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.

Syeda Shamila Rahman Sithi, wife of late Arafat Rahman Koko, has joined the campaign in support of BNP chairperson and Dhaka-17 candidate Tarique Rahman ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election. On Sunday, she attended a courtyard meeting at the T&T Colony near Karail slum in the capital, accompanied by BNP International Affairs Secretary Barrister Nasir Uddin Ahmed Asim, Barrister Mehnaz Mannan, and local BNP leaders and activists.

During the meeting, Shamila Rahman sought votes and prayers for Tarique Rahman, expressing optimism over the public response to the BNP’s electoral symbol. She stated that the party was encouraged by the people’s support and expressed confidence that BNP would form the next government through popular vote.

Later, she visited a church near Badda New Market to exchange views with members of the Christian community about the election and current political situation. Party leaders present said BNP aims to ensure a free, fair, and participatory election involving people of all religions and communities.

Bangladesh Bank reported that remittance inflows rose sharply in January 2026, reaching USD 3.17 billion, a 45.10 percent increase compared to USD 2.185 billion in January 2025. Sector insiders attributed the surge to funds sent ahead of the upcoming national election and Ramadan, as many candidates and families transferred money from abroad. The data was published in the central bank’s latest report.

From July 2025 to January 2026, total remittances amounted to USD 19.43 billion, up 21.80 percent from the same period of the previous fiscal year. Bankers explained that the decline in money laundering and increased use of formal channels have boosted remittance inflows, improving dollar supply and strengthening foreign exchange reserves. Bangladesh Bank has purchased USD 3.93 billion since July to maintain market balance.

As of January 29, 2026, the country’s foreign exchange reserves stood at USD 33.18 billion, or USD 28.68 billion under BPM-6 standards. The central bank noted that higher remittance inflows and dollar purchases have contributed to the recent rise in reserves.

In Barishal-1 constituency, covering Gournadi and Agailjhara, supporters of the Islami Andolan Bangladesh candidate with the 'hand fan' symbol alleged that BNP activists obstructed their campaign on Saturday evening in Khanjapur area of Gournadi upazila. The incident was streamed live on Facebook by candidate Russel Sardar Mehdi, showing a confrontation between his supporters and several youths who reportedly tried to stop the campaign. The situation escalated into a brief scuffle before the opposing group retreated.

Supporters of the hand fan candidate claimed that followers of BNP’s 'paddy sheaf' candidate, Zahir Uddin Swapan, were behind the obstruction. They further alleged that the same group had previously attacked supporters of an independent candidate with the 'football' symbol and continued to disrupt election activities. The matter has been reported to local authorities.

Candidate Russel Sardar Mehdi stated that no intimidation would deter his campaign and urged the administration to take firm action to ensure a level playing field as the February 12 election approaches.

A Dhaka court has ordered the freezing of 46 bank accounts belonging to Awami League Joint General Secretary and former MP A F M Bahauddin Nasim, his family members, and related individuals. The order was issued on Sunday, February 1, 2026, by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Foyez. Court bench assistant Md Riaz Hossain confirmed the decision following a petition from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

According to the ACC’s application, submitted by Deputy Director (Intelligence) Md Hossain Sharif, funds were allegedly being withdrawn and transferred from these accounts with attempts to move money abroad. The ACC stated that records reviewed during the investigation indicated that the accounts contained proceeds of corruption and abuse of power. The commission argued that transferring the funds could cause significant loss to the state, prompting the request to block all transactions.

After reviewing the petition and hearing the matter, the court ordered the immediate freezing of the accounts to prevent potential financial damage to the state.

Bangladesh Women’s cricket team ended their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup qualifying campaign with a commanding seven-wicket victory over the Netherlands in Upper Mulpani, Nepal. The team, led by Nigar Sultana Joty, chased down the 103-run target with 20 balls to spare, finishing unbeaten in all seven matches of the qualifiers. Joty scored an unbeaten 50 off 44 balls, while Sobhana Mostary added 33 not out. Nahida Akter was named Player of the Match for her three wickets for 10 runs.

