Eight firearms looted from the Hatikumrul Highway Police Station in Sirajganj during the nationwide anti-discrimination student movement remain unrecovered. The attack occurred on August 4, 2024, when protesters vandalized and set fire to the station, seizing weapons and ammunition. More than a year and a half later, police have yet to locate the missing arms, which include four Chinese rifles, two pistols, two gas guns, and over 150 rounds of ammunition. A case under the Explosives Act has been filed at Solonga Police Station. Sirajganj police officials said operations and intelligence surveillance have continued since the incident. However, both the Officer-in-Charge Ismail Hossain and Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) Hafizur Rahman admitted that the exact number of looted weapons remains uncertain. Local political leaders expressed concern that failure to recover the arms before the upcoming 13th parliamentary election could heighten the risk of violence. Residents of Hatikumrul voiced fears that unresolved security issues might discourage voter turnout. Civil groups warned that delays in recovering the weapons pose a broader threat to district security and urged stronger law enforcement and intelligence measures before the election.

In Rangpur, just hours before the start of parliamentary and referendum voting, leaders of the 11-party alliance have alleged widespread irregularities and use of black money by rival candidates. They claimed that despite the official end of campaigning, candidates continued distributing cash, saris, and lungis to voters. The alliance particularly accused Jatiya Party candidates of openly hosting feasts and handing out money, while the administration allegedly remained silent. A total of 43 candidates are contesting across six constituencies in Rangpur. The alliance also accused BNP candidates of violating the electoral code by keeping colorful banners and posters displayed in public areas. Complaints were reportedly filed with authorities, but no action was taken. In several constituencies, including Rangpur-1 through Rangpur-6, specific candidates from BNP and Jatiya Party were named in allegations of bribery and intimidation. The 11-party leaders said the Election Commission had failed to ensure a level playing field. Rangpur’s returning officer and district commissioner Enamul Ahsan denied any bias, stating that law enforcement and executive magistrates were active in the field and that any verified complaint would be addressed immediately.

With just one day left before Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election and referendum, Gopalganj district remains calm and free of violence despite early concerns. The election will be held nationwide on Thursday morning. Local authorities, including the district returning officer and law enforcement agencies, have held meetings with candidates to ensure order. So far, no untoward incidents have been reported since campaigning began on January 22, and officials expect a fair and peaceful vote if the situation remains stable. The district administration has implemented extensive security measures, recalling past unrest from July 2025. Around 1,400 police officers, along with army and RAB personnel, will be deployed, and all polling centers will have CCTV and body cameras. Gopalganj has 1.092 million registered voters across 397 polling centers, of which 385 are marked as vulnerable. Thirty candidates from multiple parties, including BNP, the 11-party alliance, and independent contenders, are competing across three constituencies. Despite the calm, uncertainty persists over voter turnout as some banned local leaders have urged boycotts on social media, creating unease among residents.

Voting for Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election is set to begin tomorrow, with Bogura emerging as a key battleground. Across its seven constituencies, a fierce contest is anticipated mainly between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. Analysts and voters suggest that beyond party symbols, issues such as development, price control, employment, and local leadership credibility will determine outcomes. BNP supporters aim to secure all seven seats for party chairman Tarique Rahman, while Jamaat leaders expect to win at least two. Bogura has 2.98 million registered voters across 12 upazilas and 11 municipalities, with 34 candidates from nine parties contesting. Political observers note that although Bogura is traditionally seen as a BNP stronghold, the party faces tough competition in six constituencies. Local issues vary by area, including river erosion, fair crop prices, infrastructure, and youth employment. A few controversies have surfaced, including allegations of ID card misuse and one candidate’s withdrawal citing unfair conditions. Analysts predict a close race, with BNP possibly losing one or two seats due to its split from Jamaat. Voter enthusiasm remains high, with expectations for fair elections and development-focused leadership.

A joint forces drill was held in Brahmanbaria to ensure security at polling centers and prevent untoward incidents during the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The exercise took place on Tuesday afternoon at the Suhilpur Union Parishad field under the leadership of Brigadier General Mehedi Hasan Chowdhury. Members of the army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), police, and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) participated in the operation. The drill simulated a potential violent situation at a polling center where a group of attackers attempted to seize control and create panic among voters while taking the presiding officer hostage. Security forces, including the army and BGB, responded swiftly, using armored vehicles to regain control and restore order. A military helicopter was also deployed to evacuate injured personnel as part of the exercise. According to the district returning officer’s office, Brahmanbaria has 805 polling centers across six constituencies, of which 574 have been identified as vulnerable.

