Pakistan has announced it will not play its scheduled match against India in the upcoming 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, citing solidarity with Bangladesh. The decision was confirmed Sunday night through an official statement on the Pakistani government’s X account. While Pakistan will still participate in the tournament, it will skip the February 15 fixture against India. The move followed discussions between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who finalized the boycott decision.

This marks the first time a team has officially boycotted a World Cup match in support of another nation. The PCB acknowledged potential financial penalties and loss of revenue but framed the decision as a stand against India’s dominance in world cricket. The boycott follows Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the tournament after the ICC replaced it with Scotland, rejecting Bangladesh’s request to relocate matches from India to Sri Lanka over security concerns.

The ICC’s decision has drawn global criticism, with PCB Chairman Naqvi and Indian sports journalist Sharda Ugra accusing the body of double standards favoring India. Pakistan’s boycott is seen as a significant challenge to the ICC’s handling of member nations’ disputes.

A new organization named July-24 Martyrs’ Families Association was formally launched on Sunday at the Trade Center in Karwan Bazar, Dhaka. The association announced a 21-member committee, appointing Shafiqul Islam, father of martyr Farhan, as president, and Mahi Uddin, father of martyr Yamin, as general secretary. The event also included discussions on the upcoming national parliamentary election and referendum.

Speakers at the event highlighted the sacrifices of the July Revolution martyrs and their role in the country’s democratic progress. Syed Abdal Ahmad, executive of Amar Desh, said the martyrs’ sacrifices helped the nation move toward democracy, while Debate for Democracy chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron urged collective efforts to fulfill the martyrs’ dreams. The committee announcement was made by senior vice president Mir Mostafizur Rahman, father of martyr Mugdho.

The association plans to hold a gathering of martyrs’ families at the China Friendship Conference Center before the national election. Its temporary office has been established at 99 Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue in Karwan Bazar, Dhaka.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman is scheduled to visit Cox’s Bazar and Chattogram today, Monday, as part of his ongoing election campaign. He will serve as the chief guest at five election rallies throughout the day, beginning at 11:30 a.m. in Maheshkhali. Subsequent rallies will take place at 12:30 p.m. in Cox’s Bazar Sadar, 2:00 p.m. in Chattogram South (Paduya), 3:30 p.m. in Chattogram North (Sitakunda), and 6:30 p.m. in Chattogram Metropolitan area, organized by the 11-party electoral alliance.

According to party sources, Dr. Rahman’s visit is part of a broader campaign tour that will continue until February 7, during which he will travel to several districts outside Dhaka. The rallies are expected to highlight the party’s electoral agenda and strengthen coordination within the alliance ahead of upcoming polls.

The series of events marks a significant phase in Jamaat-e-Islami’s outreach efforts as it seeks to mobilize supporters and consolidate its presence in key constituencies.

Mahmudul Haque, the main accused in the murder case of Maulana Rezaul Karim, secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Sreebardi upazila unit in Sherpur, filed an anticipatory bail petition with the High Court on Sunday. Haque is also the BNP candidate for the Sherpur-3 constituency. Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kajol is scheduled to represent him during the hearing before a High Court bench.

The case was filed by Rezaul Karim’s wife, Marzia, on Friday night, January 30, at Jhenaigati Police Station, naming 234 individuals and accusing a total of 734 people. The incident occurred on January 28 at Jhenaigati Mini Stadium during a manifesto presentation event for Sherpur-3 candidates, where a dispute over front-row seating led to clashes between BNP and Jamaat activists.

Although the situation initially calmed, violence resumed later that evening when Jamaat candidate Nuruzzaman Badol attempted to move toward the town with his supporters but was stopped by authorities. During the ensuing attack by BNP activists, Rezaul Karim was critically injured and died on the way to Mymensingh.

Professor Mujibur Rahman, central Naib-e-Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami and the party’s nominated candidate for Rajshahi-1 (Godagari-Tanore), has called on voters to cast their ballots early on February 12 in favor of the scale symbol and the 'Yes' option. He made this appeal on February 1 during an election campaign and street rally at Dyingpara Bazar in Godagari Sadar. Earlier that day, he conducted campaign activities in Mahishalbari, Railway Bazar, and Madarpur areas, where supporters distributed leaflets and displayed symbolic scales.

During his interactions with local residents, Mujibur Rahman said Jamaat-e-Islami stands for freedom, justice, and liberation. He emphasized the need for honest and capable leadership to build a just and welfare-oriented Bangladesh, urging especially young voters to support the scale symbol and 'Yes' vote. Addressing party workers and supporters, he stated that the public’s current aspiration is to create a corruption-free society, and that Jamaat-e-Islami is committed to establishing people’s rights through peaceful politics.

