Energy and power sector experts in Bangladesh have called for a national consensus to address the country’s worsening electricity and fuel crisis. Speaking at a seminar organized by Just Energy News in Dhaka, they said that despite surplus generation capacity, the sector faces severe financial and structural pressure due to high costs, import dependence, dollar shortages, subsidy burdens, and weak governance. They urged the new government to take immediate steps alongside realistic and sustainable long-term planning.

Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Jalal Ahmed attributed the crisis to long neglect of primary energy and limited LNG import capacity. Former BUET professor Dr. Ijaz Hossain noted that 97–98% of Bangladesh’s energy relies on fossil fuels, with 60% imported, creating economic strain. Other speakers, including former Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury and economists Mushtaq Hossain Khan and M. Tamim, highlighted institutional corruption, inefficient contracts, and policy failures as key causes. They warned that without transparency and reform, losses exceeding Tk 50,000 crore annually could persist.

Participants emphasized that political unity, transparency, and public awareness are essential for sustainable energy security and economic stability.

The chiefs of Bangladesh’s Army, Navy and Air Force visited Gazipur district on Tuesday ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and Referendum 2026. During the visit, General Waker-uz-Zaman, Admiral M Nazmul Hasan and Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan met senior military officers, law enforcement officials and civil administration representatives from Gazipur, Narsingdi and Narayanganj districts at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute conference hall.

The meeting focused on ensuring peaceful, neutral and fair elections through inter-agency coordination and comprehensive security management. The three service chiefs emphasized professionalism, neutrality, discipline, patience and citizen-friendly conduct in carrying out duties. They also inspected the activities of armed forces personnel deployed under the “In Aid to the Civil Power” framework and provided necessary guidance.

Senior military and civil officials, law enforcement representatives and members of the media were present during the visit, reflecting a broad-based coordination effort for maintaining order during the election period.

A Dhaka court has ordered the freezing of a bank account belonging to former Director General of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) Saiful Alam and the seizure of a five-katha plot registered under the names of his wife and daughters in Trust Green City. The order was issued on Tuesday, February 3, by Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Foyez in response to a petition from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

According to ACC public relations officer Tanzir Ahmed, the petition was filed by ACC Deputy Director Tahasin Munabil Haque, who sought to block the bank account and seize the assets amid an ongoing corruption inquiry. The ACC stated that an investigation team had been formed to verify Saiful Alam’s wealth statement and found indications that he and his family were attempting to transfer or conceal funds and property. The court ruled that freezing the account and seizing the land were necessary under the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012, and the ACC Rules, 2007.

The court’s order aims to prevent the suspected illicit assets from being transferred or hidden before the investigation concludes.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed opposition to banning Israel from international football competitions, despite ongoing discussions among several European nations advocating such a move in protest of Israel’s actions in Palestine. Speaking about potential changes to FIFA’s rules, Infantino suggested that the organization’s constitution should prevent any country from being excluded due to political leaders’ actions. He emphasized maintaining open channels of connection through sport.

UEFA had earlier prepared to hold a vote on suspending Israel during its executive committee meeting in September, but the discussion was postponed after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire proposal between Israel and Hamas. According to The Athletic, later talks focused on the procedural aspects of implementing a ban. Ireland’s Football Association strongly supported a proposal to temporarily suspend Israel from UEFA competitions.

Infantino also argued that the current ban on Russia, imposed after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, should be lifted, saying it had achieved nothing and only deepened frustration and hatred. He warned that imposing a similar ban on Israel would represent a failure for football diplomacy.

Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud, central executive member of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Dhaka South secretary, alleged that the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Bauphal Police Station has lost neutrality. Speaking at a press conference at the Bauphal upazila Jamaat office on Tuesday, he claimed that the OC conducted a raid on their party office under provocation from another political group, without proper verification. Masud argued that a neutral election cannot be expected while the current OC remains in his post and urged the Election Commission to withdraw him immediately.

He questioned how members of another political organization and several journalists were present before the police raid, suggesting that they had prior knowledge of the operation. Masud said the police found nothing during the raid, which, according to him, proves the action was politically motivated. He emphasized that law enforcement should ensure full confirmation before conducting such operations.

