National Citizen Party (NCP) member secretary Akhtar Hossain issued a stern warning against those attacking or harassing women, saying such acts would face severe consequences. He made the remarks on Sunday, February 1, during an election campaign rally in Rangpur-4 constituency, where he presided over the event as the candidate of the eleven-party alliance.

In his speech, Hossain said the people of Bangladesh had long suffered from oppression and injustice, and that despite some progress, corruption and state-level conspiracies persisted. He stated that the eleven-party alliance, including Jamaat-e-Islami and NCP, was formed to reform the system and deliver services directly to citizens. He pledged to establish mobile medical centers for pregnant women and ensure transparency in local financial management.

Hossain also promised to implement the Teesta Master Plan if elected, reduce regional inequality in northern Bangladesh, and dismantle what he called the “syndicate of the rich.” He urged voters to support the alliance’s “yes” campaign in the upcoming referendum and warned media owners against partisan bias.

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami–nominated candidate for the Natore-1 (Lalpur–Bagatipara) parliamentary seat, called on voters to support the 'Dāripallā' (scales) symbol to build a state based on justice and fairness. He made the appeal on Sunday, February 1, during a daylong election campaign in Bagatipara Sadar Union, where he visited homes, held street meetings, courtyard gatherings, and engaged directly with voters to hear their concerns and expectations.

Azad stated that the people of Bangladesh now desire good governance and a justice-oriented state system, expressing frustration over corruption, inequality, and misrule. He emphasized that establishing development, justice, and a corruption-free administration has long been the public’s aspiration. He added that the trust and affection shown by voters inspire him to work toward forming an accountable government through public support.

Local Jamaat leaders participating in the campaign said that honest, capable, and welfare-oriented leadership can only be established through people’s votes and unity. The events saw large voter turnout and participation from several local party leaders and activists.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced a new three-team T20 tournament to be held in Mirpur from February 5 to 9, 2026, after the national team did not participate in the T20 World Cup. The teams—Dhumketu, Durbar, and Duronto—will each feature 13 players, with a total of 39 cricketers taking part. Four new faces, Jawad Abrar, Azizul Hakim Tamim, Al Fahad, and Iqbal Hossain Emon, have been included following their performances in the recently concluded Under-19 World Cup.

Dhumketu will be led by T20 captain Liton Das, Durbar by Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, and Duronto by Akbar Ali. The BCB will spend 25 million taka on match fees and prize money for the event. Spectators will be allowed to attend and enjoy the matches from the stands.

The tournament aims to provide competitive opportunities for both senior and emerging players, offering a platform for young talents to showcase their skills in domestic T20 cricket.

Independent candidate and expelled BNP assistant international affairs secretary Rumin Farhana announced that if elected as a Member of Parliament for Brahmanbaria-2 (Sarail and Ashuganj), she will receive medical treatment at her constituency’s government hospital instead of going abroad. She made the statement on Sunday evening during an election rally at Uchalialapara village in Sarail upazila.

Farhana said ministers and MPs often travel abroad for medical care, but she would rely on local facilities to ensure adequate doctors, medicines, and equipment in the hospital. She emphasized that she belongs to no political party or special group and would treat people of all affiliations equally. Addressing law and order issues, she pledged to prevent oppression or false cases based on political identity and to assist in securing bail for innocent detainees whose families contact her.

Speaking to the crowd, the duck-symbol candidate urged voters to protect her election symbol and ensure their votes are not stolen. Local leaders and voters from various professions attended the rally.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has launched a nationwide awareness campaign ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, scheduled for February 12. The campaign, centered on the slogan “Let the youth’s first vote be against corruption,” aims to encourage voters, particularly young people, to choose honest and qualified candidates. The initiative was announced in a press release signed by ACC Assistant Director (Public Relations) Md. Tanzir Ahmed.

According to the ACC, the campaign will include public interest television advertisements, TV scrolls, and billboards across the country to spread anti-corruption messages. The commission has adopted three main slogans promoting integrity and responsible voting. It emphasized that building a corruption-free society is essential for good governance, justice, and sustainable development, and that electing competent candidates is key to achieving these goals.

The ACC stated that conscious and responsible voters can contribute to creating a prosperous and corruption-free Bangladesh through ethical participation in the electoral process.

A new organization named July-24 Martyrs’ Families Association was formally launched on Sunday at the Trade Center in Karwan Bazar, Dhaka. The association announced a 21-member committee, appointing Shafiqul Islam, father of martyr Farhan, as president, and Mahi Uddin, father of martyr Yamin, as general secretary. The event also included discussions on the upcoming national parliamentary election and referendum.

