A joint forces operation in Boalmari, Faridpur, led to the arrest of Mahbub Hasan (Sajib), the joint convener of the Boalmari Upazila Jubo Dal, on Wednesday night. The raid took place around 8:30 p.m. at his home in Moinedia village under Parameshwardi Union. Authorities recovered a pistol, a magazine, and two rounds of ammunition from his possession. Police confirmed that a case under the Arms Act is being processed.

According to army sources, the operation was conducted based on secret intelligence under the leadership of the Boalmari-Madhukhali Army Camp of the 15 Riverine Engineer Battalion, in coordination with local administration. The arrest was made swiftly, and the seized items were secured as evidence.

The army further stated that, following government and Election Commission directives, it is enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against drugs, extortion, and armed crime ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. Citizens have been urged to assist army camps with information to curb criminal activities.

Election campaigns in Dhaka have intensified ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, with candidates focusing their outreach on religious and spiritual sites. Since January 22, contenders from various parties have been seen visiting mosques, temples, shrines, and the homes of martyr families to connect with voters. They are emphasizing messages of peace, harmony, and unity while pledging development, security, and justice.

Jamaat-e-Islami and BNP candidates have been particularly active in these efforts. Jamaat leaders have conducted prayers and voter meetings across multiple mosques in constituencies such as Dhaka-15, Dhaka-16, and Dhaka-18, while BNP candidates, including Ishraque Hossain and Mirza Abbas, have attended Hindu religious events and met with community members. Several candidates have also begun their campaigns by visiting shrines and martyr families to honor national sacrifices and call for democratic restoration.

The campaign period, which began on January 22, will continue until February 10. Observers note that candidates’ visible presence in religious venues has added a new dimension to the capital’s election atmosphere, with attention now on how their appeals for unity will influence voters.

SM Jilani, the central president of the Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal and BNP candidate for Gopalganj-3 (Tungipara-Kotalipara), called on voters to support him with the 'Sheaf of Paddy' symbol. Speaking at an election rally on Wednesday evening at Pakurtia Bazar in Dumuria Union, Tungipara, he said that if elected, the people of Tungipara and Kotalipara would live with peace, security, and dignity. He added that residents currently feel unsafe and even hesitate to reveal their home district in Dhaka.

Jilani stated that change is necessary to overcome this situation and accused anti-liberation forces of using religion to mislead voters during elections. He emphasized that his campaign does not personally attack any candidate but seeks to expose those who exploit religion for political gain. The rally was chaired by Sheikh Salahuddin Ahmed, president of Tungipara Upazila BNP, and attended by district and upazila BNP leaders.

Earlier, Jilani conducted door-to-door campaigning in several villages, including Sriramkandi and Patgati, urging voters to support the BNP symbol in the upcoming election.

United States Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen held a courtesy meeting with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Thursday morning at the party’s office in Bashundhara, Dhaka. The meeting was confirmed through a verified post on Jamaat-e-Islami’s official Facebook page, which described the discussion as cordial and friendly.

According to the post, the two sides exchanged views on Bangladesh’s current political and economic situation, trade and industry, the upcoming national election, state reforms, and the Rohingya issue. Ambassador Christensen reportedly praised Jamaat-e-Islami’s positive role in the country’s economic development and democratic progress. Both parties expressed optimism about strengthening future bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the United States.

The meeting was attended by officials from the US Embassy, including Political and Economic Counselor Eric Gillman, Public Officer Monica L. Sai, Political Officer James Stewart, and Political Specialist Firoz Ahmed. Jamaat representatives included Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, Executive Council Member Md. Mobarak Hossain, and Foreign Affairs Adviser Professor Dr. Mahmudul Hasan.

Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Principal Maulana Nur Ahmad Anwari for Cox’s Bazar-4 (Ukhiya–Teknaf) constituency called on voters to reject extortion, land grabbing, terrorism, and legal exploitation by showing a 'red card' to such practices. Speaking as the chief guest at an election rally held on Wednesday evening at Inani Government Primary School field in Jaliapalong Union, he urged citizens to vote for the 'scale' symbol to build a jobless, exploitation-free, and oppression-free Bangladesh.

Anwari criticized those who governed the country over the past 54 years, saying they failed to meet the people's aspirations and basic needs. He said establishing a people's government would require bringing the 11-party alliance led by Jamaat to power in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. He described the election as a red card against dominance, tyranny, terrorism, and the trade of legal cases.