Masud also announced that Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman will visit Bauphal on February 6 to address a public rally at the local field, where other alliance leaders will also attend.

Professor Ali Riaz, special assistant to the chief adviser, called on citizens to support the 'July Charter' in the upcoming national referendum. Speaking at a discussion meeting at Dhaka University’s Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building on Tuesday, he described the charter as a pledge written in blood, symbolizing the sacrifices of those who fought against fascist rule. The event was organized by the University Grants Commission to promote the referendum and encourage voter participation.

Riaz emphasized that the July Charter represents a collective debt to the youth, workers, and citizens who protested for freedom and justice. He warned against the return of personal dictatorship and urged constitutional reforms to prevent unilateral amendments. He also criticized past constitutional changes and elections that, according to him, undermined democracy.

Special assistant Monir Haidar added that the referendum will include 48 reform proposals under four categories, ultimately asking whether citizens support the July uprising. He cautioned that failure of the referendum could allow fascism to return, stressing that it is an opportunity to realize the founding goals of equality, dignity, and social justice.

The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) has announced another increase in gold prices within less than six hours. In a notice issued on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, the association set the new price of 22-carat gold at Tk 262,090 per bhori, marking a rise of Tk 10,906. The revised rate took effect from 4 p.m. the same day.

According to the BAJUS statement, the adjustment was made due to a rise in the price of pure gold in the local market. The organization stated that the new rate reflects the overall market situation and the recent increase in the cost of raw gold.

The rapid price revision within such a short period highlights volatility in the domestic gold market, influenced by fluctuations in the price of pure gold as reported by BAJUS.

At a press conference in Gulshan on Tuesday, BNP Central Election Steering Committee spokesperson and party chairperson’s adviser Mahdi Amin accused so-called reformists of spreading misinformation about the BNP’s reform agenda. He said the party has consistently advocated for state reform, citing its Vision 2030, 27-point and 31-point reform proposals, and support for a bicameral parliament and term limits for the prime minister. Amin reaffirmed BNP’s stance in favor of a ‘yes’ vote in the upcoming national referendum on state reform.

He expressed concern over the spread of at least 29 false or misleading claims targeting BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman in the past week, citing fact-checking reports as evidence. Amin also objected to the deployment of Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) members in election duties, warning it could compromise neutrality. Additionally, he raised alarm over 34,442 election observers from 16 organizations, alleging some have political affiliations, and urged the Election Commission to verify observer lists and limit numbers per polling center.

Amin announced that Tarique Rahman would visit Barishal and Faridpur on Wednesday for campaign rallies as part of his election tour.

Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal has sharply criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC) after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided to boycott its T20 World Cup match against India in support of Bangladesh. Speaking on the YouTube channel ‘Game Plan,’ Akmal said the PCB should not back down from its stance, accusing the ICC of double standards for urging Pakistan to reconsider the boycott.

Akmal questioned why the ICC had remained silent when the Asia Cup was held under a hybrid model and when India refused to play the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. He argued that Pakistan’s decision deserved respect, just as Pakistan had respected India’s earlier choices. Akmal also recalled incidents during the Asia Cup when Indian players allegedly refused to shake hands or accept the trophy, calling it disrespectful.

Following Pakistan’s government announcement on social media, the ICC issued a statement saying it had not yet received official communication from the PCB. The ICC urged the board to consider the long-term impact of its decision on national and global cricket and to seek a solution that protects all stakeholders’ interests.

Ariful Islam, the candidate of the 11-party 'Oikyo Boddho Bangladesh' alliance including Jamaat and NCP for Dhaka-18 constituency, said that the people of Bangladesh are rising against Indian dominance, corruption, and extortion. He made the remarks on Tuesday morning while speaking to journalists after distributing leaflets and meeting voters in Uttara’s Rajlakkhi area. According to him, citizens are seeking change and envisioning a new Bangladesh free from corruption and extortion.

Islam stated that his campaign has been receiving a strong response since the alliance’s announcement, and several teams are engaging with the public to understand their expectations. Expressing concern over the election atmosphere, he alleged that his campaigners and party activists are being threatened in various places, and female members are facing obstacles during campaigning. He described these incidents as regrettable and harmful to a free and fair election.

