Six leaders of the Sarail Upazila unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have been expelled for participating in the election campaign of rebel independent candidate Rumin Farhana in Brahmanbaria-2 constituency, which includes parts of Sarail, Ashuganj, and Bijoynagar. The decision was announced on Sunday morning through a press release signed by BNP Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and later shared on Facebook. The expelled leaders include former vice-president Afzal Hossain, former members Usman Khan and Monowar Hossain, members Zakir Hossain and Mukul Hossain, and former general secretary Mamunur Rashid.

According to the statement, the six were removed from all party positions and primary membership for violating party discipline and engaging in anti-organizational activities. Earlier, the Shahjadapur Union BNP committee was suspended, and six leaders from Shahbazpur Union were expelled on similar charges. Local sources said the expelled leaders had been openly and secretly supporting Rumin Farhana’s campaign since the start of the 13th national election drive.

Rumin Farhana, a former BNP MP from a reserved seat and international affairs secretary, was previously expelled for contesting as an independent candidate. She is now running with the ‘Duck’ symbol, while the BNP alliance candidate Junaid Al Habib of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh is contesting with the ‘Date Tree’ symbol.

A youth named Hasan Akon was arrested with 23 cocktails during a joint forces operation in Kalkini, Madaripur, on Sunday, February 1, 2026, around noon. The operation was conducted by the army camp in Kalkini at Khunerchar village under Bashgari Union. Hasan, the son of Nizam Akon from the same village, was detained and later handed over to the local police after initial questioning.

According to sources, the explosives were recovered based on secret intelligence information. The joint forces stated that the seized cocktails posed a serious threat to public safety. Following the arrest, the officer-in-charge of Kalkini Police Station, Zahidul Alam, confirmed that security measures in the area had been strengthened.

Authorities are investigating whether others are involved in supplying the explosives, as part of ongoing efforts to ensure public safety in the region.

A human chain and protest rally were held in Mahipur, Patuakhali, demanding justice for agricultural scientist Md. Shahidul Islam, whose body was recovered after he went missing. The event took place on Sunday morning at the Khapravanga Bridge under the banner of local residents, with participation from his family, political and social leaders, students, and community members. Speakers called for a fair and impartial investigation and exemplary punishment for those responsible.

Participants described the incident as mysterious and alarming, emphasizing that Shahidul’s death could not be considered natural. They urged authorities to identify the perpetrators swiftly to restore public confidence in justice. Shahidul’s father, Motiur Rahman, has filed a murder case with Shibchar Highway Police Station against unidentified persons.

According to police, an investigation is underway to uncover the motive and identify the culprits. Shahidul, a research and development coordinator at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), went missing on January 21 while traveling from Dhaka to Barishal. His body was found on January 23 beside a highway in Shibchar, Madaripur.

In Gopalganj district, authorities have identified 385 out of 397 polling centers as vulnerable, leaving only 12 categorized as general centers. The announcement was made by District Commissioner and Returning Officer Md. Arif-uz-Zaman, who urged all voters to come to the polling centers and cast their votes without fear.

According to the official, the vulnerable centers have been marked as highly important to ensure extra security. Additional law enforcement personnel will be deployed at these centers, all of which will be monitored by CCTV cameras and under the constant supervision of magistrates. The administration aims to prevent any untoward incidents during the voting process.

The Returning Officer emphasized that all necessary measures will be taken to allow voters to exercise their rights safely and confidently. He reiterated his call for citizens to participate actively in the election by attending their designated polling stations.

Abdul Awal Mintu, the BNP candidate for Feni-3 (Daganbhuiyan–Sonagazi), said the country is in a deep crisis and that the only way to overcome it is through the BNP’s victory in the upcoming national election. He made the remarks on Sunday morning at an election rally in Takiya Bazar of Bogadana Union, Sonagazi. Mintu stated that the nation’s future will be determined on February 12 amid ongoing political uncertainty and a prolonged democratic crisis.

He emphasized the need for skilled and visionary leadership to guide the country, describing BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman as the most capable leader for the current situation. Mintu said BNP has always championed multiparty democracy and defended the rights of people of all religions, classes, and communities. Urging voters to ensure their voting rights, he called on them to stay at polling centers until vote counting ends and to collect proof of their votes.

Mintu pledged to work for social and economic development, job creation, and improved living standards if elected, assuring equal opportunities for all regardless of political affiliation.

