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.

More than fifty leaders and activists of the Awami League from Ward No. 6 of Dakshin Charbanshi Union in Raipur upazila, Lakshmipur, formally joined the BNP on Monday afternoon. The joining took place at a local gathering where the new members were welcomed by local BNP leaders. Among those who switched allegiance are Abul Hossain Member, Anwar Gazi, Shamsul Haque Gazi, Jahangir Gazi, Shahjalal Bepari, and Ziaul Rahman Bepari. After joining the BNP, the former Awami League members stated that they made the decision because democracy and people's rights had long been curtailed in their area. They expressed their intention to actively participate in the BNP-led movement to restore democracy. Harunur Rashid Hawlader, president of Charbanshi Union BNP, said that the party’s popularity at the grassroots level is increasing as leaders and activists from various political groups continue to join, which will further strengthen the organization in the coming days.

A man named Azizul Islam was caught by prison guards while serving a jail term in place of another accused in a drug case. The incident came to light on Monday, according to the Department of Prisons. The original accused, Md. Rajib, 26, from Kishoreganj’s Hossainpur area, had been sent to Gazipur District Jail on January 25 and later transferred to Kashimpur Central Jail-2 on January 31. During fingerprint verification for the online database, officials discovered major discrepancies in his identity. Further checks revealed that the detainee’s real name was Md. Azizul Haque, son of Bachchu Mia. Upon interrogation, he admitted that he had agreed to serve the sentence on behalf of Rajib in exchange for money. Assistant Inspector General (Development) Jannatul Farhad Hossain described the incident as resembling a movie plot. The discovery has raised questions about identity verification procedures within the prison system, though no further administrative action was reported in the source.

The Election Commission of Bangladesh has filed 176 cases and collected fines totaling Tk 1,826,250 for violations of the electoral code of conduct ahead of the 13th National Parliament election and referendum. The information was confirmed on Monday, February 2, by Md. Saiful Islam, member secretary of the EC’s central coordination committee and director (operations) of the National Identity Registration Wing. According to the Election Commission, between January 8 and February 1, a total of 275 incidents of code violations occurred across 257 electoral areas in the country. Mobile courts took action in these cases, resulting in the fines and legal proceedings. The 13th National Parliament election and referendum are scheduled to take place on February 12. The commission’s enforcement activities indicate ongoing monitoring of campaign conduct as the election date approaches, aiming to ensure compliance with electoral regulations nationwide.

Bangladesh Bank has announced that the country’s total foreign exchange reserves have increased to 33.24 billion US dollars as of February 2, 2026. The information was confirmed by Arif Hossain Khan, Executive Director and Spokesperson of the central bank, on Monday. According to the latest data, the gross reserve stood at 33.24 billion dollars, while under the International Monetary Fund’s BPM-6 calculation method, the reserve amounted to 28.74 billion dollars. Earlier, as of January 15, the country’s gross reserve was 32.62 billion dollars, and the BPM-6 based reserve was 28.02 billion dollars. The BPM-6 method, used by the IMF, calculates net reserves by deducting short-term liabilities from total reserves to determine the actual reserve position. The increase in reserves reflects a modest improvement in Bangladesh’s external financial position compared to mid-January, according to the central bank’s latest update.

Reports in Indian and Pakistani media suggested that the International Cricket Council (ICC) would hold an emergency board meeting to address Pakistan’s potential boycott of its World Cup match against India. However, cricket websites Cricinfo and Cricbuzz confirmed that the meeting did not take place. As a result, it remains unclear whether the ICC will take any action if Pakistan proceeds with the boycott. Earlier, the ICC had expressed dissatisfaction with Pakistan’s stance in an official statement. According to the ICC, it has not yet received any formal communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding a boycott decision. The council emphasized that such a move would contradict the fundamental spirit of a global sporting event, which is based on fairness, integrity, and equal competition. The ICC urged the PCB to consider the long-term impact of its decision on domestic cricket and the broader cricket ecosystem. The ICC reiterated that its current priority is to ensure the successful completion of the World Cup and called on all member nations, including Pakistan, to work toward a mutually acceptable solution that protects the interests of all stakeholders.

