Former Army Chief General Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan has called for the immediate dissolution of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI). He made the remarks on Monday while testifying before International Crimes Tribunal-1 in a case concerning enforced disappearances and killings against Ziaul Ahsan. Bhuiyan stated that if RAB cannot be dissolved, military officers should be withdrawn from the force and returned to the army.

In his testimony, Bhuiyan said DGFI had lost its legitimacy after fostering what he described as a culture of misconduct. He recounted that during his tenure, he faced pressure from the government, including phone calls from the prime minister, to assign army officers to RAB, which he resisted due to a shortage of officers. He described his time in service as painful because of RAB’s activities and said he now had the opportunity to complete what he could not do earlier.

Bhuiyan emphasized that acknowledging corruption within the army would not diminish its honor but would instead strengthen its integrity and reputation by ensuring accountability.

Daksu Vice President Sadiq Kayem has called for the immediate withdrawal of the Election Commission’s directive banning mobile phones within 400 yards of polling centers. Speaking on Monday at a campaign event in Gulshan-2 for Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Dr. S.M. Khaliduzzaman in the Dhaka-17 constituency, Kayem described the decision as undemocratic and alleged that certain groups were attempting to regain power through manipulation. The event was attended by Khaliduzzaman, Islami Chhatra Shibir president Nurul Islam Saddam, and other party activists.

Kayem claimed that the growing public support for the “scales” symbol had triggered conspiracies by opposing forces. He urged young voters to remain vigilant and resist any attempts to subvert the electoral process. He further asserted that the Dhaka-17 constituency would remain secure under Khaliduzzaman’s leadership and encouraged voters to elect leaders who stay connected with the people.

Kayem expressed confidence that the youth-driven momentum seen in universities would translate into victory for the “scales” symbol in the February 12 election.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Amir announced that Allama Mamunul Haque would be made a minister if he wins in the upcoming national parliamentary election. The declaration was made on Monday afternoon during an election rally in Mohammadpur, where the party leader said residents of the constituency would gain a respected minister if Haque is victorious.

During the rally, the Jamaat chief stated that his party aims to establish a just and fair Bangladesh if it comes to power. He emphasized that their vision includes eliminating corruption and extortion from the country.

The announcement was presented as part of Jamaat’s broader campaign message ahead of the national election, highlighting promises of justice and integrity in governance.

Bangladesh is preparing for a national election on February 12, with opposition parties showing unprecedented street presence after years of suppression under ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, is contesting 292 of 300 parliamentary seats and is seen as the frontrunner. However, the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami, once banned, is emerging as a strong challenger, allied with the youth-led National Change Party (NCP). Polls cited by Reuters suggest Jamaat could achieve its best-ever electoral performance, though it may not form a government alone.

Analysts say a clear verdict could restore political stability in the country of 175 million and reshape regional dynamics involving China and India. Since Hasina’s departure to New Delhi, China’s influence in Bangladesh has reportedly grown, while India is seeking closer ties with the BNP. Jamaat’s alliance partners have voiced concern over Indian dominance and held meetings with Chinese diplomats, though they deny foreign bias.

Observers note that voters are prioritizing corruption and economic issues over religious identity, with younger generations expected to play a decisive role in the outcome.

A pre-election public opinion survey by the International Institute of Law and Diplomacy (IILD) has projected that the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance will win 105 parliamentary seats, while the BNP-led alliance will secure 101 seats in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national election. The survey results were released on Monday morning at a press event held at the Fars Hotel in Purana Paltan, Dhaka. It also indicated that 19 seats may go to other parties, with intense competition expected in 75 constituencies.

According to the IILD survey, the BNP-led alliance is slightly ahead in total votes with 44.1 percent support, compared to 43.9 percent for the Jamaat-led coalition—a margin of just 0.2 percent. The poll covered all 300 constituencies and included responses from 63,615 voters of various ages, professions, and genders, with 57.59 percent male and 42.41 percent female participants. Among respondents, 92.9 percent said they intend to vote in the election.

