Brigadier General Abdullahil Aman Azmi testified before International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Sunday as the third witness in a crimes against humanity case involving enforced disappearance and torture at the Joint Interrogation Cell (JIC) in Dhaka’s Kochukhet area. He stated that he was abducted from his Moghbazar residence on 22 August 2016 by around 50 to 60 plainclothes men, handcuffed, blindfolded, and taken to the DGFI complex. Despite being blindfolded, he recognized one of the abductors as Lieutenant Colonel Mokshurul of DGFI.

Azmi said he was held in cell number 11 of the JIC until 5 August 2024, enduring severe physical and psychological torture, poor food, and inadequate medical care. He described being deprived of sunlight and natural air for 2,908 days and suffering from multiple health problems. He also recounted how artificial noise was used to mask sounds from inside the cells. Azmi’s testimony detailed his identification of the detention site through familiar sounds and landmarks near the DGFI complex.

The tribunal adjourned the hearing, setting the next session for the continuation of Azmi’s deposition.

More than one hundred leaders and activists of Ganadhikar Parishad in Jamalpur’s Madarganj upazila have joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. They resigned from their previous party on Saturday night and formally joined Jamaat the following Sunday afternoon at an election rally held at Singhjani High School field in Jamalpur. The new members were welcomed with flowers by Maulana Nurul Amin, the Amir of Madarganj upazila Jamaat.

According to the report, the resignations were submitted citing deviations from party discipline, principles, and ideals within Ganadhikar Parishad. Among those who joined Jamaat are district and upazila-level leaders including Al Amin Mondal, Advocate Mosharraf Hossain, Sultan Mahmud, Shahidul Islam, and several others from youth and student wings. The new members stated that recent inconsistencies in party decisions, sudden changes in candidate nominations, and ideological confusion led to their disappointment and eventual decision to switch parties.

Madarganj Jamaat leaders said the inclusion of these new members would strengthen the organization’s grassroots base and enhance its future political activities in the region.

Ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami filed counter complaints with the Election Commission (EC) on Sunday regarding the electoral environment and code of conduct. Separate delegations met Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin in Dhaka to present their concerns.

BNP alleged that discussions were underway to form so-called 'peace committees' in the name of maintaining order, accused some groups of using religion in campaigns, and claimed abnormal voter transfers in Dhaka and other areas. The party also opposed deploying Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) members in election duties and requested measures against outsiders in constituencies before voting. Jamaat-e-Islami, meanwhile, complained that a level playing field had not been ensured and cited recent killings and violence as major obstacles to peaceful polls. Its representatives urged the EC to act impartially and protect women voters allegedly facing intimidation.

Separately, the Election Observer Society held a human chain outside the EC office demanding travel and meal allowances and better security for local election observers, while over 157,000 postal ballots from expatriate voters had already arrived in Bangladesh.

Pakistan completed a 3-0 whitewash over Australia in the three-match T20 series, winning the final game by 111 runs. Batting first, Pakistan scored 207 for 6 in 20 overs, led by Saim’s 56 off 37 balls, Babar’s unbeaten 50 from 36 deliveries, and Shadab Khan’s quickfire 46 off 19 balls. In reply, Australia collapsed for 96 in 16.5 overs, losing wickets at regular intervals and failing to recover from early setbacks.

Marcus Stoinis top-scored for Australia with 23 runs, followed by Cameron Green with 22 and Josh Philippe with 14, while no other batter reached double figures. Spinner Mohammad Nawaz dismantled the Australian batting lineup, taking 5 wickets for 18 runs and earning the Player of the Match award. Shaheen Afridi also contributed with two wickets.

The victory sealed a comprehensive series sweep for captain Salman Ali Agha’s team, maintaining their winning momentum after securing the series in the first two matches.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman is scheduled to visit Chapainawabganj on February 5 to attend an election rally at the Nawabganj Government College field. He will be the chief guest at the event, which is being organized ahead of the upcoming national election. The announcement was made by district Jamaat Ameer Abuzar Gifari at a press conference held at the district Jamaat office on Sunday noon.

According to Gifari, the rally is part of Jamaat’s ongoing nationwide programs. During the event, Dr. Rahman is expected to discuss the country’s current political situation, electoral system, democracy, good governance, and public demands. He will also deliver guidance-oriented remarks to party leaders and activists. District Jamaat leaders and candidates from the three parliamentary constituencies of Chapainawabganj were present at the press conference.

