Eight leaders and activists of the Kaliganj upazila and municipal units of Jubo Dal have been expelled for violating party discipline in the Jhenaidah-4 constituency. The expulsion was announced on Sunday, February 1, through a letter signed by office secretary Minhajul Islam Bhuiyan, following the decision of Jubo Dal central executive committee president Abdul Monayem Munna and general secretary Mohammad Nurul Islam Noyon. The expelled members include Suja Uddin Ahmed Pial, Mostafa Kalam Tito, Manjurul Haque Khoka, Mohammad Ali, Zahidul Islam Zahid, Asaduzzaman Asad, Abdul Latif, and Imran Hossain.

According to the letter, they were removed from all party positions and primary membership for engaging in activities against the organization and supporting an independent candidate. The expelled members were campaigning for Saiful Islam Firoz, a former BNP aspirant who is contesting as an independent candidate after being denied the party nomination. BNP ultimately nominated Rashed Khan for the Jhenaidah-4 seat, while other aspirants accepted the decision.

The expulsions highlight internal tensions within the BNP’s local units ahead of the election in Jhenaidah-4, where party discipline has become a key issue.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and candidate for Dhaka-11, stated that the interim government has largely failed to stand by the families of those killed in the July uprising. Speaking on Sunday at a discussion with families of the martyrs and injured fighters in Merul Badda, Dhaka, he pledged that his party would never forget July. He also expressed his wish to meet 800 affected families individually and visit the graves of the deceased.

The meeting was attended by leaders from both the NCP and Jamaat-e-Islami, including Atiqur Rahman, a member of Jamaat’s central Majlis-e-Shura. Earlier in the day, Nahid began his election campaign from Saeednagar Saeedia Karimiah Mosque, promising to address infrastructure problems and the long-standing gas crisis in the area if elected. He urged voters to support the Shapla symbol and vote “yes” in the referendum.

Nahid said his 11-party alliance is receiving strong public response and is being viewed as a unified political force. He noted that despite the absence of a level playing field, his campaign continues to gain momentum among ordinary citizens.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has announced a plan to form a reserve force comprising youth participants, which would be twice the size of the existing army. The announcement was made on Sunday in Shahjadpur, Sirajganj, during a campaign rally for the 11-party alliance’s ‘Shapla Koli’ symbol and the ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum. NCP spokesperson and election steering committee chairman Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan made the declaration while addressing the event.

Bhuiyan stated that Bangladesh has faced threats to its sovereignty at various times, and certain political groups have allegedly been used to undermine national independence. He said the NCP intends to engage the youth to counter such threats. According to him, this initiative is part of the party’s election manifesto. Bhuiyan also criticized rival parties for lacking clear positions on defending the country against external aggression, while accusing them of nominating candidates with foreign ties.

Other speakers at the event included NCP election committee member secretary Monira Sharmin and Sirajganj-6 NCP candidate S.M. Saif Mustafiz.

A former local leader of the Krishak Dal, Helal Uddin Palowan, was killed in Kapasia, Gazipur, following a dispute with his nephew over a mobile phone theft. The incident occurred on Saturday night when Helal Uddin was attacked with a shovel, leaving him critically injured. He was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on Sunday morning.

According to police, the attack took place in the Kotbajalya area, where four to five unidentified assailants struck him from behind with local weapons and a shovel. The officer-in-charge of Kapasia Police Station said the killing appeared to be linked to a family dispute. The victim’s body was sent to Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital morgue for autopsy.

Gazipur district Krishak Dal member secretary Fakir Iskandar Alam described the killing as brutal and condemned the incident, expressing condolences to the family. Police said legal action would follow based on the complaint filed.

Hasanat Abdullah, chief organizer of the southern region of the National Citizens Party (NCP), declared that the Bangladesh branch of India's Jatiya Party has taken a stance for the 'no vote' campaign and is politically 'dead'. Speaking at an election road meeting in support of the Eleven-Party Alliance candidate Akhtar Hossain in Rangpur-4 on February 1, he said the 'funeral' of the Jatiya Party would be held on February 12, urging voters to reject it decisively.

During the event at Kaunia Model School field, Abdullah emphasized that his party did not enter the election with money from extortionists or loan defaulters. He said the NCP aimed to stand against corruption and social ills, criticizing those who rely on drugs or short-term gains. He urged voters not to be swayed by gifts or money distributed before the election.

Abdullah also called on supporters to vote 'yes' in the upcoming referendum, claiming that while the BNP publicly supports the 'yes' vote, it is secretly campaigning for 'no'. Several NCP and allied youth leaders also addressed the gathering.

