India’s new fiscal year budget has increased grant assistance to Bangladesh by 74 percent, allocating 600 million rupees for the 2027 financial year. According to The Hindu Business Line, citing India’s central budget documents, this marks a significant rise from the revised figure of 344.8 million rupees in the previous year. The report noted that despite domestic discussions about anti-India sentiment, New Delhi expanded its allocation to Dhaka. The budget also shows India halting all grants to Iran’s Chabahar Port, which previously received 4 billion rupees, reportedly due to U.S. sanctions pressure. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s grant rose by 50 percent to 1.5 billion rupees, and Bhutan remains the largest recipient with a total of 22.88 billion rupees. In contrast, allocations for Nepal, the Maldives, and Mauritius were reduced, with Mauritius facing the steepest cut of about 33 percent. Overall, India proposed 87.92 billion rupees in total foreign grants and loans, down 27 percent from the previous year’s revised figure, signaling a strategic and financial restructuring of its foreign aid program.

Bangladesh’s postal department-backed digital financial service Nagad recorded its highest-ever monthly transaction volume in January 2026, reaching Tk 40,301 crore. This marks the company’s largest single-month transaction since its inception seven years ago. The record-breaking figure came mainly from cash-in, cash-out, money transfers, payments, bill settlements, mobile recharges, and remittances. Nagad’s administrator, Md. Motasim Billah, congratulated all involved, noting that the company’s customer-centric approach and trust-building efforts have driven continuous growth. He said Nagad, as a digital transaction platform under the Bangladesh Post Office, is enhancing service quality and ensuring greater financial security for users. This has led to rising engagement from both new and existing customers. Previously, Nagad’s highest monthly transaction was Tk 34,705 crore in October 2025. The company handled Tk 3.8 trillion in total transactions in 2025, up from Tk 3.3 trillion in 2024, reflecting sustained expansion in Bangladesh’s mobile financial services sector.

A former Awami League leader in Bogura’s Shibganj upazila, Shahidul Islam Sarkar, has drawn widespread attention after appearing to campaign for the BNP’s paddy-sheaf symbol. Once an active supporter of the Awami League’s boat symbol, Shahidul is now seen seeking votes for BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman in the Bogura Sadar-6 constituency. Photos and videos of him holding BNP banners at a recent rally went viral on social media, triggering intense discussion and criticism. Shahidul previously served as chairman of Nishindara Union Parishad and was expelled from the Awami League for inactivity after earlier resigning under the pretext of family reasons. During the Awami League’s tenure, he coordinated campaigns for several party candidates in local elections and was accused of opposing the quota movement while financially supporting the ruling party. Following the fall of the Awami League government after the July uprising, he was briefly jailed in multiple cases and is now out on bail. Local BNP leaders have condemned his involvement, calling it opportunistic and damaging to the party’s image. Shahidul, however, claims the viral images were created using AI technology and insists he is a genuine BNP supporter.

BNP Standing Committee member and Dhaka-8 candidate Mirza Abbas said on Sunday that spreading falsehoods and confusion cannot win people’s votes. Speaking to journalists during a campaign visit to Khilgaon Bazar in Dhaka, he alleged that some parties assume victory without justification and questioned where their confidence comes from. Abbas claimed he has been personally targeted with provocative remarks, which he said violate the electoral code of conduct. He accused the Election Commission of bias for failing to act against defamation and misinformation despite formal complaints. Abbas also alleged that nearly half of the 280,000 voters in his constituency are missing or untraceable, urging the commission to cancel such votes to ensure a genuine result. He condemned a top leader of an anti-liberation party for making obscene comments about working women, asserting that Islam grants equal rights to women. Abbas further stated that while the media sometimes criticizes his party, BNP respects press freedom. He criticized a young political figure for using threatening language against the media, saying such behavior contradicts the spirit of the 1971 war.

BNP Standing Committee member and Dhaka-8 candidate Mirza Abbas said that spreading slander or deception cannot win people’s votes. Speaking to journalists during a campaign visit to Khilgaon Bazar in Dhaka on Sunday, he criticized certain parties for assuming victory in advance and questioned the source of their confidence. Abbas also held meetings at several nearby locations and planned further campaign events later in the evening. He described the election environment as unfavorable, alleging that the electoral code of conduct was being violated through targeted attacks and misinformation against him. Abbas accused the Election Commission of bias and negligence, saying no action was taken despite repeated complaints. He further claimed that half of the 280,000 voters in his constituency were missing and urged the commission to cancel such votes if they could not be verified. Abbas condemned a derogatory remark by a leader of an anti-liberation party about working women, reaffirming women’s equal rights in religion. He also defended media freedom and criticized attempts to intimidate journalists.