The survey found that male voters favored the BNP alliance, while female voters leaned toward the Jamaat alliance. Seats with more than a 10 percent vote gap were classified as secure wins, and those with less than a 10 percent gap as highly competitive.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Sunday in Tehran that Iran will never abandon uranium enrichment in talks with the United States. He emphasized that Tehran is not afraid of US war threats, even with the deployment of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea. Araghchi said Iran has little trust in Washington’s intentions and doubts whether the US is serious about negotiations.

He added that Iran is maintaining regular consultations with China and Russia, describing them as strategic partners in nuclear matters. The minister reiterated that no one has the right to dictate Iran’s behavior and that enrichment will continue even under the threat of war. Following a 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel last June, the US and Iran resumed talks in Oman last Friday, with Tehran seeking the lifting of US economic sanctions.

Western countries and Israel have accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, a claim repeatedly denied by Tehran. Araghchi said Iran’s nuclear program is meant to assert independence from major powers, not to build bombs. He also rejected expanding the talks to include Iran’s missile program or regional activities.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has called on voters to support the party’s Sheaf of Paddy symbol to rebuild Bangladesh. Speaking at an election rally in Banani, Dhaka, on Monday afternoon, he sought votes for the BNP candidate in Dhaka-17 constituency. Rahman outlined detailed plans for national reconstruction through economic empowerment and employment for women, farmers, youth, and religious leaders.

He emphasized his family’s deep personal and spiritual ties to the area, noting that both he and his brother grew up there and that BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia spent much of her life in the same locality. Rahman said the party’s election manifesto reflects the people’s expectations and includes specific programs to improve living standards if BNP forms the next government.

Rahman announced initiatives such as introducing “Family Cards” for homemakers, “Agriculture Cards” for farmers, and large-scale employment programs for youth through IT and technical training. He also pledged to recruit 100,000 health workers nationwide and ensure fair opportunities for all citizens regardless of religion or background.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali announced that 37 polling centers in the capital have been identified as risky ahead of the upcoming election and referendum. He made the statement on Monday at a press conference held at the DMP Media Center on Minto Road, outlining the security measures being implemented for the event. Each of the risky centers will have seven police officers on duty and will be equipped with body cameras.

According to the commissioner, there are 1,614 important polling centers across Dhaka, each to be guarded by four police officers, while 517 general centers will have three officers each. A total of 25,000 DMP members have received election-related training. To handle any potential situation, the DMP will also deploy its Special Reserve Force, Bomb Disposal Unit, and Dog Squad.

Additional Police Commissioners Sarwar and S.M. Nazrul Islam were present at the briefing, which focused on ensuring a secure and orderly voting process in the city.

A notice from the Election Commission (EC) banning mobile phones at polling centers during the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum has sparked widespread dissatisfaction among political activists and voters. The directive, which reportedly restricts carrying phones within 400 yards of polling stations, has drawn criticism from multiple political groups.

Leaders of the 11-party alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami announced plans to formally lodge a complaint with the EC. Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair described the decision as unacceptable and questioned whether it aimed to benefit specific groups. He argued that voters need phones for personal safety and documentation of irregularities. NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan and media secretary Yasir Arafat also criticized the restriction, calling it unreasonable and counterproductive.

The alliance leaders are scheduled to visit the EC later in the day to discuss the issue and demand withdrawal of the ban, which they say undermines transparency and voter rights.

Cuba has decided to suspend the supply of jet fuel to aircraft for one month due to a severe energy crisis attributed to U.S. actions. A European airline official confirmed the decision on Sunday, stating that from midnight Monday, planes traveling to and from Cuba will no longer be able to refuel there. As a result, long-haul flights must now stop in other countries for refueling, and Air France has already implemented such measures.

The crisis deepened after Venezuela halted oil shipments to Cuba in January 2023 following U.S. measures. Former U.S. President Donald Trump had signed an executive order allowing tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba. In response, the Cuban government has introduced emergency measures, including a four-day workweek for state institutions, restricted provincial transport, temporary closure of some tourism facilities, reduced school hours, and relaxed attendance requirements at universities.

Cuba’s power plants are under strain due to the fuel shortage, raising the risk of blackouts. President Miguel Díaz-Canel said the country is ready to hold talks with the United States but not under pressure.