The rally was chaired by Maulana Muhammad Shah Alam and attended by local leaders from Jamaat and allied parties, including district and upazila representatives of the 11-party coalition.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has responded to BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman’s recent question about why former Jamaat leaders Matiur Rahman Nizami and Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid did not resign when they served as ministers in the BNP-led four-party alliance government. Speaking at a rally in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar on Thursday in support of 11-party alliance candidate Saiful Alam Milon for the Dhaka-12 constituency, Dr. Rahman said that during their tenure in three ministries, even their strongest critics could not accuse them of dishonesty, corruption, or nepotism.

He further alleged that attacks on Jamaat activists across the country were destroying the “level playing field” for elections, claiming that women were being assaulted and the electoral environment was being disrupted through violence. Dr. Rahman warned that if the election process was hindered, the interim government and the Election Commission would have to bear responsibility.

He added that since August 5, Jamaat had not filed unjust cases or harassed anyone and pledged to congratulate whichever party forms the next government through a fair and acceptable election.

A young man named Maruful, aged 19, was killed when a Nosimon overturned after losing control in Fatehpur Union of Araihazar upazila, Narayanganj. The accident occurred around 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday near Fatehpur Government Primary School. Maruful was the son of Monir from the Gopaldi area.

According to eyewitnesses, the Nosimon lost control and overturned on the road, leaving passenger Maruful seriously injured. Local residents rescued him and took him to Araihazar Upazila Health Complex, where the on-duty doctor declared him dead after examination. Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Alauddin of Araihazar Police Station confirmed the incident.

The report did not mention the cause of the vehicle’s loss of control or whether any other passengers were injured.

Bangladesh’s liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sector has plunged into severe instability over the past month, with widespread shortages, closed filling stations, and prices soaring beyond consumers’ reach. Despite steady demand growth, supply has sharply declined as several major private companies reduced or halted imports. Officials and industry insiders attribute the crisis to long-term planned decisions and the dominance of a powerful business syndicate, rather than solely to international sanctions or Middle East unrest.

According to official data, LPG demand has increased 25-fold in 15 years, but imports fell from 1.61 million tons in 2024 to 1.47 million tons in 2025. Eight large companies, many linked to the former ruling party, have cut imports over the past 18 months, creating a severe supply gap. U.S. sanctions on Iranian-linked vessels further disrupted shipping, leaving many LPG pumps closed nationwide.

Experts and industry leaders have urged the government to intervene directly in LPG trading to stabilize the market. They argue that with proper monitoring and infrastructure development, the state could regain control within six months and restore order to the energy sector.

Most rural voters across several upazilas remain unaware of the upcoming constitutional referendum scheduled for February 12, to be held alongside the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Despite government publicity efforts, many villagers do not understand what the ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote means or why it is being held. Reports from Sunamganj and Dinajpur show that while voters are familiar with the parliamentary election, they are largely uninformed about the additional referendum ballot.

Local officials claim that awareness activities are underway, including banners, festoons, loudspeaker announcements, and leaflet distribution. However, residents say these campaigns are mostly limited to upazila centers and marketplaces, leaving remote villages uninformed. Some voters expressed confusion, saying they had only heard about the MP election, not the referendum.

District and upazila administrators have emphasized that the referendum vote is voluntary and that the government’s goal is to ensure voters understand the process before election day. Concerns remain that lack of awareness could cause confusion at polling centers.

In Rajshahi-5 (Puthia-Durgapur), election politics has intensified after two influential BNP leaders decided to contest as independent candidates despite being expelled for violating party discipline. The official BNP nominee, former Puthia Upazila chairman Professor Nazrul Islam, faces challenges from Barrister Rezaul Karim and industrialist Isfa Khairul Haque Shimul, both long-time local BNP figures. Their refusal to withdraw has deepened divisions within the party and created new calculations among grassroots activists.

Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami, fielding its Puthia Upazila chief Munzur Rahman as a single candidate, is campaigning vigorously to exploit BNP’s internal conflict. Political analysts suggest Jamaat is determined to strengthen its position amid BNP’s disunity. Other contenders include candidates from the Bangladesh Supreme Party, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, and another independent.

Local voters have expressed mixed reactions, emphasizing performance over promises. With 349,138 registered voters in the constituency, observers note that the final outcome may hinge on how the rebel candidates influence BNP’s traditional vote base.

In Rangpur-3 constituency, comprising the city corporation and sadar upazila, BNP’s official candidate Shamsuzzaman Samu faces internal conflict as rebel candidate Rita Rahman enters the race. Both are accusing each other of wrongdoing to win voter support, creating an opening for other contenders including Jamaat’s Professor Mahbubur Rahman Belal, Jatiya Party chairman GM Quader, Islami Andolon’s Amiruzzaman Pial, BSD’s Abdul Kuddus, and independent candidate Anowara Islam Rani. Observers say these parties are working intensively to exploit BNP’s division.

