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.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has urged the Election Commission not to involve students in the process of the 13th National Parliamentary Election. The call was made during a meeting on February 1 with Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin at the Election Building. BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan told reporters after the meeting that engaging students in such a complex political process could make them and their institutions controversial.

Khan said the party advised the commission to assign only those authorized under law enforcement regulations to election duties. He mentioned that the commission acknowledged the logic of BNP’s concerns and would discuss the matter before making a decision. BNP also raised issues about rumors of forming “peace committees,” the presence of political activists outside their constituencies, the large number of local election observers, and alleged irregularities in voter migration data.

The Election Commission reportedly assured BNP that it had not decided to form any peace committees and would take steps to prevent disorder and investigate voter list anomalies.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 has issued arrest warrants against former Superintendent of Police (SP) Anisur Rahman and four others in a case involving alleged crimes against humanity in Jessore’s Chowgacha. The tribunal, led by Justice Shafiul Alam Mahmud and retired judge Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury, delivered the order on Sunday. Three other accused have been directed to appear before the court on February 16.

According to Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam, the case stems from an incident on August 3, 2016, when two student leaders, Ruhul Amin and Israfil, were allegedly detained under false charges, tortured for two nights, and later shot in the legs on the orders of then-SP Anisur Rahman. The prosecution stated that the victims’ injuries led to severe infections, resulting in amputation. The tribunal has taken the charges into cognizance against eight accused in total.

Three of the accused—former Sub-Inspector Akikul Islam, Constable Sajjadur Rahman, and Constable Zahurul Haque—are already in custody. The remaining accused include former Officer-in-Charge Moshiur Rahman and three sub-inspectors, Mokhles, Jamal, and Majedul, against whom arrest warrants have also been issued.

In Hatiya upazila of Noakhali, youth leader Kamal Uddin, a supporter of Abdul Hannan Masud of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and senior joint convener of Jubo Shokti’s Jahajmara West branch, has joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The formal joining took place on Saturday night, January 31, when he presented flowers to BNP’s organizing secretary and Noakhali-6 constituency candidate Mahbubur Rahman Shamim.

Kamal Uddin stated that he resigned from his Jubo Shokti position based on a family decision and joined BNP inspired by its ideals of restoring democracy and ensuring voting rights. He pledged to work actively to strengthen BNP’s organizational activities. Hatiya BNP joint general secretary Lutfullahil Majid Nishan said several other leaders and activists also joined BNP, uniting under its symbol to strengthen the party ahead of the upcoming election.

In response, Hatiya Jubo Shokti convener Md. Yusuf Reza commented that Abdul Hannan Masud’s popularity continues to grow and that a few defections would not affect the organization’s overall strength.

The three-day 2nd Bangladesh Light Engineering Expo 2026 will begin on February 2 at the Shaheed Abu Sayeed International Convention Center in Dhaka. Organized by the Bangladesh Engineering Industry Owners Association (BAISHIMAS) with support from the Ministry of Commerce and the World Bank-backed Export Competitiveness for Jobs (EC4J) project, the event will run daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The expo aims to enhance the competitiveness and export orientation of the country’s light engineering sector by showcasing the latest technologies, machinery, and innovative products.

BAISHIMAS President Md. Abdur Razzak said the sector supplies backward linkages to agriculture, textiles, construction, power, and automobile industries, contributing about 3 percent to national GDP. Around 50,000 small and medium enterprises employ over 300,000 skilled workers, meeting nearly half of the domestic demand worth USD 8.2 billion. Despite this, Bangladesh holds less than 1 percent of the USD 7 trillion global engineering market. The current export value of USD 795 million could reach USD 12.56 billion by 2030 with proper policy and investment support.

The expo will feature over 50 booths, two seminars, and participation from government officials, business chambers, and international buyers. Organizers expect the event to strengthen domestic industry, attract investment, and expand global market access.

Following the announcement of the 13th National Parliament election schedule, the Bangladesh Army, in coordination with other law enforcement agencies, conducted joint operations across the country. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR), these operations, carried out from December 11 to Sunday, resulted in the arrest of 1,774 individuals and the recovery of 179 firearms along with 1,941 rounds of ammunition.

The ISPR stated that the operations aimed to maintain stability in law and order during the election period. The army intensified regular patrols, set up checkpoints, conducted special raids in suspected areas, and strengthened intelligence-based activities to ensure a secure electoral environment. All arrested individuals were handed over to the respective police stations.

The ISPR emphasized that these coordinated efforts were part of broader measures to keep the national situation stable and to ensure safety ahead of the upcoming election.

A mass rally was held in Debidwar, Cumilla, on Sunday in support of Hasnat Abdullah, the chief organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and candidate of the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance for the Cumilla-4 constituency. The demonstration endorsed Abdullah’s Shapla Koli election symbol and the 'Yes' vote in the ongoing referendum. The rally began in front of Debidwar Mohila College, paraded through major roads of the upazila, and concluded at the Sujat Ali Government College field.

Leaders from various allied parties participated in the event, including Saiful Islam Shahid, secretary of Jamaat’s Cumilla North district; Mojibur Rahman Farazi of Khelafat Majlis; withdrawn candidate Mofazzal Hossain of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis; Debidwar Jamaat chief Professor Shahidul Islam; NCP joint coordinator Jahangir Alam; National Youth Power organizer Nazmul Hasan Nahid; NCP joint coordinator Saiful Islam Shamim; Debidwar municipal Jamaat chief Ferdous Ahmed; and Islami Chhatra Shibir president Saiful Islam.

The rally demonstrated coordinated support among alliance partners ahead of the Cumilla-4 electoral contest.

At a campaign rally in Pirgacha Government College field, Rangpur-4, NCP member secretary Akhtar Hossain announced that the Teesta mega project would be implemented if the 11-party alliance wins the upcoming election. Speaking as the chief guest, he said the alliance’s Shapla Koli symbol represents their commitment to addressing water shortages and deepening the Teesta River. Hossain also pledged to eliminate regional development disparities in northern Bangladesh and ensure transparency in public allocations.

Other speakers, including Jamaat-e-Islami assistant secretary Maulana Abdul Halim and NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, echoed the call for a fair and equitable Bangladesh. They criticized rival parties for alleged corruption and inefficiency, urging voters to support the alliance’s candidates. Bhuiyan added that a previous public hearing on the Teesta riverbank led to a development allocation of 2.5 billion taka.

The event, part of the NCP’s electoral march, was attended by leaders from allied groups such as Jamaat-e-Islami, Jubo Shakti, and Chhatra Shakti, who emphasized unity and vigilance during the election.

Students from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s student wing and left-leaning groups at Jahangirnagar University organized a broom procession on Sunday evening to protest remarks made on social media by Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman that were deemed derogatory toward working women. The procession began at the university’s central Shaheed Minar around 6:30 p.m., marched through key campus roads, and concluded at Bottola with a brief rally.

During the rally, participants dismissed claims that Dr. Rahman’s Twitter account had been hacked, calling it a staged excuse, and demanded a public apology for the offensive comments. Nadia Rahman Anwesha, general secretary of Jatiya Chhatra Shakti’s Jahangirnagar unit, said students took to the streets in response to attempts to demean women on social media. Other speakers, including students Faria Zaman Niki and Sohagi Samia, condemned the remarks and criticized the political tolerance of such statements.

The protestors declared that their broom procession marked only the beginning of continued demonstrations against those who support or echo such views on campus.