AFM Reza Faez Mia, the general secretary of Bhanga municipal Awami League and former mayor of Bhanga municipality in Faridpur, announced his decision to join the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Friday night. The announcement came during an election courtyard meeting at BNP candidate Shahidul Islam Khan Babul’s ancestral home in Nurpur, where Reza Faez Mia urged voters to support the BNP’s paddy symbol. According to the report, Reza Faez Mia, who resides in the United States and is known as a cousin-in-law of Sheikh Hasina, had been the subject of speculation regarding his political shift for some time. On Friday night, he joined the meeting via video call and exchanged greetings with the BNP candidate and local leaders. During the call, his remarks were broadcast over loudspeakers by Upazila BNP president Alhaj Khondkar Iqbal Hossain Selim. Reza Faez Mia pledged his support for Shahidul Islam Khan Babul and called on all attendees to vote for the BNP candidate.

Rock legend Ayub Bachchu has been posthumously awarded the 2026 Ekushey Padak, Bangladesh’s highest civilian honor, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Bangla band music. The announcement came seven years after his death, moving his wife Ferdous Akhtar Chandana, who expressed her emotions on social media on Thursday evening. Chandana stated that the award is not only an honor for Ayub Bachchu as an artist but also a state recognition of Bangla band music. In her post, she reflected on Bachchu’s lifelong dedication to music and expressed gratitude to the jury board and all involved in granting the honor. She emphasized that Bachchu’s presence endures across Bangladesh and among Bangla-speaking communities worldwide. The government announced the names of the 2026 Ekushey Padak recipients for contributions in various fields, including actress Farida Akhter Bobita, Ayub Bachchu, nine distinguished individuals, and one band.

The National Committee to Protect State-Owned Sugar Mills has announced a program to besiege the Ministry of Industries on March 31, demanding the reopening of six state-owned sugar mills that were closed during the Awami League government. The announcement was made at a press conference held at the National Press Club, where the committee also declared protest programs at all closed and operational sugar mills until March 26. The committee issued an ultimatum to the interim government to reopen the mills, end corruption, and modernize the industry. At the event, central convener Kamruzzaman Firoz presided over the session, while joint convener Nur Rahman Palash read the written statement. Labor leaders and representatives from various federations and organizations, including the National Democratic Workers Federation and the Sugar and Food Industries Corporation, were present. Firoz recalled that in November 2024, a decision had been made to modernize and reopen the six mills following a meeting between national leaders and Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. Although an ordinance was later issued to reopen them, the Finance Ministry withheld funding and suspended sugarcane processing activities. The committee’s announcement signals renewed pressure on the government to act on earlier commitments to revive the state-owned sugar industry.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has claimed that attempts were made to tarnish his character because of his strong stance in favor of women. He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon while addressing an election rally at Sylhet Government Alia Madrasa field ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Rahman said his social media account had been hacked and alleged that those responsible had been caught, yet continued to speak against him. During his speech, Rahman reiterated his commitment to ensuring voting rights for expatriate Bangladeshis, arguing that their contributions through remittances make them deserving of full electoral participation. He criticized those who questioned the need for expatriates to vote, emphasizing their economic importance to the nation. Earlier the same day, Rahman also addressed election rallies in Habiganj’s New Field and Moulvibazar’s Kulaura, continuing his campaign activities ahead of the upcoming election.