Batting first after winning the toss, the Netherlands lost five wickets for just 23 runs under pressure from Bangladesh’s bowlers. Robin Rijke and Sania Khurana steadied the innings with a 78-run sixth-wicket stand, taking the total to 102 for six. Khurana remained unbeaten on 43, while Rijke scored 39. Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling and confident batting ensured a perfect record in the qualifiers.

With this win, Bangladesh, the Netherlands, and Ireland have secured their spots in the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in England in June.

BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan has questioned the voter transfer data provided by the Election Commission (EC), claiming that an unusually high number of new voters have appeared in certain areas, including Dhaka city, over the past one to one and a half years. He made the remarks on Sunday, February 1, after a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) at the EC office in Agargaon, Dhaka. The BNP delegation met the CEC to raise several complaints ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election.

Following the meeting, Nazrul Islam Khan told reporters that the EC had downplayed the extent of voter transfers, saying no constituency had more than two to three thousand transfers. However, BNP expressed dissatisfaction, insisting that the actual number was much higher and that the data provided to the EC was inaccurate. The party requested seat-wise voter transfer information from the EC.

Nazrul Islam Khan also alleged that violations of the electoral code of conduct were not being properly addressed and raised concerns about the formation of so-called peace committees in some areas. He further noted that the EC had approved over 55,000 observers from 81 domestic organizations, some of which were relatively unknown.

BNP Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku has urged voters not to vote for Jamaat-e-Islami, criticizing the party’s stance on women’s participation in the workforce. Speaking on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at an election meeting in Bhadraghat Bazar of Kamarkhand upazila, Sirajganj, Tuku referenced a statement by Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman that he said demeaned women working outside the home. He displayed the interview on his mobile phone before the audience and appealed to voters, especially women, to reject Jamaat.

Tuku emphasized that rising commodity prices have made it necessary for both husbands and wives to earn to support their families. He said women now work in mills, factories, and fields, and criticized Jamaat for wanting to confine them indoors. He called on supporters to strengthen his hand and that of BNP leader Tarique Rahman, expressing hope that Rahman would become the country’s prime minister. Tuku also criticized the banned Awami League, claiming BNP activists had struggled for 17 years to restore voting rights and endured imprisonment and repression.

Local BNP and volunteer leaders from Sirajganj district and Kamarkhand upazila were present at the event.

Bangladesh’s postal department-backed digital financial service Nagad recorded its highest-ever monthly transaction volume in January 2026, reaching Tk 40,301 crore. This marks the company’s largest single-month transaction since its inception seven years ago. The record-breaking figure came mainly from cash-in, cash-out, money transfers, payments, bill settlements, mobile recharges, and remittances.

Nagad’s administrator, Md. Motasim Billah, congratulated all involved, noting that the company’s customer-centric approach and trust-building efforts have driven continuous growth. He said Nagad, as a digital transaction platform under the Bangladesh Post Office, is enhancing service quality and ensuring greater financial security for users. This has led to rising engagement from both new and existing customers.

Previously, Nagad’s highest monthly transaction was Tk 34,705 crore in October 2025. The company handled Tk 3.8 trillion in total transactions in 2025, up from Tk 3.3 trillion in 2024, reflecting sustained expansion in Bangladesh’s mobile financial services sector.

A former Awami League leader in Bogura’s Shibganj upazila, Shahidul Islam Sarkar, has drawn widespread attention after appearing to campaign for the BNP’s paddy-sheaf symbol. Once an active supporter of the Awami League’s boat symbol, Shahidul is now seen seeking votes for BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman in the Bogura Sadar-6 constituency. Photos and videos of him holding BNP banners at a recent rally went viral on social media, triggering intense discussion and criticism.

Shahidul previously served as chairman of Nishindara Union Parishad and was expelled from the Awami League for inactivity after earlier resigning under the pretext of family reasons. During the Awami League’s tenure, he coordinated campaigns for several party candidates in local elections and was accused of opposing the quota movement while financially supporting the ruling party. Following the fall of the Awami League government after the July uprising, he was briefly jailed in multiple cases and is now out on bail.

Local BNP leaders have condemned his involvement, calling it opportunistic and damaging to the party’s image. Shahidul, however, claims the viral images were created using AI technology and insists he is a genuine BNP supporter.