Eminent academic Dr. Mahbub Ullah stated that the Awami League’s vengeful politics poses a major obstacle to democratic progress and peaceful coexistence in Bangladesh. Speaking on Saturday at the grand finale and award ceremony of the ‘Debate for Democracy’ election debate competition held at the FDC in Dhaka, he warned that the party’s actions risk damaging both the electoral environment and national peace. He also alleged that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had turned into a political miscreant due to her obsession with power.

Dr. Ullah further claimed that fallen autocrats and neighboring states were supporting election-related violence and were unwilling to accept political change in Bangladesh. He said the nation had yet to reap the full benefits of its Liberation War, which he described as being influenced by neighboring powers. He urged the government to take effective measures to end electoral violence and bring qualitative change to politics to uphold democracy.

At the same event, Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron said public expectations for the upcoming election were higher than ever, describing it as a contest against fascist forces.

Bangladesh has entered February, known as Language Month, marking the beginning of nationwide observances honoring the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement. From the first day of the month, social, political, and cultural organizations have launched various programs across the country, including at the Central Shaheed Minar and district towns. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs has announced preparations to ensure peaceful and dignified observance of International Mother Language Day on February 21.

The Language Movement began in 1952 when students and citizens protested Pakistan’s decision to make Urdu the sole state language. Police opened fire on demonstrators in Dhaka, killing several, including Rafiq Uddin Ahmed, Abdul Jabbar, Abul Barkat, and Abdus Salam. Their sacrifice led to the eventual recognition of Bangla as a state language. UNESCO declared February 21 International Mother Language Day in 1999, expanding the commemoration globally.

This year, the traditional Amar Ekushey Book Fair, usually starting on February 1, will begin on February 20 due to the recent parliamentary election. The newly elected head of government is expected to inaugurate the fair, while Dhaka University will hold a symbolic language march from Aparajeyo Bangla to the Shaheed Minar.

Police in Sylhet have uncovered the mystery behind a previously unsolved murder case under Jalalabad Police Station, arresting three people including a woman and a child. The arrests were made late Friday night in the city’s Sonarpara area, according to a statement from the Sylhet Metropolitan Police media cell. The suspects are Abdul Matin, 45, of Boropoud area, Khaleda Begum, 32, of Sonarpara, and her 16-year-old daughter. The case followed the discovery of an unidentified man’s body on January 29 in the Kurail Haor area, later identified as Shoebur Rahman, 30.

Police said Shoebur had been working as an Arabic tutor for Khaleda Begum’s children since 2023 while her husband was abroad. Their relationship reportedly turned unethical, and Shoebur allegedly took over 6 million taka from Khaleda through deception involving land and gold purchases. When pressured for repayment, he allegedly abused Khaleda and her family. Police said these details emerged during initial interrogation, and legal action is underway.

Investigators are continuing efforts to identify others possibly involved in the incident.

Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) Secretary General Quader Gani Chowdhury declared that no media outlet in the country will be allowed to operate without implementing the wage board. Speaking on Saturday, January 31, at a meeting with journalists at the VIP Lounge of Chattogram Press Club, he said all journalists must receive wage board benefits and announced plans for a nationwide rally in Dhaka to press the demand to the government.

Chowdhury criticized the disparity between journalists in Dhaka and those outside the capital, noting that many regional journalists do not receive wage board payments. He also demanded two weekly holidays for journalists, similar to other professions. During his remarks, he condemned what he described as partisan journalism and interference in press clubs, asserting that press institutions should be run by members’ opinions, not political or government influence.

He emphasized unity among journalists as the only way to protect their rights and dignity, warning against any attempts to control or politicize press organizations.

BNP-nominated candidate for Jhenaidah-4, Rashed Khan, intervened to secure the release of three teenagers detained by police for allegedly tearing his party’s election posters in Kushobaria Bazar on Friday night. The police had taken the boys into custody following complaints that several posters bearing the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol were damaged, sparking local political tension. Upon learning of the arrests, Rashed Khan went to the police station and requested their release without legal action, a request the police granted.

After being freed, the teenagers said they had acted out of youthful impulse, not political motives, and expressed remorse for their actions. They thanked Rashed Khan for forgiving them instead of pursuing punishment. Rashed explained that he did not want to ruin their lives over a small mistake and emphasized that politics should be about humanity, not revenge. He said forgiveness and compassion can correct mistakes and help young people grow into responsible citizens.

