In the upcoming parliamentary election for Kushtia-1 (Daulatpur), the presence of a rebel candidate has raised optimism among Jamaat-e-Islami supporters, who believe it could disrupt the BNP’s vote calculations. The BNP’s official candidate is upazila committee president and former MP Reza Ahmed (Bachchu Molla), while the rebel contender is expelled joint convener Nuruzzaman (Hablu Molla). Despite several other parties fielding candidates, observers expect the main contest to be between BNP and Jamaat. Reports indicate that since August 2024, residents of several riverine unions have faced harassment allegedly from supporters of the BNP candidate. Allegations of extortion and misconduct have also surfaced against his relatives. In contrast, the rebel candidate faces accusations of controlling the tobacco and counterfeit cigarette trade but not of public harassment. Local BNP insiders admit that some grassroots supporters may vote for the rebel due to internal grievances. The constituency, comprising 14 unions and over 445,000 voters, includes a large number of young voters seen as favoring change, which could influence the final outcome.

Engineer and political researcher Jalal Uddin Omar, writing in *Amar Desh* on February 1, 2026, argued that India must reassess its approach toward Bangladesh following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. He recalled that Hasina resigned on August 5, 2024, amid mass protests and fled to India, ending the Awami League’s 15-and-a-half-year rule. An interim administration led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus was formed on August 8, 2024, to oversee reforms and prepare for a neutral election. Omar contended that India’s close alignment with the Awami League had alienated the Bangladeshi public. He claimed that during Hasina’s tenure, Bangladesh prioritized Indian interests in bilateral agreements while India failed to reciprocate on key issues such as the Teesta water-sharing deal and border killings. He also criticized India’s alleged bias toward certain religious groups and its media’s portrayal of Bangladesh’s minority situation. The author concluded that future India–Bangladesh relations must rest on equality, fairness, and mutual respect, emphasizing that sustainable friendship requires engagement with Bangladesh’s people rather than any single party or community.

Internal divisions and rebel candidates have complicated the electoral landscape for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in three of Narayanganj’s five constituencies ahead of the 13th parliamentary election. In Narayanganj-2, BNP’s official candidate Nazrul Islam Azad faces a strong challenge from expelled former MP Ataur Rahman Khan Angur, who is contesting as an independent, while Jamaat-e-Islami’s Elias Molla also remains active. Voters expect the main contest to be between Azad and Angur, with concerns about possible clashes between their supporters. In Narayanganj-3, BNP nominee Azharul Islam Mannan is competing mainly against expelled leader and former MP Muhammad Giasuddin, who retains a loyal base. Another expelled leader, Rezaul Karim, is running independently but is seen as weaker. Jamaat’s withdrawal from this seat has left voters to choose primarily between Mannan and Giasuddin. In Narayanganj-4, BNP ally Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam’s Mufti Monir Hossain Kasemi faces tough competition from former MP Mohammad Ali of the Republican Party and expelled BNP leader Shah Alam, making the race highly unpredictable. Voters and observers describe all three constituencies as highly competitive, with outcomes likely to be decided by narrow margins.

China has expanded its intelligence and defense cooperation with Iran to counter Israeli Mossad infiltration following the June 2025 Israeli attacks that exposed major gaps in Iran’s air defense systems. Beijing views Mossad’s penetration of Iran’s security and intelligence networks as a direct threat to its strategic interests in the Middle East. In response, China has begun assisting Tehran in identifying and arresting active Mossad agents, strengthening Iran’s cyber defenses, and supplying advanced surveillance satellites and radar systems. Reports indicate that China and Russia are helping Iran investigate how Israeli agents accessed sensitive government databases. Beijing is also supporting Iran’s shift from Western GPS systems to China’s Beidou navigation network to reduce vulnerability to hacking. Under its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), China has prioritized cyber and artificial intelligence cooperation to protect Iran’s digital sovereignty from Israeli and American interference. China’s broader strategy includes rebuilding Iran’s missile defense, transferring key rocket fuel and guidance technologies, and promoting intelligence coordination through the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Beijing considers these steps essential to maintaining regional stability and safeguarding its Belt and Road Initiative interests.

Abu Hossain, elder brother of slain student leader Abu Sayeed, stated on Saturday night that the July uprising was a collective effort of people from all political backgrounds and that no single political party is exclusively supported by them. He made the remarks in a Facebook post at around 11 p.m., emphasizing unity among those who fought against fascism and urging everyone to work together to rebuild the country. Abu Sayeed, a student of the English Department’s 12th batch at Begum Rokeya University, was shot dead on July 16, 2024, during the quota reform movement near the university’s Park Mor area. He was buried the following day at his village home. Sayeed had served as one of the coordinators of the July movement. Hossain’s statement reiterated that all participants of the July revolution are equal in their eyes, reflecting a call for unity beyond partisan lines in the aftermath of the student-led uprising.