Local administration sources said preparations are underway to maintain law and order during the rally, and full cooperation will be provided to ensure a peaceful gathering.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s central secretary general Professor Mia Golam Parwar stated that the country is not safe in the hands of those who seek to dishonor women. He said this while addressing an election rally on Saturday, January 31, at the Gazipur Khan Model Government School and College field in Titas upazila, Comilla. The event was organized by the 11-party alliance in support of its parliamentary candidate for Comilla-2 (Homna-Titas), Md. Nazim Uddin Molla.

At the same rally, National Citizen Party (NCP) south region chief organizer and Comilla-4 candidate Hasnat Abdullah criticized a local figure he described as a “sand trader,” alleging corruption and misuse of party positions. He claimed that grassroots BNP activists themselves wanted freedom from such leadership and urged young voters to remain united and help ensure victory for the 11-party alliance.

The meeting was chaired by Nazim Uddin Molla and attended by senior Jamaat and alliance leaders from Comilla and nearby regions, highlighting the coalition’s coordinated campaign efforts ahead of the upcoming election.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s women affairs secretary Nurunnisa Siddika stated that women cannot hold top leadership positions in the party, citing adherence to Islamic principles. Speaking to reporters at the Election Commission on Sunday, she said the Qur’an designates men as guardians and leaders of women, and the party’s structure follows that guidance. She described the decision not to nominate female candidates in the upcoming parliamentary election as an internal policy matter.

Siddika emphasized that the presence of women in top positions is not the main concern; rather, ensuring women’s rights, dignity, and safety is more important. She argued that despite Bangladesh having female prime ministers over the past five decades, violence against women and gender inequality persist, suggesting that moral and just leadership, not gender, is key to social progress.

Earlier, a Jamaat delegation met Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin to discuss political and electoral issues. The party’s women leaders alleged that female activists faced at least 15 attacks in different districts and that women voters were being intimidated ahead of the election.

An interfaith harmony rally was held at Dhaka University (DU) on Sunday, February 1, 2026, to mark World Interfaith Harmony Week. The rally began at the base of Aparajeyo Bangla and was inaugurated by DU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Saima Haque Bidisha as the chief guest. The event was jointly organized by the Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue and the Department of World Religions and Culture.

The rally was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Dr. Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan, the Director of the Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, Professor Dr. Mohammad Ilyas, the Chairman of the Department of World Religions and Culture, Professor Dr. Md. Abu Sayem, retired Professor Kazi Nurul Islam, and teachers and students from related departments. During the inauguration, Professor Bidisha emphasized the importance of establishing interfaith harmony in society.

She urged students to contribute from their respective positions to build a non-communal, humane, and discrimination-free society, and to develop themselves as knowledgeable and responsible citizens. The rally concluded after parading through various roads on the campus.

BNP central leader and former minister Advocate M Ruhul Kuddus Talukder Dulu, contesting from Natore-2 constituency with the paddy sheaf symbol, alleged that during the Awami League’s nearly 18 years in power, Natore became a hub of terror like other parts of the country. He made the remarks on Sunday while addressing roadside gatherings and conducting mass outreach in Chanpur Bazar and other areas of Kafuria Union in Natore Sadar.

Dulu accused the ruling party of killings, abductions, and looting, claiming it deprived citizens of their rights to food and vote. He pledged that if the BNP wins the upcoming parliamentary election on February 12, the party would restore peace in Natore and across Bangladesh, ensuring no tolerance for terrorism or extortion. He also said that under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, people’s confidence in the BNP has grown, and the party aims to build a new Bangladesh based on a 31-point plan.

Dulu further stated that during his tenure as MP and minister, he had implemented significant development projects in Natore, but alleged that the Awami League government neglected development and engaged in corruption.

Munshi Rafiqul Alam Majnu, the BNP candidate for Feni-1 constituency and convener of Dhaka South BNP, stated that only Allah has the power to grant entry to heaven, not any political party. He made the remarks on Sunday, February 1, during daylong campaign events and street meetings across several wards of Boxmahmud Union in Parshuram upazila.

Majnu criticized a political party for allegedly seeking votes by claiming that voters would attain heaven through their support. He emphasized that such claims contradict Islamic teachings, noting that only ten companions of the Prophet were assured of heaven during their lifetimes. He described Jamaat as a fundamentalist organization and warned that its rise to power would harm the country.

Calling for votes for the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol, Majnu urged voters to bring the party back to power for national development and safety. Several BNP and affiliated leaders were present at the campaign events in different wards of Boxmahmud Union.

