The government of Bangladesh has declared February 11 as a public holiday ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for February 12, which is already a general holiday. With the following Friday and Saturday being weekly holidays, citizens will have a continuous four-day break surrounding the election period. Despite the extended holiday, nationwide restrictions will apply to public transportation and inter-district travel to maintain security and order.

Former Election Commission official Jesmin Tuli told the BBC that voting is not mandatory in Bangladesh, and citizens may travel if they wish. However, entry to certain voting areas may be restricted to prevent external interference or violence. On election day, personal vehicles, long-distance buses, launches, and trains are typically prohibited from operating to reduce unnecessary movement and ensure law and order.

Citizens are encouraged to spend time with family, participate in local social or religious activities, or complete personal tasks. Emergency services such as hospitals, ambulances, fire service, and utilities will remain operational. Authorities emphasize that following election laws and commission guidelines will help ensure a peaceful and safe voting day.

Three accused in a murder case who were mistakenly released from Mymensingh Central Jail without bail documents have been re-arrested by RAB-14. The elite force confirmed that the release occurred without proper authorization and that neither the district administration nor the police were immediately informed. The incident came to light on Thursday, sparking widespread discussion across the country.

The detainees—Anis Mia, Rashedul Islam, and Jakirul Islam from Tarakanda in Mymensingh—were captured during overnight operations in Tangail by two RAB-14 teams. Jail authorities admitted the release was a procedural error, explaining that a production warrant had been misinterpreted as a bail order. Mymensingh Senior Jail Superintendent Aminul Islam described the event as an “unintended mistake.”

Following the revelation, Deputy Jailor Zakaria Imtiaz was suspended for negligence, and a three-member committee was formed to investigate. The regional prison DIG stated that further legal action would be taken if additional involvement or intent was found. Police officials noted that the lack of timely notification complicated the re-arrest process.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) announced its 36-point election manifesto at an event held on Friday, November 30, at the Lakeshore Grand Hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka. NCP Convener Nahid Islam stated that although the party has joined an 11-party electoral alliance, its struggle for a new political arrangement continues. Representatives from various political parties, civil society, and diplomats attended the event, where party spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan and other central leaders also spoke.

Nahid Islam described the occasion as a historic moment for the NCP, which emerged in the aftermath of a mass uprising following 2024. He explained that the party’s leadership and ideology were shaped by that movement, emphasizing the need to abolish fascist systems and establish a new political order. He noted that the NCP’s agenda focuses on youth empowerment and restoring citizens’ dignity, which he said had been repeatedly undermined over the past 16 years.

The NCP’s manifesto and alliance participation signal its intent to pursue democratic reforms and engage younger generations in Bangladesh’s political, economic, and social transformation.

Government employees in Bangladesh are set to enjoy a four-day holiday at the beginning of February 2026. According to the Islamic Foundation, the holy Shab-e-Barat will be observed on the night of Tuesday, February 3. Following this, the government has declared Wednesday, February 4, as a public holiday through an executive order. By taking an additional day off on Thursday, February 5, employees can extend their break to four consecutive days, as Friday and Saturday (February 6 and 7) are regular weekends.

The Ministry of Public Administration’s 2026 holiday notification lists 14 general holidays and 14 holidays by executive order, with nine of them coinciding with weekends. The schedule also includes five holidays for Muslim festivals, nine for Hindu festivals, eight for Christian festivals, seven for Buddhist festivals, and two optional holidays for employees from small ethnic groups.

This arrangement provides government workers with an early opportunity in the year to plan extended personal or family time without using many leave days.

The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) has announced a major reduction in gold prices after five consecutive increases. According to a notice issued on Friday, January 30, 2026, the price of gold has been reduced by up to Tk14,600 per bhori, bringing the rate of 22-carat gold down to Tk271,363 per bhori. The new prices took effect from 10:45 a.m. the same day. Previously, the price had reached a record high of Tk286,000 per bhori, the highest in Bangladesh’s history.

BAJUS stated that the local price adjustment followed a decline in the rate of pure gold in the international market. On Friday morning, global gold prices fell to USD 5,200 per ounce, down from USD 5,550 the previous day, according to data from Goldprice.org. Alongside gold, silver prices also dropped, with 22-carat silver now priced at Tk7,757 per bhori.

The price revision reflects the impact of international market trends on Bangladesh’s domestic bullion market, signaling potential short-term relief for jewelry buyers.

