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.

Thirty-three inmates of Chandpur District Jail will exercise their voting rights through postal ballots in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum. The Election Commission has arranged a special system allowing them to participate in the democratic process and vote for their preferred candidates within the designated timeframe.

According to the district administration and election office, a total of 46,436 voters have registered in Chandpur to vote by postal ballot. This group includes government officials, law enforcement members, election duty personnel, and prisoners. Jail Superintendent Mohammad Joynal Abedin Bhuiyan stated that although 650 inmates were in custody at the close of registration, only 33 applied to vote by postal ballot, including 31 men and two women.

Of the 33 applicants, 25 are voters from various constituencies within Chandpur district, while the remaining eight belong to other districts. The Election Commission’s guidelines will ensure that all eligible inmates cast their votes within the prescribed period.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a reduction in tariffs on Indian goods following a phone conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Under the new agreement, the U.S. will lower tariffs on Indian products from 25 percent to 18 percent, while India has pledged to eliminate tariffs and non-tariff barriers on American goods. Modi expressed gratitude to Trump for the decision, calling it beneficial for both nations.

Trump stated on his social media platform Truth Social that the discussion also covered the Russia–Ukraine war. He claimed Modi agreed to stop purchasing Russian oil and instead buy from the U.S. and Venezuela, leading to the removal of an additional 25 percent penalty previously imposed on India. As part of the deal, India will purchase over $500 billion worth of U.S. goods, including energy, technology, agricultural products, and coal.

The agreement follows months of trade tension after the U.S. imposed tariffs of up to 50 percent on Indian goods last August, sharply reducing Indian exports. The new deal is viewed as a major step toward easing that strain. (Sources: BBC, Reuters)

A representative of the National Citizen Party (NCP) was reportedly attacked by assailants in Debidwar upazila of Comilla. The incident occurred in Barkamata Union’s Ward No. 8, where NCP representative Mohammad Kawser Alam was allegedly stabbed and beaten by unidentified attackers, leaving him critically injured. The attack drew strong condemnation from Hasnat Abdullah, the NCP’s chief organizer for the southern region and the 11-party alliance candidate for Comilla-4 (Debidwar).

In a Facebook post at 11:45 p.m. on Monday, Abdullah denounced the assault, claiming it was part of a campaign of terror and intimidation that also included the burning of election banners earlier in the day. He vowed to pursue legal action against those responsible and expressed confidence that Debidwar residents would respond to the violence through their votes on the 12th.

Debidwar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Moniruzzaman confirmed that police visited the scene and began an investigation. He said the injured man is under treatment and that no formal complaint has yet been filed, but legal action will follow once a complaint is received.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Abu Sadiq Kayem said that although the BNP’s central leadership has instructed members to support the 'Yes' vote in the upcoming referendum, many grassroots leaders and activists are instead backing the 'No' side. He made the remarks on Monday night while campaigning for the 'Yes' vote at a rally organized by the United Student Union Alliance at Shaheed Abu Sayeed Square in Rangpur city.

Kayem criticized a recent Election Commission circular that barred government officials from campaigning for the 'Yes' vote, demanding clarification on whose directive it was issued under. He accused the Commission of acting under questionable authority and called for state-led promotion of the 'Yes' campaign nationwide. Addressing BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman, Kayem expressed disappointment that some long-time opposition activists were hesitant to support the 'Yes' position.

He emphasized that the 'Yes' vote symbolizes justice, freedom, and the end of authoritarian and dynastic politics, asserting that leadership should be based on merit rather than family lineage.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has called on political opponents to engage in a competition of ideas and policies aimed at serving the nation and its people. He made the appeal on Monday at 10 p.m. through a post on his verified Facebook page, written in English, inviting rivals to join a 'battle of ideas' to determine who can better serve the citizens of Bangladesh.

In his post, Dr. Rahman emphasized the importance of debating policies, listening to the people, and formulating the best possible strategies for the country. He stated that Jamaat is demonstrating a different path of dialogue and listening through its daily activities. According to him, the people of Bangladesh have rejected violence in the past, continue to do so, and will reject it again, which he described as the way forward for the nation.

The statement reflects Jamaat-e-Islami’s attempt to position itself as a pro-dialogue political force focused on peaceful engagement and policy-based competition.