Khalil al-Hayya, a member of Hamas’s political bureau, warned that the continuation of Israeli attacks in Gaza after the ceasefire breach would lead to dire consequences. His statement came in response to Saturday’s Israeli airstrikes that killed 37 Palestinians, according to TRT World. Al-Hayya condemned the attacks as being carried out under false pretenses and said he had held discussions with mediators and unnamed international parties following the incident. Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire and urged mediators to ensure that the occupying power fulfills its obligations and refrains from further violations. The group also blamed Israel for failing to resolve the plight of Palestinians trapped in tunnels in southern Gaza’s Rafah area. After the October 10 ceasefire, many Palestinians remained stranded there, as Israel reportedly refused to allow their departure despite mediation efforts. The report added that U.S. President Donald Trump announced in mid-January that the second phase of his 20-point ceasefire plan had begun, but unresolved issues, including those involving trapped individuals, remain pending.

Israel has decided to partially reopen the Rafah border crossing between the war-torn Gaza Strip and Egypt after a prolonged closure. Israeli authorities announced that starting Sunday, the crossing will allow limited movement of people following sustained pressure from humanitarian organizations. The reopening comes even as violence continues in Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes on Saturday reportedly killed dozens, according to Gaza’s Civil Defense. The Israeli military said the strikes were in response to ceasefire violations. The Rafah crossing is a vital entry and exit point for Gaza’s residents and humanitarian aid. It was seized by Israeli forces in May 2024 during the ongoing conflict with Hamas and has remained mostly closed since then, except for a brief reopening in early 2025. Israel had previously stated it would not reopen the crossing until the body of its last hostage, Ran Givili, was recovered; his remains were found and buried earlier this week. According to Israel’s COGAT agency, the crossing will reopen under EU supervision and coordination with Egypt, though the number of people allowed to cross remains unclear.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami held a large election rally on Saturday night at Tentultala High School field in Alampur Union of Taraganj upazila, Rangpur, ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election. The event was organized by the local Jamaat unit and attended by a large number of supporters. Central committee Nayeb-e-Ameer and Jamaat candidate for Rangpur-2 constituency (Badarganj-Taraganj) ATM Azharul Islam addressed the gathering as the chief guest. In his speech, Azharul Islam said that Jamaat-e-Islami is essential for establishing a just and fair state. He accused the previous Awami League government of destroying democracy through planned vote rigging and depriving citizens of their constitutional voting rights. Referring to his own political experience, he mentioned being imprisoned for 14 years and facing three death sentences before being released. He pledged to dedicate the rest of his life to justice and public welfare. He urged voters to support him by voting for the “Dhalapalla” (balance scale) symbol and promised that Jamaat would focus on creating sustainable employment rather than temporary relief. He called for unity against corruption, extortion, and misrule, describing the election as a struggle to restore voting rights and build a new Bangladesh.

The Appellate Division of Bangladesh, led by the Chief Justice, has rejected the leave-to-appeal petition of Manjurul Ahsan Munshi, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidate for the Comilla-4 constituency. The decision, delivered on Sunday, February 1, 2026, prevents Munshi from participating in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. His nomination had earlier been canceled by the Election Commission (EC) following allegations of loan default. The cancellation request was filed by Hasnat Abdullah, the chief organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and Munshi’s rival candidate in the same constituency. On January 17, the EC officially declared Munshi’s nomination invalid due to the loan default allegation. Munshi subsequently filed a writ petition in the High Court challenging the EC’s decision, but the latest ruling by the Appellate Division has upheld the cancellation. With this ruling, Hasnat Abdullah remains the confirmed NCP candidate for Comilla-4, while the BNP will be unable to field Munshi in the 13th national election for that seat.

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Al Thani met with Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, in Tehran on Saturday. The meeting focused on regional developments and efforts to reduce tensions at a time when concerns are rising over a possible U.S. attack on Iran. In a statement released the same day, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said the country supports any initiative aimed at de-escalation and achieving peaceful solutions that contribute to regional security and stability. The Qatari Prime Minister emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to protect the region’s people from war and reiterated Doha’s commitment to working diplomatically with friendly and brotherly nations. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump told Fox News that Gulf allies had not been informed about Washington’s plans regarding Iran, saying, “We cannot tell them the plan.”