West Indies claimed a six-run victory under the DLS method against South Africa in the third and final T20 match at Johannesburg’s Wanderers Stadium. The match was reduced to ten overs per side due to rain. Batting first after losing the toss, West Indies posted 114 for three wickets, led by Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer, who both scored 48 runs. South Africa were set a revised target of 125 runs but managed only 118 for six wickets.

Despite the defeat, South Africa had already secured the three-match T20 series 2–1 after winning the first two games. Quinton de Kock, who scored 28 runs in this match, was named Player of the Series, while Gudakesh Motie earned the Player of the Match award for his three wickets for 17 runs. The rain interruptions and lightning delays added further drama to the shortened contest.

The result gave West Indies a morale-boosting finish to the series, while South Africa maintained overall dominance with the series win.

Rubel Ahmed, a friend of former Bangladesh Chhatra League central general secretary Golam Rabbani, has confessed to his involvement in the murder of Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi. His statement was recorded by Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md. Mahbubur Rahman on Saturday, after which he was sent to jail. According to court sources, Rubel voluntarily agreed to give a confessional statement following his remand, and the court approved the recording upon request from CID Assistant Superintendent of Police Abdur Kadir Bhuiyan.

Rubel was arrested by the CID with the help of the Detective Branch from Ati Noyabazar in South Keraniganj on January 21 and was placed on two separate remands totaling nine days. Hadi, known for his role in the July uprising and the movement to ban the Awami League, was shot on December 12 while campaigning in Bijoynagar and later died in Singapore on December 18. The case initially investigated by the DB police named 17 accused, including former ward councilor Taizul Islam Chowdhury Bappi and former Chhatra League activist Faisal Karim Masud.

The DB’s charge sheet suggested political revenge as the motive behind Hadi’s killing. Following dissatisfaction from the complainant, the court later transferred the investigation to the CID.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has imposed new restrictions on sports journalists’ access to the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. The decision has drawn strong protest and condemnation from two major journalist organizations, the Bangladesh Sports Press Association (BSPA) and the Bangladesh Sports Journalists Association (BSJA). Both groups issued statements on Sunday expressing concern that the new rules would disrupt their daily professional activities.

In its statement, the BSJA said the restrictions would hinder journalists’ work and limit their ability to promote cricket effectively. The association emphasized its willingness to cooperate on security matters but criticized the BCB for not consulting journalist bodies before making such a major decision. The BSPA also voiced deep concern, saying the new rules create an unfavorable environment for media professionals and urged the BCB to reconsider the decision immediately.

The BSPA further suggested that dialogue and consultation with media stakeholders could lead to a more cooperative and mutually beneficial solution.

National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan criticized the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for not stating its position on alleged Indian aggression. Speaking at a street rally on Sunday at Shahjadpur BSCIC bus stand in Sirajganj, he said that while anti-hegemony forces once protested such acts, a major political party has remained silent. He urged voters to support anti-aggression candidates and announced that if the 11-party alliance came to power, it would arrange double training for army personnel.

Bhuiyan, also chairman of the NCP election management committee, accused a nationalist party of nominating foreign citizens as candidates who would leave the country after elections. He pledged to build a corruption-free and well-governed Bangladesh, ensuring fair rewards for workers, and called for votes for Saif Mostafiz under the Shapla symbol. He further urged citizens to vote “yes” in a referendum to prevent authoritarian rule.

Several NCP leaders, including Monira Sharmin, Tarikul Islam, Sakib Mahdi, and Yasin Arafat, were present at the event and visited the grave of Shaheed Abu Sayeed.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country's negotiators are ready to discuss Moscow’s proposal to end the war with the United States. In a Saturday evening address, he stated that Kyiv is waiting for Washington’s response regarding the next meeting. His remarks suggested that the second round of talks among US, Russian, and Ukrainian officials, scheduled for Sunday in Abu Dhabi, might be postponed.

Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine is prepared to work in any format to stop the Russia-Ukraine war and is ready for next week’s meetings. His comments came as US envoy Steve Witkoff described his meeting in Florida with Russian Ambassador Kirill Dmitriev as “productive and constructive.” The first direct talks between Ukrainian and Russian negotiators under US President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan were held in Abu Dhabi last week, with both sides agreeing to resume discussions on Sunday.

Washington claims both sides are close to a deal, but Kyiv maintains that no consensus has been reached on key territorial issues in any postwar settlement.