Professor Ali Riaz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser with the rank of Adviser, stated that the July Charter was formulated to end the abuse of unchecked power and return ownership of the state to its citizens. Speaking on February 2, 2026, at a meeting in the Senate Building of Rajshahi University, he called on students to spread the message of the Charter across the country and encourage participation in the upcoming referendum.

Riaz explained that around 150,000 students in higher education institutions in the region could each motivate five others to vote in favor of change, potentially influencing 600,000 votes. He added that over 100,000 officials and employees could inspire another 500,000 people. He emphasized that the Charter seeks to prevent future autocracy and ensure that the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs are not wasted.

He further outlined proposed reforms, including a 100-seat upper house in the constitution with proportional representation and a requirement of majority support for constitutional amendments. Riaz urged citizens to vote “yes” to make the state accountable and prevent concentration of power in one individual.

Recently released U.S. documents show that a shipment of cloth associated with the Kaaba’s kiswa, the sacred covering of Islam’s holiest site in Mecca, was sent to the United States in 2017 and later reached convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Emails cited in the documents claim the shipment was coordinated through contacts linked to the United Arab Emirates.

Correspondence from February and March 2017 indicates that Emirati business figures Aziza Al-Ahmadi and Abdullah Al-Marai arranged the dispatch of three pieces related to the kiswa. The kiswa, a black cloth embroidered with gold, is replaced annually, and its used sections are regarded as valuable relics. The emails show that the shipment was sent by air freight from Saudi Arabia to Florida via British Airways, with detailed coordination on invoices, customs, and delivery.

The documents specify that one piece came from the Kaaba’s interior, another from its used outer covering, and a third was unused but made of the same material. The unused piece was classified as an “artwork” for shipping. A separate FBI memo alleged Epstein had ties with U.S. and Israeli intelligence agencies.

A devastating snowstorm across the United States has claimed more than 100 lives, with the highest fatalities reported in New York, Kentucky, and Tennessee. North Carolina also experienced multiple deaths and over a thousand vehicle collisions due to icy roads. In Kannapolis, 14 inches of snow were recorded, while Charlotte and Greenville saw more than 11 inches, marking Charlotte’s fourth-highest snowfall on record.

Significant snowfall was also reported in South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein confirmed two deaths from road accidents. In Florida, temperatures dropped to record lows, with Vero Beach and Melbourne reaching 27 and 26 degrees respectively, breaking decades-old February records. Along the East Coast, winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour intensified the cold.

Weather forecasts suggest that temperatures in the northeastern United States may rise slightly in the coming week, with wind speeds expected to decrease.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) reported that at least 15 political activists were killed across the country within 36 days following the announcement of the 13th National Parliament election schedule. The report, released on Monday, stated that in 2025 there were 401 incidents of political violence resulting in 102 deaths, while 1,333 firearms went missing. TIB warned that the continued circulation of looted weapons and new firearm licenses for political figures could heighten the risk of further violence.

The study, titled “One and a Half Years After the Fall of Authoritarianism: Expectations and Achievements,” highlighted widespread violence, harassment of political workers, attacks on potential candidates, and over 50 assaults on minority communities. It also alleged violations of legal procedures in trials related to crimes against humanity during the July movement and raised concerns over arbitrary arrests, prolonged detentions, and politically influenced cases.

TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman cautioned that failure to control mob violence could affect the February 12 election. The organization criticized the government’s lack of effective strategies, warning that inaction and appeasement could lead to excessive concentration of power.

An analysis by Tofayel Arif, published on February 2, 2026, highlights the growing cybersecurity risks associated with public internet use in Bangladesh. The report explains that public Wi-Fi networks, available in hotels, restaurants, malls, hospitals, and parks, often lack strong security verification. These open networks allow multiple users to connect without unique credentials, making them vulnerable to data theft and hacking.

The article identifies several major threats, including weak or absent data encryption, man-in-the-middle attacks, fake Wi-Fi networks, social media and email hacking, financial data exposure, malware infections, and unauthorized device control. It warns that children and teenagers are particularly at risk due to lower awareness of online safety. In Bangladesh, the problem is compounded by limited cybersecurity awareness, weak password practices, and disabled two-factor authentication.

