A man named Azizul Islam was caught by prison guards while serving a jail term in place of another accused in a drug case. The incident came to light on Monday, according to the Department of Prisons. The original accused, Md. Rajib, 26, from Kishoreganj’s Hossainpur area, had been sent to Gazipur District Jail on January 25 and later transferred to Kashimpur Central Jail-2 on January 31. During fingerprint verification for the online database, officials discovered major discrepancies in his identity.

Further checks revealed that the detainee’s real name was Md. Azizul Haque, son of Bachchu Mia. Upon interrogation, he admitted that he had agreed to serve the sentence on behalf of Rajib in exchange for money. Assistant Inspector General (Development) Jannatul Farhad Hossain described the incident as resembling a movie plot.

The discovery has raised questions about identity verification procedures within the prison system, though no further administrative action was reported in the source.

The Election Commission of Bangladesh has filed 176 cases and collected fines totaling Tk 1,826,250 for violations of the electoral code of conduct ahead of the 13th National Parliament election and referendum. The information was confirmed on Monday, February 2, by Md. Saiful Islam, member secretary of the EC’s central coordination committee and director (operations) of the National Identity Registration Wing.

According to the Election Commission, between January 8 and February 1, a total of 275 incidents of code violations occurred across 257 electoral areas in the country. Mobile courts took action in these cases, resulting in the fines and legal proceedings. The 13th National Parliament election and referendum are scheduled to take place on February 12.

The commission’s enforcement activities indicate ongoing monitoring of campaign conduct as the election date approaches, aiming to ensure compliance with electoral regulations nationwide.

Bangladesh Bank has announced that the country’s total foreign exchange reserves have increased to 33.24 billion US dollars as of February 2, 2026. The information was confirmed by Arif Hossain Khan, Executive Director and Spokesperson of the central bank, on Monday. According to the latest data, the gross reserve stood at 33.24 billion dollars, while under the International Monetary Fund’s BPM-6 calculation method, the reserve amounted to 28.74 billion dollars.

Earlier, as of January 15, the country’s gross reserve was 32.62 billion dollars, and the BPM-6 based reserve was 28.02 billion dollars. The BPM-6 method, used by the IMF, calculates net reserves by deducting short-term liabilities from total reserves to determine the actual reserve position.

The increase in reserves reflects a modest improvement in Bangladesh’s external financial position compared to mid-January, according to the central bank’s latest update.

Reports in Indian and Pakistani media suggested that the International Cricket Council (ICC) would hold an emergency board meeting to address Pakistan’s potential boycott of its World Cup match against India. However, cricket websites Cricinfo and Cricbuzz confirmed that the meeting did not take place. As a result, it remains unclear whether the ICC will take any action if Pakistan proceeds with the boycott. Earlier, the ICC had expressed dissatisfaction with Pakistan’s stance in an official statement.

According to the ICC, it has not yet received any formal communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding a boycott decision. The council emphasized that such a move would contradict the fundamental spirit of a global sporting event, which is based on fairness, integrity, and equal competition. The ICC urged the PCB to consider the long-term impact of its decision on domestic cricket and the broader cricket ecosystem.

The ICC reiterated that its current priority is to ensure the successful completion of the World Cup and called on all member nations, including Pakistan, to work toward a mutually acceptable solution that protects the interests of all stakeholders.

National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman stated that the defense agreements signed with the United States, China, Japan, and other countries during the final phase of the interim government are part of an ongoing process. He made the remarks on Monday while speaking to reporters after a meeting with Foreign Affairs Adviser M. Touhid Hossain. When asked what would happen if the next government did not continue these deals, Dr. Khalil described the question as hypothetical, emphasizing that the process is continuous.

The interim government, led by Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus since August 8, 2024, following the ouster of former Prime Minister Hasina in the 2024 uprising, has undertaken several major defense initiatives. These include agreements for a drone factory with China, procurement of JF-17 Thunder and J-10CE fighter jets from Pakistan and China, Eurofighter Typhoon jets from a European consortium, submarines from South Korea, T-129 attack helicopters from Turkey, and Black Hawk helicopters from the United States. The government also allocated 6.5 billion taka to enhance the capabilities of the warship BNS Khalid Bin Walid.

