Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) faces uncertainty as the country prepares for a new democratic government following the fall of a long authoritarian regime. Established in 2010 to try genocide and crimes against humanity committed during the 1971 Liberation War, the tribunal has recently completed verdict processes in several high-profile cases linked to the July 2024 revolution and earlier enforced disappearances. Questions now dominate political and legal circles over whether the ICT will continue under the new administration, retain its current structure, or undergo reform. Prosecutors and legal experts expressed mixed expectations. Some believe the incoming government, composed of former allies from the July movement, will continue the trials with renewed commitment. Others fear political shifts could weaken or dissolve the tribunal. Concerns also surround whether Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam will remain in his post, as leadership changes could affect case strategy and credibility. Observers warn that any legal or policy changes by the new government could impact ongoing trials. Maintaining transparency, professional integrity, and adherence to international standards is seen as crucial for preserving justice and public trust in the tribunal’s future.

The upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup, once expected to be a global cricket celebration, has been clouded by political tensions in South Asia. Disputes among India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh have disrupted the festive atmosphere before the tournament begins. India refused to play in Pakistan during the Champions Trophy, prompting Pakistan to decline matches in India. Bangladesh protested the removal of Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL and requested to move its World Cup matches to Sri Lanka, citing safety concerns. The ICC, reportedly influenced by India, rejected the request and replaced Bangladesh with Scotland. Amid the turmoil, Pakistan announced it would not play India even at a neutral venue, intensifying the crisis. The political storm has cast uncertainty over the entire tournament, which had been fully prepared with venues, schedules, and broadcast plans. Cricket fans across the region now fear that politics may overshadow the sport’s spirit. The article concludes that despite the tension, there remains hope that once the games begin, attention will return to cricket’s beauty and unity, rather than division.

A fake document claiming that a major intelligence agency ordered 75 percent of votes for a political party has circulated on social media ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming parliamentary election and referendum. Investigations revealed that the forged letterhead was first shared by Subrata Kumar Sarkar, identified as a staunch Awami League supporter. The content was later copied and spread by multiple Facebook pages and X accounts linked to a banned political group. The document contained numerous inconsistencies, including spelling errors, unusual fonts, and meaningless reference numbers. The report notes that misinformation networks have become increasingly active as some groups, unsuccessful in field politics, turn to social media to question the election’s credibility. Authorities have deployed record numbers of security personnel, opened access to international observers, and placed the Election Commission under strict monitoring to ensure transparency. Analysts cited in the report said the government is expected to take firm legal action against those spreading destabilizing rumors. The article emphasizes that citizens should remain alert to signs of fake documents and maintain confidence in state institutions as the election approaches.

BNP Standing Committee member and Cox’s Bazar-1 (Chakaria–Pekua) candidate Salahuddin Ahmed announced that his party will ensure fair prices for salt producers if it forms the next government. He made the statement on Thursday at an election rally jointly organized by the Moghnama and Ujantia Union BNP units at Moghnama High School field in Pekua upazila. Ahmed criticized the current disparity in salt pricing, noting that while consumers in Dhaka pay 40 taka per kilogram, salt farmers in Cox’s Bazar receive less than 10 taka. He blamed the interim government’s decision to import salt for depressing local prices, adding that imports were later halted following BNP’s request. He expressed optimism that salt prices would gradually rise again. The BNP leader also pledged to introduce a family card program for low-income citizens and promote economic stability through poverty alleviation. He argued that rival candidates lack clear plans for the country’s development and urged voters to support the BNP’s “sheaf of paddy” symbol in the upcoming February 12 national election.

Mufti Amir Hamza, the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for the Kushtia Sadar constituency, held a press conference on Thursday night at his residence in Amlapara, Kushtia, following the removal of his verified Facebook page. He claimed that a conspiratorial group had filed false complaints and fake reports against his official page, leading to its removal. The page, which had about 650,000 followers, became inaccessible after Thursday afternoon. Hamza said he had long used Facebook and other digital platforms to share messages on Islamic teachings, ethics, and social values. He alleged that a rival political group, fearing defeat in the upcoming election, orchestrated a “planned cyber attack” to disrupt his online campaign. According to him, the strong response to his campaign both offline and online had unsettled his opponents. He added that an appeal with supporting evidence had been submitted to Facebook authorities and that his technical team was working to restore the page. Hamza also said he would seek legal action under national laws and file a complaint with the cybercrime unit if necessary.