BNP leaders and activists in the Kishoreganj–2 (Katiadi–Pakundia) constituency have pledged to work together to ensure victory for the party’s candidate in the upcoming national election. The oath was taken on Saturday night at the upazila BNP office in the presence of Advocate Md. Jalal Uddin, the party’s nominated candidate. The meeting marked the end of a long-standing internal conflict between the upazila BNP president and general secretary, who agreed to unite their supporters and work jointly for the party’s success.

According to party sources, the BNP is holding regular meetings and strengthening organizational activities to promote harmony among nomination seekers and grassroots activists. Local leaders said they are prioritizing party interests over personal differences and are working collectively to build public support for the BNP’s electoral symbol. They emphasized that unity will be key to securing victory in Kishoreganj–2, a constituency historically considered a BNP stronghold.

The renewed unity has generated enthusiasm among local activists, who believe it will significantly boost the party’s campaign strength in the area.

In Chandpur-4 (Faridganj) constituency, the official BNP candidate and a rebel independent candidate have filed written complaints against each other with the returning officer, accusing one another of arson, vandalism, and violent attacks in the run-up to the election. The incidents reportedly include attempts to set fire to a BNP election office in Paikpara Dakshin Union’s Gazipur area on the night of January 31, 2026, and the tearing down of posters and banners in Gupti Purba Union.

Local BNP leader Abul Hossain alleged that deliberate acts of arson and vandalism were aimed at disrupting the electoral environment. Meanwhile, supporters of rebel candidate M.A. Hannan claimed that a crude bomb exploded after a rally in Khajuria Bazar, Gupti Paschim Union. They also alleged assaults, threats, and police abuse against campaign workers in several unions. Hannan’s chief agent, Abul Kalam Azad, submitted a written complaint citing these incidents and injuries to a local organizer.

Azad stated that the ongoing violence and intimidation have created uncertainty about the possibility of a fair election in the constituency.

Independent candidate and former BNP convener of Faridganj upazila, MA Hannan, alleged that his party failed to value his long-standing dedication and instead favored what he termed a 'fascist’s associate.' Speaking at a rally on January 31 at Faridganj bus stand after a campaign procession for his shrimp symbol, he said the people had made him a rebel candidate for the Chandpur-4 constituency. Hannan claimed that despite facing imprisonment and persecution, he never left the party.

He further accused a vested quarter of instigating attacks on his supporters, vandalizing campaign camps, and intimidating voters. Hannan said he sought justice from the administration but received none. He warned that fascist behavior would only intensify rebellion and worsen the situation. He also alleged that his BNP nomination was 'stolen' through collusion with the Awami League and criticized the current BNP candidate for previously contesting as an independent.

Hannan urged law enforcement and relevant authorities to ensure a peaceful and fair election environment in Faridganj.

In the Gaibandha-3 (Sadullapur–Palashbari) constituency, schoolteacher Azizur Rahman BSc is contesting as an independent candidate with the traditional 'Dheki' symbol in the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Without any campaign team or motor vehicle, he is traveling from village to village on an old bicycle, using a hand microphone to reach voters and hold small meetings. The election is scheduled for February 12, 2026.

Azizur Rahman, son of the late Razzab Mondol of Khoda Baks village in Vatgram Union, works as an assistant teacher at Dori Jamalpur Rokeya Samad Girls’ High School. Locals said he had previously contested in national, upazila, and union elections but was unsuccessful. He stated that he has recently received strong public response and pledged to work for local development if elected.

A total of ten candidates, including those from BNP and Jamaat, are competing in this constituency. There are 146 polling centers with 958 booths serving 506,185 registered voters, including 248,902 men, 257,274 women, and nine third-gender voters.

National Citizen Party (NCP) member secretary Akhtar Hossain issued a stern warning against those attacking or harassing women, saying such acts would face severe consequences. He made the remarks on Sunday, February 1, during an election campaign rally in Rangpur-4 constituency, where he presided over the event as the candidate of the eleven-party alliance.

In his speech, Hossain said the people of Bangladesh had long suffered from oppression and injustice, and that despite some progress, corruption and state-level conspiracies persisted. He stated that the eleven-party alliance, including Jamaat-e-Islami and NCP, was formed to reform the system and deliver services directly to citizens. He pledged to establish mobile medical centers for pregnant women and ensure transparency in local financial management.

