The International Cricket Council (ICC) is holding discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to address Pakistan’s boycott of its T20 World Cup 2026 fixture against India, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. The match, one of the most commercially valuable in world cricket, was thrown into uncertainty after Pakistan’s government instructed its team not to play. According to a source cited by AFP, the ICC has opted for dialogue rather than confrontation to find a resolution.

The 20-team tournament has already been marred by political tensions. Bangladesh withdrew from playing in India over security concerns and was replaced by Scotland, prompting Pakistan to refuse to face co-hosts India in protest. Pakistan, which defeated the Netherlands in the tournament opener, risks losing two points and damaging its net run rate if it forfeits the match. India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed his team’s readiness to travel to Colombo for the fixture.

The ICC’s mediation aims to preserve one of cricket’s most anticipated contests, as India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series for more than a decade.

In Chattogram, 112 candidates across 16 constituencies are in the final stretch of campaigning for Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election scheduled for February 12. Despite multiple parties and independents contesting, the main competition is between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, both part of an 11-party alliance. In two constituencies, BNP faces additional challenges from rebel candidates. Jamaat has also left three seats for alliance partners, while smaller parties such as Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Gano Adhikar Parishad, and Ganosamhati Andolon are also active.

The contests are particularly tight in 13 constituencies, including Mirsharai, Fatikchhari, Sandwip, Sitakunda, Hathazari, Rauzan, Rangunia, Chandgaon-Boalkhali, Kotwali-Bakalia, Halishahar-Pahartali, Bandar-Patenga, Patiya, and Anwara-Karnaphuli. Each seat features six to nine candidates, but BNP and Jamaat nominees dominate the field. Local dynamics, candidate reputations, and internal party divisions are shaping the electoral landscape.

Observers note that voter sentiment, new voter registrations, and alliance coordination could determine outcomes in several constituencies, where both BNP and Jamaat remain optimistic about their chances.

Iranian human rights activist and 2023 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi has been sentenced to a total of seven and a half years in prison, according to her lawyer and a supporting organization. Lawyer Mostafa Nili told AFP that Mohammadi received six years for 'assembly and collusion to commit crimes' and another one and a half years for 'spreading anti-state propaganda.' The ruling also includes two years of exile in Khosf, South Khorasan Province, and a two-year travel ban. Nili said the verdict is not final and can be appealed, expressing hope that Mohammadi might be temporarily released on medical grounds due to serious health issues.

Mohammadi began a hunger strike on February 2 to protest restrictions on contacting her lawyer and family. The Narges Foundation stated she ended the strike on its sixth day, though her health remains in critical condition. She was arrested on December 12 after protesting the mysterious death of lawyer Khosro Alikordi. Prosecutor Hassan Hematifar accused her of making provocative remarks at a memorial event in Mashhad.

Mohammadi, deputy director of the Defenders of Human Rights Center, is Iran’s second female Nobel Peace Prize winner after Shirin Ebadi in 2003.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and candidate of the 11-party alliance for Dhaka-11, delivered a televised address on Sunday evening urging citizens to vote early in the February 12 election. He said the alliance aims to restore democracy, protect voting rights, and establish justice. Islam pledged that no one would be able to take away people’s voting rights and called the election a continuation of the July uprising. He emphasized that the coalition’s goal is to build a new Bangladesh free from corruption, inequality, and dominance.

In his speech, Islam outlined the NCP’s vision for a reformed and fair state, highlighting plans for economic justice, environmental protection, and balanced foreign policy. He said the alliance’s 30 candidates are contesting under the ‘Shapla Kali’ symbol nationwide. He also promised to restructure the defense and police systems, ensure fair trials for past abuses, and strengthen local governance. Islam urged voters to support the alliance to achieve a “Bangladesh of change and justice.”

He added that a fair election on February 12 is essential to sustain the achievements of the August 5 revolution and to realize the dream of a reformed, independent Bangladesh.

The Election Commission of Bangladesh has announced that female voters must show their faces at polling centers during the upcoming 13th parliamentary election to verify their identities. The commission stated that this measure is necessary to prevent fraudulent voting and that no exceptions will be made. To ensure privacy, female polling officers and female Ansar members will be appointed at all centers so that veiled women can reveal their faces only to female officials.

Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarkar explained that matching a voter’s face with the photo on the voter list is a mandatory part of the voting procedure. If a voter refuses to show her face, she will not receive a ballot paper. However, women who decline to unveil in the absence of female officers cannot be forced to vote, and no legal action will be taken against them. Legal experts and Islamic scholars noted that showing one’s face for identification is permissible under both law and religion, but the state and the commission must ensure women’s privacy.