Speakers at the event highlighted the sacrifices of the July Revolution martyrs and their role in the country’s democratic progress. Syed Abdal Ahmad, executive of Amar Desh, said the martyrs’ sacrifices helped the nation move toward democracy, while Debate for Democracy chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron urged collective efforts to fulfill the martyrs’ dreams. The committee announcement was made by senior vice president Mir Mostafizur Rahman, father of martyr Mugdho.

The association plans to hold a gathering of martyrs’ families at the China Friendship Conference Center before the national election. Its temporary office has been established at 99 Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue in Karwan Bazar, Dhaka.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman is scheduled to visit Cox’s Bazar and Chattogram today, Monday, as part of his ongoing election campaign. He will serve as the chief guest at five election rallies throughout the day, beginning at 11:30 a.m. in Maheshkhali. Subsequent rallies will take place at 12:30 p.m. in Cox’s Bazar Sadar, 2:00 p.m. in Chattogram South (Paduya), 3:30 p.m. in Chattogram North (Sitakunda), and 6:30 p.m. in Chattogram Metropolitan area, organized by the 11-party electoral alliance.

According to party sources, Dr. Rahman’s visit is part of a broader campaign tour that will continue until February 7, during which he will travel to several districts outside Dhaka. The rallies are expected to highlight the party’s electoral agenda and strengthen coordination within the alliance ahead of upcoming polls.

The series of events marks a significant phase in Jamaat-e-Islami’s outreach efforts as it seeks to mobilize supporters and consolidate its presence in key constituencies.

Mahmudul Haque, the main accused in the murder case of Maulana Rezaul Karim, secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Sreebardi upazila unit in Sherpur, filed an anticipatory bail petition with the High Court on Sunday. Haque is also the BNP candidate for the Sherpur-3 constituency. Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kajol is scheduled to represent him during the hearing before a High Court bench.

The case was filed by Rezaul Karim’s wife, Marzia, on Friday night, January 30, at Jhenaigati Police Station, naming 234 individuals and accusing a total of 734 people. The incident occurred on January 28 at Jhenaigati Mini Stadium during a manifesto presentation event for Sherpur-3 candidates, where a dispute over front-row seating led to clashes between BNP and Jamaat activists.

Although the situation initially calmed, violence resumed later that evening when Jamaat candidate Nuruzzaman Badol attempted to move toward the town with his supporters but was stopped by authorities. During the ensuing attack by BNP activists, Rezaul Karim was critically injured and died on the way to Mymensingh.

Professor Mujibur Rahman, central Naib-e-Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami and the party’s nominated candidate for Rajshahi-1 (Godagari-Tanore), has called on voters to cast their ballots early on February 12 in favor of the scale symbol and the 'Yes' option. He made this appeal on February 1 during an election campaign and street rally at Dyingpara Bazar in Godagari Sadar. Earlier that day, he conducted campaign activities in Mahishalbari, Railway Bazar, and Madarpur areas, where supporters distributed leaflets and displayed symbolic scales.

During his interactions with local residents, Mujibur Rahman said Jamaat-e-Islami stands for freedom, justice, and liberation. He emphasized the need for honest and capable leadership to build a just and welfare-oriented Bangladesh, urging especially young voters to support the scale symbol and 'Yes' vote. Addressing party workers and supporters, he stated that the public’s current aspiration is to create a corruption-free society, and that Jamaat-e-Islami is committed to establishing people’s rights through peaceful politics.

He described February 12 as a day of liberation for ordinary citizens and urged voters to exercise their rights with patience and discipline, maintaining a strong presence at polling centers from early morning.

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 of the agreement has been prepared and submitted for approval. He confirmed that the signing schedule has been set for February 9, pending final authorization.

The U.S. administration under President Donald Trump had initially imposed 37 percent counter-tariffs on Bangladeshi products, later reducing them to 20 percent after several negotiation rounds, though no formal agreement was signed at that time. The upcoming deal is expected to further lower tariffs and secure duty-free access for garments made with U.S. cotton. To obtain 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 clarified that military items such as fighter jets are not part of the trade deal. He added that Bangladesh is also advancing free trade agreements with Japan, South Korea, and other partners to strengthen its post-LDC graduation trade position.

