Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced that around 900,000 members of law enforcement agencies will be deployed across the country for the 13th National Parliamentary Election. He said 25,700 body-worn cameras will be distributed to nearly 43,000 polling centers to strengthen security monitoring. The announcement came during a press briefing on Saturday evening. According to the press secretary, 108,885 members of the armed forces, 37,453 from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), over 3,000 Coast Guard members, and 567,866 Ansar personnel will begin duties from Sunday. From February 11, 157,000 police officers and a specified number of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) members will take up election duties across 299 constituencies. He also reported that 422,960 postal ballots have already arrived in Bangladesh, with 94 percent of overseas postal voters being men. The briefing further stated that about 400 foreign observers, 50,000 domestic observers, and 120 foreign journalists will monitor the election. The Election Security App has been fully activated to help officials oversee law and order during the polls.

Bangladesh Television (BTV) has announced that four political party leaders will deliver televised speeches ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election. Starting Sunday, February 8, 2026, the state broadcaster will air these addresses as part of newly introduced reforms following the July uprising. According to BTV sources, Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis chief Mamunul Haque will speak from 6–7 p.m., followed by National Citizen Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam from 7–8 p.m. The next day, February 9, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman will speak from 6–7 p.m., and BNP chairman Tarique Rahman from 7–8 p.m. A BTV official said no other parties have yet requested broadcast slots, but additional applications will be considered if received. This marks the first time in about fifteen years that party leaders are being allowed to address the nation through the state broadcaster. The last such opportunity was during the army-backed caretaker government in 2008, while the previous three national elections did not feature similar broadcasts. The initiative reflects policy changes in state media operations introduced after the July uprising, signaling a shift toward broader political inclusion in election coverage.

The Education Rights Parliament has expressed deep concern over the government's move to rapidly approve the proposed Education Act 2026. In a statement signed by its convener Professor Niaz Asadullah, the organization said that enacting such a significant law during the interim government's limited tenure, without public engagement, stakeholder consultation, or national consensus, would be inappropriate. According to the statement, the draft law largely reiterates existing education structures and lacks clear direction for future-oriented reforms, structural changes, and quality improvements. The group also pointed out definitional ambiguities, unclear governance frameworks, and insufficient implementation guidelines that could lead to administrative and policy complications. It argued that essential policy matters should be defined by law rather than left to regulations. The Education Rights Parliament recommended deferring the approval of the Education Act 2026 until a newly elected government takes office, allowing for inclusive participation and broad-based dialogue to produce a strong and sustainable education law. The statement emphasized that meaningful education reform requires time, dialogue, and consensus for the benefit of the state and future generations.

Allegations of irregularities have surfaced in the appointment of presiding officers for the 13th National Parliament election and referendum in Bakerganj, Barishal. Indrajit Das, the current legal affairs secretary of Bakerganj municipal Awami League and an assistant professor at Ragunathpur M A Malek Degree College, has reportedly been assigned as a presiding officer. The appointment has sparked criticism as several Awami League leaders, activists, and their family members were also reportedly given election duties. Indrajit Das was seen attending a training session for presiding officers at the Upazila auditorium on Friday afternoon. His name appeared on the official training list signed by Assistant Returning Officer and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Rumana Afroze. Attempts to reach Das for comment were unsuccessful as he did not answer phone calls. Rumana Afroze stated that if any complaint is proven against him, he would be relieved of his duties. Repeated calls to Barishal District Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Md Khairul Alam Sumon went unanswered, leaving the issue unresolved.

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas, contesting from Dhaka-8, hosted his electoral rival Meghna Alam, a model and Gonodhikar Parishad candidate, for tea at his Shahjahanpur residence on Saturday afternoon. Meghna, who is contesting under the truck symbol, attended the courtesy meeting and shared photos of their conversation at the same table. In her social media post, Meghna wrote that she and her Gonodhikar Parishad team accepted Abbas’s tea invitation and enjoyed kacchi biryani. She emphasized that her politics stands for mutual respect and national unity rather than vengeance, and urged voters to support her in Dhaka-8. Later, she posted a video showing herself petting a goat at Abbas’s home, captioning it with a message about kindness to living beings. The meeting reflected a gesture of political civility between two rivals in the Dhaka-8 constituency ahead of the election, highlighting a rare moment of cordiality in the campaign atmosphere.

