BNP Central Secretary for Expatriate Welfare and Chandpur-3 candidate Sheikh Farid Ahmed Manik has alleged that certain groups exploit religion for political gain during election periods. Speaking at a campaign rally on February 2 at Gazi Bazar in Algi Durgapur North Union of Haimchar upazila, he said that some people mislead rural women by distorting Quranic verses under the guise of religious teaching. Manik emphasized that Arabic education should be pursued through established maktabs and madrasas, not through door-to-door sessions that manipulate religious texts. He urged women to remain vigilant against such deception. Calling for votes for the BNP’s “sheaf of paddy” symbol in the upcoming February 12 election, he said the victory would pave the way for Tarique Rahman to become prime minister and implement development plans for the people. The meeting, conducted by Haimchar BNP’s General Secretary Majharul Islam Shafiq Patwari, was also addressed by district BNP Vice President Khalilur Rahman Gazi and Legal Affairs Secretary Advocate Kohinur Begum. Afterward, Manik conducted public outreach in several areas of the union.

An election campaign banner of Hasnat Abdullah, the chief organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and candidate of the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance in Cumilla-4 (Debidwar), was set on fire on Monday, February 2. The incident occurred at Gangpar area along the Burirpar–Khaiyar road, where unidentified individuals allegedly ignited the banner bearing the Shapla Koli symbol. The event has stirred political tension in the locality. Local NCP leaders and activists rushed to the scene, condemning the act as an attempt to disrupt the election and create fear among voters. Debidwar NCP member Mosleh Uddin stated that the banner was deliberately burned under the cover of darkness, calling it a conspiracy against democracy and a fair electoral environment. He demanded a proper investigation and exemplary punishment for those responsible. Debidwar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Moniruzzaman confirmed awareness of the incident and said an investigation is ongoing. No arrests have been made yet, but authorities plan to identify and take legal action against the perpetrators.

Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmadullah has commented on the recent release of millions of files by the U.S. Department of Justice related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In a verified Facebook post on February 2, 2026, he said the Epstein files are not merely a scandal but a mirror reflecting the true face of Western civilization, exposing its moral and ethical decline. Ahmadullah argued that the documents reveal how political leaders, industrialists, athletes, media figures, and cultural icons—often seen as role models—were allegedly involved in heinous crimes such as child trafficking, sexual abuse, and even cannibalism. He criticized Western liberalism for promoting extreme materialism and moral decay under the guise of personal freedom, leading to the erosion of family values and social ethics. He contrasted this with Islamic teachings, which he said emphasize moral restraint, spiritual accountability, and the protection of women, children, and family. Ahmadullah concluded that the incident raises fundamental questions about the definition of civilization and the moral direction humanity should choose.

An independent investigation committee has submitted its report to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) regarding the sexual harassment allegation made by former Bangladesh women’s cricket team captain Jahanara Alam. The report was formally handed over to the BCB president Md. Aminul Islam on Monday, marking the official conclusion of the investigation process. The committee had completed its inquiry on January 31. The committee was chaired by Justice Tariq-ul Hakim and included members Barrister Muhammad Mustafizur Rahman Khan, Barrister Sarwat Siraj Shukla, and BCB director Rubaba Dowla. Another member, Professor Dr. Naima Haque, could not attend the submission event as she was abroad. The report was presented in the presence of other board members. According to BCB sources, the board will review the recommendations and observations in the report before deciding on further action. The case has drawn significant attention within the women’s cricket community, making the report’s findings particularly important.

Maulana Mamunul Haque, Ameer of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, addressed a roadside rally in Gopalganj on Monday, warning against any attempt to manipulate the upcoming national election. He alleged that efforts were underway to prepare fake voter lists including names of deceased and absentee voters. Haque urged supporters to build symbolic barriers near polling centers to prevent fraudulent voting and to hand over any suspected offenders to law enforcement. He called on the administration and the Election Commission to ensure a level playing field, claiming that intimidation and violence were being used to obstruct the momentum of the 11-party electoral alliance. Haque emphasized that the alliance was formed not for individual gain but to restore the rights of Bangladesh’s 180 million citizens and end political exploitation. Haque described February 12 as a historic election day, when both the national election and a referendum would be held simultaneously, and urged citizens to vote “yes” for change.

