A ride-sharing motorcyclist named Abdul Hamid Khan, aged 45, was killed after being hit by a speeding pickup van while crossing the road near Gate No. 2 in Dhaka’s Hatirjheel area shortly after midnight on Sunday. Witnesses said Hamid, who lived in Tejgaon’s Kunipara and worked for ride-sharing apps, was returning home after parking his motorcycle when the vehicle struck him and fled the scene. He was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead at 12:50 a.m. Police and local sources reported that the pickup van sped away immediately after the collision. They suspect the driver lost control due to excessive speed on the nearly empty road. The body has been sent to the hospital morgue for autopsy, and the concerned police station has been informed. Following the incident, social media users renewed calls for safer roads, urging authorities to curb the reckless speed of cargo vehicles at night in the Hatirjheel area. Police have begun collecting CCTV footage to identify the fleeing pickup.

A joint team of police and army recovered 95 crude bombs from the Poragacha Byaparikandi area of Moktarer Char Union in Naria upazila, Shariatpur, early Monday. The explosives were found stored in 12 buckets inside a mosque veranda and houses belonging to local residents Khalil Peda, Jilu Madbar, and Bachchu Peda. Three individuals—Mehedi Hasan, Bachchu Peda, and Roni Peda—were detained during the operation, which also yielded several sharp weapons including spears and machetes. Sub-inspector Akhil Ranjan Sarkar brought the seized items and detainees to Naria police station around 8 a.m. Police said the operation followed intelligence reports about explosives stored for possible sabotage. The area had previously seen similar incidents, including the recovery of 60 crude bombs in August and a fatal explosion in a nearby village in January. In the past three days, police also recovered 22 crude bombs from three other locations in Naria. Officer-in-Charge Bahar Mia stated that law enforcement remains active ahead of the election, with cases being filed and investigations underway to determine who stored the explosives and for what purpose.

Pakistan has decided to boycott its scheduled T20 World Cup match against India, sparking widespread debate. Former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Yousuf publicly supported the decision, calling it necessary despite being difficult. In a post on X, Yousuf said the government’s stance prioritizes values over commercial interests and urged an end to what he described as opportunistic influences in world cricket. Yousuf emphasized that cricket should be guided by fairness and equality rather than selective advantages. He used hashtags referencing the ICC, BCCI, BCB, and global cricket fairness. Previously, Yousuf had also supported Bangladesh’s decision to boycott matches in India over security concerns, criticizing the ICC for ignoring legitimate safety issues and questioning its governance consistency. Pakistan will begin its World Cup campaign on February 7 against the Netherlands, followed by matches against the United States on February 10. The now-boycotted India match had been scheduled for February 15 at Colombo’s Premadasa Stadium.

China has executed four additional members of a Myanmar-based mafia group connected to a large-scale online fraud operation, according to state media reports published on February 2, 2026. The four individuals, belonging to the notorious Bai family, were convicted by a court in Guangdong Province for crimes including fraud and murder. The report noted that in November of the previous year, five other members of the Bai family, including their leader Bai Suocheng, had been sentenced to death. Bai Suocheng later died of illness following his sentencing. Earlier, Chinese authorities had already executed 11 members of the same family for their involvement in running scam centers in Myanmar. Separately, a court in Zhejiang Province had sentenced members of the Ming family in September of the previous year for multiple serious crimes such as murder, illegal detention, fraud, and running gambling operations. The Ming family was among several influential groups controlling Laukkai, a small town near the China–Myanmar border that became known for casinos and nightlife under their rule.

US President Donald Trump has said that Washington is holding talks with Cuba’s top leadership to reach a possible agreement. He made the remarks at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, just days after threatening an effective oil blockade against Cuba’s struggling economy. Trump described Cuba as a failed state and suggested that the absence of Venezuelan support has left Havana vulnerable, though he did not disclose details of the proposed deal. Since the US-led operation on January 3 that removed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, the Trump administration has intensified pressure on the communist-ruled island. Venezuela had been a key ally and oil supplier to Cuba. Last Thursday, Trump signed an executive order threatening additional tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, which led to long queues at Havana’s fuel stations the following day. Meanwhile, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum announced plans to send humanitarian aid, including food and other goods, to Cuba and to pursue diplomatic efforts to maintain oil shipments. The Cuban government accused Trump of trying to economically strangle the island as power outages and fuel shortages worsened.

