Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued a public notice prohibiting all forms of gatherings, rallies, sit-ins, and processions in several key areas of the capital, including the Bangladesh Secretariat and the Chief Adviser’s official residence, Jamuna. The restriction will take effect from Wednesday, February 4, 2026, and will remain in place until further notice. The order was signed by DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali.

According to the notice, the decision was made under Section 29 of the DMP Ordinance to maintain public order and ensure the security of the Chief Adviser. The restricted zones include the areas surrounding the Secretariat and Jamuna, covering the stretch between Hotel Intercontinental Crossing, Kakrail Mosque Crossing, Officers Club Crossing, and Minto Road Crossing.

The DMP announcement emphasized that the ban applies to all types of public assemblies, including human chains, demonstrations, and processions, within the designated areas until new instructions are issued.

A total of 297,350 postal ballots from expatriate voters have arrived in Bangladesh ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliament Election and referendum. The information was confirmed on Tuesday, February 3, by Salim Ahmad Khan, team leader of the OCV-SDI project on expatriate voter registration. According to him, as of 12 p.m. that day, 766,862 ballots had been sent to registered expatriate voters through the Postal Vote BD app. Among them, 524,080 voters received their ballots, and 467,707 have already cast their votes.

Additionally, 423,712 expatriate voters have submitted their ballots to postal services in their respective countries, with 6,042 ballots already received by returning officers in Bangladesh. The Election Commission has also begun sending postal ballots to domestic voters under the ICPV system, dispatching 646,507 ballots so far. Of these, 125,668 voters have received their ballots, 96,632 have voted, and 70,810 have submitted their ballots to post offices or drop boxes.

In total, 1,533,684 voters at home and abroad have registered through the Postal Vote BD app to participate in the election and referendum.

The Supreme Court of Bangladesh has suspended a previous High Court order that had directed authorities to refrain from disconnecting water, electricity, and gas connections in under-construction buildings within areas controlled by the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK). The chamber court of the Appellate Division issued the suspension order on February 3, 2026, following a petition filed by RAJUK challenging the earlier High Court directive.

The High Court had earlier, on December 17, 2025, issued a rule and an interim injunction in response to a writ petition filed by the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB), instructing RAJUK and related authorities not to disconnect utility connections in such buildings. The government had initially decided on April 17, 2025, that utility connections would be cut off for buildings under construction that violated approved designs in RAJUK-controlled areas.

With the Supreme Court’s latest order, there is no longer any legal barrier preventing RAJUK and relevant authorities from conducting mobile court operations and disconnecting water, gas, and electricity connections in buildings under construction that deviate from approved designs.

Former student leader Moksed Alam has been appointed as the central joint general secretary of the Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal. The announcement was made on Monday through a press release signed by the party’s central office secretary, Shafiqul Islam. The appointment was approved by the organization’s central president, agriculturist Hasan Jafir Tuhin, and general secretary, Shahidul Islam Babul.

According to the press release, the decision took effect on February 1. It also expressed hope that Moksed Alam would play an active role in strengthening, organizing, and energizing the Krishak Dal. The appointment reflects the leadership’s confidence in Alam’s ability to contribute to the party’s organizational development.

The announcement underscores the party’s ongoing efforts to reinforce its central leadership structure and enhance internal coordination through new appointments.

Sanatan (Hindu) students at Jagannath University held a sit-in on Tuesday at the university’s Muktomoncho, demanding the establishment of a central temple on campus. The protesters described a plan to build a public toilet near the proposed temple site as an act of religious disrespect. Participants from various departments joined the demonstration, chanting slogans asserting their right to a temple and criticizing the university administration.

Ajay Pal, general secretary of the Sri Chaitanya Education and Culture Association, said the university has about 2,700 Sanatan students but no central temple despite repeated petitions. He added that the vice-chancellor had cited space constraints but later indicated a site near Muktomoncho, where a public toilet project has now been initiated, angering students. Priyanta Swarnakar, acting president of the Student Unity Council, said the decision to build the toilet was made without consulting them.

Sumon Kumar Das, president of the Jagannath University Sanatan Student Council, announced that foundation rituals would be completed and temple construction would begin the same day. The protesters demanded a clear statement from the administration to fulfill their request promptly.

