Police detained Belal Uddin Pradhan, the Thakurgaon district chief of Jamaat-e-Islami, at Saidpur Airport on Wednesday after receiving a tip-off that he was traveling from Dhaka with a large sum of money. Upon inspection, authorities found Tk 7.4 million in his bag, confirmed Additional Superintendent of Police Mohsin (Administration) of Nilphamari. A video of his questioning showed that Pradhan could not specify the exact amount but mentioned it exceeded Tk 5 million. Belal Uddin Pradhan claimed the money was related to his business, not for election spending, and alleged that a group was spreading propaganda against Jamaat leaders. Following his detention, he reported feeling unwell and was admitted to the cardiology department of Rangpur Medical College Hospital. Police stated that they are investigating the source and intended use of the money. According to police sources, investigators are also examining whether the funds were meant for election-related activities ahead of the upcoming polls. Pradhan, a teacher at Salandar Degree College, identifies himself as a garments businessman and resides in Thakurgaon’s Hajipara area.

Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General and head of publicity Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair alleged that a rival political party, having lost public confidence, has turned aggressive through attacks and conspiracies. He made the remarks at a press briefing held on Wednesday at the party’s central office in Moghbazar, Dhaka, ahead of the national election scheduled for February 12. Zubair claimed that Jamaat candidates, agents, and workers were being attacked across the country, including incidents in Dhaka-15, Pabna, Moulvibazar, Barguna, and Cumilla. He accused the rival party of attempting to disrupt a peaceful voting environment and said that law enforcement and parts of the administration appeared biased. Zubair also condemned an alleged staged incident at Saidpur Airport involving a Jamaat official carrying cash, calling it an attempt to malign the party. He urged law enforcement to remain neutral and perform their duties responsibly. Zubair concluded by calling on citizens to participate in the election in a festive atmosphere and reaffirmed Jamaat’s commitment to building a “new Bangladesh.”

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the country’s respected pirs, mashayekhs, ulema, imams, and khatibs for their support of the party. His statement came on Wednesday in response to media reports that leading Islamic figures from various schools of thought had declared their backing for the BNP. The announcement was conveyed through a press release signed by his press secretary, A A M Saleh Shibli. Rahman said the scholars’ stance at this historic moment would guide the nation and help counter misinformation against the BNP as a party rooted in Islamic values. He hoped their position would assist citizens in asserting their political and social rights ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. He also sought continued cooperation from religious leaders to build a safe and humane Bangladesh for all, regardless of political or religious affiliation. Several senior Islamic leaders, including those from Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party, have publicly endorsed the BNP and its electoral symbol, citing the goal of preserving Islamic values and creating an inclusive, discrimination-free nation.

BNP Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin has said that the party’s victory in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election is inevitable and that both domestic and international media reflect this view. He made the remarks on Wednesday afternoon at a press conference held at the BNP’s central election office in Gulshan, ahead of the national polls. During the briefing, Amin referred to the detention of Thakurgaon district Jamaat-e-Islami chief Belal Uddin Pradhan at Saidpur Airport with a bag full of cash. He alleged that certain groups were attempting to create obstacles against BNP’s expected victory. Amin described the incident as a violation of the electoral code of conduct and questioned the source and purpose of the seized money. He further claimed that similar irregularities were occurring in Dhaka-15, Cumilla, Noakhali, and Khulna constituencies. Amin also alleged that Jamaat activists were collecting voters’ mobile payment numbers and stockpiling local weapons to spread fear. He added that while BNP respects Islamic attire such as burqa and niqab, any misuse of such clothing for fraudulent voting must be prevented.