The ICC Under-19 World Cup final between England and India will be broadcast live at 1:30 p.m. on Star Sports and Jio Hotstar, according to the schedule released on February 6, 2026. The day’s sports lineup also includes T20 World Cup warm-up matches featuring Italy versus the United Arab Emirates at 3:30 p.m. and India A versus Namibia at 5:30 p.m., both available on Rabbithole. Football fans will have several live options as well. The English Premier League match between Leeds United and Nottingham Forest will air at 2:00 a.m. on Bet365. La Liga’s Celta Vigo versus Osasuna will also start at 2:00 a.m. on Fancode and Bet365. Additional European fixtures include Verona versus Pisa in Serie A at 1:45 a.m., Union Berlin versus Frankfurt in the Bundesliga at 1:30 a.m., and Metz versus Lille in Ligue 1 at 1:45 a.m. The schedule highlights a packed day of international cricket and football broadcasts across multiple platforms, offering fans a wide range of live viewing choices.

More than a hundred men, women and youths from the Chakma, Marma and Tripura communities formally joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in Khagrachhari on Thursday evening. The event took place on the stage of an election rally, where the new members expressed support for the party’s electoral symbol, the balance scale. Jamaat’s central assistant secretary general, Maulana Mohammad Shahjahan, welcomed the new members and said the party aims to build a peaceful and inclusive Bangladesh that protects the rights and dignity of all communities. The joining ceremony was attended by Khagrachhari district Jamaat chief Professor Syed Abdul Momen, Jamaat-nominated candidate Advocate Eyakub Ali Chowdhury, Bandarban district Jamaat chief A.S.M. Abdus Salam, Rangamati district chief Professor Abdul Alim, National Citizen Party’s southern regional organizer Minjila Jhum, and Marma Unity Federation convener Chaithoai Marma, along with representatives from the three ethnic groups. The new members said they joined Jamaat-e-Islami with hopes for equality, justice and peaceful coexistence, and pledged to work actively for the balance scale symbol in the upcoming election.

More than one hundred leaders and activists from BNP’s associate bodies in Pabna-4 (Ishwardi–Atgharia) constituency resigned en masse on Thursday, February 6, 2026, expressing anger over party nominations, expulsion threats, and dissatisfaction with central decisions. The announcement was made at an emergency press conference at Kacharipara field in Ishwardi municipal town, where the participants symbolically celebrated their protest by sharing sweets. Among the resigning members were at least 64 officeholders from the upazila and municipal units of Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal, along with several hundred supporters. In a written statement, Shahapur Union Swechchhasebak Dal president and upazila Jubo Dal joint convener Md. Rasel Parvez said they were disappointed that Zakaria Pintu, who had led local movements, was denied the BNP nomination and is now contesting as an independent candidate. He added that repeated expulsion threats from the party prompted their collective resignation. Central BNP member and former Ishwardi mayor Mokhlesur Rahman Babul commented that such resignations before the election are personal decisions but not beneficial for the party. Local analysts noted the mass resignation could affect BNP’s organizational strength and alter the electoral dynamics in the constituency.

BNP candidate for Chattogram-4, Aslam Chowdhury, has been accused of defrauding families of July Movement martyrs, injured activists, and journalists by issuing 1,200 checks that repeatedly bounced. The checks, each worth 50,000 taka, were distributed on January 7 at an event held at the Institution of Diploma Engineers Bangladesh (IDEB) auditorium in Dhaka, organized by Chowdhury’s company, JAM Sangstha. Recipients later discovered that the account lacked sufficient funds, and some checks were invalid due to missing signatures. Victims expressed anger and humiliation, saying they were promised financial honor but faced repeated rejection at banks. Chowdhury reportedly assured them on January 16 that funds would be deposited, but subsequent visits showed only minimal balances. Bank officials confirmed both insufficient funds and signature issues. Victims alleged the event was politically motivated rather than a genuine act of support. In response, Aslam Chowdhury told Amader Desh that the problem arose from business difficulties and promised full payment by February 10. The report also noted previous allegations of large-scale loan defaults against him involving multiple banks.

Ticket sales for the T20 World Cup matches at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens have dropped sharply after Bangladesh withdrew from the tournament. The Bangladesh team was originally scheduled to play three group-stage matches at the iconic stadium, but the Bangladesh Cricket Board declined to play in India citing security concerns. The International Cricket Council subsequently replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the competition. According to Indian media reports, ticket counters at Eden Gardens have seen minimal crowds, with only a handful of fans lining up for purchases. The stadium, which can hold 65,000 spectators, has sold fewer than 21,000 tickets so far. Specific match sales remain low, including just 2,917 tickets for the West Indies–Scotland game and 348 for Scotland–Italy. Even the combined sales for the Super Eight and semifinal rounds have reached only about 9,000. The absence of both Bangladesh and India in the group-stage fixtures at Eden Gardens is being cited as the main reason for the weak spectator turnout.