NCP central member Zobayrul Alam Manik announced the suspension of campaign activities for the 11-party alliance candidate in Anwara, Chattogram. The declaration came during a press conference held on Saturday evening at a local restaurant. Manik stated that the decision was made because Jamaat had allegedly deceived the NCP candidate in Chattogram-8, prompting the suspension of campaign support for Jamaat’s candidate in Chattogram-13. He clarified that the NCP’s campaign for the ‘Yes’ vote would continue. Karnaphuli Upazila Jamaat Ameer Monir Absar claimed that Manik had earlier presented a list of demands, including appointments to local leadership positions, which Jamaat rejected as unreasonable. Absar described Manik’s move as his personal decision, not one endorsed by the NCP’s central leadership. Anwara Upazila NCP coordinator Mahmud Ullah Mahmud also said he and his organization were not informed of any such directive, and no instruction had been issued from the party’s central office. Several NCP leaders from Chattogram South District and Karnaphuli Upazila were present during the press conference, though the party’s central stance on the matter remains unclear.

BNP National Standing Committee member and Cox’s Bazar-1 (Chakaria-Pekua) candidate Salahuddin Ahmed stated that the party will ensure religious freedom for people of all faiths in Bangladesh. Speaking as the chief guest at a harmony gathering with Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian communities in Chakaria’s Bharamuhuri area on Saturday evening, he emphasized that there should be no discrimination based on religion or ethnicity and that all citizens share a single identity as Bangladeshis. Ahmed said BNP had previously upheld religious freedom and would continue to do so in the future. He pledged that no new form of autocracy or fascism would be allowed to emerge in the country. Referring to the Liberation War, he urged unity to build the Bangladesh envisioned by freedom fighters, martyrs, and the youth. Indirectly pointing to Jamaat, he accused them of deceiving the nation by recruiting a freedom fighter for show. He described BNP as a party of freedom fighters and called on voters to support the party’s symbol, the paddy sheaf, in the upcoming February 12 election.

The non-political service organization Hafezzi Charitable Society of Bangladesh (HCSB) is conducting coordinated humanitarian operations across Bangladesh, Gaza, and remote areas of Sudan. The activities include providing healthcare, food, clean water, emergency medical support, medical camps, assistance for the injured and sick, distribution of essential medicines, and winter protection materials. The organization’s published videos and visual updates include dates and times, allowing verification of field activities. In Gaza, HCSB’s services are being carried out in six hospitals with approval from the local health ministry. According to available information, HCSB continues to coordinate the delivery of humanitarian aid from Bangladesh and Europe through Egypt to Gaza and Sudan with the support of well-wishers at home and abroad. The initiative has been praised by the Palestinian ambassador to Egypt, the Egyptian Red Crescent, Egyptian Human Rights Organization, scholars from Al-Azhar University, and human rights and legal experts from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, as well as representatives of the Egypt Youth Circle. HCSB Director Muhammad Raj stated that the organization regularly publishes photos, videos, and brief reports to maintain transparency and provide donors and the public with real-time updates on progress.

US President Donald Trump said Washington has not shared its plans on the Iran issue with Gulf allies. Speaking to Fox News on Saturday, he stated that the United States cannot disclose its strategy. Trump added that Iran is in communication with the US, and the outcome of those talks remains uncertain. His remarks were later posted on the social media platform X, where he revealed that Washington is sending a “massive naval fleet” toward the region. According to Trump, this deployment is larger than the force sent before a previous US military operation in Venezuela, during which President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were detained. Trump acknowledged that discussions with Tehran are ongoing but said it is unclear what results they will yield. He recalled that during earlier talks, Iran’s nuclear program had to be halted by the US, but that effort was unsuccessful, prompting alternative measures.

As the national election approaches, candidates in Bagerhat’s four parliamentary constituencies are intensifying their campaigns. A total of 21 candidates from various parties are contesting, with the main competition expected between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami. However, BNP nominees are facing internal challenges due to rebel candidates in every seat, while Jamaat appears relatively more stable. Among the independents, former MP M.A.H. Selim is contesting in three constituencies. Voters across Bagerhat have voiced concerns about persistent local issues such as agricultural losses from salinity, poor healthcare, inadequate infrastructure, and gender inequality. Many residents expressed frustration that elected representatives often disappear after elections, emphasizing the need for consistent engagement and credible leadership. Candidates from both major parties have pledged development, employment, and governance reforms. With 1.36 million registered voters and 547 polling centers, the election in Bagerhat is shaping up as a test of trust and accountability rather than promises alone. The outcome may hinge on which candidates voters perceive as most reliable and responsive to local needs.