The dispute began after BNP’s high command nominated Samu, prompting Rita Rahman to announce her independent candidacy, alleging corruption and demanding Samu’s nomination be revoked. Samu’s supporters claim Rahman lives abroad and lacks local commitment, while Rahman’s camp accuses Samu of extortion and being an outsider. District BNP leader and former MP Professor Paritosh Chakraborty warned that rebel candidates weaken the party and urged unity behind the official nominee.

Local analysts suggest the internal rift could shift votes toward Jamaat and other smaller parties, potentially altering the constituency’s electoral outcome.

The army arrested Sohel Jahan Chowdhury, a member of the Eidgaon Upazila unit of the Awami League in Cox’s Bazar, early Thursday morning from his home. The operation was led by Major Intisar Salim, in charge of the Islamabadh army camp, and Chowdhury was handed over to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Model Police Station. The local officer-in-charge confirmed the arrest, noting that Chowdhury had previously faced several serious cases, including murder and the July Revolution case, but had continued serving as a union chairman after the fall of the previous government.

Earlier, Chowdhury had been removed from his chairman post for absenteeism but recently reappeared in public, openly seeking votes for BNP candidate Lutfur Rahman Kajol in Cox’s Bazar-3 constituency. His sudden shift in political allegiance and campaign activities stirred widespread discussion and anger among Awami League supporters and anti-fascist student groups.

Local observers believe Chowdhury’s move to support the BNP was an attempt to avoid arrest and reestablish his political standing, though it reportedly caused unease within sections of the BNP itself.

At an election rally in Comilla’s Debidwar New Market area on Wednesday, NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan urged voters to support the 11-party alliance in the upcoming February 12 polls. He pledged that if the alliance comes to power, Comilla would be declared a division and those responsible for the killing of Hadi would be arrested within a month. Bhuiyan said voters should demand justice for Hadi’s murder from anyone seeking their votes.

Bhuiyan, who also chairs the NCP election steering committee, said Bangladesh stands at a historical crossroads and called on citizens to end 17 years of oppression by electing the alliance. He emphasized empowering youth through dignified employment and criticized nominations of “bank looters and foreign citizens.” He accused BNP leaders of attacking alliance candidates and women and of running conflicting campaigns regarding the referendum.

Other speakers, including NCP member-secretary Monira Sharmin and Jamaat-e-Islami leaders, echoed calls to vote for the alliance’s candidates and resist vote center takeovers. They urged voters to reject extortionists, loan defaulters, and foreign nationals in the election.

Professor Dr. Md. Fakhrul Islam described a recent visit to Cox’s Bazar, where he observed a large plastic sculpture at Sugandha Point built to raise awareness about plastic pollution. He highlighted how plastic waste has become a growing environmental threat to the world’s longest natural sea beach, with single-use plastics from tourists and businesses accumulating in the sand and sea. The professor warned that plastic waste is breaking down into microplastics, entering the marine food chain, and ultimately affecting humans.

He noted that despite a legal ban on polythene in Bangladesh, enforcement in Cox’s Bazar remains weak. Hotels, restaurants, and beach vendors continue to use plastic due to its low cost and availability. The article calls for strict monitoring, fines, and promotion of affordable eco-friendly alternatives. It also emphasizes community-based waste management, recycling initiatives, and environmental education for children and tourists.

The professor further pointed out the problem of stray dogs and animal waste on the beach, urging authorities to take immediate measures. He concluded that protecting Cox’s Bazar requires coordinated national action to preserve its natural beauty and ecological balance.

The Bangladesh government plans to provide incentives to potato farmers after many suffered losses due to low market prices. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, farmers have reduced potato cultivation this season compared to last year, raising concerns about lower production. Farmers are shifting to other vegetables such as eggplant, pumpkin, and bottle gourd following advice from agricultural officials. Agriculture and Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury confirmed that the incentive plan aims to support affected growers.

Officials said domestic potato demand is around nine million tons, but last season’s production reached over 11.5 million tons, leaving a surplus that could not be exported due to excessive pesticide and fertilizer use. Only certain varieties like Sunshine, Granola, and Diamond are being exported. Exporters noted that limited cultivation of export-quality potatoes restricts market potential despite strong global demand.

Export data from the Export Promotion Bureau show a decline in potato exports from 62,726 metric tons in 2021–22 to 32,392 metric tons in 2022–23, with export earnings dropping from over $33 million in 2013–14 to around $10 million in recent years.