Israeli forces carried out new attacks in the Gaza Strip on Monday, violating an existing ceasefire agreement. According to medical sources cited by Turkey’s Anadolu Agency, at least nine Palestinians were killed in the assaults. Three people died when an Israeli strike hit a residential apartment on Al-Nasr Street in western Gaza City, an area not under Israeli military control. Earlier, shelling near Khan Younis injured a fisherman, while gunfire in Beit Lahia killed a 54-year-old man. Another farmer was shot dead in Deir al-Balah, and four others were killed in separate incidents across southern Gaza.

The report noted that Israel’s military campaign in Gaza began in October 2023 and was later halted under a ceasefire agreement. That offensive left about 72,000 Palestinians dead and more than 171,000 injured, with nearly 90 percent of Gaza’s infrastructure destroyed. Since the ceasefire took effect, Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that 581 Palestinians have been killed and at least 1,553 injured in subsequent Israeli attacks.

The renewed violence raises concerns about the fragility of the ceasefire and the ongoing humanitarian toll in Gaza.

Transparency International (TI) has ranked Bangladesh 13th among 182 countries in its 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), identifying it as one of the most corrupt nations. The country scored 24 out of 100, sharing the same score with the Central African Republic and Paraguay. Despite a one-point improvement from last year, Bangladesh fell one position from its 2024 ranking of 14th. The findings were announced at a press conference held at the Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) office in Dhanmondi on Tuesday.

TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman stated that Denmark topped the list of least corrupt countries with a score of 89, while South Sudan and Somalia were the most corrupt, each scoring 9. He explained that Bangladesh’s slight score improvement may reflect short-term optimism following the July political transition, which raised expectations for democratic and accountable governance. However, the absence of progress in state reform limited any significant improvement in the country’s overall position.

TI noted that no country achieved a perfect score this year, and 80 percent of the world’s population lives in highly corrupt countries, indicating a global rise in corruption.

A delegation from the Commonwealth Observer Group met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday at the state guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka. The 23-member delegation was led by the group’s chair, former President of Ghana H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo. Senior officials from the Chief Adviser’s Office, including Lamia Morshed, the principal coordinator for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present at the meeting.

The meeting took place as part of the Commonwealth Observer Group’s activities in Bangladesh. The group’s visit coincides with ongoing election preparations, as the Election Commission has completed ballot paper distribution across 299 constituencies. The presence of the observer team reflects international engagement in the electoral process.

The discussions underscored coordination between the caretaker administration and international observers during the election period, highlighting Bangladesh’s efforts to ensure transparency and inclusiveness in the upcoming polls.

Somalia and Saudi Arabia announced on Monday, February 9, the signing of a defense cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening military collaboration between the two nations. The accord was signed by Somali Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman. According to Somalia’s Ministry of Defense, the agreement will enhance defense and military cooperation and create opportunities for joint activities in areas of mutual interest.

The signing took place as the region, located at the junction of the Indian Ocean and the Suez Canal, continues to draw heightened attention from Gulf countries due to its strategic importance along one of the world’s busiest trade routes. The development also follows Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland about six weeks earlier, a territory that declared independence in 1991 but is still claimed by Mogadishu as part of Somalia.

Prince Khalid bin Salman stated on X that he signed and witnessed several agreements during a military exhibition in Riyadh, though details of the defense deal with Somalia were not disclosed.

A seven-member election observer team from Turkey met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on February 10, 2026, at the Jamuna State Guest House in Dhaka. The meeting was described as a courtesy call between the Turkish delegation and the Chief Adviser.

The observer team, composed of members of the Turkish Parliament, was led by Mehmet Akif Yilmaz, Chairperson of the Turkish-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group. Senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Lamia Morshed, the Chief Coordinator for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the Chief Adviser’s Office, were also present during the meeting.

The visit reflects ongoing engagement between Bangladesh and Turkey in the context of election observation and parliamentary cooperation, as indicated by the composition and leadership of the Turkish delegation.

Mexican authorities have confirmed that five of the ten workers abducted last month from a mine in Sinaloa have been found dead. The bodies were discovered on a property in the rural area of El Verde, while efforts continue to identify the remains of the remaining five. The Attorney General’s Office stated that prosecutors are maintaining regular contact with the victims’ families and that four suspects were arrested last week in connection with the case. The motive behind the killings remains unclear.

