A Feni court has accepted the charge sheet in the murder case of college student Wakil Ahmed Shihab, who was killed during the July uprising in Mohipal. On Sunday, February 1, Senior Judicial Magistrate Mohammad Hasan issued arrest warrants against 157 fugitive accused, including former MPs Alauddin Ahmed Chowdhury Nasim, Nizam Uddin Hazari, and Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Masud Uddin Chowdhury. The case was filed by Shihab’s mother, Mahfuza Akter, following his death on August 4, 2024, during an anti-discrimination protest.

According to investigators, the charge sheet submitted on December 8, 2024, named 219 individuals, including 148 listed in the initial complaint and 71 identified during investigation. So far, 62 suspects have been arrested, and two have confessed under Section 164 to participating in the shooting. Three individuals were dropped from the charge sheet due to lack of evidence or identification issues.

Court police inspector Saiful Islam confirmed that one accused is a minor and will be tried in juvenile court. The next hearing is scheduled for February 10.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman, speaking at an election rally in Khulna’s Probati School field on Monday, sharply criticized a political party for making anti-women statements before the upcoming general election on February 12. He said those who disrespect women, rely on falsehoods, and deprive citizens of voting rights cannot be patriotic or people-oriented. Rahman emphasized that with half of Bangladesh’s 200 million population being women, national progress is impossible without their inclusion.

He recalled former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s initiatives for women’s education and empowerment, and condemned a rival party leader’s derogatory remarks toward working women. Rahman accused that party of lying about its social media account being hacked after public backlash. He also pledged that if BNP forms the next government, every family will receive a “Family Card” to support women’s self-reliance, and the Khulna region will be revived as an industrial hub.

Rahman further promised IT parks for youth, agricultural cards for farmers, and loan waivers up to Tk 10,000, asserting that women’s empowerment, employment, education, and healthcare are essential for building the Bangladesh people expect.

A court on Monday sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to 10 years in prison in a corruption case involving the allocation of plots in the Purbachal housing project. The same verdict handed four years to her niece, British MP Tulip Siddiq, and seven years to her nephew, Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby. The case was filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and included a total of 18 defendants.

According to the charges, Sheikh Hasina and her family allegedly abused their power while she held the highest office in government. Despite being ineligible, they were accused of obtaining 10-katha plots each in Sector 27 of the Purbachal housing project. Other defendants include several officials from the Ministry of Housing and Public Works and Rajuk, as well as former state minister Sharif Ahmed.

The court’s decision marks a significant development in the ACC’s ongoing efforts to address alleged misuse of authority in government housing allocations.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that he seeks victory not for his party but for all 180 million people of Bangladesh. Speaking as the chief guest at an election rally in Cox’s Bazar on Monday afternoon, he said that if everyone wins, he too will share in that success. Rahman added that if his party wins, residents of Kutubdia would have a minister, urging the audience to decide whether they want an MP or a minister.

In his speech, Rahman called on young people to prepare themselves, saying that the future of Bangladesh would be handed over to them. He warned that those who oppose the “yes” side aim to reestablish fascism. He also pledged that if Jamaat came to power, it would recover money looted and smuggled abroad by corrupt individuals.

The remarks were made during Jamaat’s election campaign in Cox’s Bazar, emphasizing national unity and youth participation in shaping the country’s political future.

A court on Monday sentenced British MP Tulip Siddiq to two years in prison and fined her 100,000 taka in a plot corruption case. The verdict was delivered in a case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) over alleged irregularities in the allocation of plots in the Purbachal housing project. The case also involves former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her nephew Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby, and several government officials.

According to the case documents, Sheikh Hasina and her family allegedly abused their power while in office to obtain 10-katha plots each in Sector 27 of the Purbachal project despite being ineligible. A total of 18 individuals were charged, including senior officials from the Ministry of Housing and Public Works and the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK).

The ruling marks a significant development in the long-running corruption investigation involving high-profile political figures and senior bureaucrats. Further legal proceedings for the other accused are expected to continue following the court’s decision.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman called on young people to prepare to take charge of Bangladesh’s future. He made the remarks on Monday afternoon during an election rally in Cox’s Bazar, where he served as the chief guest. Addressing supporters, he said those who oppose the movement for change aim to reestablish fascism. He also pledged that if Jamaat came to power, the party would recover money allegedly looted and sent abroad.