The report advises users to avoid banking or sensitive transactions on public Wi-Fi, disable auto-connect, use HTTPS websites, log out after use, and consider VPN protection. Regular device and app updates are also recommended to reduce exposure to cyber threats.

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and French President Emmanuel Macron held a phone conversation to discuss reducing tensions in the Middle East and the recent situation surrounding Iran, according to a statement from the Qatari Emir. The two leaders exchanged views on how developments related to Iran could affect regional security. The discussion took place amid increased U.S. military presence in the Middle East and threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to strike Iran.

Iran has accused Washington of using sanctions, pressure, and unrest as pretexts for external interference aimed at regime change. Iranian officials warned that any attack, even a limited one, would be met with a “massive and unprecedented” response, according to public statements and U.S. assessments cited in the report.

The Emir and Macron also discussed the situation in Gaza, emphasizing civilian protection under the ceasefire agreement and ways to maintain stability in Lebanon. The Gaza ceasefire, effective since October 10, 2025, ended two years of Israeli attacks that killed over 71,700 people and injured more than 171,500, according to Palestinian authorities.

In the Gaibandha-5 (Saghata-Fulchhari) constituency, voters from the riverine char areas are expected to play a decisive role in the upcoming national election. The main issues dominating local discussions are the prevention of river erosion and the improvement of living standards through infrastructure development. Residents of the eight char unions along the Brahmaputra and Jamuna rivers have long suffered from annual erosion that destroys homes, farmland, schools, and markets, leaving many families displaced.

Local voters say they will support candidates who promise permanent and effective solutions to these problems. BNP candidate Faruk Alam Sarkar has pledged to prioritize riverbank protection, agricultural growth, and the establishment of police stations and tourism centers. Jamaat candidate Abdul Warres has promised to build livestock centers, hospitals, and educational institutions, and to construct a bridge or tunnel between Balashi and Bahadurabad. Despite the region’s agricultural potential, poor communication, lack of healthcare, and inadequate education remain major concerns.

Observers believe that sustainable river management and char development will determine the outcome of the Gaibandha-5 election.

Students of Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU) held a protest march and rally on Sunday night, denouncing alleged extortion by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) leaders in various university projects and threats made to officials. The demonstration began at 10:30 p.m. from the central Shaheed Minar and moved through campus roads before concluding with a rally at the same location. Protesters chanted slogans rejecting extortion and political dominance on campus.

During the rally, several students from different departments spoke out against what they described as the misuse of student politics for personal gain. Business Administration student Kazi Saurav emphasized that the campus should remain free from extortion, while Oceanography student Jihadul Islam Rafi expressed frustration over the persistence of such practices despite expectations of reform. Education student Mujtaba Faisal Naim warned that no political group should be allowed to reintroduce extortion or tender manipulation in the new political climate.

The protest reflected growing student discontent with alleged political interference and financial misconduct within the university’s administrative and project activities.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has accused Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman of insulting women through his recent remarks. Speaking on Monday in front of the BNP’s central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka, during a protest organized by the Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal, Rizvi questioned why Jamaat had not nominated any women candidates and warned that women’s hardship would increase if Jamaat came to power.

At the same rally, Mohila Dal President Afroza Abbas said the Jamaat chief had humiliated all women and demanded that he publicly apologize if he could not prove his claim that his social media account was hacked. She urged women to stand against Jamaat, accusing the party of being anti-liberation and of betraying women during the 1971 war.

BNP Standing Committee member Begum Selima Rahman also demanded an apology from Shafiqur Rahman, warning that failure to do so would provoke strong reaction from women. She said women would demonstrate on February 12 that no party disrespecting them could ever win.

In the Brahmanbaria-2 constituency, covering Sarail, Ashuganj, and parts of Bijoynagar, the electoral situation has become increasingly tense as two rebel BNP candidates, Barrister Rumin Farhana and S N Tarun Dey, refuse to withdraw from the race. Their defiance has placed heavy pressure on the alliance-backed candidate, Maulana Junaid Al Habib, despite clear instructions and expulsion warnings from the party’s central leadership.

Party sources indicate that the BNP high command is making last-ditch efforts to reach a compromise with the rebels. Grassroots activists are reportedly more active in campaigning for Rumin Farhana, while disciplinary actions against her supporters have been stricter than those backing Tarun Dey. Several local leaders, denied party nominations, are also contesting independently, deepening divisions within local BNP units and weakening overall coordination.