A Bangladesh Navy officer named Nazmus Sakib, aged 38, was killed when a speeding bus hit his motorcycle at the Ghazibari Gate area of Patiya Bypass in Chattogram on Friday morning. Another navy sailor, Md. Ikram, aged 32, sustained serious injuries in the accident. Both were traveling from Patenga to Cox’s Bazar by motorcycle when the collision occurred. Sakib died on the spot, while locals rescued Ikram and sent him to Chittagong Medical College Hospital.

According to highway police and local sources, the bus was moving recklessly when it struck the motorcycle, throwing both riders off the road. Officer-in-Charge Harunur Rashid of the highway police outpost confirmed the incident and said the bus responsible for the crash has not yet been identified. Efforts are underway to locate the vehicle. Both victims were stationed at the Bangladesh Navy base in Patenga.

Police investigations are ongoing to identify the bus and determine the cause of the accident.

The Government of Bangladesh has introduced a special initiative to make air travel more affordable for expatriate workers. Under this plan, one-way ticket prices on the Saudi Arabia–Bangladesh route have been set at only 20,000 taka, enabling workers to visit their families more easily. The scheme will be effective for inbound flights from April 18 to May 25, 2026, and for return flights from May 30 to June 30, 2026.

According to Sheikh Bashiruddin, adviser to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, the program targets the sale of 80,000 tickets across both countries. The initiative is expected to benefit expatriate workers while generating significant revenue for Biman Bangladesh Airlines, potentially exceeding 1 billion taka in additional income. The lowest one-way fare on the Medina–Dhaka and Jeddah–Dhaka routes is set at 20,500 taka, with return fares starting at 42,000 taka.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus praised the measure as a milestone in expatriate-friendly policy implementation and urged that the initiative be maintained effectively to ensure lasting benefits for workers and the national economy.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and head of the 11-party alliance, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, announced plans to establish government medical colleges in 36 districts, including Feni. He also promised specialized hospitals, embankment construction along the Feni River, and a modern stadium in Feni. The announcement came during an election rally organized by the local Jamaat-e-Islami at Feni Government Pilot High School field on Friday morning.

During his speech, Dr. Rahman said the country had been freed from misrule through the July 24 revolution and recalled his humanitarian visit to Feni during a devastating flood. He mentioned that the people of Feni would remember Abrar Fahad for his remarks about the Feni River. He urged voters to unite behind the 11-party alliance candidates in Feni’s three constituencies to build a new Bangladesh.

The event was attended by senior leaders of Jamaat, Shibir, and the 11-party alliance, including Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Maulana A.T.M. Masum, Professor Liaquat Ali Bhuiyan, and others.

Hamidur Rahman, former general secretary of Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Narsingdi district unit, has formally joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. The announcement was confirmed on Thursday night, with district Jamaat leaders welcoming him at an event attended by Assistant Secretary Mokbul Hossain and Publicity Secretary Amirul Islam. Narsingdi-1 constituency candidate Md. Ibrahim Bhuiyan posted photos of the reception on his verified Facebook page. Around 300 more Islami Andolan activists are expected to join Jamaat next Monday.

Rahman said his decision stemmed from dissatisfaction over tensions within the 11-party electoral alliance that included Islami Andolan and Jamaat. He cited internal disagreements, the party’s inability to compromise on minor issues, and its departure from the “one box policy” as reasons for the shift. Bhuiyan expressed optimism that Rahman’s organizational experience would strengthen Jamaat’s movement in the district.

The upcoming mass joining event is expected to further consolidate Jamaat’s local organizational base in Narsingdi, according to the statements made at the ceremony.

Authorities and locals in Lalmonirhat have expressed concern that illegal goods, including possible weapons, may be entering Bangladesh from India and Bhutan through the Burimari land port under the cover of stone imports. The customs station currently lacks a scanner machine, making it impossible to verify the contents of Indian trucks carrying stones and powder materials. The issue has gained attention as the national election approaches, raising fears of potential misuse of unmonitored cargo routes.

Field observations show that between 320 and 400 trucks cross the Burimari port daily, with many Indian trucks unloading stones at local crushing sites outside the customs-controlled area without oversight. Some of these unloading activities reportedly continue late into the night, which is considered illegal. Locals fear that such unmonitored operations could be exploited by criminal groups to smuggle weapons or suspicious items.

Burimari Customs Assistant Commissioner Md. Delwar Hossain stated that the office has repeatedly requested the National Board of Revenue to install a scanner at the port, and the authority has assured that the issue will be resolved as soon as possible.