Local residents viewed Rashed Khan’s decision as a positive example of tolerance and humanity in the area’s election politics.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expelled nine local leaders from Sylhet-5 constituency for working in favor of an expelled independent candidate. The decision was announced on Saturday through separate press releases signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. Among those expelled, five are from Zakiganj upazila and municipality units, and four are from various units in Kanaighat.

According to the press release, the expelled leaders violated party discipline and ignored official directives by supporting Mamunur Rashid, also known as Chaksu Mamun, who was previously expelled from the BNP. The expelled individuals include Ismail Hossain Selim, Masuk Ahmad, Ripon Ahmad, Hasan Ahmad, Waes Ahmad, Khusruzzaman Parvez, Abul Bashar, Nazrul Islam, and Nurul Hossain Nimar.

Earlier, the BNP had supported Jamiat-e-Ulama’s central president Maulana Ubaidullah Faruq as part of an alliance agreement for the Sylhet-5 seat. Mamunur Rashid opposed this decision and filed as an independent candidate with the football symbol, leading to his expulsion on December 30. He continues to campaign with his supporters.

Arsenal ended their three-match winless run in the English Premier League with a dominant 4-0 victory over Leeds United on Saturday night at Elland Road. Under coach Mikel Arteta, the London club regained momentum as goals from Martin Zubimendi, Viktor Gyökeres, and Gabriel Jesus, along with an own goal by Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow, sealed the comprehensive win.

From the start, Arsenal applied pressure and controlled the match, leaving Leeds with little chance to recover. The result strengthened Arsenal’s position at the top of the Premier League standings, extending their lead to seven points over second-placed Manchester City and third-placed Aston Villa.

The emphatic win not only restored Arsenal’s confidence after a difficult run but also reinforced their title credentials as the season progresses.

Dr. Sheikh Faridul Islam, the BNP-nominated candidate for Bagerhat-3 (Mongla-Rampal), called on voters to support the paddy sheaf symbol to ensure public safety and make Tarique Rahman the prime minister. He made the appeal on Saturday at a courtyard meeting organized by Ward No. 6 of Mongla Municipality BNP at the Labour Union premises in Mongla town.

During the event, Sheikh Faridul Islam emphasized the need to develop the region by uniting port workers, EPZ workers, and fishermen dependent on the Sundarbans, while respecting their rights and fairness. Mongla Municipal BNP President Zulfiqar Ali, speaking as the chief guest, said Tarique Rahman had sent Sheikh Faridul Islam as the guardian of the area with the paddy sheaf symbol and urged voters to elect him to Parliament.

Zulfiqar Ali added that the Rampal-Mongla constituency is crucial for the BNP to form a government and called for unity among all supporters to secure a decisive victory for the paddy sheaf in the upcoming election.

India concluded their five-match T20 series against New Zealand with a 46-run victory in the final match. The game, played on February 1, 2026, saw Ishan Kishan score a century and Arshdeep Singh claim five wickets, helping India secure the series 4-1. Batting first, India posted a strong total of 271 for five, with Kishan making 103, Suryakumar Yadav contributing 63, and Hardik Pandya adding 42 runs.

In reply, New Zealand’s Finn Allen led the chase with an impressive 80 but fell short of a century as his team was bowled out for 225. Arshdeep Singh’s five-wicket haul proved decisive in restricting New Zealand’s batting lineup. The result capped a dominant series performance by India, who had already clinched the series before the final match.

The win reinforced India’s strong form in T20 cricket, ending the series on a high note and demonstrating depth in both batting and bowling departments.

Authorities in Bangladesh have intensified security measures at polling centers identified as high-risk ahead of the 13th national election scheduled for February 12. Hundreds of centers across the country have been marked as vulnerable, prompting deployment of additional law enforcement and surveillance systems. In Narsingdi-5 constituency, 66 of 167 polling centers have been labeled risky, including 21 considered highly sensitive. The army has already set up a camp in Raipura upazila, with Border Guard Bangladesh expected to follow soon.

In Chattogram-15 constituency, which covers parts of Satkania and Lohagara upazilas, law enforcement has designated 19 centers as highly risky and 12 as risky. CCTV installation and presiding officer training are underway to ensure a fair voting environment. Security forces including the army, police, Rapid Action Battalion, and Ansar battalions will be deployed for six days surrounding the election period.

