Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman called on young people to prepare to take charge of Bangladesh’s future. He made the remarks on Monday afternoon during an election rally in Cox’s Bazar, where he served as the chief guest. Addressing supporters, he said those who oppose the movement for change aim to reestablish fascism. He also pledged that if Jamaat came to power, the party would recover money allegedly looted and sent abroad. Dr. Rahman emphasized that his goal was not only Jamaat’s victory but the victory of all 180 million people of Bangladesh. He stated that if everyone wins, he too would share in that success. He further promised that if Jamaat wins, residents of Kutubdia would have a minister representing them, urging the audience to decide whether they wanted an MP or a minister. The rally highlighted Jamaat’s attempt to mobilize youth and present itself as a force for national change ahead of upcoming elections.

Severe cracks have appeared in the pillars and beams of the Debidwar Upazila Health Complex in Cumilla, creating a dangerous situation for patients and staff. Plaster from the walls and ceiling has been falling off in several wards, including the children’s ward, raising fears of a major accident at any time. On-site observations revealed a large crack in a key pillar on the southern side of the building. Nurse Nasrin Akter, responsible for the children’s ward, said parts of the ceiling had fallen multiple times, causing panic among staff, patients, and their families. Visitors expressed anger that no effective action had been taken despite the visible danger, urging immediate structural inspection and repair. Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Mohibul Hasan stated that the issue had been reported to higher authorities, who are conducting technical assessments and preparing for necessary repairs.

A writ petition has been filed in the High Court challenging the eligibility of Dr. M A Kayum, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidate for the Dhaka-11 constituency, on allegations of concealing foreign citizenship information. The petition was submitted on Monday by Nahid Islam, the Eleven-Party Alliance candidate and convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), in the relevant branch of the High Court. The writ seeks suspension of Dr. Kayum’s candidacy, alleging fraud related to his foreign citizenship status. Earlier, the Election Commission had declared valid the nomination papers of both Nahid Islam and Dr. M A Kayum, who also serves as the BNP’s microcredit affairs secretary. The petition directly challenges that decision, calling for judicial review of the commission’s approval. The High Court’s decision on the writ could affect the electoral process in Dhaka-11, depending on whether the court upholds or suspends Dr. Kayum’s candidacy.

Pakistan’s government announced on February 1 that the national team will participate in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup but will boycott its scheduled match against India. The decision was made in protest of an ICC ruling related to Bangladesh. Following the announcement, the International Cricket Council (ICC) responded with a statement urging Pakistan to reconsider its stance and to uphold the spirit of global competition. The ICC noted that it respects national policies but emphasized that a boycott contradicts the fundamental purpose of a global sporting event, where all qualified teams are expected to compete under equal conditions. It warned that Pakistan’s decision could harm the integrity and fairness of the tournament and negatively affect fans worldwide. The ICC also stated it is awaiting formal communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the matter. Expressing optimism for resolution, the ICC said its priority is to ensure the World Cup’s successful completion and encouraged the PCB to find a mutually acceptable solution that protects the interests of all stakeholders.

A major controversy has erupted across Bangladesh after an alleged post from Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman’s verified X (formerly Twitter) account made disparaging remarks about working women. The post quickly went viral, prompting widespread criticism on social media and strong condemnation from political rivals, including the BNP, whose student wing staged protest marches accusing Jamaat of misogyny. Jamaat-e-Islami has denied responsibility, claiming the Ameer’s account was hacked as part of a political conspiracy to tarnish his image. The party said a government official’s email from Bangabhaban was used in the hack and that its IT team regained control of the account within hours. Jamaat filed a general diary with police, informed the Election Commission and Cyber Tribunal, and held a press conference detailing the incident. Dr. Rahman later apologized to anyone hurt by the false post but insisted it was the work of hackers. BNP leaders questioned the credibility of the hacking claim, noting the delay in reporting and suggesting the explanation was unconvincing. The issue has fueled heated debate ahead of the national election.