Masuma Hadi, sister of slain Sharif Osman Hadi, declared that protests will continue until justice is served for her brother’s killing. Speaking at a rally held on Saturday in Nalchity, Jhalokathi, at Osman Hadi’s birthplace, she said the trial must take place in Bangladesh and vowed not to return home without justice. She also called for building a new Bangladesh inspired by Hadi’s ideals. Masuma Hadi alleged that attempts to contact the interim government had failed. Condemning the police use of water cannons and tear gas during a peaceful sit-in near the Jamuna, she urged the United Nations to assist in ensuring a fair investigation into the killing. She further expressed concern that such actions by the administration before the election could undermine public confidence in a fair vote. According to Inquilab Mancha, several people were injured when police dispersed a procession toward the Jamuna on Friday. The group reaffirmed that their struggle would continue until justice is achieved.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Amir Maulana Mamunul Haque has strongly condemned what he described as a brutal and repressive police attack on a peaceful sit-in organized by Inqilab Manch in Dhaka. The demonstration was held to demand justice and the arrest of those responsible for the killing of Shahid Sharif Osman Bin Hadi. In a statement to the media on Saturday, February 7, he expressed deep concern, saying that the use of force against a lawful and peaceful protest is unacceptable and represents a serious failure of state responsibility. Haque stated that the people’s demand was for justice, arrest of the killers, and exemplary punishment, but instead of ensuring justice, the state resorted to repression against those seeking accountability. He warned that such police actions would only increase public anger and push the situation toward danger. He further urged law enforcement agencies to abandon authoritarian practices and act responsibly to protect citizens’ safety. He demanded immediate medical care and security for the injured activists, accountability for those who ordered the attack, and a swift, impartial, and visible trial for Hadi’s murder.

A total of 999 teachers from universities, medical colleges, colleges, schools, and madrasas issued a joint statement on Saturday, February 7, opposing the implementation of the proposed Education Act 2026. They expressed deep concern over the government’s move to release and implement the draft law hastily during a politically sensitive period focused on election preparations. The educators argued that the law’s emphasis on inclusive and non-discriminatory education, as defined through open clauses and undefined terms, risks introducing elements inconsistent with the country’s moral and religious values. The statement highlighted that inclusive education, as referenced from UNESCO documents, centers on gender equality and considers the needs of LGBTIQ students. The teachers insisted that any curriculum must respect parents’ religious beliefs and moral principles, and no student should be compelled to study content conflicting with family or faith. They also demanded clear definitions for terms such as “special needs” and “disadvantaged,” ensuring these do not include ideological or sexuality-based education. The signatories emphasized that the Education Act should reflect national faith, culture, and values rather than serve as a vehicle for international ideological agendas.

A human chain and road blockade were held in Naogaon on Saturday demanding justice for the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi in Dhaka and protesting attacks on demonstrators seeking that justice. The event began at 11:30 a.m. in front of the Shaheed Minar at Muktir Mor under the banner of the Baisommo Birodhi Chhatra Andolon Naogaon district branch. Protesters blocked one side of the main road, disrupting traffic and causing congestion for about 30 minutes before lifting the blockade. The demonstration was presided over by district convener Arman Hossain, with several organizers including Mehedi Hasan, Rafiul Bari Rajon, and Naim Hasan addressing the gathering. Speakers alleged police bias and condemned attacks on students during earlier protests in Dhaka. They vowed to continue their movement until justice for Hadi’s killing is ensured. Arman Hossain called for a United Nations–supervised investigation into the killing and demanded exemplary punishment for those involved, along with accountability for those who attacked protesters.