A joint operation by the army and police in Anwara upazila of Chattogram led to the arrest of listed terrorist Akter on Sunday, February 1, 2026. The operation took place around 7 a.m. at a community center in Bairag Union, where Akter was detained from his home. Authorities said the arrest followed the circulation of a viral photo showing Akter participating in an election campaign, which drew administrative attention. Law enforcement officials claimed to have recovered several weapons and items from Akter’s possession, including a local shotgun, a foreign revolver, two Chinese axes (one with a handle and one without), a machete, a bullet removal stick, four firecrackers, a torture whip, and 18,950 taka in cash. Attempts to contact the officer-in-charge of Karnaphuli Police Station, Md. Shahinur Alam, for further comment were unsuccessful. The arrest highlights ongoing joint security operations in the region targeting listed criminals and illegal arms possession, though no official statement on subsequent legal proceedings was available at the time of reporting.

Al Jazeera has reported that Israel has introduced a new plan to manage and control Gaza’s Rafah crossing, adding multiple layers of security and approval procedures. The proposed system will impose stricter surveillance on both entry and exit. Only residents who left Gaza during the war, representatives of the Palestinian Authority, and a limited number of humanitarian workers will be eligible to enter. Their names must be registered, reviewed by Egypt, and approved by Israel’s Shin Bet before passing through checkpoints managed by the Palestinian Authority and the European Union. Travelers will then undergo body searches, X-ray screening, and biometric verification at Israeli-controlled posts before crossing the ‘yellow line.’ The report adds that exiting Gaza will be relatively easier, prioritizing patients needing medical treatment abroad. Departing individuals will also require registration and Shin Bet approval through Egypt. Israeli officials will use facial recognition software from a command center to open gates for approved travelers. Gaza’s media office director, Ismail al-Thawabta, said around 80,000 Palestinians displaced during the conflict wish to return, while about 22,000 injured or ill people urgently need to travel for treatment.

Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced that the government plans to keep internet access open during Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, February 1, 2026, after a meeting with administrative and law enforcement officials at the World Trade Center in Chattogram, he said anyone attempting to shut down the internet would face legal consequences. He emphasized that the election would be conducted on a level playing field and that law enforcement agencies were well prepared to ensure a fair, festive, and peaceful vote. Chowdhury noted that maintaining law and order for 180 million people is a difficult task but expressed confidence in the readiness of the security forces, including the army, BGB, and police. He also highlighted the increased freedom on social media compared to previous years, stating that restricting Facebook or internet access is no longer acceptable. Addressing journalists, he encouraged them to report truthfully and independently so that citizens receive accurate information. He added that much of the current election-related violence stems from internal party conflicts and urged political groups to act more responsibly.

Six leaders of the Sarail Upazila unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have been expelled for participating in the election campaign of rebel independent candidate Rumin Farhana in Brahmanbaria-2 constituency, which includes parts of Sarail, Ashuganj, and Bijoynagar. The decision was announced on Sunday morning through a press release signed by BNP Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and later shared on Facebook. The expelled leaders include former vice-president Afzal Hossain, former members Usman Khan and Monowar Hossain, members Zakir Hossain and Mukul Hossain, and former general secretary Mamunur Rashid. According to the statement, the six were removed from all party positions and primary membership for violating party discipline and engaging in anti-organizational activities. Earlier, the Shahjadapur Union BNP committee was suspended, and six leaders from Shahbazpur Union were expelled on similar charges. Local sources said the expelled leaders had been openly and secretly supporting Rumin Farhana’s campaign since the start of the 13th national election drive. Rumin Farhana, a former BNP MP from a reserved seat and international affairs secretary, was previously expelled for contesting as an independent candidate. She is now running with the ‘Duck’ symbol, while the BNP alliance candidate Junaid Al Habib of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh is contesting with the ‘Date Tree’ symbol.

A youth named Hasan Akon was arrested with 23 cocktails during a joint forces operation in Kalkini, Madaripur, on Sunday, February 1, 2026, around noon. The operation was conducted by the army camp in Kalkini at Khunerchar village under Bashgari Union. Hasan, the son of Nizam Akon from the same village, was detained and later handed over to the local police after initial questioning. According to sources, the explosives were recovered based on secret intelligence information. The joint forces stated that the seized cocktails posed a serious threat to public safety. Following the arrest, the officer-in-charge of Kalkini Police Station, Zahidul Alam, confirmed that security measures in the area had been strengthened. Authorities are investigating whether others are involved in supplying the explosives, as part of ongoing efforts to ensure public safety in the region.