A Dhaka court has issued a travel ban on former Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) commissioner Abdul Halim and former additional secretary Md Sabur Hossain. The order was given on Tuesday, February 3, by Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Foyez. The Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) public relations officer Tanzir Ahmed confirmed the court’s decision following a petition filed by ACC Deputy Director Mohammad Zainal Abedin.

According to the petition, the ACC is investigating allegations of irregularities and corruption in the procurement process of a project under the rural electrification program involving the installation of 500,000 smart pre-payment meters and related communication systems. The investigation team was formed to examine the allegations, which remain under inquiry.

The ACC stated that credible sources indicated the accused might attempt to flee abroad, prompting the request for a travel restriction to ensure a fair investigation. The court granted the order after a hearing.

National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan claimed that government officials are openly seeking votes for the opposition’s paddy sheaf symbol, describing it as a threat to democracy. Speaking at an NCP election road meeting on Tuesday at Singra bus stand in Natore, he alleged that the Election Commission and administration are showing bias as the election approaches. He cited a social media video showing a presiding officer in Panchagarh asking for votes for the paddy sheaf.

Bhuiyan said that complaints from the 11-party alliance to the Election Commission are ignored, while complaints from the BNP receive immediate action. He warned that attempts to use the administration to stage another rigged election would not succeed, saying the people would defend their voting rights even at the cost of their lives. Other NCP leaders, including Monira Sharmin and Tariqul Islam, echoed concerns about administrative bias and pledged to protect polling centers.

The event was part of the NCP’s nationwide election campaign, attended by leaders from the 11-party alliance supporting Shapla Koli symbol candidate S.M. Jargis Kadir in Natore-3 constituency.

Energy and power sector experts in Bangladesh have called for a national consensus to address the country’s worsening electricity and fuel crisis. Speaking at a seminar organized by Just Energy News in Dhaka, they said that despite surplus generation capacity, the sector faces severe financial and structural pressure due to high costs, import dependence, dollar shortages, subsidy burdens, and weak governance. They urged the new government to take immediate steps alongside realistic and sustainable long-term planning.

Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Jalal Ahmed attributed the crisis to long neglect of primary energy and limited LNG import capacity. Former BUET professor Dr. Ijaz Hossain noted that 97–98% of Bangladesh’s energy relies on fossil fuels, with 60% imported, creating economic strain. Other speakers, including former Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury and economists Mushtaq Hossain Khan and M. Tamim, highlighted institutional corruption, inefficient contracts, and policy failures as key causes. They warned that without transparency and reform, losses exceeding Tk 50,000 crore annually could persist.

Participants emphasized that political unity, transparency, and public awareness are essential for sustainable energy security and economic stability.

The chiefs of Bangladesh’s Army, Navy and Air Force visited Gazipur district on Tuesday ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and Referendum 2026. During the visit, General Waker-uz-Zaman, Admiral M Nazmul Hasan and Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan met senior military officers, law enforcement officials and civil administration representatives from Gazipur, Narsingdi and Narayanganj districts at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute conference hall.

The meeting focused on ensuring peaceful, neutral and fair elections through inter-agency coordination and comprehensive security management. The three service chiefs emphasized professionalism, neutrality, discipline, patience and citizen-friendly conduct in carrying out duties. They also inspected the activities of armed forces personnel deployed under the “In Aid to the Civil Power” framework and provided necessary guidance.

Senior military and civil officials, law enforcement representatives and members of the media were present during the visit, reflecting a broad-based coordination effort for maintaining order during the election period.

A Dhaka court has ordered the freezing of a bank account belonging to former Director General of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) Saiful Alam and the seizure of a five-katha plot registered under the names of his wife and daughters in Trust Green City. The order was issued on Tuesday, February 3, by Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Foyez in response to a petition from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

According to ACC public relations officer Tanzir Ahmed, the petition was filed by ACC Deputy Director Tahasin Munabil Haque, who sought to block the bank account and seize the assets amid an ongoing corruption inquiry. The ACC stated that an investigation team had been formed to verify Saiful Alam’s wealth statement and found indications that he and his family were attempting to transfer or conceal funds and property. The court ruled that freezing the account and seizing the land were necessary under the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012, and the ACC Rules, 2007.