The mine is operated by Vancouver-based company Vizsla Silver, which reported that many families have now recovered their relatives’ bodies. Company president and CEO Michael Konnert expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, emphasizing the firm’s commitment to locating the missing workers and supporting affected families. Vizsla Silver said the abduction occurred on January 28 and was immediately reported to local authorities.

The Sinaloa region has seen escalating violence linked to rival gangs associated with cartel figures Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada and Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. According to local daily Milenio, more than 1,680 homicides have been recorded in the state so far in 2025, marking it as one of the most violent years in a decade.

Bangladesh police have announced extensive security measures for 57 international observers from 16 countries who will monitor the upcoming national parliamentary election across Dhaka and other districts. The police chancery division, responsible for diplomatic security, is coordinating the arrangements. Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam confirmed that police escorts will accompany the observers to polling centers, with additional officers deployed in both uniform and plain clothes.

According to police sources, the largest observer team will come from Malaysia, followed by Turkey with 12 members led by former Turkish ambassador Mehmet Vakur Erkul. Observers from Pakistan, Japan, Indonesia, South Africa, the Philippines, Jordan, Georgia, Russia, Maldives, Kyrgyzstan, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Iran, and a 14-member Commonwealth team are also expected. The Special Branch will verify observer information and monitor entry points to prevent unauthorized arrivals.

Police will strengthen surveillance in diplomatic zones such as Baridhara, Gulshan, and Dhanmondi, and deploy forces on rooftops near polling centers. Security will remain in place until observers leave each site, ensuring uninterrupted monitoring and safeguarding Bangladesh’s international image.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has drawn growing attention from both domestic elites and foreign diplomats as the party emerges as one of the country’s two main political forces ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election. Once politically isolated, Rahman is now meeting openly with European, Western, and Indian diplomats. Al Jazeera reported that Jamaat’s rise in opinion polls has shifted elite perceptions, while Rahman’s calm demeanor and public appearances have strengthened his leadership image.

Rahman, a physician and three-term party chief, unveiled an ambitious election manifesto that some economists questioned for its economic feasibility. Analysts said the manifesto’s main goal was to signal political direction rather than fiscal detail. Jamaat’s new narrative seeks to present itself not merely as a religious party but as a disciplined, reform-oriented force emphasizing governance and inclusivity. The party has even nominated a Hindu candidate for the first time.

Observers note that Jamaat’s growing international engagement and its competition with the BNP mark a major transformation. Whether this shift reflects genuine reform or strategic rebranding remains a key question for Rahman’s leadership and the party’s future.

Large numbers of Dhaka residents are leaving the capital to vote in their home districts ahead of Thursday’s national election and referendum. The government has declared Tuesday a holiday for industrial workers and Wednesday for other employees to facilitate voter participation. With Friday and Saturday being regular weekends, citizens are enjoying an extended break, prompting a rush for long-distance travel by bus, train, and launch. Many who booked tickets early are traveling comfortably, while others are struggling to find seats.

On Monday, major terminals and stations in Dhaka saw heavy crowds, particularly from industrial areas where workers’ holidays had already begun. Transport operators reported that most tickets were sold in advance, leaving few options for last-minute travelers. Some bus companies have added extra trips to meet demand, while train and launch passengers faced less difficulty. Officials said the extended holidays were approved last week to ensure voters could return home easily.

The chief adviser’s press secretary stated that the decision aims to allow citizens, especially those from major cities, to vote in their local constituencies after being unable to do so in previous elections.

Severe traffic congestion was reported on February 10, 2026, at the Aricha and Paturia ferry terminals in Manikganj as large crowds of people began traveling home to participate in the upcoming election festival. The rush followed a four-day government holiday, prompting thousands to leave Dhaka for northern and southern regions. Authorities struggled to manage the surge of passengers and vehicles, with long queues forming for ferries and launches.

Passengers described waiting for hours to cross the river, with many expressing both excitement about voting and frustration over increased transport fares. Some travelers complained about the absence of visible law enforcement and alleged that transport owners had formed syndicates to raise fares. Ferry and launch operators acknowledged the sudden rise in passengers but assured that the situation would normalize soon. BIWTC officials said the congestion was temporary and expected to ease within the day.