A violent attack and looting took place at the home of visually impaired Gafur Mallik in Kholabaria village under Pachuaria Union of Rajbari Sadar upazila. The incident occurred on Friday evening when a group of armed assailants stormed the house, vandalized property, and allegedly stole about 55,000 taka. Police have arrested one woman in connection with the case, and a formal complaint has been filed by Gafur’s adopted son, Baten Mallik, naming several suspects including Nannu Sheikh, Saddam Sheikh, and Rezaul Islam Nazir. According to the complaint, the attack was carried out due to a previous business dispute. The same group also reportedly attacked the nearby home of Gafur’s brother, Hanif Mallik, damaging furniture and taking valuables. Rajbari Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Khondokar Ziaur Rahman confirmed that a case has been recorded and operations are ongoing to arrest the remaining suspects. Gafur Mallik, aged 75, has long earned his living selling traditional sweets on buses and trains. In recognition of his perseverance, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman had earlier provided him with financial assistance of 170,000 taka through party leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

The upcoming parliamentary election in Sunamganj-2 (Dirai-Shalla) has sparked intense campaigning between rival candidates. From early morning until late night, candidates and their supporters are holding rallies, market meetings, and door-to-door visits to seek votes. Family members of the contenders have also joined the campaign, meeting voters directly and sharing promises for local development. Digital banners and creative online outreach have replaced paper posters, especially targeting young voters. BNP’s national executive committee member Nasir Uddin Chowdhury is contesting against Shishir Monir, the candidate of Jamaat-e-Islami and a ten-party alliance. Nasir, a veteran politician and former two-time upazila chairman, continues campaigning despite health issues, while Monir, a young lawyer, is gaining popularity through social media and grassroots engagement with farmers, laborers, expatriates, and the third-gender community. Local residents express divided opinions: some praise Nasir’s long-standing leadership and liberation war background, while others believe Monir’s approach could bring long-awaited development to the neglected Dirai-Shalla region.

In Jamalpur’s hilly areas bordering India’s Meghalaya, the indigenous Garo community remains indifferent to Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election. Despite nationwide political fervor, residents of seven Garo villages under Bakshiganj’s Dhanua Kamalpur Union say they see no reason to vote. They claim that election promises made by candidates are never fulfilled, leaving them without basic civic amenities even after 54 years of independence. Local residents, including Khogis Sangma and Kapus Marak of the Tribal Welfare Association, expressed frustration over poor roads, inadequate sanitation, lack of employment, and limited access to education and healthcare. They said elected representatives rarely visit after winning, and development in the hills remains negligible. The community also faces crop and property damage from wild elephants descending into villages. The Garos say they no longer want promises but tangible development. Their main demand after the 13th election is the implementation of long-delayed infrastructure and welfare measures in their remote settlements.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain expressed optimism that Bangladesh’s upcoming national parliamentary election, scheduled for February 12, will be free and peaceful. He made the remarks on Sunday at the closing ceremony of a training program organized by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at a hotel in Dhaka. Referring to political consensus and past election examples, Hossain said voter turnout in the upcoming election is expected to exceed 55 percent, noting that the 1991 national election saw a 55 percent turnout. Responding to a question, he added that earlier confusion among some people about the “yes” vote has been resolved as major political parties now support it. He believes that since people generally follow their party’s stance, the proposal will easily pass. On another topic, Hossain said he was not concerned about Pakistan’s decision regarding participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup, describing it as an internal matter for that country. He clarified that Pakistan has not said it will not play, only that it will consider the issue.

Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) has launched a pilot Starlink internet connection to address persistent connectivity problems on campus. The initiative began on Sunday, February 1, with JAKSU Vice President Md. Riazul Islam announcing the start of the trial and General Secretary Abdul Alim Arif confirming its successful activation later that night. The project aims to improve internet access for academic, research, and online learning activities. According to Arif, slow internet speeds have become a major obstacle for students, and the pilot program seeks a sustainable long-term solution. Riazul Islam explained that although the university currently has a contract with another provider, Starlink is being tested for one to two months to evaluate its performance. The university’s existing Wi-Fi service is provided through a contract with BdREN, and JAKSU plans to compare costs, service quality, and long-term benefits before making a final decision. If Starlink proves to deliver better service, JAKSU intends to propose its expansion across all university rooms and laboratories in consultation with the administration.

Professor Aslam Chowdhury, former joint secretary general of the BNP and candidate for Chittagong-4 (Sitakunda), stated that the country’s industrial and trade sectors would see major growth if the BNP comes to power. He emphasized that ensuring a fair and secure investment environment would increase employment and significantly reduce unemployment. He made these remarks on Saturday during a daylong public outreach program in the 9th North Pahartali Ward of Chittagong city. The campaign began with a visit to the Nuriya Madrasa shrine and included meetings with residents across various neighborhoods of Pahartali. Chowdhury described the Chittagong-4 constituency, including Pahartali, as a promising area for industrial and commercial development. He said that with an investment-friendly environment, new factories and businesses could emerge, creating jobs for local youth. He further noted that Pahartali’s close economic and social ties with Sitakunda and Chittagong city make it suitable for integrated development. He pledged improvements in communication, employment, education, and tourism, urging local residents to support the BNP’s electoral victory to achieve these goals.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman carried out extensive mass outreach in his Dhaka-15 constituency on Sunday afternoon. The campaign march took place in the Uttara Kafrul area of Mirpur, beginning at 4:30 p.m. from the East Baishteki Graveyard Mosque. Before the procession, Dr. Rahman addressed a gathering, pledging never to misuse public resources and emphasizing that corruption contradicts the party’s principles. He stated that returning misappropriated public assets to the people is their responsibility. During his speech, Dr. Rahman sought forgiveness from anyone who may have been hurt by the party’s words and prayed for sincerity in serving the people. He reiterated that Jamaat-e-Islami does not pursue personal or group agendas. The rally, held under the party’s electoral symbol, was attended by senior Jamaat leaders including Mobarak Hossain, Abdur Rahman, Laskar Md. Taslim, and others. After the assembly, the procession peacefully marched through various local streets, with participants chanting slogans in favor of a just and corruption-free society.

The Bangladesh Navy has announced full preparedness to ensure that the upcoming national parliamentary election and referendum on February 12 are held in a free, fair, and festive environment. On Sunday, Rear Admiral Mohammad Musa, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Operations), inspected contingents and polling centers in the Navy’s assigned areas. During his visits, he met with local administration and representatives of other law enforcement agencies to coordinate efforts for a peaceful election. Rear Admiral Musa visited contingents in Teknaf, Saint Martin, and Maheshkhali, where he provided special directives to personnel responsible for election duties. He urged all forces to work together to maintain normal and stable law and order during the polls. The Navy, along with other law enforcement agencies, has already deployed contingents and intensified patrols at key locations to ensure voter safety. According to an ISPR press release, both land and maritime patrols have been strengthened, with vehicles, boats, and naval ships deployed to handle any adverse situation efficiently and decisively.

A gun attack targeted the private car of former Chhatra Dal leader Amir Hossain, a supporter of BNP-nominated candidate Nazrul Islam Azad, in Araihazar, Narayanganj on Saturday night, February 1. The incident occurred around 7:45 p.m. near Baghanagar on the Araihazar–Bishnandi ferry ghat bypass road. Although bullets shattered the car’s windows, Amir Hossain and his companion, Mahmudpur Union BNP senior joint convener Md. Sadekur Rahman Sadek, escaped unharmed. According to Amir Hossain, two unidentified men on a motorcycle approached from the same direction and fired at the right and front windows of his moving black car before fleeing the scene. Locals informed the police, who later inspected the site. The identities of the attackers and the motive behind the shooting remain unknown. Araihazar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Alauddin stated that an investigation has been initiated based on the complaint and that necessary legal measures will be taken.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has issued a warning about a fraudulent group targeting officials assigned to the national election. According to a notice signed by Md. Mamun Ar Rashid, Deputy Director of the Department of Films and Publications attached to the EC, the fraudsters are contacting officials and asking for their bKash numbers under the false promise of paying election honorariums. The notice, released on Sunday, February 1, 2026, identified two phone numbers—01342046232 and 01612677074—used for these deceptive calls. The EC clarified that all officials will receive their election honorariums through presiding officers after the upcoming referendum and national parliamentary polls, following official procedures. It emphasized that no individual or organization is authorized to collect personal financial details or distribute payments on behalf of the commission. The commission urged all election officials not to respond to such fraudulent calls and to remain cautious against any unauthorized communication related to election payments.