With only eight days left before the national election, government employees in Bangladesh are showing limited interest in postal voting. Out of 1.7 million officials assigned election duties, only 518,603 registered for postal ballots, leaving nearly 1.2 million unregistered. Many cited work responsibilities and family safety concerns as reasons for abstaining. Even those who received postal ballot notifications showed little enthusiasm to participate. This election marks the first time postal voting registration was conducted online through the “Postal Vote BD” app. The Election Commission (EC) reported that 1.53 million voters, including expatriates, registered via the app. However, several government employees said they were unaware of the process or found registration complicated. EC officials claimed extensive promotion efforts were made but acknowledged that many may have missed registration due to late duty assignments. According to EC data, only 7,367 domestic postal voters received ballots, and 4,902 completed voting. The commission plans to review the low registration and participation rates after the election.

Columnist Mahmudur Rahman argues that India has become increasingly isolated in global and regional politics following its military and diplomatic setbacks. He describes how India’s dominance in South Asia, once symbolized by its size and economic power, has eroded after Pakistan’s technological and strategic advances, particularly in the 2025 air conflict. The article claims that Pakistan, with Chinese support, achieved notable success using advanced digital warfare tactics, while India suffered significant losses and international embarrassment. Rahman writes that the United States, China, and Russia have reassessed their positions toward South Asia, with Washington reportedly recognizing Pakistan’s victory in the brief conflict. He contends that India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist policies and strained foreign relations have further isolated the country. The author also criticizes Bangladeshi political parties for maintaining fear-driven policies toward India despite shifting geopolitical realities. The piece concludes by praising Bangladesh’s interim government under Muhammad Yunus for taking a firm stance against Indian influence and urges younger political leaders to maintain independence in foreign policy.

Police in Sherpur have arrested Mahmudul Hasan Rubel, joint convener of the Jhinaigati Upazila Volunteer Party, in connection with the murder of Rezaul Karim, secretary of the Shreebardi Upazila Jamaat. The arrest took place on Monday night in the Bongao area of Jhinaigati. Rubel, son of Gesu Mia from Bonkali village, is listed as the 55th accused in the case. Additional Superintendent of Police Md. Mizanur Rahman Bhuiyan confirmed the arrest and said the accused would be sent to court. The Sherpur District Volunteer Party issued a press release condemning the arrest, calling the case false and fabricated. Its conveners claimed that such actions were attempts to obstruct the upcoming election and hinder democratic progress, demanding Rubel’s unconditional release. Earlier, the High Court granted six weeks’ anticipatory bail to 40 accused, including BNP candidate Mahmudul Haque Rubel, in the same case. The murder case stems from a January 28 clash between BNP and Jamaat activists at a campaign event in Jhinaigati, where Rezaul Karim was fatally injured. His wife Marzia later filed the case naming 231 individuals and several hundred unidentified persons.

U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to halt purchases of Russian oil and instead buy from the United States and Venezuela. Trump made the statement Monday night after announcing a reduction in tariffs on Indian goods. Following a phone call with Modi, Trump said the new agreement would lower U.S. tariffs on Indian products from 25 percent to 18 percent, while India pledged to remove tariffs and non-tariff barriers on U.S. goods. According to Trump’s post on Truth Social, the discussion also covered the Russia–Ukraine war. He said the deal would lift the additional 25 percent penalty imposed on India for buying Russian oil. As part of the agreement, India will purchase over 500 billion dollars’ worth of U.S. products, including energy, technology, agricultural goods, and coal. Trump described the deal as beneficial for both trade and global stability. Modi expressed satisfaction on social media platform X, thanking Trump for lowering tariffs and emphasizing that cooperation between the two largest democracies benefits ordinary people. The agreement follows months of trade tension after the U.S. imposed tariffs of up to 50 percent on Indian goods last August.

Indian Congress leader and Lok Sabha member Shashi Tharoor has criticized the decision to exclude Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL), calling it disrespectful and politically motivated. He said India bears partial responsibility for the ongoing unrest surrounding the T20 World Cup and warned against mixing politics with sports. Tharoor described the exclusion as unfortunate and said its impact is being felt across world cricket. Mustafizur had been bought at a high price by Shah Rukh Khan’s Kolkata Knight Riders, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) later removed him, triggering the crisis. In response, Bangladesh refused to travel to India for the World Cup citing security concerns and demanded a venue change. The International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected the request, replacing Bangladesh with Scotland, prompting Pakistan to boycott its match against India in solidarity with Bangladesh. Tharoor urged the ICC to treat the situation as a warning and create a platform for urgent dialogue, emphasizing that cricket should unite people rather than divide them.

Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul stated that Bangladeshi bureaucrats are inherently resistant to reform, though he was unsure whether this stems from individual shortcomings or systemic flaws. He made the remarks on Monday night at the World Literature Centre in Dhaka while speaking as a special guest at the launch of Dr. Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan’s book ‘Bangladesher Samaj O Rajniti’ (Society and Politics of Bangladesh). Nazrul described the current bureaucracy as stagnant and questioned how the country could progress under such a system. He expressed concern that inefficiency and reluctance to adopt modern tools, such as WhatsApp for official communication, hinder timely decision-making. He contrasted this with the chief adviser’s efficient use of digital communication for office work. He further noted that despite his personal efforts to finalize tasks overnight, bureaucratic delays often prevent implementation. Nazrul said he frequently has to remind officers that they are not clerks but professionals who must apply intellect and initiative in their duties.

Pakistan’s decision not to play against India in the upcoming World Cup has caused a major financial setback for the International Cricket Council (ICC). According to NDTV, the India–Pakistan T20 match alone is valued at around 500 million US dollars, or more than 6,000 crore Bangladeshi taka, making it the single most lucrative fixture in world cricket. The ICC reportedly earns several times more from this match than from all other tournament games combined, and its cancellation has already prompted broadcaster Star to seek financial concessions. The report notes that advertising rates for the India–Pakistan match reach 25–40 lakh taka per 10 seconds, with total ad revenue estimated at 300 crore taka. Without the match, both cricket boards could each lose about 200 crore taka in direct and indirect revenue. The ICC’s central revenue pool is expected to shrink, reducing distributions to member boards, especially smaller and associate nations dependent on ICC funding. NDTV warns that future global tournaments could face reduced broadcast valuations and sponsorship interest if such high-profile fixtures are deemed risky assets, potentially weakening cricket’s overall financial ecosystem.

The Bangladesh women's cricket team returned home on Sunday evening after a dominant performance in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup qualifiers held in Nepal. The team finished the tournament as the only unbeaten side, securing top position and qualifying for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, which will be held in England. Bangladesh won all seven of their matches in the qualifying round, displaying consistent and confident performances throughout the competition. Upon arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, the players were welcomed by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director and Women's Wing chairperson Rubaba Dowla. According to BCB sources, this achievement is being regarded as another significant milestone in the progress of women's cricket in Bangladesh.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman declared that no one will be allowed to divide the nation and that Bangladesh’s youth in 2024 demand change. He made the remarks on Tuesday morning at a public rally in Kishoreganj, emphasizing that the party rejects corrupt politics and is ready to honor the people’s verdict. Rahman also alleged that some groups are exploiting women’s issues to target Jamaat and said that no election will be allowed through unfair means. He further claimed that a political party continues to exploit the issue of an ID hack even after all facts have become clear. Rahman stated that Jamaat wants to see Bangladesh established with human dignity and recognized globally as a free and honorable nation. He expressed deep respect for the youth who, according to him, stood against fascism in July and sacrificed for freedom and independence. The speech reflected Jamaat’s attempt to align itself with youth aspirations and to distance the party from divisive or corrupt political practices.

The United States has reinforced its air and missile defense systems across the Middle East as tensions rise over a possible strike on Iran. According to a Wall Street Journal report citing Pentagon officials, additional Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) and Patriot systems have been deployed to American bases in Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. The move aims to protect these installations from potential aerial and missile attacks amid heightened regional uncertainty. Defense analysts noted that THAAD systems are deployed in only a few locations worldwide and require significant manpower and logistical support to relocate. While President Donald Trump has not yet announced a decision to attack Iran, officials indicated that limited strikes remain possible. In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that any US attack would trigger a regional war. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi told CNN that talks are ongoing to avoid conflict, though he expressed distrust toward Washington. President Trump commented that he hopes for a deal but suggested that if talks fail, Iran’s threats would be tested.

