The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has deployed 90 short-term observers across all 64 districts of Bangladesh to monitor activities on election day. The announcement was made by EU EOM Chief Evers Ijabs at a press conference held on Tuesday morning at Hotel Continental in Dhaka. The observers will oversee key stages of the electoral process, including the opening of polling stations, voting, closing, ballot counting, and result tabulation. According to Ijabs, the deployment of these short-term observers continues the work of 56 long-term observers who were previously assigned throughout the country. The mission aims to ensure comprehensive coverage and assessment of the electoral process. The EU EOM also announced that it will release a preliminary assessment report on the election at a press conference scheduled for February 14 in Dhaka.

At least 11 workers were injured in a cylinder explosion at Abul Khair Group’s Starship milk product factory in the Oxygen area of Bayezid, Chattogram, on Tuesday around 11 a.m. The injured were rescued and taken to a private hospital, while three fire service units brought the blaze under control after about half an hour of effort. According to initial reports, the explosion occurred when a machine cylinder burst during milk processing, igniting part of the factory. Workers alleged that the factory lacked adequate safety measures and that management forced them to work despite objections. They also claimed that security guards locked all gates after the explosion, preventing others from reaching the affected area to help. Fire Service Deputy Director Md. Jasim Uddin said the blast likely originated from bottling equipment. However, the factory’s HR and Admin in-charge, Md. Imrul Kader Bhuiyan, stated that the fire was caused by a short circuit, not a cylinder explosion, and claimed only three workers were injured. He also denied any safety lapses at the facility.

US President Donald Trump has taken a clear stance against Israel’s plan to annex the occupied West Bank. A White House official said on Monday, January 9, that Trump views maintaining stability in Palestinian territories as essential for peace in the Middle East. According to Reuters, the official added that a stable West Bank is also vital for Israel’s security, reaffirming the current US administration’s commitment to this policy. The White House reaction followed new Israeli measures announced by far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defense Minister Israel Katz to strengthen control over the occupied West Bank. The Israeli security cabinet approved rules easing land seizures for illegal settlements and transferring building permit authority in major cities like Hebron from the Palestinian Authority to direct Israeli control. The decision has sparked widespread international protest. Eight Muslim-majority countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, and the UAE, jointly condemned the move as illegal and an attempt to displace Palestinians. The UN Secretary-General called the plan destabilizing and a major obstacle to a two-state solution, while Britain and Spain also issued strong condemnations and urged Israel to withdraw the decision.

Major General Mohammad Ashrafulzaman Siddiqui, Director General of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), visited the election base camps in Shyamnagar of Satkhira and Damurhuda of Chuadanga on February 10, 2026. The visits were part of efforts to ensure a free, fair, neutral, and peaceful 13th National Parliamentary Election. He held coordination meetings with local civil administration, law enforcement agencies, and election officials to review overall law and order and security arrangements. The BGB chief stated that the force is fully prepared to perform its assigned duties with professionalism and neutrality. Over 37,000 BGB members have been deployed across 489 upazilas, with special responsibility in 61 border upazilas. The force will also operate as mobile and static units in 300 constituencies based on risk assessment. Helicopters, quick response teams, K-9 units, drones, and body cameras have been arranged to handle emergencies. He instructed BGB personnel to intensify patrols and act decisively against any attempts to disrupt the election, emphasizing the goal of ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for voters.

A recent report indicates that China has moved ahead in becoming Bangladesh’s key economic and strategic partner amid a cooling of India-Bangladesh relations in recent months. As India’s influence in Dhaka declines, Beijing has intensified its engagement, pledging increased investment in major Bangladeshi projects and accelerating high-level visits and trade discussions. Experts cited in the report suggest that Bangladesh’s economic challenges and infrastructure needs are driving it closer to Chinese investment. Meanwhile, unresolved connectivity and border issues with India have created discomfort among Bangladeshi policymakers, prompting them to give serious consideration to Beijing’s proposals. This shift is seen as a major geopolitical challenge for India, whose “Neighborhood First” policy has long centered on Bangladesh. China’s growing involvement under its Belt and Road Initiative is now raising questions about India’s strategic dominance in the region, with analysts suggesting that Dhaka’s evolving foreign policy could alter South Asia’s power balance in the coming days.

Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, the AB Party’s general secretary and candidate of the 11-party alliance including Jamaat for the Barishal-3 (Babuganj-Muladi) constituency, said voters across the country are living in fear and uncertainty ahead of the election. Speaking at a press conference at Ashwini Kumar Hall in Barishal city on Tuesday morning, he alleged that a certain group is intimidating voters to keep them away from polling stations. Fuad stated that if law enforcement agencies act decisively, the situation could still be changed. He criticized the Election Commission and local administration, saying they have failed to take control of the field situation. According to him, both election officials and administrative officers lack experience in conducting fair elections and are worried about their careers. Fuad claimed that fear has spread even to daily life, with voters anxious about simple activities like where to have tea. He added that if law enforcement became serious, the tense environment could be reversed within 24 hours. The press conference was attended by Barishal city Jamaat Ameer Zahir Uddin Babar, chief election agent Abdur Rahman Oli, and other alliance leaders.

The government of Bangladesh has ordered the closure of all immigration checkpoints at land ports to ensure overall national security during the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the accompanying referendum. The decision aims to prevent any high-risk individuals from entering the country and to stop those under travel restrictions from leaving during the election period. The Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed the directive. Authorities including the Director General of the Department of Immigration and Passports, the Additional Inspector General of Police (Special Branch), the Secretaries of Shipping and Foreign Affairs, and the Director General of Border Guard Bangladesh have been instructed to take urgent measures to maintain peace and prevent any acts of sabotage during the election. The directive underscores the government’s focus on maintaining stability and security throughout the electoral process, ensuring that the election and referendum proceed without disruption.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam announced that advanced technology will be used extensively to prevent electoral fraud and violence in the upcoming election. Speaking at a press conference at the Police Headquarters Media Center on Tuesday morning, he said that CCTV cameras have been installed in 90 percent of polling centers across the country. High-risk centers will have officers equipped with body-worn cameras, and drones will be deployed under the supervision of Superintendents of Police to monitor overall conditions in electoral areas. The IGP detailed that police operations have been divided into three main levels: constant deployment at polling centers, area-based patrol teams, and rapid response units for emergencies. A total of 187,603 police personnel are directly engaged in maintaining security nationwide. He also stated that 27,995 licensed firearms have been deposited with the police to ensure fair elections, while identifying stolen and illegal weapons as major threats requiring special countermeasures. The measures are aimed at ensuring voter safety and maintaining a peaceful environment during the election through technology-driven surveillance and strict enforcement.

China has expressed readiness to assist Cuba as the island faces a jet fuel shortage that has disrupted international flights. At a regular press briefing on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that despite several airlines suspending flights to Cuba, there have been no reports of Chinese nationals being stranded there. Lin explained that the crisis emerged after the United States blocked Venezuela from supplying jet fuel to Cuba. He emphasized that China firmly supports Cuba’s national sovereignty and security and opposes any form of foreign interference. Lin added that Beijing will continue to provide assistance to Cuba to the best of its ability. The fuel shortage has already affected international air travel to and from Cuba, highlighting the broader impact of U.S. restrictions on regional energy cooperation.

