Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has apologized for spending time with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The apology came after the U.S. Department of Justice released a new batch of documents related to Epstein, revealing email communications with several influential figures. Among the documents was a draft email in which Epstein claimed Gates had engaged in an extramarital affair.

In an interview with 9News Australia, Gates said he regretted every minute spent with Epstein and apologized, calling the email false and never sent. A spokesperson for Gates also denied the claims, stating that the newly released files only showed Epstein’s frustration over the end of his contact with Gates and his attempts to entrap and defame him.

Melinda French Gates, who divorced Bill Gates in 2021, told National Public Radio that the documents brought back painful memories from their marriage, adding that some questions still remain.

Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has instructed all administrative and law enforcement officials to perform their duties with professionalism, neutrality, discipline, patience, and citizen-friendly behavior during the upcoming 13th parliamentary election and referendum. He gave the directive on Thursday while exchanging views with officials from the Dhaka metropolitan, divisional, and district administrations, as well as various law enforcement agencies, at the National Stadium conference hall in Dhaka.

The meeting discussed inter-institutional coordination and overall security management to ensure a peaceful, fair, and impartial election. Senior military officers were also present. During his visit, the army chief observed the activities of troops deployed under the “In Aid to the Civil Power” framework and provided necessary guidance.

Since January 22, the army chief has been holding similar meetings with senior military, civil administration, and law enforcement officials across multiple regions, including Dhaka, Chattogram, Cumilla, Rangpur, Bogura, Barishal, Jashore, Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, Ghatail, and Savar, to strengthen coordination among all agencies involved in election duties.

BNP’s Rajbari-2 constituency candidate Harunur Rashid declared that extortionists and criminals will have no place in the party. He made the statement on Thursday afternoon during a series of street meetings across nine wards of Jamalpur Union in Baliakandi upazila. Rashid emphasized that after 17 years of being deprived of voting rights, it was time to restore them, warning those involved in wrongdoing that he would not tolerate misconduct.

Addressing the Hindu community, Rashid assured them of safety, saying no one would be able to harm them while he was alive. He urged voters not to betray the BNP’s electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf, which he described as belonging to Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia, and Tarique Rahman. He pledged to dedicate a victory to Tarique Rahman.

The event was attended by local BNP leaders, including freedom fighter Abul Hossain Khan, vice president Jafar Ali Mia, senior joint secretary Anwar Hossain, and student wing president Nazmul Hossain, among others.

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 on Thursday sentenced former Member of Parliament Saiful Islam to death in the Ashulia case involving the burning of six bodies and the killing of seven people during the July Revolution. The tribunal also ordered the confiscation of all his properties for distribution among the poor. The verdict was delivered at 1:15 p.m. by a three-member panel led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, with judges Manjurul Bashid and Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir.

According to the prosecution, the case was filed against 16 accused, including eight who are currently in custody and eight, including Saiful Islam, who remain absconding. The tribunal heard testimony from 24 witnesses, including ASI Sheikh Abzalul Haque, who turned state witness and sought forgiveness from the victims’ families. The prosecution submitted 313 pages of documents, 62 witness statements, 168 pages of evidence, and two pen drives.

Chief Prosecutor Tazul Islam described the Ashulia killings as one of the most brutal acts in human history, asserting that the crimes were proven beyond doubt through video evidence and eyewitness testimony.

The Bangladesh Army announced that it will take immediate action if any polling center or ballot box is seized during the upcoming election. The statement was made by Brigadier General Dewan Monjurul Islam, Director of Military Operations, during a press briefing at the army camp located in the National Stadium area of Gulistan, Dhaka, on Thursday. He said more troops have been deployed this time compared to previous elections to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful voting process.

According to Brigadier General Islam, the army has so far recovered 10,152 weapons and established a round-the-clock monitoring cell to coordinate with civilian authorities. He emphasized that the army is acting under the Chief of Army Staff’s directives to assist the civil administration and the public. The duration of the army’s post-election deployment will be determined by the government.

He added that the army is fully prepared to prevent any election-related sabotage and that social media misinformation poses a major threat. Cyber surveillance is continuing to counter such risks.

