Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman is scheduled to visit Naogaon on Thursday, February 5, as part of his nationwide election campaign and political tour. He will attend an election rally at the Etim Maidan in Naogaon city at 11 a.m. as the chief guest and deliver a speech outlining the party’s vision for the future. District Jamaat secretary and Naogaon-5 candidate Advocate A S M Sayem confirmed the visit after inspecting the rally ground on Tuesday morning. He said that Dr. Rahman will be accompanied by top leaders of the 11-party alliance. Sayem added that preparations for the rally are ongoing and that people from all 11 upazilas of the district are expected to attend. According to Sayem, the event aims to demonstrate growing public support for change and for the party’s electoral symbol. He expressed confidence that the rally would attract between five to six lakh participants and serve as a platform for Dr. Rahman to present Jamaat’s outline for the future of Bangladesh.

A major uncertainty has emerged over the government’s plan to dissolve the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and create two separate divisions named Revenue Policy and Revenue Implementation. Although the Administrative Reorganization Implementation Committee, chaired by the Chief Adviser, approved the proposal on January 20, no gazette notification has been issued to set an effective date. Officials expressed concern that the absence of such a notification has stalled the process, with administrative reluctance reportedly growing amid an election atmosphere and anticipation of a new government. An NBR official said the necessary administrative cooperation was lacking, pushing the initiative into uncertainty. The interim government’s Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed and NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan had earlier stated that the restructuring would be completed by mid-February, but that timeline has not been met. The reform process had already faced strong internal resistance, including strikes and protests by NBR staff, leading to disciplinary actions and investigations. Officials now doubt whether the incoming government will implement the plan, as policy priorities may differ. Some believe donor pressure, including IMF loan conditions, could influence the eventual decision.

Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, admitted responsibility for the deaths during the July 2024 student movement. Speaking virtually from abroad at a book launch organized by the BJP-affiliated cultural group ‘Khola Hawa’ in Kolkata on Monday, Joy expressed remorse and acknowledged that innocent students and civilians were killed during the protests. He described the quota reform protesters’ demands as legitimate and called the government’s handling of the issue a failure, though he maintained his stance regarding alleged conspiracies behind the unrest. Joy claimed that an audio recording of Sheikh Hasina proved that extremists attacked police stations, sparking the violence. He asserted that neither the government nor police initiated the clashes, blaming militant groups for the escalation. Turning to the upcoming February 12 general election, Joy labeled it one-sided, saying the exclusion of the Awami League and suppression of progressive parties made it a contest between the BNP and Jamaat. He warned that such a process was unacceptable and raised concerns about India’s border security if Jamaat gained influence. Joy urged international intervention to prevent Jamaat from becoming a dominant political force in Bangladesh.

Cuba is maintaining communication with the United States amid heightened tensions over threats to halt oil supplies. A senior Cuban diplomat confirmed that while exchanges between Havana and Washington continue, they have not yet developed into formal talks. The contact intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump increased pressure on Cuba. Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío told Reuters that the U.S. government is aware of Cuba’s readiness for a serious and responsible dialogue. The situation escalated following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a close ally of Cuba, by U.S. forces and his transfer to the United States. The incident, which also involved Maduro’s wife, has further strained relations and placed the Cuban government under additional U.S. pressure. De Cossío stated that although embassies and diplomatic channels remain active, no formal negotiation framework has been established. In a separate interview with the Associated Press, De Cossío said that if dialogue begins, it could evolve into structured discussions in the future, but emphasized that Cuba’s constitution, economic system, and socialist governance are not open for negotiation.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has imposed a 12-hour ban on fireworks, firecrackers, and lanterns across the city to preserve the sanctity and ensure peaceful observance of Shab-e-Barat. The restriction, announced through a public notice signed by DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali on February 3, 2026, will remain in effect from 6 p.m. on February 3 to 6 a.m. on February 4. According to the notice, the decision was made under Section 28 of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance to maintain law and order during the religious occasion. The ban covers all forms of fireworks, gas balloons, and explosive materials, including their sale, transport, and use. The DMP stated that the measure aims to prevent any disorder and allow citizens to perform religious activities without disturbance. Authorities have warned that legal action will be taken against anyone violating the directive during the restricted hours.

