Abdul Awal Mintu, the BNP candidate for Feni-3 (Daganbhuiyan–Sonagazi), said the country is in a deep crisis and that the only way to overcome it is through the BNP’s victory in the upcoming national election. He made the remarks on Sunday morning at an election rally in Takiya Bazar of Bogadana Union, Sonagazi. Mintu stated that the nation’s future will be determined on February 12 amid ongoing political uncertainty and a prolonged democratic crisis.

He emphasized the need for skilled and visionary leadership to guide the country, describing BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman as the most capable leader for the current situation. Mintu said BNP has always championed multiparty democracy and defended the rights of people of all religions, classes, and communities. Urging voters to ensure their voting rights, he called on them to stay at polling centers until vote counting ends and to collect proof of their votes.

Mintu pledged to work for social and economic development, job creation, and improved living standards if elected, assuring equal opportunities for all regardless of political affiliation.

An Israeli airstrike in central Gaza’s Wadi Gaza area killed one Palestinian and injured two others on Sunday morning, according to Anadolu Agency. The attack reportedly targeted a gathering of civilians. Since the ceasefire agreement took effect on October 10, 2025, Israeli attacks have killed 509 Palestinians and injured 1,405, Gaza’s Health Ministry said.

The report stated that Tel Aviv continues to violate the ceasefire daily. Following heavy strikes on Friday and Saturday that killed 37 Palestinians in shelters, residential buildings, and a police center, Israel carried out another attack. Witnesses said an Israeli drone fired at least one missile at civilians in northern Wadi Gaza, an area previously evacuated under the ceasefire terms.

Separate incidents were reported in Rafah, Bureij, and northern Gaza, where Israeli ground and naval forces fired into controlled zones. The two-year Israeli offensive preceding the ceasefire left about 71,800 Palestinians dead, over 171,400 injured, and destroyed nearly 90 percent of Gaza’s civilian infrastructure. The UN estimated reconstruction costs at around 70 billion dollars.

Aftab Uddin Molla, the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate supported by the 11-party alliance for the Dinajpur-4 (Khansama–Chirirbandar) constituency, said that youth will build a new Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Saturday night at an election rally held at Khanasama Government Model Pilot High School field in Alokjhari Union. Seeking votes for the 'scales' symbol, he promised that if Jamaat comes to power, four crore unemployed youths will receive employment cards instead of allowances.

Molla criticized previous governments for corruption in job recruitment, claiming that no former MPs or ministers could show an instance of giving a job without money. He said Jamaat’s Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has pledged that qualified candidates will get jobs without bribes. He also emphasized that poor families would not need to pay any money for their children to secure employment.

Discussing youth development, Molla said aspiring entrepreneurs would get easy bank loans, and those seeking overseas employment would receive language and job training. He expressed hope that this would increase remittances and strengthen the country’s foreign currency reserves.

A total of 29 platoons of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed across Naogaon district to maintain security ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The deployment details were shared during a press briefing held on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Siddikiya Fazil Degree Madrasa field in Dhamoirhat, Naogaon-2 constituency. The briefing was led by Lieutenant Colonel Md Abdullah Al Mamun, commanding officer of Patnitala-14 BGB Battalion.

According to Abdullah Al Mamun, BGB is fully prepared to perform its duties as a professional, disciplined, and neutral force during the election period. The force is strictly following all directives from the government and the Election Commission. Security has been tightened in border areas to prevent smuggling, drug trafficking, and arms trading that could disrupt the election process. Intelligence surveillance and border security measures have also been strengthened under the Border Security Act.

Officials including the Dhamoirhat Upazila Nirbahi Officer, the Officer-in-Charge of Dhamoirhat Police Station, and local educational representatives were present at the briefing.

A wide range of international sports events are scheduled for live broadcast on February 1, 2026, including the third T20 cricket match between Pakistan and Australia at 5:00 p.m. on Sony Sports and Sony Liv. The day’s lineup also features the Women’s T20 World Cup qualifiers with Bangladesh facing the Netherlands at 9:15 a.m., and the ICC Under-19 World Cup Super Six match between India and Pakistan at 1:30 p.m. on Star Sports and Jio Hotstar.

In football, English Premier League matches include Manchester United versus Fulham at 8:00 p.m. and Tottenham Hotspur against Manchester City at 10:30 p.m. on Star Sports Select HD 1. La Liga, Serie A, and Ligue 1 fixtures will also be shown live, including Real Madrid versus Rayo Vallecano, Parma versus Juventus, and Strasbourg versus PSG. Additionally, the Australian Open tennis final will be broadcast live at 2:30 p.m. on Sony Sports 2/5.