The Bangladesh Army uncovered a plot to falsely implicate a journalist during a raid in Cox’s Bazar’s Jhilonja Union early Tuesday, January 10. Acting on intelligence, a special team from the 9 Bengal Regiment under Cox’s Bazar Sadar Army Camp recovered two homemade firearms and two cartridges from near a house in the Dakshin Dikcul area. The weapons were immediately taken into army custody, and one suspect, Maruf Hasan Tahsin, was detained. According to army sources, investigation revealed that Tahsin and another individual, Azhufa Begum, had planted the weapons to frame local journalist Farhad in a false case stemming from a long-standing personal dispute. Tahsin reportedly admitted involvement during initial questioning and was handed over to police for legal action, while proceedings against Azhufa Begum are ongoing. Local sources said the journalist had faced harassment and threats for nearly two years over a land dispute. The army stated that the operation not only exposed a serious conspiracy but also prevented potential deterioration of law and order in the area.

As parliamentary election fervor spreads across Bangladesh, the nomadic Bede community living along the coastal rivers of Indurkani in Pirojpur finds itself once again courted by candidates but left without lasting change. Bede families living temporarily on boats in the Kacha and Baleshwar rivers say politicians visit them during campaigns with promises of education, healthcare, and security, but disappear once the elections end. Despite being registered voters, many Bedes cannot cast their ballots because they travel across the country for work and are often far from their home constituencies on election day. Members of the community express frustration that successive governments and representatives have failed to improve their living conditions. Mirajul from Sunamganj says they have no homes and live entirely on boats, while Sardar Chattar Molla from Bikrampur notes the difficulty of educating children without access to civic facilities. Achia Begum, an elderly Bede woman, says she longs for healthcare and safety in her later years. According to the Department of Social Services, Bangladesh has about 6.3 million nomadic people, including over 800,000 Bedes. Currently, two Bede fleets from Bikrampur and Sunamganj are stationed near the Shaheed Fazlul Haque Moni Bridge in Indurkani.

A serious road accident occurred on Tuesday evening on the Dhaka-Aricha Highway in Shibaloy, Manikganj, when a covered van and a Selfie Paribahan bus collided head-on near the Falsatia Bridge. At least ten people were injured, including the van driver who was critically hurt. Police, army, and fire service personnel quickly arrived at the scene and rescued the injured, sending them to a hospital for treatment. Authorities said legal procedures are underway regarding the incident. According to initial reports, the covered van lost control while overtaking another vehicle at high speed, leading to the collision. Local passengers and residents alleged that Selfie Paribahan buses have become a source of fear on this route due to reckless driving and unskilled drivers, resulting in frequent accidents. The accident occurred amid increased travel as many people were leaving Dhaka for their hometowns during a holiday period and ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election. Witnesses and transport observers warned that competition among Selfie bus drivers to make more trips between Dhaka and rural areas is causing excessive speeding, raising the risk of further accidents.

Ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election and national referendum, a four-day public holiday has prompted a massive exodus from Dhaka and industrial areas. Since Tuesday morning, heavy traffic congestion has been reported at Paturia and Aricha ferry terminals, as well as along the Dhaka–Tangail highway, where a 32-kilometer tailback has caused severe delays. Authorities are struggling to manage the surge in passengers and vehicles, with scenes reminiscent of the Eid travel rush. Local correspondents report that many factories have declared three consecutive days off, allowing workers to return to their hometowns to vote and visit families. The sudden increase in travelers has led to overcrowded ferries and buses, with some transport operators accused of charging inflated fares. Passengers expressed frustration over the high costs and long waits, while police confirmed that additional forces have been deployed to ease congestion and prevent passenger harassment. Officials from the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation and transport owners expressed optimism that the situation would normalize later in the day as traffic flow improves.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) avoided a major financial setback after Pakistan withdrew its decision to boycott the upcoming match against India. Following a meeting between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and ICC officials in Lahore, the Pakistan government granted permission for the national team to play. The high-profile encounter will now proceed as scheduled on February 15 in Colombo, ending uncertainty surrounding one of cricket’s most lucrative fixtures. According to the report, the ICC earns its largest revenues from India-Pakistan matches. Had Pakistan maintained its boycott, the organization faced an estimated loss of $174 million, equivalent to about 1,985 crore Bangladeshi taka, from broadcasting, gate receipts, and sponsorships. The decision to participate came after appeals from the Bangladesh Cricket Board, Sri Lanka Cricket, and the Emirates Cricket Board urging Pakistan to reconsider. With the match confirmed, the ICC has averted a major financial crisis and ensured that one of the sport’s most anticipated rivalries will continue as planned.

