The United States Navy has seized a large oil tanker named ‘Aquila 2’ in the Indian Ocean for allegedly transporting Venezuelan oil to China in violation of sanctions imposed by President Donald Trump. According to Al Jazeera, the vessel was en route from Venezuela to a Chinese port when it was intercepted. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the operation in a post on social media platform X on Monday, February 9, stating that the Navy had been monitoring the ship since it left the Caribbean Sea.

Hegseth said the Defense Department strictly enforces any sanctions or quarantines it issues, adding that the ‘Aquila 2’ was seized after an overnight operation in the Indian Ocean. He noted that the tanker had continued its journey despite restrictions on Venezuelan vessels under Trump’s sanctions. The defense secretary emphasized that no one could evade US defense systems by air, land, or sea and warned that the Pentagon would take a firm stance against those violating international maritime laws.

Hegseth further stated that the United States would maintain a strict and negative approach toward any misuse of rights in global maritime zones.

At least 53 migrants, including two children, died when a rubber boat capsized off the coast of Libya, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The incident occurred after the vessel, carrying 55 people, began taking on water about six hours after departing from the coastal city of Al-Zawiya. Only two Nigerian women survived and were rescued by Libyan authorities on Friday.

The IOM reported that the boat carried migrants and refugees from various African countries. One survivor lost her husband, while the other lost her two children. Both received emergency medical assistance. The organization added that nearly 500 migrants have died or gone missing this year while attempting to cross the Mediterranean from Libya.

Since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has become a major departure point for migrants from sub-Saharan Africa seeking to reach Europe. The IOM also noted that at least 375 migrants died or went missing in the central Mediterranean in January alone, with the actual number likely higher.

The Department of Information has established a media center at Hotel Intercontinental in Dhaka to assist foreign journalists and media professionals visiting Bangladesh for the 2026 referendum and the thirteenth parliamentary election. According to an official release, the center will provide information and logistical support to international reporters covering the events. The media center will operate from February 9 to February 13.

In addition to the physical facilities, two hotline services have been launched to help foreign journalists obtain election-related information. The hotline numbers are 48322344 and 48322435. The initiative aims to facilitate professional work and ensure smooth access to official information for visiting media representatives during the election period.

The establishment of the media center and hotlines reflects the government’s effort to support transparent and organized media coverage of the upcoming national events.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has directed that reports on voter turnout and law and order be sent every two hours on polling day for the upcoming parliamentary election and referendum. The directive, issued Monday by Senior Assistant Secretary Md. Shahidul Islam, states that the process will begin at 7:30 a.m. and continue until unofficial results are received. Returning officers must report on the election environment, law and order, and submit vote count summaries from presiding officers.

According to the circular, the Election Management System (EMS) software will be used to ensure faster and more accurate result transmission. Assistant returning officers will appoint two data entry operators per center to scan and upload results using Form-16. Even if no postal votes are received, results must record a zero entry, and final results must integrate postal votes into Form-18.

The EC instructed that all consolidated result summaries (Form-18) and election returns (Form-19) be submitted in both hard and soft copies by February 13. Final result sheets must bear the returning officer’s signature and be uploaded to the Result Management System (RMS).

The Election Commission of Bangladesh has prohibited voters and others from carrying mobile phones or electronic devices inside secret voting booths. Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed announced that while voters, candidates, their agents, journalists, and election observers may bring mobile phones into polling centers and general voting areas, no one will be allowed to enter the secret room where stamping occurs with such devices. The clarification follows earlier confusion after a commissioner had said there was no restriction on bringing phones to polling centers.

Ahmed explained that the revised circular aims to remove any ambiguity from previous instructions. He added that polling agents, polling officers, assistant presiding officers, and members of law enforcement will not be permitted to keep mobile phones while on duty inside centers. The commission also withdrew its earlier restriction that barred journalists and observers from carrying phones into polling centers after reconsideration.