Brigadier General Muhammad Romeo Naurin Khan, commander of the 6th Infantry Brigade, stated that the Bangladesh Army’s 7th Infantry Division has been deployed across all districts of Barishal Division, as well as in Madaripur and Bagerhat, alongside other law enforcement agencies to ensure free, fair, and neutral elections and referendums. He made the remarks on Wednesday morning in Barishal while addressing a military capability demonstration exercise aimed at handling election-related emergencies. He emphasized that the army performs its duties professionally and impartially, with the primary goal of ensuring voter safety and maintaining a peaceful voting environment. He warned that anyone attempting to disrupt the process would face strict action. The army is also prepared to deploy reserve forces by helicopter if required, not only in Barishal but anywhere under the 7th Infantry Division across Bangladesh. The exercise, supervised by the 7th Infantry Division, simulated an unexpected incident at a polling center and its resolution. Senior officials from the Barishal Division administration and law enforcement agencies attended the event.

BNP Election Steering Committee spokesperson and chairman’s adviser Mahdi Amin said the incident at Syedpur Airport cannot be viewed as isolated. He made the remarks at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, calling on the Election Commission to take action over the matter. Amin referred to reports that police detained the Thakurgaon district Jamaat-e-Islami chief with over half a crore taka after arriving from Dhaka, questioning the purpose of carrying such a large sum on the eve of the election. He noted that all banking and business transactions had been suspended to prevent illegal financial dealings during the election period, making the incident particularly suspicious. Amin argued that the seizure reflected attempts by certain groups to obstruct BNP’s “inevitable victory” and demonstrated the moral bankruptcy of disconnected political forces seeking unethical influence. He also pointed out that law enforcement had detained several others with money in different areas. Amin reiterated that these developments indicate broader irregularities rather than isolated events and demanded immediate intervention from the Election Commission.

Bangladesh will hold its 13th National Parliamentary Election and a national referendum on Thursday, February 12, marking the first time in the country’s history that both events occur on the same day. Political parties have completed their campaigns, and officials expect a peaceful and festive voting environment. Election authorities clarified that voters whose names appear on the official voter list will be allowed to vote even if they do not have their National Identity Card (NID) with them. Polling officers will verify each voter’s identity by matching their name and photograph on the voter list before issuing a ballot paper. To ensure a smooth and efficient voting process, voters have been advised to check their polling centers and serial numbers in advance. This information will help them locate their designated centers and confirm their positions on the voter list before election day.

A delegation from the Chinese Election Observation Mission met with Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman at his office in Bashundhara, Dhaka, on Wednesday. The meeting was described as cordial and friendly, according to the party’s central publicity department. The four-member delegation was led by senior Chinese diplomat Chen Wei, and they are in Bangladesh to directly observe the country’s voting process. The observers’ visit is part of the ongoing strategic, economic, and geopolitical engagement between Bangladesh and China. During the meeting, the Chinese representatives expressed hope that the government and people of Bangladesh would successfully conduct the national election scheduled for February 12. They also voiced optimism about the future strengthening of bilateral development and mutual relations between the two nations. Present at the meeting were Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General and head of the central publicity and media department Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, National Election Steering Committee member Barrister Saif Uddin Khaled, and the Ameer’s foreign affairs adviser Professor Dr. Mahmudul Hasan.

Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, Director General of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), has directed his forces to prevent any acts of sabotage, violence, or disorder during the upcoming national parliamentary election scheduled for tomorrow. During visits to several BGB election base camps in Dhaka and surrounding areas on Wednesday, he instructed members to ensure a free, fair, neutral, and peaceful election environment. The BGB chief inspected camps at Mugda Ideal School and College, Uttara Haji Camp, and Tongi in Gazipur, reviewing the force’s overall readiness, law and order situation, and operational capacity to handle any untoward incidents. He also examined security plans and provided guidance for their proper implementation. Emphasizing professionalism, dedication, and neutrality, he warned that any negligence in maintaining law and order would not be tolerated. He further instructed BGB personnel to conduct maximum patrols and set up checkpoints to ensure voters can cast their ballots safely and without fear. He urged members to behave politely and responsibly with voters and the public, expressing confidence that BGB will fulfill its duties with honesty and professionalism to safeguard the democratic process and public safety.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has announced an emergency press conference ahead of the 13th National Parliament election and the upcoming referendum. The event is scheduled to take place at 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the party’s Banglamotor office in Dhaka. The announcement was confirmed by Mahabub Alam, the NCP’s Joint Chief Coordinator and head of the Election Media Subcommittee. According to the party, members of the NCP’s Election Steering Committee will address the press conference. The purpose of the briefing has not been detailed in the announcement, but it comes as part of the party’s preparations for the national election and referendum. The NCP’s decision to hold the emergency press conference indicates heightened political activity as the election period approaches, though further details about the party’s agenda or statements remain undisclosed.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are being deployed by the Bangladesh Air Force to provide continuous aerial monitoring during the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum. Officials from the central monitoring cell at the Election Building confirmed the deployment on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. The UAVs will operate within the country’s airspace to closely observe conditions on the ground and support law enforcement with real-time guidance. According to the officials, a total of 3,730 Air Force personnel have been assigned to ensure the election proceeds smoothly and successfully. Under the direct supervision of the Air Force Chief, helicopters, transport aircraft, and multiple UAVs are operating in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) roles across the country. The UAVs are described as strategic assets that contribute both to election monitoring and national airspace security. The Election Commission has instructed the Air Force to provide live aerial video feeds from polling centers to the central monitoring cell and the Chief Adviser’s Office for real-time oversight.

RAB Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman stated that there is no threat of militant attacks surrounding the upcoming national parliamentary election. He said law enforcement agencies remain on alert to handle any possible situation. The statement was made on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, as preparations continue for ensuring a peaceful election. According to the RAB chief, the force has sufficient manpower and technological capacity to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election. He emphasized that those attempting to disrupt the electoral process, engage in vote rigging, or create instability will face consequences. Rahman further warned that anyone refusing to accept the election results and resorting to violence or sabotage will face strict action from law enforcement agencies.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh has announced its support for Sarjis Alam, the candidate nominated by the 11-party alliance, in the Panchagarh-1 constituency ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election. The decision was confirmed on Monday, February 9, by a district committee leader following a meeting held the previous night between party leaders and Sarjis Alam. Party representatives stated that Islami Andolan has no candidate in this constituency and that their support for Sarjis Alam stems from a commitment to principled and people-oriented politics. They pledged to work actively for Alam, who is contesting under the Shapla Koli symbol, and have begun promoting him on social media platforms. Local leaders from Islami Andolan’s youth and student wings have also expressed their endorsement online, describing Alam as a key organizer of the July Movement and a leading figure in the region’s political activities.

Bangladesh Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed stated that there is no fixed limit on carrying cash during the voting period if the source and purpose of the money are legitimate. He explained that even amounts exceeding 50 lakh taka, such as up to 5 crore taka, may be carried if proper documentation supports the legality of the funds. Ahmed made the remarks on Wednesday, February 11, in response to a media question about cash transport restrictions during elections. The clarification came after police at Saidpur Airport Police Station detained Thakurgaon district Jamaat-e-Islami leader Belal Uddin Pradhan with 50 lakh taka earlier that day. The incident prompted questions about the maximum amount an individual can carry during elections. Akhtar Ahmed cautioned that if the money is used to influence voting, the Election Inquiry and Judicial Committee will investigate. He added that law enforcement agencies will take necessary action if the source of the money is found to be illegal.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced an urgent press conference to be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 4 p.m. The event will take place at the party’s election management office in Gulshan, Dhaka. The announcement was confirmed to the media by BNP Media Cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan. Mahdi Amin, spokesperson of the BNP Election Management Committee and adviser to the party chairperson, is scheduled to address the press. The press conference comes as the 13th national parliamentary election and a referendum approach, signaling the party’s preparation and communication efforts ahead of these national events. The BNP has not disclosed the specific agenda or topics to be discussed at the briefing. Further details about the content or outcomes of the press conference were not provided in the announcement.