Aftab Uddin Molla, the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate supported by the 11-party alliance for the Dinajpur-4 (Khansama–Chirirbandar) constituency, said that youth will build a new Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Saturday night at an election rally held at Khanasama Government Model Pilot High School field in Alokjhari Union. Seeking votes for the 'scales' symbol, he promised that if Jamaat comes to power, four crore unemployed youths will receive employment cards instead of allowances.

Molla criticized previous governments for corruption in job recruitment, claiming that no former MPs or ministers could show an instance of giving a job without money. He said Jamaat’s Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has pledged that qualified candidates will get jobs without bribes. He also emphasized that poor families would not need to pay any money for their children to secure employment.

Discussing youth development, Molla said aspiring entrepreneurs would get easy bank loans, and those seeking overseas employment would receive language and job training. He expressed hope that this would increase remittances and strengthen the country’s foreign currency reserves.

A total of 29 platoons of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed across Naogaon district to maintain security ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The deployment details were shared during a press briefing held on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Siddikiya Fazil Degree Madrasa field in Dhamoirhat, Naogaon-2 constituency. The briefing was led by Lieutenant Colonel Md Abdullah Al Mamun, commanding officer of Patnitala-14 BGB Battalion.

According to Abdullah Al Mamun, BGB is fully prepared to perform its duties as a professional, disciplined, and neutral force during the election period. The force is strictly following all directives from the government and the Election Commission. Security has been tightened in border areas to prevent smuggling, drug trafficking, and arms trading that could disrupt the election process. Intelligence surveillance and border security measures have also been strengthened under the Border Security Act.

Officials including the Dhamoirhat Upazila Nirbahi Officer, the Officer-in-Charge of Dhamoirhat Police Station, and local educational representatives were present at the briefing.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Sunday, February 1, 2026, called on all political parties to publicly clarify whether they support reform or fascism. Speaking as chief guest at a large election rally at Singhanjani Multipurpose High School field in Jamalpur town, he said Jamaat stands for a 'yes' to reform and a 'no' to fascism. He criticized parties that remain silent on the issue and urged them to speak openly before the people.

Dr. Rahman strongly condemned harassment of female campaigners, saying mothers seeking votes were being insulted by miscreants. He described the upcoming 2026 election as a turning point, rooted in the sacrifices of the 2024 uprising’s martyrs and injured. He said the election would mark the end of decades of corrupt politics that fostered fascism. He emphasized prioritizing public interest over party interest and called for unity among the 11-party alliance under the 'scales' symbol.

At the event, Dr. Rahman formally handed the 'scales' election symbol to candidates for Jamalpur’s five constituencies, urging them to serve the people rather than seek leadership positions.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Amir Syed Rezaul Karim addressed an election rally on Sunday in Ramgati-Kamalnagar, Lakshmipur-4 constituency, urging voters to support the party’s candidate Khaled Saifullah, who is contesting under the hand-fan symbol. Speaking at the event, Karim criticized Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, accusing it of hypocrisy and alleged foreign ties, and asserted that only Islami Andolan represents true justice and Sharia-based governance.

He described Khaled Saifullah as a man of integrity, noting his two previous terms as chairman without corruption allegations. Karim said that electing Saifullah was essential to establish justice in Ramgati-Kamalnagar and claimed that if the party were accepted by God, Bangladesh’s political history could change rapidly. The rally was attended by several central and district leaders of Islami Andolan and its youth wing.

The event was part of Islami Andolan’s campaign for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, emphasizing its commitment to justice and Islamic principles.

BNP Standing Committee member and Cox’s Bazar-1 (Chakaria-Pekua) candidate Salahuddin Ahmed said those who never believed in Bangladesh’s independence are now trying to create political division using religion. He made the remarks on Sunday, February 1, 2026, while addressing a campaign rally organized by the local union BNP at Manik Para in West Bara Veola Union of Chakaria. Ahmed urged people to remain united to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty and to vote for the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol in the upcoming election.

During his speech, Ahmed said that Bangladesh’s democracy had once disappeared but was repeatedly restored under BNP leadership. He recalled the sacrifices of students and citizens during past uprisings for a democratic and equal society. He outlined BNP’s plans to create a skilled workforce instead of unemployed graduates, promote environmental balance through tree planting and canal excavation, and reduce plastic pollution. Ahmed criticized other political parties for lacking development plans and focusing instead on religious division.