The updated directive is intended to ensure transparency and maintain the secrecy of the ballot while allowing limited use of mobile phones for observation and reporting purposes.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Tarique Rahman announced that his party would enforce a zero-tolerance policy against corruption if it forms the next government. In a televised address to the nation on Bangladesh Television on Monday evening, ahead of the February 12 parliamentary election, he said the BNP aims to build a governance system where the state stands above individuals or parties. He emphasized accountability, rule of law, and reconstruction of the state after what he described as 15–16 years of authoritarian rule.

Rahman outlined four key priorities: reform and change, economic and social security, voting and democratic rights, and addressing youth unemployment. He promised one million new jobs through technical and vocational training, free skills development programs, and expanded employment opportunities at home and abroad. He also pledged to recruit 100,000 health workers nationwide to improve public services and ensure equal treatment for all citizens regardless of religion or background.

Calling for peaceful participation in the upcoming election, Rahman urged citizens not to respond to provocations and to honor the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy by exercising their right to vote.

Pakistan has decided to play its scheduled T20 World Cup match against India on February 15, reversing an earlier boycott decision. The move follows a telephone conversation between Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who urged Pakistan to reconsider. Pakistan had previously announced a boycott in solidarity with Bangladesh, protesting what it said was India’s influence over the International Cricket Council’s decision to exclude Bangladesh from the tournament.

Geo TV reported that the discussion between the two leaders was positive, with Sri Lanka proposing that the match be hosted in Sri Lanka. Both leaders highlighted the historic friendship between their nations and mutual support during difficult times. Meanwhile, the ICC confirmed that the Bangladesh Cricket Board would face no sanctions over its absence from the World Cup and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s importance as a full member.

The ICC also announced that Bangladesh will host an ICC event before the 2031 Men’s Cricket World Cup, reinforcing its confidence in Bangladesh’s hosting capabilities and commitment to cricket development across member nations.

Sports journalists boycotted the final of the Adommo Bangladesh T20 Cup after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) failed to issue an apology within the deadline set by the journalists. The dispute began when a photo taken during the tournament’s opening day, showing BCB officials in the President’s Box, circulated on social media. The BCB sent a warning letter to photojournalist Tanvin Tamim for taking the picture, and later BCB vice-president Faruk Ahmed claimed the image was created using artificial intelligence.

The controversy deepened after the photo, originally published in an English daily on February 6, showed Faruk Ahmed pointing at BCB director M Nazmul Islam while another director, Khaled Mashud Pilot, stood nearby. In protest of the warning and the AI claim, sports journalists demanded an apology from the BCB and staged a demonstration before the final match at the BCB premises.

When the BCB did not apologize within the specified time, the journalists collectively boycotted coverage of the final match, marking a rare protest in Bangladesh’s sports media community.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has called for building a Bangladesh that fulfills the aspirations of the martyrs. He said the sacrifices of those who shed blood for the country must not go in vain. Rahman made the remarks on Monday in a televised address to the nation ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election.

The address followed earlier televised speeches by NCP Convener Nahid Islam and Islami Andolan Bangladesh Amir Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim (Charmonai Pir) on Sunday. According to official data, the 13th election will include a total of 127,711,793 registered voters, comprising 64,825,361 men, 62,885,200 women, and 1,232 third-gender voters.

The speeches mark a series of national addresses by political leaders as the country prepares for the election, reflecting calls for unity and commitment to the ideals of those who contributed to Bangladesh’s independence.

A survey by the Dhaka University alumni organization ‘Nationalist Research Cell’ has predicted that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) could win 220 seats and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami 57 seats in the upcoming 13th national election. The findings were presented on Monday at a seminar held at the National Press Club. The survey involved 10 former Dhaka University students and five PhD researchers, with the organization’s vice president Abdur Rahim Tuhin and Dr. Gazi Mizanur Rahman among those present.

According to the organization, 300 people were surveyed. Among respondents, 77 percent expressed support for BNP, 16 percent for Jamaat-e-Islami, 3 percent for NCP, 2 percent for Jatiya Party, and 1 percent for other parties, while 1 percent declined to comment. On a separate referendum question regarding reforms, 49 percent said they were undecided, 30 percent supported “yes,” and 21 percent supported “no.” Additionally, 99 percent said they were satisfied with the electoral environment in their constituencies.

