open, but BNP’s candidate is not unchallenged. Local voters and analysts suggest that despite strong BNP support, the rebel candidate and controversies could significantly influence the outcome. Both BNP and Jamaat candidates claim strong public response during their campaigns, while independent and smaller party candidates continue active outreach across Melandah and Madarganj.

Observers note that the final battle is likely to remain between BNP and Jamaat, though internal divisions and corruption allegations may alter the expected results.