Dr. Rahman emphasized that his goal was not only Jamaat’s victory but the victory of all 180 million people of Bangladesh. He stated that if everyone wins, he too would share in that success. He further promised that if Jamaat wins, residents of Kutubdia would have a minister representing them, urging the audience to decide whether they wanted an MP or a minister.

The rally highlighted Jamaat’s attempt to mobilize youth and present itself as a force for national change ahead of upcoming elections.

Severe cracks have appeared in the pillars and beams of the Debidwar Upazila Health Complex in Cumilla, creating a dangerous situation for patients and staff. Plaster from the walls and ceiling has been falling off in several wards, including the children’s ward, raising fears of a major accident at any time.

On-site observations revealed a large crack in a key pillar on the southern side of the building. Nurse Nasrin Akter, responsible for the children’s ward, said parts of the ceiling had fallen multiple times, causing panic among staff, patients, and their families. Visitors expressed anger that no effective action had been taken despite the visible danger, urging immediate structural inspection and repair.

Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Mohibul Hasan stated that the issue had been reported to higher authorities, who are conducting technical assessments and preparing for necessary repairs.

A writ petition has been filed in the High Court challenging the eligibility of Dr. M A Kayum, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidate for the Dhaka-11 constituency, on allegations of concealing foreign citizenship information. The petition was submitted on Monday by Nahid Islam, the Eleven-Party Alliance candidate and convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), in the relevant branch of the High Court.

The writ seeks suspension of Dr. Kayum’s candidacy, alleging fraud related to his foreign citizenship status. Earlier, the Election Commission had declared valid the nomination papers of both Nahid Islam and Dr. M A Kayum, who also serves as the BNP’s microcredit affairs secretary. The petition directly challenges that decision, calling for judicial review of the commission’s approval.

The High Court’s decision on the writ could affect the electoral process in Dhaka-11, depending on whether the court upholds or suspends Dr. Kayum’s candidacy.

A major controversy has erupted across Bangladesh after an alleged post from Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman’s verified X (formerly Twitter) account made disparaging remarks about working women. The post quickly went viral, prompting widespread criticism on social media and strong condemnation from political rivals, including the BNP, whose student wing staged protest marches accusing Jamaat of misogyny.

Jamaat-e-Islami has denied responsibility, claiming the Ameer’s account was hacked as part of a political conspiracy to tarnish his image. The party said a government official’s email from Bangabhaban was used in the hack and that its IT team regained control of the account within hours. Jamaat filed a general diary with police, informed the Election Commission and Cyber Tribunal, and held a press conference detailing the incident. Dr. Rahman later apologized to anyone hurt by the false post but insisted it was the work of hackers.

BNP leaders questioned the credibility of the hacking claim, noting the delay in reporting and suggesting the explanation was unconvincing. The issue has fueled heated debate ahead of the national election.

A violent attack and looting took place at the home of visually impaired Gafur Mallik in Kholabaria village under Pachuaria Union of Rajbari Sadar upazila. The incident occurred on Friday evening when a group of armed assailants stormed the house, vandalized property, and allegedly stole about 55,000 taka. Police have arrested one woman in connection with the case, and a formal complaint has been filed by Gafur’s adopted son, Baten Mallik, naming several suspects including Nannu Sheikh, Saddam Sheikh, and Rezaul Islam Nazir.

According to the complaint, the attack was carried out due to a previous business dispute. The same group also reportedly attacked the nearby home of Gafur’s brother, Hanif Mallik, damaging furniture and taking valuables. Rajbari Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Khondokar Ziaur Rahman confirmed that a case has been recorded and operations are ongoing to arrest the remaining suspects.

Gafur Mallik, aged 75, has long earned his living selling traditional sweets on buses and trains. In recognition of his perseverance, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman had earlier provided him with financial assistance of 170,000 taka through party leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

The upcoming parliamentary election in Sunamganj-2 (Dirai-Shalla) has sparked intense campaigning between rival candidates. From early morning until late night, candidates and their supporters are holding rallies, market meetings, and door-to-door visits to seek votes. Family members of the contenders have also joined the campaign, meeting voters directly and sharing promises for local development. Digital banners and creative online outreach have replaced paper posters, especially targeting young voters.

BNP’s national executive committee member Nasir Uddin Chowdhury is contesting against Shishir Monir, the candidate of Jamaat-e-Islami and a ten-party alliance. Nasir, a veteran politician and former two-time upazila chairman, continues campaigning despite health issues, while Monir, a young lawyer, is gaining popularity through social media and grassroots engagement with farmers, laborers, expatriates, and the third-gender community.

Local residents express divided opinions: some praise Nasir’s long-standing leadership and liberation war background, while others believe Monir’s approach could bring long-awaited development to the neglected Dirai-Shalla region.

In Jamalpur’s hilly areas bordering India’s Meghalaya, the indigenous Garo community remains indifferent to Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election. Despite nationwide political fervor, residents of seven Garo villages under Bakshiganj’s Dhanua Kamalpur Union say they see no reason to vote. They claim that election promises made by candidates are never fulfilled, leaving them without basic civic amenities even after 54 years of independence.

Local residents, including Khogis Sangma and Kapus Marak of the Tribal Welfare Association, expressed frustration over poor roads, inadequate sanitation, lack of employment, and limited access to education and healthcare. They said elected representatives rarely visit after winning, and development in the hills remains negligible. The community also faces crop and property damage from wild elephants descending into villages.

The Garos say they no longer want promises but tangible development. Their main demand after the 13th election is the implementation of long-delayed infrastructure and welfare measures in their remote settlements.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain expressed optimism that Bangladesh’s upcoming national parliamentary election, scheduled for February 12, will be free and peaceful. He made the remarks on Sunday at the closing ceremony of a training program organized by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at a hotel in Dhaka.

Referring to political consensus and past election examples, Hossain said voter turnout in the upcoming election is expected to exceed 55 percent, noting that the 1991 national election saw a 55 percent turnout. Responding to a question, he added that earlier confusion among some people about the “yes” vote has been resolved as major political parties now support it. He believes that since people generally follow their party’s stance, the proposal will easily pass.

On another topic, Hossain said he was not concerned about Pakistan’s decision regarding participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup, describing it as an internal matter for that country. He clarified that Pakistan has not said it will not play, only that it will consider the issue.

Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) has launched a pilot Starlink internet connection to address persistent connectivity problems on campus. The initiative began on Sunday, February 1, with JAKSU Vice President Md. Riazul Islam announcing the start of the trial and General Secretary Abdul Alim Arif confirming its successful activation later that night. The project aims to improve internet access for academic, research, and online learning activities.

According to Arif, slow internet speeds have become a major obstacle for students, and the pilot program seeks a sustainable long-term solution. Riazul Islam explained that although the university currently has a contract with another provider, Starlink is being tested for one to two months to evaluate its performance. The university’s existing Wi-Fi service is provided through a contract with BdREN, and JAKSU plans to compare costs, service quality, and long-term benefits before making a final decision.

If Starlink proves to deliver better service, JAKSU intends to propose its expansion across all university rooms and laboratories in consultation with the administration.

Professor Aslam Chowdhury, former joint secretary general of the BNP and candidate for Chittagong-4 (Sitakunda), stated that the country’s industrial and trade sectors would see major growth if the BNP comes to power. He emphasized that ensuring a fair and secure investment environment would increase employment and significantly reduce unemployment. He made these remarks on Saturday during a daylong public outreach program in the 9th North Pahartali Ward of Chittagong city.

The campaign began with a visit to the Nuriya Madrasa shrine and included meetings with residents across various neighborhoods of Pahartali. Chowdhury described the Chittagong-4 constituency, including Pahartali, as a promising area for industrial and commercial development. He said that with an investment-friendly environment, new factories and businesses could emerge, creating jobs for local youth.

He further noted that Pahartali’s close economic and social ties with Sitakunda and Chittagong city make it suitable for integrated development. He pledged improvements in communication, employment, education, and tourism, urging local residents to support the BNP’s electoral victory to achieve these goals.