Nahid Islam, convenor of the National Citizen Party (NCP), announced that if his party is entrusted with forming the government, all legal measures will be taken to recover funds allegedly looted and laundered abroad during what he termed the fascist Hasina regime. He made the remarks in a televised address on Bangladesh Television (BTV) on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at 7:15 p.m. Citing a white paper led by Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, Nahid claimed that about 234 billion US dollars, equivalent to roughly 30 lakh crore taka, were siphoned off by Hasina and her associates, causing severe harm to the national economy. He criticized the interim government for failing to recover the stolen assets due to negligence and sabotage by officials linked to the previous regime. Nahid outlined plans to confiscate identified assets, impose taxes and fines, and place recovered wealth under a new public trust managed transparently by qualified professionals. He emphasized ending corruption and restoring state resources to the people through justice and economic equality.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that five years would be sufficient to change the nation’s fate. He made the remarks on Sunday morning at a public rally of the 11-party electoral alliance held at the DIT field in Merul Badda, Dhaka-11 constituency, where National Citizen Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam is contesting. Rahman pledged to fulfill only realistic promises and said his party would work with full dedication to build a just and humane Bangladesh. He emphasized that the youth have rejected old political arrangements and called for a new political rise in Bangladesh. Rahman urged voters to show “red cards” to corrupt, extortionist, and oppressive forces in the upcoming February 12 election. He also said that if the people’s verdict favored justice, Nahid Islam could become a minister in a future government. Rahman criticized extortion, land grabbing, and corruption, alleging that some who once suffered under oppression have now turned into oppressors. He called for unity to build a fair, corruption-free, and humane Bangladesh led by the youth.

Bangladesh’s interim government is set to sign a new trade agreement with the United States on Monday, just three days before the national election. Commerce adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin said at a press conference on Sunday that the deal could reduce the recently imposed additional 20 percent trade tariff. He noted that discussions were ongoing and that the government aimed to achieve zero tariffs on garments, the country’s main export product. Bashiruddin explained that the public disclosure of the agreement’s terms had previously led to higher tariffs, but the government still managed to bring them down to 20 percent compared to competitor countries. He expressed regret that the publication of the deal’s conditions limited Bangladesh’s negotiating flexibility. The adviser defended the timing of the agreement, citing the need to protect export earnings worth one trillion taka and safeguard around 700,000 jobs. He also pointed out that US tariffs have been fluctuating recently, referencing a sharp increase in Korea’s tariff rate within days. The adviser said the government did not want to leave a heavy tariff burden for the next administration.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), announced that if entrusted with state leadership, his party would establish Bangladeshi missions across the world and increase the number of diplomats to better serve expatriates. Speaking on Sunday, February 8, at 7:15 p.m. on state television BTV, he said the goal would be to export manpower to promising countries at minimal cost while ensuring their protection from any form of harassment. He emphasized that mutual respect, fairness, and cooperation would form the foundation of Bangladesh’s foreign policy. Nahid Islam added that under NCP governance, economic and trade deficits would be reduced and dependency on any single country would gradually decrease to build balanced diplomatic relations. He pledged to replace submissive policies of undemocratic rulers with a self-reliant and dignified foreign policy prioritizing national interests. The NCP also plans to revitalize SAARC, pursue membership in ASEAN, and strengthen political, economic, and strategic ties with the Muslim world. These commitments reflect the NCP’s intent to reshape Bangladesh’s external relations through proactive diplomacy and regional engagement.

Hamas senior leader Khaled Meshaal declared that the group will continue its resistance against Israel’s occupation and will not surrender its weapons. Speaking at a conference in Doha on Sunday, Meshaal said Hamas rejects U.S. and Israeli demands for disarmament and will not accept foreign intervention in Gaza. He emphasized that labeling the resistance movement or its weapons as criminal is unacceptable and asserted that resistance is the right of an occupied people. The statement comes as a U.S.-mediated ceasefire in Gaza enters its second phase, which envisions a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces and potential demilitarization of the territory, including Hamas’s disarmament. Hamas has repeatedly called disarmament a red line but has indicated it might consider transferring weapons to a future Palestinian governing authority. According to Israeli officials cited in the report, Hamas still has around 20,000 fighters and approximately 60,000 Kalashnikov rifles in Gaza.