Officials said the classification of risky centers was based on intelligence reports and past incidents. Each center will have armed personnel, and special monitoring will be maintained to prevent unrest and ensure smooth polling.

Bangladesh Under-19 cricket team concluded their World Cup journey with a 74-run victory against hosts Zimbabwe in Harare. After losing earlier matches to India in the group stage and England in the Super Six, Bangladesh’s hopes of advancing had already ended. In their final match, they posted 253 for 9 in 50 overs, led by captain Azizul Hakim Tamim’s 59 and Rizan Hossain’s 47. Zimbabwe were bowled out for 179 runs in 48.4 overs.

Ikbal Hossain Imon starred with the ball, taking 5 wickets for 24 runs, earning him the Player of the Match award. Al Fahad also contributed with key wickets as Zimbabwe’s chase faltered despite captain Simbarashe Mudzengere’s 70 and Shelton Mazvitorera’s 42. The win allowed Bangladesh to finish their campaign on a positive note after earlier disappointments.

The result marked a morale-boosting end for the young Tigers, who will look to build on this performance in future tournaments.

Joint forces recovered 10 grenades, three foreign-made pistols, and 19 rounds of ammunition during an operation in Darihagra village under Dhalgram Union of Bagharpara upazila in Jessore on Saturday, January 31. The raid, conducted from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., was led by Captain Akib of the army based on intelligence from the National Security Intelligence (NSI). Several sharp weapons, including a machete, knife, and razor, were also seized from the house of Chunnu Molla.

According to Bagharpara Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mahmudul Hasan, the alleged owner of the recovered arms and ammunition, Rayhan Molla, son of Chunnu Molla, fled before the operation began and could not be detained. The discovery created significant commotion in the area, prompting authorities to strengthen local security measures.

Police and army personnel have continued operations to arrest the fugitive suspects, while the recovered weapons have been secured for further investigation.

A joint force operation in Harinakundu upazila of Jhenaidah district recovered 12 live cocktails late Friday night. The explosives were found hidden inside haystacks in Mandaltola village under Raghunathpur Union. The raid was conducted around 1 a.m. based on secret intelligence, according to Major Monowar, in-charge of the Harinakundu Army Camp.

The recovered cocktails were discovered near the house of a local resident named Riaz Uddin. Following the operation, the explosives were handed over to Harinakundu Police Station for safekeeping. Inspector (Investigation) Asit Kumar Roy confirmed that the items had been officially deposited at the station.

Authorities have not disclosed further details about possible suspects or the intended use of the recovered explosives. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

BNP candidate Professor Aslam Chowdhury, contesting from Chattogram-4 (Sitakunda), said that if his party comes to power, Bangladesh will achieve food self-sufficiency and revive the local economy. He made the remarks on Saturday while campaigning in Syedpur and Baraidala unions of Sitakunda upazila. Chowdhury emphasized that unplanned canal filling and encroachment on natural reservoirs have worsened waterlogging, damaged agriculture, and caused environmental degradation in the area.

He stated that the drainage crisis in Sitakunda and other regions has become a national challenge. According to him, planned canal re-excavation and integrated water management could make Sitakunda a model area for the country. He warned that without urgent canal restoration, both agriculture and industry would fail to reach their full potential.

Chowdhury also highlighted the importance of initiatives such as cold storage facilities, affordable fertilizer and seed distribution, and modern farming methods. He said implementing the proposed “Krishi Card” program could bring a new revolution in agriculture, ensuring food self-sufficiency and economic growth. He pledged that a BNP government would prioritize these farmer-friendly programs.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s central assistant secretary general Muhammad Shahjahan warned that if attacks by BNP activists on the party’s female leaders continue, Jamaat will gain ground in the electoral field while BNP will fall behind. He made the remarks at a press conference on Saturday afternoon at the party’s Dewanbazar office in Chattogram, condemning the assaults and asserting that Jamaat has not retaliated or supported any form of violence.

Shahjahan announced that Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman will visit Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar on January 2 to attend five public rallies. These will be held in Maheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar town, Padua in Lohagara, Sitakunda, and the port area of Chattogram city. He said the rallies aim to reach more voters, particularly in economically significant areas like the port and Sitakunda.

He also urged voters to support the upcoming referendum with a “yes” vote, while noting that holding the referendum and national election separately would have been preferable. Shahjahan said the party accepted the government’s decision to hold both simultaneously and called for honoring the sacrifices of those who died for the cause.