The Dhonagoda River in Kali Bazar area of Matlab North upazila, Chandpur, has become virtually unusable due to dense water hyacinth, illegal structures, and encroachment, halting all boat movement. The five-kilometer stretch from Srirayer Char Bridge to Kali Bazar is completely blocked, leaving eight launch terminals inactive. Locals and students now cross the river using makeshift bamboo bridges, risking their safety daily.

Residents report that illegal fishing traps along both banks have obstructed the river’s natural flow, causing water hyacinth to accumulate and turn the river into a green wasteland. The river once served as a vital trade route connecting Matlab North, Matlab South, Gazaria, and Daudkandi with Dhaka, Munshiganj, and Narayanganj, but now stands nearly dead due to pollution and unplanned occupation.

Local authorities have acknowledged the issue. Matlab North Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mahamuda Kulsum Moni stated that the matter is under review and coordination is underway with relevant departments to remove water hyacinth, clear illegal structures, and restore navigability.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman is scheduled to visit Hatibandha in Lalmonirhat on February 4 to attend an election rally. The event is being organized in connection with the upcoming parliamentary election and referendum. He will participate in the rally for the ‘Dharipalla’ symbol candidate in the Lalmonirhat-1 constituency, which includes Patgram and Hatibandha.

Anwarul Islam Raju, Jamaat’s central committee vice president for industry and commerce and the ‘Dharipalla’ candidate for Lalmonirhat-1, confirmed the visit. He said Dr. Rahman will deliver a major speech at a large public gathering, though the exact venue has not yet been finalized. District Jamaat Ameer and Lalmonirhat-3 ‘Dharipalla’ candidate Advocate Abu Taher stated that the rally will begin at 10 a.m., where Dr. Rahman will speak as the chief guest.

Preparations are reportedly underway to ensure the event proceeds peacefully, and Dr. Rahman is also expected to engage in voter outreach activities for the ‘Dharipalla’ symbol.

Bangladesh has been elected vice-chair of the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) for 2026. The election took place on Thursday at the UN headquarters in New York during the first meeting of the commission’s 20th session. Morocco was chosen as chair, while Bangladesh, Germany, Brazil, and Croatia were elected as vice-chairs. Bangladesh formally assumed its new role in a brief ceremony attended by the UN General Assembly president’s chief of staff, who emphasized the importance of the PBC’s role.

The Peacebuilding Commission is an intergovernmental advisory body that supports peace efforts in conflict-affected countries. It consists of 31 member states selected from the General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, and top troop- and financial-contributing nations. Bangladesh has been a member since the commission’s establishment in 2005 and previously served as chair in 2012 and 2022, and as vice-chair in 2013 and 2023.

In a statement, Bangladesh’s delegation thanked member states for their confidence and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the UN’s peacebuilding initiatives and future plans.

Election authorities in Osmaninagar upazila of Sylhet have initiated extensive renovation and security measures at polling centers ahead of the upcoming national election. The program includes infrastructure upgrades and the installation of modern surveillance systems to ensure fair, neutral, and secure voting. According to the upazila election office, Osmaninagar has 54 polling centers, of which 38 are located in primary schools. Renovation work has been approved for 36 of these schools, with two phases of funding totaling over 27 lakh taka.

Upazila Primary Education Officer Md. Saiful Islam Talukder stated that the renovation work is being closely monitored with transparency, including photographic documentation from site supervisors. To strengthen security, the Election Commission has allocated 20 CCTV cameras for the upazila, while the district administration is funding six cameras for each primary school-based center. High school-based centers will install cameras using their own funds, and additional cameras are being added to centers with existing systems.

District Commissioner and Returning Officer Sarwar Alam said all polling centers will be brought under CCTV coverage to ensure voter safety and transparency. Local residents believe these measures will enhance security and voter confidence.

At least 40 areas in South Keraniganj, Dhaka, have been without gas for five days, affecting around 300,000 to 400,000 residents. The disruption began after a gas pipeline was damaged during excavation work at Shubhadda Canal, halting about 50,000 Titas Gas connections. Locals have repeatedly complained to the Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution office in Jinjira but reported no progress in repairs. Frustration has grown as residents accuse officials of negligence and shifting responsibility.

According to residents and local contractors, the problem originated under the canal where the main supply line passes. The Jinjira office stated that the emergency team is responsible for repairs, while the emergency team said the exact leakage point has not yet been identified. Titas Gas officials, including the deputy general manager and emergency team manager, confirmed that inspection teams have visited the site and promised action once the fault is located.

Residents warned of protests if gas service is not restored soon, while officials urged patience as technical teams continue to locate the leak.