Ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election and national referendum, a four-day public holiday has prompted a massive exodus from Dhaka and industrial areas. Since Tuesday morning, heavy traffic congestion has been reported at Paturia and Aricha ferry terminals, as well as along the Dhaka–Tangail highway, where a 32-kilometer tailback has caused severe delays. Authorities are struggling to manage the surge in passengers and vehicles, with scenes reminiscent of the Eid travel rush.

Local correspondents report that many factories have declared three consecutive days off, allowing workers to return to their hometowns to vote and visit families. The sudden increase in travelers has led to overcrowded ferries and buses, with some transport operators accused of charging inflated fares. Passengers expressed frustration over the high costs and long waits, while police confirmed that additional forces have been deployed to ease congestion and prevent passenger harassment.

Officials from the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation and transport owners expressed optimism that the situation would normalize later in the day as traffic flow improves.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) avoided a major financial setback after Pakistan withdrew its decision to boycott the upcoming match against India. Following a meeting between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and ICC officials in Lahore, the Pakistan government granted permission for the national team to play. The high-profile encounter will now proceed as scheduled on February 15 in Colombo, ending uncertainty surrounding one of cricket’s most lucrative fixtures.

According to the report, the ICC earns its largest revenues from India-Pakistan matches. Had Pakistan maintained its boycott, the organization faced an estimated loss of $174 million, equivalent to about 1,985 crore Bangladeshi taka, from broadcasting, gate receipts, and sponsorships. The decision to participate came after appeals from the Bangladesh Cricket Board, Sri Lanka Cricket, and the Emirates Cricket Board urging Pakistan to reconsider.

With the match confirmed, the ICC has averted a major financial crisis and ensured that one of the sport’s most anticipated rivalries will continue as planned.

A mock drill was conducted in various areas of Chakaria upazila under the Cox’s Bazar-1 (Chakaria–Pekua) constituency to identify and mitigate potential risks ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliament election and referendum. The exercise took place on Tuesday, February 10, following a coordination meeting at the office of the Assistant Returning Officer and Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO). The meeting, chaired by UNO Shahin Delwar, was attended by Major Maruful Islam of the Bangladesh Army’s 39 BST, Chakaria Police Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Monir Hossain, and officials from BGB, Ansar, and election authorities.

Following the meeting, officials jointly observed the field drill aimed at ensuring smooth and peaceful voting. According to OC Monir Hossain, all necessary preparations have been completed by the local administration and law enforcement agencies for the February 12 election and referendum. Security measures include installing CCTV cameras at 130 polling centers across Chakaria and equipping security personnel with body-worn cameras.

Officials stated that the mock drill will help authorities respond swiftly and effectively to any situation that may arise at polling centers during the election.

US President Donald Trump has indicated plans to strengthen military readiness around Iran by considering the deployment of a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East. In an interview with Israel’s Channel 12, Trump said Washington is evaluating additional military assets for the region as part of broader preparations. He confirmed that discussions between Washington and Tehran are ongoing, with both sides seeking to avoid military conflict, but reiterated that Iran would not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons.

Trump referred to last summer’s US strikes on Iran’s underground nuclear facilities, saying Tehran had misjudged his resolve at that time. He described the current talks as “very different” from previous ones, suggesting Iran is now more eager to reach an agreement. Trump also claimed that Iran is desperate for a deal but warned that the United States is prepared to take tough measures if diplomacy fails.

According to Trump, sending a second carrier group is being seriously considered as part of overall US military preparedness in the Middle East.

Hasnat Abdullah, the Jamaat-NCP alliance candidate for the Comilla-4 (Debidwar) constituency, will cast his vote at his designated polling center during the 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for Thursday, February 12. Party sources confirmed that he plans to be present at the polling station from the morning and will be among the first to exercise his voting rights.

According to the report, Abdullah will vote at Gopalnagar High School polling center in Ward No. 3 of Rasulpur Union under Debidwar upazila. His decision to vote in his own village center has reportedly generated enthusiasm among party leaders and supporters. Local stakeholders expressed optimism that the voting process will take place in a peaceful and festive atmosphere.

The report highlights that preparations are underway for the election in Comilla-4, with expectations of orderly participation from voters and candidates alike.