The festive atmosphere at the terminals resembled that of major holidays, reflecting strong public enthusiasm for participating in the national vote despite travel difficulties.

The United States Southern Command launched a new strike on a vessel accused of drug trafficking in the eastern Pacific Ocean, according to a statement released on Monday. The operation resulted in the deaths of two individuals, while one survivor was rescued. The command confirmed the incident in a post on social media platform X, describing the deceased as 'narco-terrorists' and noting that the U.S. Coast Guard had been tasked with search and rescue efforts for the survivor.

The Southern Command reported that this latest strike brings the total number of anti-drug trafficking operations to 38, with at least 130 people killed so far. The command stated that maritime surveillance and military operations have been further intensified to curb drug smuggling through sea routes.

The statement underscores Washington’s continued focus on maritime interdiction efforts in the Pacific region as part of its broader campaign against transnational narcotics networks.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam announced that if mob violence occurs at any polling center during the upcoming election, the Election Commission will suspend voting not only at that center but across the entire constituency. He made the statement on Tuesday while briefing journalists about the law and order situation ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum.

The IGP said all preparations for the election are complete and no one will be able to disrupt the process. A three-tier security system has been arranged, including fixed, mobile, and striking forces. A total of 187,603 police personnel are deployed, supported by the army, navy, and Ansar. Officers who served in the previous election have been excluded from election duties to ensure neutrality. Baharul Alam expressed hope for a fair and peaceful election.

He added that 27,995 licensed firearms have been deposited, 90 percent of polling centers are under CCTV surveillance, and body-worn cameras and drones will be used in vulnerable centers.

Fisheries and Livestock Ministry Adviser Farida Akhter stated that she is not departing her position with a sense of failure, emphasizing that price control of meat and fish is beyond her authority. She made the remarks on Tuesday during a press briefing at the ministry’s conference room, noting that her 15–16 months of work should not be judged as a complete measure of performance.

Akhter explained that her ministry focused on improving production quality rather than relying on unregulated livestock fattening practices. She highlighted efforts to curb excessive fishing caused by the use of sonar, which had reduced the availability of hilsa and other fish species. According to her, the ministry successfully stopped this overfishing trend. She also mentioned that the sector received subsidies worth 100 crore taka, including electricity rebates, and that the number of beneficiaries increased from 132,000 to 1.5 million.

The adviser added that fishermen from the Sundarbans and haor regions would receive VGF support, underscoring the ministry’s continued commitment to vulnerable fishing communities.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has launched a new election website ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election. The party announced the launch three days before the vote, introducing the site as part of its campaign strategy. The website, titled “Cholo Bangladesh” and accessible at https://cholobangladesh.net/, carries the slogan “Let’s build Bangladesh together.” It urges voters to support the party’s electoral symbol and to vote “yes” in the referendum.

According to the report, the website includes the party’s election manifesto, candidate profiles, details of the 11-party alliance partners, information on allied candidates, and campaign materials. It also features photo and video galleries containing campaign-related content. The site is available in both Bangla and English versions and is designed with a visually appealing layout.

The launch marks Jamaat-e-Islami’s digital engagement effort in the final days before the election, aiming to reach voters with comprehensive campaign information and alliance details.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam announced that five people have been killed in 317 incidents of violence across Bangladesh following the announcement of the election schedule. He said a total of 27,995 licensed firearms have been deposited nationwide in preparation for the polls. The information was shared at a press conference held Tuesday morning at the Police Headquarters Media Center on Gani Road, Dhaka, to outline pre-election security measures.

The IGP stated that 157,805 police personnel will be deployed across the country during the election. Each polling center will have a static police force, supported by mobile teams and striking forces to respond to emergencies. To strengthen security, 80 percent of polling centers have been equipped with CCTV cameras, while body-worn cameras and drones will be used in high-risk areas.

Baharul Alam also mentioned that more than a thousand weapons, including those looted from police stations and civilian deposits on August 5, remain missing. Despite these challenges, he expressed optimism about successfully conducting the upcoming election.