A human chain and protest rally were held in Mahipur, Patuakhali, demanding justice for agricultural scientist Md. Shahidul Islam, whose body was recovered after he went missing. The event took place on Sunday morning at the Khapravanga Bridge under the banner of local residents, with participation from his family, political and social leaders, students, and community members. Speakers called for a fair and impartial investigation and exemplary punishment for those responsible. Participants described the incident as mysterious and alarming, emphasizing that Shahidul’s death could not be considered natural. They urged authorities to identify the perpetrators swiftly to restore public confidence in justice. Shahidul’s father, Motiur Rahman, has filed a murder case with Shibchar Highway Police Station against unidentified persons. According to police, an investigation is underway to uncover the motive and identify the culprits. Shahidul, a research and development coordinator at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), went missing on January 21 while traveling from Dhaka to Barishal. His body was found on January 23 beside a highway in Shibchar, Madaripur.

In Gopalganj district, authorities have identified 385 out of 397 polling centers as vulnerable, leaving only 12 categorized as general centers. The announcement was made by District Commissioner and Returning Officer Md. Arif-uz-Zaman, who urged all voters to come to the polling centers and cast their votes without fear. According to the official, the vulnerable centers have been marked as highly important to ensure extra security. Additional law enforcement personnel will be deployed at these centers, all of which will be monitored by CCTV cameras and under the constant supervision of magistrates. The administration aims to prevent any untoward incidents during the voting process. The Returning Officer emphasized that all necessary measures will be taken to allow voters to exercise their rights safely and confidently. He reiterated his call for citizens to participate actively in the election by attending their designated polling stations.

Abdul Awal Mintu, the BNP candidate for Feni-3 (Daganbhuiyan–Sonagazi), said the country is in a deep crisis and that the only way to overcome it is through the BNP’s victory in the upcoming national election. He made the remarks on Sunday morning at an election rally in Takiya Bazar of Bogadana Union, Sonagazi. Mintu stated that the nation’s future will be determined on February 12 amid ongoing political uncertainty and a prolonged democratic crisis. He emphasized the need for skilled and visionary leadership to guide the country, describing BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman as the most capable leader for the current situation. Mintu said BNP has always championed multiparty democracy and defended the rights of people of all religions, classes, and communities. Urging voters to ensure their voting rights, he called on them to stay at polling centers until vote counting ends and to collect proof of their votes. Mintu pledged to work for social and economic development, job creation, and improved living standards if elected, assuring equal opportunities for all regardless of political affiliation.

An Israeli airstrike in central Gaza’s Wadi Gaza area killed one Palestinian and injured two others on Sunday morning, according to Anadolu Agency. The attack reportedly targeted a gathering of civilians. Since the ceasefire agreement took effect on October 10, 2025, Israeli attacks have killed 509 Palestinians and injured 1,405, Gaza’s Health Ministry said. The report stated that Tel Aviv continues to violate the ceasefire daily. Following heavy strikes on Friday and Saturday that killed 37 Palestinians in shelters, residential buildings, and a police center, Israel carried out another attack. Witnesses said an Israeli drone fired at least one missile at civilians in northern Wadi Gaza, an area previously evacuated under the ceasefire terms. Separate incidents were reported in Rafah, Bureij, and northern Gaza, where Israeli ground and naval forces fired into controlled zones. The two-year Israeli offensive preceding the ceasefire left about 71,800 Palestinians dead, over 171,400 injured, and destroyed nearly 90 percent of Gaza’s civilian infrastructure. The UN estimated reconstruction costs at around 70 billion dollars.

Aftab Uddin Molla, the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate supported by the 11-party alliance for the Dinajpur-4 (Khansama–Chirirbandar) constituency, said that youth will build a new Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Saturday night at an election rally held at Khanasama Government Model Pilot High School field in Alokjhari Union. Seeking votes for the 'scales' symbol, he promised that if Jamaat comes to power, four crore unemployed youths will receive employment cards instead of allowances. Molla criticized previous governments for corruption in job recruitment, claiming that no former MPs or ministers could show an instance of giving a job without money. He said Jamaat’s Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has pledged that qualified candidates will get jobs without bribes. He also emphasized that poor families would not need to pay any money for their children to secure employment. Discussing youth development, Molla said aspiring entrepreneurs would get easy bank loans, and those seeking overseas employment would receive language and job training. He expressed hope that this would increase remittances and strengthen the country’s foreign currency reserves.