Fifty Bangladeshi cricketers have been included in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) auction, marking the third-highest representation from a foreign country after Australia with 60 and the West Indies with 57 players. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released the auction list on February 6, 2026. Among Bangladeshi players, only pacer Mustafizur Rahman has already secured a team, joining Lahore Qalandars as one of six directly contracted players. Star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim, and Zakir Hasan have entered the auction with the highest base price of 22 million Pakistani rupees each. National team captains Liton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Najmul Hossain Shanto are among those listed in the 11 million rupee category, while players like Mohammad Naim, Sabbir Rahman, Akbar Ali, and Aliss Al Islam are in the 6 million rupee bracket. This year’s PSL will feature an auction format for the first time, replacing the previous players’ draft system. The auction is scheduled to take place in Lahore on February 11, 2026.

Ballot papers featuring candidate names and symbols for the upcoming 13th National Parliament Election and referendum will be distributed in Gazipur district from Sunday, February 8. The announcement was made on Saturday, February 7, by Gazipur Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Mohammad Alam Hossain. He instructed assistant returning officers to collect election materials in person or through authorized representatives with official seals, ensuring proper security arrangements with police presence. The 13th National Parliament Election and referendum are scheduled for February 12. Candidates are currently engaged in campaign activities, which will continue until February 10. The distribution of ballots marks a key step in the final phase of election preparations in Gazipur. According to the report, the government has expressed satisfaction with overall election readiness, and additional security measures, including body-worn cameras at polling centers, are being implemented to ensure transparency and safety during the voting process.

Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Hafiz Abdul Muntakim for Nilphamari-4 constituency engaged directly with members of the Gen-Z generation in Syedpur on Saturday, February 6. The event, titled “Moving Forward with Youth, Syedpur Will See Success,” was organized by Islami Chhatri Sangstha’s Syedpur city branch. Young participants raised questions about his vision for Bangladesh, traffic congestion in Syedpur, post-election communication with citizens, and justice for Osman Hadi’s killing. In response, Muntakim said he aims to build a corruption-free and terrorism-free Bangladesh with a fully technology-based education system. Addressing the traffic issue, he promised effective measures, including permanent shops for street vendors in alternative locations. He also pledged regular public engagement and accountability sessions every six months with Gen-Z representatives. On the question of Osman Hadi’s murder, he vowed to demand justice in his first parliamentary speech if elected. The meeting was attended by NCP central organizer Abu Sayeed Leon, Nilphamari Jamaat office secretary Abdul Kadim, Syedpur Jamaat leader Shafiqul Islam, city secretary Wazed Ali, and leaders of women’s and student wings.

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Mashud stated that there will be no election engineering in the upcoming 13th National Parliament election and referendum. Speaking to journalists on Saturday, February 7, at Rangpur Circuit House after a views-exchange meeting, he said the environment is supportive for a fair election. He emphasized that returning officers, assistant returning officers, 1.8 million election officials, and law enforcement agencies including police, BGB, army, and Ansar are committed to ensuring a good election. Mashud added that the Election Commission is under no pressure regarding the current national situation but called for cooperation to make the election easy and acceptable. He said the Commission opposes any movement against the election process and urged citizens to act responsibly to maintain a peaceful environment. He noted that the political climate and voting culture have improved, with major party leaders following the Commission’s guidance by removing posters and canceling tours. He also condemned all forms of violence and specifically denounced the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, instructing law enforcement to conduct a proper investigation and bring the culprit to justice.

Dhaka South BNP convener and Feni-1 constituency candidate Munshi Rafiqul Alam Majnu has called for ensuring the victory of the 'Sheaf of Paddy' symbol to uphold the honor of Khaleda Zia. He made the remarks on Saturday, February 6, at an election rally organized by Parshuram Upazila and Municipal BNP, where he was the chief guest. Majnu said he would complete the unfinished tasks left by Khaleda Zia and rebuild Feni-1 under the leadership of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman. He pledged to transform the area into a developed region and to take a firm stance against terrorism and extortion, warning that those involved in such activities would not be allowed in the party. He also urged people not to believe those who misuse religion. Majnu added that, if elected, he aims to establish a society based on Islamic values where all religions can be practiced freely. He promised to build mini stadiums in three upazilas, reopen the Feni-Belonia railway, improve agriculture through canal excavation, and enhance health and education sectors.