The interim government of Bangladesh has decided to rename the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) as the Special Intervention Force (SIF). The announcement was made by Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury following a core committee meeting at the Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday afternoon. The chief adviser has approved the new name, and the force will begin operations under the new title once the official order is issued. The uniform of the force will also be changed. RAB was originally formed in 2004 during the government of Khaleda Zia, initially known as the Rapid Action Team (RAT). Over the years, the force has faced multiple allegations of human rights violations. In response to such allegations, the United States imposed sanctions on RAB and seven of its officers on December 10, 2021, through the Treasury Department and the State Department. The sanctions list included former RAB Director General Benazir Ahmed, who was also banned from entering the United States. A 2024 report by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights recommended the dissolution of RAB, while Human Rights Watch has long advocated for the same. The renaming marks a significant administrative shift amid ongoing international scrutiny.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s future with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr has become uncertain after reports of his growing dissatisfaction with the club’s management. Portuguese media outlets, including A Bola and Record, reported that the 40-year-old forward refused to play in a recent league match, citing perceived neglect of Al Nassr compared to other Public Investment Fund-owned clubs such as Al Hilal and Al Ittihad. The reports suggest Ronaldo is contemplating leaving Al Nassr, with potential destinations including Major League Soccer or a return to Europe. According to Record, Ronaldo believes his contributions to raising the global profile of the Saudi Pro League have not been adequately recognized. His frustration reportedly deepened after Al Hilal signed Karim Benzema, a move he found disappointing. Despite his discontent, Ronaldo remains focused on winning his first Saudi league title and reaching the 1,000-goal milestone in his career. The reports indicate that Ronaldo could leave Al Nassr as early as June, though his next move remains uncertain. Analysts suggest the coming weeks will be crucial in determining his future.

French forward Karim Benzema has joined Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal on an 18-month free transfer after terminating his contract with Al-Ittihad. The club confirmed the move in an official statement on Monday. Local media reported that Benzema decided to leave after rejecting Al-Ittihad’s offer to extend his contract. His recent absence from two consecutive league matches had fueled speculation about his future. Benzema enjoyed a successful spell with Jeddah-based Al-Ittihad, leading the team to both the Saudi Pro League title and the King’s Cup last season, marking the club’s first domestic double. The 38-year-old striker joined Al-Ittihad in 2023 after 14 years with Real Madrid. In a message on social media platform X, he expressed pride in representing the club and gratitude for the experience. This season, Benzema scored 16 goals in 21 appearances across all competitions for Al-Ittihad. Al-Hilal currently tops the league table with 47 points, one point ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr, while Al-Ittihad sits sixth with 34 points.

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, led by the Chief Justice, ruled on Tuesday that three BNP-nominated candidates—Sarowar Alam of Chattogram-2, Aslam Chowdhury of Chattogram-4, and Fahim Chowdhury of Sherpur-2—may participate in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. The court’s order confirmed that there are no legal barriers to their participation. According to lawyer Md. Mojibur Rahman, the order regarding Aslam Chowdhury came in response to an appeal filed by Jamuna Bank challenging the validity of his nomination. For Sarowar Alam, the court allowed him to contest but directed that the election result for his constituency remain withheld until the pending appeal is resolved. Earlier, the High Court had suspended the Election Commission’s decision that canceled Sarowar’s candidacy over loan default allegations. In Sherpur-2, Fahim Chowdhury regained eligibility through appeal after his nomination was initially rejected over dual citizenship claims. The rulings collectively ensure that all three BNP candidates can take part in the election process, though one constituency’s result will remain pending until further judicial resolution.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Amir Maulana Mamunul Haque addressed an 11-party electoral alliance rally at Nandokumar Institution field in Shibchar, Madaripur-1 constituency on Monday night, February 2. In his speech, he alleged that individuals with numerous criminal cases were moving freely in the country and criticized what he described as the return of those once expelled by the nation’s martyrs. He said the 'July Revolution' had changed the mindset of Bangladeshis, making them more courageous and determined. Haque argued that for 214 years, the people of the region had been exploited under various rulers, from foreign powers to domestic elites, and that the nature of oppression had not changed since independence. He claimed that the current political system continued to deprive citizens of their rights. He called on the public to reject corruption, violence, and exploitative politics, describing the upcoming election as a struggle to restore the people’s right to food and vote. The rally was chaired by Shibchar Upazila Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Maulana Sarwar Hossain Mridha and attended by alliance leaders including Saeed Uddin Ahmad Hanzala and Maulana Mokhlesur Rahman.