The survey further projected that NCP may win 2 seats, Jatiya Party 5, independents 12, and other parties 4 seats.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman delivered a national address on Monday, February 9, 2026, ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The speech was broadcast live on Bangladesh Television (BTV) starting at 7:15 p.m. The address comes as part of a series of televised messages by political leaders before the election.

Earlier, on Sunday, BTV aired speeches by Nahid Islam, convener of the Nationalist Citizens’ Party (NCP), and Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, the Amir of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, also known as the Charmonai Pir. The Election Commission has reported a total of 127,711,793 registered voters for the 13th election, including 64,825,361 men, 62,885,200 women, and 1,232 third-gender voters.

The televised addresses mark a key phase in the pre-election period, as major political figures outline their visions and appeal to voters nationwide through state media.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday, February 9, 2026, said that Jamaat-e-Islami would not have had the opportunity to do politics in independent Bangladesh without Shaheed Ziaur Rahman, and that its leaders would not have tasted ministerial power without Begum Khaleda Zia. Speaking at a campaign rally at the Kurigram Central Eidgah ground, Rizvi criticized Jamaat’s stance on women’s leadership, referring to a recent media interview where Jamaat leaders said women could be members of parliament but not party or state heads.

Rizvi questioned whether such views represented the protection of women’s rights, pointing out that BNP’s chairperson was a woman. He alleged that Jamaat’s statements revealed a hidden intent to limit women’s participation in politics and public life if they came to power. Rizvi also accused the government of torturing Khaleda Zia in prison, denying her medical care, and poisoning her food.

He urged voters to support the BNP’s election symbol, the paddy sheaf, saying victory would be a protest against Sheikh Hasina’s injustices. The event also featured BNP candidate Sohel Hosnain Kaykobad and local party leaders.

Interim government Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus may deliver a national address before the upcoming referendum and the 13th National Parliamentary Election. The announcement was made by his Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam at a press conference held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Monday, following a special meeting of the Advisory Council. However, the exact date and time of the address have not been disclosed.

According to the press secretary, he expects the Chief Adviser to speak to the nation before the voting takes place. The referendum and the 13th National Parliamentary Election are scheduled for February 12. The statement indicates preparations are underway for the Chief Adviser’s possible address, which is expected to occur before the polling day.

The announcement comes as the country approaches a significant electoral event combining both the referendum and the parliamentary election, underscoring the interim government’s engagement with the public ahead of the vote.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has imposed an 82.5-hour restriction on individuals staying outside their home areas in connection with the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the national referendum. The directive, issued on Monday by EC Senior Assistant Secretary Md. Shahidul Islam, was sent to all district commissioners, superintendents of police, and police commissioners across the country to ensure fair and neutral elections.

According to the instruction, only persons directly involved in election activities, those authorized by the EC, and residents or voters of the concerned constituencies will be allowed to remain in the election areas. The restriction will be effective from 7:00 a.m. on February 10 until 4:30 p.m. on February 13, covering the period from 48 hours before the start of voting to 24 hours after its completion.

The EC stated that the measure aims to maintain a peaceful, impartial, and influence-free environment during the election and referendum process.

National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan warned that no vote riggers, terrorists, or mafia members would be allowed to remain at polling centers. He issued the warning on Monday, February 9, during an election rally in support of Nasiruddin Patwari, the NCP’s chief coordinator and candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency.

Asif Mahmud alleged that a rival political party had nominated loan defaulters, foreign nationals, extortionists, mafia figures, and terrorists as candidates. He claimed that the party knew it had already been rejected by the people of Bangladesh and was therefore planning to seize polling centers and manipulate votes to secure victory. He also criticized the Election Commission for issuing what he described as “new surprises,” including a temporary ban on mobile phones inside polling booths, which was later withdrawn under pressure.

The remarks reflect the NCP’s concern over electoral integrity and its criticism of both rival parties and the Election Commission’s decisions ahead of the upcoming election.