He added that BNP aims to restore economic discipline in the country and called on voters to strengthen the party through their support.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman’s X (formerly Twitter) account was allegedly hacked, according to the Detective Branch’s Cyber Crime Unit. Joint Commissioner Syed Harun-or-Rashid told reporters on Sunday, February 1, 2026, that the DB is seriously investigating the matter to determine whether the account was truly hacked and, if so, who was responsible.

The allegation arose after a post containing derogatory remarks about women went viral from Dr. Rahman’s verified X handle. Jamaat’s election committee member and former Islami Chhatra Shibir president Sirajul Islam said the account was hacked around 4 p.m. on Saturday, and an offensive post appeared about half an hour later. The party’s cyber team reportedly regained control of the account by 5 p.m. and removed the post, though it had already spread widely. A general diary was filed at Hatirjheel Police Station regarding the incident.

BNP spokesperson Mahdi Amin commented that if the post was genuine, it was regrettable, and if the account was hacked, Jamaat should have informed the public immediately instead of waiting 12 hours to file the report.

Interim government Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has called for immediate discussions with the European Union to establish a free trade agreement (FTA). He made the appeal during a meeting with Nuria Lopez, Chairperson of the European Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (EuroCham), at the state guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka. EU Ambassador Michael Miller also attended the meeting, where participants discussed enhancing European investment, improving trade relations, and strengthening a business-friendly environment.

Yunus emphasized that Bangladesh must prepare now to maintain duty-free access for its exports, particularly ready-made garments, after the current trade privileges expire. He noted that Bangladesh recently signed an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Japan, granting duty-free access to over 7,300 products, and intends to pursue similar arrangements with the EU. Lopez supported the FTA initiative, warning that Bangladesh could lose existing benefits after graduating from the least developed country category.

EU Ambassador Miller said the nature of Bangladesh-EU trade relations will change after LDC graduation, expected no earlier than 2029, and confirmed plans for an EU-Bangladesh Business Forum in 2026 to promote investment and technology cooperation.

Bangladesh Bank has announced that all banks across the country will remain closed on February 11 and 12 due to the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and a national referendum. The central bank issued a circular on Sunday stating that the closures follow an executive order declaring public holidays on those dates.

According to the notice, the decision applies to all banks nationwide as part of preparations for the election and referendum. This year’s parliamentary election involves more than 50 political parties and independent candidates, with nearly 2,000 contenders competing for 300 parliamentary seats. Alongside the election, a referendum on the July Reform Charter will also take place on the same day.

The simultaneous scheduling of the election and referendum has prompted the government to ensure administrative readiness, including the temporary suspension of banking operations during the designated holidays.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expelled ten leaders and activists from its Fatullah Thana unit in Narayanganj for violating party decisions and engaging in activities deemed contrary to the organization’s interests. The expulsion was confirmed on Sunday afternoon through a press release signed by the party’s Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

According to the announcement, those expelled include Fatullah Thana BNP Vice President Sultan Mahmud Molla, former Kutubpur Union BNP President Billal Hossain, Organizational Secretary Hasan Ali, Assistant Organizational Secretary Saiful Islam Biplob, Md. Muslim Ahmed, Joint Secretary Advocate Akhtar Khondkar, members Zahid Hasan Rozel, Nazrul Islam Panna, Alam, and Kutubpur Union Ward No. 6 BNP Vice President Abdur Razzak. The party has instructed all members to refrain from maintaining organizational contact with the expelled individuals.

The expelled leaders were accused of defying party directives by participating in the election campaign of Muhammad Giasuddin, an independent candidate previously expelled from the BNP.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that Bangladesh is not safe under those who opposed the country’s independence. Speaking on Sunday afternoon at a gathering in Mohammadpur area of Thakurgaon Sadar upazila, he urged people not to be afraid and to go to polling centers without fear, assuring that police and military forces would ensure security. The event was chaired by Bhagirath Barman at Tojamul’s rice mill.

Fakhrul emphasized his vision of building a peaceful Bangladesh free from religious divisions, stating that unity between Hindus and Muslims is essential for national progress. He pledged that if the BNP forms the government, it will create employment for one crore people, provide agricultural support to mothers, issue agricultural cards to farmers, and waive agricultural loans up to ten thousand taka. He also promised measures to help repay NGO loans.

He stressed honesty and morality in politics, claiming he has always prioritized transparency and accountability. Fakhrul urged all citizens to vote for equal rights and development, assuring that he would fulfill promises to the best of his ability.