Election campaigning in Manikganj has intensified, with candidates actively engaging voters across towns and villages. On Monday morning, a group of hijra community members drew attention at Dautia Bazar in Manikganj Sadar upazila as they campaigned for BNP-nominated candidate Afroza Khanam Rita in the Manikganj-3 constituency. Wearing headbands and distributing leaflets, they moved through the market, urging people to vote for the paddy sheaf symbol in a lively and colorful atmosphere. The campaign was led by community leaders Nargis and Rokhsana, joined by others including Nandini, Guti, and Mukta. They stated that around 50 hijra individuals live in Manikganj and are divided into groups to campaign daily for the BNP candidate. They emphasized their rights as citizens and expressed support for those who stand by their community. Local shopkeepers and residents responded with curiosity and encouragement, capturing videos and applauding the group. Many remarked that such participation reflects growing awareness and the beauty of democracy.

A new Asahi newspaper poll indicates that Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, is on track for a major victory in next week’s lower house election. The survey, released on February 2, 2026, shows the LDP could secure well above the 233 seats needed for a majority in the 465-member chamber, up from its current 198 seats. Together with coalition partner Japan Innovation Party (Ishin), the ruling bloc could reach as many as 300 seats, strengthening Takaichi’s mandate. According to Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities strategist Keisuke Tsuruta, such a result would reinforce Takaichi’s authority and allow her to continue her “proactive” economic policies, including boosting consumption and cutting taxes. The main opposition Centrist Reform Alliance faces a potential loss of half its 167 seats amid a tight race. Takaichi dissolved parliament last month and called the snap election for February 8 to seek public approval for her expansionary economic agenda. Her earlier decision to suspend the 8% food tax for two years triggered a market slump and raised public concern about Japan’s fiscal discipline.

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about reaching an agreement with Iran. Speaking to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida on Saturday, Trump said he hoped a deal could be achieved. He also stated that the United States possesses the world’s most powerful warships, according to a report by TASS. Earlier, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had warned that any U.S. attack on Iran would trigger a regional conflict. Responding to Khamenei’s remarks, Trump said it was understandable for him to speak that way and added that time would tell whether Khamenei was right or wrong if no deal was reached. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that discussions on Iran’s nuclear program with the United States remain possible if mutual trust can be restored. He noted that Iran has lost confidence in the U.S. as a negotiating partner and warned that any military intervention in Iran could spread across the broader region.

Bangladesh has formally invited India to observe the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter, both scheduled for February 12, 2026. According to Indian media outlet India Today, the invitation was extended for India to join as an international observer, alongside several other countries and global organizations. New Delhi has not yet responded to the invitation or confirmed whether it will send an observer team. Interim government data show that 330 international observers have so far confirmed participation, representing six international organizations, 16 countries, and 32 individuals from various global institutions. Confirmed observer groups include the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the European Union, and both governmental and non-governmental organizations. The office of Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus stated that the number of international observers this time is more than double that of the disputed general election held on January 7, 2024. Other invited countries include Nepal, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, France, Kuwait, Morocco, Nigeria, and Romania, some of which are still finalizing their delegations.

The army has arrested BNP leader Mohammad Kayes, the prime accused in the murder case of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) leader S M Sohel. The arrest took place on Monday in the Baklia police station area of Chittagong. A police officer from Baklia confirmed the arrest, stating that Kayes was first brought to their station and later transferred to Patiya police station. However, Patiya Police Officer-in-Charge Ziaur Haque said the accused was still at Baklia station and had not yet been handed over. According to the report, Sohel was killed on April 22, 2022, in the Budhpura Bazar area under Patiya police station following a dispute over local dominance. The case was filed by Sohel’s brother, Abul Kasem, chairman of Kashiyaiash Union Parishad, naming Kayes as the main accused along with several others. Sohel was also the nephew of Khalilur Rahman, chairman of KDS Group and president of the Chittagong Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The arrest marks a significant development in a case that has remained under investigation since 2022, with local authorities coordinating between Baklia and Patiya police stations for custody procedures.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by Imran Khan, has alleged that law enforcement agencies detained around 180 of its workers during overnight raids across Karachi and other parts of Sindh. The party claimed the arrests took place on Sunday night and described the actions as political persecution aimed at disrupting its planned protest on February 8. According to PTI, Sindh provincial police conducted raids at the homes of its leaders and activists, detaining them to prevent participation in the upcoming demonstrations. PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh stated that their February 8 strike would be entirely peaceful and insisted that arrests and police operations could not halt their movement. The Sindh government has categorically rejected PTI’s allegations, calling them completely false and misleading. Authorities asserted that PTI was spreading misinformation to energize its protest campaign ahead of the planned demonstrations.