At a campaign rally in Panchagarh Sadar on February 2, speakers from the National Citizens Party (NCP) and its allied Eleven-Party Alliance called on voters to attend polling centers early after Fajr prayers to ensure security, particularly for women voters. The event, held at Satmero High School field in support of candidate Sarjis Alam, emphasized the need for vigilance and community protection during the upcoming election. NCP election committee chairman Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan said the constituency needed a candidate who had already worked for local development without holding office. He urged voters to support Sarjis Alam, criticizing past leaders for neglecting the area. Sarjis Alam called on voters to reject those involved in extortion, violence, and oppression, and pledged inclusive leadership. Other alliance leaders, including Jamaat’s district chief and NCP representatives, vowed to prevent vote rigging and ensure fair polling. Speakers also criticized rival parties, accusing them of corruption, false affidavits, and violence, while promising justice, improved healthcare, and honest governance if elected.

England defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets in the rain-affected second T20 match in Pallekele, securing an unassailable 2–0 lead in the three-match series. The victory also marked England’s tenth consecutive T20 win over Sri Lanka since May 2014. Batting first after losing the toss, Sri Lanka posted 189 for five, with contributions from Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, and Pawan Rathnayake. Rain interrupted England’s chase, and the target was revised to 168 runs from 17 overs under the DLS method. England reached the target with two balls to spare, led by Tom Banton’s unbeaten 54 off 33 balls and Harry Brook’s quickfire 36 off 12. Earlier, England lost two wickets before the rain delay but regained control after play resumed. The match result ensured England’s series win ahead of the final game, scheduled to be played at the same venue the following day. The result extended Sri Lanka’s winless run against England in T20 internationals, highlighting the visitors’ dominance in the format over the past decade.

Two local leaders from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Tahirpur upazila of Sunamganj have resigned, citing allegations of extortion and the party’s failure to recognize the success of the July Movement and the importance of the ‘Yes’ vote in a recent referendum. The announcement was made on Monday afternoon at a press conference held at Latifa Conference Hall in Kazi Point, where former BNP general secretary Ruhul Amin and upazila labour wing president Ferdous Alam read out a jointly signed two-page statement explaining their decision. At the event, Ferdous Alam accused the BNP of twisting the narrative of the July Movement and neglecting the referendum’s reform agenda. The leaders also alleged that the party leadership ignored dedicated workers, replaced loyal nominees in the Sunamganj-1 constituency, and failed to act against local leaders accused of extortion and unethical activities. They further claimed that some BNP leaders were collaborating with ruling party figures in destructive activities along the Jadukata River and collecting illegal tolls from river transport and border customs stations. The resignations highlight growing internal dissent within the BNP’s local units in Sunamganj amid accusations of corruption and leadership disputes.

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Chairman Dr. Colonel (Retd.) Oli Ahmed Bir Bikrom said the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is no longer the party of Ziaur Rahman or Khaleda Zia, but has turned into a group of rent-seekers, corrupt individuals, and extortionists. Speaking at an 11-party alliance election rally in Paduya, Lohagara, Chattogram on Monday afternoon, he stated that even from an unused bridge, BNP members collect extortion money. He added that after Begum Zia fell ill, the party again became involved in extortion, declaring that he would rather go to hell than associate with extortionists. Oli Ahmed further alleged that the BNP has become dependent on foreign influence, claiming that those contesting elections against his alliance are tied to India. He warned that if the nation fails to make the right decisions, its independence and sovereignty could be at risk. Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman was also present at the rally.

Several world leaders’ X (formerly Twitter) accounts were hacked ahead of major elections, highlighting growing misuse of social media. The report notes that U.S. Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, as well as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, were among those targeted. In 2020, four months before the U.S. presidential election, a large-scale cyberattack compromised verified accounts of Biden, Obama, Elon Musk, and Bill Gates. Hackers used these accounts to post fraudulent cryptocurrency offers before X regained control after about three hours. Donald Trump’s X account was breached differently when Dutch cybersecurity researcher Victor Gevers claimed to have accessed it without complex tools, prompting the activation of two-factor authentication. Before the 2016 U.S. election, Russian hackers infiltrated the Democratic National Committee’s emails and leaked data, while accounts of Republican figures were also targeted. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s accounts were hacked multiple times, including in 2020 and 2021. One incident falsely claimed that the Indian government had legalized Bitcoin, after which the account was quickly secured and officials urged the public not to be misled.