Dr. Khalil also responded to discussions about his inclusion on the board of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, saying that not all countries have national airlines.

A mild earthquake was felt in Bangladesh early Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at around 4:36 a.m. The tremor measured 4.1 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter located in Kalaroa, Satkhira. According to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) and India’s National Center for Seismology (NCS), the quake struck at a depth of 150 kilometers beneath the surface, which reduced its intensity.

Residents in Satkhira, Khulna, Jashore, and surrounding areas experienced light shaking, but no immediate reports of casualties or damage were received. The deep epicenter contributed to the mild nature of the tremor.

Just two days earlier, on Sunday morning, a separate mild earthquake had been recorded in Dhaka and nearby regions. That quake, measuring magnitude 3, originated southeast of Sylhet city, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department.

Bangladeshi shooter Robiul Islam has departed for India to compete in the Asian Shooting Championship, scheduled from February 2 to 14 in New Delhi. He is accompanied by his coach Sharmin Akter. Robiul will participate in the 10-meter air rifle event on February 6, marking his first international competition since the Olympics.

There had been uncertainty over their participation due to earlier government restrictions on sending the national cricket team to India for the T20 World Cup, citing security concerns. However, the government later granted permission for Robiul to compete, considering the individual nature of the shooting event and India’s security arrangements to be safe.

Robiul, aged 27, previously won a medal in the 10-meter air rifle event at the 13th South Asian Games held in Nepal in 2019. His participation in New Delhi represents Bangladesh’s continued presence in regional shooting competitions.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has initiated work on a new central contract for the new year, introducing several changes approved in its latest board meeting. The number of contracted players will increase from 21 to 27, and the board will continue to issue format-based contracts. The BCB’s selection panel has finalized the list, which now awaits approval from the cricket operations department before official publication in the coming days.

Unlike previous years, the BCB will not include an ‘A Plus’ category this time, as there are no players regularly active across all three formats. The contract will begin with the ‘A’ category, featuring the three format captains along with experienced players Mushfiqur Rahim and Taskin Ahmed. Regular white-ball players such as Shoriful Islam, Tanzid Tamim, Mustafizur Rahman, and Tanzim Sakib will also be placed in this group.

Other players will be distributed across ‘B’, ‘C’, and ‘D’ categories based on their performance and format involvement. The finalized list includes 27 cricketers, marking an expansion in the BCB’s central contract structure for 2026.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has established a 'Law and Order Coordination Cell' ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum. The announcement was made on Monday, February 2, through an official press release from the ministry. The release also provided emergency contact numbers for the cell, including four landline numbers and two mobile numbers, one of which is available on WhatsApp.

According to the statement, citizens are encouraged to use these numbers to report any law and order-related complaints during the election period. The 13th National Parliamentary Election is scheduled to take place on February 12.

The formation of this coordination cell aims to ensure effective communication and prompt response to any security or order issues that may arise during the election process.

Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated that no one will be spared if any polling center is taken over during the upcoming election. Speaking to journalists on February 2 in Mymensingh City Corporation’s Shahid Shahabuddin Auditorium after a meeting on election-related law and order, he said CCTV cameras are being installed at every polling center, 25,700 body cameras are being provided to police, and drones and security apps are being used to ensure transparency and safety.

He added that both legal and illegal weapons remain outside official control, though recovery efforts have increased. Expressing hope for a peaceful election, he sought cooperation from journalists and the public. Referring to the recent Jhinaigati incident as tragic, he assured that those responsible will be brought under the law, even if it takes time.

Chowdhury described Mymensingh’s law and order situation as highly satisfactory and expressed confidence that their preparations would help deliver a fair and orderly election.

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has announced maximum security measures across Bangladesh ahead of the holy Shab-e-Barat night, which will be observed on the night of February 3. According to a press release issued by RAB’s Law and Media Wing on Monday, the force will remain on full duty to ensure the safety and peaceful observance of religious activities. Adequate RAB personnel will be deployed nationwide until February 4, with intensified patrols in Dhaka and other key cities, especially around major mosques, shrines, and areas with large gatherings.