All educational institutions across Bangladesh will remain closed for five consecutive days from February 11 to 15, 2026. According to the Ministry of Education’s published holiday list, classes will be suspended nationwide during this period. The closure includes holidays on February 11 and 12 for the 13th National Parliamentary Election, followed by the regular weekend on February 13 and 14, and finally February 15 for the observance of Shree Shree Shivratri Brata. The ministry’s analysis shows that this will be the first major extended holiday of the year and the fifth listed holiday so far. In addition to the education sector, February 11 has been declared a public holiday for the election, while February 10 will be a general holiday for industrial workers. Election day, February 12, had already been announced as a public holiday. This sequence of holidays marks a significant break for students and teachers early in the academic year, coinciding with national election activities and a religious observance.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that the United States wants the ongoing war with Russia to end by mid-June. He stated that both Ukraine and Russia have been invited to the United States next week for discussions aimed at achieving that goal. According to Zelensky, the US has proposed that negotiating teams from both countries meet in the US, possibly in Miami, and Ukraine has confirmed its participation. No immediate comments were available from Washington or Moscow regarding the proposal. The report noted that US President Donald Trump has long been pressing for an end to the conflict since taking office. Meanwhile, Russia continues to target Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, causing widespread power outages during the harsh winter. Zelensky also mentioned that a possible trilateral meeting among leaders was discussed for the first time, though he cautioned that preparatory steps are needed before such a meeting. He added that the US aims to complete everything by June, influenced by its internal affairs, but did not provide further details.

Several human rights organizations have issued travel warnings for Florida, one of the host venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing concerns over civil rights and tourist safety. The Florida Immigrant Coalition and the American Friends Service Committee warned that the state’s current immigration policies and law enforcement practices could create a risky environment for international visitors. They advised football fans to remain cautious, particularly due to fears of racial profiling and arbitrary questioning. Tessa Petit, executive director of the Florida Immigrant Coalition, questioned the safety of international tourists, saying that even those with valid documents could face harassment. The groups alleged that people might be stopped or interrogated based on appearance, language, or race, with visitors from Asia, Africa, and Latin America facing higher risks. They also criticized Florida’s immigration and “Stand Your Ground” laws, claiming these could be misused to target minorities. Florida authorities rejected the allegations, asserting that visitors have nothing to fear if they follow the law. Observers now await whether FIFA or the Trump administration will respond before the global tournament.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) project coordinator Craig Kenji warned that Israel’s threat to ban the organization from operating in Gaza could remove a critical lifeline for residents. Speaking to Al Jazeera from Gaza’s Al-Mawasi area, Kenji said Israel issued the warning after MSF refused to provide a list and personal details of its staff. He noted that MSF supports about 20 percent of hospital beds in Gaza, handles one-third of all deliveries, and has provided over 800,000 medical consultations annually. Kenji cautioned that if MSF and other NGOs are forced to leave, Gaza’s clean water crisis would worsen severely. The organization currently distributes more than 4.5 million liters of water daily, equivalent to 65 kilometers of jerry cans lined up each day. He added that without registration, MSF cannot bring in supplies, deploy international staff, or pay local partners for their services. Kenji emphasized that if MSF’s registration is revoked, continuing operations in Gaza would become nearly impossible.

The political platform July Oikya announced a nationwide 'India Out' campaign from a rally titled 'Rally for Bangladesh' held at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka on Saturday afternoon. The group accused India of sheltering those involved in the killing of Shaheed Osman Hadi, interfering in Bangladesh’s election and sports systems, and conspiring against the country’s sovereignty ahead of the upcoming 13th national election. Following the rally, participants marched to Shaheed Osman Hadi Square. Speakers alleged that India has been weakening Bangladesh through indirect means for decades, citing trade restrictions, water-sharing disputes, and border issues. They also claimed Indian influence led to Bangladesh’s exclusion from the ICC T20 World Cup and criticized the government for failing to arrest Osman Hadi’s killers. The rally demanded an international investigation under the United Nations into Hadi’s murder, expressing distrust in domestic agencies. Participants vowed to resist any foreign interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs and called on citizens to join the anti-hegemony movement, chanting slogans such as 'India Out' and 'Boycott India'.