He further claimed that he was directly attacked during campaigning, but despite the attackers being identified, police have not arrested them. He also alleged that the BNP took only superficial action against one attacker who continues to campaign for its candidate.

BNP Standing Committee member and Dhaka-8 constituency candidate Mirza Abbas criticized his political rivals during a meeting with traders at Gulistan’s Hall Market in Dhaka on Tuesday. Referring to his opponents, he said they were behaving like fish out of shallow water, using indecent language to gain attention. Abbas urged them to speak respectfully and avoid spreading slander, asserting that he had always stood against extortion, terrorism, and drug trafficking.

He also accused a junior group of Jamaat-e-Islami of making offensive remarks about the BNP and Bangladeshi working women. Emphasizing his integrity, Abbas challenged his critics to hold a public arbitration at Baitul Mukarram if they doubted his honesty. He stated that he had grown up through hard work, not corruption or unethical means.

Addressing voters, Abbas called on them to guard polling centers on election day and ensure that no polling agents or officers leave without signed result sheets. He warned against allowing vote counting outside polling stations and expressed concern about possible election engineering, urging supporters to remain vigilant.

A delegation from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is scheduled to visit Bangabhaban on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the hacking of party chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman’s X (Twitter) account. The hack allegedly used Bangabhaban’s official email and was followed by the posting of anti-women content. The delegation will be led by Sirajul Islam, a member of Jamaat’s central election management committee.

According to the report, the incident occurred last Saturday when Dr. Rahman’s X account was compromised and used to post objectionable material. Jamaat’s IT experts later regained control of the account. The party subsequently filed a general diary with the police and lodged complaints with the Cyber Tribunal, the Election Commission, and other government bodies, demanding action over the incident.

The meeting at Bangabhaban aims to protest the misuse of the presidential office’s email and to seek clarification and accountability regarding the hacking incident.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has declared that around Tk 28 lakh crore allegedly laundered from the country will be recovered. Speaking at an election rally in Mymensingh’s Circuit House field on Tuesday, February 3, he said no personal ties or influence would be considered in this effort. He emphasized that those involved in money laundering would be brought back to Bangladesh and face legal action, adding that they would not be allowed to live luxuriously abroad with stolen national wealth.

Dr. Rahman described the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election as a nation-building election rather than an ordinary one. He said a wave of change had risen under public pressure, and that student movements and university elections had shown clear opposition to fascism. The rally was presided over by Mymensingh Metropolitan Jamaat Ameer Maulana Kamrul Ahsan Emrul and attended by several central and local Jamaat leaders.

The event reflected Jamaat’s campaign focus on anti-corruption and national accountability ahead of the election.

The Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA) has issued its 2026 recruitment circular, offering 13,559 permanent positions across eight job categories. The online application process began on February 3, 2026, and will close at 11:59 p.m. on February 19, 2026. Applicants must submit educational certificates, national ID information, a color photograph, and a signature image through the official website https://ngi.teletalk.com.bd. The application fee is set at 223 taka.

According to the circular, both new and experienced candidates may apply depending on the position requirements. The recruitment is for permanent government service under the NTRCA. Specific details regarding age limits and salary grades will follow the official circular. The announcement was originally published on January 29, 2026, and further information is available on the NTRCA website at https://ntrca.gov.bd.

The recruitment drive aims to fill a large number of teaching positions nationwide, providing opportunities for qualified individuals to join the education sector under permanent government employment.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Tarique Rahman will deliver a televised address on Bangladesh Television (BTV) on February 9, ahead of the upcoming national election and referendum. The Election Commission (EC) has instructed BTV to make the necessary arrangements for the broadcast, according to a letter issued by EC’s Public Relations Director Md. Ruhul Amin Mallik on February 3.

The EC letter stated that creating a fair and acceptable electoral environment is essential for a free and impartial election. It emphasized that providing equal broadcast opportunities for all political parties on BTV can help ensure fairness. The commission directed BTV to allocate time slots for party leaders’ campaign speeches based on the order of written applications, in accordance with the 2025 Election Conduct Rules.

As no other political party besides the BNP applied for broadcast time, the EC instructed BTV to allocate the final slot on February 9 for Tarique Rahman’s address. A total of 51 parties are contesting in the February 12 election, with campaign activities permitted until 7:30 a.m. on February 10.