Nasiruddin Patwari, the chief coordinator of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency, attended a protest organized against him on Sunday, February 8, at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram. The demonstration was arranged by the Allama Junaid Babunagari Memorial Council and began after the Asr prayer. Witnesses saw Patwari at the venue, where he also delivered a speech. The protest was organized in response to what participants described as false and indecent remarks made by Patwari about Allama Junaid Babunagari, the late former secretary general and amir of Hefazat-e-Islam. Photos from the protest later circulated on social media, sparking public discussion. Following the online reaction, Patwari posted on his Facebook page, expressing unconditional regret to anyone hurt by his words or actions. The incident drew attention due to Patwari’s direct presence at a protest against himself, as well as his subsequent public apology on social media.

The Ministry of Public Administration has issued a new directive regarding the February 10 holiday in connection with the upcoming 13th National Parliament election. According to the circular released on Sunday, February 11 and 12 will be nationwide public holidays under executive order for the election and referendum scheduled for Thursday, February 12. Additionally, the previously announced special holiday for industrial workers and employees on February 10 will remain in effect. The directive further states that authorities overseeing industrial areas may designate any convenient weekly holiday after February 10 as a working day to compensate for the special leave. Earlier, a notice from the Chief Adviser’s verified Facebook page clarified that factories implementing the February 10 holiday could later require workers to make up the day by working on another date. The updated instruction aims to ensure smooth participation in the election process while maintaining flexibility for industrial operations across the country.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has sharply criticized the recent US military presence in the region, declaring that Iran is not intimidated by the deployment of American naval forces. Speaking at a forum in Tehran on Sunday, Araghchi said the country would continue its uranium enrichment and broader nuclear program despite mounting US military and diplomatic pressure. According to TRT World, Araghchi’s remarks came two days after an indirect meeting in Oman with US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff. Following that meeting, Witkoff visited the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, currently stationed in the region as part of a US show of force. Araghchi dismissed the deployment as insignificant, emphasizing that Iran’s nuclear program is a matter of national sovereignty and not a bargaining tool. He added that Tehran is prepared to face the risk of armed conflict to protect its nuclear infrastructure. The statement follows years of escalating tension since the US withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018 and subsequent regional clashes, including US and Israeli strikes on Iranian facilities in 2025.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin defended his appointment as chairman of the Biman Bangladesh Airlines board, saying he acted within the law. Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat on Sunday, he noted that 22 ministers and advisers had previously held the same position. Appointed on August 26, 2025, his dual role had drawn criticism, but he maintained that no legal boundaries were crossed. Bashiruddin also expressed optimism that the 20 percent tariff imposed by the Trump administration on Bangladeshi goods would be reduced following an upcoming agreement. He said Bangladesh had taken steps to narrow its six‑billion‑dollar trade deficit with the United States, including a proposal to purchase aircraft from Boeing. A negotiation team led by Planning Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud is currently discussing the deal. At the same event, Civil Aviation Secretary Nasreen Jahan detailed recent reforms, including new ordinances to regulate air ticket distribution and travel agencies, which have lowered ticket prices. She also announced new leasing rules and initiatives to make Hajj flights more efficient and affordable.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman announced that his party would adopt a zero-tolerance policy against corruption if it forms the next government. Speaking at an election rally on Sunday at Lal Math in Pallabi Ward No. 2 of Dhaka-16 constituency, he said that changing the fate of the people requires taking a firm stand against corruption. He criticized the past 16 years of governance, claiming that while many mega projects were undertaken, they failed to improve people’s lives and instead became sources of large-scale corruption. Rahman described the upcoming election on the 12th as a decisive moment for the country’s future, urging citizens to choose who should lead the nation. He emphasized that BNP’s main goal is to improve people’s lives rather than merely criticizing opponents. He also outlined several pledges, including introducing a “Family Card” for women’s empowerment, a “Krishak Card” for farmers with loan waivers up to 10,000 taka, building a hospital in Dhaka-16, and launching canal excavation programs to address waterlogging. He added that law and order would be prioritized to ensure public safety and reiterated his call to rebuild the country above all else.