The schedule highlights a packed day for global sports fans, offering simultaneous coverage of cricket, football, and tennis across multiple platforms.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Sunday, February 1, 2026, called on all political parties to publicly clarify whether they support reform or fascism. Speaking as chief guest at a large election rally at Singhanjani Multipurpose High School field in Jamalpur town, he said Jamaat stands for a 'yes' to reform and a 'no' to fascism. He criticized parties that remain silent on the issue and urged them to speak openly before the people.

Dr. Rahman strongly condemned harassment of female campaigners, saying mothers seeking votes were being insulted by miscreants. He described the upcoming 2026 election as a turning point, rooted in the sacrifices of the 2024 uprising’s martyrs and injured. He said the election would mark the end of decades of corrupt politics that fostered fascism. He emphasized prioritizing public interest over party interest and called for unity among the 11-party alliance under the 'scales' symbol.

At the event, Dr. Rahman formally handed the 'scales' election symbol to candidates for Jamalpur’s five constituencies, urging them to serve the people rather than seek leadership positions.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Amir Syed Rezaul Karim addressed an election rally on Sunday in Ramgati-Kamalnagar, Lakshmipur-4 constituency, urging voters to support the party’s candidate Khaled Saifullah, who is contesting under the hand-fan symbol. Speaking at the event, Karim criticized Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, accusing it of hypocrisy and alleged foreign ties, and asserted that only Islami Andolan represents true justice and Sharia-based governance.

He described Khaled Saifullah as a man of integrity, noting his two previous terms as chairman without corruption allegations. Karim said that electing Saifullah was essential to establish justice in Ramgati-Kamalnagar and claimed that if the party were accepted by God, Bangladesh’s political history could change rapidly. The rally was attended by several central and district leaders of Islami Andolan and its youth wing.

The event was part of Islami Andolan’s campaign for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, emphasizing its commitment to justice and Islamic principles.

A source close to the Saudi military confirmed that Turkey will not join the potential mutual defense agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Speaking to AFP on Saturday, the source dismissed reports of a trilateral alliance involving Turkey as unfounded. The New Arab also cited the source as saying that the agreement with Pakistan is strictly bilateral. A Gulf official echoed this, noting that while Saudi Arabia maintains separate agreements with Turkey, the defense relationship with Pakistan will remain bilateral.

Earlier this month, a Turkish official had claimed that discussions were underway for Turkey to join a Saudi-Pakistan defense alliance, sparking speculation across the region. Analysts linked the rumors to heightened tensions following Israeli airstrikes in Doha targeting Hamas officials and an Iranian bombing of a U.S. airbase in Qatar. These incidents have intensified regional instability.

The Saudi-Pakistan defense agreement, announced last year, has drawn scrutiny over its potential nuclear dimension, given Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities. The deal followed a deadly four-day conflict between Pakistan and India, during which over 70 people were killed.

Syrian President Ahmed Al Shara held a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday to discuss regional developments and efforts to strengthen stability, according to an official statement cited by Syria’s state news agency SANA. Al Shara emphasized support for Syria’s political process and the importance of reinforcing stability across the country.

The discussion also covered the recent comprehensive agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Macron expressed support for the deal and stressed the need to implement it in a way that preserves Syria’s unity and sovereignty. He reaffirmed France’s commitment to coordinating efforts to help Syria and its people move toward stability, justice, and reconstruction.

The latest agreement, announced Friday in Damascus, includes an immediate ceasefire, withdrawal of forces from conflict zones, and deployment of interior ministry security units in key northeastern cities. It aims to unify Syria’s territory, restore state authority, and advance institutional integration following earlier ceasefire violations and renewed military operations.

BNP Standing Committee member and Cox’s Bazar-1 (Chakaria-Pekua) candidate Salahuddin Ahmed said those who never believed in Bangladesh’s independence are now trying to create political division using religion. He made the remarks on Sunday, February 1, 2026, while addressing a campaign rally organized by the local union BNP at Manik Para in West Bara Veola Union of Chakaria. Ahmed urged people to remain united to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty and to vote for the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol in the upcoming election.

During his speech, Ahmed said that Bangladesh’s democracy had once disappeared but was repeatedly restored under BNP leadership. He recalled the sacrifices of students and citizens during past uprisings for a democratic and equal society. He outlined BNP’s plans to create a skilled workforce instead of unemployed graduates, promote environmental balance through tree planting and canal excavation, and reduce plastic pollution. Ahmed criticized other political parties for lacking development plans and focusing instead on religious division.

