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.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman carried out extensive mass outreach in his Dhaka-15 constituency on Sunday afternoon. The campaign march took place in the Uttara Kafrul area of Mirpur, beginning at 4:30 p.m. from the East Baishteki Graveyard Mosque. Before the procession, Dr. Rahman addressed a gathering, pledging never to misuse public resources and emphasizing that corruption contradicts the party’s principles. He stated that returning misappropriated public assets to the people is their responsibility.

During his speech, Dr. Rahman sought forgiveness from anyone who may have been hurt by the party’s words and prayed for sincerity in serving the people. He reiterated that Jamaat-e-Islami does not pursue personal or group agendas. The rally, held under the party’s electoral symbol, was attended by senior Jamaat leaders including Mobarak Hossain, Abdur Rahman, Laskar Md. Taslim, and others.

After the assembly, the procession peacefully marched through various local streets, with participants chanting slogans in favor of a just and corruption-free society.

The Bangladesh Navy has announced full preparedness to ensure that the upcoming national parliamentary election and referendum on February 12 are held in a free, fair, and festive environment. On Sunday, Rear Admiral Mohammad Musa, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Operations), inspected contingents and polling centers in the Navy’s assigned areas. During his visits, he met with local administration and representatives of other law enforcement agencies to coordinate efforts for a peaceful election.

Rear Admiral Musa visited contingents in Teknaf, Saint Martin, and Maheshkhali, where he provided special directives to personnel responsible for election duties. He urged all forces to work together to maintain normal and stable law and order during the polls. The Navy, along with other law enforcement agencies, has already deployed contingents and intensified patrols at key locations to ensure voter safety.

According to an ISPR press release, both land and maritime patrols have been strengthened, with vehicles, boats, and naval ships deployed to handle any adverse situation efficiently and decisively.

A gun attack targeted the private car of former Chhatra Dal leader Amir Hossain, a supporter of BNP-nominated candidate Nazrul Islam Azad, in Araihazar, Narayanganj on Saturday night, February 1. The incident occurred around 7:45 p.m. near Baghanagar on the Araihazar–Bishnandi ferry ghat bypass road. Although bullets shattered the car’s windows, Amir Hossain and his companion, Mahmudpur Union BNP senior joint convener Md. Sadekur Rahman Sadek, escaped unharmed.

According to Amir Hossain, two unidentified men on a motorcycle approached from the same direction and fired at the right and front windows of his moving black car before fleeing the scene. Locals informed the police, who later inspected the site. The identities of the attackers and the motive behind the shooting remain unknown.

Araihazar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Alauddin stated that an investigation has been initiated based on the complaint and that necessary legal measures will be taken.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has issued a warning about a fraudulent group targeting officials assigned to the national election. According to a notice signed by Md. Mamun Ar Rashid, Deputy Director of the Department of Films and Publications attached to the EC, the fraudsters are contacting officials and asking for their bKash numbers under the false promise of paying election honorariums. The notice, released on Sunday, February 1, 2026, identified two phone numbers—01342046232 and 01612677074—used for these deceptive calls.

The EC clarified that all officials will receive their election honorariums through presiding officers after the upcoming referendum and national parliamentary polls, following official procedures. It emphasized that no individual or organization is authorized to collect personal financial details or distribute payments on behalf of the commission.

The commission urged all election officials not to respond to such fraudulent calls and to remain cautious against any unauthorized communication related to election payments.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has established a law and order coordination cell ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliament Election and Referendum 2026. The announcement was made through a press release issued by the ministry on Sunday. The cell will handle complaints related to law and order during the election period and has provided several emergency contact numbers for public communication.

According to the ministry, citizens can reach the coordination cell through telephone numbers 02-47118700, 02-47118701, 02-47118702, and 02-47118703. Additionally, a mobile number (01550-064226) and a WhatsApp number (01550-064227) have been made available for urgent communication. The ministry has requested the public to use these numbers for reporting any election-related law and order issues.

The formation of the coordination cell aims to ensure effective monitoring and quick response to any law and order concerns during the election and referendum period.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a case against six former officials of Essential Drugs Company Limited (EDCL), including former managing director Professor Dr. Ehsanul Kabir. The case alleges that they illegally appointed five officials on a contractual basis without prior approval from the EDCL board, causing financial losses to the state-owned company. The case was announced on Sunday afternoon at the ACC headquarters in Segunbagicha, Dhaka, by the commission’s Director General (Prevention) Md. Akhter Hossain.

According to the ACC, Dr. Kabir, in collusion with other accused officials, abused his authority and engaged in fraud and criminal breach of trust by directing the unlawful appointments. The irregularities allegedly caused a financial loss of 3,614,943 taka to EDCL. The case has been filed under sections 409, 420, and 109 of the Penal Code, along with section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947.