Heavy rainfall has caused extensive flooding across northern Morocco, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people from four provinces. Authorities confirmed that rescue operations are ongoing to ensure public safety and minimize damage. In Larache province’s Souk El Khemis city, about 81,709 residents were evacuated, while 9,728 people were moved from Sidi Kacem, 2,853 from Sidi Slimane, and 14,133 from Kenitra.

Officials stated that emergency shelters have been established and essential assistance is being provided to those affected. The Ministry of Water reported that rising water levels in the Massen Valley triggered flash floods near Guercif in eastern Morocco early Wednesday.

Flooding has disrupted traffic on major roads across several provinces, including routes connecting Tangier and Tetouan, as well as roads in Larache, Kenitra, Sidi Kacem, and Sidi Slimane.

Ukraine, Russia, and the United States began the second day of talks in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, aiming to end Moscow’s nearly four-year-long aggression. According to AFP, the discussions, mediated by the US, mark the latest stage of ongoing diplomatic efforts. After the first day, Kyiv described the meeting as “deep and productive,” though no major progress was reported. The war, considered Europe’s deadliest since World War II, has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced millions, devastating Ukraine’s eastern and southern regions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said about 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed. Russian strikes have caused widespread power outages, leaving civilians suffering in freezing temperatures. Ukraine’s lead negotiator Rustem Umerov said the first day focused on “specific steps and realistic solutions,” while the Kremlin reaffirmed its hardline stance. The talks remain stuck on the future of eastern Ukrainian territories, with Russia demanding Kyiv withdraw from Donbas and recognize occupied areas as Russian, which Kyiv rejects.

The US has involved special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in the process. Kyiv remains cautious, warning that conceding territory could embolden further Russian aggression.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will organize an election rally in front of its central office at Naya Paltan in Dhaka on February 8 as part of its campaign for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election. The rally is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m., with BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman addressing the event as the chief guest.

The announcement was made by the party’s Senior Joint Secretary General and Member Secretary of the Election Steering Committee, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, during a press conference held in Naya Paltan on Thursday. The event is part of BNP’s broader efforts to mobilize supporters and present its political agenda ahead of the national polls.

The rally is expected to mark a significant moment in BNP’s election campaign, with the party leadership aiming to energize its base and outline its electoral priorities.

Iran and the United States have agreed to hold nuclear talks in Muscat, Oman, later this week. The confirmation came from both sides on Wednesday, following earlier uncertainty over the venue and agenda. Ahead of the meeting, US President Donald Trump warned Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that he should be “very worried.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on social media that the meeting is scheduled for Friday and thanked Oman for its support. The White House also confirmed the talks.

Reports indicate that Turkey was previously considered as a host, but disagreements over including Iran’s ballistic missile program led the US to reconsider. Trump told NBC News that Iran was planning to build a new nuclear facility and warned of severe consequences if it proceeded. The US Navy has deployed the “Armada” fleet in the region, which recently shot down an Iranian drone, prompting Tehran to threaten retaliation.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that meaningful dialogue must address Iran’s missile program, support for regional armed groups, and human rights issues. Despite internal unrest and regional pressure, the Muscat meeting is viewed as a significant diplomatic step for both nations.

Local administration and law enforcement in Nesarabad upazila of Pirojpur have identified 77 polling centers as vulnerable ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election for the Pirojpur-2 constituency, which includes Nesarabad, Kaukhali, and Bhandaria upazilas. Officials said strict security measures are being implemented to prevent irregularities, influence, violence, or any obstruction to voters’ rights.

Nesarabad Upazila Election Officer Rubayet Hossain stated that the area has the highest number of voters and polling centers among the three upazilas, making it more prone to risk. He added that preparations are in the final stage to ensure smooth voting for 198,001 registered voters, with ballot boxes, papers, and CCTV cameras ready for timely distribution. Pirojpur Election Commissioner Abdu Mannan reported that the constituency has a total of 405,302 voters, seven candidates including one independent, and 166 polling centers overall.

Authorities emphasized that enhanced security and logistical readiness aim to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election process in the constituency.

Israel has suspended the transfer of patients from Gaza to Egypt through the Rafah crossing, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society. The suspension came just days after Israel reopened the crossing on February 2, 2026, for the first time in about 18 months. On the first day, only five critically ill patients were allowed to cross into Egypt. The Red Crescent’s spokesperson Raed al-Nims told Al Jazeera that Israel announced the closure only minutes before it took effect, leaving many wounded and seriously ill Palestinians waiting in ambulances near the crossing.

