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.

Dhaka has ranked first among 100 cities worldwide for air pollution, according to data recorded on Monday morning. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the Bangladeshi capital reached 259, categorized as very unhealthy. Measurements were taken around 8:15 a.m., and Swiss-based monitoring organization IQAir reported that pollution levels in one area of the city exceeded 400. Eight locations across Dhaka recorded particularly poor air quality.

At the same time, Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Cairo in Egypt ranked second and third, with AQI readings of 247 and 227 respectively. The report noted that AQI levels above 200 are considered very unhealthy, while readings over 300 are deemed hazardous. The AQI scale classifies 0–50 as good, 51–100 as moderate, 101–150 as unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151–200 as unhealthy, and 201–300 as very unhealthy.

The data highlights Dhaka’s ongoing struggle with severe air pollution, which continues to pose serious health risks to residents.

As Bangladesh’s national election approaches, cybersecurity analysts warn of heightened risks of cyberattacks targeting voter databases, the Election Commission’s infrastructure, government websites, and political parties’ digital platforms. Experts say the pre-election period is the most vulnerable, with threats including DDoS attacks, data breaches, coordinated misinformation, and deepfake videos aimed at disrupting information flow and public trust.

Recent incidents, such as the hacking of the Jamaat-e-Islami leader’s verified social media account, have underscored the immediacy of these threats. The government claims to have strengthened digital defenses, with the ICT Division, Election Commission, and law enforcement cyber units monitoring suspicious activity. However, independent specialists argue that gaps remain between official preparedness and actual capacity, citing weaknesses in data protection, rapid response, and coordination with social media platforms.

Officials from the national cyber response team, BGD e-Gov CIRT, confirm that alerts have been issued and preventive measures are underway. Yet experts caution that limited skilled manpower, outdated systems, and policy shortcomings could leave Bangladesh’s digital infrastructure exposed during the election period.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has protested an event held in New Delhi on 23 January titled “Save Democracy in Bangladesh,” where a recorded audio message from former prime minister Sheikh Hasina was played. The meeting was organized under the banners of the Foreign Correspondence Club of South Asia and the International Association of Press Clubs. In her message, Hasina reportedly urged her party members to resist the upcoming election and criticized interim government head Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Dhaka described the event as an attempt to incite unrest and undermine the country’s democratic process.

The ministry’s statement said India’s decision to allow a convicted individual to deliver inflammatory remarks from its soil violated principles of sovereignty, non-interference, and good neighborly relations. It added that Bangladesh had repeatedly requested Hasina’s extradition under the bilateral treaty, but India had not acted. The government expressed deep concern that such actions could harm bilateral ties and pose a serious threat to national security.

The article further alleged that India was pursuing broader efforts to disrupt Bangladesh’s February 12 parliamentary election and destabilize the country’s political environment.

Kalim Uddin Ahmed Milon, the BNP central organizing secretary and candidate for the Sunamganj-5 (Chhatak–Doarabazar) constituency, said the upcoming February 12 parliamentary election is not just a voting day but a day to determine the fate of the people. He made the remarks on February 1 at an election rally in Jauabazar organized by the Chhatak Upazila Jamiat, where he served as the chief guest.

Milon stated that a strong wave of public support has formed for the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol, driven by people’s desire for change. He emphasized that citizens have long been deprived of their rights and that BNP’s politics aims to ensure democratic and voting rights, not revenge. Referring to BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s directive, he urged voters to cast and guard their votes to secure victory for the party.

He added that the election offers an opportunity to establish an accountable government and strengthen democracy. The rally was presided over by Maulana Shamsul Islam and attended by local BNP and Jamiat leaders.

For the second consecutive day, workers and employees at Chattogram Port have enforced a blockade protesting the government’s decision to appoint a foreign operator at the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT). The program, organized under the banners of the Nationalist Workers Party and the Workers-Employees Unity Council, has brought the country’s main import-export hub to a standstill. Although limited container handling continues at the jetty, no new goods are entering or leaving the port, raising fears of congestion in yards and off-docks.

The protest follows a High Court ruling favoring the government’s plan to hand over NCT operations to global terminal operator DP World. In response, the port authority has taken a hardline stance, transferring 11 workers so far and preparing a list of 180 for further action. Additional police have been deployed, and gatherings have been banned in the port area. A committee has been formed to assess financial losses, which stakeholders estimate to exceed hundreds of crores of taka.

Business leaders warn that prolonged disruption could harm the national economy, particularly the garment sector, and cause market instability if the deadlock continues.

Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s stay in India after her ouster in the August 2024 uprising has reignited political debate. A leaked audio message from fugitive Awami League leader Mohammad A Arafat revealed Hasina describing her situation as a “banbas,” or exile, expressing sympathy for party members still in Bangladesh. The report recounts that before fleeing, Hasina ensured the safe departure of several close relatives and officials, while many grassroots activists now face hardship.

The article draws parallels between Hasina and Sikkim’s Lhendup Dorji, portraying both as figures who allegedly served Indian interests. It notes that during Hasina’s 15-and-a-half-year rule, Bangladesh signed numerous agreements with India, many said to have favored Indian interests. Former army chief Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan criticized India’s continued support for Hasina, calling it interference in Bangladesh’s sovereignty and warning of rising bilateral tension.

The comparison between Hasina and Dorji resurfaced during the funeral of BNP leader Khaleda Zia, where her past remarks labeling Hasina as “India’s agent” were replayed, amplifying the controversy over Hasina’s political legacy and her current refuge in India.