The other accused are former finance director and company secretary Muhammad Khurshid Alam, former general manager (procurement) Syed Zahir Uddin Jamal, former deputy general managers Md. Shawkat Ali and A. Kaiyum Khan, and former production manager Bikash Kumar Sarkar.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Alhaj Aftab Uddin Molla for Dinajpur-4 (Khansama–Chirirbandar) constituency called on journalists to report crimes and wrongdoing without fear or bias. He made the remarks on Saturday night during a meeting with journalists working in Khansama upazila, Dinajpur. Aftab emphasized that journalists should present facts truthfully and remain steadfast even if obstacles arise after revealing the truth.

During the discussion, Aftab Uddin Molla highlighted the crucial role of the media in building a fair, just, and accountable society. He stated that fearless journalism in favor of truth and justice can help eliminate corruption, irregularities, and injustice from society. He also assured full cooperation to journalists in carrying out their professional duties.

Aftab pledged to work for the protection of press freedom and the safety of journalists. The meeting was attended by representatives from various print and electronic media outlets operating in Khansama upazila.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expelled its central committee member Samiran Dewan after he decided to contest the upcoming election as an independent candidate from Khagrachhari-298 constituency under the football symbol. The decision was announced on Sunday through a press release signed by BNP Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, citing involvement in activities against party discipline. The expulsion includes termination of Dewan’s primary membership and removal from all party positions.

According to the party, Khagrachhari district BNP president Abdul Wadud Bhuiyan received the official nomination and is contesting under the paddy sheaf symbol. Dewan’s decision to run independently prompted the party to take organizational action against him. Dewan had previously contested the 2008 national election as a BNP candidate and finished second.

In response, Dewan alleged that Abdul Wadud Bhuiyan, facing corruption charges, fielded his nephew Daudul Islam Bhuiyan as an independent candidate to block Dewan’s potential victory. Dewan declined to comment further on his expulsion, saying he was busy with campaign activities.

A large election rally led by Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman began at 2 p.m. on Monday at the Sitakunda Government Model High School field in Chattogram. The venue was filled with party activists carrying the balance symbol, and the surrounding areas were crowded with supporters chanting religious slogans. The event was chaired by district Jamaat leader Alauddin Sikdar and conducted by Chattogram-4 election director Fazlul Karim. Leaders from the 11-party alliance, including Khelafat Majlis, NCP, AB Party, and JAGPA, attended the gathering.

According to sources, Dr. Rahman was scheduled to arrive by helicopter from Lohagara at 4 p.m. and join the rally after landing at Barabkunda High School and College field. District Jamaat leaders said they expected around 200,000 activists from seven northern upazilas to attend. Security forces, including police, RAB, BGB, army, and Ansar, were deployed across Sitakunda, with checkpoints and rooftop surveillance by intelligence agencies.

Participants came from Mirsharai, Sandwip, Rangunia, Raozan, Hathazari, and Fatikchhari, reflecting strong regional mobilization ahead of the election.

The Appellate Division of Bangladesh’s Supreme Court has upheld the candidacy of Mobashwer Alam Bhuiyan, the BNP-nominated candidate for the Comilla-10 constituency in the 13th National Parliamentary Election. The court, led by the Chief Justice, issued the order on Sunday, allowing Bhuiyan to contest under the ‘paddy sheaf’ symbol. At the same time, the court cancelled the nomination of another BNP leader, Abdul Gafur Bhuiyan, from the same constituency.

Earlier, Mobashwer Alam Bhuiyan’s nomination had been rejected over allegations of loan default. He challenged the decision in the High Court, which on January 25 suspended the cancellation and directed the Election Commission to allocate him the BNP’s election symbol. Following that order, Bhuiyan received the symbol and continued his campaign. Later, another candidate from the same constituency, Hasan Ahmed, filed a leave-to-appeal petition against the High Court’s decision.

After hearing the appeal, the Appellate Division confirmed Bhuiyan’s eligibility to contest while maintaining the cancellation of Abdul Gafur Bhuiyan’s nomination, finalizing the BNP’s candidate lineup for Comilla-10.

Senior Assistant Secretary Md. Kamal Hossain, serving as a special officer on special duty (OSD) under the Ministry of Public Administration, has been temporarily suspended for allegedly misusing power to obtain a BCS administration cadre position. The ministry issued the suspension order on Sunday following a case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) while he was serving as Upazila Nirbahi Officer in Nachol, Chapainawabganj. On January 28, a Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge’s Court denied his bail and sent him to jail.

According to the government order, the suspension was made under Section 39(2) of the Government Service Act, 2018, effective from January 28. During the suspension period, Kamal Hossain will receive subsistence allowance as per regulations. The ACC case, filed on December 26, 2024, alleges that he falsified his parentage to claim benefits under the freedom fighter quota.

The case statement says Hossain listed his uncle, freedom fighter Md. Ahsan Habib, and aunt, Mosha. Sanoara Khatun, as his parents instead of his real father and mother. Using this false identity, he gained university admission and later secured his BCS administration cadre post through the 35th BCS examination.