Zainal Abedin Shishir, the Joint Member Secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has reported receiving a death threat through WhatsApp from a foreign phone number. The threat message warned that he would be shot before the upcoming election and that no one could save him. Shishir disclosed the incident on Monday evening through a post on his verified Facebook account, where he shared details of the threatening message.

In his Facebook post, Shishir stated that he had been repeatedly threatened both online and offline from the same number. He questioned whether he would be the next to be martyred after a colleague named Hadi and expressed his determination to continue fighting against oppression. He also wrote that the struggle against fascism and neo-fascism would continue, emphasizing that he and his associates would not stop their activism.

The report did not mention any official response or investigation regarding the threat, leaving the next steps in the matter unclear.

Senior Vice President of the Jatiyatabadi Central Volunteer Team, Yasin Ali, said that betraying the blood of the July fighters would not be tolerated by God. He made the remarks on Monday, February 2, during a rally in Ramganj, Lakshmipur, organized by the Upazila and Municipal Volunteer Team in support of BNP’s paddy-sheaf symbol candidate, Md. Shahadat Hossain Selim.

Yasin Ali accused the current government, led by Sheikh Hasina, of being fascist and claimed that many July fighters sacrificed their lives to save the country from such rule. He urged young voters, especially first-time voters, to cast their ballots for the paddy-sheaf symbol to save the nation. He also alleged that another faction of the Awami League was waiting to seize power.

Ali called on supporters to go to polling centers early on February 12 and remain until vote counting was complete. The event was chaired by Emran Hossain and attended by several central-level Volunteer Team leaders.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman declared that his party would remain faithful to the ideals of the July martyrs, pledging not to betray their sacrifices. Speaking as the chief guest at an election alliance rally of eleven parties held on Monday, February 2, at Padua ACM High School field in Lohagara upazila, he said the martyrs gave their lives for the nation and urged followers to continue on a clean political path rather than a corrupt one.

Dr. Rahman emphasized that those who accepted the events of the 24th were the true successors of the 26th, warning that those who did not would face a “red card.” He expressed confidence that the people of Bangladesh would make the right decision on the 12th and praised the youth for their leadership in past movements.

He further stated that the youth who fought and sacrificed would build the future of Bangladesh. Rejecting the idea of unemployment allowances, he promised to provide education, training, and dignified work opportunities for young men and women.

A political dispute erupted in Madhupur Union of Badarganj upazila, Rangpur, on Sunday night when a BNP election rally for the ‘Dhaner Shish’ candidate Md. Ali Sarkar was abruptly taken over by an Awami League leader. According to reports, Upazila BNP General Secretary and former JASAD leader Professor Azizul Haque removed Union BNP President Moksedul Haque from the chair and appointed Ward Awami League President Motka Enamul as the new chair of the meeting. In protest, BNP leaders and activists left the stage.

Local BNP supporters said the incident created tension in the area and could reduce votes for the BNP candidate. Moksedul Haque stated that he was elected by grassroots members and usually presides over all union-level meetings. He criticized the move to replace him with an Awami League leader, calling it damaging to the party’s image. Local BNP activists also warned that rehabilitating Awami League figures could alienate loyal supporters.

Professor Azizul Haque acknowledged the incident, saying party members were upset but that such issues occur in many places and would be resolved soon. He claimed the decision followed instructions from higher authorities and reflected the candidate’s strategy for the election.

Rajshahi University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Saleh Hasan Nakib announced that he will vote 'Yes' in the upcoming national referendum, describing it as a moral duty and a repayment of a 'blood debt' to those who sacrificed their lives during the July revolution. He made the remarks on February 2, 2026, while presiding over a discussion meeting on referendum awareness at the university’s Senate Building.

The Vice-Chancellor said that citizens had been deprived of voting rights for the past 16 years and that the referendum represents a turning point for the nation. He emphasized that the greatest change begins in people’s minds and warned against the return of unrestrained power practices. Referring to tensions surrounding the vote scheduled for the 12th, he said some groups want to restore the old system, but such efforts will fail because the fear that once gripped young people and ordinary citizens has disappeared.

He added that voting 'Yes' is not merely an expression of opinion but a tribute to the sacrifices of the youth and a symbol of national transformation.