Jamaat-e-Islami central Nayeb-e-Ameer ATM Azharul Islam stated that those who take refuge in India or flee the country are not friends of the people. He made the remarks on Monday afternoon while addressing an election rally at the Shaheed Minar premises in Nilphamari-2 constituency, where Jamaat candidate Advocate Al Faruk Abdul Latif is contesting for parliament. Azharul Islam emphasized that Jamaat leaders do not flee in fear of death and that the party remains committed to serving the nation with honesty. He alleged that Bangladesh has suffered from corruption for 54 years under previous governments, which he claimed looted banks and destroyed the economy. He said if Jamaat gets the opportunity to serve, it will prioritize ending corruption, arguing that solving corruption would address more than half of the country’s problems. He urged voters to give Jamaat’s “balance scale” symbol a chance, asserting that the party’s past ministers had proven their integrity by running ministries without corruption. Azharul Islam also criticized BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman, accusing him of dishonesty and fleeing abroad for 17 years, contrasting that with Jamaat leaders who, he said, faced death without leaving the country.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and candidate of the 11-party alliance, has alleged renewed violence and intimidation ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. Speaking to journalists during a campaign event in Kunjobon, Rampura, Dhaka, on Monday, he claimed that opponents were resorting to killings and fear tactics to secure victory. He expressed concern that banners were being torn down and his supporters threatened, warning that the overall electoral environment was deteriorating. Islam voiced deep anxiety over what he described as the return of “politics of dead bodies,” saying that the situation resembled previous election periods under the Awami League. He added that there was no guarantee polling centers would remain free from occupation on February 12, the scheduled election day. He also stated that his party had gone to court to challenge any constitutional or legal violations in the electoral process. Islam further accused BNP candidate M A Kaiyum of concealing dual citizenship information from the Election Commission, saying the matter had been taken to court for legal resolution.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expelled 20 union-level leaders and activists in Sreemangal upazila of Moulvibazar district for alleged violations of party discipline and involvement in anti-organizational activities. The decision was announced on Sunday, February 2, 2026, through a press release issued by the Sreemangal upazila BNP. The party stated that the move aimed to preserve internal discipline and strengthen organizational activities. According to the statement signed by upazila BNP convener Md. Nurul Alam Siddiqui and joint convener Md. Hafizur Rahman Chowdhury (Tuhin), the expelled individuals were found to have engaged in activities contrary to party interests. The list includes leaders from several unions, such as Mirzapur, Sindurkhan, Kalighat, Ashidron, Bhunabir, Sreemangal, and Kalapur. The upazila BNP emphasized that disciplinary measures would continue against any future breaches of party rules. The announcement reflects the BNP’s ongoing effort to reinforce internal order and maintain unity among its grassroots leadership in Moulvibazar.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has called upon the people to pray for the welfare of the country and humanity on the occasion of the holy Shab-e-Barat. In a message issued on Monday, he described the night as an extraordinary opportunity to seek Allah’s mercy and forgiveness through worship, charity, and self-reflection. The holy night will be observed across the country on Tuesday night, corresponding to the 14th and 15th of the Islamic month of Sha'ban. In his message, the Chief Adviser extended greetings to Muslims in Bangladesh and around the world. He said Shab-e-Barat offers a unique chance for spiritual purification, forgiveness, and divine blessings. Citing religious teachings, he noted that Allah grants special mercy to His servants on this night, which is regarded as a blessed occasion. Professor Yunus urged everyone to dedicate themselves to human welfare, avoid injustice and superstition, and illuminate personal, social, and national life with the peace and beauty of Islam. He concluded by praying for Allah’s forgiveness and protection for all.

Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, spokesperson and election management committee chairman of the National Citizen Party (NCP), stated that if the 'Yes' side wins in the upcoming referendum, elected candidates will be compelled to remain accountable to the public. He made the comment on Monday, February 2, through a verified Facebook post. In his statement, Bhuiyan noted that candidates usually approach voters only during election periods. However, he said that the reforms to be implemented following a 'Yes' victory would ensure that candidates consistently engage with citizens. His remarks were shared through his verified social media account, emphasizing the party’s stance on strengthening public accountability. The post reflects NCP’s focus on reforming political engagement mechanisms through the referendum process, aiming to enhance continuous communication between elected representatives and the electorate.