At least 30 people have died in Japan over the past two weeks due to record levels of heavy snowfall, government officials confirmed on Tuesday. Among the victims was a 91-year-old woman found buried under nearly three meters of snow outside her home. The northern Aomori Prefecture has been the hardest hit, prompting the central government to deploy military forces to help manage the situation, as some remote areas remain buried under up to 4.5 meters of snow. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi convened an emergency cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning, directing all ministries to take preventive measures against snow-related accidents and fatalities. Authorities said strong cold airflows along the Sea of Japan coast have caused snowfall more than double the usual levels. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported that snow-related incidents since January 20 have resulted in 30 deaths. Aomori Governor Soichiro Miyashita said military assistance was requested to support elderly residents living alone with snow removal. He warned that the risk of roof collapses and snow slides remains extremely high as temperatures fluctuate.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has made an emotional appeal to voters of Thakurgaon-1 constituency ahead of the upcoming 13th parliamentary election. In a Facebook post from his verified page on Monday night, he described this election as his last and urged voters to give him one final opportunity to serve them. He expressed that he stands at the end of his life and wishes to fulfill the unfinished dreams of his constituents. Analysts believe that Fakhrul’s heartfelt message, delivered under the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol, has added a new dimension to the electoral contest in Thakurgaon-1. His declaration of this being his final election has drawn attention within the constituency as campaigning intensifies. The post reflects a personal tone rarely seen in political appeals, signaling a deeply emotional connection with local voters as the national election approaches.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) faces renewed pressure ahead of the T20 World Cup as political tensions between Pakistan and India intensify. Pakistan’s government has decided that its team will not play against India, and according to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials and former ICC chairman Ehsan Mani, the ICC cannot punish Pakistan for following a government directive. They argue that compliance with state orders cannot be treated as a punishable offense. Mani recalled that a similar situation occurred when India refused to play in Pakistan during the 2025 Champions Trophy due to its government’s restrictions, and the ICC took no action then. He emphasized that when a cricket board acts under state instruction, applying double standards is unjustified. Mani also criticized the ICC for merely observing such crises instead of finding effective solutions, noting that the PCB’s chairman is also a government minister. Financially, the India-Pakistan match is the most lucrative fixture of the World Cup, valued at about 615 billion rupees. Sources suggest the ICC may explore alternatives such as adjusting revenue distribution instead of imposing direct sanctions.

Four BNP-nominated candidates in Dhaka South have pledged to work together to ease public suffering if elected. In interviews with the daily Amar Desh, Mirza Abbas (Dhaka-8), Gayeshwar Chandra Roy (Dhaka-3), Engineer Ishraq Hossain (Dhaka-6), and Tanvir Ahmed Robin (Dhaka-4) promised to eliminate extortion, drugs, terrorism, and waterlogging, and to address traffic congestion through responsible engagement at the policy level. They claimed to have received strong public response from residents of Dhaka South. The candidates criticized the government for dividing the Dhaka City Corporation, calling it politically motivated and counterproductive. Mirza Abbas emphasized social awareness and structural reform to combat extortion and drugs, while Gayeshwar Chandra Roy proposed a long-term master plan for planned urbanization in Keraniganj. Ishraq Hossain focused on resolving gas shortages, waste management, and corruption, pledging zero tolerance against extortion and illegal structures. Tanvir Ahmed Robin vowed to eradicate local gangs and ensure women’s empowerment and workers’ rights. All four expressed hope that ending corruption, nepotism, and extortion would bring qualitative change to national politics and improve urban governance in Dhaka South.

Hasnat Abdullah, the Jamaat–NCP alliance candidate for Cumilla-4 (Debidwar) constituency and chief organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP) in the southern region, stated that his 11-party coalition depends on ordinary citizens rather than extortionists, tender manipulators, or drug lords. He made the remarks on Tuesday, February 3, during a courtyard meeting in Mohanpur Ward No. 5 of Debidwar upazila. Hasnat emphasized that his alliance is accountable to the people and not to any illegal business groups, asserting that they have not taken money from such sources. He declared that February 12 would mark the end of drug lords in Debidwar, urging those involved in extortion or drug trade to seek legitimate employment through his team. He also called on supporters to campaign for at least ten votes each and to cast two votes on election day—one for the “Shaplakoli” symbol and another “Yes” vote. The meeting was attended by local leaders of Jamaat and NCP, including Saiful Islam Shahid, Professor Shahidul Islam, Mosleh Uddin, and others from various unions.