The commission confirmed that the election will use paper ballots, eliminating biometric verification options available in electronic voting machines. Identity will therefore be confirmed solely by matching faces with voter list photos.

Thousands of people joined an election rally of BNP Standing Committee member and Cox’s Bazar-1 (Chakaria-Pekua) candidate Salahuddin Ahmed in Pekua on Sunday afternoon. The rally began at 4 p.m. from Alhaj Kabir Ahmed Chowdhury Market and proceeded along Banoja Road before concluding with a street meeting at Sakurpara Station in the evening. Supporters from seven unions arrived by bus, truck, and on foot, filling the Pekua town center with chants and slogans in support of Salahuddin and the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol.

Participants carried placards and images of party leaders Tarique Rahman and Salahuddin Ahmed, while some danced and sang to seek votes. Salahuddin, standing in an open jeep, waved to the crowd and later addressed the gathering, thanking supporters for their enthusiasm and urging them to vote for the BNP symbol on February 12. He also announced that the party’s final campaign rally would be held at the Chakaria bus terminal on Monday afternoon.

Local observers described the event as one of the largest political gatherings in Pekua’s history.

With only four months remaining before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti is finalizing his squad. According to ESPN Brazil, the Italian manager has nearly settled on 11 players based on current form and consistency, sparking debate as star forward Neymar Jr. is reportedly absent from the list. Ancelotti’s Brazil has played eight matches under his guidance, showing moderate results but gaining a stable core lineup.

Reports indicate that goalkeeper Alisson Becker, defenders Marquinhos and Gabriel, and midfielders Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães are among the confirmed names. In attack, Vinícius Júnior, Estevão, Raphinha, Rodrygo, Matheus Cunha, and Gabriel Martinelli have earned Ancelotti’s trust. Neymar’s participation in the World Cup remains uncertain and will depend on his fitness evaluation. Additional players such as Bento, Hugo Souza, Alex Sandro, and Lucas Paquetá are also being considered.

Brazil is viewed as one of the favorites for the upcoming tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, as Ancelotti continues refining his tactical plans for a potential sixth World Cup title.

Ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, intelligence sources have revealed alarming plans to sabotage the voting process by attacking storage sites containing ballot papers and other election materials. The reported scheme involves nighttime assaults using explosives and petrol bombs to destroy ballots and disrupt polling. Following these reports, the Election Commission and law enforcement agencies have issued nationwide alerts, with two security agencies recommending immediate preventive measures to the government and the commission.

According to the Election Commission, ballot papers began moving from district offices to upazila-level storage on February 8, where they are being kept in temporary storerooms that could be vulnerable to attack. Security agencies claim a banned organization has instructed its field operatives to execute violent actions, including bombings and armed assaults, to create fear and undermine voter confidence. Intelligence reports also mention plans to spread false information online to destabilize the situation.

In response, authorities have strengthened security at warehouses and transport routes, increased surveillance, and deployed armed escorts. The Election Commission has emphasized that ensuring a safe and uninterrupted voting environment remains its top priority.

Internal pressure within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has intensified ahead of the 13th parliamentary election as 92 rebel candidates are contesting in 79 constituencies, defying party directives. Around 30 of these candidates are described as strong and locally popular, raising concerns that the rebellion could divide the party’s vote base and challenge its electoral allies. BNP leaders, however, maintain that the situation will not affect the overall election outcome.

Senior BNP figures such as Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Ruhul Kabir Rizvi have acknowledged internal conflicts, with some rebels being expelled and local committees dissolved. Despite repeated warnings from the central leadership, many local activists continue to support the independent contenders, causing divisions within local party units. The rebels include former MPs and long-time local leaders with established voter networks.

The rebellion has also placed BNP’s alliance partners under pressure in several constituencies, including Dhaka-12, Patuakhali-3, and Brahmanbaria-2, where rebel BNP candidates are competing against coalition nominees. This internal rift poses a significant challenge for BNP’s electoral strategy and unity.

Mahmudur Rahman Manna, president of Nagorik Oikya and candidate for both Bogura-2 and Dhaka-18 constituencies, has withdrawn from the Dhaka-18 parliamentary race. He announced his decision on Sunday night through a Facebook post, stating that he is currently in Bogura.

In his post, Manna explained that he had initially decided to contest from both constituencies due to special circumstances. However, he found it financially unfeasible to manage an election campaign in Dhaka-18, which he described as a vast constituency encompassing seven and a half police stations and about 650,000 voters. He said the scale of the area made election management extremely expensive.