A three-member delegation of the Bangladesh Student Rights Council, led by its president Nazmul Hasan, met BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman at his Gulshan office on Friday. The delegation extended warm greetings to Rahman on behalf of the organization during the courtesy meeting. Discussions covered the current political situation, campus-based student politics, and the overall context of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The meeting also addressed key issues such as increasing GDP allocation for the education sector. Tarique Rahman thanked the Student Rights Council for their visit and expressed optimism about building a united and prosperous Bangladesh. BNP-affiliated student leaders, including Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam, General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir, and other senior members from both organizations, were present at the meeting.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said his party would stop extortion and protect citizens’ dignity if given the responsibility to govern. Speaking as chief guest at an election rally in Habiganj’s Newfield ground on February 7, he pledged that businessmen and street vendors would no longer face harassment and that his party would serve the people rather than rule over them. In his 35-minute speech, Rahman criticized what he described as dishonest leadership and widespread corruption over the past 54 years since independence. He alleged that 28 lakh crore taka had been laundered from the country in the last 15 and a half years, calling it the people’s stolen wealth. He also promised equal justice for all, saying that even the president and prime minister would face the same punishment as ordinary citizens. Rahman urged voters to support Jamaat’s electoral symbol, the scale, and to vote “yes” in the upcoming referendum on February 12, claiming that such a victory would change the country’s political culture.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman announced that Sylhet Airport would be upgraded to a full international airport if his party assumes power. Speaking as the chief guest at an 11-party electoral alliance rally in Moulvibazar on Saturday, February 7, 2026, he said that currently only flights from London and occasionally from Middle Eastern countries land in Sylhet. He emphasized that despite Sylhet’s large expatriate population across Europe and America, airlines do not operate regular international routes there. Dr. Rahman highlighted Sylhet’s economic contributions since the Liberation War and promised to restore direct flights from Manchester to Sylhet. He also outlined broader goals for a prosperous and inclusive Bangladesh, pledging to empower youth, ensure education and healthcare for tea workers, and provide state support for expatriate workers’ families. He described the upcoming February 12 vote as a turning point for national change and linked it to a referendum he termed a vote for freedom. The Jamaat leader further stated that his party aims to build a nation free from inequality, where all communities can live in peace and dignity.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is scheduled to attend 14 election rallies across Dhaka over the next two days, according to a briefing by the party’s central election management committee. On Sunday, he will join six rallies in Dhaka North constituencies, including his own Dhaka-17 seat, while on Monday he will attend eight rallies in Dhaka South and his home constituency. BNP election committee spokesperson and chairperson’s adviser Mahdi Amin announced the schedule at a press conference at the party’s Gulshan office on Saturday afternoon. He detailed that Rahman will address gatherings in various constituencies such as Dhaka-17, Dhaka-16, Dhaka-15, Dhaka-14, Dhaka-13, and Dhaka-11 on Sunday, followed by events in Dhaka-17, Dhaka-10, Dhaka-8, Dhaka-9, Dhaka-5, Dhaka-4, Dhaka-6, and Dhaka-7 on Monday. The rallies are part of BNP’s ongoing election campaign in the capital, with Rahman expected to speak at multiple venues each day as part of his outreach to voters in both northern and southern Dhaka.

Dhaka University has announced the postponement of all internal examinations and class activities scheduled for February 10, 2026, due to the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The decision was confirmed in a notice signed by Acting Controller of Examinations Dr. Himadri Shekhar Chakravarti, issued on Saturday. According to the notice, the postponement aims to ensure that students can attend their respective polling centers on election day. The new schedule for the postponed examinations will be announced later, based on proposals from the concerned departments or institutes. However, the notice clarified that examinations at affiliated and constituent colleges and institutes under Dhaka University will proceed as per the previously fixed timetable. The announcement reflects the university’s effort to facilitate student participation in the national election process while maintaining academic continuity through later rescheduling.

Jaima Rahman, daughter of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, participated in an election campaign in support of her father in Dhaka-17 constituency. The campaign began at noon on Saturday from the Police Plaza area in Gulshan. She moved through various streets of Gulshan, distributing leaflets and urging people to vote for the BNP’s electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf. During the campaign, Jaima entered several offices and banks in the area, speaking directly with voters and requesting their support. She introduced herself as Tarique Rahman’s daughter and asked for votes on his behalf. Fatema Khatun, the caregiver of late BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, was also seen accompanying her. Despite the presence of security personnel, Jaima interacted freely with the public. Crowds gathered around her as the campaign proceeded up to Gulshan-1 Circle, with many people taking photos with her. Tarique Rahman is contesting the upcoming national election from Dhaka-17 under the BNP’s paddy sheaf symbol.

The government has expressed deep concern over misleading news reports published by several media outlets following a clash between police and protesters during a program organized by Inquilab Mancha. Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the chief adviser of the interim government, said in a verified Facebook post on Saturday that the government expects responsible journalism from the country's media. He noted that despite enjoying unprecedented freedom over the past 18 months, many outlets have repeatedly failed in basic fact-checking. According to Alam, Inquilab Mancha leader Abdullah Al Jaber was injured during the protest demanding justice for the killing of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi. A Facebook post from Jaber’s account claimed he was “shot,” which quickly went viral and intensified tensions. Major media outlets reportedly treated the post as fact, spreading false information. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police later confirmed that no shots were fired, and Dhaka Medical College Hospital stated that no protesters were shot. Alam warned that inaccurate reporting can incite violence and chaos, citing a previous incident where exaggerated news worsened unrest. He urged journalists to reflect on their own responsibility while demanding accountability from others.