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman attended an election rally of Maulana Mamunul Haque, the candidate of an eleven-party alliance and the Amir of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, in Dhaka-13 constituency. The rally began at 8:30 a.m. on Monday at the Mohammadpur Central Eidgah ground, with the Jamaat leader arriving around 11:30 a.m.

According to organizers, the event was arranged to present the political context, development vision, and future plans for the Dhaka-13 constituency ahead of the upcoming election. The rally featured Dr. Shafiqur Rahman as the chief guest and Md. Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), as the special guest. Central leaders from the eleven-party alliance were also in attendance.

The gathering highlighted the alliance’s coordinated campaign efforts in Dhaka-13, signaling cooperation among Islamist and allied political groups in the run-up to the election.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has issued a directive prohibiting the use of mobile phones within 400 yards of polling centers during the upcoming 13th National Parliament election and referendum on February 12, 2026. The order, signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Md. Shahidul Islam, allows only presiding officers, police in charge, and two designated Ansar members using the 'Nirbachon Surakkha 2026' app to carry mobile phones inside polling centers. The circular has been sent to divisional commissioners, regional election officers, and all deputy commissioners and returning officers for implementation.

In response, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman issued a warning through his verified Facebook account on Monday, asserting that the nation’s voting rights were earned through struggle and would be defended if necessary. He emphasized that citizens desire a free and fair election where they can vote and celebrate without fear, describing election day as a festival of democracy.

The EC’s restriction and the Jamaat leader’s statement come just days before the scheduled polling, underscoring heightened political sensitivity around election security and voter freedom.

BNP Standing Committee member and Cox’s Bazar-1 (Chakaria-Pekua) constituency candidate Salahuddin Ahmed said that the people of Bangladesh have been unable to exercise their voting rights freely for the past 16–17 years. Speaking at a rally on Sunday evening at Sakurpara Station in Pekua, he expressed hope that the upcoming election would mark a new beginning for the country, leading to the establishment of a strong democracy where citizens’ rights are ensured and no one will have to shed blood for democratic freedoms.

During the event, Ahmed thanked supporters for their participation in the BNP’s mass procession and urged them to attend the final campaign rally scheduled for Monday at the Chakaria municipal bus terminal. He expressed confidence that the BNP’s symbol, the paddy sheaf, would achieve a record victory both locally and nationwide.

The rally was attended by former MP and Ahmed’s wife Advocate Hasina Ahmed, their son Saeed Ibrahim Ahmed, and several local BNP and affiliate leaders, reflecting strong organizational presence in the constituency.

At least 13 people have died in Colombia following unusually heavy rainfall for this time of year, officials confirmed on Sunday. The National Meteorological Institute (IDEAM) reported that a fast-moving cold air mass from North America struck Colombia’s Caribbean coast, increasing rainfall by about 64 percent above the monthly average. The deadliest incident occurred in the southwestern Nariño province, where a landslide killed seven people after continuous rain caused a mountain stream to overflow and bury several homes under mud.

Video footage released after the disaster showed rescue workers using heavy machinery to clear debris and mud, while search dogs were deployed to locate missing persons. Earlier, on Thursday, the national disaster management agency UNGRD reported six additional deaths across various regions due to extreme weather conditions.

Meteorologists noted that climate change is disrupting Colombia’s traditional dry and rainy season patterns. Although the tropical country does not have sharply defined seasons, recent years have seen increasingly severe rainfall and drought events.

US President Donald Trump announced that Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit the White House later this year, marking a significant step toward improving relations between the world’s two largest economies after years of trade tensions and diplomatic strain. Trump made the remarks in an interview with NBC News, recorded on Wednesday, the same day the two leaders held wide-ranging discussions on trade, Taiwan, the Ukraine war, and the situations in Russia and Iran.

Trump also indicated he may visit China in April, with Xi’s US trip expected to follow. He described his recent talks with Xi as positive and productive, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong ties between Washington and Beijing. Since returning to the White House, Trump’s administration has taken a tough stance on tariffs, imposing duties on steel, cars, and other sectors, though both sides reached a broad understanding last spring after heightened tensions.

Xi, who last visited the US in 2023, urged caution over US arms sales to Taiwan and expressed hope that bilateral issues could be resolved amicably through dialogue, according to Chinese state television CCTV.