National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman stated that the defense agreements signed with the United States, China, Japan, and other countries during the final phase of the interim government are part of an ongoing process. He made the remarks on Monday while speaking to reporters after a meeting with Foreign Affairs Adviser M. Touhid Hossain. When asked what would happen if the next government did not continue these deals, Dr. Khalil described the question as hypothetical, emphasizing that the process is continuous. The interim government, led by Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus since August 8, 2024, following the ouster of former Prime Minister Hasina in the 2024 uprising, has undertaken several major defense initiatives. These include agreements for a drone factory with China, procurement of JF-17 Thunder and J-10CE fighter jets from Pakistan and China, Eurofighter Typhoon jets from a European consortium, submarines from South Korea, T-129 attack helicopters from Turkey, and Black Hawk helicopters from the United States. The government also allocated 6.5 billion taka to enhance the capabilities of the warship BNS Khalid Bin Walid. Dr. Khalil also responded to discussions about his inclusion on the board of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, saying that not all countries have national airlines.

A mild earthquake was felt in Bangladesh early Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at around 4:36 a.m. The tremor measured 4.1 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter located in Kalaroa, Satkhira. According to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) and India’s National Center for Seismology (NCS), the quake struck at a depth of 150 kilometers beneath the surface, which reduced its intensity. Residents in Satkhira, Khulna, Jashore, and surrounding areas experienced light shaking, but no immediate reports of casualties or damage were received. The deep epicenter contributed to the mild nature of the tremor. Just two days earlier, on Sunday morning, a separate mild earthquake had been recorded in Dhaka and nearby regions. That quake, measuring magnitude 3, originated southeast of Sylhet city, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department.

Bangladeshi shooter Robiul Islam has departed for India to compete in the Asian Shooting Championship, scheduled from February 2 to 14 in New Delhi. He is accompanied by his coach Sharmin Akter. Robiul will participate in the 10-meter air rifle event on February 6, marking his first international competition since the Olympics. There had been uncertainty over their participation due to earlier government restrictions on sending the national cricket team to India for the T20 World Cup, citing security concerns. However, the government later granted permission for Robiul to compete, considering the individual nature of the shooting event and India’s security arrangements to be safe. Robiul, aged 27, previously won a medal in the 10-meter air rifle event at the 13th South Asian Games held in Nepal in 2019. His participation in New Delhi represents Bangladesh’s continued presence in regional shooting competitions.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has initiated work on a new central contract for the new year, introducing several changes approved in its latest board meeting. The number of contracted players will increase from 21 to 27, and the board will continue to issue format-based contracts. The BCB’s selection panel has finalized the list, which now awaits approval from the cricket operations department before official publication in the coming days. Unlike previous years, the BCB will not include an ‘A Plus’ category this time, as there are no players regularly active across all three formats. The contract will begin with the ‘A’ category, featuring the three format captains along with experienced players Mushfiqur Rahim and Taskin Ahmed. Regular white-ball players such as Shoriful Islam, Tanzid Tamim, Mustafizur Rahman, and Tanzim Sakib will also be placed in this group. Other players will be distributed across ‘B’, ‘C’, and ‘D’ categories based on their performance and format involvement. The finalized list includes 27 cricketers, marking an expansion in the BCB’s central contract structure for 2026.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has established a 'Law and Order Coordination Cell' ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum. The announcement was made on Monday, February 2, through an official press release from the ministry. The release also provided emergency contact numbers for the cell, including four landline numbers and two mobile numbers, one of which is available on WhatsApp. According to the statement, citizens are encouraged to use these numbers to report any law and order-related complaints during the election period. The 13th National Parliamentary Election is scheduled to take place on February 12. The formation of this coordination cell aims to ensure effective communication and prompt response to any security or order issues that may arise during the election process.