The United States and Iran are set to hold an official meeting in Istanbul, Turkey, on February 6, despite ongoing diplomatic tensions and fears of possible military conflict. According to an AFP report citing an unnamed Arab official, the meeting was made possible through sustained mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and Oman. The US delegation will be led by President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, while Iran’s team will be headed by Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. Officials from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, and the mediating countries are also expected to attend. The main agenda of the meeting will focus on Iran’s nuclear program, a long-standing source of friction between Washington and Tehran for over two decades. The two sides last clashed militarily in June of the previous year, leading to a 12-day conflict before a ceasefire was reached. Tensions escalated again in mid-January when President Trump ordered a major naval deployment in Middle Eastern waters. Despite these strains, both sides have recently signaled openness to diplomacy. Trump expressed optimism about reaching an agreement, while Araghchi said Iran could consider talks if the US presents fair and acceptable proposals.

Brigadier General Abdullahil Aman Azmi testified before International Crimes Tribunal-1 as the third witness in a case concerning alleged abduction and torture inside the Joint Interrogation Cell, known as Ayna Ghar. In his second day of testimony on Monday, he described being taken from his Moghbazar residence on 22 August 2016 and held for years in DGFI custody. He said interrogators repeatedly questioned him about his writings critical of India and his supposed links to Jamaat-e-Islami, which he denied. Azmi stated that during questioning, he was asked why he wrote against India and told his interrogators that if such writing was a punishable offense, he should be charged in court rather than detained illegally. He said his 30-year military career had taught him that India was the main adversary, and if that was a crime, all who taught it were equally guilty. He also described poor detention conditions, including bedbug-infested bedding and denial of basic necessities. The tribunal scheduled cross-examination by defense lawyers for Thursday following the completion of Azmi’s testimony.

An article by Dr. Ahmad Anisur Rahman, published on February 3, 2026, emphasizes that Shab-e-Barat, known as the Night of Fortune, is an integral part of Bengal’s cultural and spiritual heritage. The piece describes how people across cities and villages in Bangladesh observe the night through prayers, charity, and remembrance of the deceased, seeking divine mercy and prosperity for the coming year. The author argues that maintaining this observance upholds the nation’s cultural distinctiveness and moral foundation. The essay traces the historical and theological roots of Shab-e-Barat, citing Quranic verses and Hadiths that describe it as a blessed night of forgiveness and divine grace. It also discusses how colonial influences and misinterpretations led some to label the observance as ‘bid‘ah’ (innovation), which the author disputes by referencing early Islamic scholars who affirmed its legitimacy. The article concludes that Shab-e-Barat embodies both religious devotion and the enduring cultural identity of Bengal. The author calls for preserving the spiritual essence of the night while avoiding wasteful or superficial practices such as excessive lighting or fireworks.

Jatiya Party Chairman and former MP GM Quader is actively campaigning in Rangpur-3 despite facing allegations of siding with the ruling Awami League and opposing the July uprising of 2024. Local voters accuse him of distancing himself from the public and prioritizing power-sharing over constituency development. Although banners and loudspeaker campaigns are visible across the area without obstruction, reports suggest Quader is focusing on limited personal networks rather than broad voter outreach. Supporters of the July movement have criticized Quader for seeking votes against the referendum’s 'yes' side, labeling him a collaborator of the 'fascist Awami League'. They previously urged the Election Commission to bar the Jatiya Party from contesting. In contrast, Jatiya Party leaders claim strong grassroots response, asserting that Quader remains the only viable candidate and will win decisively. Quader himself dismissed corruption allegations and expressed confidence in a peaceful and fair election. The Rangpur returning officer confirmed no major violations of the electoral code so far and expects a peaceful vote across the district’s six constituencies.

With only eight days left before Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami have avoided raising India-related issues in their campaigns. In previous elections, India’s role often featured prominently, but this time both parties have chosen silence. BNP leaders declined to comment, while Jamaat stated it seeks equal and respectful relations with all countries, including India. Foreign ministry officials described this silence as unfortunate, warning that any future government will face major challenges in dealing with Delhi. Diplomatic and political analysts cited in the report said both BNP and Jamaat are avoiding statements that might displease India as they focus on gaining power. Indian think tanks and media figures noted that the absence of anti-India rhetoric benefits Delhi. Meanwhile, the report alleged that India has engaged in activities aimed at destabilizing Bangladesh and influencing the election process. Analysts cautioned that the next government will need to manage relations with India carefully and maintain national sovereignty. Observers also noted that India’s diplomatic establishment is preparing to exert pressure on Dhaka over issues such as water sharing, border security, and transit agreements after the election.