In Syedpur town of Nilphamari-4 constituency, candidates are using both Bangla and Urdu loudspeakers to seek votes ahead of the upcoming election. The campaign includes Urdu songs and ghazals, drawing mixed reactions from residents. Many visitors find the approach entertaining, while others see it as a novel way to connect with Urdu-speaking voters who make up about half of the municipality’s electorate.

Urdu-speaking residents, locally known as Biharis, have lived in Syedpur since 1947, with many gaining voting rights in 2008. Around 60,000 voters from 22 Urdu-speaking camps are considered decisive in determining election outcomes. Candidates say the use of Urdu helps these voters better understand names and symbols. However, some citizens criticize the move, citing the historical struggle to establish Bangla as the state language, while others defend it as inclusive and democratic.

Local officials confirmed that the Election Commission has not issued any directive on language use in campaigns. Analysts note that the Urdu-language outreach reflects both electoral strategy and broader social and cultural discourse in Syedpur.

Cash holdings outside banks in Bangladesh surged by about Tk 410 billion over December and January, according to Bangladesh Bank data confirmed by its spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan. The increase coincides with intensified campaign activities for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election scheduled for February 12. The central bank attributes the rise to withdrawals by candidates covering election-related expenses, while the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) is monitoring large or suspicious transactions.

Bangladesh Bank data show that cash outside banks rose from Tk 2.69 trillion in November to Tk 3.10 trillion in January. This reverses a previous downward trend observed from July to November. Former World Bank economist Zahid Hossain noted that such increases before elections are not unusual, as campaign spending often involves cash transactions. The BFIU has tightened oversight since January 11, requiring weekly reports on cash transactions of Tk 1 million or more.

Additionally, mobile financial services will be restricted from February 8 to 13 to prevent misuse of funds for voter influence. Daily transaction limits will be capped at Tk 10,000, with a maximum of Tk 1,000 per transaction, as directed by the BFIU at the Election Commission’s request.

An allegation of arson has been raised over the election campaign banners of Barrister Muhammad Naoshad Zamir, the BNP-nominated candidate for the Panchagarh-1 constituency and the party’s international affairs secretary. The incidents reportedly took place on Saturday night in two separate areas—Jatnpukuri under Dhakkamara Union and Sannyasipara village in Banglabandha Union—where unidentified individuals allegedly set fire to the banners. Two general diaries were filed at Panchagarh Sadar and Tentulia police stations following the incidents.

On Sunday evening, Zamir’s election agent, Nawfal Zamir, held a press conference at the district BNP office protesting the incidents. According to the briefing, the banners were completely damaged after flammable substances were used to ignite them. BNP representatives claimed the attacks were politically motivated. District-level BNP leaders and activists were present at the press event.

The two general diaries were lodged separately by local BNP leaders Mahfuzar Rahman Babu and Md. Rashed Ali Sarkar, seeking official documentation of the incidents ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election.

With only nine days left before Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, anti-fascist political parties have become active across Chittagong. However, the National Citizens Party (NCP), which led last year’s mass uprising, remains largely absent from the campaign field. Although the NCP secured one seat under an 11-party alliance in Chittagong-8, its candidate Zobairul Hasan Arif is struggling to gain momentum as Jamaat-e-Islami’s candidate has not withdrawn and continues to receive quiet support from party workers.

The NCP’s organizational activities have weakened, with internal conflicts, leadership controversies, and public criticism over alleged extortion and misconduct among its leaders. Many of its former student leaders have returned to their original organizations or left politics altogether. Despite earlier plans to contest in nine constituencies, the party now has only one active candidate. Party officials claim many leaders are working outside Chittagong to strengthen the organization nationally.

Political analysts in Chittagong describe the NCP’s absence as disappointing, noting that their silence could harm their future local political prospects if they fail to participate visibly in the election process.

Bangladesh observed National Food Safety Day 2026 on Monday with the theme “Ensure safe food, build a healthy life.” The Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) organized a discussion emphasizing citizens’ right to safe food and the need for awareness across production, processing, and sales. However, questions persist about whether the agency can ensure food safety nationwide. BFSA Chairman Zakaria acknowledged the growing presence of trans fat in food and said the authority is working with multiple institutions to control it through monitoring and awareness.

According to the World Health Organization, Bangladesh is among the 15 countries most at risk of trans fat–related heart disease, responsible for 4.41% of cardiac deaths. Experts warned that trans fat, excessive sugar, salt, and “testing salt” used in fast food pose serious health threats, including heart disease, kidney failure, and cancer. A national survey found excessive testing salt in chips, noodles, popcorn, and fries. The government has decided to require labeling of sugar, salt, and trans fat on packaged foods, though many businesses still fail to comply.

Health officials and researchers urged stronger legal enforcement and public awareness to prevent toxic food consumption and reduce noncommunicable diseases in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh and the United States are expected to sign a bilateral trade agreement in Washington on February 9, aimed at reducing U.S. counter-tariffs on Bangladeshi goods and expanding trade benefits. Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman said the draft agreement has been prepared and submitted for approval. He confirmed that the signing date has been set and that final tariff rates will be determined by that day.

The U.S. initially imposed counter-tariffs of 37 percent and later 35 percent on Bangladeshi products under the Trump administration, but after several rounds of talks, the rate was reduced to 20 percent on July 31 last year. Although no formal agreement was signed then, discussions continued to secure further tariff cuts and duty-free access for garments made with U.S. cotton. To gain these benefits, Bangladesh has pledged to reduce its trade deficit with the U.S. by increasing imports of Boeing aircraft, fuel, LNG, wheat, and cotton.

The Commerce Secretary also noted that Bangladesh is pursuing free trade agreements with other countries, including Japan and South Korea, to address post-LDC graduation challenges and enhance export growth.