ATM Azharul Islam, central committee Nayeb-e-Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami and candidate for the Rangpur-2 parliamentary seat, said Bangladesh has not achieved its desired development since independence due to the absence of unity in politics. He made the remarks on Sunday evening at an election rally of the 11-party alliance in Madariganj, Radhanagar Union of Badarganj upazila, Rangpur. The event was chaired by union Jamaat president Habibur Rahman and attended by local leaders of Jamaat, NCP, and the alliance.

Azharul Islam stated that Bangladesh is not a poor country but has been impoverished through exploitation. He criticized wealthy citizens for spending abroad instead of investing domestically, arguing that such spending could benefit working people. Addressing expatriate workers, he praised their remittances as a key driver of the national economy but said divisive politics continues to hinder progress and fuel hostility.

He added that candidates of the 11-party alliance have no record of corruption and urged voters to support them in the upcoming February 12 election.

Speakers at a webinar marking National Safe Food Day 2026 warned that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension are rising alarmingly in Bangladesh due to unhealthy diets and growing dependence on processed foods. Organized by research and advocacy group PROGGA with support from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), the event titled “Safe Food and Our Role in Combating Non-Communicable Diseases” emphasized the importance of consumer awareness and front-of-pack labeling to promote healthier food choices.

According to the World Health Organization, excessive intake of salt, sugar, and fat increases the risk of NCDs. The webinar revealed that about 570,263 people die annually in Bangladesh from NCDs, while unhealthy diets cause around 27,387 deaths each year. Experts including Dr. Sohel Reza Chowdhury and Dr. Nazma Shaheen stressed the need for healthy eating habits and reduced reliance on processed foods. Bangladesh Food Safety Authority member Dr. Mohammad Shoaib said the government is working to introduce front-of-pack labeling to inform consumers about health risks.

Speakers also noted that only 4.2 percent of the national health budget is allocated to NCD control and called for sustainable financing to strengthen prevention efforts.

Bangladesh Bank has asked all banks in the country to provide detailed information on agricultural loans up to Tk 10,000. The request followed a query from board member and Dhaka University professor Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir. The central bank’s Agricultural Credit Department sent an email after office hours on Thursday, instructing banks to submit the data by noon on Sunday. Executive Director and spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan confirmed the directive.

According to the letter, banks were told to report the total principal, interest or profit, and outstanding balance of loans and investments in the agriculture and rural sectors up to Tk 10,000 as of December 31 of the previous year. The reason for the sudden request was not disclosed, and the spokesperson said he was unaware of the purpose behind it. The report notes that the data collection was not discussed at any board meeting or through the usual internal approval process.

In the first six months of the current fiscal year, banks disbursed Tk 21,000 crore in agricultural loans, marking a 29 percent increase from the same period last year.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Amir Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim said that those who hold secret meetings with the United States and India in the name of Islam cannot bring peace to the country. He made the remarks on Sunday, February 1, during an election rally at Ramganj municipal children’s park in Lakshmipur-1 constituency, organized in support of party candidate Zakir Hossain Patowary. Earlier in the day, he also addressed a rally in Kamalnagar.

Rezaul Karim urged voters to support Islami Andolan’s ‘hand fan’ symbol across Bangladesh, saying that victory for its candidates would help realize the dream of a prosperous, faith-based nation. He criticized those who, according to him, abandoned Islamic principles in favor of conventional laws and policies, prompting his party to contest independently in 258 constituencies.

The event was attended by several party leaders and Islamic scholars, including Khaled Saifullah, Mufti Rezaul Karim Abrar, and Mufti Habibur Rahman Misbah, along with local Islami Andolan and youth wing representatives.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi stated that Begum Khaleda Zia stood like the Himalayas in the struggle to establish democracy in Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Sunday at a memorial meeting organized by the Dhaka North unit of the Vashani Janashakti Party at Mohakhali Community Center in the capital, where he attended as the chief guest.

Rizvi described Khaleda Zia, wife of the late President Ziaur Rahman, as a lifelong fighter against fascism and autocracy. He claimed that she could have chosen a luxurious life abroad but instead dedicated herself to the cause of farmers, workers, and the common people. Rizvi alleged that false cases and imprisonment were used to push her toward death and asserted that under the leadership of her son Tarique Rahman, Bangladesh would achieve her vision. He urged people to vote for the BNP’s symbol, the paddy sheaf, to restore democracy.

In the same event, Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Bablu said that even after 54 years of independence, the desired Bangladesh had not been achieved and called for victory in the upcoming referendum to prevent the return of fascism.