In Habiganj district, women voters have become a key electoral factor ahead of the 13th parliamentary election. Out of 1.8 million registered voters, about 49 percent are women, yet they remain disadvantaged in access to opportunities and recognition despite their significant role in the local economy. Many women, including tea workers, factory employees, entrepreneurs, and students, expressed hopes for a government that will prioritize their welfare and create a more inclusive environment.

Tea garden workers such as Basanti Bakti from Deundi Tea Estate said they want representatives who will improve the lives of marginalized laborers. Female factory workers in Shayestaganj’s Olipur area called for a women-friendly government and safer workplaces. Entrepreneur Nazma Akter urged for more support programs for women-led businesses, while students and teachers emphasized the need for fair elections, safety in public transport, and a gender-sensitive society.

Habiganj has four parliamentary constituencies with 902,853 female voters, 915,740 male voters, and 24 transgender voters. Many women believe their collective voice could influence the election outcome and shape future policies toward gender equality.

Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul has praised the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for what he called a brilliant diplomatic achievement following the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision not to impose any penalties on Bangladesh for missing World Cup matches. The ICC meeting in Lahore, attended by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul, resolved the crisis triggered by Pakistan’s announcement to boycott its match against India in the T20 World Cup. The ICC also confirmed that Bangladesh would receive hosting rights for one of its future tournaments, while Pakistan agreed to play against India.

Speaking to the media at the Ministry of Youth and Sports on Tuesday evening, Nazrul said Bangladesh had no regrets about its earlier decision, emphasizing that the choice was made by the country’s players and board to protect national dignity and safety. He described the move as an exemplary act of sacrifice and national responsibility.

The adviser reiterated that such decisions, prioritizing national interest and security, should be repeated if similar situations arise in the future.

Political tension has peaked in the Barishal-3 (Babuganj–Muladi) parliamentary constituency ahead of the February 12 election. The seat, comprising two key upazilas, has long been of strategic importance to major parties due to its geographic and transport significance. With the Awami League largely absent from the field, the main contest has emerged among the BNP, Jatiya Party, and the 11-party alliance candidate from Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party.

BNP’s vice chairman Zainul Abedin is contesting to reclaim the party’s traditional stronghold despite internal rifts. The Jatiya Party, led locally by imprisoned former MP Golam Kibria Tipu, is seeking to attract female and pro-alliance voters, while his daughter Habiba Kibria has been campaigning on his behalf. Meanwhile, AB Party’s central secretary Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad has mobilized grassroots support through the 11-party alliance, including Jamaat-e-Islami’s organized network.

Analysts suggest that if voting proceeds freely and fairly, the final result will hinge on independent and neutral voters whose decisions could determine the balance of power in this closely contested race.

Pakistan confirmed it will face India in the T20 World Cup on February 15 in Colombo, ending uncertainty over the high-profile match. The decision followed a meeting in Lahore between Bangladesh Cricket Board president Aminul Islam Bulbul, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and the International Cricket Council (ICC). PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi told reporters in Peshawar that Pakistan agreed to play only after the ICC acknowledged that Bangladesh had been treated unfairly.

Naqvi said all of Bangladesh’s demands were accepted and that Pakistan’s stance was solely to ensure justice and respect for Bangladesh. He emphasized that the government’s decision to proceed with the match was based on this acknowledgment. Earlier, Bangladesh had demanded to move its World Cup matches out of India due to security concerns after Mustafizur Rahman was dropped from the IPL under controversial circumstances.

The ICC’s handling of Bangladesh’s exclusion from the tournament and replacement by Scotland had sparked criticism. Pakistan’s support for Bangladesh’s position and the ICC’s eventual admission appear to have paved the way for the India-Pakistan fixture to proceed.

A CCTV camera installed for election security was stolen from a polling center in Kishoreganj upazila of Nilphamari-4 constituency, two days before the 13th National Parliament election and referendum scheduled for February 12. Teachers at Noyankhal School and College discovered the theft on the morning of February 10, after the camera had been installed only a few days earlier for monitoring purposes.

Local sources said the camera was likely stolen on the night of February 9 after the school closed. Attempts to contact the institution’s principal, Jalilur Rahman, were unsuccessful. Upazila Secondary Education Officer Ashraf Uz Zaman confirmed awareness of the incident and said necessary measures were being taken. Kishoreganj Police’s Investigation Officer Abdul Quddus stated he had not yet received a report but would investigate the matter. Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Assistant Returning Officer Tanzima Anjum Sohania confirmed that law enforcement agencies were working to identify the culprits, though none had been found so far.