Israeli officials had earlier said that up to 50 Palestinians would be permitted to cross daily, but only five were allowed on Monday and 16 on Tuesday. Gaza’s health authorities reported that more than 18,000 patients are awaiting evacuation for treatment, including around 440 in critical condition. No explanation was given for why some patients were denied passage.

Despite an ongoing ceasefire, Israeli forces continued airstrikes in Gaza. The Palestinian Health Ministry said at least 21 people were killed and 38 injured on Wednesday, bringing the total to 556 deaths and 1,500 injuries during the truce period.

Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has announced that metro rail services in Dhaka will continue to operate normally during the national election and referendum period, despite a nationwide restriction on vehicular movement. DMTCL Director A.K.M. Khairul Alam confirmed that metro trains will run as on regular working days to ensure smooth travel for passengers and facilitate voter movement across the city.

According to the announcement, station gates located directly beside polling centers may remain closed for security reasons, while all other gates will stay open. To maintain uninterrupted metro operations during the election period, DMTCL has canceled all staff leave. Earlier, the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges issued a circular on February 2 imposing restrictions on various types of vehicles, including taxis, pickups, microbuses, and trucks, from midnight on February 11 to midnight on February 12.

Additionally, motorcycle movement across the country will be banned for 72 hours from midnight on February 10 to midnight on February 13, though exceptions will apply for emergency and election-related activities.

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that Washington is continuing discussions with Iran to ease tensions in the Persian Gulf, even as American forces shot down Iranian drones over the Arabian Sea. Speaking at the White House, Trump said talks were underway but declined to reveal their location. He referenced a previous U.S. operation called “Midnight Hammer” and noted that Iran might not want to face a similar situation again.

According to Iranian media, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in West Jerusalem to discuss Iran. Reports cited U.S. officials saying Israel is pressing Washington to launch new strikes on Iran, though Trump currently opposes such action. The president has also warned that if nuclear talks fail, “something bad” could happen, and he recently deployed the USS Abraham Lincoln to the Gulf.

The developments follow Israel’s 12-day assault on Iran in June 2025, which targeted military and nuclear sites. Turkish officials said a planned meeting between Iran’s foreign minister and Trump’s envoys will now take place in Oman instead of Istanbul.

Education Adviser Professor Dr. C R Abrar stated that the world has entered the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, driven by artificial intelligence, robotics, big data, the Internet of Things, and automation, which are rapidly transforming global economies and societies. He emphasized that the primary goal of education should not be limited to awarding degrees but to developing skilled, innovative, and technology-aware human resources. He made these remarks on Thursday at the inauguration of the 'NWPGCL-BUET Robo Carnival 2026' held at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) campus.

Dr. Abrar described the carnival as more than a technology exhibition, calling it a timely platform for shaping Bangladesh’s future development. He noted that the event would enhance students’ innovative thinking and research capacity while bridging the gap between academic research and industrial application. He praised the collaboration between BUET and the state-owned NWPGCL as a model partnership.

He further highlighted that using AI and robotics in the energy and power sectors could improve efficiency, strengthen safety, and ensure sustainable growth. He urged reducing dependence on foreign technology through domestic research and innovation and called for stronger collaboration among students, teachers, researchers, and industry.

Serious allegations have emerged against a contractor over substandard roadwork on the M A Gani Road in Burichang upazila of Comilla. Locals claim that the contractor ignored tender conditions, used low-quality materials, and completed the carpeting hastily at night without following the approved schedule. As a result, the newly carpeted surface began to peel off within just seven days, sparking anger and concern among thousands of users of the Burichang–Brahmanpara road.

Residents alleged that the required quality standards were not maintained, with minimal bitumen used and carpeting thickness far below the specified 50 millimeters—sometimes only 5 to 25 millimeters. Witnesses reported that the contractor’s team continued nighttime repairs despite local objections, raising further doubts about transparency. Contractor Mohammad Abul Hossain acknowledged hearing about damaged sections and said repairs were being arranged.

Locals have demanded an impartial investigation into the project’s quality and strict action against those responsible. The Comilla Roads and Highways Department’s executive engineer, Khondaker Golam Mostafa, stated that post-completion re-carpeting should not occur and confirmed that an investigation is underway.