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.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali has directed that maximum security be ensured at every polling center across the capital ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election 2026. The instruction came on Monday, February 2, during a coordination meeting held at the DMP Headquarters, where senior police officials discussed the security plan and overall management for the election.

In his address, the DMP Commissioner emphasized maintaining vigilance to prevent any disorder at polling centers, particularly those located far from police stations. He also instructed that police patrols be intensified in all station areas. Additional Police Commissioner (Crime and Operations) S.N. Md. Nazrul Islam noted that this election is taking place in a different context and stressed the importance of maintaining law and order with additional forces deployed.

During the meeting, Joint Police Commissioner (Operations) Mohammad Shahidullah presented the comprehensive security plan through a PowerPoint presentation. Senior DMP officials shared their opinions, and the Commissioner provided further directives to ensure smooth election-day operations.

BNP candidate for Dhaka-6, Engineer Ishraque Hossain, stated that every member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party is committed to protecting the rights and dignity of women. He made the remarks on February 1 during a street meeting in Sutrapur’s Ward 44 while campaigning for the upcoming national election scheduled for February 12. Ishraque said several working women had recently expressed concerns about their future if another political party came to power, assuring them that such fears would not materialize.

He emphasized that the election would determine the future direction of Bangladesh and recalled the BNP’s 17 years of political struggle, including imprisonment, disappearances, and killings of activists. Ishraque reiterated that the BNP seeks a fair, proper, and peaceful election where citizens can transfer power through their votes. He urged party workers to maintain peace and avoid provocation from rival groups.

Ishraque expressed confidence that BNP candidates would win by a large margin under the paddy-sheaf symbol and form the next government, with Tarique Rahman as the future prime minister. He added that the party would continue to uphold the legacy of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in defending the rights of all citizens.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on February 2 addressed an election rally at the Boro Maheshkhali Government Primary School field in Cox’s Bazar’s Maheshkhali upazila. The event was organized by the local Jamaat unit in support of party candidate Dr. A.H.M. Hamidur Rahman Azad for the Maheshkhali-Kutubdia constituency. Rahman called for votes in favor of reform and against fascism, describing the upcoming 13th National Parliament election as a turning point for the country’s politics.

He said Jamaat seeks victory not only for itself but for all 180 million people of Bangladesh, emphasizing that the realization of the people’s aspirations would ensure the party’s success. Rahman pledged to recover looted national wealth and promised employment opportunities for youth instead of unemployment allowances. He noted that 62 percent of Jamaat’s members are young and that the party aims to empower them to build the nation with dignity.

Rahman urged leaders and activists of the 11-party alliance to remain united under the ‘scales’ symbol, stressing that their candidates are contesting to serve the people, not to become leaders.

Advocate M Ruhul Kudduz Talukder Dulu, the BNP candidate for Natore-2 constituency, said that people are eager to vote for the BNP and send it to parliament. Speaking at several street meetings in different wards of Naldanga municipality on Monday, he asserted that no matter how many conspiracies arise, the BNP will win the upcoming election and form the next government. He accused the Awami League of misrule during its nearly 18 years in power, alleging killings, disappearances, and suppression of opposition voices.

Dulu stated that Tarique Rahman’s return to the country and assumption of the BNP chairmanship have united people to bring the party back to power. He said the BNP, under Rahman’s leadership, will form a new Bangladesh based on a 31-point program. Several local BNP leaders, including Nasim Uddin Nasim, Hafiz Uddin Hafiz, and others, also spoke at the events.

Dulu added that during his previous tenure as MP and minister, he contributed to Natore’s development and pledged to continue that progress if elected again on the BNP’s “sheaf of paddy” symbol.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman declared that his party opposes dynastic politics, emphasizing that leadership should be based on merit rather than lineage. Speaking as chief guest at an election rally organized by the party’s Cox’s Bazar district branch on February 2, 2026, he said he dreams of a Bangladesh where even a rickshaw-puller’s talented child could become prime minister. The rally, held at Baharchhara’s Bir Muktijoddha field, drew thousands of party members and supporters.

Rahman described the upcoming election as a turning point for the nation, promising a corruption-free and just Bangladesh. He pledged to ensure women’s safety, government-funded education for girls up to master’s level, and employment opportunities for youth instead of unemployment allowances. He also vowed to recover allegedly laundered funds and use them for public welfare. Addressing government officials, he called for honesty, transparency, and non-partisan service to citizens.