The statement said both uniformed and plainclothes teams will be active, supported by static and mobile units ready to respond to any situation. RAB has also strengthened cyber monitoring to prevent the spread of rumors, provocative content, or anti-state and anti-religious propaganda on social media. Intelligence-based preparations have been made to prevent any attempt to disrupt the religious atmosphere. Citizens have been urged to contact RAB’s control room for emergency assistance and to cooperate in maintaining law and order.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has expressed deep concern to the Election Commission over alleged violence, intimidation, and administrative bias in various parts of Bangladesh ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election and referendum. A delegation led by Akram Hossain, Advocate Humayra Nur, and Ayman Rahat met Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin in Agargaon on February 2 to convey these concerns.

Following the meeting, Ayman Rahat told reporters that activists of the BNP and Awami League were carrying out coordinated attacks on Jamaat and NCP supporters, while authorities failed to take effective action despite filed cases. He cited incidents in Noakhali’s Hatiya, where armed attacks occurred during a ferry inauguration event and subsequent rallies. Rahat alleged that local officials remained inactive and that the administration’s neutrality was in question.

The NCP also raised issues regarding statements by BNP leaders suggesting involvement of law enforcement and intelligence agencies in candidate selection, and criticized a Bangladesh Bank official’s actions following a political speech. The party urged the Election Commission to ensure a level playing field and take stronger visible measures to guarantee a fair and credible election process.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman is scheduled to visit Gazipur, Mymensingh, and Kishoreganj on Tuesday as part of his ongoing election campaign. He will speak at three public rallies during the day, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Katiadi College Field in Kishoreganj, followed by a rally at 12:00 p.m. at Mymensingh Circuit House Field. His final address will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Rajbari Field in Joydebpur, Gazipur, where he will attend as the chief guest at a gathering organized by the 11-party electoral alliance.

According to party sources, Dr. Rahman will continue his campaign tour across various districts until February 7. On February 8 and 9, he is expected to conduct voter outreach in his own constituency in Dhaka. After completing today’s rallies, he will return to Dhaka-15 constituency for a local campaign event scheduled at 4:30 p.m. near Adarsha School beside Karar Mosque in Mirpur-10.

The visits are part of Jamaat-e-Islami’s broader effort to mobilize support ahead of the upcoming national election.

Bangladeshi short film 'Scarlet Echoes' (Bengali title 'Raktim') has been officially selected for the main competition of the 56th Tampere Film Festival, one of the world’s most prestigious film events. Directed and written by young filmmaker Hemonto Sadik, the film is set against the backdrop of the historic July 2024 mass uprising. Out of 7,125 international submissions, only 60 films from 44 countries were chosen, with 'Scarlet Echoes' being the sole entry from Bangladesh.

The docu-fiction blends real footage from the 2024 July movement with fictional storytelling centered on Adnan, a photographer and single father, capturing the streets of Dhaka and the spirit of the people. Producer Dilruba Hossain Doel stated that the film was made without institutional support, shot mostly within the movement using a smartphone, and created entirely through voluntary collaboration.

Dedicated to late photographer Tahir Zaman Priyo, who was killed during the movement, the film will have its world premiere at the festival in Tampere, Finland, from March 4–8, 2026.

Private sector credit growth in Bangladesh fell to 6.10 percent at the end of December 2025, marking the lowest level in recent years, according to the latest Bangladesh Bank report. The growth rate stood at 7.28 percent during the same period in 2024. The central bank’s data show that private sector credit totaled Tk 17.88 trillion in December 2025, up from Tk 16.85 trillion a year earlier.

Industry insiders said the slowdown reflects weak demand for loans as businesses remain reluctant to invest or expand amid political uncertainty. Many are waiting for a peaceful political transition, and stakeholders believe that only a free and fair election could revive investment appetite. The subdued demand for credit has led to increased liquidity in the banking sector.

Bangladesh Bank had set a target of 7.2 percent private sector credit growth for the July–December period of the current fiscal year, but the actual growth fell short of that goal.