The court’s order aims to prevent the suspected illicit assets from being transferred or hidden before the investigation concludes.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed opposition to banning Israel from international football competitions, despite ongoing discussions among several European nations advocating such a move in protest of Israel’s actions in Palestine. Speaking about potential changes to FIFA’s rules, Infantino suggested that the organization’s constitution should prevent any country from being excluded due to political leaders’ actions. He emphasized maintaining open channels of connection through sport.

UEFA had earlier prepared to hold a vote on suspending Israel during its executive committee meeting in September, but the discussion was postponed after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire proposal between Israel and Hamas. According to The Athletic, later talks focused on the procedural aspects of implementing a ban. Ireland’s Football Association strongly supported a proposal to temporarily suspend Israel from UEFA competitions.

Infantino also argued that the current ban on Russia, imposed after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, should be lifted, saying it had achieved nothing and only deepened frustration and hatred. He warned that imposing a similar ban on Israel would represent a failure for football diplomacy.

Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud, central executive member of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Dhaka South secretary, alleged that the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Bauphal Police Station has lost neutrality. Speaking at a press conference at the Bauphal upazila Jamaat office on Tuesday, he claimed that the OC conducted a raid on their party office under provocation from another political group, without proper verification. Masud argued that a neutral election cannot be expected while the current OC remains in his post and urged the Election Commission to withdraw him immediately.

He questioned how members of another political organization and several journalists were present before the police raid, suggesting that they had prior knowledge of the operation. Masud said the police found nothing during the raid, which, according to him, proves the action was politically motivated. He emphasized that law enforcement should ensure full confirmation before conducting such operations.

Masud also announced that Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman will visit Bauphal on February 6 to address a public rally at the local field, where other alliance leaders will also attend.

Professor Ali Riaz, special assistant to the chief adviser, called on citizens to support the 'July Charter' in the upcoming national referendum. Speaking at a discussion meeting at Dhaka University’s Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building on Tuesday, he described the charter as a pledge written in blood, symbolizing the sacrifices of those who fought against fascist rule. The event was organized by the University Grants Commission to promote the referendum and encourage voter participation.

Riaz emphasized that the July Charter represents a collective debt to the youth, workers, and citizens who protested for freedom and justice. He warned against the return of personal dictatorship and urged constitutional reforms to prevent unilateral amendments. He also criticized past constitutional changes and elections that, according to him, undermined democracy.

Special assistant Monir Haidar added that the referendum will include 48 reform proposals under four categories, ultimately asking whether citizens support the July uprising. He cautioned that failure of the referendum could allow fascism to return, stressing that it is an opportunity to realize the founding goals of equality, dignity, and social justice.

The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) has announced another increase in gold prices within less than six hours. In a notice issued on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, the association set the new price of 22-carat gold at Tk 262,090 per bhori, marking a rise of Tk 10,906. The revised rate took effect from 4 p.m. the same day.

According to the BAJUS statement, the adjustment was made due to a rise in the price of pure gold in the local market. The organization stated that the new rate reflects the overall market situation and the recent increase in the cost of raw gold.

The rapid price revision within such a short period highlights volatility in the domestic gold market, influenced by fluctuations in the price of pure gold as reported by BAJUS.

At a press conference in Gulshan on Tuesday, BNP Central Election Steering Committee spokesperson and party chairperson’s adviser Mahdi Amin accused so-called reformists of spreading misinformation about the BNP’s reform agenda. He said the party has consistently advocated for state reform, citing its Vision 2030, 27-point and 31-point reform proposals, and support for a bicameral parliament and term limits for the prime minister. Amin reaffirmed BNP’s stance in favor of a ‘yes’ vote in the upcoming national referendum on state reform.

He expressed concern over the spread of at least 29 false or misleading claims targeting BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman in the past week, citing fact-checking reports as evidence. Amin also objected to the deployment of Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) members in election duties, warning it could compromise neutrality. Additionally, he raised alarm over 34,442 election observers from 16 organizations, alleging some have political affiliations, and urged the Election Commission to verify observer lists and limit numbers per polling center.

Amin announced that Tarique Rahman would visit Barishal and Faridpur on Wednesday for campaign rallies as part of his election tour.