A mock drill was conducted in various areas of Chakaria upazila under the Cox’s Bazar-1 (Chakaria–Pekua) constituency to identify and mitigate potential risks ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliament election and referendum. The exercise took place on Tuesday, February 10, following a coordination meeting at the office of the Assistant Returning Officer and Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO). The meeting, chaired by UNO Shahin Delwar, was attended by Major Maruful Islam of the Bangladesh Army’s 39 BST, Chakaria Police Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Monir Hossain, and officials from BGB, Ansar, and election authorities. Following the meeting, officials jointly observed the field drill aimed at ensuring smooth and peaceful voting. According to OC Monir Hossain, all necessary preparations have been completed by the local administration and law enforcement agencies for the February 12 election and referendum. Security measures include installing CCTV cameras at 130 polling centers across Chakaria and equipping security personnel with body-worn cameras. Officials stated that the mock drill will help authorities respond swiftly and effectively to any situation that may arise at polling centers during the election.

US President Donald Trump has indicated plans to strengthen military readiness around Iran by considering the deployment of a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East. In an interview with Israel’s Channel 12, Trump said Washington is evaluating additional military assets for the region as part of broader preparations. He confirmed that discussions between Washington and Tehran are ongoing, with both sides seeking to avoid military conflict, but reiterated that Iran would not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. Trump referred to last summer’s US strikes on Iran’s underground nuclear facilities, saying Tehran had misjudged his resolve at that time. He described the current talks as “very different” from previous ones, suggesting Iran is now more eager to reach an agreement. Trump also claimed that Iran is desperate for a deal but warned that the United States is prepared to take tough measures if diplomacy fails. According to Trump, sending a second carrier group is being seriously considered as part of overall US military preparedness in the Middle East.

Hasnat Abdullah, the Jamaat-NCP alliance candidate for the Comilla-4 (Debidwar) constituency, will cast his vote at his designated polling center during the 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for Thursday, February 12. Party sources confirmed that he plans to be present at the polling station from the morning and will be among the first to exercise his voting rights. According to the report, Abdullah will vote at Gopalnagar High School polling center in Ward No. 3 of Rasulpur Union under Debidwar upazila. His decision to vote in his own village center has reportedly generated enthusiasm among party leaders and supporters. Local stakeholders expressed optimism that the voting process will take place in a peaceful and festive atmosphere. The report highlights that preparations are underway for the election in Comilla-4, with expectations of orderly participation from voters and candidates alike.

In Habiganj district, women voters have become a key electoral factor ahead of the 13th parliamentary election. Out of 1.8 million registered voters, about 49 percent are women, yet they remain disadvantaged in access to opportunities and recognition despite their significant role in the local economy. Many women, including tea workers, factory employees, entrepreneurs, and students, expressed hopes for a government that will prioritize their welfare and create a more inclusive environment. Tea garden workers such as Basanti Bakti from Deundi Tea Estate said they want representatives who will improve the lives of marginalized laborers. Female factory workers in Shayestaganj’s Olipur area called for a women-friendly government and safer workplaces. Entrepreneur Nazma Akter urged for more support programs for women-led businesses, while students and teachers emphasized the need for fair elections, safety in public transport, and a gender-sensitive society. Habiganj has four parliamentary constituencies with 902,853 female voters, 915,740 male voters, and 24 transgender voters. Many women believe their collective voice could influence the election outcome and shape future policies toward gender equality.

Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul has praised the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for what he called a brilliant diplomatic achievement following the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision not to impose any penalties on Bangladesh for missing World Cup matches. The ICC meeting in Lahore, attended by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul, resolved the crisis triggered by Pakistan’s announcement to boycott its match against India in the T20 World Cup. The ICC also confirmed that Bangladesh would receive hosting rights for one of its future tournaments, while Pakistan agreed to play against India. Speaking to the media at the Ministry of Youth and Sports on Tuesday evening, Nazrul said Bangladesh had no regrets about its earlier decision, emphasizing that the choice was made by the country’s players and board to protect national dignity and safety. He described the move as an exemplary act of sacrifice and national responsibility. The adviser reiterated that such decisions, prioritizing national interest and security, should be repeated if similar situations arise in the future.