He added that BNP aims to restore economic discipline in the country and called on voters to strengthen the party through their support.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman’s X (formerly Twitter) account was allegedly hacked, according to the Detective Branch’s Cyber Crime Unit. Joint Commissioner Syed Harun-or-Rashid told reporters on Sunday, February 1, 2026, that the DB is seriously investigating the matter to determine whether the account was truly hacked and, if so, who was responsible.

The allegation arose after a post containing derogatory remarks about women went viral from Dr. Rahman’s verified X handle. Jamaat’s election committee member and former Islami Chhatra Shibir president Sirajul Islam said the account was hacked around 4 p.m. on Saturday, and an offensive post appeared about half an hour later. The party’s cyber team reportedly regained control of the account by 5 p.m. and removed the post, though it had already spread widely. A general diary was filed at Hatirjheel Police Station regarding the incident.

BNP spokesperson Mahdi Amin commented that if the post was genuine, it was regrettable, and if the account was hacked, Jamaat should have informed the public immediately instead of waiting 12 hours to file the report.

Interim government Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has called for immediate discussions with the European Union to establish a free trade agreement (FTA). He made the appeal during a meeting with Nuria Lopez, Chairperson of the European Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (EuroCham), at the state guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka. EU Ambassador Michael Miller also attended the meeting, where participants discussed enhancing European investment, improving trade relations, and strengthening a business-friendly environment.

Yunus emphasized that Bangladesh must prepare now to maintain duty-free access for its exports, particularly ready-made garments, after the current trade privileges expire. He noted that Bangladesh recently signed an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Japan, granting duty-free access to over 7,300 products, and intends to pursue similar arrangements with the EU. Lopez supported the FTA initiative, warning that Bangladesh could lose existing benefits after graduating from the least developed country category.

EU Ambassador Miller said the nature of Bangladesh-EU trade relations will change after LDC graduation, expected no earlier than 2029, and confirmed plans for an EU-Bangladesh Business Forum in 2026 to promote investment and technology cooperation.

Bangladesh Bank has announced that all banks across the country will remain closed on February 11 and 12 due to the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and a national referendum. The central bank issued a circular on Sunday stating that the closures follow an executive order declaring public holidays on those dates.

According to the notice, the decision applies to all banks nationwide as part of preparations for the election and referendum. This year’s parliamentary election involves more than 50 political parties and independent candidates, with nearly 2,000 contenders competing for 300 parliamentary seats. Alongside the election, a referendum on the July Reform Charter will also take place on the same day.

The simultaneous scheduling of the election and referendum has prompted the government to ensure administrative readiness, including the temporary suspension of banking operations during the designated holidays.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expelled ten leaders and activists from its Fatullah Thana unit in Narayanganj for violating party decisions and engaging in activities deemed contrary to the organization’s interests. The expulsion was confirmed on Sunday afternoon through a press release signed by the party’s Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

According to the announcement, those expelled include Fatullah Thana BNP Vice President Sultan Mahmud Molla, former Kutubpur Union BNP President Billal Hossain, Organizational Secretary Hasan Ali, Assistant Organizational Secretary Saiful Islam Biplob, Md. Muslim Ahmed, Joint Secretary Advocate Akhtar Khondkar, members Zahid Hasan Rozel, Nazrul Islam Panna, Alam, and Kutubpur Union Ward No. 6 BNP Vice President Abdur Razzak. The party has instructed all members to refrain from maintaining organizational contact with the expelled individuals.

The expelled leaders were accused of defying party directives by participating in the election campaign of Muhammad Giasuddin, an independent candidate previously expelled from the BNP.

Recently released correspondence from the Epstein Files has revealed that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein exchanged messages with several individuals in the days following the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul. Among the three million documents published on Friday evening were conversations between Epstein and a man named Anas Al Rashid. In one message dated October 12, 2018, Al Rashid described the killing as 'ugly... very ugly,' to which Epstein replied that he suspected something larger was at play, referencing UAE ruler Mohammed bin Zayed. Al Rashid cautioned that information leaks were spreading quickly and that the situation had become a media battle.

Another email in the files shows Epstein claiming that a second source told him one of the operatives recorded video footage on a phone that was later hacked to retrieve the material, though the hacker’s identity was not disclosed. On October 13, Epstein also questioned whether Khashoggi might be labeled a terrorist. A separate FBI memorandum included in the release alleged that Epstein had worked with U.S. and Israeli intelligence agencies and maintained close ties with former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak.