Ariful Islam, the candidate of the ten-party 'Oikkoboddho Bangladesh' alliance including Jamaat-e-Islami and NCP for Dhaka-18 constituency, said that ensuring women’s safety, dignity, and respect at home and workplaces is a fundamental right, not a privilege. He made the remarks on Wednesday, February 4, at a women’s gathering organized by the women’s wing of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dakshinkhan unit near Mollartek Central Jame Mosque in Uttara.

Ariful outlined plans to introduce special transport services for women, install CCTV cameras in public transport, and build hygienic public toilets for women. He also called for impartial investigations into killings during Sheikh Hasina’s 17-year rule and urged citizens to support the implementation of the 'July National Charter' through a referendum. He described the upcoming election as a struggle to protect Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty from foreign dominance and to safeguard people’s faith, culture, and lifestyle.

He criticized the BNP for allegedly fostering violence and failing to ensure the safety of its own activists, asserting that the 'Oikkoboddho Bangladesh' alliance aims to resist terrorism, corruption, and extortion while pursuing justice and structural reform.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Porwar criticized the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for making what he called unrealistic promises, including plans for ‘family cards’ and ‘farmer cards.’ Speaking as the chief guest at a public rally in Siddhirganj, Narayanganj, on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, he said BNP’s pledges were similar to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ten-taka-per-kilogram rice program, which he claimed people did not appreciate.

Porwar alleged that corruption and political favoritism had infiltrated all levels of the state, undermining justice and allowing criminals to act with impunity while innocent people were jailed for years without bail. He also criticized restrictions previously placed on Jamaat leaders in Narayanganj, referring to local political figures.

At the end of the rally, Porwar handed over electoral symbols to candidates of the 11-party alliance, including Jamaat nominees for Narayanganj’s five constituencies, in the presence of central and local leaders and a large number of activists.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh has announced a 30-point election manifesto ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The declaration event took place on Wednesday afternoon at the IAB auditorium in Purana Paltan, Dhaka. The party stated that if it comes to power, it will give the highest priority to Sharia or Islamic law in state governance.

The manifesto highlights several key commitments, including maintaining a balance of power, bringing qualitative changes in politics, introducing a science-based education system, ensuring the fundamental rights of all communities, and integrating religion with politics. The party also reaffirmed its commitment to the July uprising.

Earlier, on January 16, Islami Andolan Bangladesh announced its withdrawal from the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party electoral alliance and declared its intention to contest independently in 268 constituencies. Later, it fielded candidates in 259 seats, all contesting under the 'hand fan' symbol.

Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has directed election officials and law enforcement personnel to perform their duties with honesty, dedication, and sincerity ahead of the 13th National Parliament Election and Referendum 2026. He gave the directive on Wednesday at a law and order coordination meeting organized by the Khulna Divisional Administration at the Divisional Commissioner’s office. The meeting was chaired by Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Nasimul Gani and attended by senior officials from BGB, RAB, and the Bangladesh Police.

The adviser emphasized that the upcoming February 12 national election carries high public expectations and warned that any irregularities, including ballot box snatching, would lead to action against responsible officials. He announced the formation of a Central Law and Order Coordination Cell at the Home Ministry to monitor the election situation and handle complaints. He also highlighted the use of the “Election Security App-2026,” developed by the National Telecommunication Monitoring Center, to ensure rapid response to law and order issues.

Chowdhury urged timely accreditation for election observers and journalists, stressing full cooperation to ensure transparency. He expressed optimism that technology, training, and coordination would help deliver a free, fair, and festive election.

BNP Standing Committee member and Sirajganj-2 constituency candidate Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku has accused Jamaat-e-Islami of engaging in hypocrisy for the sake of votes and political power. Speaking on Wednesday afternoon at a campaign event in Nandinamodhu village of Kamarkhand upazila, he said Jamaat has deviated from Islamic principles and should not be brought to power. Tuku warned that voting for the party’s scale symbol would dishonor those who sacrificed their lives and dignity for the nation.

He further stated, citing Islamic scholars, that even people in Pakistan dislike Jamaat because of its hypocrisy. Tuku urged voters not to cast their ballots for the scale symbol under any circumstances, emphasizing that doing so would mean aligning with hypocrites.

The remarks came during his campaign for the BNP’s paddy-sheaf symbol in the Sirajganj-2 constituency, as part of his outreach to local voters ahead of the election.

The Ministry of Public Administration has appointed 1,051 executive magistrates across Bangladesh to perform duties during the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. A government notification issued on Tuesday confirmed that the magistrates will supervise adherence to the electoral code of conduct, maintain law and order, prevent crimes, and guide strike forces including the Border Guard Bangladesh, Coast Guard, and Armed Forces teams. They will operate mobile courts in their assigned areas from February 8 to 14.

According to the notification, the magistrates will join their respective district commissioners on February 7 after receiving training. Under Section 5 of the Mobile Court Act, 2009, they will have authority to conduct mobile courts in designated areas until two days after the voting. District magistrates will allocate responsibilities and determine operational areas for each executive magistrate.

Each day’s mobile court activities must be reported to the respective district magistrate and returning officer in a prescribed format, ensuring accountability and coordination during the election period.

A large procession of professionals was held in Dhaka-17 constituency in support of BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman’s election symbol, the paddy sheaf. The rally began in front of Hatirjheel Police Plaza and marched through various roads in Gulshan 1 and 2 before concluding at the Gulshan Circle on Wednesday afternoon.

Participants in the procession included Professor Dr. Farhad Halim Donar, BNP Chairperson’s adviser Abdus Salam, Professor Dr. A.B.M. Obaidul Ismam, journalists Syed Abdal Ahmad and Kader Gani Chowdhury, along with numerous academics, engineers, doctors, and cultural figures. The event demonstrated visible professional backing for the BNP leader’s electoral campaign in the Dhaka-17 constituency.

The procession’s route through key areas of Gulshan highlighted organized participation from a wide range of professional groups, though no official statements or reactions were reported in the source.

Maulana Mamunul Haque, Amir of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis and the rickshaw-symbol candidate of the ten-party electoral alliance for Dhaka-13, announced a 13-point election manifesto on Wednesday at the Sushona Community Center in Mohammadpur, Dhaka. The manifesto emphasizes eliminating terrorism, drugs, and juvenile gangs, along with ensuring transparency, urban development, and social welfare.

The 13 points include commitments to a corruption-free Dhaka-13 through digitalized public services, zero tolerance against crime and drugs, improved law enforcement, traffic management, and environmental protection. It also outlines plans for business-friendly reforms, education and human resource development, sustainable utility services, expanded healthcare, and religious harmony. Additional pledges cover cultural freedom, women’s rights, child development, and honoring national heroes through accountable politics.

The announcement was made during a joint event where all Dhaka-13 parliamentary candidates presented their manifestos and pledged to follow the electoral code of conduct.

The National Helpline 333 has introduced a dedicated information service to assist citizens with reliable and accessible details regarding the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and Referendum 2026. According to a statement from the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology on February 4, citizens can now call 333 and press 9 on the IVR menu to receive election-related information and services free of charge from any mobile operator.

Developed in collaboration with the Election Commission and a2i, the service provides information on voting procedures, polling center locations, national ID details, electoral codes of conduct, and special facilities for expatriate, elderly, disabled, and female voters. It also offers guidance on using the Election Commission’s Smart Election Management BD and Postal Vote BD apps. Since its pilot launch on January 16, a total of 1,643 citizens have already used the service.

Officials noted that the 333 helpline may also serve as an early warning and information forwarding system for law and order issues, helping prevent misinformation and ensuring a transparent and peaceful election process.

A divisional rally of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) began at the Government Rajendra College field in Faridpur on Wednesday. BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman appeared on the stage around 3 p.m. after attending a previous rally in Barishal. The event formally started at 12:30 p.m. with a recitation from the Quran.

The rally is being presided over by district BNP convener Syed Modarres Ali Isha, while district BNP member secretary A.K. Kibria Swapon is conducting the proceedings. Senior BNP leaders, including Faridpur divisional organizing secretary Shama Obaid, are also present on the stage. The gathering marks part of the BNP’s ongoing divisional programs across the country.

The event underscores the party’s continued regional mobilization efforts, with senior leadership visibly participating in divisional-level activities.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman will deliver a national address on February 9 at 9 p.m. as part of the party’s election campaign. The party has sought permission from the Election Commission to broadcast the speech through Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar. The announcement was made in a press release issued by Jamaat’s Central Publicity and Media Department head, Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair.

According to the press release, the 13th National Parliamentary Election and a referendum on the July Charter are scheduled for February 12. Jamaat-e-Islami described itself as a responsible political organization committed to fulfilling the expectations and aspirations of the people. The party expressed hope that the Chief Election Commissioner would take necessary steps to approve the broadcast of the speech at the scheduled time.

The request for permission was formally submitted to the Chief Election Commissioner on Tuesday, and the party expects a positive response before the planned broadcast date.

BNP National Standing Committee member and Cox’s Bazar-1 (Chakaria-Pekua) candidate Salahuddin Ahmed said the party has pledged full media freedom in its 31-point program and election manifesto. He announced that a separate media reform commission has already been formed, and BNP will review its recommendations to take necessary measures. Ahmed made these remarks on Wednesday at a ‘Meet the Press with Youth Salahuddin’ event organized by the Salahuddin Ahmed Media Cell at a community center in Chakaria.

He emphasized that countries ensuring media freedom have stronger democratic structures. In an era of rapid global information exchange, he urged journalists to act responsibly to uphold the nation’s dignity. Ahmed highlighted the crucial role of the media in strengthening Bangladesh’s democratic system.

The event was attended by local BNP leaders, including Chakaria Upazila BNP president Enamul Haque, general secretary M Mobarak Ali, and representatives from journalist associations in Cox’s Bazar.

In Daulatkhan upazila of Bhola, local units of the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami held separate press conferences following a clash linked to election activities. The BNP’s political coordinator, Akbar Hossain, stated that the incident began in Medua Union when Jamaat activists, allegedly outsiders, used motorcycles and sticks wrapped with the national flag during campaigning. He claimed that a dispute over disrespecting the flag led to an attack by Jamaat supporters, injuring four local residents who are now receiving treatment at Bhola Sadar and Daulatkhan hospitals.

Hossain accused Jamaat activists of attempting to disrupt the peaceful election environment and alleged that the lack of action by the assistant returning officer contributed to the unrest. In a counter press conference, Jamaat’s upazila amir, Maulana Hasan Tarek Hawlader, accused BNP activists of violently obstructing their peaceful campaign. He said several Jamaat members were injured and hospitalized, describing the attack as a deliberate attempt to intimidate voters and undermine electoral fairness.

Jamaat leaders demanded an impartial investigation and legal action against those responsible, urging election authorities to ensure a fair and peaceful process.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Tarique Rahman has pledged to build the Barishal-Bhola bridge if his party forms the next government. Speaking at an election rally at Bell’s Park in Barishal city, he also promised to upgrade Sher-e-Bangla Medical College and initiate the establishment of a medical college in Bhola. Rahman outlined BNP’s plans for the southern region, covering infrastructure, health, education, agriculture, employment, and social security.

He identified river erosion as the most severe problem in the Barishal division, calling for embankment construction to protect affected communities. Rahman recalled BNP’s past contributions, including the 1993 declaration of Barishal as a division and rural electrification under President Ziaur Rahman. He criticized prolonged authoritarian rule for halting development and worsening conditions in roads, schools, and healthcare facilities.

Rahman also announced plans for agricultural and fisheries support, including cold storage facilities, agricultural cards, and loan waivers for small farmers. He emphasized youth employment through training centers and local industries, as well as expanded rural healthcare and women’s empowerment initiatives.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has accused Jamaat-e-Islami of deceiving people in the name of Islam. Speaking at an election rally on Wednesday at Kismat Daulatpur Dakhil Madrasa and Eidgah ground in Thakurgaon Sadar, he said Jamaat was misleading women by claiming that voting for its symbol would lead to paradise, which he called a false belief. Citing the Pir of Charmonai, he stated that Jamaat-e-Islami is not an Islamic party.

Addressing supporters, Fakhrul said the BNP believes in work and action rather than mere criticism. He urged political opponents not to spread falsehoods. Outlining BNP’s election promises, he said that if elected, the party would promote agro-based industries, provide technical training for youth, and create one crore jobs within one and a half years. He also pledged family and farmer cards, loan waivers up to Tk 10,000 for farmers, and government responsibility for women’s NGO loan installments.

Fakhrul criticized another party for making derogatory remarks about women, saying those who cannot respect women cannot lead the country.