Authorities said legal action is underway as the investigation continues ahead of the national election.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed gratitude to Pakistan after the country agreed to play against India in the ongoing T20 World Cup in Colombo. Following the announcement, Dissanayake posted on the X platform, saying he was delighted that the much-anticipated India-Pakistan match would take place as scheduled and thanked Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his cooperation.

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath also extended appreciation to Pakistan’s leadership, government, and foreign ministry for positively considering Sri Lanka’s request. He thanked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and sports authorities for their support, describing the decision as a reflection of sportsmanship, friendship, and the strength of bilateral relations between the two nations.

Earlier, Pakistan’s government said it reviewed formal requests from the Bangladesh Cricket Board and supportive messages from Sri Lanka, the UAE, and other member countries before withdrawing its decision to boycott the India match, aiming to ensure an effective resolution to recent challenges.

The BNP Media Cell has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Ali Mamud, a journalist for the daily Dinkal and a member of the party’s media wing. In a condolence message issued on Tuesday, the cell’s convener Dr. Mowdud Hossain Alamgir Pavel said the organization was deeply saddened by the loss of a devoted colleague. The statement described Ali Mamud as a sincere journalist and a wise, responsible member of the BNP Media Cell.

According to the message, Ali Mamud’s contributions to party activities and his support for democracy and independent journalism were highly commendable. The BNP Media Cell said his death marked the loss of a dedicated comrade within the organization.

The statement also conveyed prayers for the departed soul and extended sympathy to his bereaved family, colleagues, and well-wishers.

A complaint has been filed against BNP candidate Engineer Zakir Hossain Sarkar in Kushtia-3 (Sadar) constituency for allegedly violating the electoral code of conduct by hanging campaign posters. The complaint was lodged on Tuesday evening with the Election Inquiry and Judicial Committee by Iqbal Hossain, a resident of Patikabari village in Sadar upazila.

According to the complaint, Zakir Hossain Sarkar, nominated by the BNP for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, displayed posters featuring his image and election symbol on electric poles and trees along the paved road from Taher Mor to the local market in Patikabari. The complainant urged the authorities to take prompt legal action regarding the matter.

The report indicates that the issue has been formally brought to the attention of the relevant election authorities for consideration and possible enforcement of electoral regulations.

The Netherlands secured their first win in the T20 World Cup by defeating Namibia by seven wickets. After losing their opening match to Pakistan by three wickets with three balls remaining, the Dutch side bounced back strongly. Namibia, batting first after losing the toss, posted 156 for eight in 20 overs, which the Netherlands chased down with 12 balls to spare.

Bas de Leede was the standout performer for the Netherlands, scoring an unbeaten 72 off 48 balls with five boundaries and three sixes. Captain Scott Edwards remained not out on 18 from nine balls. Earlier, Namibia’s top scorer was Nicol Loftie-Eaton with 42 off 38 balls, while Jan Frylinck added 30 from 26 deliveries. For the Netherlands, Logan van Beek and Bas de Leede each took two wickets.

The result gave the Netherlands a much-needed boost in the tournament after their narrow loss to Pakistan, keeping their campaign alive with a dominant all-round display.

Sheikh Neamul Karim, a Jamaat candidate in Nalchity, Jhalakathi, visited the graves of Selim Talukder and the father of Sharif Osman bin Hadi to honor the martyrs of the July uprising. During the visit, he offered prayers for their souls and expressed deep respect and sympathy to their families. The event took place on Tuesday and drew attention at the local level.

Selim Talukder, a resident of South Mallikpur village in Nalchity, was killed by police gunfire during an anti-discrimination student and public movement in Dhaka on July 31, 2024. His wife, Sumi Akter, was pregnant at the time and later gave birth to a daughter. Sharif Osman bin Hadi, convener of Inquilab Moncho, was killed by an assailant’s bullet. Sheikh Neamul Karim also met with the families of the martyrs and inquired about their well-being.

Many locals viewed the visit as a humanitarian and respectful gesture. Sheikh Neamul Karim has previously stated that if elected, he would donate his parliamentary salary to welfare and poverty alleviation efforts in his constituency.