Former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Najam Sethi has said that despite short-term losses, the recent stance taken by Bangladesh and Pakistan over the T20 World Cup could ultimately lead to a stronger and reformed International Cricket Council (ICC). Bangladesh withdrew from the tournament in India citing security concerns, after the ICC rejected its request to play in Sri Lanka. In response, the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland. Pakistan, protesting what it called ICC’s double standards, decided to boycott its World Cup match against India. Sethi told India Today that the current situation may cause temporary setbacks but could bring long-term benefits by reducing India’s dominance in the ICC. He argued that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) exerts disproportionate influence over the ICC, leading to unequal treatment of member nations. Sethi added that both Bangladesh and Pakistan now share a common view that it is time to stand up against such policies. He also noted that discussions between the Pakistan government and the PCB are ongoing regarding the boycott decision, expressing hope that talks may yield a positive outcome before the scheduled match.

The interim government of Bangladesh has decided to request the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to conduct an investigation into the killing of Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam confirmed on Thursday that the government will formally propose the inquiry as soon as possible. He stated that the administration is committed to ensuring full justice in the case and will extend full cooperation to any such investigation. Earlier, the Inquilab Moncho organization and members of Hadi’s family had demanded a UN-led probe to ensure impartiality. They held a sit-in protest in front of the Chief Adviser’s residence, Jamuna, joined by Hadi’s wife, Inquilab Moncho’s member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber, and Dhaka University unit convener Fatima Tasnim Juma. Protesters expressed concern that justice might not be served after the interim government’s tenure ends and urged Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to send a formal request to the UN. Hadi was shot on December 12 in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area and later died on December 18 in Singapore after being transferred for treatment.

At least 50 to 55 leaders and supporters from the BNP and Jatiya Party formally joined the National Citizens Party (NCP) in Pirgacha, Rangpur, creating a stir in local politics. The joining ceremony took place on Thursday evening at the Sechakandi Orphanage area of Parul Union during an NCP election courtyard meeting. NCP member secretary and Rangpur-4 (Kaunia-Pirgacha) candidate Akhtar Hossain attended the event. Participants included Abu Raihan, Abdul Gafur, Iman Ali, Mizanur Rahman, Badsha Mia, Minhazul Islam, Rostom Khan Dipjal, and others. The new members said they left their former parties due to a lack of recognition for patriotic and dedicated workers. They described the NCP as an honest, courageous, and people-oriented alternative political force aiming to build a united Bangladesh. Akhtar Hossain welcomed the newcomers, saying their decision reflected a growing desire for change among citizens. He expressed optimism that more leaders and activists would join the NCP in the coming days.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the southern region of the Nationalist Citizens Party (NCP), said that seeking votes is more honorable than extortion. He made the remarks on Thursday afternoon at a rally of the 11-party alliance in Chandla Union of Brahmanpara upazila, Comilla. Abdullah emphasized that police officers should not be bribed and that law enforcement should act with conscience and professional integrity to ensure a fair election. He called on party workers to intensify their campaign efforts until election day, visiting more households daily and personally appealing to voters. Abdullah claimed that even some workers from rival parties were dissatisfied with corruption and might support his side. He contrasted two groups in Bangladesh—one allegedly aligned with foreign interests and corruption, and another striving for national independence and freedom from authoritarianism. Abdullah concluded by asserting that the power to decide the nation’s future lies with the voters, not the candidates, urging citizens to act responsibly in the upcoming polls.

A caravan campaign supporting the 'Yes' vote in the upcoming referendum and 13th National Parliament election was launched in Dhaka-18 constituency on Thursday, February 5, 2026. The event took place in Uttara, where Ariful Islam, the candidate of the ten-party 'United Bangladesh Alliance' that includes Jamaat and NCPC, inaugurated the campaign in front of the BNS Center. The mobile campaign traveled through various areas of Uttarkhan and Dakshinkhan police stations, promoting the importance of voting 'Yes' in the referendum. During the campaign, vehicles displayed the Shapla Kolly symbol and played songs supporting the 'Yes' vote, drawing significant public attention. Many residents stopped to watch the caravan and responded positively. In his opening remarks, Ariful Islam said the alliance was formed to resist Indian dominance, terrorism, corruption, and extortion, and to build public support for the July Charter and the 'Yes' vote. He added that the alliance envisions a new Bangladesh where no one can become autocratic if the 'Yes' vote wins, emphasizing that their campaign aims to realize a people’s Bangladesh.