He described February 12 as a day of liberation for ordinary citizens and urged voters to exercise their rights with patience and discipline, maintaining a strong presence at polling centers from early morning.

Bangladesh and the United States are expected to sign a bilateral trade agreement in Washington on February 9 aimed at reducing U.S. counter-tariffs on Bangladeshi goods and expanding trade benefits. Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman said the draft of the agreement has been prepared and submitted for approval. He confirmed that the signing schedule has been set for February 9, pending final authorization.

The U.S. administration under President Donald Trump had initially imposed 37 percent counter-tariffs on Bangladeshi products, later reducing them to 20 percent after several negotiation rounds, though no formal agreement was signed at that time. The upcoming deal is expected to further lower tariffs and secure duty-free access for garments made with U.S. cotton. To obtain these benefits, Bangladesh has pledged to reduce its trade deficit with the U.S. by increasing imports of Boeing aircraft, fuel, LNG, wheat, and cotton.

The commerce secretary clarified that military items such as fighter jets are not part of the trade deal. He added that Bangladesh is also advancing free trade agreements with Japan, South Korea, and other partners to strengthen its post-LDC graduation trade position.

ATM Azharul Islam, central committee Nayeb-e-Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami and candidate for the Rangpur-2 parliamentary seat, said Bangladesh has not achieved its desired development since independence due to the absence of unity in politics. He made the remarks on Sunday evening at an election rally of the 11-party alliance in Madariganj, Radhanagar Union of Badarganj upazila, Rangpur. The event was chaired by union Jamaat president Habibur Rahman and attended by local leaders of Jamaat, NCP, and the alliance.

Azharul Islam stated that Bangladesh is not a poor country but has been impoverished through exploitation. He criticized wealthy citizens for spending abroad instead of investing domestically, arguing that such spending could benefit working people. Addressing expatriate workers, he praised their remittances as a key driver of the national economy but said divisive politics continues to hinder progress and fuel hostility.

He added that candidates of the 11-party alliance have no record of corruption and urged voters to support them in the upcoming February 12 election.

Speakers at a webinar marking National Safe Food Day 2026 warned that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension are rising alarmingly in Bangladesh due to unhealthy diets and growing dependence on processed foods. Organized by research and advocacy group PROGGA with support from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), the event titled “Safe Food and Our Role in Combating Non-Communicable Diseases” emphasized the importance of consumer awareness and front-of-pack labeling to promote healthier food choices.

According to the World Health Organization, excessive intake of salt, sugar, and fat increases the risk of NCDs. The webinar revealed that about 570,263 people die annually in Bangladesh from NCDs, while unhealthy diets cause around 27,387 deaths each year. Experts including Dr. Sohel Reza Chowdhury and Dr. Nazma Shaheen stressed the need for healthy eating habits and reduced reliance on processed foods. Bangladesh Food Safety Authority member Dr. Mohammad Shoaib said the government is working to introduce front-of-pack labeling to inform consumers about health risks.

Speakers also noted that only 4.2 percent of the national health budget is allocated to NCD control and called for sustainable financing to strengthen prevention efforts.

Bangladesh Bank has asked all banks in the country to provide detailed information on agricultural loans up to Tk 10,000. The request followed a query from board member and Dhaka University professor Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir. The central bank’s Agricultural Credit Department sent an email after office hours on Thursday, instructing banks to submit the data by noon on Sunday. Executive Director and spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan confirmed the directive.

According to the letter, banks were told to report the total principal, interest or profit, and outstanding balance of loans and investments in the agriculture and rural sectors up to Tk 10,000 as of December 31 of the previous year. The reason for the sudden request was not disclosed, and the spokesperson said he was unaware of the purpose behind it. The report notes that the data collection was not discussed at any board meeting or through the usual internal approval process.

In the first six months of the current fiscal year, banks disbursed Tk 21,000 crore in agricultural loans, marking a 29 percent increase from the same period last year.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Amir Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim said that those who hold secret meetings with the United States and India in the name of Islam cannot bring peace to the country. He made the remarks on Sunday, February 1, during an election rally at Ramganj municipal children’s park in Lakshmipur-1 constituency, organized in support of party candidate Zakir Hossain Patowary. Earlier in the day, he also addressed a rally in Kamalnagar.

Rezaul Karim urged voters to support Islami Andolan’s ‘hand fan’ symbol across Bangladesh, saying that victory for its candidates would help realize the dream of a prosperous, faith-based nation. He criticized those who, according to him, abandoned Islamic principles in favor of conventional laws and policies, prompting his party to contest independently in 258 constituencies.