An election observer delegation from the International Republican Institute (IRI) met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday at the Jamuna State Guest House in Dhaka. The five-member team was led by former U.S. Congressman David Dreier. Senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Lamia Morshed, the Chief Coordinator for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the Chief Adviser’s Office, were also present during the meeting. The meeting was described as a courtesy call between the IRI delegation and the Chief Adviser. The International Republican Institute is known for its role in observing elections and supporting democratic processes. The presence of senior government officials indicates the meeting’s formal and diplomatic nature. The report did not provide further details about the topics discussed or any outcomes from the meeting.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under intense political pressure following controversy surrounding former minister and influential politician Lord Peter Mandelson. Scottish Labour Party leader Anas Sarwar has publicly called for Starmer’s resignation, arguing that the ongoing scandal is overshadowing the government’s achievements. The crisis deepened after two senior aides—communications chief Tim Allan and chief of staff Morgan McSweeney—resigned within two days. The controversy stems from revelations about Mandelson’s close ties with convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer faced criticism for appointing Mandelson as UK ambassador to the United States in late 2024, a decision later reversed in September of that year. Although Mandelson resigned from both the Labour Party and the House of Lords, the issue continues to dominate headlines. Despite internal discontent, senior cabinet members including Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, and Angela Rayner have expressed support for Starmer. Opposition Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused Starmer of losing control of his government and warned that failure to manage the situation could trigger calls for a new election. The Foreign Office is currently reviewing financial matters related to Mandelson’s dismissal.

Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed stated that all ballot papers for the 13th parliamentary election and referendum have been delivered to 299 constituencies. Speaking on Tuesday morning at the InterContinental Hotel in Dhaka during the inauguration of a media center for foreign journalists, he assured that the publication of election results will not take long. Ahmed said that holding a fair election is one of the key commitments of the July Movement. He acknowledged that the voter list could not be verified with complete accuracy but noted that the law was amended to include young voters who turned 18 by October 31, 2025. He added that all preparations for voting have been completed and urged journalists to use accurate information and avoid spreading misinformation. The Election Commission is expecting a festive and peaceful voting environment. He mentioned that returning officers will handle postal ballots, which may take longer to count, but overall result publication will not be prolonged.

Religious Adviser Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain announced that positive changes have taken place in Hajj management following the July revolution. Speaking at a press briefing at the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Dhaka on Tuesday, he said that efforts were made to ensure pilgrims could perform Hajj at a reasonable cost. He emphasized that no one was sent to Hajj at government expense last year, and the same policy will continue this year. Dr. Hossain stated that over the past one and a half years, he has worked to maintain transparency, accountability, and integrity in his duties. He aimed to make the ministry and its affiliated agencies more active and effective, while encouraging officials to work with honesty and professionalism. He noted that airfare for Hajj decreased from Tk 194,800 in 2024 to Tk 154,000 in 2026, with continued efforts to lower costs further. He also reported that Tk 8.28 crore in surplus funds from government-managed pilgrims was refunded last year, and Tk 38 crore of unspent agency funds from 2017–2024 was recovered from Saudi authorities and returned to the respective agencies.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has handed over the deed and keys of a flat to the family of martyr Sharif Osman Hadi. The handover took place on Tuesday at the state guesthouse Jamuna in the presence of Hadi’s wife and several family members. The ready flat, located in the capital’s Lalmatia area, was provided by the National Housing Authority. The event was attended by Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, Information Adviser Syeda Rezwana Hasan, Housing and Public Works Secretary Md. Nazrul Islam, and National Housing Authority Chairperson Ferdousi Begum. The ceremony marked an official recognition of the family’s contribution and sacrifice. According to the report, the flat was formally transferred under the supervision of the National Housing Authority, reflecting the government’s ongoing initiative to support families of martyrs and public servants.

Election Commission (EC) Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed announced that returning officers will start compiling results at 10 a.m. on February 13, following the national vote on February 12. He emphasized that although counting postal ballots may take some time, the overall result announcement process will not be delayed. Ahmed made the remarks on Tuesday at the InterContinental Hotel in Dhaka during the inauguration of a media center for foreign journalists. The senior secretary confirmed that all preparations for the election have been completed, with ballot papers and materials already dispatched for 299 constituencies. Voting in one constituency has been postponed due to a candidate’s death. Ahmed also noted that the commission prioritized including young voters who turned 18 by October 31, 2025. He acknowledged that while many errors in the voter list were corrected, full accuracy could not be guaranteed. He further stated that the earlier restriction on mobile phones during the election has been withdrawn to avoid public dissatisfaction, recognizing the device as an essential part of daily life.