Hossain also promised to implement the Teesta Master Plan if elected, reduce regional inequality in northern Bangladesh, and dismantle what he called the “syndicate of the rich.” He urged voters to support the alliance’s “yes” campaign in the upcoming referendum and warned media owners against partisan bias.

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami–nominated candidate for the Natore-1 (Lalpur–Bagatipara) parliamentary seat, called on voters to support the 'Dāripallā' (scales) symbol to build a state based on justice and fairness. He made the appeal on Sunday, February 1, during a daylong election campaign in Bagatipara Sadar Union, where he visited homes, held street meetings, courtyard gatherings, and engaged directly with voters to hear their concerns and expectations.

Azad stated that the people of Bangladesh now desire good governance and a justice-oriented state system, expressing frustration over corruption, inequality, and misrule. He emphasized that establishing development, justice, and a corruption-free administration has long been the public’s aspiration. He added that the trust and affection shown by voters inspire him to work toward forming an accountable government through public support.

Local Jamaat leaders participating in the campaign said that honest, capable, and welfare-oriented leadership can only be established through people’s votes and unity. The events saw large voter turnout and participation from several local party leaders and activists.

Barcelona defeated Elche 3-1 in a La Liga match on Saturday night, extending their lead over Real Madrid to three points. Goals from Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, and substitute Marcus Rashford sealed the victory for coach Hansi Flick’s side. With 18 wins and one draw from 22 matches, Barcelona remain top of the table with 55 points, while Real Madrid sit second with 51 points from one game fewer.

In the English Premier League, Liverpool returned to winning form by beating Newcastle United 4-1 at Anfield. Hugo Ekitike scored twice, while Florian Wirtz and Ibrahima Konate added one goal each. The win marked Liverpool’s first league victory of the new year after a run of four draws and one defeat in their previous five matches. Chelsea also edged West Ham 3-2 in another league fixture.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich were held to a 2-2 draw by Hamburg in the Bundesliga. Despite goals from Harry Kane and Luis Diaz, Bayern conceded late and dropped points for the second consecutive match, leaving their title defense under pressure.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced a new three-team T20 tournament to be held in Mirpur from February 5 to 9, 2026, after the national team did not participate in the T20 World Cup. The teams—Dhumketu, Durbar, and Duronto—will each feature 13 players, with a total of 39 cricketers taking part. Four new faces, Jawad Abrar, Azizul Hakim Tamim, Al Fahad, and Iqbal Hossain Emon, have been included following their performances in the recently concluded Under-19 World Cup.

Dhumketu will be led by T20 captain Liton Das, Durbar by Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, and Duronto by Akbar Ali. The BCB will spend 25 million taka on match fees and prize money for the event. Spectators will be allowed to attend and enjoy the matches from the stands.

The tournament aims to provide competitive opportunities for both senior and emerging players, offering a platform for young talents to showcase their skills in domestic T20 cricket.

Independent candidate and expelled BNP assistant international affairs secretary Rumin Farhana announced that if elected as a Member of Parliament for Brahmanbaria-2 (Sarail and Ashuganj), she will receive medical treatment at her constituency’s government hospital instead of going abroad. She made the statement on Sunday evening during an election rally at Uchalialapara village in Sarail upazila.

Farhana said ministers and MPs often travel abroad for medical care, but she would rely on local facilities to ensure adequate doctors, medicines, and equipment in the hospital. She emphasized that she belongs to no political party or special group and would treat people of all affiliations equally. Addressing law and order issues, she pledged to prevent oppression or false cases based on political identity and to assist in securing bail for innocent detainees whose families contact her.

Speaking to the crowd, the duck-symbol candidate urged voters to protect her election symbol and ensure their votes are not stolen. Local leaders and voters from various professions attended the rally.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has launched a nationwide awareness campaign ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, scheduled for February 12. The campaign, centered on the slogan “Let the youth’s first vote be against corruption,” aims to encourage voters, particularly young people, to choose honest and qualified candidates. The initiative was announced in a press release signed by ACC Assistant Director (Public Relations) Md. Tanzir Ahmed.

According to the ACC, the campaign will include public interest television advertisements, TV scrolls, and billboards across the country to spread anti-corruption messages. The commission has adopted three main slogans promoting integrity and responsible voting. It emphasized that building a corruption-free society is essential for good governance, justice, and sustainable development, and that electing competent candidates is key to achieving these goals.

The ACC stated that conscious and responsible voters can contribute to creating a prosperous and corruption-free Bangladesh through ethical participation in the electoral process.