The event was attended by several party leaders and Islamic scholars, including Khaled Saifullah, Mufti Rezaul Karim Abrar, and Mufti Habibur Rahman Misbah, along with local Islami Andolan and youth wing representatives.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi stated that Begum Khaleda Zia stood like the Himalayas in the struggle to establish democracy in Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Sunday at a memorial meeting organized by the Dhaka North unit of the Vashani Janashakti Party at Mohakhali Community Center in the capital, where he attended as the chief guest.

Rizvi described Khaleda Zia, wife of the late President Ziaur Rahman, as a lifelong fighter against fascism and autocracy. He claimed that she could have chosen a luxurious life abroad but instead dedicated herself to the cause of farmers, workers, and the common people. Rizvi alleged that false cases and imprisonment were used to push her toward death and asserted that under the leadership of her son Tarique Rahman, Bangladesh would achieve her vision. He urged people to vote for the BNP’s symbol, the paddy sheaf, to restore democracy.

In the same event, Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Bablu said that even after 54 years of independence, the desired Bangladesh had not been achieved and called for victory in the upcoming referendum to prevent the return of fascism.

Syeda Shamila Rahman Sithi, wife of late Arafat Rahman Koko, has joined the campaign in support of BNP chairperson and Dhaka-17 candidate Tarique Rahman ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election. On Sunday, she attended a courtyard meeting at the T&T Colony near Karail slum in the capital, accompanied by BNP International Affairs Secretary Barrister Nasir Uddin Ahmed Asim, Barrister Mehnaz Mannan, and local BNP leaders and activists.

During the meeting, Shamila Rahman sought votes and prayers for Tarique Rahman, expressing optimism over the public response to the BNP’s electoral symbol. She stated that the party was encouraged by the people’s support and expressed confidence that BNP would form the next government through popular vote.

Later, she visited a church near Badda New Market to exchange views with members of the Christian community about the election and current political situation. Party leaders present said BNP aims to ensure a free, fair, and participatory election involving people of all religions and communities.

Bangladesh Bank reported that remittance inflows rose sharply in January 2026, reaching USD 3.17 billion, a 45.10 percent increase compared to USD 2.185 billion in January 2025. Sector insiders attributed the surge to funds sent ahead of the upcoming national election and Ramadan, as many candidates and families transferred money from abroad. The data was published in the central bank’s latest report.

From July 2025 to January 2026, total remittances amounted to USD 19.43 billion, up 21.80 percent from the same period of the previous fiscal year. Bankers explained that the decline in money laundering and increased use of formal channels have boosted remittance inflows, improving dollar supply and strengthening foreign exchange reserves. Bangladesh Bank has purchased USD 3.93 billion since July to maintain market balance.

As of January 29, 2026, the country’s foreign exchange reserves stood at USD 33.18 billion, or USD 28.68 billion under BPM-6 standards. The central bank noted that higher remittance inflows and dollar purchases have contributed to the recent rise in reserves.

In Barishal-1 constituency, covering Gournadi and Agailjhara, supporters of the Islami Andolan Bangladesh candidate with the 'hand fan' symbol alleged that BNP activists obstructed their campaign on Saturday evening in Khanjapur area of Gournadi upazila. The incident was streamed live on Facebook by candidate Russel Sardar Mehdi, showing a confrontation between his supporters and several youths who reportedly tried to stop the campaign. The situation escalated into a brief scuffle before the opposing group retreated.

Supporters of the hand fan candidate claimed that followers of BNP’s 'paddy sheaf' candidate, Zahir Uddin Swapan, were behind the obstruction. They further alleged that the same group had previously attacked supporters of an independent candidate with the 'football' symbol and continued to disrupt election activities. The matter has been reported to local authorities.

Candidate Russel Sardar Mehdi stated that no intimidation would deter his campaign and urged the administration to take firm action to ensure a level playing field as the February 12 election approaches.

A Dhaka court has ordered the freezing of 46 bank accounts belonging to Awami League Joint General Secretary and former MP A F M Bahauddin Nasim, his family members, and related individuals. The order was issued on Sunday, February 1, 2026, by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Foyez. Court bench assistant Md Riaz Hossain confirmed the decision following a petition from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

According to the ACC’s application, submitted by Deputy Director (Intelligence) Md Hossain Sharif, funds were allegedly being withdrawn and transferred from these accounts with attempts to move money abroad. The ACC stated that records reviewed during the investigation indicated that the accounts contained proceeds of corruption and abuse of power. The commission argued that transferring the funds could cause significant loss to the state, prompting the request to block all transactions.

After reviewing the petition and hearing the matter, the court ordered the immediate freezing of the accounts to prevent potential financial damage to the state.