District BNP leaders claim they have repeatedly urged rebel candidates to withdraw and expelled many for defying party decisions. The presence of rebel candidates in seats allocated to allies under the coalition agreement has caused discomfort within the alliance, raising fears of vote splitting and potential defeat.

Nahid Islam, the Dhaka-11 constituency candidate from the 11-party alliance and convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), stated that he has gone to court as a conscious citizen after learning from various sources that BNP candidate M A Kaiyum allegedly holds dual citizenship and concealed this information from the Election Commission. He made the remarks on Monday morning while speaking to journalists during a campaign event in West Rampura, following the filing of a High Court petition regarding Kaiyum’s foreign citizenship.

Nahid Islam further alleged that his campaign banners are being torn down daily and that his supporters are facing threats. He said that despite informing the Election Commission, no action has been taken. He also expressed concern that “politics of dead bodies” has resurfaced around the election period.

The dispute over candidate eligibility and campaign disruptions adds tension to the Dhaka-11 race as legal proceedings move forward.

Ferry services on the Mongla River in Bagerhat have been severely disrupted due to a navigability crisis, leaving operations suspended for about 20 hours each day. As a result, ambulances, trucks, and other vehicles are forced to wait for high tide to cross, causing widespread suffering among residents and traders. The disruption has particularly affected the transport of perishable goods and emergency patients.

According to the Roads and Highways Department in Bagerhat, the ferry service was launched in 2003 after two terminals were built at a cost of around 2.5 million taka. Initially, the service reduced transport time and costs, becoming popular among locals. However, within a few years, siltation began to obstruct navigation, and the situation has now worsened, with only one ferry currently operating.

Mongla municipal administrator and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sharmin Akter Sumi acknowledged the problem, stating that repeated terminal extensions failed to solve it. She said dredging is the only permanent solution and that the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority has been contacted to take prompt action.

Pakistan’s security forces have killed 22 more separatists in ongoing operations in Balochistan, bringing the total number of separatists killed over the past three days to 177. The information was confirmed by security sources on Monday, February 2, according to Geo News. The joint operations involve the military, intelligence agencies, and police, focusing particularly on groups linked to ‘Fitna al-Hindustan’. Reports indicate continued casualties as the crackdown intensifies.

Earlier, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stated that more than 150 separatists had been killed in the Balochistan operations. The escalation follows coordinated attacks by separatists across 12 cities, including Quetta, Mastung, Nushki, Dalbandin, Kharan, Panjgur, Tump, Gwadar, and Pasni, targeting civilians.

Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti confirmed that at least 31 civilians and 17 security personnel were killed in attacks led by the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). He described the Balochistan crisis as a military, not political, issue and accused hostile elements allegedly backed by India of trying to destabilize Pakistan. Bugti added that security forces are avoiding heavy weapons to minimize civilian casualties.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman said that those spreading false claims about ID hacking cannot be friends of the people. He made the remarks on Monday afternoon during an election rally in Jashore, asserting that no qualitative change has occurred in politics since August 5. Rahman alleged that a political party used the excuse of ID hacking to deflect criticism, while experts have confirmed that such hacking was not possible. He accused the party of exposing its true character by misleading the public before the election.

Rahman further criticized the same group for allegedly demeaning half of the country’s population and attempting to confine women to their homes. Earlier in Khulna, he reminded that Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) wife, Khadijah (RA), was a successful businesswoman, emphasizing that no one has the right to insult women’s professional roles.

The BNP leader reiterated his party’s commitment to protecting women’s rights and dignity, linking it to broader political integrity and accountability.

Newly released documents from the US Department of Justice have revealed that acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, mother of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, was listed among attendees at a 2009 party hosted at Ghislaine Maxwell’s Manhattan residence. The files include an email sent by publicist Peggy Siegal on October 21, 2009, mentioning that Nair attended the event alongside former US President Bill Clinton and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. The gathering reportedly followed the release of Nair’s film 'Amelia' and was part of its promotional activities.

The email, one of hundreds of thousands of documents made public on Friday, also noted that the film received a lukewarm response from audiences and critics. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the latest release comprises over three million pages of documents, more than two thousand videos, and about 180,000 photos, some of which were previously withheld to protect victims.

The newly disclosed materials shed further light on Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal network and his connections with prominent figures across politics and entertainment.