Public Private Partnership Authority CEO and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Executive Chairman Ashiq Chowdhury said there is no possibility of signing the lease agreement for Chattogram Port’s New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) with UAE-based DP World during the tenure of the current interim government. He made the statement at a press conference held on Sunday at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, where the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam was also present. Chowdhury stated that a letter from DP World arrived at the Chief Adviser’s Office on Sunday morning, in which the company appreciated the progress of ongoing negotiations and expressed satisfaction. DP World confirmed that it had reviewed the draft concession agreement but requested additional time for further evaluation. With only two working days left in the interim government’s term, Chowdhury noted that completing the approval and signing process within this period would be difficult. Work on leasing the terminal began in 2019, and final-stage negotiations started last month. Meanwhile, the Chattogram Port Protection Struggle Council has launched an indefinite work stoppage demanding that the terminal not be leased, halting container delivery operations at the port.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called on citizens to vote 'Yes' in the upcoming referendum. He made the appeal on Sunday afternoon during a roadside rally at Golimbabur Hat in Jagannathpur Union of Thakurgaon Sadar upazila. Fakhrul said the referendum’s central question is who supports reform and who does not. He argued that the country needs reform to correct past mismanagement and urged everyone who wants change to vote 'Yes'. Addressing the Hindu community, Fakhrul assured them of his continued support and said no one would be able to harm them. He added that the decision on whether the country will continue as before or move in a new direction will be made in three days. Fakhrul described BNP leader Tarique Rahman as young, energetic, and modern-minded, saying the party supports new leadership over old politics. He concluded by expressing hope that the next prime minister would be a young leader capable of advancing the nation with fresh ideas, calling on all to stand for change.

The interim government of Bangladesh has recommended the withdrawal of 23,865 politically motivated cases filed against leaders and activists of several political parties, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Hefazat-e-Islam, and Gano Adhikar Parishad. The announcement was made on Sunday through a press release signed by Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim, Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. According to the statement, the decision could relieve nearly half a million people from such cases filed during the previous Awami government. The press release stated that to review and recommend the withdrawal of these cases, the interim government formed two committees on September 22, 2024: a district-level committee led by the Deputy Commissioner and an inter-ministerial committee headed by Dr. Asif Nazrul, Adviser to the Ministry of Law. The committees invited applications from political parties seeking withdrawal of harassment cases filed between January 6, 2009, and August 5, 2024. The inter-ministerial committee held 39 meetings to examine the applications and recommended the withdrawal of 23,865 cases. The process remains ongoing, according to the ministry’s statement.

Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, a member of the BNP Standing Committee and the party’s nominated candidate for Bhola-3, said the interim government formed one and a half years ago has failed to deliver any development and described it as a weak administration. He made the remarks on Sunday, February 8, during his final campaign rally for the 13th National Parliamentary Election at the Tazumuddin Government Degree College field in Bhola. Hafiz Uddin criticized the Awami League, accusing it of promoting a culture of criminal politics and alleging that the party sent a miscreant to campaign against him. He also criticized an Islamic political party for misleading voters by linking religious promises to voting symbols, saying that Jamaat-e-Islami has a long-standing habit of exploiting religion for political gain. The rally was organized by the Tazumuddin Upazila BNP, chaired by Upazila BNP President Golam Mostafa Mintu and conducted by General Secretary Omar Asad Rintu. Several district and local BNP leaders also addressed the gathering.

The Ministry of Public Administration has issued a circular fixing office hours from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan. The directive, released on Sunday by the ministry’s Regulation-6 branch, applies to all government, semi-government, autonomous, and semi-autonomous institutions across the country. According to the circular, the schedule was set considering the times for Sehri and Iftar. It also states that banks, insurance companies, financial institutions, postal services, railways, hospitals, state-owned industries, factories, and other essential service providers may determine and follow their own office hours according to their respective laws and regulations. The Supreme Court will set working hours for itself and all subordinate courts. The interim government’s advisory council had approved the proposal for Ramadan office hours on February 5. Depending on the sighting of the moon, the month of Ramadan is expected to begin on February 18 or 19.