He announced plans to establish a public university in Cox’s Bazar focused on modern and professional education accessible to all, including poor students, aiming to build a skilled and ethical generation for national development.

The three-day Bangladesh Light Engineering Expo 2026 began on Monday, February 2, at the Shaheed Abu Sayeed International Convention Center in Dhaka’s Minto Road. The event was inaugurated by Md. Abdur Rahim Khan, Project Director of the Export Competitiveness for Jobs (EC4J) project. The expo, running until February 4, showcases the latest technologies, machinery, and innovative products from the country’s light engineering sector.

Speakers emphasized coordinated efforts to make the sector export-oriented and competitive as Bangladesh prepares to graduate from LDC status in November. They highlighted the need for capacity building, technology advancement, and policy support to offset the loss of duty-free trade benefits. The World Bank’s Hosna Ferdous Sumi noted that both export and domestic markets, worth around USD 8 billion, offer major opportunities but stressed quality compliance and production efficiency as key challenges.

BSCIC President Abdur Razzak said the sector contributes about 3% to GDP, employs 300,000 skilled workers, and meets half of the USD 8.2 billion domestic demand. With proper policy and investment, exports could reach USD 12.56 billion by 2030, he added.

An interactive youth engagement event titled 'Chaer Adda' was held on Monday, February 2, 2026, at the DOHS playground in Mohakhali, Dhaka. The program was organized by the content generation team of the BNP Election Steering Committee to foster direct dialogue between national political voices and young voters. Barrister Jaima Rahman, daughter of BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman, attended the event as the chief guest.

During the session, Jaima Rahman listened to young participants discuss political awareness, voting rights, social media participation in politics, and their visions for the future of Bangladesh. Organizers stated that the event aimed to create a meaningful and constructive exchange between youth voters and national political representatives.

The initiative reflects BNP’s effort to engage the younger generation in political discourse and encourage their active participation in shaping the country’s democratic future.

Bangladesh Police have identified 53 out of 300 constituencies as vulnerable to violence ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election. Law enforcement agencies are on high alert in these areas, implementing additional security measures to prevent unrest, clashes, and disorder on election day. The police have already begun intelligence gathering and will maintain special surveillance before and during the polls. Senior officers will be deployed in the field to monitor the situation closely.

According to police sources, the constituencies were marked as risky due to multiple rival candidates, past records of election violence, unsatisfactory local law and order, and the influence of leftist extremists. Police stations and outposts have been instructed to strengthen mobile, foot, and vehicle patrols, set up checkpoints, and intensify beat policing. Special drives and house searches will be conducted near polling centers to curb criminal activity.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated that all forces have been directed to prevent any violence surrounding the election. Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam affirmed that the force is fully prepared to ensure a peaceful and violence-free election.

Testimony in the murder case of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif began on Monday at the Chattogram Divisional Speedy Trial Tribunal, presided over by Judge Md Zahidul Haque. During the hearing, all accused except Chandan Kumar Dhar alias Chinmoy Krishna Das, who remains in prison, were produced before the court under tight security. The victim’s father and plaintiff, Jamal Uddin, gave his statement as the first witness, while accused Chinmoy Krishna Das joined the proceedings virtually.

According to the plaintiff’s counsel, Advocate Md Raihanul Wazed Chowdhury, the trial gained momentum with the plaintiff’s testimony, though the defense repeatedly sought adjournments to delay proceedings. The court set the next hearing for February 18 after the defense requested time for cross-examination. The investigating officer has reportedly summoned around 50 witnesses in the case.

Additional police were deployed around the court premises during the hearing to ensure security.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has alleged that a rival political party seeks to confine women within their homes and deny them progress, dignity, and empowerment. Speaking on Monday, February 2, 2026, at the Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Coastal College field in Pekua, Cox’s Bazar, during a prize-giving ceremony organized by the Pekua Upazila Chhatra Dal, he said his party nominated many women for direct parliamentary elections, while the opposing party did not nominate any.

Ahmed criticized the rival party’s leader for making derogatory remarks about women on social media, which he said sparked protests across the country. He accused them of wanting to reduce women’s working hours and limit their employment opportunities, contrary to the spirit of equality and justice achieved through the Liberation War and student movements.

He urged citizens to protest against the humiliation of women through their votes on February 12. Ahmed also credited Begum Khaleda Zia for introducing free education that increased female literacy and said BNP’s plans aim to empower women socially and economically.