Manna expressed regret that his decision might disappoint some supporters and apologized to all concerned. He will continue his campaign in Bogura-2, while stepping back from Dhaka-18 due to practical and financial considerations.

The Election Commission (EC) has issued special vehicle guidelines for candidates and their election agents on the polling day of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum. The directive, sent to returning officers on Sunday, aims to maintain an orderly and peaceful environment during voting. Each candidate and their agent will be allowed one small vehicle such as a jeep, car, microbus, or CNG-run autorickshaw, carrying no more than five people including the driver and any assigned gunman.

In remote areas where small vehicles cannot operate, candidates and agents may each use up to two motorcycles, with a maximum of two riders per motorcycle. In river-surrounded areas, one boat per candidate or agent is permitted, carrying up to five people including the driver. All vehicles must display an approved sticker issued by the returning officer, and identity cards must be obtained for all passengers except the candidate, agent, and gunman.

No person other than the candidate or election agent will be allowed to enter polling centers under any circumstances, according to the EC directive.

Manchester City secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday night in the English Premier League. Liverpool initially took the lead through a spectacular goal from Dominik Szoboszlai, but City equalized with a strike from Bernardo Silva. In injury time, Erling Haaland converted a decisive penalty to complete City’s comeback win.

The result allowed Pep Guardiola’s side to reduce the gap with league leaders Arsenal to six points. City now sit second in the table with 50 points from 25 matches, while Arsenal lead with 56 points from the same number of games. Liverpool, who had lost 3-0 in the first leg at City’s ground in November, remain in sixth place with 39 points.

Despite showing improvement in the second half, Liverpool failed to capitalize on their home advantage and missed the chance for revenge. The win strengthens City’s pursuit of the Premier League title as the season enters its final stretch.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus emphasized that the new generation must draw inspiration from Bangladesh’s Liberation War to understand the nation’s origins and sacrifices. He made the remarks on Sunday evening during a meeting at the state guesthouse Jamuna with members of the National Freedom Fighters Council, the Bangladesh Freedom Fighters Welfare Trust, and the Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad. Yunus said his government’s priority after taking office was to identify genuine freedom fighters and expose impostors, ensuring that the institutions representing them regain integrity.

Adviser to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs Faruk I Azam stated that previous governments had misused the spirit of the Liberation War, creating inequality and depriving real veterans. Freedom fighters attending the meeting expressed gratitude to Yunus for reforms, the upcoming referendum, and efforts to restore their dignity. They said the July Charter would strengthen accountability and protect sovereignty. Several participants pledged personal support for the referendum’s “yes” campaign.

Yunus added that the government was nearing elections and that constitutional reforms born from the mass uprising were crucial to prevent political stagnation and ensure lasting national progress.

Sri Lanka began their T20 World Cup campaign with a 20-run victory over Ireland in Colombo. After losing the toss, Sri Lanka batted first and posted 163 for six in 20 overs, led by an unbeaten 56 from Kusal Mendis and a quickfire 44 off 19 balls from Kamindu Mendis. Ireland appeared on track for an upset, needing 60 runs from the final six overs with eight wickets in hand, but their chase collapsed dramatically.

Ireland lost eight wickets for just 38 runs in the last 35 balls, finishing all out for 143 in 19.5 overs. For Sri Lanka, Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga each took three wickets, while Matheesha Pathirana claimed two. Ireland’s best efforts came from Harry Tector with 40 and Ross Adair with 34. Kamindu Mendis was named Player of the Match for his explosive batting performance.

The win gave host Sri Lanka a strong start to their home World Cup campaign, while Ireland will look to recover quickly in their next group match.

Mojibur Rahman Monju, Chairman of the Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party), will deliver a televised national address on Monday at 5 p.m. The speech will be broadcast simultaneously on Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar. The announcement comes in the lead-up to the 13th National Parliamentary Election, with the address expected to outline the party’s stance on the current political situation, democracy, and the restoration of voting rights.

According to party sources, Monju will present specific proposals for state reform and highlight the AB Party’s commitments to improving the lives of middle-class and ordinary citizens. The address is described as a key moment for the party to clarify its vision for good governance and national development.

AB Party policymakers believe the speech will add a new dimension to Bangladesh’s electoral politics and serve as a milestone roadmap toward building a prosperous nation. The party has urged the public to tune in to the live broadcast on BTV and Bangladesh Betar at the scheduled time.