Iranian protester Erfan Soltani, aged 26, who had reportedly been sentenced to death for involvement in last month’s anti-government demonstrations, was released on bail on Saturday, according to his lawyer and human rights groups. Soltani was arrested on January 8 in Fardis, west of Tehran, during widespread protests that triggered a heavy government crackdown. The Norway-based Kurdish rights group Hengaw said authorities initially told his family that his execution could occur within days, but Iran’s judiciary later clarified that he faced only security-related charges and no death sentence had been issued. His lawyer, Amir Musakhani, confirmed that Soltani was freed on bail of 2 billion tomans, approximately 12,600 dollars, and that his personal belongings, including his phone, remained under control. The case drew international attention after reports of his death sentence circulated globally. U.S. President Donald Trump warned of severe consequences if the execution were carried out, while Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei cautioned that any attack could spark regional conflict. Iran’s foreign minister dismissed foreign media reports as fabricated, stating there were no plans for Soltani’s execution. Human rights groups reported thousands killed during the unrest, with investigations ongoing.

The Nigerian army announced that eleven Boko Haram members, including a key commander, were killed during a military operation in the Sambisa Forest of Borno State in the country’s northeast. The operation took place on Sunday, according to a military statement cited by TRT World. The slain commander, identified as Abu Khalid, was described as the group’s second-in-command in the region and was responsible for coordinating logistics and terrorist activities. The army reported no casualties among its personnel. Boko Haram has been active in Nigeria since the early 2000s and has expanded its attacks to neighboring Cameroon, Chad, and Niger since 2015. Authorities said the group has killed at least two people across the Lake Chad basin. The military confirmed that counterterrorism operations in the northeastern forests remain ongoing. The latest operation underscores Nigeria’s continued efforts to weaken Boko Haram’s presence in the region and disrupt its logistical networks.

A confrontation erupted in Bafla Masterpara of Kishoreganj upazila, Nilphamari, on Sunday night, February 1, when supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Jatiya Party (JAPA) clashed over road passage. During the altercation, JAPA candidate Siddikul Alam’s gunman, Abdur Razzak, allegedly pointed his firearm at BNP activists, prompting them to detain him. Army personnel and Kishoreganj police later arrived to bring the situation under control. Ranchandi Union BNP general secretary Moshfiqur Rahman Jewel described the act of brandishing a weapon over a trivial matter as deeply concerning. Meanwhile, Upazila Jamaat-e-Islami leader Abdur Rashid Shah accused the JAPA candidate of using illegal funds in the election and urged administrative intervention. In response, the JAPA candidate’s brother, Tariq, denied the allegations, stating that the security guard was licensed and that BNP activists had vandalized vehicles instead. Kishoreganj police officer-in-charge Abdul Quddus confirmed that no case had been filed regarding the incident as of the report’s publication.

Mufti Syed Mohammad Rezaul Karim, known as Pir Charmonai and the Amir of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, called on young voters to cast their first votes in favor of Islam. He made the remarks on Sunday night at an election rally organized by Islami Andolan Bangladesh at the Nangalkot Central Eidgah ground in Comilla-10 (Nangalkot-Lalmai) constituency. Karim warned that if Islamic scholars do not speak for Islam, harmful influences could reemerge in the country. During his speech, he expressed dissatisfaction with the nation’s progress over the past 54 years, saying that Bangladesh has not achieved what it should have. He criticized those who sell their conscience for money during elections, claiming such actions fuel unrest in the country. The rally was presided over by Mufti Shamsuddoha Ashrafi, the party’s nominated candidate for Comilla-10. Other speakers included Mufti Rezaul Karim Abrar, Mufti Habibur Rahman Misbah, Maulana Baki Billah, Maulana Gazi Masum Khayer, Dr. Abdul Momin Majumdar, and Maulana Nur Islam Mir.